french bulldog puppies for sale in pa area

They would also need to have their potty breaks first in the morning, after meals, after napping, and before bedtime. Puppies would also need trimming every four to six weeks. Thus, you may want to consider getting it from the best in picking your pet. You will know a good breeder and seller from the following characteristics. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask more questions from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that shows not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of breeds. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized conformation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Final Thoughts Searching and taking home a Standard Poodle puppy can be quite tiring. If not, at least it should give you a starting point. As a general rule of thumb, always make sure you find a reputable breeder. Further, as you take your new puppy home, do your best to give it the love, attention, and care it deserves. Have a good day, and good luck with your new pet! Other states. We got our first poodle in when my children wanted a dog and I was looking for one that didn't affect their allergies. Previously, we had only had strays and rescues but with the need for a "hypo-allergetic" non-shedding dog, I went on the search for a Poodle, as that was the dog I was brought up with and familiar. We had so much fun with the pup. With that, our love for raising and breeding Toy Poodles began. I had only three females and a little boy. These dogs were my pets and became my passion. My children learned along with me as they helped with the pups. Years later, my love for Standards developed after having a couple Standard Poodles as pets. Then came my quest to produce the most awesome personality, temperment, and healthy Standard Poodles from DNA health tested parents. We now specialize in the awesome deep and mahogany red. Along with reds, we have stunning apricot and elegant black and merle. We have incorperates brown, brown phantom and brown parti. And Maybe some unique surprises along the way. Our Pups are raised with Early Neurological Stimulation and Puppy Culture see left tab for more details to prepare them for the "real world". They will be exposed and desensitized to most dailey noises that they will encounter. They will be kid friendly as well as be pre-house and pre-crate trained, pre-leash trained, and accustommed to grooming. Pups are raised at Ohio Standard Poodles are loved dearly by the family, which now includes extended family and grand-kids, who are also learning to love and appreciate this majestic breed. Our Moms' health is the primary concern when planning a breeding program at Ohio Standard Poodles. The pups need to be eight weeks old to leave, but if there is a very small one for some reason or they are nursing longer than usual, we may choose to keep them longer. Some of our pups do go on to win show and agility compititions as well as are been trained for service, therapy, hunting, and even one as a doggie model. Our lines include Heavenly, Imperal, Cantope, and Leatherstocking. But our promary goal is to produce intelligent, people loving, easy going, cpmpliant pups that mesh wonderfully into loyal family menbers. Therefore, the primary goal of Ohio Standard Poodles is to raise our pups for temperament and personality, working on trust and responsiveness from an early age and to teach the grand-kids proper handling of the puppies. All pups come current with their vaccines and de-wormings, are Micro-chipped, a care package. Health and genetic testing helps insure the quality of our babies and can be see on the specific pages for the individual parents. All of Ohio Standard Poodles babies are well loved, pre-spoiled, and well socialized to people and other animals here in central Ohio. Our babies deserve good homes, so convince me that you will love your new little one. Application approval is required. Found on an upper left tab. We have an absolute return policy. References available.

As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds.

For the complete list please Click Here. This number can vary depending on the breeder and where you purchase your new puppy from. This will guarantee that the puppy is purebred, healthy, and up-to-date on its vaccinations. The health of any breed is largely dependent upon its breeding practices, so this becomes even more important with purebred dogs such as boxers who are prone to hereditary diseases. Be aware that the vast majority of the pet stores have their puppies supplied by unscrupulous breeders. The best place to find reputable boxer breeders will be through the local boxer breed clubs, they will be able to put you in touch with responsible breeders who are aware of the health issues specific to this breed. Above all, take your time. Do not ever, rush into any decision when purchasing a new family member. If you do so, then chances are that it may turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes of your life. Visit Your Arizona Boxer Breeder in Person Every responsible breeder will insist on you visiting them in person before buying a puppy. The breeder should be happy to offer you references from previous purchasers, as well as conducting an interview with yourself the potential new owner. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Arizona Most responsible breeders will have no problem in offering you references from people that they have sold puppies to previously, even better if they can provide more than just one. Other than asking for references from previous buyers, always ask the breeder what type of after-care is provided. Reputable breeders will also offer at least a 6-month health guarantee with their puppies; this means that they will either fix or replace your boxer puppy at no cost to yourself if it falls ill within this time frame. This way you can be assured that you are purchasing a healthy boxer pup, free of known genetic issues. The most reputable boxer breeders will have no issues in allowing their clients to meet one another. Find out whether the breeder uses a good vet. If they do, then they will be more than willing to give you contact information for their veterinarian, as well as provide you with a recommendation. It is unfortunate but true that puppy mills do exist and finding one can be extremely difficult as most will go out of their way to make it appear as if they are running a legitimate business. Healthy boxer pups grow into healthy boxers, so quality over quantity should always be the goal. This is not a sign of distrust but rather one of concern for both you and your new boxer pup. A good breeder will ask you what type of contract you would like before selling a puppy to you. By asking this question you can ensure that your boxer pup has never had ANY health problems such as Parvo or other issues that may become apparent in later life such as heart disease. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy The age at which your new boxer pup is received will often determine how much preparation you need to do. While it may seem like a daunting task, if done properly it can be achieved within just a week or two of arriving home — providing that everyone in the household understands what is expected and are prepared for this new addition. Boxers are very intelligent dogs which means that, with patience on your part, they will soon learn exactly where they are supposed to go. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. He is a fantastic dog. .He does like to play with chew toys and if this boy becomes yours.He loves his doggie pool filled with water an human in-ground pools too! He loves to play fetch with the object landing in the pool for him to take a splash while retrieving it. He loves car rides. He can get a bit of "selective hearing" when he plays. He knows a few basic commands but could use some more training as far as not jumping up on you when playing. Chopper loves to be outside so a home that allows him indoor access but also outside time too would be best. He gets along wth dogs but is the alpha , we have had him around older kids and he does great. We have not tested him with cats or young children, when he gets super excited he can jump up and does not know his own strength, so if you have children, you would have to remind him to stay down. Chopper is neutered, up to date of vaccines and microchipped. Please note: Chopper has been DNA tested. Although we thought he had pitbull in him, he does not have any pittie in him. His body is the size of an adult lab. Vet guesses his birthday to be around December

Unfortunately, this sometimes includes cats. Dogs inherited this prey drive from their wolf ancestors and despite being domesticated over 12, years ago, they still have this instinct ingrained in their behavior. We can still be friends! Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs can actually be best friends! With a little bit of forethought and patience, your French Bulldog is sure to do great around cats. You want your Frenchie to be able to respond and behave in any situation to reduce the risk of injury. Realistic expectations Have realistic expectations for the first few meetings. Just like us humans, it takes time for pets to develop a friendship. Be patient. Picking the proper location for your pets to meet for their first time is crucial. Just your cat and dog. The last thing you want to do when introducing your French Bulldog to any cat is to immediately place them a room together with no rules! Keep the two separated at first; let them adjust to their new environment. Once you have the cat and dog going about their own business, as usual, they are ready for their first meeting. The first meeting The first meeting should be brief. Around ten minutes is a good guideline. Reward your dog for calm behavior with praise and treats. Your meetings should be similar to the first one until your Frenchie has calmed down and is ignoring the cat. Your cat will be comfortable when it is calm, eating and using its litter box as it does normally. If you feel things are getting out of hand, separate them immediately. As things go on You can slowly increase the amount of time they spend together over time. If you notice any signs of aggression or anxiety from either animal, stop the meeting immediately and reduce the duration of the next meeting. Keep the leash on just in case, but keep it loose enough so he can move as he wishes. Never leave them alone unsupervised This is especially important in the early phases of their friendship. You never know when things may go wrong; it just takes one accident. Exercise and walks to tire out your Frenchie Before your Frenchie and cat meet, it is always a great idea to go for a walk or play fetch to tucker him out. It gives you complete control over the situation and lets you stop things the moment they get out of hand. Reward calm behavior Positive reinforcement is much better than yelling and reprimanding your dog. Why should I be concerned? A large part of communication in both humans and animals is body language. Unlike us humans, animals obviously cannot verbally communicate; their body language is their only method of communication. Confusion over body language For example, a dog may raise its paw to the cat to signal it wants to play, however, the cat might interpret this as a form of aggression and attack the dog. Another example is that cats often rub up against people or dogs to be friendly, but your dog might take this gesture as a threat. An overexcited Frenchie can seriously injure or even kill a cat. Cats can also seriously hurt a Frenchie with just one scratch. Be extra precautious if the cat is known for swiping at things. What to do if things get out of hand Warning signs If you notice any of the following signs, you should be wary of going on with their meetings. If you are determined for them to have a good friendship, you might want to consider getting help from a professional animal behaviorist. Your Frenchie is overfocused, ignores you, and lunges at the cat when it moves. This situation could end dangerously Your Frenchie lunges, growls, or shows any signs of aggression toward a calm, quiet cat. The cat is growing, hissing, or swatting. Give the cat a break and try again in a few days. The cat is obviously not happy around your Frenchie. The cat is not eating, drinking, or using its litter box when the dog is around. There are steps to follow when introducing your dog to a new cat that will set everyone up for success. You will read more about helping your Frenchie and new cat live together peacefully, but some tips can apply to a cat friend that does not live with you. While Frenchies can usually meet and get along with new dogs pretty well, this can be trickier with a cat. Anything is worth a try, though! A basic yet important condition for dogs and cats intermingling is that neither of the two has had negative experiences with the other to date. If a cat has been frightened by a particular dog before, it is highly unlikely that the cat has forgotten and will be able to exist comfortably around that dog. The same could be said vice versa. Introducing your dog to a new cat and socializing the two pets at a very young age, ideally under several months old, is your best bet for the two getting along. They have completely different origins and languages. These facts result in cats and dogs not clicking very well. Origin Cats descend from an ancient wildcat and are known to have domesticated themselves when farming began, and cats stayed around for food. Dogs descend from wolves who are social and loyal, which may be why dogs get along with people so well. Because cats and dogs are so different, introducing a dog to a new cat can be difficult. Preparing for the First introduction Luckily for Frenchie owners, Frenchies are usually good at getting along with others by their affectionate nature. While Frenchies and cats have a good chance of living together in perfect harmony, there is some prep work you can do when you are going to introduce a cat to your Frenchie. Plan the Introduction In order to succeed, you must prepare everything precisely for the first meeting. There needs to be another person present in the initial phase. This means that one person will be in charge of the cat while you are in charge of your Frenchie. It is important that you can be fully focused on the first meeting. Special events, such as visiting friends or a family reunion, should not take place at this time. Not only can many people disturb this first introduction, but so can loud music or sounds from the television. Therefore, plan the meeting in a quiet space. Choosing a New Cat to Meet my Frenchie If you do not have a specific cat in mind to become your second pet, it is best to choose a cat that fits well with your current situation at home. You should account for the character of your Frenchie. While most of them are peaceful and calm, some can be a little more hyper or active. For example, if you have an older French Bulldog at home, the new cat should be fairly quiet and not too wild. This thought process for your new pet can also be applied if you already have a cat and are getting a new French Bulldog. The same goes for a Frenchie meeting a cat friend, not a new cat roommate. Keep in mind that adding a new dog to a family with a cat can be a harder transition than adding a new cat to a family with a dog. Prepare Your Home for Introduction When you know that you are getting a new pet or a different animal is coming to visit , there are tips for preparing your home to ensure that introducing your cat to a new dog will go well. A place that is fairly new to both animals is best. Escape options: A specified way to escape can help prevent conflict. Let this place be known to the other person so that either of you can grab the pet you are responsible for and get out if needed. Comfort for cat: As mentioned, this introduction will likely be more difficult for the cat. Have something like a scratching post , a raised board, or an empty window sill where the cat can go. This will also allow them to observe the dog from a distance. Private spaces: If this introduction is amongst both your pets, make private spaces for the pets. Set up a dog and cat bed with toys in separate rooms away from the other pet. Allow time to relax and regroup alone with the pets. Food bowl and litter box: Spatial separation is also recommended for pets during feeding time. To prevent food envy, it is best to feed the animals at different times. Just like the food bowl, the litter box is absolutely taboo for the dog. The cat in the litter box needs its rest and reacts very sensitively to a disruption of their privacy. Often dogs tend to eat excrement in the litter box, after which the cat turns to other places and pollutes it. You can caress the fur of both animals with a dry cloth and place it on the feeding place of the other animal. This allows the two pets to get used to the smell of the other and connect the smell to something positive through the combination with food. If a cat enters a dog household, you should give the cat the opportunity to explore the area by himself for the first encounter to get used to smells. Treats: Have treats ready for both pets in the meeting area. They will be used for positive reinforcement in the first introduction. Introducing your dog to a new cat still takes some effort and time after the preparation. There is a good chance that the dog and cat will not immediately hit it off, given their nature. You are prepared, and you know what to expect. With that said, make sure neither pets are hungry. Make sure the space where pets meet is quiet, and leash your Frenchie. Putting your dog on a leash is extremely important to avoid potentially dangerous situations with the two pets. Stress and Anxiety at First Contact When you and your Frenchie are ready, allow the other person to bring the cat into the space. Let the cat decide how close it wants to come to the dog. Anxiety and nervousness generally prevail and are gradually replaced by a certain curiosity about the new housemate. Relaxation is Key It is important that you radiate peace and serenity. If you are tense or nervous at the first meeting, you will probably also transfer this to both pets. Gently pet both animals and use a calm and quiet voice when speaking. You can ask your dog to sit and only praise him if he manages to stay calm in the presence of the cat. A treat helps as positive reinforcement. For this to work, they should only be rewarded if the dog or cat has behaved well. No matter how well the meeting may go, end it after a few minutes. Getting Used to Each Other After the first introduction is over, practice is key! Depending on how much anxiety the cat displays, you should limit the acquaintance in the first few days to a few minutes a day. In the remaining time, the animals can stay in separate rooms. Initially, it is sufficient for both animals to have 1 or 2 meetings of five minutes a day each. After about two weeks, if you notice that the excitement is decreasing, you can extend the meeting time to 10 or 15 minutes. Do not force both animals and let them decide when they are ready for a longer time together in a room. As an owner, you know your pets best, and you will be able to see when the curiosity of the new roommate is greater than the initial fear of each other. Only when the dog no longer sees the cat as prey or an intruder, and the cat no longer sees the dog as a predator are they really ready to hopefully interact on a friendly level or at least live peacefully together? It will take time for them to get to know each other. Once the pets show civil tolerance for one another for a period of time, bring them in a space together more while you focus your attention on something other than the animals. Have your two pets together in a space while you cook, read, or chat on the phone. This shows your Frenchie and the cat that it is normal that they live together in the same house. Leaving the Two Alone Together Leaving your home while your Frenchie and cat fend for themselves together will take quite some time. This can take several months to a year. Use your best judgment here. Be sure that they only react nicely to one another and that you have seen no harm done to one another for a very long time. Until you are completely comfortable leaving them alone together, keep them in separate spaces i. The Road to an Established Team Introducing your cat to a new dog has likely taken some time. The goal is that your patience will pay off, and your French bulldog and the new cat will be a successful team who lives together happily. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. We had good results, and our French Bulldog temperament with cats has been fine well with our own cat anyway! Do French Bulldogs get along with cats? French bulldogs are good with cats, as long as you make sure the introduction is done slowly and surely. In this guide, I am going to firstly talk about how our cat got used to having a French bulldog in the house, with the steps we took to make the introduction as smooth as possible. Then after that, you can see results of a survey, plus some additional information on other things you might want to try to help them get along. There is also some details on what to do with an older Frenchie when a kitten comes into your home. French Bulldog temperament with cats: our personal experience We had a cat way before we got our Frenchie, Claude. Poopie was 11 years old when Claude arrived in our home and to be honest, we were worried on how she would react to a hectic puppy invading her space. Poopie has always been very territorial. I remember a conversation I had with my wife before we committed to buying our Frenchie, that all hell was going to break loose when we got home. My wife and Poopie the cat proved me wrong. In fact, in the video below you can see our French Bulldog and cat playing together with a laser pen. Using the steps below, we limited the amount of fur flying, and now have two pets that live in relative harmony together. Claude was around 14 weeks old when we first got him, and using a crate was an essential part of training. To introduce him to Poopie that cat, we placed him in his crate, and then let her wander into the room. Her first reaction was shock. Her hackles went up, and she stalked around the room. But after a few minutes her curiosity got the better of her, and she went up to the crate to sniff and check him. It was time to let him out. Before doing so, we placed our cat up on a table, so she had the higher ground and was in a position of strength. Claude ran out and wanted to play with her — he was a puppy after all — and our cat looked at him with a mix of displeasure and still the curiosity. They are now great friends. After about an hour, she got bored of sitting on the table, and jumped down. He chased her around the kitchen, she gave him a swipe, and he seemed to know his place in the pecking order after that! Mainly this was with our dog. For example, if he jumped up at the cat, we would be firm with him. But if he was relaxed and gentle with her, we praised him and gave him a treat. That let him learn that good behaviour is to be rewarded. Give your cat plenty of attention Poopie the cat was used to having her own space, so having Claude suddenly on the scene did put her nose out of joint — and understandably so. Watch for problems and warning signals And lastly, look out for any signs that trouble could be brewing. For example, is your Frenchie exhibiting signs of aggression, or is your cat looking stressed. Cats can urinate indoors when they feel threatened, or go off their food completely. Either of them could also start lunging, swiping, scratching and biting at each other. If this happens which it rarely did for us thankfully , then give them both a break for 24 hours and keep them separate for a while before trying again. What to do after the introduction and longer term I believe a lot of our success was due to the fact that our Frenchie was smaller than our cat when the introduction happened. That must have meant that she felt less threatened than she would have done if he was a fully-grown Frenchie coming into her territory. This is definitely the key to keeping our French Bulldog temperament and behavior ok with our cat. This gives her a feeding place where she can relax and eat without our Frenchie wolfing down her food before she gets a chance. French bulldogs are greedy and will eat anything that they find. It is so important to do this, because cats are very territorial, and French bulldogs are very greedy, so it could be a potential flashpoint. They might even end up sharing a bed Our pets have now known each other for over 2 years. And yes, they will even share a bed themselves together they get along so well! Please note: Quick disclaimer here, this is his crate from when he was a puppy and we were training him. The only time that crate door is ever shut is if we have a visitor come to our house who is nervous of dogs. We occasionally also let them both come upstairs and chill out with us on our bed. You can see them both doing just that in the photo below: They get along so much that they will even share our bed from time to time! Do our French bulldog and cat get along ALL the time? No, and I would be lying if I was to say it was complete harmony all year round. There have been a couple of instances in the last 2 years when our cat has given our Frenchie a swipe. Sometimes our French Bulldog is scared of our cat. Usually it happens when the dog is excited. Occasionally when Claude has the wind up his tail, he will chase our cat. That can be in the kitchen or round the garden. She will always out pace him though, and quickly finds sanctuary up a tree or on a table. And the weird thing is, a few seconds later she will come down and they will both act as if nothing has happened. Well, this is a slightly different issue. When Claude sees a cat in our neighbourhood, he is naturally inquisitive, and his first instinct is to run up to it. The cat, who probably hates all dogs, gave Claude a very deep scratch across his nose. We ended up having to take him to the vet. Will my cat get on with a French bulldog though? So, I did the next best thing, and ran a poll on Facebook to see what other people say. Yes, but they just tolerate each other really. This is what happened when I asked Frenchie and cat owners what they thought. So, what does that mean for you? Nothing in reality as it really does boil down to the individual cats and dogs in question and how you manage it. The best tips I found for this was on the Adopt a Pet website. You can see how they do it on their 6 step guide. Which dogs are good with cats? As part of my research into this guide, I also wanted to find out which dogs are good with cats, and whether any particular breeds are better than others. If you already own a cat, and are thinking about getting a Frenchie, you might also want to consider some alternative breeds. I found this list on the BarkPost. Labrador Retriever. This small breed has won the hearts of millions of pet owners who just have to have one of these wrinkled smoosh-faced doggos in their homes. But what if you already have a cat? How do French Bulldogs and cats get along? Environmental factors and genetics always play a role in personality, but generally speaking, adult Frenchies are a small, loving breed with big bat ears and little love for exercise. Image by Martin dalsgaard from Pixabay There are some slight differences between females and males, too. Males are more likely to be playful and assertive, whereas females tend to be more docile and timid. If the dog has a bad upbringing in its formative puppy months, undesirable traits may become part of its adult personality. They also tend to have a bit of a stubborn streak which solidifies as they age. If you start young, though, no dog is beyond training. Frenchies love to be the center of attention. They want that coveted spot on your lap just like cats sleep by your head. Depending on the personality of your cat, the two may end up feeling competitive over who gets to snuggle in the prime positions on or near their person. If both of them are fairly stubborn, you may have a bit of a trial in training them to get along. The important thing is to never neglect one in favor of the other. If you take the time to introduce your new pup to your cat the right way, this will help solidify their friendship and make them feel more secure in their relationship with you, too. It just might take more time for them to come to a mutual understanding. Here are the steps of introduction you should follow for a smooth meeting: 1. Separate Them at First Delegate a room for your cat and then let your pup roam around the house, getting used to their new environment and all the strange smells and items. You can keep them separate for a few days at first until they become familiar and comfortable with the smells of each other. Image by Mar from Pixabay 2. Bring in a Barrier The next step is letting them see each other so they can finally realize who that smell is coming from. It should also be done in short intervals at first — ten minutes is more than enough — and if you feed treats and reinforce good behavior with praise, even better! Monitor both their body language and behavior, and remove them if you notice any signs of stress or aggression. Give your unsettled pet plenty of comfort, and keep attempting these barrier-distance interactions until they manage to endure it comfortably with as little stress as possible. But be close at hand at all times, ready to intervene if you notice any unhappiness. Your cat might start purring and biting, or your pup might display stress signals like yawning or shaking. Either way, simply remove them from close proximity and try again later. Remember to reward their tolerance for each other with praise and treats , and they will grow to accept the other more readily with your encouragement. Perhaps your cat is too old to put up with the energy of a puppy, or maybe your pup is too anxious around your kitty. Even with the best socialization practices and techniques, some throwback genes may make this meeting a tough one. This is only likely to make them more anxious around each other and provoke aggressive behavior. Try to discourage bad behavior if you see it happening. If your cat is harassing the pup and taking swipes at them, a timeout is in the cards for your kitty. Call in a behaviorist. This french bulldogs and cats post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase I will most likely receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure you knew. Related Posts:.

Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. 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. Puppies How to Care For a Newborn German Shepherd Puppy German Shepherd puppies are the cutest pets, but can be very fragile at an earlier stage of life, making it impossible for them to fight and survive alone. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about newborn German shepherd puppy care. However, these little babies are often born blind, deaf, and toothless. Since these pups are so fragile at an earlier stage of life, it is nearly impossible for them to fight and survive alone. Unfortunately, due to lack of care, many German Shepherd puppies easily succumb to unfortunate circumstances. It is essential to know that newborn puppies generally require a lot more care and attention than adult dogs. Here, we will dive deep into the world of newborn German shepherd puppies so you know how to take care of them. Important Things to Know About German Shepherd Puppies Newborn German Shepherds are blind until they are between 8 and 14 days old and deaf until they are 5 to 8 days old. These unique-looking puppies are typically born with dark blue or grey eyes, but their physical features keep changing and evolving as they grow. If the first litter of a German Shepherd has more than four puppies, it can render the mother incapable of providing them ample care. This means that there is a potential risk of the newborns getting sick, dying, or becoming very weak until you intervene. Care for the Pups During their Birth Once your German Shepherd has given birth, you will need to check all the puppies to ensure they are breathing properly. Generally, the mother cuts the umbilical cord and cleans up her puppies by licking them gently. She typically starts with their genitals, moves on to their legs, and then finishes with the rest of their bodies. You can start by using a disinfectant to clean the cords and then rub their bodies with a clean towel until they dry. Adjust the Temperature and Humidity Before delivering, a German Shepherd mother searches for a safe and private space enough for her puppies to be born it. So, as a dog parent, it will be your responsibility to provide your pup with a big enough box to suit her and her puppies. Therefore, adjusting the temperature of the nest is a rather significant part of keeping these pups healthy. Generally, German Shepherd mothers are the primary heat source for babies. However, if, for any reason, the mother cannot be in the box, you must provide the puppies with other heat sources, such as a warm lamp or a heating pad. The best way to maintain ideal humidity levels for the puppies is to install a humidifier or keep the nest in your laundry room. Feed the Puppies A significant part of caring for your newborn German Shepherd puppies is providing them with the right amount of nourishment. The best way to do this is to allow nature to take the wheel. The puppies will be nursed by their mother immediately after the birth, even without the pups unable to see her nipples. A German Shepherd mother typically lactates for two months. However, if the mother is unable to provide her pups with this nourishment, you will have to search for other sources. Take Note of Hygiene Maintaining the hygiene of the puppies and their nest is an integral part of keeping them in good health. However, it is best to maintain a clean environment by disinfecting the nest and replacing the blanks or towels once a day. Additionally, you must only start bathing the puppies after 45 days of their birth. Wrapping Up This article only provides you with the basics of newborn German Shepherd puppy care. Discover how to create a joyful, healthy home for your pet. Subscribe to your weekly rundown of practice, real life ideas and training tips straight to your inbox. We offer practical, real life ideas and training tips for a joyful experince, with your pet. All rights reserved. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. The German Shepherd is a widespread breed of service dog that is popular with breeders. This breed develops into a beautiful large size body with well-developed muscles giving the dog the ability to perform well in many different environments. With proper care and competent training , an owner will get a loyal and devoted friend. Raising German Shepherd puppies is a responsible and difficult task which will require a lot of patience and love. Of course, we can easily fall for these German Shepherd newborn puppies whose photos look so cute on the Internet and in magazines but they also need competent care. Litter size The normal litter size for this breed is often of interest to novice dog breeders and this information is especially relevant for those who have their first experience with a young bitch. Amongst German Shepherd breed experts, there is consensus that the normal litter size is generally driven by genetics and the conditions or the timing of mating do not have a significant influence. A shepherd dog can give birth from 1 to as much as 15 puppies but in most cases a little less than the median of this range is more typical. Basically, you can expect a litter size of five to six puppies, which is really the optimal size. Of course, a healthy bitch is able to feed twelve babies, but it will be much more difficult for her, and the babies may not grow strong enough. Mating Experienced dog breeders recommend no more than one mating per year, otherwise it may affect the physical appearance and health of German Shepherd newborn puppies and the health of the mother herself. First two weeks of the German Shepherd newborn puppies Learning to care for the puppies during the first two weeks of their lives is particularly important. The condition of a German shepherd puppy immediately after birth, already speaks volumes to the fact that he is absolutely helpless as babies are born blind and deaf. However, despite this obstacle, their sense of smell is already quite developed and they perfectly feel the maternal scent and look for nipples of the mother by touch. Moreover, newborns instinctively know that the rear nipples contain more milk, so a struggle begins between them for the most advantageous places. Hearing in newborns starts functioning three to four days after birth. In the first hours after birth, babies are susceptible to various kinds of infections and they are especially vulnerable in cases when the health condition of the mother is not good. Real life experience shows that those who were born last have a much higher survival rate than those who came out first. If there are more than six newborns in a litter, the owners will need a lot of strength and patience to help the mother hatch and provide the conditions necessary for their survival. The litter will need to be divided into two areas and newborns fed in two steps. It is recommended to set up two box or containers to separate the group. In that case, you will need the help of a nurse dog who could take over some of the feeding responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead in case the need comes up. There are certain criteria for selecting a nurse dog: Height at withers more than 50 cm Strength Health Milk availability It is important, to pay special attention to the weak and small puppies and place them against the rear nipples. Monitoring of German Shepherd newborn puppies You will need to closely monitor the behavior of newborns, weigh them daily and record the results in a log book. In doing so, you can track the evolution of the babies and identify those that may have development issues. In the first week, babies suckle their mother about twelve times a day, then the frequency drops to eight and in the final days it will go down to four times. At first, the mother stimulates the physiological functions of the puppies by licking them. Once the German Shepherd newborn puppies begin to eat a little solid food, the mother stops doing it. Keep in mind that from that point on you will have to take care of the cleanliness of the birthing area where the bitch lives with her puppies. If you notice that the mother does not really care for the babies, you will need to massage their abdomens. You can do so with a cotton swab dipped in sunflower oil. When the babies are five days old, the dog owner should start changing the litter in the box on a daily basis. Make sure the area where the litter is set up is warm but well ventilated and that nothing can contribute to suffocation of the puppies such as fabric, attachments, etc. On the seventh day, trim the small claws of the front legs as they can scratch the mother while feeding. If the case she has wounds, lubricate them with synthomycin liniment. In that case, wash them with a weak potassium permanganate solution, rosehip oil or sea buckthorn oil and make sure that she does not lick that area. Feeding of German Shepherd newborn puppies You can start feeding puppies once you notice a decrease in their daily growth, despite the fact that they become restless, whine and try to crawl. Appropriate timing is crucial as rushing the process is just as dangerous as delaying it. If you start feeding too early, the mother will have less milk production, which is a source of vitamins and antibodies to various infections. In fact, breast milk is the best whey that protects droppings from all sorts of infections. In general, feeding can start around the fourteenth day. In cases where the shepherd mother has problems with lactation, you can start on the twelfth day. You can give milk from a cow, sheep or goat by mixing egg yolk and powdered milk into it. A bottle with a nipple is suitable as a feeding tool and the hole should be of such a size that milk does not pour out, but drips. The frequency of feeding in case of insufficient lactation in a bitch is every three hours and three times a day with normal lactation. Learning to care for Shepherd puppies A one-month old German shepherd puppy is not much different from its younger counterparts, but it is much larger. Its weight is from two and a half to four kg and height at the withers is from 19 to 21 cm. Once the puppy starts eating solids, the diet should be optimally balanced. The young German Shepherd is growing fast and his food intake must be nutritious! Meals should be provided at regular intervals with 6 meals a day being the optimal frequency. Then, gradually increase the amount of servings and decrease the number of meals. The main principle is that each meal should provide the shepherd puppy with the necessary complex of vitamins, fats, carbohydrates and proteins. One serving of food is usually around g. Only select premium quality food for large dog breeds and make sure they contain all the necessary nutrients. Alternatives to processed food are natural products cottage cheese, porridge with meat broth, grated vegetables, boiled eggs, boiled or raw minced meat. Both approaches in their pure form have their advantages and disadvantages. Get the help of a dog nutritionist, if needed. Good luck! Related topics of interest to our readers.

Definitely a recipe for a soaked house. Step 2: Brush your golden Getting as much dead fur out of their coat by brushing them before you wash them will help them get extra clean and soft. Step 3: Get the water ready You want the water to be lukewarm when you give your golden a bath. Scrub their muzzles, cheeks, butt, belly… everything! Step 6: Brush them again While the shampoo is soaking in their coat, brush your dog again. We use a slicker brush again here, but the groomer in the video below used a comb instead of a brush for this step. We use this ear cleaner for Oliver. Step Dry them Start drying them off by using towels, then the blow dryer. If you want to see how a groomer professionally bathes a golden retriever, check out the video below. She also incorporates conditioning, a facial scrub, and trimming, which are not listed in the steps above. Tip 2: Exercise your golden before bathtime If your golden is full of energy, bath time will be much harder. Tip 4: Place a bath mat in the tub If you bathe them in a tub, placing a rubber bath mat on the floor will help them get some traction and not slip and slide all over the place. They have natural oils that protect their skin and coats, so bathing them too often can strip them of these oils and leave their skin prone to drying out or getting infections. It also depends on their lifestyle and their environment. Golden Retriever Bathtime FAQ Here are some common questions golden retriever owners have about giving their dog a bath: How do you dry your golden retriever? The best way to dry your golden retriever is to use a combination of towels and a blow dryer. First, use towels to get as much of the water off as you can. Then, once the towels have done their job, bring out the blow dryer to finish getting all of the water off. Do golden retrievers like baths? Every golden is different — some golden retrievers love baths, while others hate them. You can give your puppy a bath as soon as you get them assuming you get them at 8 weeks old or older. Like I said in the above question, starting them young will make things a lot easier down the road. Where should you give your golden retriever a bath? Puppies are usually small enough where they can get baths in the sink or a large bin. But when they get bigger they grow so fast! Conclusion Bathing your golden retriever should be a fun bonding experience that you and your pup enjoy together. Have any questions about giving your golden retriever a bath? Let me know down in the comments. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Related articles:. Conclusion How to Bathe Your Dog Bathing a Golden Retriever is a multi-step process, and you should prepare to be equally as wet, if not more so, than your dog by the end of the bath. It works great and has helped reduce dog dandruff as well. Gather Your Supplies Have all your bathing materials ready before you put your dog in the bathtub or start the hose outside. You will need a mild shampoo and conditioner, petroleum jelly, a scrub brush, a slicker brush, and a hand-held sprayer a pitcher will work here, too. Do not forget to have plenty of towels within reach. Take the scrub brush and remove tangles from the fur. Then, use the slicker brush on the undercoat to remove additional loose hair. Bathing your Golden Retriever will be an easier process if you remove loose hair and dirt before starting the bath. A cotton ball in the ears helps keep the water out. Use Lukewarm Water If you are washing your dog outside or inside, keep the water at a lukewarm temperature for their comfort. For indoor baths, encourage your dog to hop into the tub using a treat or toy as a lure. If you are lucky, your Golden will love water so much that they will jump in without any prompting. Do not stop rinsing until the water runs completely clear and there are no more soap bubbles or streaks. This step is critical as leftover soap will dry and cause skin irritations and itchiness. Spray-on conditioners can be applied at this time, leaving a few minutes for them to penetrate the coat. Your dog will probably shake a few times to help with this step of the process. Blow Dry Your Dog Some dogs are not fond of noisy dryers, but if your dog tolerates them, use one to speed up the drying process. Use the brush to gently dry the hair in its natural direction as you dry it. Alternately, you can allow your Golden to air-dry as well although that will take more time. With these steps, you can make bathing your Golden Retriever a common and enjoyable experience for your dog. You can also check out our picks for the Best Dog Shampoos to see what is the best option for your dog. This breed is highly prone to developing ear infections which are often caused by bacterial growth in the ear canal due to moisture, wax, dirt, or parasites. Because Goldens have floppy ears, dampness and debris become trapped with no way for the ears to dry out. When you bathe your Golden, that is a perfect opportunity to clean their ears as well. Start with the inside of the ear and work your way to the outside to remove any debris. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. Allow the cleanser to get into the folds of the ear and loosen dirt. Then, let your dog shake their head to remove any excess cleaner from their ears. Dry the Ears Using a cotton ball or soft towel, wipe out the ear canal. Only use the towel or cotton ball on the visible areas of the ear. Praise and Treat Your Dog After cleaning the ears, praise your dog for a job well done and give them a treat. Let them associate this experience with a positive reward. Regular ear cleaning is a must for Golden Retrievers. How to Dry a Golden Retriever After a Bath To prevent skin irritations, hot spots, or flaky skin, your Golden Retriever must be as dry as possible after their bath. Here are some methods to use to make sure your dog is completely dry after their trip to the tub: Towel Drying After a Bath Have three or four towels on hand to wipe off remaining water from your Golden. Rather than rubbing the cloth over your dog, use squeezing or patting motions to soak up the excess moisture. Dry the top of the head and back first, then work your way to their belly, legs, and tail. However, if the weather is cool or outright chilly, a hand-held dryer is one of the fastest ways to get your dog warm and dry. When should a Golden Retriever have its first bath? The earliest you should give a full bath to a Golden Retriever puppy is about 8 weeks of age. Prior to 8 weeks spot cleanings can be done as needed. The ability of the puppy to regulate its own body temperature is the primary reason for waiting. After 8 weeks old, you can bathe your puppy with lukewarm water. Remember to use a gentle or mild dog shampoo; never use human shampoo on a dog. Also, avoid using flea shampoo on any puppy younger than 12 weeks of age. Golden Retrievers have wavy hair, straight hair, or some combination of the two types. Feathering on the chest, back of the legs, paws, and tail are also prominent coat features in this breed. While these qualities make for a beautiful canine, they also result in fur that gets tangled and matted easily. If those mats and knots are not taken care of quickly, they will become larger and make life uncomfortable for your dog. Careful bathing allows an owner to locate these problem areas and untangle or remove them. Goldens who regularly swim, play in grass or dirt, or roll in the mud will need baths every week or two as needed. Environments that are muddy, swampy, or are breeding grounds for parasites like ticks and fleas mean even more baths for your dog. Skin infections and dandruff may result. Of course, Goldens will be Goldens, and there are occasions where unscheduled baths will be a necessity. The same goes for Goldens who decide to leap into algae-filled ponds or those who revel in racing through mud pits at the local dog park. In these situations, you will need to bathe your Golden Retriever as soon as possible. Conclusion While bathing your Golden Retriever is an involved process, it is well worth the love, loyalty, and companionship these wonderful dogs provide to their owners. Perhaps more importantly, bathing your Golden Retriever is necessary for their current and future health and well-being. Your Golden will be much happier if they are clean and dry, and so will you. If you need tips on cleaning your dogs teeth, be sure to check out our article on Golden Retriever Teeth: Care and Cleaning. He and his wife have three children who are always keeping Brady entertained. They love spending time together, traveling, and meeting other dog families. Recent Posts. Peanut Butter Extravaganza. Continue to treat your dog during bath time. There are a lot of dog lick pads that you can use as a unique toy for bath time. As our friend likes to say, make it a peanut butter extravaganza! You suction the pad to your tub or shower wall, spread peanut butter on the pad, and your dog is distracted by licking the tasty treat! Watch the Head! We learned to wash Ellie's head last. When her head gets wet, she starts the full body shake from head to tail, which leaves water all over us and the bathroom. By keeping her head dry until the end, we can avoid her shaking and keep the experience calm. It also reduces the risk of getting water or soap in her eyes and ears. We hand "squeegee" water out of Ellie first. One towel is on the ground for her to step on when she gets out of the tub. Then, we wrap the other towel over her back to start drying off her body. Keep your pet warm until dry. Being wet for too long can lead to skin issues, so we use a combination of drying Ellie with a towel and the Flying Pig pet grooming dryer. We also place an ear protector over Ellie's ears if we use the dryer to shield her from the irritating loud noise. Plus, she instantly turns into a sight that makes you smile. Ellie gets a bath at home as needed when she seems dirty, and we take her to the groomer for a full groom and cut about every three months. Bath time takes practice. After a few times, we hope you find your dog also sees bath time as a positive experience! Remember: Start slow, stay calm, and treat often! Looking for more training tips? We created The Hapco for pet parents like you! Join to gain access to our tutorials, guides and to chat with us and other pet parents. This link will give you access to a FREE trial. Regular bathing plays a vital role in their grooming routine, ensuring a shiny coat, healthy skin, and preventing filth, odor, and skin conditions. In this article, we will explore the optimal bathing frequency, the importance of a bathing schedule, tips for bathing your Golden Retriever, considerations for different seasons, and the potential side effects of bathing too frequently or infrequently. Bathing frequency is an important aspect of caring for your beloved Golden Retriever. While humans may wash their hair daily, bathing a Golden Retriever requires a different approach due to their unique coats. So, how often should you bathe your furry friend to keep them clean and healthy? You can bathe golden retrievers every weeks or as often as necessary. Bathing them too often could inflict major harm on their double coat. Instead, focus on regular brushing and grooming to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This not only helps keep their coat clean but also stimulates their skin and promotes healthy hair growth. Bathing them too frequently, especially in the winter, would most likely cause more harm than good. Because dogs are often good at keeping themselves clean, the primary goal of the bath is to clean their coats. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and enjoyable bathing session for both you and your furry friend: Prepare the bathing area: Choose a suitable location for bathing, such as a bathtub or a designated area with warm water access. Place a non-slip mat or towel to prevent your Golden Retriever from slipping. Gather necessary supplies: Collect all the essential bathing supplies beforehand. This includes dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, towels, a brush or comb, and any other grooming tools you may need. This will make the bathing process easier and prevent excessive matting. Adjust water temperature: Fill the bathing area with lukewarm water. Ensure the water is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can make your dog uncomfortable. Start from their neck and work your way down, ensuring the entire coat is thoroughly wet. Ensure that no residue remains, as it can cause skin irritation. Massage it into the coat, paying attention to any dry or tangled areas. Repeat the rinsing process until no traces of conditioner remain. Pat them dry rather than rubbing vigorously to avoid tangling or damaging the fur. If your dog tolerates it, you can also use a pet dryer on a low, warm setting to speed up the drying process. Post-bath grooming: Once your Golden Retriever is dry, take the opportunity to brush their coat again. This helps remove any remaining loose hair and prevents matting. Reward and praise: After the bath, reward your Golden Retriever with treats, praise, and affection. This positive reinforcement helps create a pleasant association with bathing and strengthens your bond. Dog shampoos and conditioners are available that are specifically made for their skin and coat. Remember to use a conditioner after shampooing to untangle and moisturize their fur. Just be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes, and properly rinse them off to avoid skin irritation. Your pet will emerge from the bath feeling refreshed and clean! The Benefits of a Bathing Schedule A bathing schedule for your Golden Retriever is not necessary, but it can be a beneficial method to keep your beloved friend looking and feeling their best. You can keep your dog clean and well-groomed regularly by arranging regular bathing. This can assist in keeping their coat and skin healthy. However, keep in mind that each dog is unique, and their demands may differ. If your dog is very active or spends a lot of time outside, he or she may require more regular bathing. During shedding season, for example, your Golden Retriever may require more frequent bathing. Dogs that spend a significant amount of time outdoors or engage in activities that result in dirt, mud, or debris accumulation may require more frequent baths. Coat Type: The type of coat your Golden Retriever has plays a role in bathing frequency. Dogs with longer or denser coats may need more frequent baths to prevent matting, while those with shorter coats may require less frequent bathing. Skin Conditions: If your dog has specific skin conditions, such as allergies or dermatitis , they may require more frequent baths with specialized shampoos or medicated products. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate bathing frequency and products for managing skin conditions. Seasonal Factors: Bathing frequency can vary depending on the season. During summer, when dogs are more likely to get dirty or sweaty, more frequent baths may be necessary. In contrast, bathing too often in winter can strip the coat of natural oils, leading to dryness. Adjust the bathing frequency accordingly to maintain a healthy coat throughout the year. Individual Needs: Each dog is unique, and their bathing requirements may differ. Some dogs may naturally have oilier skin and require more frequent baths, while others may have more sensitive skin and need less frequent bathing. By considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate bathing frequency for your Golden Retriever and ensure their coat and skin remain healthy and comfortable. Here are a few ideas to make bath time more peaceful and exciting: Begin small and gradually progress to bath time. Give them a little attention every day, and make it a pleasant experience. Use a non-slip mat or towel in the bathtub or shower to prevent slips and falls. Use lukewarm water to keep them from becoming too chilly or heated. Speak in a soothing and quiet tone to help them stay comfortable. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly rinse them off. Give them a good towel to dry on, and then brush their coat to remove any tangles and leave them bright and smooth. After the bath, reward them with a treat or toy; this will help them develop a pleasant relationship with bath time. Bath time can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Bathing in Summer vs. Winter: Considerations and Tips Bathing a Golden Retriever in the summer and winter can be challenging, but with a few simple tips, you can keep them comfortable and happy. During the summer: Give them a bath in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. Keep an eye on the humidity and keep them hydrated. During the winter: Bathe them in a warm room with lukewarm water rather than cold water. To prevent them from becoming cold, properly dry them after the bath. During the dry winter months, use a dog-specific conditioner to help keep their coat and skin hydrated. To avoid skin irritation, always use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner that is pH balanced for their skin and coat, and completely rinse them off. If your Golden Retriever has a thick coat, brush them before and after bathing to reduce tangling and matting. You can keep your furry friend comfy and happy all year long with a little extra care! As a general guideline, bathe your Golden Retriever every weeks. Again, the frequency may vary according to their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues. Too Many Baths Side Effects Bathing them too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin and coat, causing them to become dry and uncomfortable. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic responses in dogs with sensitive skin. Too Few Baths Side Effects On the other side, not bathing your dog frequently enough can result in the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria on their skin and coat, which can cause skin irritation and odor. Also, not brushing their coat regularly can lead to matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog. Furthermore, if a dog is not bathed regularly, it may result in behavioral issues because they are not accustomed to how to act during bathing. Conclusion When it comes to bathing and grooming your Golden Retriever, finding the correct balance between too much and too little bathing is important. Depending on their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues, the frequency may vary. Shampoos and conditioners for dogs are carefully made for their skin and coat. Bath time can be an enjoyable and soothing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Always make sure that after the bath, you give them lots of kisses and love; your wonderful furry companion deserves it! If your Golden Retriever has sensitive skin, be especially cautious when bathing and brushing them. Here are a few pointers to remember: For sensitive skin, use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Avoid anything that has scents or harsh chemicals. Before using the shampoo on your entire body, test it on a tiny area first. If you observe any signs of irritation or if the condition persists, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer. Bathing your Golden Retriever every day is not suggested. Bathing daily might remove their natural oils, causing dryness and discomfort. As a general rule, bathe them every weeks; however, this may depend on their lifestyle and coat type. First and foremost, regular brushing is essential, especially if your dog has a longer coat. Finally, make sure your dog is consuming a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as this can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Yes, your golden retriever can bathe outside. Just make sure that the outdoor temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, as this can cause your dog discomfort. Also, keep an eye out for any potential risks, such as slick surfaces or sharp items, that could endanger your golden retriever. Certainly, you can bathe your 2-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. The water temperature should be comfortably warm, never hot, to prevent any discomfort. Aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible, laying the foundation for easy and enjoyable bath times in the future. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance, and search and rescue dog. The lustrous golden color is the hallmark of this versatile breed. Breed Profile This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but does require daily exercise. His water repellant double coat sheds and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. Grooming The Golden Retriever does require regular bathing and grooming. This energetic sporting dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, regular baths and proper drying sets the foundation to maintaining healthy skin and coat. Before bathing a Golden Retriever, take a few extra minutes to take a high velocity dryer over the coat to loosen the debris and dirt from the skin, and to blow out any loose hair. Then use an undercoat rake, stone, shedding blade, carding tool, or a slicker brush to remove additional loose coat. The more coat you remove before the bath, the better. The pre-bath for general cleaning to remove any dirt and grime and to bring the coat back to a neutral state. Following up with a conditioner to keep the coat properly hydrated is highly recommended. Once the bath is complete, it is imperative to get the dog completely dry. There is an art to the blow dry process on a Golden Retriever in order to achieve a nice, straight coat. One important habit to master is drying the hair in the direction it should lay. Then go over with a comb and a heated dryer to remove any traces of remaining dampness. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming The coat should be light, straight, and stand off of the body with no loose hair. Any loose hair or fuzziness to the coat should be carded. Everything about the finish should be natural. The feet and the outside edges of the ear are trimmed with thinning shears. In the warmer months, many pet owners try to keep the dog cooler by shaving the coat. If you are trying to keep the dog cooler, you should elect to remove the undercoat with a good bath and blow out. When you shave this breed, you are exposing their skin to the elements and take away their ability to stay cool. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, trimming the pads, anal gland expression, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Some need to have the hair plucked from the ear canal. This allows the ear to have proper air circulation. It is not necessary to remove all of the hair in the ear, as some serves as a barrier to foreign debris. It is imperative that you are properly trained to pull ear hair before attempting this endeavor. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should at least be checked by the professional pet stylist. Some caring pet owners prefer to have their veterinarian express the anal glands rather than their pet stylist. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? Golden Retrievers are a very active breed. A bath and a blowout are necessary to keep the shedding under control and maintain healthy skin and coat. Regular grooming should be done every 4 — 6 weeks. Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separated and divided which, in turn, will allow the skin to breathe. What is a common problem in Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are sensitive to dermatology disorders. The dense undercoat and long outer coat create the perfect environment for dermatitis, hot spots, allergic reactions, and infection. That is why it is so important to stay on a consistent routine for professional bath and blow outs. Does the Golden Retriever shed or cause allergies? They shed, but basic maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair in your house. For most of the year, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, daily brushing is almost mandatory during major shedding cycles. Are Golden Retrievers good with children? Golden Retrievers have a wonderful reputation for being great family dogs, and absolutely wonderful with children. However, as with any breed, a small child should never be left alone with any dog. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the grooming maintenance and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Golden Retriever Club of America, www. May we suggest.Good grooming and care ensure your Golden Retriever remains healthy and happy. A vital component of that good care is bathing your Golden Retriever. However, many owners are unsure how often they should bathe their Golden Retrievers and how best to do it. As a first step in bathing a Golden Retriever, it is important to determine the frequency. Overbathing is not ideal, so pet owners need to understand how often they should bathe their Golden Retriever. As a general rule, Golden Retrievers should be bathed once every four to eight weeks, unless the dog is overly dirty or muddy. Golden Retrievers have double coats, which act as natural insulation. Over bathing strips essential oils from the skin, so consider rinsing them with water if dusty or after swimming. When it comes to a Golden Retriever, a good rule of thumb is an occasional bath is a good and necessary thing. However, doing it too often can become problematic for your dog. While bathing once every one to two months would be problematic for humans and smelly , this is not the case for Golden Retrievers. Unlike brushing a Golden Retriever, which should be done daily or weekly, they do not need frequent baths to remain healthy. On the contrary, over bathing may become problematic for Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers possess a double coat. The double coat acts as insulation and helps keep the dog dry and warm, especially when getting wet such as when swimming. In addition, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve downed waterfowl from water, and their double coats help in this regard. For breeds with double coats, over bathing strips the essential oils from the skin and disrupts the natural insulating process. In addition, over-bathing can cause itching, flaking, and dryness on the dog, leading to scratching so much that it causes wounds or hot spots. Most people associate self-grooming with cats. Yet, dogs self-grooming as well. Commonly, they lick their paws and groin areas when cleaning, but this should not be excessive if it is, there could be other issues. Dogs also groom themselves to keep skin healthy and facilitate the growth of hair follicles source. Okay, you got it. Bathing too often can be bad. When is dirty too dirty or not dirty enough? Determining when to bathe your Golden Retriever is an essential step in not over bathing your dog. However, unless the dog is filthy, that is not as easy as it might seem. It is time to bathe your Golden Retriever if it is muddy, extremely smelly, or is soiled with urine, feces, or blood. If the dog is dusty or swimming in a lake or pool, showering the dog off with water is adequate. If none of those apply, then bathe every 4 to 8 weeks from the date of its last bath. If your Golden Retriever is kept clean, put a recurring reminder on a calendar. For example, I have a regular date every six weeks. So I put it on my Google calendar and have it synced with all my electronic devices. This way, there is little chance of forgetting. I designated six weeks because it allows for a two-week buffer either way. If life gets busy and the bath gets delayed for two weeks, my Golden Retriever still gets his bath at the 8-week mark. However, every four to eight weeks is not always doable. However, if your Golden Retriever is just dusty, then hold off on the bath. Instead, a quick rinsing in the shower or with the hose in the summer should suffice. The same applies to swimming. Whether a lake, pool, or river, just rinsing off with a shower or hose should be enough to remove any chlorine or dust while not stripping the oils that shampooing would. A quick rinse after swimming or if dusty is often all it takes. The smell can be an issue too. If your dog is exceptionally smelly, to the point where it is difficult to tolerate, then a bath is in order. Bathing a Golden Retriever at home is not difficult nor complicated. However, before describing how to wash a Golden Retriever, let me preface that discussion by stating the importance of making bath day a positive experience from day one. Prepare yourself for bath day, and make sure you are in a patient and understanding frame of mind. Getting a Golden Retriever used to a bath is best started in puppyhood, but regardless of age, always be patient, understanding, loving, and keep it positive. Make it as fun as possible. Future bath days will be much more complicated if the experience becomes negative for you and your Golden Retriever. Fortunately, most Golden Retrievers have a cooperative temperament and love the water, so that should make it much more manageable. To start, change into some swimwear or shorts. Prepare to get wet. I prefer to get into the tub or shower with the dog. It just makes it so much easier. Chances are you will get wet, so embrace it and have fun. Then prepare for the bath by getting your shampoos and supplies ready, so you have everything handy once the dog is in the tub. Finally, have some treats available to reward throughout bath time. Providing treats when your Golden is doing well shows the dog that it is positive and rewarding. I usually start with a treat and end with one. Make the treat something they really love: the more value, the better. Consider brushing your Golden Retriever before its bath. Brushing will remove much of the loose hairs and dirt beforehand. Next, get your Golden in the tub or shower. Have your dog sit and reward it with a treat. Then, warm the water up, ensuring that it is not too hot and cold. Tepid water is what you want. Start wetting your dog. At this point, you are soaking your dog with water, not shampooing — that comes next. Massage the fur and skin while soaking to further loosen dirt and hair. Start wetting your Golden Retriever from the back and working to the front of the neck. Or from the neck towards the back. Leave the head for last. Why leave the head for last? Two reasons. It gives the dog time to get used to the water before moving to the sensitive head area eyes, ears, and nose. Leaving the head to last usually minimizes the shaking until the end. When the body and legs are adequately soaked, go ahead and start wetting the head. This prevents water from getting into the eyes and the nose. Goldens can be prone to ear infections, and getting water in the ears may be an issue. Instead, you can place cotton balls in the ear or run the water on the outside of the ears while keeping them down and then use your wet hand to wet the inside of the ear. Consider using a shampoo that has been designed for your Golden Retriever. The key is to get one designed for dogs with a double coat. Work the shampoo into the coat in the same fashion you wet your dog — either from the back to the neck or from the neck to the butt, from the legs to the top of the dog. The head will be left until last, and be careful of the eyes. Pay special attention to the paws and tail, often the dirtiest areas. Make sure you spend extra time giving your dog a good rinsing. You want to make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent itching and scratching, which leads to hot spots open sores. Often bathing in the home is not ideal. In those cases, you can find designated dog bathing stations. Often car washes have a bay dedicated explicitly to cleaning a dog, as do pet stores. You can also utilize the services of a groomer, and some pet stores will offer this service as well. Many doggie daycares bathe dogs as well. All of these cost money, though. We usually use our doggie daycare for our bathing services. Bailey attends daycare weekly and often plays in puddles. Fear not, I have included a video of Bailey the dog getting a bath. It takes about 7 minutes, so baths should not take long. Expect a shake or two or three. Golden Retrievers dry off fast. You can blow dry your Golden, BUT if you do so, keep it brief and keep it at a low heat setting. A blow dryer that is too hot and left on the dog for too long can cause heatstroke. Often, their cooling mechanism is not sufficient to keep up with the heat of a too warm and prolonged blow-drying. I wrote a detailed article on what temperatures are too hot for a Golden Retriever. The article discusses the causes and signs of heatstroke and what to do. Alternately, if you want to air-dry your Golden Retriever, that is fine. We forgo the blow dryer for the air-dry option. Golden Retrievers are made for the water, so why not let them dry off the way nature intended. If you give them a good towel dry, they will dry off quite quickly. If the weather is cold outside, allow them to dry off inside. Or, this might be the one instance when blow-drying might be warranted but be careful again of the heat setting. Oh, and expect your Golden Retriever to roll around in the grass and dirt again shortly after a bath. Even though most Golden Retrievers love water, being bathed is not the same as playing in a lake. Just like your child may enjoy time in the pool but hate bath time, your Golden Retriever might be similar. As a whole, the earlier the age you can get your Golden Retriever accustomed to bathing, the better chance that it will be less afraid. It is also essential to remain calm, patient, and understanding and make the experience as positive and fun as possible. Use treats to reward your dog for a job well done. To keep bathing positive, have a helper available. One person does the bathing while the other acts as a calming presence to pet and calm the dog while reassuring them. Treats are a great way to make the experience positive, so have some of on hand and reward generously before, during, and after, especially while your dog is relaxed and calm. Get in there and have fun. Losing your temper, yelling, or aggressively restraining or handling your dog is almost guaranteed to make your Golden Retriever fear bath time. Consider a rubber mat if bathing in the tub or shower. Often the dog can not stand firmly in a porcelain tub or a shower with tiles. A rubber mat prevents slipping and feeling unbalanced and uneven. Talking to your dog in a gentle and reassuring voice is one of the best things you can do to keep it feeling that there is nothing to be fearful of. Giving Your Golden Retriever a Bath It is essential to bathe your Golden Retriever to ensure they stay clean and does not get too smelly over time. However, the key is not to wash unless the dog needs it. Remember, though, with Golden Retrievers, less is more, so refrain from bathing unless the dog needs it. Here are a few final tips when bathing your Golden Retriever. The last tip is especially important and often neglected. Do a brush before bathing to remove excess hair and dirt. Do spot-clean your Golden Retriever regularly to keep baths to a minimum, such as rinsing off with water if dusty or after swimming. Every 4 to 8 weeks is a good range. Do check your dog for rashes, lesions, injuries, or parasites while bathing. Bathing is a perfect time to do a spot examination.

Lhasapoos, like many hybrid dogs , are highly sought after for many reasons. However, they are not necessarily better than a purebred or a true mutt. First, most leading dog breeding organizations do not recognize crossbreeds. This might not bother you personally, but it can make finding a reputable breeder much more difficult. In fact, because of the lack of regulation, genetic health problems may be more common in these dogs. As long as you do your research — just like you would when choosing a purebred dog — finding a healthy, ethically bred Lhasapoo is possible! The capital city of Tibet is Lhasa, which is where Lhasa Apso comes from. They have long lifespans. Both of the parent breeds are known to live quite long, so blended together, you can have a family pet around for ages. The oldest Lhasa Apso on record was 29 years old when he passed, and. They are great for seniors. Though they are adaptable and will fit in with any family, the Lhasapoo is a great breed for seniors that live in smaller dwellings or apartments. Unlike many intelligent breeds, though, the Lhasapoo shows off its brains through companionship rather than by completing tasks. Chances are, your Lhasapoo will gain just as much pleasure from lounging with you on the couch as it would from completing a round of fanciful tricks. On the flip side, this need for companionship makes the Lhasapoo extremely prone to separation anxiety. Since the Lhasa Apso was bred and used as a guard dog for centuries , most Lhasapoos have the need to protect and alert deeply ingrained in their DNA! Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs thrive in countless environments, from apartment-living with a single retiree to life in a suburban home with a large family. Generally, Lhasapoos get along great with children of all ages. Lhasapoos can get along with young children as well, but playtime should always be supervised by an adult. Never just throw your Lhasapoo puppy into a room of children and hope for the best! For most Lhasapoos, their human family is the center of their world — other pets are just a nuisance. If you already own a dog or cat, another dog breed may be a better fit for your home. On average, these dogs need approximately 1 cup of dry food per day split into multiple small meals. Please remember that this is just a broad recommendation. Short walks are the best way to meet this requirement. In many cases, keeping a Lhasapoo active is more about their mental than physical wellbeing, and boredom can quickly transform into destructive behavior something no dog owner wants! On the other hand, many Lhasapoos excel at canine sports like agility and obedience. Which type of coat your dog ends up with, however, is entirely dependent on their individual genetics. If they trend toward the Lhasa Apso side, it will instead be extremely long and silky. Some dogs might even display a mixture of these coat types. In many cases, these dogs actually take on the genetic problems of both breeds, resulting in a long list of potential medical conditions. Some breeders and fans of these dogs will claim that they are healthier than other breeds. When it comes to the Lhasapoo, here are the most common medical conditions seen in the crossbreed: Minor Conditions. Lhasapoo Highlights Lhasapoos are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Lhasa Apso or Poodle parents. Lhasapoos come in a very wide variety of colors, including brown black, white, grey, apricot, and cream. Sometimes their coats may be solid, but more often than not, they have a mix of these colors. Their coats will require daily brushing to prevent the hair from becoming matted. Because the Lhasapoo is a small dog, they can easily be injured by small children during playtime. Lhasapoos would prefer to be around older children or children that are shown how to properly handle a dog and play gently. Lhasapoos can get along with other animals if introduced at a very young age, and in a slow and gradual manner, but they may prefer to be the only pet in the household. Lhasapoos are protective and eager to please. They tend to inherit a bit of yappiness and may bark at strangers. Food rewards and positive reinforcement go a long way in training these dogs. Lhasapoos have moderate energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one-hour long walk per day with a few games of fetch or a trip to the dog park, as well. Lhasapoo History The Lhasapoo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer dog breeders started intentionally mixing Lhasa Apsos and Poodles about ten to 20 years ago, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize the breathing problems due to the short snout of the Lhasa Apso, and to create a breed that is perfect for those suffering from allergies by adding the coat of the Poodle. They continued to create Lhasapoos as the demand for these adorable pups climbed. Even though the Lhasapoo got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the right breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Lhasapoo rescues, or check with breed specific Poodle or Lhasa Apso rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Lhasapoo Size As the Lhasapoo is still a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a cross between Lhasa Apso and Poodle parents, you can expect Lhasapoos to be on the small side. The Lhasapoo is most often a mix with a Miniature Poodle parent , but if the Lhasa Apso is mixed with a Toy Poodle, the pups may be even smaller. Most weigh in at ten to 15 pounds and range in height from nine to 13 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger, and males can tend to be larger in size than females. Lhasa Apsos were historically used as guard dogs, so these pups tend to inherit a bit of that yappiness while performing their duty as your protector. While they enjoy their time laying on the couch, they also ares very agile little dogs who love to run and play outdoors, as well as participate in agility games once trained. As the Lhasapoo is very protective, they can be rather skeptical of new people and strangers entering your home. Lhasa Apsos can often times be slightly aggressive if not introduced calmly and slowly, and the Lhasapoo may get this trait. Early training can also help to curb this possibly unwanted behavior. These dogs have moderate energy levels and a strong desire to please their owners, so the Lhasapoo often appears in agility courses. While they have a stubborn streak, Lhasapoos are very smart and food reward driven, so a good way to burn off that puppy energy is to teach your pup new tricks and provide toys made for mental stimulation as well. Since they develop such strong bonds with their owners, they are unfortunately not ideal for those who will be gone for extended periods of time. Lhasapoo Health The Lhasapoo breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Lhasa Apso and Poodle also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Lhasapoos suffer from include: Hip Dysplasia. They are adaptable by nature and seek for attention and love from its family. If socialized from puppyhood, they would be good to other dogs, pets and children, provided the kids are also well-behaved. Care Exercise The dogs are so small by size that they need just an average exercise daily. Take your Lhasa poo out for a routine walk every day, out of the apartment as refreshment, and keep it close to yourself since they just love it. Grooming It is important to brush the coat of your lhasa poo at least twice a week, if not every day, and get it trimmed by professional hands once in months to avoid careless hair growth that might lead to tangling, which happens mostly in moist and snowy conditions. Clip their nails when long, check for rashes and infections in their inner ears and skin and brush their teeth frequently. Training Set rules clearly and affectionately and teach them tricks since the time the puppies are brought home from breeders, and they would pick up easily. Feeding Feed your lhasa poo according to its weight and age. For their moderate exercising habits, they need optimum carbohydrate and fat along with ample protein may be in the form of chunks of meat in their regular dog food, but occasionally. At times, you can also feed them with snacks like kibble and chews. Up to age one year, the dog should be fed with Puppy formula after which they can be switched to Adult dry dog food. Bad food generally bad for dogs and human foods might give them serious stomach and liver disorders. Interesting Facts Among other pets, the cats are especially friendly with lhasa poos. Lhasa poo older than 3 years of age is said to be a good companion to retirees. We live in Massachusetts. Looking for a young male or female. We had to put our 12yr old boy down and the ouse is so empty. We are semi retired ad have a beautiful fenced yard for someone special to play in. We would even consider a rehome dog. It has been so hard in the state we live in. Can anyone help us? He may have the curly coat of a Poodle or the long, straight coat of a Lhasa Apso, but he always has a cute, alert face and a sturdy body. Like his parent breeds, the Lhasapoo can come in a multitude of solid colors or in a particolor pattern a color plus white. Traits, Personality and Behavior At their best, Lhasapoos are friendly and affectionate, although some may have the suspicious nature of the Lhasa Apso, whose original purpose was to serve as a temple watchdog. Lhasapoos generally weigh 10 pounds to 20 pounds, making them a comfortable size for most homes. They are excellent watchdogs but can be on the yappy side. They also have a quick-thinking brain, making them highly trainable. Lhasapoos have a moderate activity level that is adaptable to their owner's lifestyle. They need a nice walk or active playtime each day, and if you're interested, they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, obedience and rally. Both of the breeds used to create Lhasapoos are smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Lhasapoos are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs. There is no scientific evidence that any breed or cross breed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some people with allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic. Lhasapoos can have different types of fur, including soft, tight curls, big looping curls, loose waves or straight hair. Most have a curly or wavy coat with a minority having either the typical Poodle coat or the straight Lhasa coat. Curly or straight, it's always soft. A Lhasapoo coat looks its best with professional grooming every four to six weeks, and it requires brushing or combing every two to three days to prevent mats or tangles as well as regular bathing in between appointments with the groomer. Lhasapoos are among the breeds that commonly develop reddish-brown tear stains beneath their eyes. Sometimes the stains are related to the dog's diet, and changing foods can help. Your best bet, though, is to wash the face daily, carefully wiping beneath the eyes, to prevent stains from setting. Your Lhasapoo doesn't need a bikini wax, but you do need to trim the genital area for cleanliness or have the groomer shave the lower belly area. This prevents urine from staining and stinking up the coat and feces from getting caught in the hair around the anus. In addition, trim his nails at least monthly --more frequently if necessary --keep his ears clean and dry to prevent ear infections and brush his teeth as often as possible. Small dogs are especially prone to periodontal disease. Lhasapoos are companion dogs. They need to live in the house, never outdoors. Lhasapoo puppies are adorable, and it's one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Lhasapoo a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there's no need to pay big bucks for a Lhasapoo. You can often find a wonderful example of this hybrid dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations. If you do choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won't carry the genetic diseases common to both Lhasa Apsos and Poodles. And while there are no guarantees in life, it's also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future. Health Issues Common to Lhasapoos All hybrid dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as purebred dogs can and just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don't walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the Lhasapoo is percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the Lhasapoo and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Lhasapoos may develop health conditions common to both Lhasa Apsos and Poodles, especially if you aren't cautious about whom you buy from. They include luxating patellas and eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, cataracts and glaucoma. Many toy breeds and small dogs have a condition known as luxating patellas, in which one or both knees are unstable and occasionally slip out of place. Depending on the level of severity 1 being mild and 4 being severe , luxating patellas can be a minor issue that cause the dog little problem or pain or serious enough to require surgical correction. Ask the breeder to show evidence that both of a puppy's parents have OFA patella knee clearances as well as certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that their eyes are healthy. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing. You may also have seen advertisements for mixes of these breeds for sale. You may be wondering whether getting a mix produced by these two dogs is a great way to get the best of both worlds. What is a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix? They can have straight or curly hair, weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, and may be very friendly and eager to please or a bit more reserved and stubborn. A mix of two purebred dogs can be full of surprises. Combining the regal-looking Lhasa Apso and the intelligent, curly-haired Poodle is bound to produce some adorable puppies, but are there specific traits that can be expected? Take a look at what you may wind up with in terms of coat, size, personality, and health in a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix. Predicting Characteristics in a Mixed Breed Dog Dogs have been bred for hundreds or even thousands of years to have specific physical and behavioral characteristics. When dog breeds are mixed, the resulting characteristics vary dramatically in the resulting puppies. Nonetheless, it has become increasingly popular to breed purebred dogs together to create deliberately mixed breeds known as designer dogs. The Lhasa Apso Poodle mix is such a dog. These breeds have a number of things in common, which mixed breed puppies may be likely to inherit. They also have some key differences which puppies may or may not inherit. By looking at the likely traits in both the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle, we can make predictions about the probable characteristics of the puppies. It evolved to withstand the harsh cold of Tibetan winters. They have double coats, which are very heavy and dense. The outer coat tends to be quite hard and the inner coat is softer and warm. The coat is straight, is neither silky nor woolly, and grows nearly to the ground. The Lhasa Apso can come in any color. Poodle Coat The Poodle coat is very curly. The texture is harsh and dense. The coat can either be clipped short, combed out to create poofy fluff, or corded into tight cords. This level of grooming is possible because of the dense, curly nature of the hair which can be scissor cut into practically any shape. Poodles are supposed to be solid in color by the breed standard, although parti-colored dogs are popular as pets. The colors that are acceptable are varying shades of white, apricot and black. Within these colors, you can see gray, silver, blue, and cream, but the color should be more or less solid. Lhasa Apso Poodle Coat When the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle are mixed, the resulting coat may be anywhere between entirely straight and very curly. It may have two layers or one, and either layer may be stronger or weaker than the other. That means that you may have a thin outer coat that looks like wires sticking out of the fluff or a stronger outer coat that lies flat over the body. Depending on the makeup of the coat, it may be very prone to matting. You may find that this coat type may result in a coat that does not respond well to either being brushed out or corded. Any variation of color may be possible in a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix. However, these dogs may be a bit more prone to solid coloration since that is the standard for Poodles. Size Poodles come in three sizes, with each dog identical in conformation. Miniatures should be under 15 inches at the shoulder and toys should be 10 inches or less. Generally, when Lhasa Apsos are mixed with Poodles, they are mixed with either toy or miniature Poodles. Lhasa Apsos weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, with females tending to be slightly smaller than males. Your Lhasa Apso Poodle mix will vary in size depending on what size of Poodle was used, but expect around 10 to 15 pounds for toy Poodle offspring and 15 to 30 pounds for miniature Poodle offspring. Behavior and Personality Poodle Personality Poodles are among the most trainable and intelligent of all dog breeds. These dogs excel in the work they were bred for — retrieving. Still, they are also excellent at agility, obedience, tracking, scent work, and as service dogs. It is hard to find a breed more eager to please than a Poodle, but you can expect that you will need to occupy that busy mind if you expect to have a happy, well-adjusted pet. While Poodles tend to be sensitive and may be a bit reserved with strangers, they are generally extremely friendly with everyone and adjust well to being in groups. Lhasa Apso Personality Lhasa Apsos are much more independent and committed to following their own minds than are Poodles. They are very intelligent and can learn just about anything you try to teach them, but you will have to find a way to motivate them properly. Find tips for motivation here. They do not respond well to repetitive training and may become extremely stubborn if you try to force them. These dogs functioned as alert dogs in their native Tibet, and they are still a little bit reserved with strangers. Lhasa Apso Poodle Mix Personality These two breeds vary dramatically in personality and trainability, so you may experience quite a range of possibilities in your puppy. Your dog may be a happy-go-lucky charmer and love meeting new people or he may be slow to warm up to your guests. Health Both the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle tend to be very healthy dogs, but there are some problems that may crop up in either breed, and they also may show up in your mix. Both breeds are prone to this condition. Eye Problems The large, luminous eyes of both of these breeds can result in some problems for them. Poodles are prone to issues with their optic nerve and general eye issues, which require an ophthalmologist evaluation for all breeding animals. Lhasa Apso are prone to corneal ulcers and may also develop cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy. Specific Genetic Conditions Both of these breeds have some serious genetic issues that occur, although they are not common. Lhasa Apso are prone to hereditary kidney dysfunction in mild to severe forms. There is not a reliable test to determine whether a breeding dog carries it. Misconceptions About Mixed-Breed Dogs The increasing popularity in designer breeds is partly due to some prevailing misconceptions about mixed-breed dogs. They Are Healthier Mixed breed dogs may be less likely to inherit recessive traits that are predominant in a certain breed. However, if both of their parent breeds have a recessive trait, they are just as likely to get it as the purebred dogs. Because the physical makeup of mixed breed dogs is less predictable, they may actually be more likely to suffer from problems like joint issues. They Are Smarter A mixed breed dog may inherit the intelligence of either of his parents. Unless the two dogs that are bred are both of particularly intelligent breeds, there is no reason to think a mixed breed dog would be more intelligent than a purebred dog of average intelligence. Related Posts:. Lhasapoos are perfect for families, but they need proper training and socialization before living with small children. They have a mild temperament and only require moderate daily exercise. As long as they receive enough exercise, Lhasapoos are ideal for apartment living. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. They have a reputation for excessive barking and quickly sound the alarm when strangers approach your property. However, they tend to calm down after a few years and welcome visitors with joy when they recognize them. They are extremely intelligent, so they should be easily trained to be around other animals and people. The stubborn, defensive behavior comes from the Lhasa Apso side of their family, but you can minimize the trait by enrolling your puppy in obedience training. The dogs are extremely intelligent a trait from the poodle side , and they love interacting with humans. Leaving a Lhasapoo alone for more than a day can upset the animal, and you may have to wait a while after you return for the dog to warm up to you again. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They enjoy playing games with the family, but they establish a firm bond with one person. Taking them for a walk and playing games in the yard will keep them healthy and fit. Because of their size, you can play games with them indoors and marvel at their ability to leap onto furniture. When they interact with young children, you should supervise them closely until they become more accustomed to the little ones. Compared to other dogs, Lhasapoos are easy to train and learn commands quickly. Lhasapoos are more vulnerable to ear infections than other breeds, and you should inspect and clean their ears weekly to prevent an infection. Collecting information from a shelter is more difficult, but some people provide the shelter with documentation when they put the animal up for adoption. Taking a Lhasapoo for a checkup at least twice a year ensures that any medical issue is addressed before it progresses. Minor Conditions: With a short muzzle, Lhasapoos sometimes have trouble breathing after exercise and can develop brachycephalic airway syndrome. Other minor conditions include cataracts, hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and dental problems. Regular brushing can prevent decay and reduce bad breath, but you should consult a veterinarian for dental hygiene tips. Some animals react wildly to brushing, and you may need another person to assist you in the process. Minor Conditions. Lhasapoo Description The Lhasa-Poo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She loves to play, she loves to cuddle, she loves to eat and she loves to bite at your ankles!!! Her housetraining is going well, however she does have the occasional accident when we are not paying enough attention to her signs. She is very smart; whenever she goes outside to do her business, and comes back in the house, she runs right into the kitchen and sits in front of the refrigerator, looking up. We keep the container of treats on top of the refrigerator. Once she has her treat she is on her way! Definitely she is not a first-generation hybrid, because her dog-dad and dog-mom are already both Lhasa-Poos. I have no idea about her grandparents, so I can't really say what generation she is of a Lhasa Poo hybrid. But she has streaks of straight hair too, like on her tail and on her head, that's why we can't give her a proper "Poodle-look" crown or afro on top of her head. We do shave her face though, as in Poodle cuts and we maintain her body hair on "summer cut," most of the time using grooming blade 7, because her hair grows very fast. Her soft, cottony undercoat is also very prone to matting. Awit is a non-shedder but she has very sensitive skin. Alternately, the word "awit" is also being used to translate the word "psalm" in the Bible. She loves walk time and play time. Play time means she runs and dares our other dogs to chase her around the house. She can also jump note: her agility makes her look like she can actually fly from the floor to the sofa, to the bed, from one bed to another, and back to the floor with ease. Yes, and she gets one 2" chew bone per day or a doggie biscuit that she can munch to her heart's delight. I tried to do clicker training on her, and she easily picked up the cues "sit" and "down. He is great with kids and tries to sing along with the neighborhood kids that often want to sing the nursery rhyme song "There Was a Farmer, Had a Dog and Bingo Was His Name.He wants to be with me every second of every day and goes with me everywhere that it is feasible to take him. If he thinks he will be left behind he exhibits definite signs of separation-anxiety. He will whine, cry and even try to sit on me to prevent me from leaving. Needless to say he loves being in the car and makes a great travel companion. He is very smart and easy to train. She's just about full grown in these photos, weighing in at about 7 pounds 3. Her owner says, "Her temperament is very sweet and she's super smart—she could sit, speak and shake hands after I'd had her for only 2 weeks. She's also very athletic and a terrific jumper. Often she makes tremendous leaps around the living room from the furniture. It's kind of her game to not touch the floor. Life Span Did You Know? Although a mixed breed can take on any combination of traits from the parent breeds, Lhasa-Poo tend to be friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs that are loyal to their families. This designer dog breed is a small dog with a big heart. They tend to be social and bond closely with their families. They tend to have a sweet, friendly disposition and a playful, energetic personality. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because their small size makes them susceptible to injury during accidental rough play or falls common to younger children, they are a better fit for older children who know how to interact appropriately with a dog and can handle them gently. As with any dog breed, socialization and training early on are important and the same is true for the Lhasa-Poo. They do make alert watchdogs, but they tend to be friendly dogs, so they do not tend to make good guard dogs. They can be prone to barking, but training early on can help curb this behavior. Lhasa-Poo are highly adaptable dogs. Their small size makes them a good fit for apartment living and they adapt just as well to larger homes. They do well in most climates, but may need to bundle up in the winter to keep warm. Having some basic winter dog products on hand is a big help when the temperatures drop. These small dogs are also sensitive to heat as with most dog breeds. Because these dogs thrive on attention and bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone. A mixed breed can inherit the genetic conditions of one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing genetic conditions to puppies. Both of the parent breeds tend to be eager to please and highly intelligent. Although they tend to be easy to train, they can sometimes have a stubborn streak. So, your Lhasa-Poo can be highly trainable, but may have a stubborn streak, which can be challenging for first-time dog owners to navigate. For this mixed breed, it may be a good idea to be prepared to enroll in puppy training and obedience classes. Aside from the training, these classes can help further strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize a puppy. Lhasa-Poo tend to have a long coat that can be wavy or curly and can be clipped short. Although they do not shed much, they do need a lot of grooming in order for their coat to stay healthy. Because their fur is prone to tangles and mats, you will need to brush them daily. If their coat is clipped short, you can likely get away with brushing a few times a week. Bathing is on an as-needed basis, but your Lhasa-Poo will need professional grooming every weeks. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Lhasa-Poo. Nail trimming on a monthly basis is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. So, professional grooming sessions may take care of it. This can help prevent ear infections. Although they are small, Lhasa-Poo tend to have a moderate activity level and can sometimes have bursts of higher energy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this dog. Try out a bunch of different activities to see what your dog likes to do best. They may enjoy taking an easy hike with you, going for trips to the dog park , or even swimming. A fully-grown Lhasa-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Lhasa-Poo generally lives years. The Lhasa-Poo coat is a coat of many colors. They can have a white, cream, apricot, black, brown, or combination colored-coat. Featured Lhasa-Poo Article. Lhasa poos are the cross between a miniature or toy Poodle and a Lhasa Apso. They are cute, small-sized dogs that are highly trainable and apartment friendly. They even get along with kids and other pets. This Lhasa Apso Poodle Mix breed has a long lifespan but finding puppies for sale in Australia can be challenging. They are certainly among the cutest poodle mixes and their non-shedding coat makes them one of the most popular poodle crossbreeds in the world. So, if you are looking to add this sweet little designer dog to your household, then this guide is for you! What is a Lhasapoo? Also known as Lhasadoodle, the Lhasapoo is a cute designer dog obtained by crossing a miniature or toy Poodle with a Lhasa Apso. The Lhasapoo are among the smallest-sized, hypoallergenic poodle mix breeds that do not shed. Before we learn more about Lhasapoos, let us check out some facts about its parent dog breeds. The breed is held in great veneration in the Orient and was even given as gifts and considered a symbol of good fortune. Lhasa Apsos are not a new breed at all; they may have existed since AD. Tibetans believe that the souls of lamas or priests reincarnate as Lhasa Apsos. Today, Lhasa Apsos are extremely popular as house pets mainly due to their compact sizes as well as their hypoallergenic coats. In terms of grooming, the Lhasa Apso requires regular weekly brushing and combing to maintain their coat and prevent knots. They also come with the added advantage of longevity and most Lhasa Apsos have an average lifespan of years. Poodles Poodles originated in Germany, where they were bred to assist fishermen and hunters. Their excellent swimming capabilities combined with a quick-drying and water-resistant coat aided them in their work as water dogs. Research has shown that Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They rank No. Their high intelligence also makes them easy to train. This trait combined with their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, makes them one of the most popular dog breeds. Doodle Dog Breeds The popularity of designer dogs is on the rise because it is trendy to own compact-sized hybrid dogs. Moreover, there is a belief that crossbreed dogs are usually healthier than purebred dogs and often inherit the best traits of the breeds involved in the cross. Given that the Lhasapoo is a small-sized, non-shedding, hypoallergenic poodle crossbreed, they are very popular in Australia. The best poodle mix breeders conduct thorough health testing including DNA tests and hip scoring. Cross-bred dogs enjoy the benefits of increased genetic diversity and purebred dogs suffer reduced fitness from inbreeding depression. Poodles are one of the best dog breeds to cross because of their high intelligence, easy trainability, and their low-shedding and hypoallergenic coats. One such dog was the Lhasadoodle or the Lhasapoo. Physical Features of Lhasapoos — small size hypoallergenic and non-shedding The full-grown size of a Lhasapoo is a weight of around 15 pounds 6 to 7 kg and about inches 22 to 33 cm tall at the withers. There is no standardisation in Lhasapoos since they are not recognised by any major canine club. Also, breeders may use miniature or toy Poodles in their breeding programs, so the height and weight of Lhasapoos tend to vary greatly. Breeders most commonly cross a toy poodle stud with a female Lhasa Apso to create Toy Lhasapoo puppies. Similarly, some breed a Miniature Poodle stud over a lhasa apso female to create Mini Lhasapoos which are slightly bigger than Toy Lhasadoodles. In either case, your Lhasadoodle puppy is bound to be low-shedding and suitable for families where one or more members could have pet allergies. You could see these puppies in brown, white, merle, black, red, apricot, golden, sandy, honey, or combinations of these shades. If the Lhasapoo is a small-size hypoallergenic poodle mix breed that is non-shedding; Are they Easy to Groom? Moreover, they tend to attract debris and parasites. Lhasapoo are a small-size hypoallergenic poodle mix breed that is non-shedding, therefore they are a breed that requires a moderate amount of maintenance. Investing in a suitable brush and comb makes grooming a poodle mix breed significantly easier. Even if your puppy has a short, curly coat, it could develop skin issues if it is not brushed regularly. It is especially important that you take your Lhasapoo for professional grooming to get its hair trimmed every 6 weeks or so. Too much coat can cause a dog to overheat on a hot day. As with the physical characteristics, the temperament of a Lhasadoodle is not standardised. In general, we can say that these dogs are smart, confident, affectionate, and incredibly loyal. They have a light comical side that makes them excellent family pets. On the downside, Lhasapoos do need plenty of puppy training to make sure they behave properly. They have a strong will which can pose a challenge while dog training because they think they know best. Furthermore, most Lhasapoos suffer from small dog syndrome, meaning that they need plenty of socialisation with other dogs to prevent that incessant barking. Your Lhasapoo will quickly learn how to get what it wants, so you must make sure to train appropriate behaviours and prevent the rehearsal of bad behaviours such as barking for attention. Many Lhasapoos are also known to have a high prey drive. So, if you have rabbits, hamsters, or other small pets, do make sure your pet will not terrorise them. Also, when you walk your dog outdoors, you need to keep it on a leash otherwise, it might try to run off and chase small animals. They also have loud barks! Their barking at strangers can be annoying to neighbours close by so you will need to train calmness and impulse control with your Lhasapoo puppy. Providing environmental enrichment such as stuffed Kongs, long-lasting chews and raw meaty bones can also help prevent separation anxiety and stop barking. Crate training is also invaluable for preventing common behaviour problems in poodle crossbreeds. Lhasapoos are confident dogs. They are also curious and love to explore everything. They also love being a part of family activities and hate being left alone at home. Due to this reason, many Lhasapoos suffer from varying degrees of separation anxiety. Some tend to void indoors, tear up slippers or bed linen, or chew up furniture. You might consider bringing another dog to keep your Lhasapoo company or hire a pet sitter to watch your pet. You could also enrol your dog in a doggy daycare. It pays to exercise your dog well and provide passive calming activities such as long-lasting chew treats; since tired dogs usually do not have the energy left to indulge in negative or destructive behaviour. Given that the Lhasapoo is a small hypoallergenic poodle mix breed that does not shed, they make an excellent companion dog for kids and the elderly. They know this fact and take their job seriously. Intelligent dogs like Lhasapoos are prone to boredom and they need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent it. Obedience training can be one aspect of keeping your pet mentally active, but you must keep the training sessions fun. How Much is a Lhasapoo? Always research the Lhasa Poo breeder thoroughly before buying your puppy. Ask about the health checks they have conducted on the parent dogs. This is important to ensure getting a healthy puppy. Some unscrupulous backyard breeders and puppy farms advertise their puppies for sale at cheap prices. It is best to steer clear of such breeders as they are breeding for profit and rarely health test their breeding dogs. Cross-breeding can be done ethically and the best poodle mix breeders utilise science-based health testing. Most Lhasapoo owners prefer feeding kibble or dry dog food as it is convenient. These small dogs tend to have dental issues because of their tiny jaws — they make it difficult to clean the back side of the oral cavity. Always select high-quality dog food with premium ingredients. Avoid dog foods that are packed with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Many Lhasapoos have sensitive digestion and might need grain-free and hypoallergenic foods formulated especially for sensitive dogs. Your vet nutritionist can guide you in this matter. Health Issues and Lifespan of Lhasapoos Like their parent breeds, Lhasapoos have a long life compared to many other dog breeds. Most Lhasapoos live for years. Their long lifespan combined with the fact that Lhasapoos are a small-size hypoallergenic, non-shed poodle mix breed, makes them popular family dogs. Some of the health concerns in the breed include hip and joint issues, eye problems, dental diseases, renal disease, and intervertebral disc disease. These are diseases seen in the Lhasa Apso parent. Good breeding practices can ensure that these designer puppies do not inherit these genetic conditions. Lhasapoo puppies for sale and Breeders in Australia Although the Lhasa Apso x Poodle is among the best poodle mix breeds, it is also an extremely rare poodle mix breed in Australia. Most small, cute, cuddly and hypoallergenic poodle mix breeds are popular family dogs. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information, exclusive offers and access to our community of reputable breeders. 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Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Words… How old are pugs when they full grow? A pug breed is small and they mature faster than other large breed dog like Golden Retrievers and Boston Terrier. At the age of nine months, pugs reach full growth. But you can expect pug grows continuously at a slower pace until they reach twelve months. The sexual maturity of pugs starts at the sixth to ninth months as well. This is to ensure their body is strong enough to undergo the stress of giving birth. After a year, you can percent make sure that your pugs reach their full growth. You can expect about the same rate for all purebred pugs. There is slight variation for those pug mixes due to mix of other dog genes. What are the different pug growth stages? Male and female pugs are under toy breeds. These are small sized breed, so pugs are prone to dystocia. Because pug puppies have large head and shoulder while their pug mother has small pelvic bones. This is expensive but it will give a higher rate of survival for both the mother and the pug puppies. On average, pugs have a litter size of three to six puppies. This is how many puppies you can expect for your pregnant pug. Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the earliest stage for a pug puppy. They still nurse from their mother and sleep most of the time. Their sense of sight and hearing are still not present at this age. A pug puppy at this time get most of their happiness from their pet parents. Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks Your pug puppy at this age starts to develop their sense of smell and hearing. Their eyes will also start to open, same with their teeth. This stage is where you will see a lot of development on the motor skills of your pugs. Your pug puppy will also start to bark and learn more from their parents. If you have other dogs in the house, they can influence the puppy. Socialization Stage 3 to 12 weeks At this age, the growing puppies are on a fast pace. Because these small dogs have high adaptive intelligence, they are very sociable at this age. Here some of the notable changes for this stage: Play will be their most essential thing during 3 to 5 weeks age Sleeping and bowel control will manifest in them between 3 to 4 weeks Your pugs will start to interact with other dogs. Playing will be there most vital tool for socializing with other dogs. Your pug starts to develop emotional dependence to you at the fourth week. There will be high exploration for your pugs during 5 to 7 weeks. That means you need to guide them at this point. Your pugs must start to learn eating solid food. Start to potty train your pugs upon reaching 7 to 9 weeks old. Crate training will also help shape their obedience. Once they reach 9 to 12 weeks, you can teach them with basic commands. Always train your pug to socialize with children, strangers, and other dogs. This starts when they are 14 to 16 weeks old. Ranking Stage 3 to 6 months During this stage, your pug develops their teeth. Because their teeth are developing, pugs are prone to biting things. That means you must provide them with non toxic toys. You also need to teach them what they can bite or not. While your pug is growing on his or her prime, it will be essential to guide them. Your presence is most important to them at this stage. They are loyal and emotionally attached to their owner. Adolescence Stage 6 to 18 months The physical maturity of your pugs is reached when they reach the age of 6 to 9 months. Looking at their average life expectancy at 12 to 15 years, this toy group matures fast. There will be several things happening to your growing pug during adolescence but mostly in preparation for the maturity stage. Male pugs tend to be slightly taller than females. They are literally small as they are under the toy breeds similar to Chihuahua and Frenchies. Pugs average weight is around 6. You need to give them a healthy diet if you want them to stay fit. If your pug is slightly lighter than this, then they are classed under weight. If they go above, they are overweight. An obese pug is more prone to breathing problems. Therefore, you need to give them proper food, so they get healthy weight. Most female pugs have weight gain when they are pregnant. The excess weight can be due to their unborn puppies and extra fat. Here are other details about pug growth chart: At 8 weeks age, pugs ideally weigh between 2 to 4 pounds At 6 months of age, their weight is between 7 to 12 pounds At one year, their weight hits at 13 to 18 pounds What is a teacup pug? This is pug hybrid is made from combining a pug and a chihuahua. But this pug mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Teacup pugs can literally fit inside a teacup, thus, giving them that name. They usually weigh 1. As they reach adult size, their weight is between 1. Breeding this miniature pugs is not recommended because of health reasons. Because of their compact size, they are prone to many health risks such as pug dog encephalitis. They are also at risk for dystocia and breathing problems. And their average life span of a teacup pug is 6 to 10 years. Some animal welfare groups consider it unethical to breed teacup pugs because of the many serious health problems due to their compact body. How big do pugs age 6 month be? A pug usually stops growing after a year, but they can reach their full growth on the ninth month. But when they are 6 months old, their physical maturity is already close to maturity. At this age, they usually weigh around seven to twelve pounds while having a height of 10 to 13 inches. Take note, once your pug reaches 6 months, it still continue to grows to maximum at the ninth month. After that, growth slows down until they reach one year age. With good nutrition and regular exercise, the overall health of your pug will be great. Over weight will be prevented since inactivity will cause them to gain weight. This is bad since they are more prone to respiratory concerns when they are obese. How big do pugs are at full growth? According to many dog kennel clubs, a full grown pug is around 10 to 13 inches tall and weighing around 14 to 18 pounds. Most adult pugs have a muscular build when they reach their full maturity. But you need to watch out for their diet and exercise to avoid letting them go overweight. If this happens, bring your pug to a veterinarian to find out the possible reasons. Most dog diseases happen when they are over weight, especially for pugs. Because of their wrinkled face and compact body, breathing is challenging. Some of them even suffer from a pinched backbone, which requires surgery. If your pug weighs over 18 pounds, start counting their calorie intake. Schedule a walk and play time with them since these are most energetic dogs in the toy group. We know they are lap dogs, but they love playing with their owner. That makes them great companions. How can you keep your pugs healthy? Pugs are adorable pets because of their loving nature. But they are also prone to health issues, especially breathing since they are brachycephalic breed. This makes breathing a lot challenging for them. For you to keep the optimal health of your full grown pug, you need to bring them to the vet periodically. Complete their annual shots, deworming, and heart worm tests. They also need to under DNA testing for spotting pug dog encephalitis. Because of their breathing issues, it also makes them susceptible to heart problems. These two are strongly linked together. To keep your pugs in their right weight, spend around fifteen to twenty minutes of exercise with them. This prevents them from being goofy and mischievous. More about Pug health in this section. Final Words… Adult pugs are not as big as other dogs, yet they are good natured ones. We hope to have helped you understand everything about the topic. So, going back, pugs stops growing when they reach a year old. They reach maximum adult size on their ninth months of age, then continue to slowly grow until reaching one year. You still need to care for them until they reach their end of life stage. Through this journey, give them proper love and care since they are your buddies too. If you plan to get a pug, you can adopt one from a shelter. Otherwise, you can buy one from a reliable pug breeder. Make sure to check the AKC papers for your purebred pugs. We can help you in acquiring and taking care of your pug , by reading our blogs on the topic. When Are Pugs Full Grown? Although some pugs can be bigger, skinnier, fatter, smaller or taller than others, they are more or less similar in size if purebred. But, when are pugs full grown i. Pugs are full-grown after 9 months when they stop growing, whether in weight or height. Pugs usually reach adulthood when they are 1 year old. Sexual maturity comes before physical maturity 6 to 9 months old. Most pugs are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic and toy breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. Usually, a pug litter size is between 2 to 5 puppies, the average being 4 pups per litter. Your pug will go through 5 puppy growth stages: The neonatal stage: Birth to 2 weeks of age. The transitional stage: 2 to 4 weeks of age. The socialization stage: 3 to 12 weeks of age. The ranking stage: 3 to 6 months of age. The adolescence stage: 6 to 18 months of age. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 Weeks At the transitional stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. The Socialization Stage 3 to 12 Weeks This stage is key for socialization , like the name indicates, and is the period when a puppy goes through rapid development. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, pug pups start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your pug daily. The Ranking Stage 3 to 6 Months At the ranking stage: Between 3 to 6 months of age, pugs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. The Adolescence Stage 6 to 18 Months The adolescence stage is the last development step: Between 6 to 9 months of age, sexual maturity in puppies typically occurs. After 9 months, growth slows down and by the age of 1, pugs reach adulthood and their full height. Pug puppy. When Do Pugs Stop Growing? After 9 months of age, pugs will stop growing and can be considered fully-grown whether in weight or height. By the time they are 1 year old, pugs reach adulthood. Sexual maturity, on the other hand, usually comes before physical maturity. Female pugs go into their first heat cycle known as estrous when they are 6 to 9 months old. After that, female pugs are able to get pregnant. Male pugs, however, generally gain full reproductive capabilities when they are between 6 months to 1 year old. The pug breed is in his or her prime between 1. Afterwards, they will be considered senior dogs. Their life expectancy is between 13 to 15 years source. Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age and their growth slows down. You might not see big changes from 9 months old until they reach 1 year old, but some do continue filling out until they are a year old. On average, pugs get 10 to 13 inches 25 to 33 cm tall and weigh between 13 to 18 pounds 5. Adult male and female pugs. Pug Growth Chart Mature pugs of both sexes are usually close in height and weight. When fully grown, pugs are generally between 10 to 13 inches in height cm. According to the AKC breed standard , both male and female pugs should ideally weigh between 6. Pugs outside of this range may be classed as under-weight and over-weight. Check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis since more athletic pugs will have bigger muscles and will weigh more. However, if your pug starts looking like a big barrel, you should really start getting concerned. Check out our Is My Pug Overweight? This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect regarding how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. 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. Good day and welcome everyone! This is Sharda with another Pugs newsletter. Today we will discuss about Pug puppy development stages! To know why this happens, you need to understand each stage of development that your pup goes through to become an adult. In this stage, your Pug pup will first open his eyes, and begin to respond to light and movements and sounds around him. At this stage, he will begin to move around a little, adjusting to the earth beneath his feet and crawling in his box. He will begin to recognize his mother and his siblings and any objects you place in his box. He will be alert and sensitive to his environment and begin to recognize you and your family. This is a crucial stage in his growth as now he learns all it takes to be a dog, so let him be with his mother and siblings. He will learn now to interact with his littermates and play and how to overcome his bite inhibition. In addition, he will learn to be disciplined while his mother weans him and teaches him dog manners, as also that she is the leader of the pack. At this stage, you can safely introduce him to food at the same time as the mother is weaning him. While his mother does her bit by her Pug puppies, you should not give up handling your pup every day, at least for 10 minutes at a time. It is best to leave newborns with their mother until seven weeks of age if not longer so that they are better socially developed. According to canine experts, the best time a pup can learn social skills is when he is between three and 16 weeks of age because anything he learns now contributes to making him a well-adjusted dog. So, leave him with his mother and siblings now for as long as possible. This is not the appropriate time for disciplining him if he is play-fighting or has housebreaking mistakes because this is a normal step in his growth. No harsh talk or loud voices either or even traumatic events. If you like, you could now begin to teach him simple commands such as come, sit, stay and down. Accustom him to using a leash now and take care not to keep him away from the rest of your family, as he must continue to learn social etiquette and behaviour that he will need for the rest of his life. At this stage, he will appear to be just a little more independent and might even start ignoring all the commands you taught him only recently. Take care, however, as he might just bite you or nip you in an attempt to challenge your power over him. He may interpret the former game as a sign of dominance, especially if he wins while with wrestling, things can get completely out of control. As your puppy grows in strength, he will want to play games of strength, perhaps even with you. He will no longer be keen to please you and will display cheeky behaviour. He will now begin teething and will search for things to chew on if only to relieve the pain and pressure. To help him through this period, give him frozen doggie bones. He may try to bully over other members of your family, especially children. If you shout out to him to come over to you, at this stage he will choose to ignore you. This can be a dangerous situation, because if he does this in a public place and runs away from you, he may meet with an accident and injure himself badly and even die. At this stage, he will also go through all the hormonal changes a teenage boy or girl would. He will now be sexually ready and may display a rebellious streak. This is the right time to have him neutered or spayed if you have a female. Though he is not seasoned and experienced in the ways of the dog world, you still need to treat him as you would an adult son or daughter. Be realistic about him and give him his freedom. You can do this by increasing the scope of his activities and his training. Give him advanced training sessions, if you choose, such as herding or agility training. Or you could include more people and animals in his sphere of contact so that he learns not to be aggressive or jealous or even a threat to other dogs and people. All the best and take care Warmly, As with any dog breed , the growth rate and overall size can be affected by several factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics. Pugs who get plenty of exercise and nutritious food will almost certainly grow into well-proportioned adults who do not look like babies forever! But if you want your pug to grow up like a normal dog without looking like an awkward teen at age three , then make sure to take care of them properly! Pugs are a popular breed, and it is easy to understand why they have been so successful. Pugs do well in almost any environment, from big cities to countries. They are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate dogs with funny, charming personalities. Pugs will do well in almost any family situation, including multiple pet homes. While pugs are small in size, they are big on personality. They come in various colors and patterns but always with distinctive squished faces, dull eyes, and curly tails. Pugs grow quickly, and soon enough, you will have a full-grown pug. In the process, your puppy will go through several growth stages. Knowing what to expect at each stage will make your life as a pug owner much easier. They will fit in the palm of your hand, with their big eyes staring up at you. Pugs are born deaf and blind. Pug puppies will need some special care as they transition from living with their mother to living with people. When your pug first comes home, he will be bright-eyed and eager to meet his new family. Be careful with him the first few days, allowing him time to adjust to his new home. During this stage, the puppy becomes very mobile and is ready to explore everything in your home. This is a fun time for your pug, but you will need to limit his activity. Pugs are very curious puppies and can get into all kinds of trouble if they are not properly supervised. Pugs have been known to get severe injuries from even the most docile dogs and cats, so it is best to keep your pug in a single pet home. They will want to go for walks two or three times a day, so plan to include this in your schedule. Pug puppies can get into a lot of trouble if they are left unsupervised, so be sure that you have enough time to spend with your new pet. During this stage, pug puppies explore their territory, both inside and outside. They will try to climb on top of furniture and have ideas about what they should be allowed to chew. Your pet may be very demanding during this period and will use all his charms to get what he wants. You may also notice some aggression during this stage as your dog seeks his place in the pack. This means that you will need to be the one who decides what your pug is allowed to chew and where he can go on walks. The Adolescence Stage: 6 to 18 Months of Age Your pug will slowly stop acting like a puppy during this stage and instead begin to look and act like a full-grown pug. This is an excellent time to get your pet involved in obedience classes and agility training activities. Your pet may also begin to show signs of arthritis during this stage, so you should make sure that he gets lots of rest and extra treats. Conclusion Pugs are full-grown when they reach one year old. This is based on their average weight and size. While pugs may reach maturity at different rates, most will have stopped growing by turning one. Make sure your pup has plenty of room to run around and play, and feed them a healthy diet that includes enough protein but not too much fat. Remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to keeping. Post navigation.

While the Rottweiler is said to have its roots from the Roman mastiffs, used as guard dogs during both the World Wars, the Poodle is popular for its hunting and guarding skills. Rottle may have probably been designed with the intention of creating a guard or working dog having the combined intelligence of both parents. Temperament and Personality The Rottle shows a great deal of loyalty and commitment towards its family members, being very protective about them. With the instincts of a working and hunting dog running in its genes, this breed demands for a great deal of outdoor activities. Its calm, playful and affectionate nature makes it a perfect companion for children as well as adults. It displays a cold and alert behavior on encountering strangers, also warning its owners by letting out a bark in the presence of the intruder. Care Exercise As the Rottle is high in energy, it will need sufficient amount of outdoor activities like a long walk or games involving running. In fact, it is prone to gain weight quite easily, thus adequate physical exercise helps in keeping it physically and mentally fit. Grooming Though it is a minimum shedder, the ones having a single coat that is thick and curly as that of a Poodle needs to be brushed regularly to prevent the shed hair from being trapped inside the curls. Bathe your pet occasionally and clean its ears and eyes from time to time to prevent any infection. Health Problems The Rottweiler-Poodle mix is a healthy breed with no known genetic issues, but there are chances of it to inherit some of the ailments suffered by their parents like hip dysplasia, cancer, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation and gastric dilation volvulus. The Rottle puppies are to be imparted socialization and obedience training to help them develop a pleasing personality. As they are adept at picking up commands quickly, the owner should channelize this trait of theirs in a positive way especially while training them for housebreaking or anything else. Feeding They may be given four to five cups of dry dog food on a daily basis along with other nutritious meals. However as they have a tendency of gaining weight fast, overfeeding may make them obese, exposing them to a lot of health hazards. Rottle Highlights Rottles are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Rottweiler or Poodle parents. The main colors of Rottles are brown, black, white, red, gray, and blue. Rottles are relatively easy to train compared to other mixed breeds, as long as training starts at an early age. Due to their high intelligence, they can become destructive if they get bored. Rottles have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Be sure to include some mentally stimulating games. Generally, the Rottle is considered a family friendly mixed breed dog. Rottle History The Rottle mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and Poodles sometime in the s , likely in North America. They continued to create Rottles as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Rottle breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Rottle rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Rottle Size As the Rottle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Rottweiler and Poodle parents, you can expect Rottles to be on the medium to large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 90 pounds and range in height from twelve to 27 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Rottle Personality Many Rottle parents describe their mixed breed dogs as incredibly smart and eager to please. This makes training Rottles relatively easy compared to other mixed breeds, as long as training starts at an early age. They can also grow protective of their favorite humans and may bark at unexpected guests. If you want a watchdog who is also super snuggly with your family, the Rottle may be the right pup for you. These dogs are incredibly trainable, and the sooner you start, the better. Rottles who are untrained or unsocialized may develop negative coping patterns like resource protecting. Be sure to use a lot of positive reinforcement with your Rottle, as they crave your validation. Rottles can get along in a one-person household, but they truly are fabulous family dogs. Rottle Health The Rottle breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Rottweiler and Poodle also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Rottles suffer from include: Dysplasia. Lifespan Sociability The Rottie Poo is a hybrid breed, which means that normally you should be able to find a Rottle at a lower price than the parent breeds. Take your time to search for an ethical and reputable breeder. A good breeder will offer healthy puppies from good stock. Do your research on the breed and any breeders you consider buying from. Speak to the breeder. Ask questions about the breed and their puppies, in particular. Ask to see proof of screening and health checks. This will include proof that the parent dogs have been screened and checked for hip and elbow dysplasia. Ensure that you get to meet the puppy before you part with any money. Ask to see one or both parents. Check to see if the mother is responsive and looks healthy. Ensure that they are happy to meet you, but not overly friendly. This is a reasonable sign that your puppy will show a similar temperament, because puppies learn from their moms, just like babies do. Because hybrid breeds are not worth the thousands of dollars that purebred dogs fetch, and because hybrids like the Rottle can occur naturally without intentional breeding, you may find one in a local shelter. Try to determine why the dog was put up for adoption, and ensure that you meet the dog at least once before you adopt. If you have dogs of your own, try to arrange to bring them with you to meet your rescue Rottle before you take them home. The Poodle parent is described as hypoallergenic. One of the reasons that the Poodle has become such a popular pet, other than his intelligence and his loving nature, is because he sheds very little compared to other breeds. It is also beneficial for those that suffer allergies but still want a dog. Allergy sufferers are allergic to a specific protein that is found in dog saliva, skin secretions, and dander. Therefore, a dog that sheds less, distributes less dander and should cause less of an allergic reaction. Although some breeders and owners describe the Poodle as being hypoallergenic, they do still cause an allergic reaction, so they are not truly hypoallergenic, but they are as close as you can expect to get. The Rottle is likely to adopt a similarly low-shedding coat. Poodles and Rottweilers both hail from Germany. Most people believe that the Poodle is French and the Rottweiler German, but they would only be half correct. The Rottweiler is believed to be a descendant of drover dogs that were left behind by the Roman army. Their name originates from the town of Rottweil, where they were left when the Roman army abandoned the area. However, while most people believe the Poodle to be French it is the French national dog, after all , it too hails from Germany. In France, the dog is known as the duck dog. The Poodle cut is not just fashionable. It consists of various puffs and pompoms, although there are several exact fashions and styles that dictate where the shocks of hair should be found. While they are common in exhibitions and shows, the cut was functional before it was fashionable. A full coat would have left a Poodle hampered by its hair, and a wet coat would have weighed the dog down when he was busy retrieving birds from rivers and other bodies of water. Cutting all of the hair down would have left the Poodle vulnerable to the cold and wet. The Poodle cut was introduced as a means of enjoying the best of both worlds. They can be very easily trained, but they can also become destructive if they do not get enough stimulation. Training should start at an early age, along with socialization, to prevent destructive and antisocial behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will bond closely with all human family members, including adults and children. He will usually be well behaved around children, especially if those children are old enough and willing to play. Parents should always supervise time between dogs and very small children. As understanding as the Rottle might be, toddlers tend to grab tails, faces, and other parts of the dog. It is also worth noting that the breed can become protective of their humans. Early and ongoing socialization will help to combat this problem. With that said, if you introduce your Rottle to your other dogs when they are young, they may benefit from having a canine companion to play with. Always introduce any dog slowly and patiently, especially to cats. He will get along with human family members and can be introduced steadily and calmly to other animals, but he may not be the ideal pet for your home. Consider the following factors when deciding whether this breed is the perfect addition to your family unit. You can feed dry or wet food. Many owners prefer dry food because it is easier to store, will keep longer, and will usually work out cheaper. Wet food helps ensure that your dog stays hydrated and may prove more appealing to your dog, however. You can feed a combination of wet and dry food, but whatever type of food you opt for, ensure that you do not overfeed your Rottie Poo. This breed is prone to overfeeding and can put weight on very easily, thanks to his Rottweiler parent breed. Once a dog is overweight, it can be very difficult to shed the extra pounds. This means that your hybrid dog is going to need a lot of exercise each day, and you should be willing to provide a minimum of one hour. Although the Poodle will enjoy running and swimming, the Rottweiler is happy walking, and it will depend on which of the parent breeds is dominant in your dog, as to whether you will be able to slip a lead on and go for a vigorous walk, or whether you need to find some way of burning off even more energy. This crossbreed is known for being intelligent and energetic, which is the ideal combination for canine sports like agility. Fortunately, the Rottle is eager to please his owners and he is very intelligent. They are also driven by their desire for food and treats. If you do use treats as a method of reward-based training, ensure that you take these into account when determining the daily food intake for your dog. Socialization is also important to this breed, and puppy classes can help introduce your dog to new people and new animals. You should also walk them to new places so that they meet different groups of people and are confronted by unique situations. This not only teaches them how to act in those situations but shows them that new things do not need to be feared. They will shed, but not as profusely as breeds like Golden Retrievers. Brush every week to remove dead hairs. You will also have to take responsibility for dental hygiene and claw clipping. Claw clipping is another activity that you should start when your dog is young. Look for signs of the following and seek veterinary guidance, if your dog starts to show symptoms: Minor Conditions. Exercise — minutes Training — Very smart so start early Socialization — Start as soon as you get them Temperament — Calm, Alert, Self-confident Good in an apartment? They will pick up on what you are trying to teach them very quickly if you train them gently and consistently. You will have the best trained Rottie Poo in the city! The Rottle needs to be socialized from an early age, I would take her to puppy classes this kills two birds with one stone. The one thing that you should not do is take her out into the dog park. She is unvaccinated, and the dogs that are there can be very rude which could scar your puppy for life. What Is the Temperament of the Rottle? The Rottie Doodle is a very calm, loving, and self-confident dog. They are great with kids and families, Rottles are cautious of newcomers and are eager to let you know when someone comes to the door. The Rottle is also an excellent watchdog due to the Rottweiler genes. The Rottle can be dog-friendly, but you will need to teach them at an early age that chasing smaller animals is not ok. What Are Exercise Needs for the Rottle? The Rottweiler Poodle Mix needs at least minutes of playing, walking, jogging, and or running. They an active dog breed, but only in bursts of energy, they need a house with a medium to a large-sized yard to frolic around in whenever you are gone. Grooming Needs of the Rottle A brushing every day for 5 or 10 minutes, is not just to keep up their movie-star appearance. But it also takes out knotted hair that often becomes knotted over time. You also should wash them every week to keep their hair sparkly. Also here is an important tip, wash your Rottweiler Poodle mix with shampoo rather than the regular dog wash the Rottle has human hair rather than regular dog fur. The Rottie Doodle Health Issues Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — Some dogs like the Rottle and or the Labrottie can get hip or elbow dysplasia Patellar Luxation — which is when the knee caps dislocate Addison Disease — a dysfunction that occurs when the adrenal glands cannot create enough hormones Arthritis — A dog at any age can get arthritis. I hope this article has persuaded you to get this wonderful breed! We have several articles that may fit what you are looking for:. Life Span Did You Know? They are also sometimes called a Rottle. Rottie-Poos are intelligent, powerful, and loyal dogs that are devoted to their families and are protective of them. Rottles are also energetic, loving, and playful. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, this mix is recognized by other notable dog organizations. Rottie-Poos make great family companions and tend to have a sweet nature. As long as they have been properly socialized, they are well-mannered and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective nature, they can remain initially wary of strangers. They can also be prone to barking. So, you will want to start to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior. A Rottle is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They tend to do better in homes with fenced yards where they can run. In some cases, they can adapt to apartment living. But, their large size and exercise needs can make that difficult. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to the extremes and particularly sensitive to heat. Rottie-Poos also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they bond closely with their families and also get bored easily. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be at times, but it is definitely not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog could inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. At the same time, they could also inherit all of them or any combination of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large, barrel-chested dog breed, the Rottie-Poo, like their parents, are at risk for developing bloat. Bloat in dogs can sometimes just be gas, but it could also end up in gastric torsion where the stomach flips. Rottles are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which means they pick up on things quickly. They do require a confident owner who can clearly and consistently communicate boundaries and expectations during training. This can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, so puppy training classes are recommended. These classes are a good idea anyway because they reinforce training, offer opportunities for socialization, and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy. They could inherit similar to one of their parents or a combination of both. If they end up with a Rottweiler coat, they will shed a bit year-round, need weekly brushing, and bathed occasionally. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats and grooming is required every weeks. If they end up with a combination coat, you may get some shedding here and there. Depending on the length of their coat and the curl, you may need to brush them every day or you might be able to get away with brushing them a couple of times a week. They may also need grooming every weeks or so. When it comes to dental care for dogs , daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Rottie-Poos can range from a moderate to high energy level. This means they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. With a working dog background, they also need a job to do. Generally, they will be up for more activity if you are. Also, Rottles are athletic dogs. So, once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what you and your Rottle like the most. A fully-grown Rottie-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Rottie-Poo generally lives for years. Featured Rottie-Poo Article. But, this mix may be wary and reserved with strangers. Around its family, this dog is often playful, affectionate, and silly. They are also very loyal to their family and may act as a guardian towards the family, especially kids. The Rottle can be very cuddly and may try to act like a lap dog. However, this mix should never be left alone with children due to their size and clumsiness. The Rottweiler Poodle mix does not typically enjoy being alone, but is not usually prone to separation anxiety. The Rottweiler parent is known for its protective instincts. Socialization as a puppy is vital to ensure your Rottle grows into the best personality possible. This will help to minimise the risk of aggression when your puppy grows older. Training and Exercise The Rottie Doodle is immensely trainable and eager to please, but may have a stubborn streak. These work by rewarding the behaviors you want to see, rather than coming into conflict with your furry friend. The Rottle is a mix of two athletic breeds, so daily exercise is essential. Swimming is often a favorite pastime of Rottweiler Standard Poodle mixes. They also enjoy long walks, hikes, or jobs with their favorite people. Retrieval games can also be a fun way to stay fit. The Rottweiler Poodle mix tends to excel at canine sports like agility, tracking, and obedience, which can be excellent opportunities to exercise thebody and mind. Although the Rottle will enjoy a cuddle, they need to burn off those high energy levels first. Rottle Health and Care The Rottie Poo has a potential lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but the average tends to be close to the middle, around 10 years. They have the potential to inherit health conditions from either of their parent breeds. We recommend the Rottweiler parent has good hip scores, is PRA clear, has had a recent eye check and no family history of heart problems. Shelter Dogs As this mixed breed gains popularity, older Rottles in need of loving homes will become more common. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies, and many already have basic training and socialization. But, you may be able to find a Rottle in a rescue center for the parent breeds. Scroll to the end of this article for some links that will help you start your search. Rottle Puppies The first step to raising a healthy Rottle dog is choosing from healthy Rottle puppies. Healthy Rottle puppies come from healthy parents. OFA recommends that, before breeding, Rottweilers are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, vision problems, and cardiac problems. Poodles should be tested for hip dysplasia, vision problems, cardiac problems, and thyroid problems. Any ethical breeder can provide you with the results of these tests, but the results should be registered with a canine health registry like the OFA as well. Parents should be at least two years old for these tests to be accurate, as well as for the best odds of producing healthy babies. Because of the size difference in the Rottweiler and Poodle, the mother should be the Rottweiler, as birthing overly large pups can be dangerous for a Standard Poodle. The breeder should allow you to meet the mother as well as any puppies in the litter that are still present. They should all appear happy and healthy. You should also be able to get information about the father and the breeder who owns him. All dogs owned by the breeder should be working animals or beloved pets, and not simply treated as business assets. As designer breeds are becoming more popular, their prices are rising. However, this will vary depending on the breeder, your location, demand for puppies, and more. A lower cost can be an indicator of a puppy mill. Because the Rottweiler parent is big, muscular, and courageous, many people assume that the Rottle is also self-assured, ferocious, aloof, aggressive, and confident. However, the Poodle genes also impart a sweet softness to the Rottle, making it one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds today. Do you want to know more about the Roodle and whether it is a good fit for your household? Then read on, we have all the information you need. What Two Breeds Make a Rottle? The Rottle is a beautiful and wonderful hybrid dog obtained by breeding a Standard or Miniature Poodle with a Rottweiler. Also known as Roodle, Rottiedoodle, or Rottie-Poo, Rottles combine the loyal, affectionate, and calm nature of Rottweilers with the intelligence of a Poodle. Rottweilers date back to the Roman Empire. Today, they are primarily known for their guarding skills but originally, they were bred to be drover dogs to accompany cattle and keep a watch on the livestock. Some experts believe that it is from Germany while others think it might have originated in France. Today, there is little doubt that the breed is one of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds in the world. Origins of The Rotti-Poo No one can pinpoint the exact origins of the Roodle hybrid dog, although, we can safely assume that it is a relatively new designer dog breed. The concept of designer dogs first came into existence during the s. One of the first crossbreeds — a Labradoodle — was developed in the late s and became immensely popular due to its high trainability and hypoallergenic fur. By the mids, people were looking for even more variety in Doodle breeds designer dogs having one Poodle parent. One such mix was the Rottle. Rottles do not have fixed standards as far as their physical attributes are concerned. Naturally, you could have many variations in the breeding programs: crossing a purebred Rottweiler with a purebred Mini or Standard Poodle, crossing a Rottle back to a Poodle, or breeding two Rottles, and so on. As a result, a Rottle puppy could reach a height of anywhere between 10 and 27 inches 25 to .Some Rottiepoos develop the muscular structure of the Rottweiler parent but others might be leaner like the Poodle parent. Just as there are variations in the height and weight of a Rottle, there can be many coat variations in Rottiepoos. Your Roodle puppy could develop a straight and medium-length coat like the Rottweiler parent or a curly, tight, or wavy hypoallergenic coat like the Poodle. Coat colours commonly seen in the Rottle are brown, black, phantom and tan, red, grey, white, and blue. Some Rottiepoos also develop the rust markings seen in Rottweilers known as phantom colouring. For a Roodle to inherit the tan points of the Rottweiler, the poodle parents must also carry to phantom colouring. Is a Rottle Hypoallergenic? Rottles may or may not be hypoallergenic. The best Roodle breeders will DNA test their breeding dogs to determine the coat traits they carry. Through DNA testing it is possible to only breed with poodle parents who carry two furnishing genes, no improper coat or shedding genes. This would make the resulting puppies very low to non-shedding. The chances of getting a hypoallergenic Rottle will increase if a breeder develops puppies by crossing a Rottle back to a Poodle. This is because there will be a larger Poodle gene pool to consider. This is due to the pet dander that causes allergy in the first place. Do Rottles Need Grooming? Every dog needs grooming. If your pet takes after its Poodle parent, it may even need special haircuts every 6 weeks or so and regular combing to prevent matting. Temperament of Rottles Rottles are protective, loyal, sweet, loving, and faithful dogs. They are a bundle of energy, especially when they are young — so do watch out, they tend to be very mischievous! Even if your Roodle is muscular, it should not be aggressive. Sure, you might want your Rottle dog to guard your property, but aggressive behaviour like biting and snarling warrants contacting a dog behaviourist to help train your dog. Well-bred Roodles are generally sweet-natured dogs with exceptional trainability, solid handler focus, and biddable, social temperament. They are perfect for families with slightly older children and anyone who needs a companion guard dog. Therefore, it is very important to buy your Rottle puppy from a reputable breeder. Good breeders will use only dogs with sound temperaments in their breeding programs. You can also ask to meet the dam and sire prior to buying the puppy. That way, you can ensure that the Rottweiler and Poodle parents or Rottle parents in the case of F2 Roodles are of sound and sociable temperaments as well. Rottiepoos need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Without these, your Rottie-Poo could misbehave including displaying destructive tendencies. You can always divide this into two or three shorter walks. Roodles can be good family dogs when they are well trained and socialised with kids from a young age. Standard-size Rottie-poos those from a Standard Poodle parent can be large, strong dogs and could unintentionally knock over small children during play. Are Rottles Good Guard Dogs? Some Rottles inherit the traits of a Rottweiler that make it a good guard dog. A successful guard dog needs to listen well and think fast. It should also be medium to large sized since small Roodles may not seem intimidating to intruders. Ideally, guard Rottles should have a lot of energy. Some dog handlers believe that female Rottles make better guard dogs due to their maternal instincts. Male Rottie-Poos, on the other hand, might be better off watching over the property as it is in their nature to be possessive about their territory. How Much Does a Roodle Cost? Some breeders may even charge more, depending on the efforts they have put into the breeding program. It is very important to know if you can afford a Rottle financially before bringing one home. If you want to save some money, you could consider adopting a Rottle. Contact animal rescue homes to see if they have a Roodle available. What to Feed a Rottle? Feed your Rottle a high-quality dog food containing nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health. This is especially necessary for large-sized Roodles as they are prone to musculoskeletal issues more than smaller dogs. If your Rottle is of a smaller size, then feed it a premium grain-free kibble that is appropriate for its small jaws. Some Roodles are known to have sensitive digestion, in which case, you may want to want to consult with a vet nutritionist about the right dog food to feed. Most dog owners prefer feeding dry dog food or kibble to their dogs. This is because of its convenience and longer shelf life. Wet or canned food is also a good choice owing to its higher moisture content. BARF or raw diet is another good option for Roodles. The raw meaty bone component of raw dog feeding will keep your Rottie-poo stimulated, content and their teeth sparkly clean. However, you must always consult a vet nutritionist before making any drastic dietary changes. Health Issues in Rottles Roodles from the best breeders are generally quite healthy. However, from time to time, health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia are known to crop up in the breed. Dysplasia is a congenital condition and can be prevented through good breeding practices. Larger Roodles could also develop issues like Osteochondritis dissecans OD and heart issues. With proper diet and overall care, Rottles could live for almost years. The Roodle is a fairly rare designer dog breed in Australia. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.