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Are You Ready to Care for a Boxer? All dog breeds have these genes, but whether they come in the ancestral form—the highest degree of shedding—or other forms such as the newer version, resulting in a low amount of shedding, varies. Boxers are undoubtedly at the higher end of the shedding spectrum. But even within a litter, some dogs may inherit genes more prone to shedding than others. But did you know that people shed 50 to hairs per day? Boxers and humans share the same three-stage shedding cycle. The process is as follows: Anagen Catagen Telogen Anagen is an active stage when new hair is growing on your Boxer. Are Boxers Hypoallergenic? Hypoallergenic dogs have hair instead of fur, meaning that their hair grows continuously and sheds less. All dogs have protein in their dander, and some people have an allergic reaction to it. And since Boxers shed so much, that allergy-inducing protein spreads readily throughout a home. Instead, they shed evenly year-round. Three Boxer dogs sitting to attention. What a team! Reasons for Excessive Boxer Shedding Although Boxers naturally shed a lot, sometimes an underlying issue sparks excessive shedding. Below are some of the most common situations that may make your Boxer shed more than usual. External Parasites Fleas are a common external parasite that causes hair loss in Boxers, in part because they itch so much and damage their hair follicles. The good news is that you can prevent a tick infestation on your pet and in your home by keeping your Boxer on a flea and tick medication schedule. Mites are another parasite that leads to excessive shedding. Several different types of mites exist, and they create the itchy and painful condition called mange. Your veterinarian will prescribe your Boxer medication if they come down with mange. Once your dog recovers, you can expect them to return to its regular shedding habits. A snoozing boxer dog. And on the contrary, some people inadvertently feed their dog unbalanced home cooked meals without the proper ratio of macro and micronutrients. Regardless of the situation, a diet that lacks nutrients can spark extra shedding in your Boxer. So, work with your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to feed them. Switching dog food diets 3. But as much as we all wish they could keep that fur forever, the reality is that they shed it to make way for coarser adult fur. The time when a Boxer puppy starts shedding their puppy coat varies, but it can be anywhere from four months to one year, and the process is often gradual. A Boxer puppy sitting happily 4. Infection Infections are not only painful and dangerous for your Boxer if you leave them untreated, but they can also cause hair loss. The most common types of hair-loss-inducing infections result from bacteria and fungus. But Boxers love routine, so anything in your household that changes this can cause them to feel stressed. How To Groom a Boxer? Brushing your Boxer once or twice a week is an excellent strategy for reducing the amount of fur that will end up on your floor. Instead, a pin brush with rubber tips will do the job of pulling up loose fur. Bathing your Boxer is another excellent way to reduce the amount of shedding around your home. But the bottom line is that you should strike a balance between managing their shedding and not stripping the oils from their skin. Boxers are a relatively easy breed to care for despite shedding daily. So, may I suggest purchasing a robot vacuum in addition to your Boxer? My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. If you are a high energy, active person, you want a dog who can keep up. I have my moments of high energy, but I like having a calm dog who sleeps most of the day away. Hi dog moms and dads, my name is Bri! My American Bulldog , Bruce, is an older dog so his high energy days are dwindling. He still enjoys a long walk, but at a very slow pace and only if he can sleep the rest of the day after. This works just fine for me! I consider myself a pretty active person and I love going on hikes that last all day, but unfortunately Bruce is just too old to keep up with me for something like that. A great dog breed for an active lifestyle is a Boxer! Boxers are super high energy, active pups who need a ton of exercise, making them a perfect companion for somebody who likes to go on adventures. However, any time you bring a dog home, there are more things to consider than just their energy levels. Shedding can be a make or break factor in a decision to get a dog for many people. Boxers are no exception. I will talk about the history of the breed, their shedding, how to manage it and some tools that I keep on hand to help keep shedding from taking over. Hopefully this guide will help you decide if a Boxer is the right fit for your home! History of Boxers The origin of the Boxer dates back all the way to 2, B. There is not a ton of information about the dogs at that time, but they continued to be working dogs throughout history. In the s, they were greatly used for big game hunting in Germany. The breed got its name from the way they spar their paws during playing, much like a professional boxer holds their fists. Boxers are natural working dogs and have held jobs in police work, hunting, farming and protection. These days they are still used as work dogs but are much more common as just a fun-loving companion. Boxers have a short, shiny and soft coat that has natural oils to help deflect water. Their fur is soft and sleek, and comes in mostly black and tan patterns or brindle. Boxers typically have distinct black markings around their faces, which is also where their softest, kissable fur is! Do Boxers Shed? How Much? Yes boxers do shed but because their fur is so short and sleek, Boxers actually only do shed moderately. Being occasional shedders, this means you will see some dog hair coming off but not much at one time. This is not as likely with a Boxer! You might see a little fur come loose, especially if you give them a good back scratch, but not a lot. When do Boxers Shed the Most? Many dogs shed pretty regularly throughout the year. However, there are some factors that will increase their shedding. There are two times of the year when dogs shed more than ever. These two times are called shedding seasons. They occur during the transition from winter to summer and again from summer to winter. During shedding season, Boxers, like most other dogs, shed their previous coat to make room for the new one to grow in. They then shed that thicker coat during the transition to summer to grow in their lighter summer coat. Not only is this crucial for dogs to keep their body temperatures at a healthy level, it is also important for dog parents to remember! Boxers have natural oils that keep their skin and fur healthy. When they shed a lot, brushing them out helps get rid of all the loose fur and distribute those oils to keep their skin healthy. This also helps promote healthy new fur growth! Stage of Life Have you ever snuggled a puppy with their baby soft fur? Puppies will shed that soft fur as they mature, which might make it seem like the shedding will be a never ending mess. Pests and Skin Conditions Bugs like ticks and fleas are an unfortunate part of our natural world. They can wreak havoc on dogs, causing them to scratch and lick like crazy. That licking and scratching can lead to excess shedding. If you see your dog showing these behaviors, make sure you check them for pests. Those bugs could also carry bacteria that leads to skin conditions, such as mange-carrying mites. These conditions can be miserable for pups, so look closely! It can be a little difficult to find these pests on a Boxer due to their dark fur coloring. Pay extra attention to wear your dog is licking or scratching to help you narrow down the problem areas! Diet and Exercise I will always tell people that health starts from the inside out. A dog will not have a healthy coat or skin if they are not getting the right nutrition and exercise! Boxer parents especially need to remember this. Boxers are extremely active and high energy, which means they need the right nutrients to keep up with them. Without it, their skin and fur will show signs of lacking nutrients. This might even cause them to shed more than normal or in abnormal ways, such as patches. Many dogs that are overweight or underweight suffer from secondary effects like hair loss or just overall unhealthy skin and coats. How to Combat Boxer Shedding Let me first clarify that shedding is normal, natural and necessary for dogs, especially Boxers. That being said, you should never try to keep a dog from shedding. Even if that were possible, it would be incredibly unhealthy! Getting into a routine is the important part. You will want to start by keeping up on grooming. Plus, make cleaning a regular habit! Tools and Equipment to Combat Boxer Shedding There are all kinds of tools you can find to help maintain dog hair. Like I said before, a good brush is going to be one of the important ones! There really is not a bad brush to choose from when it comes to Boxers. You will want something with short, flexible bristles or even one of those handy rubber brush gloves! If you brush your Boxer once a week or even once every other week, you will be good to go. You will probably want to make sure it happens at least once a week if not more during shedding season just to be safe. I also mentioned running your vacuum regularly in the previous section, so make sure you have a good vacuum handy. Bruce is a short haired dog with a similar coat to boxers, and I know from experience that his fur sticks to every surface. It can also be tricky to vacuum because his fur is so fine and short. I will never use another vacuum now that I have the Dyson for pet hair cordless vacuum. It breaks down into smaller parts and has attachments that get into the tightest corners. I love how easy it is to clean out and that it never gets clogged. It seriously makes vacuuming so much easier. It was a little pricey, but we have had it for four years now and have never had an issue with it! I consider that a worth-while investment hands down. The last tool I probably could not live without is my lint brush — yes brush, not roller! Lint rollers are a mess of problems for several reasons. They create a TON of waste, they need replaced, I go through ten sheets per leg, etc. I love my Magik Brush lint brush because it does not do any of those things! It is reusable and double-sided, so you do not have to worry about creating more trash in the environment. Plus, it is super easy to clean and works on clothes and furniture. Do Some Boxers Shed more than others? Dogs who live in different climates might shed more or less than the other. Boxers of different ages might also shed at different rates, or Boxers with different skin conditions. It all depends on the dog and the environment! Typically, two Boxers who live in the same location and are generally healthy will not shed more than the other. We will talk more about that in the next section. When you have a fever, you might feel crappy and your appearance could change. The same happens for dogs! If there are internal issues happening, you can often see it on the outside. Their skin and coats could show signs of distress such as dry, flaky skin, rashes or even fur loss. Unfortunately, many severe health conditions show symptoms like hair loss and skin problems. Especially if you have kids — Boxers are known to be great with little ones. No matter what your interests are, Boxers are a great dog breed to have and are incredibly easy to handle when it comes to shedding. Getting into the trash, however? Happy Pup Parenting! What Affects Shedding in Boxer Dogs? Many think that when the seasons change, the temperature has the biggest impact on dogs. What can trigger the change is the change in the amount of sunlight in a day. Your location is also a factor on whether how light or strong your boxer sheds his hair. Boxer dogs and other dogs with the same coat length can begin shedding at areas with 13 to 14 hours of daylight. When the days begin to become shorter, the coat starts to thicken up again. This is opposed to spring and summer when the coat sheds off again. So how can you keep up with boxer dogs shedding like crazy? Many owners complain that the heaviest shed for boxer dogs is around spring. This is where boxers are shedding more than usual. Puppies themselves will have a different thickness on their coats. Look for types of food that your pet will love and one that is good for its body. A bad diet can also lead to an unhealthy coat. An unhealthy coat can contribute to shedding even without daylight. You could put in omega fatty acid supplements into the mix as well. If you leave the hairs unattended, it can hinder the coat from producing new and healthy hairs. Your boxer would end up looking unkempt because of its old and dead coat. Yeast infection could develop because of the trapped moisture between the coat and skin. Make sure that you can brush your dog at least once a week or depending on how much hair your pet has. Give them a proper bath and choose the right shampoo them. There are even vacuum suction tools for grooming that can make the process easier. If you want to stick with the normal grooming, go for a pin or slicker brush. The important thing is that your dog is always clean and healthy. Go for the best option on how to cope with boxer dogs shedding like crazy and never have the same problem again. Sarah Andrews Hi I'm Sarah, dog lover and blogger. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts. Boxer Dog Shedding Overview Breeds can be categorized into light, moderate or heavy shedders. Where does the Boxer dog fit into that? This said, there are some factors that can make it appear that a Boxer is having super heavy sheds, and there are some conditions that can cause excessive coat loss. In this section we'll cover the details of: How much a Boxer dog sheds The many elements that will affect the amount of shedding and possible cause what owners would consider to be a shedding problem The best grooming and shedding tools and brushes that work for this breed Tips and advice to cut down on the amount of coat loss that your Boxer may experience Signs of hair loss that may point to issues other than normal and expected shedding How Much Does a Boxer Shed? The breed is considered to be a moderate shedder, but what does that really mean? Some light shedders are dogs that have hair as opposed to fur yet the hairs do continually cycle, just like human hairs and others are considered to be light shedders due to the length or texture of the coat. Heavy shedders, such as the Golden Retriever or the Husky have what can be called a furious shed - clumps fall out - there is almost a continual thick shedding of the coat. The Boxer breed typically falls between these two categories. Here we are going to cover: How much does a Boxer dog shed? The many elements that will affect the amount of shedding and possible cause what owners would consider to be a shedding problem The best grooming and shedding tools and brushes that work for this breed Tips and advice to cut down on the amount of coat loss that your Boxer may experience Signs of hair loss that may point to issues other than normal and expected shedding While many factors will influence how much shedding an owner can expect to deal with, in general, the coat will need a good brushing once a week and during certain times of the year again, depending on different factors there will be a heavier shed in which the Boxer dog may need a good brushing or raking every other day and you'll be wanting to have your vacuum cleaner and lint brushes at the ready. The Elements that will Affect the Amount of Shedding Puppy to Adult - You may find that shedding picks up close to the 1 year mark and then decreases and levels out after the 2 year mark. Because during this time the puppy coat is being shed and is being replaced by the adult coat. It should also be mentioned that you may notice some color changes during this time as well. Most are not drastic, however the adult coat may come in a bit darker, or lighter - and with some dogs this will change the shininess of the coat. Genetics Genetics play a role in how much a Boxer dog will shed. First, we must factor in texture - German, UK or American lines will have different textures. In addition, thickness of the coat can vary even with puppies from the same litter - some may take after the sire and some may take after the dam. Care Elements Exposure to sunlight, the area in which you live, the supplements that you do or do not give to your dog… all of these elements come together and affect the shedding process. Seasonal When people talk about seasonal shedding, many assume that it is the change in temperature that causes a shed. However, it is the amount of sunlight in the day that actually triggers the change and this does of course correspond with temperatures. Whether or not your Boxer dog experiences this seasonal shed will depend on where you reside. In areas that have drastic changes of sunlight hours in the fall and then again in the springtime, a dog's body will respond. In locations that receive 6 to 7 hours of sun in the winter compared to 13 or 14 in the summer, the dog's pineal gland will be triggered which sends the signal to the body to shed the coat. As you probably know, a thickening of the coat will begin as the days become shorter and in the spring, as days become longer, this thicker coat will begin to shed off. For many, the heaviest shed with occur with the spring seasonal shedding phase - April through May. It is usually this phase that has owners wondering why their Boxer is shedding like crazy. Food and diet affect shedding and this is because if a dog is receiving the right balance of nutrients, both skin and coat will be healthy. Alternatively, if a dog is not receiving the proper vitamins and nutrients that are needed, this makes for an unhealthy coat that will be much more prone to shedding off, regardless of the time of year. You'll want to choose wisely in regard to main meals Read more in the Feeding section and in addition to that 2 elements are important: 1- A daily vitamin and mineral supplement may be needed. This is pertinent to dogs that eat whole home cooked foods though super healthy, just like high quality commercial brands, this should be mixed in. And for other dogs under certain conditions. The Female Shed Hormonal changes that occur due to the heat cycle will affect the coat and shedding. For many un-spayed female Boxer dogs, there will be a heavier shed than usual toward the end of the heat cycle. In addition, there is often a deep, heavy shed that occurs after giving birth since pregnancy brings about a drastic change in hormones. Keeping a grooming routine is recommended, since time can fly by so fast and if we do not purposely set aside time for brushing the coat, things can get out of hand. Every day, every hour, every minute, hairs are being shed off - even if you do not see this. Each follicle goes through 3 stages: Growth, rest, falling out. During a typical week, hairs are falling out and a good amount of them are settling back down into the coat. And this can cause problems. If brushing is not done on a regular basic, these dead hairs will accumulate and become compacted under the coat and against the skin. When this happens, they create a barrier - it cuts off healthy air circulation to the skin and it creates a barrier that traps moisture yeast infections can then develop. Therefore, choosing 1 day a week to do a good, all over body brushing is recommended to pull out dead hairs and leave the coat healthy to continue its normal shedding process. When brushing, be sure that you do not just skim over the top of the coat. It is important to brush down to the skin and then up and out, releasing those shedded hairs. As you go, clean the grooming tool as needed. In addition, aside from the belly, there is no other area that should go untouched. Back, tail, legs… all should be brushed. It is suggested to work in sections so that no areas are accidentally missed. During times of heavy shed, you will find that changing your brush or rake will be needed. More ahead. Bathing - Too many baths will dry out the skin which often leads to an unhealthy coat - and too few baths allows dirt and debris to settle into the coat which also affects the skin and the health of the fur. Therefore, staying on schedule with baths is another step to keeping the shedding under control. If your Boxer puppy or dog has run through mud or has splashed through any puddles that may contain ice melt chemicals, an extra bath will be needed. Grooming Outside - The Boxer, more so than many other more fragile dog breeds, can have certain grooming procedures done outside. However, there are exceptions. What to keep in mind? Young puppies that have not yet become accustomed to bath time often do not fare well when sprayed with a garden hose - Getting used to water, just like many other elements of the world, takes time - and puppies do best with a slow, gradual process that allows them to learn about an element such as baths and brushings, dental care, etc. In addition, a Boxer should not be wet down outdoors if the temperature is under 55 degrees Fahrenheit 10 Celsius ; young puppies and older senior dogs in particular will be prone to becoming chilled. For shedding Boxer dogs, brushing the coat outside is just fine, however one should also take into consideration the weather for this grooming need as well. If the temps are soaring, choose a spot in the shade. If it is chilly or cold outside, you might need to be extra vigilant as not to rush the brushing. Another tip to keep in mind is the wind direction; position your Boxer dog and yourself so that the breeze takes loose hairs away from you and not toward the door of the house. Vacuuming with the Correct Machine - Vacuuming on a regular basis will help keep the floors from gathering shedded hairs, however in areas with foot traffic, the hairs can quickly settle down into the carpet fibers at which time a "normal" vacuum cleaner may not be strong enough to pull them out. Particularly for those who have wall to wall carpeting, a strong suction is needed. For homes without central air circulation systems with replaceable filters, choosing to obtain a vacuum that also cleans the air as it clean the hairs is recommended. For fabric sofas, we have found that simple tape lint rollers work excellent. The Best Grooming Tools and Brushes for Boxer Dog Shedding There are hundreds of brushes, rakes and even vacuum suction grooming tools that all claim to work the best. So, what is an owner to do? However, for shedding you do not need to go with what is most expensive or any sort of complicated grooming device. Along with this, exposed skin may be red and irritated. Itching - Normal shedding does not cause irritation and does not cause a dog to scratch. The only time that it would indirectly cause this sort of issue, is if the coat has not been brushed as needed - thus allowing fallen hairs to settle deep down in the coat, near the skin, trapping moisture and blocking air circulation Any behavior or physical symptoms that are out of the ordinary loss of appetite, whining, restlessness, etc. Any time that you notice unusual hair loss, whether this be an allover thinning or patches that are appearing, this is a sign of an issue that warrants a checkup with the veterinarian. In many cases, it will be a skin disorder in which thinning hair is one of the symptoms. Balding along the sides of the body may be seasonal flank alopecia. Since alopecia simply means 'hair loss", this is a loss of coat that can happen each year, but is much more severe than average shedding. With this condition - to which the Boxer breed is prone - 3 things generally happen: 1- Loss of coat on the sides of the body usually just about the hind legs and sometimes on the bridge of the snout will result in bald spots. The sensitive skin often responds well to ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment results can actually be quite amazing, with blacken skin often flaking off - with daily use - and an excellent response with the re-growth of fur. Another possible issue may be allergies, as reactions can cause skin and coat issues that may be mistaken for shedding, especially in the early stages. Less common, but still a potential cause would be a thyroid imbalance. Boxer dog drooling - While all breeds drool to some extent and the Boxer may do so even more due to the mouth and lips, learn what is considered normal and what is not. Boxer origin Boxer pros and cons Owning a Boxer comes with pros and cons associated with this breed. Boxers are highly active and can spend hours playing with older kids. These family friendly dogs need a couple of hours of exercise every day, which is an advantage for families with energetic children. There are more Boxer dog pros and being responsive to positive training is one of them. Boxers are eager to learn new commands and a small treat as a reward for good behavior goes a long way during training process. Boxers are naturally curious and enjoy mental exercises. Provide your pet with an interactive dog toy or a treat dispenser and let the Boxer use his intellectual abilities as he is figuring out how to get the treats out of the toy. Boxer cons include the following. Boxers can be sloppy eaters which can be a shock to a new Boxer owner. Boxers are brachycephalic and can easily get overheated during the hot weather. Boxers need to be in an air conditioned room during hot summer days to prevent overheating. Owning a Boxer breed has another disadvantage - this brachycephalic breed is not accepted by most airlines and traveling by plane can be an issue for Boxer dog owners if they want to bring the dog along for the trip. Boxers are highly active and leaving a Boxer home alone with nothing to do is asking for trouble. The disadvantage of owning a high energy dog breed is that unless the dog has a constructive outlet for his energy, the Boxer is prone to destructive behaviors. The dog will try to find something to keep himself busy such as excessive barking, chewing on things that may be valuable to the owners or scratching furniture. Energetic and active owners who can spend most of the time with the dog are ideal for Boxers. Boxer shedding Do Boxers shed? Yes, and even though this dog breed is short coated, Boxers need regular brushing to minimize the amount of dog hair around the house. Furminator deshedding tool can be used to keep Boxer shedding to a minimum. See video below where a Boxer owner is testing a Furminator brush. Boxers have a short coat and Furminator deshedding tool for short coat can effectively help to remove the dead hair from the dog's coat. Boxer dog size Boxer male weight: 66 to 70 lb 30 to 32 kg Boxer female weight: 55 to 59 lb 25 to 27 kg Boxer dog size Boxer male height: 22 to 25 inches at the withers 57 to 63 cm Boxer female height: 20 to 23 inches at the withers 53 to 60 cm Boxer coat: smooth, short and tight-fitting Boxer dog color: fawn or brindled, with or without white markings, and white How many puppies do Boxers have? Boxer litter size: 4 to 8 puppies How long do Boxers live? Boxer lifespan: 9 to 11 years How much does a Boxer dog cost? This is an alert dog and his temperament is steadfast and tractable. If you like a quiet life, a Boxer breed is not for you. Boxers have a lot of energy and need about two hours of exercise every day, otherwise the Boxer may look for other ways to use his energy and can engage in destructive behaviors. Lively, boisterous boxers will not be happy sitting in an apartment all day long. This athletic breed needs a lot of space to run around and as a result the dog breed is not recommended for small apartments. Although this breed needs to live indoors, having a backyard where your Boxer can stretch his legs can help to satisfy the dog's need to release its boundless energy. Are Boxers good with kids? Boxers are great for families with kids and make loving and loyal companion dogs that live to please their owners. Boxers need to be around their families as they are very sociable dogs and if you are not able to spend a lot of time with your Boxer then consider getting two Boxers for companionship. Boxers do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They tend to stay energetic until the old age. Even at ten years of age your Boxer may still act like a two year old dog in terms of energy. Many Boxer owners agree that this is a very clever dog breed. If at first a Boxer doesn't succeed at getting what he wants, he will try as many different ways as necessary until he succeeds. Some Boxers even learn to open a refrigerator doors and help themselves with a snack. For someone who has never owned a Boxer seeing a Boxer eating and drinking may be a shocking event. Boxer dogs aren't very neat eaters. Boxer owners are used to their dogs sprinkling of dinner remnants around the food bowl and water may be dribbled across the floor as the dog moves away from his bowl. The dog is not intentionally trying to be messy. The way the jaw and the upper hanging lips are constructed makes it impossible for the dog to be a neat eater or drinker. Drooling may also be an issue for this breed when a Boxer is exercising or when he spots something that smells like a good dinner. Boxers are also known for their flatulence especially after a meal. This can be quite offensive to owners of more delicate constructions, but most Boxer owners take it in stride. The reason for Boxer flatulence may stem from digesting certain foods and can be controlled through a carefully selected diet. Originally bred as a guarding breed, Boxers may be wary with strangers. This fearless dog will show curiosity and courage if threatened. Socialize your Boxer early on to raise a confident and well-mannered dog that will be your pride and joy. German boxers have bigger bone structure, bigger heads and have more muscle than American and English Boxers. All three Boxer types tend to have a dominant temperament and need an owner, capable of being a fair, but kind leader. Boxers are used for police dogs, military work, search and rescue, competitive obedience and more. This working breed is suitable for active families that enjoy spending time with the energetic dog. The white color fell out of favor when it was discovered that a white messenger dog was much more visible at night than a darkly colored dog. In the United States, the standard has always read that a Boxer dog with too much white possesses a disqualifying fault despite the fact that as much as 25 percent of every litter is white. There are fanciers of white Boxers who would like to see the white Boxer accepted as an allowable color in the breed standard as well as in breeding programs. Critics say that this would cause issues because the white coat color is linked to genetic deafness, which would add one more health issue for breeders to worry about. Currently, white Boxer owners can get Purebred Alternative Listing numbers for their dogs and compete in many of the AKC's performance events. Boxer cropped ears and docked tails To achieve the permanently erect Boxer ears, the ears must be trimmed to a point and the edges stitched to close the wound. The ears must then be taped and put in a rack so that they heal in the proper position and don't flop. The procedure is performed by a veterinarian with the Boxer under anesthetic. The breed's ears have been cropped in this fashion since the beginning of the breed. Since the s, however, it has been illegal in many countries to crop a dog's ears. German boxers have been spotting natural ears for decades now. In the United States, an increasing number of Boxer owners are not cropping their dogs' ears, either because they favor the look of the natural ear, or they don't want to spend the money and time necessary to insure that the cropped ears will heal correctly. The breed standard was revised in , to include guidelines for judging natural or uncropped ears. This revision effectively allowed Boxers with uncropped ears to be competitive in the show ring with cropped-ear Boxers. Boxer tails are generally docked by a veterinarian within the first few days following the puppies' birth. This is not so anymore in many European countries where tail docking has been banned and the Boxer has a full tail. Currently a natural tail is not desirable in the show ring, but it is not a disqualification. This allows European Boxers with natural ears and tails to compete with American Boxers in the ring. Some German trainers relate that after decades of working with docked tails and now working with full tails, they believe the full tail gives the Boxer more balance and agility. Boxer supplies Depending on your financial situation, dog ownership may be very expensive. This is just the initial cost of the dog that does not include other first year ownership expenses that include: Dog crates for Boxers A crate trained dog is much easier to travel with because the dog is in a familiar environment during the trip, which helps to minimize the travel related stress. Transporting a Boxer in a crate is the safest way to travel with the dog as the dog is not likely to accidentally escape. Crate should be used as the dog's sleeping area at home. Dogs are den living animals and they need to have a space where they can rest and enjoy a peaceful time. A young Boxer puppy may get in a lot of trouble if left alone even for an hour. A crate can keep the puppy and your belongings safe when you can not supervise the dog. Do not leave a Boxer puppy for longer than an hour or two in a crate. Dogs should not be locked in a crate for hours on end. A crate should not be used as a way to punish the dog - this will only deter the dog from using the crate in the future. A crate is a great potty training tool when used properly. Dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep and can be housetrained easier than dogs that are allowed to run free during housebreaking time. Dog nail clippers will help to care for Boxer's nails. Trim the dog's nails once every six weeks. Overgrown nails can cause pain and discomfort as the dog is walking and in severe cases can even change the dog's gait. If you accidenally cut your Boxer's nail too much and the dog nail is bleeding, styptic powder can quickly help stop bleeding. There are other expenses not mentioned above that may include medical emergencies, dog training, vacation boarding and more that can really add up to the first year of owning a Boxer. Boxer dog training The intelligence, versatility and athleticism of the breed make a Boxer a good choice for a variety of competitive sports including agility, flyball, disk competitions, and Schutzhund. Boxers are natural agility dogs that are quite trainable. It is important to start training your Boxer at a young age. Boxers can jump on furniture and if you are not planning to let your Boxer take over the couch then provide the dog with his own dog bed and train your Boxer to not jump on furniture in the house. Training the Boxer starts the minute you bring the puppy home. Establish the house rules as soon as the Boxer puppy arrives. It is easier to train your Boxer not to jump on any house furniture from the very beginning. There should be no exceptions and all family members need to follow the same rules for the dog to realize that jumping on a furniture is not allowed. Boxers may be tempted to eat off of countertops in the kitchen and you may wish to train your Boxer to not enter the kitchen area at all. Puppy proof your home before you bring a Boxer puppy. Boxer puppies are very active up until about eighteen months of age and need constant supervision. It is important to play with Boxer puppies and to socialize them. Take the puppy with you whenever dogs are allowed to go and introduce him to different people of all ages. Let your dog experience the sounds of traffic on a busy street and be petted by kids in the park. Your goal is to introduce your puppy to as many new experiences as possible while keeping the dog comfortable and relaxed in the process. A well-socialized dog is confident and comfortable in different environments because the owners took the time to introduce the dog to all kinds of circumstances while the dog was still a puppy. Boxer puppies need an owner with a lot of energy so that the person can keep up with the energetic puppies. For older people it is best to get an older boxer as the dog is better matched to the owners in energy levels. Boxers are prey-driven and as a result getting a kitten when you have an adult Boxer at home may not end well. Boxers need to be socialized to other pets starting at an early age. If you are getting a Boxer puppy, it is much easier to accustom the young dog to a kitten or a cat. Boxers are known to enjoy chewing on things. They chew because of boredom or due to teething. You can not stop the chewing instinct, but you can provide your dog with the chewing dog toys that are safe for your pet to chew on. Let your dog enjoy a chewing toy or a rawhide bone to keep the dog happy and your shoes safe. Keep your shoes and other things that the dog may find fun to chew away from the Boxer's view. If you find your pet chewing on something he is not supposed to chew, calmly replace the item with a chewing toy. With time the dog will learn which things he is allowed to chew on. Digging is another hobby that some Boxer dogs are so fond of. If your Boxer likes to dig in your beautiful garden, it is a good idea to allocate a spot in the garden where your Boxer can dig his tunnel straight to China if he likes, otherwise you may see many craters in the garden and this can take the joy away from any proud gardener. To encourage your Boxer to dig in the spot that is allocated for his digging, place some dog toys or chewing bones in that area to attract your dog to that specific area and thus save the rest of your garden. Other ways of managing the digging behavior include lots of physical activity, long walks, mental stimulation so that your dog is busy with activities other than digging. Happy Boxers do not get destructive because they spend most of their time with their owners and are supervised most of the time. Happy Boxers get plenty of love and interaction from humans and are much less likely to get bored and then destructive. Once you bring a Boxer home, it is time to start housetraining him. Potty training a Boxer requires your attention and dedication. Be on the lookout for the signs that the Boxer puppy is ready to use a potty. The potty readiness signs include the dog sniffing the floor and walking in circles, looking for the perfect spot to do his deed. As soon as you notice any of these signes, take the Boxer to the designated potty area and let the dog do his thing. You may want to pick a command word for potty training, for example, say "Go Potty" as the dog is busy in the potty area. As soon as the dog is done, praise him and give the Boxer a small treat right away. This will help a Boxer to associate using the potty in the right place with getting rewarded and he will soon understand what is required of him. Do not punish the Boxer dog for accidents that are bound to happen during housetraining. Clean up the accident and continue to monitor the dog for the signs of readiness to use the bathroom. Use a dog odor clean up solution to completely eliminate the odor of the dog's urine. If the dog can smell his urine in any area, he is more likely to use the area again as his toilet. Dog clean up products are can help to completely removing the odor that dogs associate with potty area. Punishing the Boxer dog for any accidents will make the housetraining more difficult and can slow the housetraining process. Stay consistent and positive during housetraining for faster training results. Best dog brush for Boxers Brush your Boxer's coat with a rubber brush that will remove all the dead hair. Rubber dog brush should ideally be used at least once a week. Rubber brushes help to increase circulation in the dog's skin and keeps the coat nice and shiny. The short coated dog can not tolerate cold weather too long and should never be left outside. A Boxer is known as a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short nose and can not efficiently cool off during hot summer weather. Never leave your Boxer outside when the temperature is very hot and do not exercise your Boxer during the hot weather. Boxers have a short coat that doesn't protect the dog during walks on cold winter days. A good dog coat can help to keep your four legged friend warm and dry. In the winter many roads are sprinkled with ice melting chemicals that can cause burns or irritation to Boxer's paws. Wipe the dog's feet to remove any ice or chemicals off the dog's paws after each walk. Bathe the dog when necessary. It is not recommended to wash a Boxer more than once a month as frequent bathing may result in dry and itchy skin. Use a mild dog shampoo for bathing your dog. Dog shower attachment can make bathing your Boxer easier. Grooming wipes can be used to clean Boxer's skin folds, eye stains and so on. Boxer dog's teeth need to be brushed every day to remove plaque. Unless plaque is removed, it will harden into a yellow tartar on the dog's teeth, harboring harmful bacteria. More than a half of all dogs suffer from dental issues by the age of 2 years old. Many owners do not realize that their dog's teeth need to be brushed daily. Early dental care with daily brushing will help your Boxer to get used to the procedure of having the teeth brushed. Use dog toothpaste to brush your pet's teeth as human toothpaste is not safe for dogs. A good quality dog bed can keep your Boxer well rested and less interested in taking over your furniture. Healthy Boxers and older Boxers that may be suffering from arthritis can enjoy an orthopedic dog bed. Getting an ortho dog bed with a removable cover can help to keep it clean and fresh. Best dog food for Boxers Experts recommend to feed a Boxer twice a day because due to the fact that Boxers are a deep-chested dog breed, they are susceptible to Bloat which can result from overeating or overdrinking. Be careful about the amount of food you're feeding your Boxer. You don't want to overfeed your dog at one time. Boxers need to be in calm state when they are eating so that they do not swallow a lot of air along with the food. This helps to prevent Bloat. Keep your Boxer in a healthy weight. Overweight Boxers often have joint problems and they do not live as long as Boxers in healthy weight in general. Feed your Boxer with a high-quality, age-appropriate diet. Good nutrition will help your Boxer to live a longer and healthier life. The average Boxer life expectancy is between nine and eleven years and some Boxer dogs live up to thirteen years or even more, depending on the general care and overall health of the dog. Do not feed your dog with human food as it does not have all the nutrients to keep the dog healthy. There are so many different dog food varieties. Many owners wonder if it's best to use wet dog food or dry dog food for their Boxer. The one advantage that dry dog food has is that it helps to keep the teeth clean and strong because it requires more chewing action as the dog is eating. In order to determine if your Boxer is too thin, too fat or just right, feel the flesh covering your dog's ribs. If you exert slight pressure and can't feel any ribs, your Boxer needs to begin cutting back on his daily intake. If you are not exercising your Boxer, this could be a factor too. If you exert slight pressure and feel the dog's ribs, he is most likely about where he needs to be on the scale. If you don't even have to push your dog's sides to feel ribs, you will need to increase your dog's body weight. If a thin dog is eating but not gaining weight, be sure to have your veterinarian rule out that your dog's thinness is not being caused by parasites or disease. Best dog food for Boxers is made by a recognized manufacturer that meets your dog's daily nutritional requirements. Your Boxer should also like the way his dog food tastes otherwise the dog may refuse eating it no matter how nutritious the food is. These certified foods have undergone feeding trials to prove that they at least meet minimal standards. For owners of more than one dog, feeding them in their crates will help to avoid unnecessary squabbles between dogs and is one more step required to prevent grudge from developing between two antagonistic Boxers. Boxer health issues Boxers are prone to heart diseases. Check with the Boxer breeder if the dog was tested for serious hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, ARVC, and subaortic stenosis before you get one. Bloat can be an issue for Boxers as the breed is deep chested. Feed the dog twice a day to lower the chance of the dog developing bloat. Although many Boxer owners adore the dog's short snout, brachycephalic breeds have cons associated with the short muzzle. For example, Boxers are brachycephalic and they can not effectively cool themselves during very hot weather. Keep your Boxer dog in an air-conditioned room during hot summer days and provide the dog with fresh drinking water. Another health related disadvantage for Boxers is that the dog breed is susceptible to cancer. Boxer allergies Boxers are susceptible to allergies, which is another Boxer dog breed con. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, certain grasses, leaf mold and even flea bites and certain foods can cause a reaction in your dog. Usually, a dog suffering form allergies will lick the pads of his feet, chew on his knuckles, rub his face, and scratch is belly or under his front legs. Severe allergic reactions can trigger ear infections that require immediate veterinary attention. Chronic allergies in dogs can cause skin infections, too. The Boxer typically responds to allergens with itchy, scaly skin and ear infections. Usually a veterinarian will prescribe something to immediately help to lessen the dog's discomfort. Antihistamines, steroids, cyclosporine, or topical medications may be prescribed, as well as medicated shampoos. If the dog's condition doesn't improve, the veterinarian will want to eliminate the possibility that the discomfort stems from food allergies. To clear the most common food ingredients that cause allergic reactions, your veterinarian will have you feed your Boxer a hypoallergenic food for six weeks and then gradually introduce individual proteins and grains. If food allergies are ruled out and the problem recurs, allergy testing by a specialist is probably in order. Boxer ear infection Whether your Boxer's ears are cropped or natural, chances are he may suffer from ear infection at some point in life. Ear infections are commonly caused by allergies and by foreign bodies in the ear. Ear infections can be detected early by regularly smelling your Boxer's ears. An infection will be foul smelling and strong. There may also be excessive discharge coming from the affected ear. Untreated infections can lead to middle and inner ear infections which are more serious and more difficult to treat. Take your Boxer to the veterinary clinic as soon as you notice any signs of ear infections in your pet. Boxer origin Boxer breed was created in the 19th century in Germany. The following breeds were the selected as parents of the modern day boxer: Brabanter Bullenbeisser a hunting breed that is now extinct and originated in Brabant, Belgium and an early form of English Bulldog, which are mastiff type dogs. Both of these breeds were developed for the same purpose. This breeding introduced white and particolored or "check" dogs, and was the foundation of the Boxer breed as we know it today. How does Boxer dog compare to other dog breeds. Boxers are very easy to groom, only minimal effort is required. Brushing once or twice per week with a firm bristle brush or rubber brush is all that is needed to maintain their coat and this will help limit the shedding. Or at least, how much of their fur ends up in your home. A bristle brush is just a regular dog brush that is made up of either hard, medium or soft bristles, and a rubber brush is a term used to describe a brush with rubber on the ends instead of bristles. This is also known as a curry comb or curry brush, and can also come in the form of a hand mitt. And not only can this help limit the amount of fur he drops, but also helps to spread his coat oils, which in turn promotes a healthier, moisture-rich coat. What about bathing? It is tempting tp bath more often, since this can help remove a lot of excess fur, but over bathing can cause dryness and irritation in the skin, which can actually increase the shedding. All dogs with hair shed at least some of it. Shedding or molting is a natural process whereby your dog is simply dropping his older hairs to make way for the new batch. More specifically, it has to do with the hair growth cycle. But you can manage it and limit how much of the fur ends up gathering around the home. And this mostly comes down to proper grooming and diet. However, some people prefer to use a de-shedding brush during shedding season, as these can be very effective at removing the dead fur. Related: 13 Ways to Stop Excessive Dog Shedding When it comes to diet, speak with your vet about selecting the best possible dog food for your Boxer. A high-quality dog food, that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and things like Omega-3, can not only improve his overall health and wellbeing but also help with shedding. And second, a healthy, well-balanced diet can improve his skin and coat. Which in turn can lead to stronger hair follicles and less shedding overall. Nor are there any supplements that will eliminate the problem either. But with proper diet and grooming, you can manage it and keep your home as fur-free as possible. The key is consistency. And even though you probably will notice some fur around the home, managing it is fairly straightforward. Like the Boxerdoodle , for example, which is a mix between a Boxer and Poodle low shedding breed. Just keep in mind that, even though Boxerdoodles shed less, their coat is higher maintenance. Boxers display a single coat of very short hair. It should be shiny and healthy, requiring little grooming under normal circumstances. Overall, Boxers are considered to be clean dogs with low maintenance needs. They only need minimal grooming and bathing. For the most part, Boxers are also low-shedding dogs. This means that they rarely shed a lot at once. Rather, they tend to shed a small amount all year round. Thankfully, the single coat that Boxers sport makes it easy to keep the mess from shedding to a minimum. They definitely do shed though, and they will continue to shed year-round. In some cases, things are made even worse by the addition of extraneous factors that contribute to excess shedding. Even a Boxer can shed enough to drive you mad under certain circumstances. Unfortunately, there are many things that can make your Boxer shed more than normal. If you think your Boxer is shedding more than normal, look for signs of any of the following conditions. Ironically, your Boxer can experience ill effects from eating too much or too little of particular nutrients. This can happen when feeding your Boxer a homemade diet or commercial food if either contains nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Even on a commercial diet of high-quality dog food, your Boxer may require supplementation to keep its coat and skin at peak health. A dehydrated Boxer will also have dehydrated skin, and that can lead to accelerated hair loss. Stress and Anxiety If your Boxer is overly stressed or anxious, they could start losing their coat much quicker. Excess shedding is common in dogs that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety can both be caused by a myriad of factors. Allergies Boxers can be allergic to all sorts of things, and hair loss is a normal side effect of many allergies. Canine allergies are split into four categories: flea allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and genetic allergies. If your Boxer has any type of allergy, it could be causing undue shedding. One common shampoo mistake is to use human shampoo on your Boxer. Actually, no. Human shampoos are much harsher than the shampoos made for dogs. Shampoo for humans is designed to wash away the top layer of our skin called the acid mantle. The excessive shedding will cease a short time after giving birth. Hormones Some skin orders are the result of hormonal imbalances. For example, Alopecia is caused when reproductive hormones are out of balance. It then leads to hair loss, eventually progressing into baldness. Boxers are specifically at risk for such hormonal conditions since females can be affected by estrogen-responsive ovarian imbalance II and they can be caused in males by excess buildup of estrogen from testicular tumors. Infection Many types of infections can result in excessive shedding. Parasites, mites, fleas, and ticks are all relatively common infections for Boxers. All of these infections can cause your dog to shed more than is normal. Other health problems can have the same result, including cancer. Excess hair loss can be a symptom of many underlying health issues, so if your Boxer is shedding far more than they should be, you might want to schedule a trip to the vet and see why. Even so, the daily pileup of hair in every corner of your home can become a frustrating nuisance. Removing all of those loose, dead hairs is a surefire way to reduce the amount of shedding occurring in your home. As it is, those dead hairs are slowly falling off your Boxer as they walk around your home. This causes those errant hairs to pile up in corners and under furniture. More of it will stick to surfaces that your Boxer comes into contact; particularly, the textiles like your furniture and clothing. If you want to get the best of both worlds, you can opt for a brush like this premium short hair dog brush that offers firm bristles on one side and rubber bristles on the other. It makes grooming time a lot easier! These issues include nutrient deficiencies and the opposite; excess intake of any particular nutrient. Such problems tend to occur more often in dogs that eat homemade diets. For most Boxers, simply switching to a high-quality commercial blend will ensure adequate nutrition. Ensure Adequate Hydration When your Boxer becomes dehydrated, even slightly, their skin will also dehydrate, becoming dry and flaky. The solution to this problem is clear and simple: make sure your boxer has constant access to as much clean drinking water as it needs. If you want to take things even further, try using a de-shedding shampoo made for dogs. Pay attention to the people and incidents that cause your dog to act stressed and do your best to mitigate or eliminate these stressors. You could even work in some basic agility to really take things to the next level of exercise. Whatever you do, just keep your boxer active! Sometimes, there are no clear stressors for you to remove but your Boxer is stressed often or even all the time. In such cases, you should take your dog to the vet and let them investigate. The only way to know for sure is to take your dog to the vet and get a professional evaluation. A good vet should be able to check for a wide range of potential health concerns. It can be difficult to determine if your Boxer is shedding a healthy amount or more than is normal. Brittle or coarse hair is an indication of poor coat health. Should you feel that your Boxer is shedding more than is normal, then there might be an underlying condition such as allergies, illness, poor diet, or stress. Most causes of excessive shedding are easy to manage or cure, but some, such as underlying illness, might require professional veterinary attention. No matter why your Boxer is shedding so much, you can help to reduce the problem with daily grooming, more frequent bathing, dietary improvements, and ensuring adequate hydration with constant access to clean water. Growing up with a family full of pets and a lifelong passion for animals he pursued work in the veterinary industry. After 10 years, he started NotABully. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. There would be less shedding if their skin is kept moisturized at all times. If their skin becomes dry, it is a sure indicator that they will shed more. Bathe Your Puppy Always wash your Boxer properly and use high-quality products. Bathe your Boxers seldom since they will shed more hair if they are bathed frequently. Bathing a boxer too regularly causes their skin to dry up, resulting in increased shedding. Furthermore, it is advised to always use a good quality shampoo that can assist in moisturizing their skin, since their natural oil may easily be rinsed away with the water, and without a good quality shampoo, you will not be able to moisturize their skin right after the bath. This way, you can minimize the month of fur around your home and the hassle that comes with it all: Do not shave your dog! Never shave your Boxers since they will be unable to protect themselves from the elements and will cause additional injury to your dog. Brush your puppy outside. Do not allow your dog near your food. Allowing your Boxers in the kitchen is not a good idea since their hairs are so light and may easily move through the air and into your food. Have them sleep in their own space. Designate one space for your Boxers to sleep because they shed a lot when sleeping, and you can pick up all the dead loose hair from the floor immediately in the morning before it spreads. Train them to stay away while you eat. Wash your clothing. Vacuum your home. There is nothing you can do but buy a grooming glove and teach your children to use it. It can come in handy. Simply put the glove over your hand and run your hand over your Boxers coat to complete the look. Before you make them or allow them to roam around your house, make sure their hair is clean and brushed. This will cut down on their shedding in your home. Heather Robbins Heather is an animal lover that has many of them herself. She believes that knowledge should be the foundation of caring for any pet. Post navigation.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bernedoodle Overview The Bernedoodle is a companion dog, through and through. The breed inherits the intelligence of its Poodle parents and the charming, goofy, happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Sometimes they get more Poodle traits, and other times they more closely resemble the Bernese. That said, fans of Bernedoodles adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, which is a blessing for allergy sufferers. In addition to their personalities, Bernedoodles can differ in appearance. Their coats can be curly and wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors. They come in three sizes; tiny, miniature, and standard. These sizes are determined by the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard. Bernedoodles are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. Smaller sized Bernedoodles make better apartment pets than Standard Bernedoodles, who do best with a yard to burn off energy. This breed has moderate exercise needs that are usually met with at least one long daily walk. Bernedoodle Highlights Gentle and loving: Bernedoodles are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are good with children and other pets. Intelligent and trainable: Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to perform more complex tasks. Hypoallergenic: Bernedoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to shed and cause allergies in people. Active but adaptable: Bernedoodles are active dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise. However, they are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or homes with small yards. Loyal and devoted: Bernedoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and love to cuddle. If you are looking for a loving, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, the Bernedoodle may be the right breed for you. Here are some additional details about the Bernedoodle breed: Size: Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45 and 90 pounds. Lifespan: Bernedoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Coat: Bernedoodles have a wavy or curly coat that can be either single- or double-coated. Colors: Bernedoodles can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. Bernedoodles are a relatively new breed, so there is still some debate about their exact origins. However, it is believed that they were first bred in the United States in the early s. The goal was to create a dog that was hypoallergenic and had the best qualities of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular dogs. They are a good choice for families with children and other pets. They are also a good choice for people with allergies. If you are thinking about getting a Bernedoodle, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Bernedoodle History The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed. While this is considered a designer breed, they do appear in shelters, and rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs will sometimes work with mixes of those breeds. There is no reason that you have to rely on a breeder for a Bernedoodle, and you should always adopt before shopping. Bernedoodle Size There are three sizes of Bernedoodle: tiny, miniature, and standard. These result from the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weigh 70 to 90 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Bernedoodle Personality Bernedoodles seem to get many of the best personality traits from the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle breeds. Exactly which traits they inherit from their parents can differ a bit, though, and individual personalities of dogs within the breed vary. Bernedoodles tend to be highly intelligent, hardworking when necessary, loyal, and just a bit goofy. They are good with children and other dogs, provided they have been well socialized. Once they begin training, their intelligence helps them pick up commands more easily than other dogs. Bernedoodles can have high energy levels and crave attention and at least moderate exercise. They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods of time. Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles do better with apartment and city life than Standard Bernedoodles. Generally, they want nothing more than to be with their humans and are just as ready to go outside and play with them as they are to join them on the couch for cuddles. Bernedoodle Health Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, including: Hip dysplasia : This is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia : This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Hereditary cataracts : These are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause vision problems. Demodex mange : This is a skin condition caused by mites. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD : This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Hypothyroidism : This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is important to take your Bernedoodle to the vet for regular checkups to monitor their health and catch any potential problems early. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of these health problems so that you can seek treatment promptly if necessary. Here are some tips for keeping your Bernedoodle healthy: Feed them a healthy diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Make sure they get plenty of exercise. Keep them at a healthy weight. Brush their teeth regularly. Take them to the vet for regular checkups. By following these tips, you can help your Bernedoodle live a long and healthy life. Bernedoodle Care Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are more suited to apartment life, while Standard Bernedoodles do better with a nice yard to run around. They love being around their humans, so the less time they spend alone, the better. Like Poodles, Bernedoodles are quite intelligent, which means they can learn bad habits just as easily as good ones. It is important to keep up with training. Early socialization and exposure to other dogs and humans is always a good idea and will help keep them well-behaved when meeting new people or pets. Bernedoodle Feeding The appropriate amount to feed a Bernedoodle depends on their size, age, and activity level, which means it is highly individualized. You should ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your particular dog. Sometimes Bernedoodles can have straighter coats, which shed more and are less hypoallergenic. The thickness of their coat helps this breed thrive in cool temperatures while providing them a fair amount of protection from the heat of summer months, as well. The color of Bernedoodle coats have quite a range. Some are pure black, others are black and white, and others are black and brown. Sometimes Bernedoodles are tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown. They may even have other colors, as well. The most popular coat colors and markings for people seeking a Bernedoodle tend to resemble the tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog. Because they shed less, they need to be brushed more often to prevent their coat from getting matted. Their coat must also be trimmed every few months, depending on how quickly it grows. Bernedoodle Children And Other Pets Bernedoodles are excellent for families with children, though it is always important to make sure children are instructed on how to properly treat animals, especially with Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles that may be injured more easily. This breed is affectionate and loves to play, and they absolutely adore spending time with their families. Bernedoodles usually do well with other dogs, but it is important to begin socialization at an early age and keep up with it to make sure they are comfortable around new animals. Bernedoodle Rescue Groups Please search your local area for Bernedoodle up for adoption. Bernedoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues More Info For You. About Bernedoodles About Bernedoodles The bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This hybrid blends the clever goofiness of the poodle, with the placid loyalty of the Bernese. I believe the bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. Although many are stunning, they are not bred for the show ring. They are meant to be at your side no matter whether you are hiking, snowshoeing, or lying on the couch watching a movie. Their only job is to be your best friend. No two bernedoodles are identical. That said, prospective owners must understand that there can be a lot of variation in a hybrid litter, and must therefore choose a breeder who can help match them with the best dog for their circumstances. Purebreds may be the preferred choice for people who want predictability. When I was writing descriptions of my dogs, I was struck by the consistency of the traits among the purebreds. With some minor variations, one well-bred Berner is very similar to the next: sweet, loving, and calm. One well-bred poodle is also very similar to the next: playful, intelligent, and goofy. This has led not only to health problems, but also to temperament issues. Poorly bred Berners may be extremely stubborn and skittish. Poorly bred poodles may be hyper and neurotic. It is incredibly difficult to find healthy Bernese and poodles with calm temperaments that also happen to be gorgeous. They are completely dedicated to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner and break its original bond. Berners are known for leaning on people to soak up all possible attention. Berners are exceptionally beautiful dogs with their distinctive tri-coloured coats. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese thrives in cold weather, and has a double coat that sheds quite heavily. This versatile breed does well in agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work. A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of just seven years. This is particularly sad when the Berner is known for being slow to mature, and somewhat challenging to train. Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand. The Poodle Everyone knows that the poodle ranks high on the canine intelligence scale. They are very trainable and excel in obedience. Most people are also aware that their low to non-shedding coat makes poodles a great choice for those with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog; it is believed to have originated as a water retriever in Germany. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colours. Where most dogs have double coats, poodles have a single-layer coat of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but does mat without proper care. A typical poodle is lively and playful, with a bouncy prance to its walk. It thrives best in a busy household, where it can get plenty of attention and stimulation. If bored, poodles may get into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Some poodles are high strung and sensitive to stress. They may have serious health problems, including eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Bernese Meets Poodle…Magic Ensues If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as the bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the poodle and the Bernese — two breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents. With careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the bernedoodle, the blend of the Bernese and the poodle produces a smart, friendly, playful dog. They tend to have the sweetness and loyalty of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Like the Bernese, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs. Most bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. Most of them have little need for personal space. My clients most commonly describe their bernedoodles as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, and loving. Despite my efforts to breed only the best purebreds, some offspring may inherit stubbornness or sensitivity from the Bernese. Their training requires patience, a light touch, and positive reinforcement. Further, from the poodle they can inherit an extremely high level of energy. In general, the bernedoodle is an intelligent, social, fun crossbreed with character and charisma. On the whole, bernedoodles tend to be quite similar to goldendoodles in nature, with the most notable difference being that the bernedoodle can be headstrong. This is more pronounced at the puppy stage, and tends to disappear when the bernedoodle is older and trained. Every dog has a different personality, but the two breeds have much in common, and those traits make them excellent family pets. Appearance Bernedoodles are usually pure black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colour black, white and brown , but I have seen other colours. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the poodle. Beyond colour, well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the Berner in a fairly consistent way. In short, bernedoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Many clients want a tri-color bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese mountain dog. That look is challenging to achieve, and people may have a long wait for it. Personally, I love bernedoodles of all colours. Temperament is far more important to me than colour and colours can fade. Coat Every bernedoodle has a different coat. The majority have a wavy coat that sheds minimally, if at all. Most people with allergies to dog dander i. However, the straighter the coat, the more it sheds, and the less suitable the dog will be for people with allergies. Bernedoodles with a curly coat are similar to the poodle and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, even if you have serious allergies to dander, you should do well with a curly-coated bernedoodle. Breeders can often tell by the time a dog is a few weeks old what type of coat it will have, and can help match you to the best coat type for your situation. If you are allergic to dog saliva, and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all bernedoodles regardless of coat type. Since there are no absolute guarantees with coat type, responsible breeders will give you some time to see if you are allergic to your puppy and will allow you to return the pup if it is not working out. Since most bernedoodles shed little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Sizes Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents and the vagaries of genetics. Females are usually smaller than males. A Standard Bernedoodle results from crossing a standard poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They will generally be 50 lbs and up, and around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lbs range. A mini bernedoodle results from crossing a miniature poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They generally range from 25 to 49 lbs, and are 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. A tiny bernedoodle results from crossing a toy poodle with a mini bernedoodle. They range from 10 to 24 lbs, and are about 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. These ranges capture the averages, but sometimes a pup will fall outside the expected height and weight. In terms of temperament, mini and tiny bernedoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard, to reflect the same in the miniature and toy poodle parents. However, using calm poodles, regardless of size, tends to produce docile bernedoodles. Different Generations F1 is a first generation cross in which the pup is 50 percent Bernese mountain dog and 50 percent poodle. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b is a backcross in which a bernedoodle is bred with a poodle. The puppy is 25 percent Bernese, and 75 percent poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Some breeders have backcrossed a bernedoodle with a Bernese, which results in a dog with more of the Bernese traits. I prefer not to breed this backcross as there is a greater likelihood of shedding. F2 is a second-generation cross in which an F1 bernedoodle is crossed with another F1 bernedoodle. If this is done for seven generations, a breeder could apply to register this dog as a purebred. The closer the generations come together, the more consistency there will be in the lines, but the genetic problems of the purebreds are more likely too reappear, and hybrid vigor diminishes. Some F2 pups may have an improper coat instead of the fleecy softness we love in the doodles. While bernedoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder will be able to give you an idea of what the pup will look like as an adult, based on what the parents have produced in the past and what traits they see in the pup. Health and Lifespan As a breed, the bernedoodle is still young, so there is limited information about longevity and health concerns. Of the hundreds of bernedoodles I have bred in the past decade, only few owners have reported a genetic health concern. Therefore, I am confident that hybrid vigor is indeed creating a healthier dog that will be with you for a long time. At this point, I can only estimate an average lifespan: I predict standard bernedoodles will live years, mini bernedoodles up to 17 years, and tiny bernedoodles up to 18 years. Usually, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives. While bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin problems, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix. Like any other breed of dog, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform a number of tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Bernedoodle Mismatch I believe the bernedoodle is a suitable dog for most people, with a few caveats: This is a very social dog that thrives on plenty of human interaction; if you have limited time for a dog, this may not be the breed for you. A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming. If your bernedoodle should happen to inherit the higher energy of the poodle or the stubbornness of the Bernese — or both! But if you have the time and enthusiasm, I predict your bernedoodle will become the best friend you ever had — at least of the canine variety. Watch me Grow. They were bred solely for companionship, so they love attention and lots of cuddles from their families. Bernedoodles are just as happy curling up on the couch as they are hiking a trail alongside their humans. They're playful and active dogs who can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. Appearance Though Bernese mountain dogs have a black, tan, and white uniform, poodles can have a much wider range of coat colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can vary in color. While they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad, they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix. Their fur can also be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. As a general rule, the straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed. In both cases, the thickness of a Bernedoodle mane makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs. Bernedoodle breeders typically offer a tiny, miniature, and standard size, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup. A smaller mix could easily live in an apartment as long as she gets plenty of walks and exercise. The standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini is between 18—22 inches tall and weighs 20—45 pounds. A "tiny," bred from a toy poodle, is only 12—17 inches and weighs 10—24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry. Temperament Affectionate and playful, Bernedoodles are a perfect family pet. They are especially fond of younger kids and provide a wonderful lifelong companion as children grow into adults. Though they're intelligent pups , they tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. Though they can't get enough of their family, Bernedoodles might first be apprehensive, sensitive, and skittish around strangers. As with all breeds, it's important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy so she'll be comfortable and affectionate around new people, too. She can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training. Personal space is not a part of their vocabulary, and they should not be left alone much. Loneliness can result in separation anxiety, which could cause nervous habits like whining or chewing. They will end feeling more fulfilled and have less anxious, OCD behaviors. And no matter the size, this hybrid is especially gentle-natured and loves children. They're so gentle, in fact, they don't make good guard dogs: They bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away. Care Most often, a Bernedoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies. In some cases, a Bernedoodle can have a straighter coat similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog. This means they'll shed more and might not agree with an owner who's allergic to pet dander. Once the litter is a few weeks old, a Bernedoodle breeder will be able to tell what kind of coat each puppy will have in order to match the right dog to the right owner. But with that curly coat comes a greater need for grooming. Bernedoodles don't shed much , so they'll need frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Most doodles love being brushed, and the routine allows the owner to bond with their dog. Keep in mind a very curly, "hypoallergenic" dog will need a haircut every few months. Just because they're low-shedding doesn't mean they're low maintenance! They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy, but so long as their physical needs are met, they likely won't turn to undesirable behaviors like digging to keep themselves entertained. They'll also need consistent social stimulation to reinforce positive behaviors. The more exposure they have to new pets and humans, the more likely they are to be well-behaved when introduced to a foreign person or situation. A Bernedoodle's smarts makes her typically easy to train. It also means she can learn behaviors good or bad quickly—that's why it's important to keep up with training, even past her puppy days. Training a Bernedoodle requires positive reinforcement and, in some cases, a high level of patience. Should the puppy inherit the Bernese's willfullness or the poodle's high energy, they'll need more of your time and attention. Health The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12—18 years. Luckily, the hybrid breed does not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese mountain dog. The Bernese side of their lineage has a life expectancy of only seven years and a high rate of cancer , hip and elbow dysplasia , heart disease , and epilepsy. And while Bernedoodles are far healthier than a purebred Bernese, they can still be "predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies ," Christman says. Just be on the lookout for [warning signs like] excessive drooling and ability to gain some weight quickly. Hot spots are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. This is why it's so important to keep up with grooming—a Bernedoodle is more likely to pick at their skin when her coat is dirty and matted. History Being a relatively new breed, the history book on Bernedoodles is a short one. After years of breeding Bernese mountain dogs, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles wanted a way to make the purebreds more allergen-friendly and free from the health issues that plague the breed. Thus, the Bernedoodle or at least the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle was born in .Now, dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the loyal, loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. She has more than 26, followers! Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig reportedly takes her mini Bernedoodle, Wizard, everywhere with her. Was this page helpful? Their intense loyalty to your family comes as second nature to these puppies. Berndoodle pups are born in various sizes, depending on their parent breeds. This feature allows you to choose according to your preferred size, considering the available space at home among others. Their sizes are called: Toy Mini Standard Due to the generation of large gene pools by cross-breeding, these puppies have a reduced risk for congenital diseases. This characteristic will help cut costs for managing this breed. Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Bernese Mountain Dog Mixed with Poodle Puppy Bernedoodle Weight Toy: 10 lbs to 24 lbs Mini: 25 lbs to 49 lbs Standard: 50 lbs to 90 lbs Height Toy: 12 inches to 17 inches Mini: 18 inches to 22 inches Standard: 23 inches to 29 inches Coat Type Long and wavy, curly, straight rare Coat Color combination of white, black, and brown Amount of Shedding Minimal shedding for curly and wavy coats Temperament Friendly, affectionate with family, intelligent, craves attention This dog breed has a variety of coat types and colors as well. For the coat types, the most common among them is the long and wavy type while the least common is the straight-coat type. For the colors of Berndoodle puppy coat, the common colors seen in combination are white, black, and brown. Pups with curly and wavy coats have a lesser tendency to shed their coat. Bernese Mountain Dog Mixed with Poodle puppies weigh from 10 lbs to 90 lbs, depending on their parent breeds and nutritional status. Their height ranges from 12 inches to 29 inches. The environmental factor is one of the crucial variables you need to consider before adopting any pup. Poodle mixed with Bernese Mountain Dog pups which have thicker coats will thrive well in places with cold weather. Additionally, these pups will have adequate protection against the summer heat. The Berndoodle puppies are known for being affectionate and friendly to their owners. They are an excellent companion and willing cuddlers. Concerning the living conditions, I observed that toy and mini Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix puppies are more adaptable to the city life and living in apartments than the standard ones. These pups have an innate inclination to intense loyalty, and they may be wary to strangers. They also crave attention and may be clingy to you. You could see it following you around the house while you are doing chores or when you go outside the house. Reliable breeders can provide you with results of genetic testing for the parent dogs and offspring, as well as records of vaccination and other pertinent documents. These pups shed less than those with other types of fur. You will exert less effort in cleaning the house as well because of their minimal shedding. Also, you will have fewer worries about triggering a possible allergic reaction to fur. For an all-purpose use, the slicker brush is enough to cater the grooming need. If you have a pup with a short coat, a curry brush is more appropriate to use. You will use the fine-toothed comb for puppies with thin hair. Also, you can use a fine-toothed comb to eliminate fleas and hair tangles from the coat of your Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix dog. If you want an all-around comb, a medium-toothed comb is the best option you have. The nail clippers you will use for your puppy depends on its size. The interval of nail clipping for your pup may range from two to three months. The Bernedoodle puppies have the least drooling potential among the different breeds. You can interact with your pup without the fear of getting slobbers all over your clothes, furniture, and arms. To cater to the grooming needs of your Bernedoodle puppy, you can schedule appointments to a local groomer at least once in two to three months. It is important to know that professional grooming should start only when your pup reaches three to four months old and it received the complete set of vaccinations. The groomer may provide you with some practical tips for better grooming of your pet. Their reduced risk of congenital illnesses is one of the remarkable traits of this breed. Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix dogs have a moderate risk for gaining weight. Weight gain may be a risk factor for developing various diseases. You should monitor their food intake and exercise output to ensure the balance and prevent too much weight gain. Your awareness of the possible conditions of the Poodle mixed with Bernese Mountain Dog puppies can guide you on the appropriate care and prevention to give. Also, you can be more watchful when your pup manifests some warning signs related to these possible conditions. For example, standard Bernedoodle pups can eat a lot more than the toy and mini ones. For the younger Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix puppies, you must ensure that the diet consists of the essential vitamins and nutrients. By monitoring the nutritional value of the feeds, you will help the pup grow in its optimal state. For the older Bernedoodle dogs, you should monitor the number of feeds to prevent gaining weight and consequent health problems. If you cannot avoid the voracious eating habit of your pup, you should complement this habit with intense activities, found in the next section. Senior, gray-coated dogs also have some specific requirements. Your pooch takes genes from two sides, at times highly different parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. This high-energy classification means that they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Aside from their high energy, the Bernedoodle puppies would want to play games almost all the time. I recommend the following activities for your Bernedoodle puppy: Jogging Fetching a ball or bone Swimming Hiking However, there could be some Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix puppies that do not require many high-intensity activities, depending on their parent breeds. They can be most adaptable to any kind of lifestyle. Among the recommended exercises, walking is often enough to keep them happy and healthy. The duration may vary from 30 minutes to one hour per day. They can make associations quickly. To stimulate them mentally, I recommend interactive dog toys and obedience training. For the obedience training, you will need a dog harness or collar, and a dog leash, and dog treats. Most trainers recommend positive reinforcement as a technique for obedience training. This technique consists of dog treats and praises. On the other hand, the interactive dog toys include squeakers, chew dog toy, treat dispensers, and plushies. During training, you should prepare yourself for possible mischief and fluctuations in concentration. You would have to deal with the fact that the ideal temperament is sometimes different from reality. This breed has a moderate potential for wandering around and barking or howling randomly. You will have fewer worries about annoying your neighbors. These adorable pups make fantastic pets. They do not react violently to screaming children. They can run alongside energetic kids. They crave spending time with their families. You should be prepared to provide a lot of human interaction for this breed, such as cuddling on the couch, being followed around different places, and jogging side by side. Bernedoodle puppies have moderate sensitivity, but first-time handlers can manage them. With appropriate training and the initiation of early socialization, your pup can be most accommodating to strangers or family friends. You can be less apprehensive when you need to invite guests over your home. If you have another dog in the family, Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix puppies are likely to be friendly with them as well. It is rare that they will be seen fighting each other. Picking a new puppy is exciting and emotional for many people. Considering that this dog may be part of your life for up to 18 years, it is important to find the right match. However, how do you tell what you are getting when you look at a litter of puppies? The obvious things You should know going into the selection of your choice of certain characteristics. The most important of these is size and sex. However, sex is not an issue for many people because they intend to spay or neuter their new pet. Coloring and markings Bernedoodles come in a fantastic array of colors and markings. You may have seen a dog that strikes your fancy and want to find a dog with similar colors or markings. Spend time with the litter getting to know each of the puppies. Background and pedigree Ask lots of questions about the parents of the litter. Ask to meet them if possible. Know the breeder You should spend as much time getting to know the breeder as you do picking out your puppy. Finding and working with a good breeder helps ensure that you are getting a healthy puppy and from a good environment. A good breeder can also provide a wealth of information down the road if you do have problems. Frequently Asked Buyer Questions Outdoordogfun. What factors affect the price of a Bernedoodle? The price is determined by the breeder. Every breeder seems to have different prices. What price on average should a buyer expect to pay for the standard, mini, and tiny Bernedoodles? What are the most common questions breeders receive from Bernedoodle puppy buyers? Do you have a puppy available now?!! What size will my puppy be? Can I get my puppy NOW? What is a Health Clearance? A good question to ask a breeder is what kind of testing have they done on the parents and puppies around health. You want puppies that are preferably full health tested. In terms of maintenance, what is the average annual cost for a Bernedoodle once you factor in food, grooming, vet bills, etc? What are the exercise needs of the Bernedoodle breed? This will depend on the temperament of the puppy you get. Some of them need daily exercise, twice daily, and a few times a week. This is why it is very important to work with a breeder that will help you pick a puppy based off of temperament! Back at Home — Now What? If you have made your choice on your new companion and are back home, you must make good choices about caring for and raising your puppy. Starting your puppy off right will make things later much easier. Proper training starts early The best method for training dogs are systems based on positive reinforcement. Using positive reinforcement is true for Bernedoodles, who have a predisposition to stubbornness. Getting an early start with a consistent training method will usually mean a wonderfully trained and obedient adult dog. If your Bernedoodle is not listening to you, read this article on our blog for some helpful tips. What to feed your puppy — nutrition is the key to long life What and how much to feed your Bernedoodle depends on several factors. The size of your Bernedoodle Quality is more important than quantity Vary the diet. Dogs get bored too. In general, you should feed your Bernedoodle puppy four times a day. When your Bernedoodle reaches adulthood, cut back to 2 meals per day. Since it is a crossbreed, a Bernedoodle puppy could inherit the characteristics of both parent breeds. Depending on how the breeds are crossed, you could have three coat types: wavy — which is the most common, long and silky, and short and curly. The curly-coated Bernedoodle is the least likely to shed. Allergy sufferers will do best with the F1B first-generation back cross curly-coated Bernedoodle. Hence, they are more likely to have a non-shedding coat than first or second-generation Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles are known to have coat colours like white, black, merle or brown and they could be single-coloured or tri-coloured. What is the Temperament of a Bernedoodle? Sure, their bodies might grow but their minds and brains take longer to mature. This is important for Bernedoodle parents to understand since it can impact their training. Are Bernedoodles hard to potty train? Training a Bernedoodle puppy at a young age is the right decision but one needs to understand that these dogs tend to be stubborn. Therefore, housetraining can take time and considerably more effort. While intelligent dogs like Bernedoodles are often easy to train, this intelligence also comes with a downside. These dogs are prone to boredom so they need plenty of games, attention, toys and treats. Bernedoodles are extremely sensitive dogs. This is very important for pet parents to understand since it can impact the way you handle your pet. While negative training methods are a strict no-no, you need to be consistent with your dog and always reward good behaviour. Do not use harsh methods to deal with accidents. This will only cause setbacks and avoidance behaviour. What is the Personality of a Bernedoodle? Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that love learning new things. They benefit from obedience training which is very important; puppy training helps your dog understand what you want them to do. Remember: this dog is an offspring of two breeds that love having a job to do. So, they need constant mental and physical stimulation. This can be in the form of teaching them tricks to playing a game of fetch. Your Bernedoodle will need plenty of exercise as well as puzzles and mental games for a healthy body and mind. They cannot stay cooped up in a small space all day, so the ideal home for a Bernedoodle is a house with a fenced yard. Even the medium and tiny Bernedoodles are energetic and need exercise and brain games. Bernedoodles are generally shy in the beginning but warm up after socialisation. They have a slightly wary nature which makes them excellent guard dogs. They get along well with kids and other dogs. Being playful, energetic, and gentle, they make excellent companions for children as long as they are socialised. Exercise some caution with infants and toddlers: they are excitable dogs and may not be aware of their size. Little kids could be easily knocked down by their exuberance. Bernedoodles make great pets for the elderly provided they get their daily exercise needs met. Do Bernedoodles Bark? Bernedoodles like their parent breeds the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle like to have a job to do. Without mental stimulation, they can be prone to barking It is fairly common for Bernedoodles to bark at people at the door. Their wary nature makes them so. They are also loyal and protective dogs who take their guard duty seriously. You could train your pet to bark on cue. After all; not all barking is bad — your dog may be warning you about something in your surroundings. Are Bernedoodles Chewers? Bernedoodles are heavy chewers and it will help if you can give them something to chew such as juicy bones or safe chew toys. Stuffed Kongs and licky mats are ideal mental enrichment tools. Are Bernedoodles Low-Maintenance? The easy-going personality of Bernese Mountain Dogs and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of Poodles make the Bernedoodle fairly low-maintenance. However, as mentioned earlier, they need mental and physical stimuli. They also need a job to do. You must also brush your dog every days to keep its coat tangle and dirt-free. You can bathe it once a month or as needed. One of the major cons of owning a Bernedoodle is that it cannot be left alone for long periods of time. Without proper training from an early age, they can develop separation anxiety. So, you might want to consider hiring a pet sitter or a dog walker to check on your dog if you have to work for long periods away from home. How Much Does a Bernedoodle Cost? This popular breed is quite expensive compared to most poodle mix designer dogs. Since more and more people prefer smaller dogs, miniature and medium-sized Berndoodles tend to cost more than standard Bernedoodles. Best Food for Bernedoodles Your Bernedoodle needs very high-quality food and it should provide your pet with balanced nutrition. Compared to many other dogs, Bernedoodles have higher standards of nutritional needs. They are high-energy dogs and you must provide them with proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals to keep your pet thriving. Look for foods with meat as their first ingredient — it could be lamb, chicken, kangaroo, beef, fish, turkey, or even novel proteins like emu, crocodile, wild boar and duck. Avoid foods containing by-products, fillers, preservatives, and colours which do not provide any real nutrition. Check with your vet regarding the right nutrition for your Bernedoodle. Being hybrid dogs, Bernedoodles are generally healthy and hardy. However, from time to time, the following health issues have been noted in these dogs: Hip and elbow dysplasia — this is a genetic disorder. As such, it can be prevented through good breeding practices. The best breeders will hip and elbow score their breeding dogs. This is why it is important to buy your pet from a reputed breeder. Smaller Bernedoodles have structures similar to Poodles. Bernedoodles have a lifespan ranging from years. Yes, irrespective of their size, all Bernedoodles are cuddly and affectionate dogs. They love attention from their humans — whether it is in the form of playtime, walks, hugs, or cuddles. Should I get a male or female Bernedoodle? Both genders are amazing pets. Male Doodles tend to be more affectionate whereas females are docile and tend to be easier to train. Do Bernedoodles like to swim? Most Bernedoodles love swimming and other water activities. As with any dog breed, no two Bernedoodles are the same and some dislike being near the water. Does a Bernedoodle shed? Do they need haircuts? Yes, some Bernedoodles tend to shed. It entirely depends on the type of coat. Similarly, the curly-coated Bernedoodles will require more time spent with them on grooming to prevent coat matting. Most Bernedoodles will need professional grooming and haircuts once every weeks or so. Subscribe for free oodle information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Chew Toys. Once those are taken care of, keep in mind that you'll still need to purchase grooming tools , training collars , training treats and toys , such as a ball on a rope and tugs , tags or getting microchipping done etc. Making sure your new puppy will be happy, healthy, comfortable, mentally stimulated, and well trained definitely costs a few dollars and requires enough gear to fill up a medium-sized tote or better. Prep your home. You're bringing in a small terror ball of destruction inside of your home. Keep cords safely out of the way. Anything that's expensive and breakable, chewable, or anything less than immortal should be put up high, or in a room the puppy has no access to. Research the plants in your home to make sure they're not poisonous to dogs. Keep your medications stored away safely. Keep all dangerous chemicals locked up, or up high out of reach. Try to close off an area of your home where you spend the most time so your puppy can spend time with you and the family without being able to wander freely and get into trouble. Look for home care. If you can take a week or two off, that's phenomenal. It'll help you bond with your puppy and give you a head start on potty training. But, if you work, even if you take time off, you'll have to return to work eventually. Make sure you have arrangements put in place to help when you're not home. If you have family members or friends who can help with letting your new puppy outside to use the bathroom, that's great. If not, you'll need to look into dog walkers, pet sitters, doggy daycares etc. If someone will be coming to your home to help out, make sure you get a key made for them. Find a good trainer. All trainers are good trainers in their own minds, so look for ones who compete in obedience or protection sports preferably. They don't just talk about training, they do it, and compete against their peers. Such a trainer will almost always be better and more knowledgeable than a trainer who got a certificate in weeks but has never competed. Competition helps trainers understand where they are weak, and there's usually someone around willing to help them strengthen their weaknesses. These are the people you want to employ to help you. Once you've found a good trainer, stick with them. If you're doing classes, finish the classes. If you did boarding and training, make sure you bring the dog back to that trainer for issues. Half a program, or passing a dog from trainer to trainer is just going to cause a lot of regret later. That said, if your trainer isn't knowledgeable enough to tackle specific issues, or isn't as good as you thought, it's perfectly okay to seek help elsewhere. A good trainer knows their limitations and what they excel at. You shouldn't expect an obedience trainer to be able to teach your dog to compete in protection sports down the line if they don't have experience in that arena. Pick a reputable breeder. This is the most important part of the list. You always hear that you need to go to a reputable breeder, but what does that truly mean? What makes someone a reputable breeder? A reputable breeder always gets his breeding stock's hips and elbows x-rayed and certified by PennHip, OFA, or the organization of the dog's home country if they're from Europe or elsewhere. Reputable breeders have a purpose to breed. They have a goal they want realized that is more than making a quick buck. Good working line breeders put an emphasis on health, strong nerves, working ability and drive, so they can produce solid working dogs. Good show line breeders breed with the same ideals, but there's a bit less focus on drive and working ability. There are also some breeders who specifically focus on producing good family pets that they describe as medium to low drive, healthy and medium of character neither hard, nor soft of temperament. It's up to you which you pick, but all should have health testing done and be stable dogs who aren't fearful or outwardly aggressive. Reputable breeders are obsessed with cleanliness and health. They keep their whelping quarters tidy and their pup's health and well-being are their 1 priority above all else. Your puppy should've received a "Well Puppy" checkup prior to coming home and should have a vaccination history. Puppies may also come microchipped or tattooed for identification, although ear tattoos are becoming more and more rare. Reputable breeders only breed dogs that are registered or registerable in your country. Ask a few, short questions about a breeders lines and what you can expect from a puppy that they produce. Breeders have lives and jobs. They will not be able to talk to you for hours on end to answer questions. So keep everything short and simple. Ask questions like "What are you expecting from this litter? An answer like "Well, my lines have great drive and working aptitude, but their sire tends to throw puppies that are on the lower side of the standard in size" is an honest answer. The dogs are still in standard, they still fit what the breeder wants, and their only complaint is that they get smaller pups than they'd like every now and then. No dog, no line, and no breeder is perfect. Being honest about those things says a lot about the person you trust to give your money to, and trust for them to give you a healthy, stable puppy in return. We also want to emphasize that you won't have a breeder to call with questions down the line. You'll know nothing about the pup's health history. If you choose adoption, you don't know what issues may arise down the road, so you need to be prepared for vet costs and insure you have the best trainer available in your area. We hope this helps any prospective puppy buyers or rescuers. These are some steps you can take before ever bringing a puppy home. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments! Thank you, and please leave a like and share. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold her bladder for approximately one hour for every month old they are. Most puppies find their way to a new home at months old, so they should go for a toilet break every hours to start. How often should my puppy poop a day? Typically, most pups will go once or twice a day — although some may go four or more times! How many hours should a German Shepherd puppy sleep? On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep for 18 hours a day. Some pups sleep longer than others but they usually sleep between 15 and 20 hours in a hour period. As puppies get older, they sleep less. The average 4-month-old puppy sleeps a little over 11 hours a day. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Until they are completely up, they flop around, go up and down. You can help your puppy to strengthen her ear muscle by whistling and making funny noises that perk up her ears. When do German Shepherds start teething? Starting at 4 months old, German Shepherds will begin to lose their puppy teeth. But some puppies start losing their teeth earlier or later. You may discover a discarded tooth on the floor. Or you may see a few drops of blood on her chew toy. And it is not uncommon for a puppy to swallow her tooth, which is perfectly normal. When do German Shepherds get all their adult teeth? An adult German Shepherd should have 42 adult teeth. The small incisors in front usually come in first, followed by the big canines, the premolars and the molars. All adult teeth should be in place around months old. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is very common. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is 6 months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. German Shepherds grew into their full size between 18 months to 2 years old. But they are not considered adult dogs until they reach the age of 3 years old. If your pup is still young, one of the most effective ways to calm her down is to give her regular mental and physical exercise. The rule of thumb is that you should give a puppy 5 minutes of exercise for every month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would need 20 minutes of exercise. When do German Shepherds get their full coat? She will start the coat change on her face first. Then her fluffy puppy coat will be replaced by the smoother adult coat down her back, towards to trail and gradually down her sides. When do German Shepherds start shedding? While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they lose their undercoat during the rest of the year. Other Than Vacuuming When should I bring my puppy for the first vet visit? You should bring your new puppy to see a veterinarian no later than 2 days after coming home. Some breeders require this within 48 hours as included in their sales contract. It is very important for your vet to examine your puppy to look for signs of disease. When should a German Shepherd puppy get her vaccination? Your German Shepherd puppy is recommended to get her first vaccination distemper and parvovirus between weeks of age. Here are the recommended vaccinations from AKC for your reference: Some dogs do not need every vaccine. You should always discuss it with your vet. When should my German Shepherd puppy be wormed? A German Shepherd puppy should be wormed for the first time at 2 weeks of age, then at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks old fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. After this, they can be wormed monthly until they are 12 months old. When do female German Shepherds go into the first heat? Female German Shepherds started their first heat as early as 7 months old, but this may vary from dog to dog. During that time, they may begin mounting other dogs or could become touchy or grumpy. There will be discharge and many owners use feminine pads and a diaper-type arrangement to keep the house clean. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about 7 weeks old. Instead of going for a marathon for the first time, it is advised to build up the distance with your GSD with time. Remember dogs cannot sweat like humans to reduce their body temperature. When can I walk my German Shepherd without a leash? Never let your dog go off-leash where there might be traffic or where he could injure himself. PART V German Shepherd puppy socialization guide Socialization helps them learn what to expect from the world around them and gives them the tools they need to navigate it as they get older. This includes new people, dogs, and animals, learning how to interact with new environments, and being exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, and sights. Socialization is especially important in German Shepherds starting from as early as 8 weeks old. This is because this breed is hard-wired to be protective of their owners as well as their property. Failing to socialize can make the dog become aloof to strangers. Other common signs of unsocialized in dogs include: Fearfulness or skittishness around unfamiliar people or animals Aggression towards other dogs or people Lack of confidence in new or unfamiliar situations Difficulty with basic training commands Inability to handle being handled or touched Puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be healthy, obedient pets that make great additions to any household. They are intelligent dogs that can be challenging to train for first-time owners. However, with the right mindset, you can train your German Shepherd to become an obedient and well-behaved canine citizen in no time. At what age should I begin training my puppy? What should I teach my puppy first? Is it ok to crate my pup overnight? What are the basic commands every puppy must learn? How to motivate my puppy? Last but not least, we have compiled an easy-to-follow training guide. This training guide is our best effort in compiling a collection of training resources for any new GSD owner to kick-start training a new puppy — without wasting your time searching forever online. Each part is only one page long with at least one video for a demonstration. Follow these steps to ensure your new GSD has the best chance for success in their new furever home!! DO take your dog straight home. Walk him around in the front yard, inside, and in the backyard - on leash, and let him smell his new lodgings. Take him to the potty area, praise for pottying outside - correct for trying to potty inside. Obedience and structure begins immediately. DO start a schedule immediately when you bring your new dog home. If you are going to be off for two days to spend time with the dog, but then will have to go to work for 8 hours, then start the "soon to be schedule" during your days off. Do put your dog in a crate or the enclosed and safe area chosen. Do leave the house, even for a short errand, to show him that you will be back. DO respect your dog's space. Give him time to adjust to you, and your family, by allowing him to solicit attention and interaction. If he goes to lay down for some alone time, respect that. DO ask your dog to do something for reward and affection. Then you can praise that behavior, and start a relationship built on him doing things for your affection. You have just adopted a working breed dog - so let him do his job! DO monitor all the dog's interactions with the other dogs in the house, and of course any children in the house. Do not allow your new dog to bully or boss the existing dogs in your home. DO remember that for a dog the most loving thing you can do is provide structure and rules he can understand. For a dog, learning consistent rules that he is able to follow gives a sense of control and builds confidence. Once you have gotten to know each other and your dog has confidence in you as a good leader you will be able to show your affection in other ways and the dog will return it. Dogs are love machines, but remember that dogs are also individuals. Some dogs like being hugged. Some dislike it and prefer butt scratches or tummy rubs. Get to know your dog, pay attention and learn to read your dog. Both your lives will be better for it. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Please use us as your best resource. Between our Board members alone - we have over years of experience with this breed - there is nothing we have not seen or heard! Or email your questions directly to the contact who facilitated your adoption. DO NOT take your dog to the pet store to shop for a new toy. This dog does not know who you are, and has no reason to trust you and look to you for guidance. If the dog gets uncomfortable or stressed out, the only being he can rely on is himself - and he only has teeth to protect himself. He is not used to your touch, and has never been to that place before, so between the stress of that and you physically man handling him, he may get defensive and have to protect himself. DO NOT invite all your friends over to meet your dog. Remember - this is his first time coming into your home. He is not used to the way you live, or how you talk, or walk or the schedule of your day. He has no idea what to expect. DO NOT think that just because you can take a bone out of his mouth, means your neighbor can do it or should ever be allowed to do it. Use caution - get to know this dog, the good - and the bad! DO NOT take him for a big outing. You do not know what to expect from your dog. What if he is extremely terrified of purple cars? And a purple car drives by while a child is petting him and he reacts? What if he was attacked by a yellow dog wearing a coat, and your favorite neighbor comes over with his Poodle in his new sweater? This is then your fault - not the dog's. DO NOT hug and kiss your dog and lay on him. He is NOT the dog you had for ten years that just died that you did that to. He never will be that dog. You decided to save a life - and the dog you adopted has his own personality that you will need to learn about. If you get snapped at or bitten because you pushed the dog past his comfort level and decided that he should allow you to hug him and lay on him, then you could ruin any chances for this dog to have a great new life. Always keep in mind this dog has not had the advantage of one loving home all his life. He needs your guidance and protection. He needs time to accept you, you family, and your lifestyle. Time does not mean hours or even days but weeks and perhaps months. Most rescuers find that dogs do not "blossom" into their true selves in a new home until days. DO NOT physically correct your new dog in a threatening manner. He will only see it as you being an unstable and unreliable leader that resorts to physical violence and he will protect himself from what he sees as as threat. He has teeth, you have thumbs - you will win and he will lose, really lose. Amazon will donate 0. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. The breeder will also inform you of additional vaccinations you will need to schedule with your veterinarian as your puppy grows. Traveling Home With Your New Puppy On the day you pick up your new German Shepherd puppy from our facility, bring a small crate for the puppy to travel home in. We sell Puppy Packs at our facility which include a dog crate and can have one ready for you if you wish to purchase one. Otherwise, if you plan to hold your puppy in your lap on your drive home, bring a few small towels to place on your lap for the puppy. We highly recommend that you DO NOT stop at rest stops, dog parks, or parks to let your puppy go potty. Your puppy will not have received all of its parvovirus shots yet, so exposing your puppy to areas where other dogs have been increases the risk of your puppy contracting parvo. Instead we recommend that you find places that have concrete or hard surfaces like a paved parking lot. In the summertime, be conscious of the surface your puppy is walking on. At Home Care For Your New Puppy The first 24 to 36 hours in your new home is an acclimation period for your puppy to get settled in your home. It is common for your German Shepherd puppy to have diarrhea or loose stool the first week it is in your new home. It is acclimating to a new world and a different schedule. Be very mindful about what kind of dog treats and toys you supply the puppy to chew on. These are all edible things that can cause loose stool and diarrhea. These are also additional calories that puppies will eat before they eat a meal. During their acclimation to your new homes, we recommend you keep treats and cookies to a minimum. These are too rich and too hard on their systems. Wait at least 24 hours before giving your puppy a bath. You are more than welcome to keep in touch with us during this time and ask questions via email or text. The breeder will review the amount of food and schedule with you when you pick up your puppy. If your puppy has a weak appetite during the acclimation period you can add boiled boneless chicken and cooked white rice to its meals. Or you can add canned food to its meal to entice its appetite. Discard any uneaten food after each meal. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water during the day. If you are house breaking your puppy, remove access to water at least 4 hours prior to bed time. Diarrhea in very young puppies during their first weeks in their new environment is not uncommon. Here's why: Stress and Adaptation: The transition from their birthplace to a new home is a significant change for a young puppy. The stress of leaving their mother and littermates, coupled with adapting to a new diet and environment, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Dietary Changes: Puppies might experience a sudden switch in their diet when they move to their new home. This shift in nutrition, even if well-intentioned, can disrupt their delicate digestive systems and result in diarrhea. Microbial Adjustment: The puppy's gut is in the process of developing a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Stress and changes in diet can temporarily affect this delicate balance, leading to digestive disturbances like diarrhea. This adjustment period is natural as the puppy's gut adapts to new microorganisms in their surroundings. While occasional mild diarrhea can be expected, it's important to monitor your puppy's condition. Why young puppies get diarrhea and how to treat it Introducing Your Puppy To Other Pets Gradual Introduction: Begin with neutral territory, not in the home of the adult dog, where both dogs can meet on leashes. Increase the time and frequency of their interactions slowly and under supervision. Supervised Interaction: After bringing the puppy home, closely supervise their interactions. Start with separate spaces and controlled play sessions, intervening if tensions arise. Ensure each dog has a safe space to retreat to. Patience and Adaptation: Understand that dogs have unique personalities. Be patient as they adjust to each other. Gradually extend their time together while monitoring their behavior and providing guidance as needed. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog watch even more videos on how to care for your german shepherd puppy with a learning center subscription.

Champion bloodline english bulldog puppies. Vet checked. Fully vaccinated. Own both parents. These puppies are family raised and are up for adoption to a good home only. These puppies are bread not only to Bull Dog of America standard but for temperament and are perfect family pets or show dogs. All puppies from Echelon Bulldog Kennels come fully vaccinated, dewormed, and micro chipped with health guarantee. We offer delivery service for new owners that are located within the United States Buy Now English Bulldogs 8 week old puppies. UTD on shots. Puppy pack. Litter box trained Buy Now English Bulldog Hello , we have 3 male puppies that are looking for their forever loving homes! They 10 weeks old 2nd set of shots dewormed full AKC registration, Great temperament nice bone structure and very playful also been health checked. He is very playful and friendly. If you live in Phoenix, casa grand, maricopa, chandler AZ, the price will be the same. However, if you are located in a different state, the price will increase due to additional transportation costs. Alternatively, if you live in a different state and are able to personally pick up the puppy, you may be eligible for a discount. He came to us as a temporary guest. He is current on his vaccination and looking for his forever home. Please contact us with any questions. View Detail EnglishBulldog rehoming English bulldog, 2yrs old chocolate tri merle, female Up-to-date on shots and dewormed for more info. Feel free to call or text. He is up to date on all of his vaccinations, has been dewormed, and vet checked. Our puppy is socialized well with our other pets and children. He is extremely sweet and even cuter in person. AKC registered with vaccination and deworming. Great structure, rolls, loving sweet. Very Playful and Loving. View Detail He is waiting for his forever home He is 9 weeks old. Is ready for his forever home. I am not a breaded just a person trying to help out a friend. They were given this little guy as trade for work. He is energetic and smart. Please send questions and I will do my best to answer them. View Detail Puppie needs new home Beautiful pup moving cant have pets needs a loving home View Detail Exotic bulldog I have a Merle exotic English bulldog 6 months old he is house trained and trained to walk off a leash he is very smart and learns quick View Detail English bulldog puppies Born November 16 I have one male left color brindle and white 1 females left one Merle tri color and t0they are AKC registered they will come with their first set of shots and registration papers. He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us. English Bulldog Description The Bulldog is a small-statured, medium-sized dog, originally bred for working with bulls but trained and bred to fight bulls for sport. This practice began in England in the s and throughout Europe until the mids. Its distinctive undershot bite allowed it to hang on to the bull with amazing strength. Discover more about our English Bulldog puppies for sale below! The shuffling gait is a result of this selection since the dog needed to be able to withstand severe shaking and thumping without having its spine or ribs broken. Bulldogs can move swiftly and make sudden leaps, which accounts for their surprising agility and cleverness. The coat is glossy and fine, with standard colors including, red, white, yellow or a combination of those. Young bulldogs are full of energy, but they slow down as they age. Their appearance makes them great watchdogs, but their personalities make them huge lovers. A Bulldog that understands its place in the human pack with thrive with all people including kids. The English Bulldog is described as very affectionate, dependable, gentle with children but known for its courage and bravery. This breed is good with family pets , but some English Bulldogs can be combative with strange dogs especially if their owners are not present to lead them. Bulldogs are very people-oriented and will seek as much love and attention as they can get; in fact, these dogs require a lot of affection from their owners if they are to thrive and be happy. This breed snores very loudly so buyer beware. This is a trait that these dogs are famous for and it is just a fact of life for them. Most English Bulldog puppies also drool and slobber so they are messy eaters, but most owners find these qualities endearing in their bulldogs. They are also prone to flatulence, especially when fed food other than their regular dog food diet. A once ferocious and tough dog — through select and skilled breeding — the bulldog has become a docile and loving pet and cherished member of countless families. The bulldog is beloved for its patience and affection for children making it an excellent family pet known for being jovial, charming and at times comical though messy. The breed is devoted, obedient and always willing to please, yet preserves its own independent brand of stubbornness present in the bulldog breed. Most of them are pleasant or even aloof towards strangers; however, some can be hostile to unfamiliar dogs, though the breed is compatible with most household pets. The fact is dogs are much happier when they know they follow their human. English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating so their owners are best to show strong leadership and understand alpha canine behavior. This is not a dog to drive around within your car, especially in the Arizona summer months. The breed is prone to mast cell tumors , skin infections, and hip and knee problems. See store for details on a specific puppy. American Canine Association.

Male vs. Female Golden Retriever Size This is the least subjective difference in this list. As far as where each dog falls in this range, that will depend heavily on the parents at least for height. Weight will not only depend on the dog and their parents, but also how much you feed and exercise them. Since they mature slower, male Goldens will act like puppies for longer than female Goldens. My Golden, Oliver, just turned three years old and he still acts like a wild, goofy puppy. Which leads us to the next point… Male vs. Female Golden Retriever Personalities This is probably the most subjective trait on this list. Females are more independent, dominant over other dogs, stubborn, and protective. Females are also often more caring and in tune with your emotions than males. In addition to genetics affecting their personalities, another thing that can affect their personalities is their past. We fostered a 9-year-old female Golden for a month and she was certainly more dominant and protective than our boy, but she was not independent at all. However, once your male Golden gets neutered , this will slow down a lot more on this later. Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training much easier! They were originally bred to hunt birds back in the s, so if they barked, they would scare the birds off. However, there are a few things you should know when it comes to Goldens and barking. Males have louder, deeper barks than females because of their bigger size. In fact, Charlie, a male Golden Retriever from Australia, owns the world record for loudest bark. But on the other hand, females often bark more than males. This is due to them usually being more protective more on this later. Female Golden Retriever Humping Yes, we all know that males hump. But did you know that female Goldens hump, too? Both males and females hump because of sexual urges, displaying dominance, playing, and other reasons. Neutering or spaying will help decrease it, but expect to deal with humping no matter which gender you get. And this takes us to the next difference… Male vs. Spaying or neutering your dog is a complicated question. Your decision will depend on your dog, your lifestyle, their gender, and even your culture I know that sounds weird, but this article will explain why. Again, talk to your vet to decide when the time is right for your pup. And for reference, Labradors are the seventh smartest dog breed. This could be because they mature faster or are less mischievous, or maybe they actually tend to be smarter. But just like all of the traits in this list, it really depends on the individual dog. Female Golden Retriever Protection Although males are bigger than females and have a louder bark, females are usually more protective of their homes and their families. Let me know in the comments! So how do you get the best dog for you? Talk to the breeder. They know the puppies and the parents best and can tell you what to expect. For example, if you want a dog to do agility, dock diving, or even hunting with, then you probably want an athletic, energetic field Golden Retriever , not a stocky show Golden Retriever. You can read this article for more information about how to find a good Golden Retriever breeder. Goldens are so popular right now and the waitlists are very long, so you might have to just accept what you can get. Oliver picked my wife by crawling into her lap and the decision was made then and there. Have any questions about male vs. Let me know in the comments below! And if you liked this article, then read about English vs. American Golden Retrievers next. Related articles:. Frequently Asked Questions Male vs. As with most breeds, the males tend to be larger than the females. A fully grown male Golden Retriever can weigh anywhere between 65 and 75 pounds, while a fully grown female will top out at around 55 to 65 pounds. As expected, the two differ in height, as well. Adult male Goldens usually stand between 23 and 24 inches tall at the shoulders. In contrast, adult females stand at around 21 and 22 inches tall at the shoulders. Aside from height and weight, there are other visible differences between male and female Golden Retrievers. Both male and female Goldens need regular brushing and grooming , but males may require more, due to their thicker coats. Male Golden Retrievers also tend to have broader heads and snouts, while females have a more narrow head and a skinnier snout. In general, females are more slender, while males tend to have a stockier appearance. Male vs. Female Golden Retriever Key Difference 2: Personality Traits and Demeanor Male and female Golden Retrievers share many of the same personality traits , like friendliness and gentle nature. Some owners report that males and females tend to have different personality traits. However, many of these reports are anecdotal, rather than proven. Some owners believe that their male Goldens tend to be far more attached to members of the family, while female Goldens are more independent. A male Golden might be more likely to stay glued at your hip, eager to please you and earn your affection. While female Goldens do get attached and want to please you, they might not be as clingy as their male counterparts. This is not to say that female Goldens are not affectionate. They just might express their affection differently than male Goldens. Some owners also report that male Goldens also tend to have more stubborn behavior than females. That is true for both male and female Goldens. Whether they are male or female, if your Golden Retrievers has a higher energy level, they may require more regular physical activity and exertion to prevent destructive behaviors or mood issues. That can be throwing a ball in the backyard or going for a daily walk around the neighborhood. In the case of male vs. All Golden Retrievers are prone to certain medical and physical conditions, including elbow dysplasia, retinal cataracts, bloat, epilepsy, aortic stenosis, Von Willebrand disease, and various types of cancer. While all Goldens are susceptible to these conditions, female Goldens come with their unique health concerns in addition to those experienced by the breed. For example, unspayed female Goldens have an increased risk of conditions like hip dysplasia. Improvements in screening and careful breeding have been lowering the rates of this condition in recent years. Females are also more likely to develop ocular myasthenia and adrenocortical insufficiency. Overall, male and female Goldens have the same life expectancy, reaching anywhere between 10 and 12 years. In some cases, both male and female Golden Retrievers can even live between 14 and 15 years. While all Goldens are highly intelligent, some puppy owners report that their female Goldens seem to pick up concepts slightly quicker than males, making them more adept at associating prompts and actions. This may lead to the assumption that females are easier to train. Goldens can often correctly respond to commands starting as young as 12 weeks old, whether they are male or female. Working with an experienced professional who can show you positive training methods can help make things like obedience training much easier, no matter whether you have a male Golden puppy or a female one. Male vs Female Golden Retriever Key Difference 6: Family Compatibility While Golden Retrievers make great family pets, there are a few things about the two genders that may make you choose one over the other for your household. Since female Goldens are sometimes reported to have calmer dispositions, they may be a nice choice for families that include children or seniors. Female Goldens are sometimes believed to be more careful and observant around small children, whereas male Goldens might be more carefree and playful. Due to their larger size, a male Golden Retriever might be able to knock children or senior adults over if they get hyper. Goldens of either gender are remarkably friendly, but this energetic spirit could cause injury to certain family members who cannot handle the size of a medium-to-large breed dog. Goldens are an ideal match for young couples who love a lot of activity. Whether you choose a male or female Golden Retriever, rest assured they will bring years of love, loyalty, and fun to your family! Exercise and Play: Regular exercise is essential to keep these energetic dogs healthy and happy, ensuring daily walks and playtime. Early Training and Socialization: Begin training early and expose your Golden Retriever to various people and situations for a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Grooming Care: Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, including brushing and occasional baths. Health Maintenance: Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and preventive care are vital for their overall well-being. Living Space: Ensure you have enough room in your home and yard to accommodate their medium to large size and active lifestyle. Family Compatibility: Golden Retrievers are generally good with children and other pets , but supervise interactions to ensure safety and harmony. Financial Preparedness: Owning a dog comes with expenses, so be financially ready for their care and well-being. Safety Precautions: Puppy-proof your living space to eliminate potential hazards and provide a safe environment. Lifelong Commitment: Be prepared for a long-term commitment as Golden Retrievers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years or more. Although golden retrievers are generally not hyperactive, females are sometimes believed to mature faster than males. This may help them to learn commands at a slightly younger age, although these differences tend to disappear as a dog gets a little older. Are male dogs friendlier than females? Male dogs are not necessarily more friendly, than female Golden Retrievers. In most cases, the differences will come from the individual personality of the puppy in question, rather than the gender. What is the difference between male dogs and female dogs? It really comes down to the individual personality of a puppy more than its gender. Can you have 2 male Golden Retrievers? Goldens are actually happier when they have companions, and while two males may fight to figure out who is the alpha between them, you could just as easily experience this same dynamic between two female Golden Retrievers or mixed genders. Do male or female dogs live longer? It has been noted that gender does not typically play a role in determining the life span of a dog, although males tend to live slightly longer on average. Spaying and neutering a dog seems to have a greater impact on the lifespan of a Golden Retriever. Is it better to get a male or female golden retriever? The answer to this question will usually come down to your personal preferences. While some dog owners report that males or females tend to have certain characteristics, in most cases, these differences stem more from the personality of an individual puppy than from their gender. 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. Updated: March 10th, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. Golden retrievers are friendly, trusting, and kind dogs that make wonderful family pets and companions. However, there are subtle differences between males and females that you should consider before bringing a puppy home. In this article, I will tell you everything there is to know about golden retriever gals and help you decide whether a female is a right choice for your family! Female Golden Retriever Appearance A fully grown golden retriever is a medium to large-size dog with an athletic build. But while both males and females have the same build and appearance, there are subtle differences between the two genders. If you compare the two, you will notice that the biggest difference between male vs. An average female is generally between .Male golden retrievers, on the other hand, generally weigh from 65 to 75 pounds and are between 23 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Besides being smaller than their male counterparts, females are also lighter. You will notice too that female dogs have a slightly more delicate appearance and a narrower head and muzzle. The coat can be straight or wavy, and consists of a firm and resilient topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat. Male goldens have a naturally thick and prominent ruff around the neck, and heavy feathering on the front of the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Female goldens, on the other hand, have a slightly shorter coat and less pronounced mane and feathering. Golden Retriever Girl Temperament A lot of new owners ask whether there is any difference between male vs. You may have heard that male goldens are more affectionate, or that females are calmer or easier to train. There is no evidence that gender plays any role in determining the temperament and personality of any dog. As a breed, golden retrievers are people-oriented, active, intelligent, and highly trainable dogs with amazing working skills. Both male and female dogs are bred to possess the same temperamental traits, which make them a great choice for first-time owners and families with children. Still, you may come across an extremely affectionate female and others that are more independent, but the same can be said for male goldens. Ultimately, regardless of their gender, all golden retrievers are individuals that can exhibit unique personality traits. Due to this, training female puppies tends to be easier, and they generally learn commands more quickly than males. However, with positive reinforcement training and consistency, both males and females show the same level of obedience when they are adults. Are They Healthy? Overall, goldens are a generally healthy breed but are like all other purebred dogs in that they are prone to certain health problems. Female goldens are more likely to develop adrenocortical insufficiency and extraocular myositis than males. However, they are less likely to suffer from idiopathic epilepsy than male golden retrievers. Furthermore, unspayed female dogs are at higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, a uterine infection called pyometra, and mammary tumors. Golden retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, many can live shorter or longer depending on the level of care they receive during their lives. Female goldens have a slightly longer average lifespan of .Caring for your dog means that you will have to maintain every part of her body in pristine condition. Golden retrievers have a long, dense coat that sheds moderately all year round and goes through a heavy shed during spring and fall. You will have to brush your golden girl three or four times a week to keep her coat clean and prevent mats and tangles from forming. Goldens have floppy ears, which means that dirt and moisture easily get trapped inside, which can lead to painful ear infections.

Dog treats Dog crate Boxers are energetic and highly intelligent dogs. They strive for attention and love to please their owners. Although Boxers are quick learners, they tend to be stubborn when they do not want to do something. It is important to train Boxer puppies at an early age, as they can become hard to train and control. One of this first things you should do when you get your Boxer puppy home is to potty train it. Begin potty training when the Boxer puppies are at least 7 weeks old as they are now able to walk and learn. Make sure to start training as soon as possible. If you start potty training when the puppies are over 12 weeks of age, it will be more difficult for them to learn. They will have developed bad habits that will be hard to break. Choose a location in your yard where the Boxer puppy will go to the bathroom each time he goes outside. Always take the puppy to this one location when it is time to go potty. Do not confuse the puppy by taking him to a new location each time. Use the leash to lead the puppy to the location that you had chosen in Step 2. Stay in this area until the puppy has gone potty. Reward the puppy in this manner every time he has finished going to the bathroom. Create a consistent routine. Take the Boxer puppy outside to use the bathroom at the same times everyday. Putting the Boxer puppy on a regular feeding schedule will help you predict when the puppy needs to go potty. Repeat this process until the Boxer puppy is no longer going to the bathroom in the house. If you have a fenced-in yard, the puppy should be able to go to the bathroom on his own without a leash. This can take several weeks or more to accomplish. Tips It is important that you stay consistent with your training. Apply these steps in the exact same manner each time. Your puppy will learn much faster because puppies learn by repetition. If you do or say something different each time you take your puppy out to potty, you will confuse him. Watch for signs from your puppy that he needs to go to the bathroom. If your puppy is sniffing around, circling, whimpering or scratching at the door, he probably needs to go out. It is recommended that you purchase a dog crate if you cannot supervise your Boxer at all times. Make sure you purchase a large enough crate to accommodate your Boxer. You will need to crate train your puppy to ensure that he will not go to the bathroom throughout your home. This does nothing to help your puppy learn faster. Punishing will only make the puppy afraid of you. Instead, ignore your puppy when he has an accident and clean the mess up right away. Be patient and keep rewarding your Boxer puppy whenever he goes to the bathroom outside. Boxer Dog House Training Overview Housebreaking your Boxer does not need to be a struggle of wits or will power between you and your dog. How do you properly house train a Boxer? By following 2 main rules: 1. Use a method that prevents your Boxer from eliminating inside the home. Provide and offer an area to relieve themselves that is both easily accessible and available when they need it. Keeping these 2 training rules in mind, housebreaking your Boxer can be done without stress or frustration. Rule 1 The goal is for your Boxer to not eliminate inside the house but how do you accomplish this? It is really easier than you might think. There are 2 basic methods. Watch them like a hawk - If you are lucky enough to be able to stay home with your Boxer until he or she is house trained, you can use the Umbilical Cord Training Method. If you are away during the day, default to this method any time that you are home and it can be reasonably incorporated. You will simply put a leash on your Boxer and tether the other end to you. You may connect it to your belt loop or around your wrist. The important element is that your Boxer will never be more than 6 feet away from you. With this method, you will take your Boxer puppy outside every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old and so on. The less a pup is allowed an opportunity to have an "accident" inside, the more successful the house training will be done. And we must remember that essentially there are no accidents. When nature calls, a puppy will urinate or eliminate where they are at that moment. Bladder and bowel muscles are not at full strength and the Boxer has little control in regard to holding needs. Therefore, it is the owner's job to make sure that their Boxer is outside in the bathroom area, at the time that the body calls for it. The other method is confinement by crating and is not recommended. For times that you cannot be right with your Boxer puppy , it is best to have him in a gated off area. If the room that you choose has carpeting, it is recommended to obtain a piece of linoleum, that will not be installed, it will simply be placed down. It's a good idea to keep the gate open when you are home, allowing your Boxer to check things out and even play, should he choose. It will allow him to get used to the area for times when you are not home. Do keep in mind that without full control over holding his needs, he must still be taken out at the times mentioned above. When you are not home, pee pads or paper can be placed down; however do not expect your puppy to learn 2 methods of housebreaking. The beneficial element is that it will be confined to one space easy to clean up and as the Boxer grows, he will be able to hold his needs for longer periods of time, with the end result being able to hold on for the 8 hours or so that owners are away for work. Rule 2 You must clearly show your Boxer where you expect him to go to the bathroom. If there are any doubts in your dog's mind about where he is supposed to eliminate this will make for one confused dog. And, it will most likely lead to that dog just giving up and going inside the home. Choose a spot that works well in all weather. What looks like a great location on a warm spring day may not work so great when your older, trained Boxer has to hike thorough a foot of snow to reach it in the winter. The area should be roughly 8 feet in diameter and used for nothing else but bathroom needs. If you want to play with your Boxer or do some outdoor command training , do this after he goes to the bathroom and in a separate location at least 15 feet from the bathroom area. The location that you choose as the main spot for your Boxer to use as a bathroom is vital. A dog will become very confused if you show them a new area each time you bring them outside. Just having the yard or "somewhere outside" is not specific enough and will impede progress. The 1 complaint that owners have in regard to housebreaking their puppy is that he or she urinates or eliminates right after coming back into the house. While this may just be a matter of the dog's body not having the need while outside, most of the time it is because an owner did not give the dog an opportunity to do so. Puppies need to sniff around - stand in the center of the chosen area - and with your Boxer on a 6 foot lead, allow him to sniff away any where within that diameter. As they are sniffing, their body is readying to push out a bowel movement and an owner must allow for enough time to go by for this to happen. The mistake occurs when an owner heads back in with their Boxer, only minutes before the dog is ready and that is when the dog eliminates seemingly right after entering back inside. As digested food moved through the intestinal tract, the puppy clenched bowel muscles in anticipation of being taken out. A pup needs 15 to 20 minutes to find just the "perfect" spot and to relax enough to do the deed. How to Begin Using the above Umbilical Cord Training Method Each time your puppy makes a motion that implies that they are about to eliminate, you must bring your dog outside to a designated area. In some cases, you may need to pick up your puppy and run to that spot - expect to do this several times, as even finishing in the designated bathroom area is preferred to not at all. Still give praise even if he only finished up there. Don't scold for what's been done inside, as again, the dog went to the bathroom in the area he was in at the time. Taken outside enough will stop this from happening - and don't worry, as your Boxer matures, he will be able to hold on for about 1 hour extra, for each month that he ages. As soon as your Boxer is done with their business, give tons of praise. A puppy has no idea that he did something right, unless it is conveyed to him via words and at times, additionally a treat. You do not need to give your dog a treat each time they "perform" good; but you should shower your Boxer with pats and tons of happy and excited words. Act as if your dog just did the best possible action in the world! A dog aims to please their owner; if you make your Boxer feel as if he did something extraordinarily wonderful, he or she will be prone to do it again. This does not need to be done forever. Once a dog performs enough repetitions of a certain action, it becomes habit. However, an occasional "good dog! Block off certain rooms that are not in use and use a gate to keep your Boxer on the level of the home where you are. If "allowed" to have accidents, they will continue to believe that they can go urinate or eliminate inside of the home. Even if you yell "NO! Be sure that it is large enough for the pup to: play, sleep, eat and go to the bathroom. Crating does not work when a dog is left home alone. Canines do not care to go to the bathroom in a confined space, but if left with no other choice, they will.Bring your Boxer out about 20 minutes before you leave. Bring him out as soon as you arrive back home. Don't scold for any messes that occurred while you were gone, it makes no sense to reprimand a dog for a natural bodily function. Leaving Your Boxer Outside There are several reasons why a Boxer of any age should not be sent out into the yard without supervision. The Boxer is among the top dog breeds that are stolen. Where are they taken from? Their own yards. A fence may keep other dogs out, but it will not keep out a thief intent on jumping over the fence to take your helpless puppy. Until a Boxer is old enough to scare off a thief, do not leave your puppy outside. In addition, outside elements such as the hot sun can quickly overheat a dog causing heat exhaustion, which ultimately leads to death if treatment is not given in enough time. Your Boxer puppy should be taken out many times during the day, given that he or she sleeps through the night: When they first wake up After each meal times a day Before bedtime A general guideline in house training a dog is that a 2 month old Boxer puppy can hold its needs for 2 hours, a 3 month old for 3 hours and so on. The maximum time that any dog should ever be expected to hold their needs is 8 hours and this is for a full grown adult canine. Taking steps to help your Boxer sleep through the night can also help to some extent. Keeping in mind that meals must be spaced apart from exercise to help prevent bloat , a good bout of cardio about 2 hours before bed may help a pup sleep better through the night.

We are 3. Below are pictures of Irish mini golden doodles we have placed in and around Chicago. What is an Irish mini goldendoodle? Irish mini goldendoodle puppies bring the best of 3 breeds together, improving on the traditional mini goldendoodle breed. Irish mini goldendoodles are a tri-breed cross between the miniature poodle, golden retriever, and Irish setter breeds. Poodles are know for non-shedding coats and intelligence, golden retrievers the teddy bear appearance and mild disposition, and Irish setters a very social disposition and deep red coats. F1 Irish mini goldendoodle puppies Our F1 Irish mini goldendoodles are the first generation cross between an F1 Irish retriever and miniature poodle or multigen mini goldendoodle. These puppies are typically lbs and have low to no shedding. F1b Irish mini goldendoodle puppies Our F1b Irish mini goldendoodles are the first generation backcross between an F1 Irish mini goldendoodle and miniature poodle or multigen mini goldendoodle. These puppies are typically lbs and have very low to no shedding. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Chicago Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! A Goldendoodle puppy is a crossbreed dog breed that is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Goldendoodle puppies are known for their friendly personalities, low-shedding coats, and intelligence. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and are popular as family pets and therapy dogs. Known for their intelligence, friendliness, and loving personalities, our puppies will light up your heart with love and joy for years to come. With such high trainability traits, our adorable puppies make the perfect companion for children and families. Only requiring moderate exercise, these little furry friends make great city dogs. They are also one of the most playful Goldendoodle sizes. Families from the 4-corners of our great nation have fallen in love with this breed, and so will you. In the long list of dog breeders, you have to look for dog lovers — For nearly a decade Central Illinois Doodles has forged the path in breeding Mini Goldendoodles. Goldendoodle Traits Higher-energy, love to run and be active Excellent service dogs for those with disabilities Good with children For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Goldendoodle Breed Classifications For dog-loving people with allergic reactions, the Goldendoodle could be the right decision for you when it comes to choosing a pet. Since the Goldendoodle came from the Poodle mixed with Golden Retriever, their coats are allergy-friendly! To give you an idea, F1b dogs are less likely to shed and more allergy-friendly because they have a significant amount of Poodle genes. Goldendoodle Puppy Personality Goldendoodle puppies are very special because their personalities are very good. The dog is known to be intelligent and affectionate. These dogs are one of the best breeds for human company and their gentle nature and high patience make them wonderful family pets. Usually the puppies are cheeky and mischievous, can sometimes be clingy and have separation anxiety, but they are rarely aggressive. Are mini Goldendoodles social creatures? Yes — as highly social dog breeds, Goldendoodles love to be surrounded by their owner or other human interactions. Goldendoodle Puppy Temperament. I'd like to subscribe to be notified of upcoming litters If you are human, leave this field blank. Each new litter of Goldendoodles is unique and may inherit various features from each parent breed. That is why it is crucial to pick a reliable Golden doodle breeder with expertise in both parent breeds. As all dog owners know, every new puppy has a unique personality waiting to develop with your love and care. The standard is the largest Goldendoodle size, ranging in height and weight from 25 — 28 inches to 90 pounds. Typically, Standard Goldendoodle weighs between 50 and 65 pounds and stands between 23 and 25 inches in height. Families adore standard Goldendoodles because of their prominent playful personalities and peaceful, friendly demeanors. The Miniature or Mini Goldendoodle grows between 15 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 35 pounds when fully grown. This size Goldendoodle is the sweet spot — people who live in large homes with enclosed yards and those who live in condominiums or townhouses love this size. These little cuties weigh less than 25 pounds usually pounds and range in height from 10 to 18 inches. Our Toy Goldendoodles have the sweetest personalities and hypoallergenic qualities, making them another popular choice. Raising puppies is our job, passion, and calling. Each of our healthy puppies for sale will envelop the characteristics mentioned above but have individualized, unique qualities that we want you to look for. A good breeder in Illinois will only show you what they want you to see, but a reputable breeder will go the extra mile to ensure health, promise a warranty and be fully honest with your next Goldendoodle puppy. Our parent dogs and puppies undergo a comprehensive set of health and DNA tests to ensure you get the healthiest dog possible from health tested parents. All of our adorable Goldendoodles come with a 2-year written genetic health guarantee. As Professional Goldendoodle breeders, we do everything possible to ensure that our Goldendoodles are the happiest and healthiest. Honesty Reputable Goldendoodle breeders are open and upfront with their customers. They must answer any of your questions about their breeding program and the dogs they breed with honesty and competence. If they do their job well, they will have a good breeding reputation by following through on their promises and professionally handling issues. At Central Illinois Doodles, we are Goldendoodle breeders operating openly and transparently. Simply put, it means that your puppy comes from carefully chosen parent dogs whose lineages have been OFA DNA tested for genetic issues and common health concerns. As a result, all of our puppies come with written guarantees that they are free of health conditions and genetic disorders. Temperament is also a priority for us, and our goal is to ensure that the dogs we breed are the best match, not just for adorable puppies but well-tempered ones, too. Variety of Sizes and Colors Our Goldendoodles come in various sizes, from standard to miniature to toy, encapsulating the breed in a lovely tiny package! Every litter features a wide range of hues, from white to brown to tan and everything in between. The coat types of our Goldendoodle pups range from wavy to wavy, with loose curls to very curly. Whatever your preference, they are all extremely precious! Owners will be thrilled to see that our little puppies are already displaying indications of their intelligence as they learn and play in their new surroundings at just a few weeks old. While other breeds at the same age may be distant and unsure of their place in the family, our Goldendoodle pups bond quickly and develop devotion and loyalty at a young age. Goldendoodle breeders can ensure that their puppies inherit the best and healthiest qualities by carefully selecting parent dogs. So whether you are looking for a devoted friend, a service dog, or a therapy dog, Goldendoodle puppies are the best possible breed to consider! Check out our available puppies page to learn more about our current litters. We look forward to talking with you about our current or upcoming litters and helping you reserve your new puppy. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? If you are looking for reduced shedding in your dog, then the Goldendoodle may be the perfect fit for you. Most Goldendoodles inherit less shedding and hypoallergenic coats, but not all Goldendoodles inherit these traits. When the puppy is around three weeks old, Goldendoodle breeders can usually tell the type of coat they will have. This allows them to find the perfect family for each pup. Do Goldendoodle Puppies Need Training? Unfortunately, at the time being, we have no specialized training packages to offer you. But we would highly recommend finding an experienced dog trainer in your local area. We have a range of prices for our Goldendoodles, depending on the type of coat, color, size, and parents. Our Goldendoodles might not be as cheap as dogs from puppy mills or backyard Goldendoodle breeders. They reflect the effort and dedication we put into presenting you with a healthy and well-tempered perfect puppy. Please review our puppy price guide on our website for more information. Doodle Breeder Near Me. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL. Goldendoodles were originally bred to combine the intelligence and incredible coats of the Poodle with the people-centric attitude of the Golden Retriever. How much are mini Goldendoodles for sale Chicago? Goldendoodle price varies depending on a variety of factors. For example, a tiny Goldendoodle with an uncommon coat color will probably be more expensive than a medium or standard Goldendoodle in a common coat color. One of the awesome things about working with us is that you have so many options to choose from! Will you only connect me with local mini Goldendoodle breeders Chicago? Our network focuses on connecting families and puppies based on preferences, and not purely on geographical location. How do you screen mini Goldendoodle breeders in Chicago? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with mini Goldendoodles Chicago? Unethical, dishonest breeders are an epidemic—especially online, where puppy mills and scams are all over the place. There are no puppy mills around here—just awesome puppies. What is a puppy mill for mini Goldendoodle puppies Chicago? Puppy mills are factories where dogs are bred on an industrial scale. At mills, puppies and their parents are often mistreated and forced to live in inhumane conditions. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies in Chicago available now? All you need to do is begin your MatchMaker process below, and Uptown will take care of the rest. What is the MatchMaker process like for miniature Goldendoodle Chicago? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

While genetic testing is not very common in mixed breeds, a quality breeder can often breed out common problems that afflict the pure bread parents, leading to a higher price. These pups can also be found in dog shelters. These dogs tend to be loyal and love to spend time with their human companions. They create strong bonds with their families, especially with children. Many consider the Jack Russell parent the perfect earth work dog. The Poodle parent is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. The poodle pan is a water retriever and has a remarkable swimming ability. It gets along well with all family members, especially if it receives plenty of early socialization. The Jack-A-Poo gets all its intelligence from its Poodle parents. Their high intelligence makes them great watchdogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It usually chooses to hang out near family members and like to be included in any family functions. Its excellent watchdog skills will keep your family safe. A Jack Russell Terrier and a Poodle getting into mischief. You can expect to feed your pet up to a cup of dog food each day spread out over several meals. We recommend a dry dog food with high-quality protein listed as its top ingredient. We also recommend foods that contain antioxidants and omega fats. If you are a jogger, they might like to run with you, and in many cases, children can help your pet get the exercise it needs. Swimming is a great way to burn off excess energy. The Jack-A-Poo is also eager to please and will enjoy learning new tricks to satisfy their master. There are many tricks you can teach them, and the key to keeping them interested is to use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement means to shower your pet with praise and offer treats when they successfully follow one of your commands. As they get better at following your commands, you can reduce the number of treats you give out to prevent weight gain. Holding your training sessions at the same time each day is also a critical component of a successful training session. You will need to brush then about once a week with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any tangles and debris that may have become trapped in the fur. Since their ears are floppy, you will also need to clean them often to reduce the risk of ear infections due to moisture and wax build-up. You will also need to trim the nails about once a month, or when you hear them clicking on the floor when they walk. Minor Conditions Patellar Luxation: Patellar Luxation is a condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place due to the stretching of the Patellar ligament. Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes the hip socket to form incorrectly. The improperly formed hip socket does not allow the smooth movement of the leg bone, which wears down and deteriorates over time, making it harder for your pet to move around. Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia include decreased activity, decreased motion, pain, stiffness, and a wobbling gate. In some cases, surgery can be an effective form of treatment. Serious Conditions Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a condition in dogs that can cause them to have seizures. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder that affects dogs, and almost one percent of all dogs suffer from it. If you notice your dog having seizures, you will need to keep a detailed diary that you can share with your vet to help diagnose and treat the condition. Most treatments involve medication, and most pets can live a long life with epilepsy. Symptoms of this disease are vague but may include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. You may also notice intermittent shaking and sudden weight loss. Both are typically the same height and weight and have the same temperament. Summary The Jack-A-Poo makes a great family pet as well as an affectionate companion. It likes to play games, learn new tricks, and watch over the house. It may chase some smaller animals around the yard, but the Jack-A-Poo usually gets along well with family pets, especially if they receive early socialization. We hope you have enjoyed reading our look into the Jack-A-Poo breed and found something you like. Breed Title Jackapoo Puppies Temperament The Jackapoo is an adorable, loving and lovable pup, one who knows how to put a smile on all of those nearby. They are known for their sociability and fun-loving disposition — generally welcoming and inclusive of others. For these reasons, the Jackapoo makes for a great family pet — tolerant of children and other animals alike, always up for some affectionate playtime as well! Highly intelligent, this breed picks up tricks quickly, so early positive socialization and training is essential. With enthusiasm for all things furry and four-legged especially their owners! Jackapoo Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Jackapoos for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Jackapoo puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Jackapoo puppies are at a somewhat elevated risk for developing the following conditions: Luxating Patella Hip Dysplasia Allergies Some of the most common ailments for these canine companions can include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and allergies. Finding a Jackapoo puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Some may have curly or wavy coats, while others could be silky and smooth. Regardless of which type of coat your pup has, proper maintenance is important for keeping their fur looking good and healthy. Grooming should take place at least monthly to help remove dead hair and prevent matting. In between groomings, daily brushing is needed to help distribute natural oils throughout the coat and remove any dirt build-up. Additionally, occasional bathing with a gentle coat shampoo will help keep their fur looking glossy and feeling soft. Meet Jackapoo Puppies for Sale No puppies available at this time. Adopted Jackapoo Puppies. They are extremely intelligent, so they learn commands and tricks easily. Jackapoos are great with children and other pets because they are so social and want to make friends with everyone. They are very friendly and bond well with their owners, but are good at entertaining themselves while their family is busy. As all others, this breed is best when they know their is a strict master in the house who makes the rules. See Ridgewood Kennels Jackapoo puppies for sale below! If kept in an apartment, they will need planned exercise like walks occasionally. Grooming: If kept long, daily brushing is needed. If kept short, regular cuts are recommended every weeks. Simple brushing and bathing for natural short coats. Also keep nails trimmed and ears cleaned. Shedding: Poodles are non-shedding, while Jack Russells do shed. Therefore Jackapoos can be shedding or a minimal shedder. Recommended for someone looking for a low shedding dog but not recommended if there are severe allergy sufferers in the home. Our Jackapoo puppies for sale are first generation, so they are very healthy and have an easy going temperament! Call us today so we can help you find the perfect Jackapoo for your family! In Addition. Life Span Did You Know? They are energetic little dogs with big, lively personalities. They are intelligent, curious, and affectionate with their families. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. The Jack-A-Poo is an active, energetic dog that thrives on attention and activity. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They have a high prey drive, so they will need extra training and socialization around other small pets. Jackapoos are initially wary of strangers and tend to alert bark. If they have been socialized well, they tend to warm up once introduced. Although you may not be able to keep them from alert barking entirely, you can work to train your dog to stop barking to help keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior. Jack-A-Poos are highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and need a lot of daily activity, they can adapt well to apartments or larger homes as long as they get the exercise they need. They do well in a variety of climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Their coat provides some insulation against the cold, but they may still need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm while out on winter walks. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They could inherit none, all, or some of the conditions common to their parents, and good breeding practices make a big difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the health of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Jackapoos are intelligent little dogs that tend to pick up on things quickly, which also means they can get bored easily. Although they do tend to be eager to please, they can also have a stubborn streak at times. Patient, consistent training focused on praise and reward can usually overcome this challenge. This dog breed is considered a good fit for owners of all experience levels. But, if you need a little bit of help or a confidence boost to handle any stubbornness, puppy training classes are a good idea. Although there can be some variation among individual dogs, the Jack-A-Poo tends to have a low or non-shedding coat that is coarser than the standard Poodle coat. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice a month keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Jackapoo is prone to developing gum disease and other dental diseases. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste plus cleanings at the vet as needed are a good foundation. Although a Jackapoo is small, they are a high-energy dog. Playful and energetic, these little dogs need playtime, time to run, and some extra activity throughout the day to be happy and healthy. Just make sure you are keeping activities low-impact until puppies finish growing and developing. A fully-grown Jackapoo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Jack-A-Poos generally live for years on average. Featured Jack-a-poo Article.

Miscellany The "Critters" Pose Do the cats get along? I get that question quite often. If you were to drop in, here's what you'll often see, usually with doggie close by, too. This photo is several years old, when Nago was a lot lighter color Seal Point. His mother is Pica, who's on the right, behind Subi, the Blue Point, who's Nago's cousin, and the eldest. Now you see why pet shots are generally frowned upon, along with this too-chatty narrative! Those of you who have animals who share in your lives are well aware of the many times they just "fall into" cute poses like this. I grabbed the camera because of the symmetry of the three interlocking "C"-shapes they formed there on the couch that evening. That was a new pose on me. Only Nago, the youngest, got curious about my camera probing and looked up. The other two are quite unflappable. Nago's vivid blue eyes happened to catch the light just so. Here's Subi's Portrait, on the left, and to the right of it is Pica's Portrait. I took them with a blue paper backing when I was trying to come up with my parody of the legendary HMV logo, having a kitty look into a Grammy, for my proposed Catalyst Records, as mentioned on the Artwork Page. These ought more than satisfy all of you alleurophiles out there who share my love of Siamese Cats. Despite Subi's constant talking and clever attempts to get attention, he's a dear old pal, and this shot captures him in a very mellow mood. Pica has a wonderfully shaped lithe body that is shown to advantage in this portrait of a proud little cat. I used a few old photofloods and my Rollei SL66 to snap them and get them used to the idea of the photo session, before attempting a parody image. One time I walked in and this is what greeted me. I had a long roll of Escher's lovely geometric art on the table, still curled up as you see it, waiting to be hung on the long hallway upper wall. A Nago Nest. Lucky that the camera was still loaded, or I'd have missed it. A Siamese cat cannot resist sitting inside an open box or bag or walled-in area, like this one. Nago had discovered it while I was out for dinner that evening, and had set up shop here as you see. He remained in place for quite a while even after I'd taken his picture. Yes, that's a Russian nesting doll in the upper right corner, in front of the card from which the Sonic Seasonings cover image down below was taken. Heather Dog, in a portrait I took in March of '.Many of you have experienced this sadness, of losing a treasured pet. On September 25th of this year '96 I had to take this dear little doggie on her last voyage to the vet's. It was quite expected, she was almost 15, and had been losing her vision gradually cataracts , and similarly getting deaf, and even losing her sense of smell. But when she began falling, or getting splayed out on her tummy, limbs all stretched out helplessly, and having great difficulties in eating without splaying out, and similarly in walking, eliminating, or even trying to lie down chronic arthritis , what could be done? Her time had come. This dear little creature was perpetually sweet, loving and intelligent I counted a vocabulary of perhaps words that she clearly understood , as are most Soft coated Wheaten Terriers. And oh yes, very stubborn. But only we knew that. It became a universal theme for visitors to call or write back, "how are you, and how is Heather? Of course she made sure anyone who came into the loft was treated as the finest human being in the world. You know. Heather was my first dog, and I loved her without reservation. She was endearing, a true companion especially while working in the studio for hours alone. The cats are always up on top-- of the sofa, or chair or monitors, whereas Heather would station herself beside me, as closely as possible, even up on my feet and ankles. In the final few months she had difficulty in finding us, or the studio, and similar to the story about the final year of Galileo, her horizons had narrowed from the whole loft and parts of our neighborhood, to one room, one carpet, with walks and exercise around one table. But she was never ever really sick a day in her life, and was lucky to have the cats around, as they were genuine companions Subi howled like a coyote when he woke up to find her missing the next day. Since I work out of the loft, she always had us around, too. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was to take her for her final trip that afternoon, and remain with her, gently holding and stroking her as she faded away. I still keep "losing it", as when typing this out. I'm sure many of you understand the grief. For those who don't, why not just skip to the next section? Heather takes a nap. This is one of the last photos of her, as she no longer could lie with her rear limbs akimbo in a classic Wheaten manner. You can detect hints her graceful terrier shape, even under that shaggy beige lambs-wool-soft coat of hers, which we usually left rather long. It did make her look more like a Sheep Dog, but that also seemed to match her outgoing personality. Heather at play. This is an early shot of doggie, jumping off the steps of a rural house upstate where I was visiting friends Tom and Sharon. You can see their cute charcoal dog, Pepper, dashing along just in front and lower center of the photo. Heather loved to travel, and the dogs had a lot of fun whenever we could bring them together. This time it was in September of .Heather with me. Here's a final photo I have of me with "woof" for a 28 pound dog, she had a humongous bark , on her next to last day. If I look haggard, it's because I'd been crying. But she was happy to be cuddled, and certainly knew she was greatly loved. While the previous two weeks had not been kind to her, this day she seemed to regain a little of her former old self, still enthusiastic John Klett always called her: "Enthusadog". I filled the day with treats and extra little dog-gifts and other such silly stuff one does when about to part with an endearing pal of many experiences over many years. Farewell, dear friend. Piccola Cat "Peek" , in a typical personality pose I took it when she was almost 2. Late this April, only seven months after losing Heather, tiny Chocolate Point Pica decided that her time had come. What else to say when she decided to stop eating and then drinking, and curled up to sleep away her last strength? A strong minded cat in the best of times, it became quite a torture to try to force food and drink into her. The same with the medicines she needed for her continuing allergies and bronchi infections, mixed with lifelong athesma. The Littlest One would have none of it. In just over a week, early on April 26th, she died quietly as we were taking her to the vets. I had just returned on Friday from a grim necessary visit with my parents, mostly spent in doctor's offices but they are doing okay , and a close friend she loved was taking care of all the critters here. I got back to find Pica looking very sick and thin, with nearly no life left in her. But she had waited for me. I'm very grateful to have had that final 12 hours with her, tenderly stroking her on my lap, watching her respond gently, clearly recognizing my touch, my smells and my voice by then she was quite blind , and knowing she was safe and loved. Dear Subi and her son rested up close to her, sensing somehow that the situation was very grave both later had a hard time adjusting to her not being here any more -- cats often know more than we assume they do. Pica's final two years were spent in a chronic effort to breathe. She had come close to suffocating several times, but with quick response and medication, I had gotten her past each crisis. January through March were clear dry months, and she rallied during them, returning to some of her endearing old habits. Then with allergy season upon us the difficulties had begun again. Although we miss her dreadfully, I'm relieved her suffering is over, that her death was truly peaceful. I will spare you more emotional details, as it hurts very much to talk or write about it. Unlike Heather, I was less prepared this time, except in a general way. Rough one. That's why it took me a few weeks to add this to the site. As I speak about such matters above, this mention and additional photos are for those of you who understand the joy of sharing one's life with "fuzzy critters", and the grief we experience when their short lives are over. Pica kittenishly playing, taking a characteristically graceful, athletic jump from the top of a kitchen cabinet to her kitty pole. She and Subi were a lot of fun to watch as they grew up. A cat pole, which also is where they scratch their nails -- sparing the furniture a tip to other alleurophiles, but you must expose them to it early on , quickly becomes a special territory: for scrambling around and exercising, having a round of hide and seek, performing wild gymnastics, or just to get up high for a better look, especially when strangers arrive. Pica napping on one of her favorite spots, the cable TV box in the dinning area. This is one of the last good pictures I have of her she began to look sick in April. I took it at New Year's , when the loft was dimly lit, a small Xmas tree was lighted nearby, and everything seemed quiet with the world. Later on, I turned on the computer, and "Peek" figured this out, and soon insisted on being lifted to the top of one of the monitors, her very favorite toasty place to hang out and nap near me and all my work and sounds. Pace, sweet Pica.Nago patiently sits up in one of the few formal poses I have of him. He wasn't too happy about having his portrait taken, so I'd postponed doing this most of his life. Subi and Pica had been pretty good about it when I took theirs when they were both about three years old, and these are the pix you see of them above, against the blue paper roll. Finally I setup the camera and lights and backing and waited until Nago was quite still after a long nap. He was still a bit sleepy. Up on the table he went, "Just sit there! I'm glad to have this photo now. Classic Seal Point Siamese, the best description of this lovely portrait of Nago taken in September of '.He'd just began to show signs of sickness, and for the first time in his life was not interested much in eating. Of course you worry that something bad is going on inside. I grabbed the Rollei and took a couple of rolls that evening while he was reclining and cleaning himself. This was one of the best, perhaps it's even the best shot I have of my friend. The vet thought the slight lump he felt might be a cancer in the abdomen, but a sonogram suggested an enlarged spleen I still suspected cancer. In a week he was eating again, but I watched him closely from then on. In '98, when giving him one of the tummy rubs he haunted me to get, I felt something inside myself. This time the vet thought it was a cancer for sure. So in early May, he underwent surgery. It was cancer all right, of the kidney, a very large tumor. He'd been losing weight through the last few months. I didn't have all the time I wanted to keep an eye on him as the filmscore to Woundings was now in highest gear. But with a lot of TLC, and medicating him from then on both by pill and daily doses of Ringer's Lactate subdermally he minded the pills much more than the injection , he rallied once more surprisingly well. Began eating, and was extra demanding of affection. Fine by me. Several times in the first months of the Cat Trio would pose dourly like this the camera's strobe caught their super reflective retinas very well here! Note Walter Cronkite, expaining how angry he is at the myths perpertrated on a young generation by Stone's paranoid, contrived "JFK" polemic I agree -- letting Oswald off and sanctifying Garrison is the true perversion. In February the newest addition, Pandora "Pandy" , had joined the crew. Amusing, and I have several photos of them sitting just so. Subi got along with Pandy right away, but Nago, being shy, was slower to adjust. I kept her from him when I could, and there were few real hassles. Since Subi is so old, it was time to add to the clan, as I had not the courage of being with but one cat and then none finally. Overlapping, according to our breeder friends, is the way to do it. I'll get more pix of Pandy here, along with the other two critters, another Siamese, and a new puppy! It's always difficult to say good bye. After the surgery, Nago had about ten more weeks of mostly decent time. He purred often, sought me out a great deal, and spent days in bed with me when I was very sick much of the month of June in '.He always loved cuddling in bed, and I could hardly object to having this beloved companion with me. He even seemed healthier than I did for a while, was eating regularly, and showed no other symptoms. Then on a Saturday in July he suddenly refused one of the extra meals I was feeding him. The only thing I could get him to try was a dab of butter. I called the vet again. Told him I could palpate a further enlargement of a tumor in his abdomen. Not at all surprising. The Prednesone slowed the regrowth, but did not stop it. It was time to say our final good byes. This is the last photo I have of him with me. Subi was trying to clean him, Pandy was just curious. In three days dear Mr. Nago had slid down rapidly. It would have been cruel to delay any longer. Its rough on you, but the most merciful way to "pull the plug" is what I did. The first step is a strong sedative. So while still home Nago fell asleep, as I spoke to him quietly, stroking him tenderly. There was no added trauma. He was in his own spot, with his last experiences just three or four feet from where he had been born. Everything was calm and normal, like the habits of his lifetime. In five minutes he was asleep, and the awful labored breathing of the past three days became calm and easy. Ever so gently I laid him in his carrier, then walked him quickly to the vets office. He never knew any of it. The doctor felt the tumors. Very fast growing, he was now riddled with them. They use a somewhat larger dose of anesthesia than given for surgery, and the heart slows and stops. Nago's ordeal was over. I kissed him good bye a last few times, thanked this sensitive, dear heart of a vet, and went out into the bright afternoon daylight. July 22nd, the hottest day of the year here. My pal was no more. The last two deaths were no preparation for this one. Heather and Pica had long good lives, and plain wore out. Nagus did not. He died much younger than the others. He'd been cleaning himself and responding and finding his usual favorite spots just two days earlier. The doctor says there is usually some nausea in the late stages of this horrid disease, and that is probably why he rejected food suddenly. In four days he dwindled, and now was gone. I was angry at the disease many of you have your own experiences with cancer, and understand. Even now I've not gotten past grieving for this special, gentle soul, my Nago. You are missed, sweetheart, you are missed. And Subi turned 18 at the start of July '.That's kinda old for a cat, you know. Never expected that the first fuzzy to live here would also be the last of the original group to be still around, but there you are. And here's the old fella in a very recent shot as this is written , just a few weeks prior to his birthday this year. You have to look closely to see the signs of age in a kitty. Their fur hides any wrinkles or boniness. Here I note that Subi's wrists are somewhat weaker, and curve inward a bit. It's not a big change. He's experienced some arthritis, and walks with care and some discomfort. But he keeps at it in a way you'd admire in an elderly human, courageous and uncomplaining, still there after all these years. I dearly love this ol' critter, and try to make his twilight years as decent as I can. I find it amazing the closeness of the bond that can develop between "them and us. But the luckiest thing is to have both. When it comes to working, though, you'd be hard-pressed to find a much better companion than a snoozing critter like this on your lap or beside you, or up on a piece of warm equipment very nearby. One year later: Then a year after the above senior-citizen photo, is this quick portrait of a 19 year old Subito, warming himself on one of the computer monitors. Since some of you have kindly asked about the old guy, if he's still around, I'll let you see this one, too. The sad news is that a few months before this 19th birthday he was overtaken by a late developing case of macular degeneration, and is now quite blind. I have to run to help him out of cul de sacs all over the loft, as it's especially difficult to lose your vision so late in life. But he has slowly learned how to find his favorite spots. In fact, he's right now meowing out softly to me in the studio where I'm typing this caption. He just managed to jump up into my lap, not so easy with arthritis and the rest of it. Looks like I'll have to give him a bit of attention right away -- be back in a moment.Long stretch of cat. During cat shows it's common for judges to pick up a fuzzy contestant very much as I've picked up Subi here. Long ago he got quite used to it, all the cats did, and they don't mind one whit being made the focus of attention. For the Siamese breed in particular, a good judge looks for a long tubular body, wiry and muscular, without sag or fat or notable taper. In this respect even at 19 Subito would get high marks on body shape. Of course much of his body mass has been lost in the past few years, we all do tend to lose some as we get very old. This means he now does have more taper than he used to, rib cage compared with haunches. So this photo is not as fine an example as one taken some four or more years ago would have been. I just never thought to do it before this shot. It also happens to be, IMHO, a grand gesture and graceful pose, and it's kinda fun to watch a good cat respond proudly like this. A long good-bye, the most difficult in years, has finally happened. See the pencil sketch I drew of him sitting on my lap during his final evening, on the artwork page HERE. I've been dreading this even as it became more and more probable. In Subi had been diagnosed with a moderate case of renal failure. His kidneys, as with most older creatures, were losing their function, and would probably end his life soon, the vet explained. For a while he had to be hydrated, with some Ringer's Lactate injected under his skin every week. It always seemed to make him feel better, increased his appetite and disposition. Eventually he began drinking at his dish very often on his own, and simply refused to take any more of the injections without a real battle. Fine, it wasn't worth traumatizing the old feller, and as he continued to do rather well, that treatment was abandoned. Subi went blind in March of , a late case of macular degeneration which Pica had many years earlier. It was awful to watch this elegant, intelligent creature, with his increasing arthritis, have to learn in old age how to find his way around his home by sense of touch and smell alone. As with older people I've seen it with my parents, and I'll be getting there soon enough myself he was able to do fewer of the things he enjoyed most of his life. Yet there were compensations. He still sought out my lap constantly, was eating well, enjoying special treats, and showed great affection and constant awareness, right to the last week. His purr remained generous. Here you can see young Pandy cleaning the dear fuzzer just a couple of nights before he died. He seemed to enjoy her attention, probably bringing back memories of similar grooming help from Pica and Nago. I also gave him regular cat "sponge baths," and had twice the past week once when he got caught into a dusty spot. He loved getting a "blow-dry" the last month, with my hairdryer on low heat mmm.This Little Lord Fauntleroy of a cat had always been clean and neat, and so he was on his final few days. Subi had again found his way by feel into the bedroom, and for his final year slept every night beside me in bed, usually with his head under my arm, pressed up against my left side often with his head on my pillow, as here, his final morning. I'm a quiet sleeper, and this worked very well, and it was a great comfort to us both. I was able to put on hold any travel plans, to be here with him for the final year and a half. So it became obvious exactly when Subi suddenly reached the point where the simple pleasures of life were no longer enough. On May 12th he refused all food. His final meal taken voluntarily was some grilled swordfish I'd had for dinner on Monday, and saved him the best part, broken into small pieces. That was always a big treat, and became the last meal he would take. Here you can see him, under his own power, a brave, gaunt little figure inching his way out of the bedroom for a final time. He was still drinking a little, and suddenly wanted down from the bed to seek his water dish. I had taken a camera into the bedroom with us, and caught him feeling his way out to the kitchen area and the dish. I got out of bed and dressed quickly. This would be his final day, instead of allowing the now frail cat to starve to death days later. He had very slowly lost about half his weight during the final two years, from over 7 lbs. Subi's time had come. The critters have a wonderful vet, a truly compassionate person. He's gone through this with his own pets many times, and could advise from personal experience, the most merciful way to hasten the inevitable. Again a sleep inducing medication would be used for a first step, as for Nago. So this sweet old character with the pungent personality would spend his last few hours in his own home, among friends, without tension or incident, fear or trauma. I spread out a new thick bath towel onto the table. After one last tender time on my lap the two of us are together above , I took a couple of final closeup snapshots of him resting quietly in my lap. This is the last photo I have of him in a similar pose to that sketch I made the evening before. You can see that he's not sleeping, but just waiting for the inevitable, patiently and with dignity. Then I carefully carried him to the table, onto the soft towel, to give him a strong sedative. It took about 8 to 10 minutes to take effect. All the time I spoke to him, pet him all over, hummed to him, kissed him, his head pressed against my face, the usual homely and loving ritual we'd shared for years. He began to fall asleep, and I helped him lie down. A couple of minutes more to be sure he was deeply asleep, and then gently into the carrier. It turned out to have the very same small towel in it which Stephanie his breeder had given to me for Subi's original trip here, early November .Now it would cradle him for the final visit to the vets. I realize that I'm a sentimental old fool, but losing this beloved pet was particularly painful. Fortunately, there was none of the anger and rage I'd felt when Nago died too young to cancer. Subi had a wonderful, long, rich, lucky life, much better than most cats and certainly most humans! He was loved, by more people than just me, although I was his special pal. He got to travel many miles, and would take over the other homes he visited, proving how neat a bright, spirited Siamese can be to have around. Many notches on that old tail for friends made. But he's also both the first and last of the original generation of animal friends who lived here. And now that he's gone I feel years older and palpably diminished, trying to accept that I'll never have this empathetic connection, perhaps, ever again. Dear cat, dear friend, fare thee well. Pandora "Pandy" is another Chocolate Point Siamese, the same color-coordinated outfit that Piccola wore around here for over 15 years. When I first saw a Chocolate Point, I thought of an animal equivalent to something ephemeral and delicate, tiny nearly white "angels" with fur. They can be very striking to witness in person, and are still not so commonly seen as Sealpoints and Blue Points. Pandy was a tad old when she arrived here. Jeanne Singer, a fine composer and pianist I've known for nearly 20 years, is personally responsible for helping to bring Siamese lines back to the original dainty cats they can be when not diluted with the heavier set domestic shorthair and other breeds. Her Singa cattery name is properly well known within the cat fancy, and cats from her lines are found all over the world. She saved Pandy for me, as she thought she was unusually bright and attentive, and it was a wonderful choice. This scamp took over right away, and alternates between playing Ms. Independence and a demanding playmate. A lot of fun, no kidding! Pandy has a habit a bit like Nago once did: she steals into the studio here where I'm working, and reaches up on tip toe to tap me gently on the elbow. When I look down, I earn a mild ululation, and then a cat in my lap who want's attention. Then after some minutes of tummy rubbing, it's back down again, to sit on a warm monitor or nearby chair. She also loves to find "goodies" around the loft, and carry them off to her secret hiding places. Small screwdrivers and pliers, bits of string, wire and pencils have vanished mysteriously -- without a trace.After losing Nago to that damned cancer, there were only two critters left in the loft, dear old Subi, and new kitten, Pandora. It felt awful, a big change from the days when four fuzzers shared the premises. Since Pandy came from Jeanne's cattery, I thought it only fair to ask my other breeder friend, Donna Davis, if she had any male Sealpoint kittens, or if any litters were due soon. From this simple question came Charly, who you see when he first arrived, early September .He was 5 months old. Charly was rather old to be available for adoption having been born in April. But he was a "reject", from an unbelievably neurotic home in NJ, from people who truthfully didn't want an active kitten. All kinds of ridiculous stories were told, and Donna just asked them to return the little guy, and refunded the whole fee. Turned out this sweet, spirited kit had been abused, some really bad stuff went down, what can I say? He now ducked when anyone came near, attempted to pat him or skritch him in any way. Just four weeks had turned him into an insecure bundle of fear, a marked change from his early outgoing kittenhood. Donna gave him a couple of weeks of her best care, and he began to come around. She simply offered Charly to me if I would provide him with a good home he deserved after all the trauma. So he was mine for the asking, a short LI train trip to pick him up. He was immediately friendly when I met him, and has been a wonderful companion since he arrived here. Pandy and Charly have become very close friends, the same thing I'd seen with my previous cats, rather like Subi and Pica were many years back. Here's Charly at one year old. He's an unusually light colored Sealpoint, with a soft toned tawny body color, and "points" that are only now starting to approach the usual brown-black tone usually seen on Sealpoints. His tail is more "tweedpoint" than seal, but seems to be slowly darkening. When he's ON, you will generally count two of him, perhaps three, as he dashes from room to room, up the kitty pole, down and into the bathtub, then zips under the table. When he's OFF, you have an extremely affectionate warm pillow of plush velvet, who purrs easily, gently sniffs at your nose, and wants to remain as closeby as possible. Charly isn't perhaps the brightest of cats I've lived with, although he has certainly learned a lot from Pandora dammitt.With Pandy being so damn swift in the cat intellect department, the contrast is kinda pleasant. It takes all kinds, even in catdom. I used to find Pandy cuddled with Charly often, and Subi is often with one of them or the other, as they often help groom the "old bod" for him. Friendship, just a perfect blendship. More lately, they seem to prefer napping alone, as is mentioned below, but I wouldn't be surprised if THAT pattern also changed eventually.To the left you'll see the latest addition to the four-legged critters in the loft. Yes, it's a puppy, a cute, happy-go-lucky, floppy, loopy puppy. Almost every visitor falls in love with this Border Terrier. Her name is Brrittania, with the double-r there in honor of her mother, who had the name "Brree", being born on the coldest day of that year. Borders originate on the border of Scotland and England, so the name fits quite well. Miss Britty is quite a bit pushier than Heather was, although their terrier personalities are astonishingly similar. I thought a slightly smaller dog, from a breed not so ruined by trendiness as are Wheatons at least they've become so in the NE , might be more suitable as I'm getting older. This pup's about half the size of dear Heather, a real lap dog. She's stubborn and curious and friendly and full of energy and knows how to turn on the charm with every visitor. She also loves the new cats. If you have any doubt of that observation, take a look here, and see Charly driving Britty about as crazy as she's driving him. The active young duo actually wrestle together many times a day, an amiable plug for Interspecies Athletics when's the next Convention? Pandora often participates I think she picked it up by watching the others , although she'll never be the rough housing expert these two are when they "get it on! I was concerned at first, too, but you soon notice that they both enjoy it, and keep pestering the other for more good times. Heather always seemed eager to romp with the cats, too, who were much smaller than she was. The size disparity meant it never happened. But given the correct match of body weight and unflagging spirit displayed here, the novel exercise just developed spontaneously. Hey, long as no one gets hurt, it's their business! Subi's days of cat play are over, I must admit, so he generally declines any invitations to join the young'uns in tumble and chase. I have to yell at them when they try to coerce the slow movin' old guy, who just wants to watch and be near, see what's going on, and amble around slowly and creakily, into joining in a friendly competition. I call this snapshot: "Trio Stealth". The three youngest are often seen playing together, so this is not a unique snapshot. Britty's long red leash is usually much too much of a temptation for Miss Pandora to ignore. Whenever Britty strolls by with the leash "in tow", this is the very next thing you'll witness: Pandy about ready to pounce on the end of the long red moving snake. Charly is pretty good at it, too. It's like animal magnetism, although I thought that cats, like humans, were mostly dielectric.Of course I could be wrong. It might have something to do with static electricity, don't you think? Ever stroke a cat or pup on a dry winter's day? Bobbsey twins with old-timer. Often I come into the studio and find some new critter business in front of me, a surprise that's hard not to smile at. This time I saw that the younger cats had taken to sitting side-by-side on one of the computer monitors, like those old children's book illustrations of the Bobbsey Twins, or some such. My, but aren't they cute?! Take a pretty wicked heart not to smile about this friendly pose. I had to grab my camera, which fortunately was loaded. It's nice to discover that the old Subi cat was not being disturbed on the other monitor. Sometimes they bully him out of a good warm spot, and often I have to step in to restore fairness. They'll someday have first choice, but for now they must make do at times in sharing a warm spot. Pandy and Charly do get along very well, inseparable, really, so that's no hardship. Pandy's first sight of a pair of lobsters produced this amusing reaction: "Whatzzat?! I wondered if she'd even notice if I put her up on the counter, as some of the cats have been rather blase about these slow moving and slower-witted beasites, nothing at all resembling the silly scene in Woody Allen's "Annie Hall. Not often any of us get this treat, so she's not had many other opportunities like this. It'll be amusing to see if the next time produces any familiarity "oh, I see you're having those big bug things again! In the meantime, you might get a smile to see this candid shot. Curiosity can often have its downside. One evening well after dinner time I heard an abrupt loud scuffling sound in the kitchen area, a bonk and flurry of activity and something suddenly was flailing around. I had absent-mindedly left the plastic container for cat crunchies on the sideboard, and finally Pandy had discovered my gaffe, and was about to sneak an extra snack from the normally hidden treat-holder. She obviously found her way to pop the top open, and had stuck her small head well inside. Then she must have panicked, and tried to pull out in a hurry. Bad mistake, the lid of the container came off easier than her head could slip away, and so she was left wearing a heavy "necklace" several sizes too large for a small feline. The camera was loaded, so here's a shot of a disgruntled victim of curiosity. Then I helped the grateful silly cat to freedom from her humiliating trap: "Not funny! Where'd it go?! In a more recent snapshot, here's a new annoying habit Pandy has gotten into. For the time being I've had a new laser printer sitting on the floor of my studio, just in front of the 3-M 16 track tape machine. It's a nice high res printer, replacing the 12 year old original LW-NTX that finally is wearing out aren't we all.The Elite 21 has the neat ability to print on both sides of a sheet of paper, which saves quite a bit of money and space for all those sheets we aren't supposed to need in this "new paperless society" we inhabit. But the printer has a cute way of printing on both sides. First side A begins to come out of the slot, but immediately the paper is pulled back in, only to emerge some seconds later with side B also mysteriously printed upon. For an extremely intelligent, curious cat, that's just too much. Pandy saw the paper going back in, like a mouse retreating quickly into its hole in the wall, and sprang down from the monitor to see what this was all about. Now when she even hears the motor begin to wind up, there she goes, to watch the paper emerge, pull back, then come out again. It's irresistible, and this cute pose shows you a bit of the action. Now there's just this little problem of crushed and wrinkled paper printouts I frequently have to read from.This is a new one on me. When Charly sits on top of the new computer monitors, he often crosses his legs like this. The tops of these monitors are more tilted than any of the older ones were, so there may be a caution about rolling off when they're up there. Perhaps crossing one's feet like this makes a fuzzy critter feel more secure, less "rollable," when about to take a nice warm nap? This is the only place I even see him doing it. Let me look again, as both cats are up on top of the screens again as I'm typing this. Nope, different positions going on there right now. That's what snapshots are for, prove we didn't imagine the whole amusing thing.We are just good friends. The current critters certainly can "get it on" in the mutual aggression and play department, and it's not often I find them together in a heap like the older crew was so much of the time. But they're still good friends. Just let any one of them get into a fix, and call for help -- the others come running pronto! And during quiet times I'm often caught off guard with something like what you see here. This time it was "Miss Britty and Miss Pandora," enjoying each other's company on the carpet next to the middle sofa. I'd just been reading, and was about to head back into the studio. Fortunately a camera was near my elbow, so I caught it right away. It's a lot of comfort, especially in the current dangerously troubled world and country, to have them here. And as we get older we may find that small creatures do provide a great comfort in our lives, well worth the occasional slight inconvenience they may be. We still need our human friends, family and connections, but don't underestimate interspecies friendships, either! A rare moment together. The current "dynamic duo" worked out a rather competitive relationship when they first learned to deal with one another in the loft. I found Pandy cuddled up with dear old Subi regularly. But Charly never learned to cuddle with other cats, being from a very small litter and having been by himself for several early critical months. Which means that you just don't find him napping or sitting next to Pandy very often, even though he loves to cuddle with people just fine one of the "most spoiled cats" I've met, in that regard.Anyway, I'm generally surprised the few times each year when I discover the pair making nice-nice like this photo from early .They do love to romp together and chase one another, but just quietly sharing a toasty computer monitor? As I said, rare. I ran to grab the camera and snapped a few pix before they became self conscious, more interested in what I was doing, and jumped down. But not before this photographic proof that the "Bobbsey Twin" image a half-dozen photos above still happens at times, even without a diplomatic, tolerant Subi around to set a good example to the next generation.When the old Pioneer projection monitor passed away quietly in early , the critters didn't pay much attention to the new replacement HD Sony. That is, until the winter of .One night, when I was catching a film I'd missed in the theaters I think it was "Ice Age: The Meltdown" , Pandy happily ambled into the studio, no doubt to get some protracted attention from a "captive audience" that would be me. She suddenly froze in her tracks, staring upwards intently. A warm lap can wait. What IS that? Perhaps seeing moving animals vividly on a large screen provides the attraction "animal magnetism"? But this was nothing to take for granted -- it became a new interest for her reach out and touch someone. Since then, she almost always stops to check out any: cats, dogs, birds especially birds -- she LOVES to sit by the window and stare out at the big city pigeons , horses, frogs, prairie dogs, etcetera etcetera, on the screen, with bonus points when they're in High Def. I grabbed the small digital camera, this was too cute not to document even though it's much funnier in person, trust me. And so, you'll see here a curious, intelligent Siamese going head-to-head with a "gen-yoo-eine Mastodon" on screen. Immediately after she attempted, futilely, to reach out and touch another furry creature up there, she dropped down and darted around both sides, and from above, to the back of the monitor, trying to find another access way to reach this fascinating new animal, since some kind of "window" seemed to be "in the way", from the front. Simply a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e well it really WAS.I found it also hysterical, and had to contain my chuckles so that I wouldn't break her mood and lose the chance to catch her with a few decent snapshots. I've taken several similar shots since the first time it happened. This is still one of the best of them, from that first awakening. Well, what good is it to share your home with other sentient species if you can't enjoy one another's small quirks and foibles? Hope you agree. Charly turns ten. Yup, the years go flying by, for us and our much loved pets, too. Above you'll find several earlier snapshots of this classic, beautiful Siamese, starting from around the time he first arrived here. Now it's what, a decade gone by -- whoosh? Charly turned 10 in April '08, and this time I usually forget about such sentimental "trivia" I got the camera out to document this healthy, curious, affectionate seal-point Siamese he's pushing right up against my elbow while I'm trying to type this. Ain't he cute? Both he and Pandy are unusual in maintaining their light youthful body colors, even as mature adults. During the initial year I called Charly a "tweed-point", because his seal "points" were significantly flecked with light beige and white hairs; turns out to have been a good thing. He never did develop the usual mostly dark brown body color, as both previous sealpoints I lived with did Phunkalaro and Nago. Anyway, I remembered to give this constant companion a few treats for his birthday this year. While he was in the kitchen area anticipating something tasty, I first grabbed the camera, caught several good poses. He's sitting patiently rare for a cat and wondering why instead of giving him something to nibble on I'm messing with that damn camera again. But not to worry, click - click - click, I put the camera down, and he had his "reward" for posing so nicely. Only fair.No images, text, graphics or design may be reproduced without permission. All Rights Reserved. Top of the Page Photo Miscellany Here's something you've never seen before. It's called The Circon, short for: "Circular Controller". It has no sound of its own, although with the proper synthesizer patch it makes a marvelous Theremin. Unlike that earlier instrument, you don't hold your hands in free space. The pitch wand is an easy to move pointer arm that shows which note you're playing, with the exact center marked by a grey dot, so microtonal passages become possible. The left hand moves a much shorter arm which is spring loaded, to return up off when released. The further down, the louder and brighter the sound, in its usual configuration. Since you have physical references, you can repeat notes, and jump wide intervals, with complete accuracy. So it's a lot easier to play and play well! At least for me it is. It's a featured instrument on Tales of Heaven and Hell , where you can hear it to good effect on several of the selections. Here's the background on the Circon , if you're interested. Even if you've looked at this in the past, you might want to take another look again. By popular request here is the cover art on Sonic Seasonings. For those of you who don't already know, it's called: Waves at Matsushima a six-panel screen by Ogata Korin, early 18th century Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collection Now if I both admit that I love this cover, too, and commend you for your good taste, is this logically self-serving? Rachel found this beautiful painting the original screens are about 5' tall to use as the album cover of our release, and it's gotten a lot of compliments since then. To read even more about it, check out our new Matsu Page. A small poster sized enlargement, about 2' x 3' of most of the screens was included with each double-LP set when it was originally released. I've been informed that these are now considered "collector's items," or some such trendiness. Early in I was fortunate enough to be invited on something I'd always wondered about, but never could afford to find out: a Caribbean Cruise. The opportunity arose when a college friend whose student film was my first scoring assignment, retired from a successful career as a film studio head. He and his wife wanted to celebrate with family and friends, and decided to look into contracting a small ship for having a real celebration on, as it traveled from Trinidad towards Curacao and Aruba, up to Puerto Rico, and the NE arc of islands over to Martinique. They invited different groups to share the experience with them, family the first week and a half, then three more segments for industry friends, business contacts, and chums from childhood and their many travels around the world. I was lucky to sneak into the final group of "miscellaneous" friends, and we shared the ship max of about 75 passengers for it's final 12 days, to Fort de France, Martinique. It will remain an indelible cherished memory in all of our minds, a really unique generous adventure with many shared experiences. It's worth a page of its own, but I have been timid about speaking out about something I had very little to do with, except to feel very grateful about. I suspect they might prefer it to remain a private matter, so however grateful, I'll mention no names here but you know who you are.Nonetheless I did want to share with you, already one year later, this lovely, highly saturated rainbow that I managed to photograph early on in the trip, during a late afternoon surprise shower. That's Saint John's below it. We all had to "sing for our supper" inasmuch as each of us was expected to prepare a half-hour "Salon", given during the evening hours after dinner. Fair enough. It was to be something important for each of us, a small slice of our lives, interests, hobbies, jobs, whatever we wished. For mine I chose to show some total eclipse images, discuss the fun of chasing them, and then play some of my music, giving each excerpt some behind the scenes information. As blind luck dictates, the most improbable coincidence of all occurred the evening of my "lecture". The ship happened to be in the best possible location for a lunar total eclipse, one I had completely forgotten about being such a solar eclipse "snob", no doubt.So just as my talk was to begin, so was totality. Amazing "serendipity. Unforgettable, truly. We watched the moon nearly vanish, then headed back down to the main lounge, where I gave my presentation, ending with the Coda of Seraphim then we headed off to bed. You know, for the rest of the trip, no one would believe me when I answered their questions on how I had managed to schedule a lunar eclipse to coincide with my description of total eclipses. Dumb luck??! Sometimes the truth is simply too plain and homely to be believable.Nancy Chessare was a wonderful audio engineer who worked in several recording engineers in NYC, from the late 50's until shortly before her untimely death to cancer in .She broke down the sexist barriers for the rest of us who have since followed, while proving over and over to be one of the very best. I met her when she was on the staff at Associated Recording Studios in the mid 60's, and was duly impressed by her skills with microphones, mixing, and tape editing, not to mention diplomacy with often neurotic artists and musicians. She always kept her cool, while making them look good, making the final recordings sound as effortless and polished as they were generally, in fact, not. Nancy was a good friend for many years, someone you could speak with about an amazingly wide range of topics, from the dully technical, or subtlely musical, to travel and cooking and philosophy. Here you see her from many years ago, when three of us went to the island of St. Thomas, the U. Virgin Islands we stayed in The Shibui, shown here, a Japanese-style series of tiny houses on a hill -- utterly charming! Somehow she also made her life look "easy", too, when it was not. At the end of , during an elegant memorial service put together by her friend of many years, Rachel Elkind-Tourre , and Rachel's husband Yves I learned more about Nancy than I had suspected. Her sister "spilled the beans. But she was too modest and too private to tell us very much about her background and abilities, a refreshing contrast to so many of today's ego-driven mini-minds and mini-talents, know what I mean? Turns out Nancy had been a serious pianist, classically trained and very polished, but had abandoned that profession to one less in the limelight. That explained a lot to us, how she was sought after for her canny abilities in assembling complex musical segments into a cohesive whole, for athletes and ice skaters competing in Olympic Games and the like. This was why she was so knowledgeable about the most arcane subjects of serious music. I really will miss this elegant, grace-filled friend, and wish she could have enjoyed more than a few months of deserved "play time" after her retirement in .Good-bye to a gentle, unforgettable friend! Lift Off! Since I don't live anywhere near Florida, I've missed the many opportunities of the fortunate residents of the area to witness the extraordinary events of our baby steps into space. And until we experience the angst of disaster which all great feats of exploration entail, it's too easy to delude ourselves into thinking these ambitious adventures are routine and matter of fact. Nothing of the kind. Apollo produced two nightmare, one claiming three lives, the other ended happily only after some swift intelligent minds figured out how to get the Apollo 13 crew back to Earth safely. We lost the Challenger in that risky launch in , lessons were learned, and just today, almost exactly 17 years later, the Columbia shuttle claimed seven more lives. Brave people, all, and we mourn their loss. Several books, like Wolfe's "The Right Stuff," describe the earlier courageous acts which opened the skies to human exploration, at the ultimate price for those who perished in the attempt. Many more were luckier and surived their steps right up to The Very Edge, and came back to regale us with their stories and experiences. So other younger minds were inspired, and the long journey continues, as it must. I'm not quite a full-fledged "space nut," but can come close to it. There's quite a collection of books, CD-ROMs, videos, posters, models, and other memorabilia dotted around the loft, from Russia's and America's space programs, and also Europe, Japan, India, and others to follow. One of my fondest memories stems from , a trip down to the Cape with Rachel taking a needed short break from By Request.This isn't the right place to describe the whole trip, but it is an idea webpage to show you two photos from that launch. The first one is as the smaller Saturn II-B lifts off of pad 39, where the shuttle would launch only a few years later I'm sorry I never was able to get to a Saturn V launch. We were set up on the Shuttle's landing strip, not quite finished at the time, as it had been turned into a temporary viewing site for many of us who made our reservations early. We brought some of the same equipment I've used at many total eclipse expeditions: the mm Nikkor, Rollei SL medium format camera, and Ken-Labs Gyro stabilizer it was very windy, that helped a lot , all mounted on a Celestron portable pier. Good heavy-duty stuff to capture this spectacle. The skies were deep azure, cloudfree, and only the rising heat waves from the ground during the first several seconds impaired any of the images we took that afternoon. One of the best shots is this one, around 15 seconds into launch, a vividly clear image from the days when we used to launch into space quite slowly, majestically, before zippy solid rockets were developed for the Shuttle. I'd found these two 11 x 14" prints from that summer only recently, and scanned and cleaned them, preparing to add them to this page. But in the course of other deadlines and the usual chaos around here, somehow they were set aside for the last several months. Well, today with emotions still very near the surface from our latest tragedy, I again found them. We must remember that these startling adventures are wrought with risk, a risk that these brave pioneers accept as part of their job. It's difficult to bear both sides in mind simultaneously as we continue to explore our next frontier. It is certain there will be more of both kinds of experiences as we push ahead, as mankind always has done. We now should pause, even tearfully, as we pay respects to our lost heroes -- those who generously bear the risks in championing a noble, and probably inevitable, part of our humanity, curiosity, and sense of wonder. With the release of my Beauty in the Beast album, and then Switched-On Bach and Tales of Heaven and Hell , I became known for my composing in, and arranging music with tunings other than the standard step equal tempered scale. The new enhanced-CD version of the first title, BitB, happens to include in the enhanced files on that CD a long article I wrote about the history and experiences of working with other tunings, shortly after creating the album. One of my great life disappointments, but then, you can't have everything you wish for. Even a dreamer must occasionally be practical! As with most notable "brainstorms", the idea itself isn't my own, but came from work done about a century before I composed the score to BitB, in England, the USA, and several other countries. But the essential form, and even the name: "generalized keyboard", is due to the pioneering efforts of R. Bosanquet, who lived in the UK. His most important published work on the topic, sadly forgotten today, is: "An Elementary Treatise on Musical Intervals and Temperament. I first learned of this work in the still available excellent Dover Publications reprint of Hermann Helmholtz's: " On Sensations of Tone " -- with critical appendixes by Alexander Ellis. If you look it up, you may also want to check out an excellent newer source of information on musical timbre: Arthur H. Benade's " Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics. Chief among these is a step Equal Tempered scale that this harmonium was tuned to. Others discovered the same temperament, too, but no one ventured into a practical use of this rich microtonal garden as much as he did. Even today there isn't anything really to compare with that early effort. And most new generalized keyboards, alas, design their keys more like the digits on a typewriter or computer keyboard, grouped tightly together why -- to save space? It took me years before I saw any photographs of the Bosanquet Harmonium which I've just learned is now in the collection of London's wonderous Science Museum , in South Kensington , and could grasp the eminently sensible instrument he devised to play what is a fairly intimidating collection of pitches and intervals. Above is the best color photograph I've been able to find. This cleaned and tweaked jpeg is posted here for those still curious souls who might be interested in a rich, neglected field. A webpage like this about photographs is not the place to describe the tuning, the keyboard or theory behind them. But it is a fascinating image even without an analysis. Note that all the keys sit much like the black keys on a piano, synth, or organ, and at about the same size and spacing. The octave is also roughly the standard span. Yes, there are MANY keys in each octave, divided into black and white, the same scheme as on a piano. And once you master any desired key, melody, or chord passage, you can transpose it into any of the other 52 keys in a flash -- the fingering remains exactly the same! That's the friendly tradeoff, there are a lot of keys to navigate although fewer than you'd guess at any one time , but from then on all musical keys are a snap to modulate through. Note that like the HP calculator described here , these are excellent colors even for those with color deficiencies. I'll add a drawing of my proposed version to the site so you can see it as well. Meanwhile, this is the instrument which best combined a choice theory of tunings with something a real musician could play. Bravo, Mr. Look V-e-r-y Closely.Now that flat panel LCD type computer displays have become popular, there's a nifty small scientific experiment just waiting to try out, once you know where to look for it. I'm referring to Haidinger's Brushes, a venerable, if generally overlooked, proof that our mammalian eyes have the ability to detect polarized light directly, with no further optical aid! It shouldn't come as that much of a surprise that we've retained a mild form of this sense-skill. Birds and many insects navigate with reference to the natural polarized light pattern in the daytime sky. We wonder how they can tell which way to head, where north is, and while there are other senses that come into play, an important one is the capacity to detect the degree and angle of the atmospherically scattered and polarized solar light. Since humans do not need or use the ability, it's never developed far, but remains latent in most of us. What's that, you don't believe me, never saw it with your own eyes? So thought I, until I'd I read about it years ago, and began checking it out for myself. Oh, it's there, all right, this is no urban legend or specious hoax. But the phenomenon is also very faint, nothing obvious to jump out at the viewer, or most of us would be well aware of it already. The suggestions I've read most often recommend that beginners first look up in a clear blue sky, at a region roughly at right angles to the sun's location. Early morning or late evening work best, when you can look up, either to the north or south, with the sun shining to one side of you. Then you tip or rock your head quickly from side to side while looking towards the same spot. Some people like to spin their whole bodies a bit, while keeping their eyes at the same aiming point. Anyway, I'm not going to go through the whole exercise here, as there's a much better new way to study the phenomenon, if you have a computer with a flat-panel display available. Makes things much easier for those learning about these color brushes for the first time. The computer screen obviously should be powered on, preferably showing an even flat gray or white surface a blank page is fine. Let's say you have a plain light grayish page opened out on an LCD display in front of you. The image just above again, click it for the larger version will show you what to look for next. Many people report that they first began to learn how to see the pattern using a pair of polarized sun glasses, or even better, a polarizing filter for their camera years ago I used a filter, too. In that case you look through it towards a blankly lighted neutral wall or surface, and quickly rotate the filter alternately: clockwise, counterclockwise, pausing a few seconds in between. But that won't work on the computer display which emits polarized light, as you may know , as the screen will merely shift from normal brightness down to nearly black, depending on the filter's angle. Instead, just use the same trick the sky gazers do, tip your head first to one side, pause briefly, then the other. With practice most people should see two hourglass shapes, one colored in a smudgy pastel yellow-ochre, the other in a lighter bluish-violet tint, the hourglasses sitting at right-angles to each other. The size and colors of the "apparition" are generally consistent, but the orientation changes, and may first appear rotated cw, then ccw, depending on which way you've moved. But in my "here's what to look for" image I've simply set the yellow axis to be vertical, the bluish companion horizontal. Some people say they see one color easier than the other, but most of us can learn to see both of them. It's a nice, ethereal, even "spooky" effect, seeing this color pattern just floating there briefly each time you regenerate it the retina then fatigues, which is why it fades away each time. Since the eye generates this shape directly, you can't simply photograph it even so, I'm including it in the Photos section, since this is a real optical effect, not a piece of artwork. But using Photoshop I created pretty close to what I see on my monitor, in shape, color, and contrast. If you examine this image from something like 18" away it should be about " square on your screen , the two subtle colored regions suggest what you ought look for. The overall hourglass lengths are about the size of the human fovea, which on the computer screen will be under an inch across. Note: If you wear glasses to correct for astigmatism or can borrow a pair , you don't have to tip your head. Just flick your eyes first from one side, then to the other if that doesn't work for certain eyeglass prescriptions, try going up and down, or at an angle, instead. In between the motions, by tipping or flicking your gaze, Haidinger's Brushes will be visible for about seconds before they fade. Once you remember what you're looking for, you'll detect them on your own with minimal head tip or eye shift. It may take awhile before you get the knack, or you may even be startled to see it immediately, if you're doing it all correctly. Just a few weeks ago one of you wrote to tell me you'd discovered you can see the brushes any time you stop to look for them on your computer screen, so I expect this idea to become more popular with time. There are quite a few good websites which describe the phenomenon well, I won't go into them here. Now that I know how to see the Haidinger's Brush shape, I often become aware of it faintly when not even trying to detect it. You may have even seen it before, and wondered what it was, a monitor or eye defect, or some weird illusion. Nope, something much more interesting than that is afoot. See if you can nail down the best way to see it, how screen and room brightness affects it, how rested or sleepy you are, and so on. Enjoy your experimenting! NYC-Henge Even though I've lived in Manhattan for most of my life, this topic simply never occurred to me before a science-minded friend pointed it out to me two years ago. Each year the street layout of this city provides a kind of modern midyear "stonehenge", with a regular rectilinear grid to mark sunrise and sunset moon versions, too. When another celestial mechanician friend, Leroy Doggett, worked at the U. Naval Observatory, he was part of a movement to establish a new hybrid field of Archeo-Astronomy, which is now a growing field. I recall trying to assist him a few times to find the earliest or latest moon crescent in the twilight sky. People with lower, less obstructed horizons do better than I can in the city on this. But one naked eye observation is rather fun, if completely trivial, and even from a city like this. And that's what you can see in the photo to the left click as usual for a large view. For a few weeks every late June and early July I love to see the sunset navigate dramatically down all west facing streets with great theatrical effect. And there happens to be a pair of dates each year with an exact lineup, lasting days each. Those occur in late May, and in mid July this year they fall on May 28th and July 15th. If the western horizon happens to be quite clear on those evenings, you can watch the solar disk set exactly down the middle of the streets. In fact, it IS a bit like stonehenge! Please pardon my hyperbole, as MOST cities with long, straight streets and tall buildings on each side have their similar "henge" alignments, for those who care. For Manhattan, most E-W streets angle at about 28 degrees NW of N, which matches the azimuth of the setting sun on the above dates they vary a little each year, due to the leap year correction factor, as do the exact Solstice and Equinox dates. I also ought point out that the photo here was taken right in front of the much-loved Flatiron Building, while looking due west along 23rd Street. This was the mid-July 11th "henge", and had I stepped out onto the exact median strip in the middle of Twenty-third, the disk would have lined-up a little better. Also, I was a couple of days early, but the rest of the evenings that week were cloudy, so this is my best shot. NYC-Henge It's not often I can add something so brand-new to the website as this follow-up image, taken this past evening. The recent index page shot of me with Pandy lounging over my shoulders was another such case, posted one day after it was taken. Anyway, this image is of the May 30th "henge" for .I tried on the 28th, but the traffic was too heavy to get an unobstructed shot during the critical minute. Two days later and here's a very decent "henge" photo. That's 14th Street, and I've just crossed from the north sidewalk as the light changed, giving me seconds to snap off a few shots, before scurrying to the opposite curb. You'll note we're right on the median strip this time, and fortunately, there are no trucks or other vehicles, nor even pedestrians to block the moment. The sky was even clearer than for the '05 attempt above last year we were clouded out all the best evenings. I did feel lucky this time, and a few clicks later and it was over. Fortunately a pair of "bracketing" frames came out just fine. They're composited together here to create a wider dynamic "HDR" view, very much like what I saw myself. Studio "Loft-Henge" Now for something not-quite "completely different. All the angles have to be Just So. I guess it doesn't take too much to capture my attention, but for no good reason, I think it's kind of a magical moment that it's so rare helps. When I completed the Wurly II Kurzweil setup, I noticed that on several evenings in late May and again in July those sunbeams very briefly swept over the new instrument. You can see what it looks like to the left. I ought explain that the studio is towards to rear of a long and relatively narrow space which faces east-west. The windows up in front look west, but it's quite an obstacle course for the narrow beam of direct sunlight to slip between many tall buildings outside, then in through the front windows, past walls and hallways, finally slipping through the studio doorway to reach all the way inside. It's a path of about 80 feet from front windows to the Wurly! With such a long baseline, the bright beam of light traces its path surprisingly quickly. If you stand still quietly you notice it slide along, which I've never seen on, say, a sundial, or even the shadow of a traffic light on the pavement. I caught five shots during May of last year of some of the best moments. Two were blurred from the rather slow shutter needed to capture the glow of bounce light in an otherwise darkened room. This was the best of the other three, quite well centered, too. Okay, now you're permitted to say it: "Big Deal! This one IS honestly "completely different. But up until early this year, all I had was my memories and a pencil sketch I had drawn in '02, to show my parents, and now you. I remembered seeing these back in Pawtucket RI , in the '50s, on the roofs of several textile? The drawing to the left is what I recall, of a particularly odd twin version, two units connected "in cascade", it now seems, all long gone. The next image is one of a few quick snapshots I took from the highway while passing through Bridgeport CT, on my way back from visiting with my elderly mom in RI. I had no idea any of these still existed, as the last time I can recall seeing one is in the late 60s, in the Pawtucket area. So my memory had not fooled me, looks pretty similar to the drawing. To a child growing up with an active imagination, those "smokestacks? And the pair joined together seemed to be having some silent conversation. In any case, I never completely forgot them. And when I showed my drawing to my mom and dad, they smiled as recognition dawned on their faces, too. We'd never asked anyone back then what these actually were used for. And until discovering a couple of them in Bridgeport, I assumed it was WAY too late to ask anyone who'd remember now. But that's exactly what I'm doing here. Consider this another informal puzzle challenge on our site. Any ideas? So what do we know? These large devices were located on factory roofs. Probably some kind of textile factories. The construction looks like they are hollow and have inner and outer jackets, a manifold. At first I thought: "heat exchangers. Okay, then how about some kind of air discharge filters, to keep tremendous amounts of fabric dust and lint from covering the neighborhood? That might work, a minimal environmental awareness for the time. At least that's my best guess. What's yours? And if you live in the area, CT or RI, you may have seen these before. BTW, this photo was taken from Interstate highway 95 at the end of January '07, just a bit west of the center of Bridgeport, looking north of the highway. Further info: If you know the Bridgeport area, HERE's a satellite view with my best estimate for the unusual "dust-filter chimney. Right now I wouldn't be surprised if a few other extant examples exist, a bit of history from a time when the USA still made things.Since posting the above visual conundrum I've received suggestions from two engineers the first week, and two more right after that. The first message came from Evan Bentz, Ph. John also sent me further info which backed up the idea. The two newest messages came from Jim Cook and Tom Johnson. Both sent me links which clearly show the same kind of devices, still in use after all these years, in many places besides New England. Pretty good qualifications from all of you and interesting, helpful letters, too , I'm impressed. Thank you all very sincerely for taking the time to send your comments and supportive links. So this IS a kind of dust collector. Actually, it's an industrial cyclonic dust filter. Google such words for many other examples. I had stumbled upon similar but smaller devices by accident when I first searched the web about this topic a few years ago, but felt too insecure about concluding this was it. Finally now with the help provided by these good people, I think it's safe to announce that this puzzle has been solved! Yeay, I'm pleased to put the speculations of decades aside at last! We had total piece of mind knowing our furry family had company and attention daily and over night. This allowed our pets to stay in their own home while we received daily texts and pictures of them. We were able to enjoy our vacation without any stress or worry. When we returned home our house was warm and clean, filled with happy animals and a sense of clam in the air. Such an amazing service provided by such amazing people!! Wendy stayed with my five year old terrier mix with a partially torn ACL and a knee brace for week and also managed to deal with several days without power due to a storm. I do not believe I could have handled it better than she did. I recommend wendy without qualification. Brava Wendy! It's obvious Wendy genuinely cares for animals. I was confident my dog was receiving the care and cuddles he needs. Thank you again Wendy! Wendy loved my dogs if they were her own- super cooperative to work with and we loved the photo updates she texted. Thanks so much!! Wendy stayed in our home and took care of our two dogs while we were away for 10 days. We were able to enjoy our vacation knowing that the dogs and our house were in such good hands. Wendy is professional, friendly, reliable, punctual, communicative, trustworthy, caring and respectful. We appreciated her text updates with photos of the dogs. We highly recommend Wendy for pet sitting. Wendy did a wonderful job with our two Great Danes. She was extremely caring and trustworthy. Both of our dogs loved her and we highly recommend her. She couldn't have been more wonderful with our ex large babies:. My family and I wanted a trainer to work with Cody one-on-one in our home since that is where we felt good behavior was most important. Wendy started helping us train our Labrador puppy, Cody, at about 12 weeks of age. Her methods were gentle and effective and after only 4 lessons with Wendy, we had an obedient, well-behaved puppy that not only respected the rules of the house, but also respected us as his pack leaders. When people meet Cody, we are constantly asked how he became such a well-behaved, obedient dog and we always give credit to Wendy. As a veterinarian, I continue to recommend her to all of my clients looking for gentle effective training for their puppies or adult dogs with behavioral issues. As soon as Wendy walked through our door you could tell she had the full respect and attention of our dog. She not only teaches the basic commands, but the psychology and behavior behind having a dog that is well adjusted and respects you as the leader of the pack. She does all this without the use of treats, shock collars, or other gimmicks. We now have a well behaved dog that is fun to have around and who we feel comfortable taking wherever we go. We rescued a 6 year old large breed dog, and found he has some behavior issues. Wendy helped us to see that his aggressive behaviors probably stem from fear. She gave us some great training techniques and leadership advice. He learned proper front door behavior immediately, her method is very effective. Some of his other behaviors are going to take more time and consistent training to correct, but he is definitely improving. We are glad that we chose to work with Wendy. We love Sarge, and decided to figure out how to help him. I started to do research about training and what we were doing wrong. After a few weeks I made appointments with a few people. Much to my surprise, I found Wendy. An Appointment was made she came over to our house, told us we were going to be training with Sarge to make us better pack leaders and in turn help our dog out. He has made a lot of progress. He knows where to sit when people knock on the door, the growling and excessive barking has stop. An important lesson that we learned as dog owners is that it is continuous work. Wendy was very instrumental in making sure Sarge is a happy dog. We called Wendy as a last resort, thinking our only alternative was to get rid of one of our dogs. Our story: We have 3 rescue dogs, a male and 2 females, that were adopted at different times. Training: The first thing we noticed about Wendy when entering the house was how she commanded control. She spent time teaching us dog psychology, diet and training techniques for our different needs. We diligently worked with our dogs and saw improvement very quickly. Fat pockets were disappearing, they were looking leaner, and just acting happier. Our dog with arthritis has pep in her step again, walking around our neighborhood no problem! It is a wonderful feeling being able to take the three dogs on a walk together with our infant in her stroller and enjoy the moment. We even get compliments from our neighbors at how well-behaved and trained our dogs are! She never rushed us to be done with the visit and really wanted to make sure we had exhausted all questions and felt completely satisfied with her training. She even scheduled us a bonus training visit to follow up with our progress with the 3 dogs. Thank you, Wendy! We love having our house back and our 4 legged babies getting along so well! I have a dog with serious issues. Wendy addressed those problems with behavioral strategies that showed me a different dog within two hours. I have hope again. I have a 14 month old pit bull, Khaleesi, and started having problems with her on walks such as lunging at people and dogs, also problems with door rushing, no recall at all and nipping. She walks at heal position and now we can walk past distractions such as barking dogs without chaos. Wendy is very thorough, she takes her time to make sure that we understood what being the pack leader means and does for dogs. Me and my family are enjoying seeing the positive progress and are looking forward to our next session with Wendy. I have a two-year-old German Shepherd, my main issues with shire were jumping, polling, barking, and excitement. Wendy explained why my dog acts the way she does, and she Wendy totally right! Shire changed right away, she is a very stubborn dog but she is extremely smart! Once I started doing what Wendy taught me I could tell right away that Shire understood! Scheduling with Wendy was a seriously desperate cry for help — please! Wendy showed up with tools and skills to train our dog. My mom was so sure that nothing would work but by the end of the class, she was hugging Wendy and asking her when we could have more lessons for our dog HAHA. Jett was undisciplined until our training with Wendy. Shortly after this, Jett got out as I was taking out the trash. He began to jog off and a motorcycle was barreling down our street. I thought, Oh no! Additionally, our Daisy dog now no longer lunges and barks at other dogs on walks. Wendy helped us regain our sanity in several other dog-related areas as well. I highly recommend her. We had babied our dog out of love for him but we were not being leaders — he was running the house. When our sweet dog began becoming aggressive, we became alarmed and knew we needed someone who was an expert in behavioral strategies. She helped us realize that we could still show our dog the love and affection while being the leader he needed. Wendy was patient and available for questions as we learned to trust the process and put in the consistency needed when she left. The results were amazing! The aggression is gone and he is more obedient than we ever thought he could be. We are planning to hire Wendy again for socialization out in the community because we know the amazing results she is able to help us achieve. We highly recommend her! If you are willing to put in the work when she leaves, you will see amazing results after the first lesson! I am amazed at how quickly he has learned to be obedient. Your techniques really do work and I would highly recommend anyone whose dog needs training give you a call. In just a couple lessons he is a different dog. Michelle Baker, Corona Posted to Yelp, July 18, I rescued my dog from SBC and after a while was having major behavioral problems, such as redirect aggression, sibling rivalry, and basic obedience. She had gotten into fights and I was so worried I would have to give her up. I decided to go with Wendy after doing extensive research and numerous interviews with multiple companies. I like her apprach and extensive knowledge of dog behavior. Shes not just a trainer. She is a behaviorist. Her style is direct, logical, and dog centered. She does not use any painful negative consequences, which I like. And that puts her a head above the rest. WithShe taught me how to communicate withmmy dog and become the alpha in a positive way. With her training, my dog just passed the Canine Good Citizen test!! And I have high hopes of fostering again soon. Worth every penny. We were able to schedule quickly and had our first 3 hour training today. She sure knows her stuff! I admit I was totally ignorant to the proper way to treat our dogs. Sarina M. Not sure who enjoyed it more, myself or my dog, but it was a fun experience for both of us and the change is unbelievable. We adopted our little Chihuahua mix a month ago from the corona shelter and while she was wonderful inside of our apartment, she was fearful outside, barking and lunging at other dogs as well as people. We saw an improvement day one and in the last 2 weeks we have seen a completely different dog, much more confident and calm. We have learned so much about how we need to behave and direct her as the pack leaders. Having Wendy train us was worth every cent! Although we also have a pug and 2 Chihuahuas, losing Abby left such a huge void in our lives, we replaced her with a 3 month old black lab puppy. My husband researched and found Wendy and scheduled an appointment. Our pug and chis were all three barkers. After our first session with Wendy yesterday morning,our new puppy was walking on a leash, sitting on command and waiting at the front door until we released her to go through. The other three dogs got to the point that they did not even bark when the doorbell rang. Even after Wendy left, we had several people in and out of the house and still had no problems. We could not be happier with Wendy. She is knowledgeable, loving to our fur babies, effective, and a great teacher. Two older dogs and a new puppy. The older two had a problem with barking whenever the doorbell rang or someone knocked at the front door. I could not let people into my home right away without getting my dogs out of the way first, because they would bark at my guests as they were coming in and my dogs would also jump on them. It was embarrassing to say the least. She showed me the tools I needed to correct my dogs. After the first session my dogs no longer are barking at the door, I can leave my front door wide open while I greet my guests and my dogs are nowhere in sight. I can also now walk them without lunging out at other dogs while we walk through our neighborhood. I feel so relieved in knowing that my dogs are better behaved now. I am a stress free doggie parent now. I look forward to working with Wendy on getting my 3 month old Dachshund Puppy trained as well. Thanks Wendy! Before that, she was just spoiled. Since then she had become insecure, anxious, developed separation anxiety, and barked excessively when anyone came to the door. She knew basic commands but was inconsistent and would constantly pull forward on the leash. We used to take our dogs everywhere but could no longer trust Bon Bon to behave. We called Wendy and literally after the first session, she was a new dog! Miraculously she also learned to stop barking and instead, sit in a designated place away from the door when someone rang the bell until she was released to greet the guest. That was a couple of months ago; we are now getting close to being ready for her to take her Canine Good Citizen test and after that, begin preparing for her to become a therapy dog. This weekend we are taking her with us to a hotel with confidence that she will be well behaved. We are so grateful to Wendy and highly recommend her! We just finished our second training and my dog Otis has done a complete .Before he would go absolutely mental on the leash. My other dog Ruxin was also very bad at coming when called and listening in general. Such a huge difference for both my dogs. Thanks again Wendy!!! I was so afraid they would fight again. Oh and her shoulder to lean on. Thank you Wendy!! I still have the fear, but Wendy is always there to help me get through it, whether on the phone or in person. She is always available to me. She teaches you the technique, then you do it right there!! She gave us detailed instructions on how to work with our pup on her separation anxiety. We could see the difference in our dog right away. She taught us how to be leaders so our dog feels safe, secure, and happy. We interviewed a few different other trainers but decided on Wendy due to her gentle yet assertive approach. It was, and still is extremely important to us to train our fur kid in a gentle, non-violent way. After some research we came across Wendy. We liked the fact that she had a life time experience as a dog trainer, would enable us to train our dog in a gentle way, and also that she would come to our house for the training sessions. This is important to understand: Wendy enables the dog owners to train their dogs properly, which — in our opinion — is the way it should be. My wife and I are highly recommending Wendy! She is an outstanding and fantastic dog trainer with a wonderful personality. Both, dog and dog owner will benefit from her experience. Within minutes she had him doing it AND had him doing all sorts of agility exercises! I recommend Wendy for any issues you may be having with your dog!! She understands training is just as much about the owner as it is the pet! But like a lot of doggies, he had a few discipline problems that we were just unable to work him through. Pack Leader Wendy Blanch to the rescue! She came to our home, worked with us on working with him, and now our doggie is heading in the right direction! He also waits patiently for his ball below picture. Wendy gave us so many little hints that helped us help Jasper. You could tell she honestly loves dogs and Jasper was quite eager to work with her. How did I hear about Wendy? Well Priceless Pets of course! Wendy works with rehabilitating many of their dogs to get them ready for adoption. If your doggie needs a helping hand in becoming a better family member, contact Pack Leader Wendy Blanch. Big or little problems, she can help you fix them! Now if only she could train my husband, Mike. My lb. The first lesson made a huge impact. He stopped charging the door when the doorbell rang, stopped licking the plates while I was loading the dishwasher, he was an unruly stubborn teenager. He now walks right next to me, comes when called, is controlled by my voice, not treats or clickers. He adores me and looks to me as his pack leader. Wendy is the best choice I have made in by far. Then I brought him home…he was a mess, nipping at and jumping all over me and my family, bucking like a bronco and dragging me along on our walks! I was in tears every day for the first 3 weeks until I got a referral from my vets office. After only 1 training session, the improvement in his behavior was amazing! I kept working with him and had several additional training sessions to correct some of his more stubborn issues huskies LOVE to pull! Within 3 months I was so thrilled with what Wendy and I had accomplished with him that I went and found him a little husky sister! I used the methods Wendy taught me with her from day one. Now, I have 2 well trained huskies that bring me joy every day! I can walk my dynamic duo together with confidence, and their behavior at home is exemplary! Wendy was great, giving me the tools and techniques to be able to enjoy my pups! When Wendy first came to our house she could not even start the orientation of the program because all three of our dogs were barking and jumping on the back door. All three are very hyper, but we knew with the right training they could be better under control. Even now our neighbors and our pool guy asked us how we got them to stop barking and we said Wendy Blanch. We now can get them to walk nicely and not worry about having to take one dog at a time outside. The other issue we had was with our Brown Lab Bailey. Now she waits to be invited in and she understands not to jump on us. She can swim now with us and it is great to have fun with them in the pool. Lastly, we have begun taking them to the dog park with Wendy and her cute dogs. They had a blast and we are looking forward to finding other dog parks to take them to and have our main goal to be able to take them off leash to the dog beach in Huntington. Thanks Wendy for everything. Our puppies appreciate it as well. We look forward to continuing working with you as do Bullet, Bella, and Bailey. My dog Penelope, a year-old Jack Russell, responded very well and I am being educated on how to be the pack leader of my home. A position I had allowed my naughty dog to assume over time. Wendy demonstrated excellent communication methods and the training material she left for me to review was an invaluable resource which solidified the reversal of pack leader from my dog to me! Thank You Wendy! This sounds silly but today he dropped a dryer sheet after only being asked to do so. Dryer sheets are his favorite thing to steal and run with. Thank you Wendy! Copy link Share Every day, Wendy Shan sits in front of a blank canvas and paints the same subject. Since she was eight years old, Wendy has been creating a new iteration of her pug-shih tzu cross, Lulu. She hopes to be able to help people see Lulu the way she does. She often draws Lulu with a bit of personality and some sass. They aren't just ordinary dog portraits to her. Wendy Shan's portrait of her dog Lulu. Supplied These are some of Wendy's portraits of her dog Lulu. A collage of portraits of Wendy Shan's dog Lulu. Supplied A pencil drawn portrait of a Wendy Shan's dog Lulu. Supplied Multiple painted portrait of a Wendy Shan's dog Lulu. Supplied Two drawn photos of dogs illustrated by Wendy Shan. Supplied Wendy grew up an only child, longing for someone to play with in a home full of adults. So when her parents brought Lulu home, she became more than just a household pet. She was family. Art allows Wendy to 'unleash creativity' Working on drawings and paintings gave Wendy a stillness she needed. She had a space to distract her from school and childhood anxieties. Most importantly, it was a world she had control over. If she wanted to draw green clouds, she could. It was up to Wendy to create the fantasy land of her choosing. Supplied Art has always been therapeutic for her because there are no set guidelines or expectations. It doesn't matter if she doesn't create a perfect painting or illustration. She has freedom to fail and try again. It was kind of just knowing that I was improving. She began to get more involved in her local community with council projects and advocacy. But she says sometimes young people, despite engaging in community events and advocacy, can be drowned out of the conversion. An expert says art is important for young people's growth and wellbeing. Supplied Expert says art important for mental health Robyn Ewing, who specialises in art education at the University of Sydney, says a relationship with the arts is integral to young people's development. How does this happen? While volunteering at a local shelter many years ago, these questions weighed heavy on my heart. The more time I spent there, the more I learned. And, to the shelter good animals go. I rescued my Rottweiler, Riley, from that very same shelter. And we did have that amazing life that I dreamed of. She was such an amazing dog it was hard to understand why she ended up there. Sadly, I had to say goodbye to Riley in , but the cycle of good dogs ending up in shelters continues. They just need someone to give them a chance and help them learn how to be the best they can be. So, began my journey to find a way to help people build better relationships with their pets. Because every pet deserves the life of Riley. There were animals to play with, and they accepted me unconditionally. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to raise two litters of puppies. I kept one pup from each litter for myself to train and show in obedience, and I excelled in doing so. Despite all the commotion of the working farm on which I lived, I could get my two dogs to focus on our training and respond to my cues. Doing well with them at home and in the show ring gave me a great sense of purpose, so I decided then that somehow I wanted to work with dogs for a living. Determined to pursue my passion, I majored in Animal Science in college, fully intending to pursue my dream to become a dog trainer. Well, I got side-tracked. Naysayers, negative thoughts, and logistics made me think that working with animals for a living was an absolute pipe-dream. But, for the next thirty years, I still held onto this belief that one day I would find a way to pursue my dream of working with dogs. It never left my mind. And that got me thinking, what if people had hope? What if they could learn how to communicate with pets? These thoughts took me back to that defining moment in elementary school. It occurred to me that the same thing can happen to dogs when they have a negative experience. They Shut Down. I help improve relationships and the quality of life for dogs and their people. I educate people on how dogs think, act and feel, and why they do what they do. I show clients how to develop a mutual respect between themselves and their dogs, and how to have fun while they work together. I also help people who are experiencing behavior issues with their cats. Wendy Morgan Reading to Dogs The boys who live here have had a tough family life and have usually fallen behind in their reading; this unique program gives them a chance to practice. So offering them the opportunity to read aloud to us dogs, gives them a chance to practice their reading skills. In addition to myself, there are also a couple of pugs and a French bulldog. But I am the only Golden Retriever. Each week we work with two boys. Each boy gets 30 minutes on his own with mom and me, in a room with beanbag chairs all over the floor. Or even just met. Sometimes there will be a new boy who is afraid of dogs, or one who is nervous to read. So I always win those boys over with some wags, a lick or two, and a gentle nudge. After a boy has selected a couple of books, I settle in to listen. As a result, their reading often gets better. They say that I help by giving a calming presence. And me? I just know I love being with each boy. Often, I give him a paw to hold while he reads, or put my head in his lap to give him a little extra love. Sometimes, a boy will want his own space, so I just lie nearby. Another may want to sit with Mom to get some help with the hard words. Or she may even read to him. I understand that — because Mom is the best! Happily, after the reading, Mom gives me some water and a snack, then loads me back into the car for the drive home. After all that fun, I am always ready for a long nap! Please submit the form below and be sure to include your phone number so we can follow up with a call! Thank you! And thank you for either nominating yourself or others. Together we can make great contributions to education!