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Now, whether you already have a dog or have yet to pick him up, it would be good for you to learn what to expect this month with your Dood, both developmentally and as a new Doodle parent. However, as your puppy transitions to his forever family and home, socialization is more important than ever now. To help reduce the fear of the unfamiliar as he grows older, your job is to start helping your new companion meet a variety of beings, including babies and children, men, dogs, cats, and birds. It is also a good idea to introduce him to: People of all ages, including kids and older people. People of all appearances, including men and women. Different kinds of attire, including hats, sunglasses, and coats. Unfortunately, I know from experience that if he grows up without meeting kids when he is young, he may never feel comfortable around them as an adult. As a result, they may act out of fear and potentially hurt kids. As such, he may develop irreversible behaviors leading to antisocial behavior, fear, or aggression. Rather, it should just begin before that time. A good rule of thumb is to have puppy meet different people by 12 weeks of age. Expect your puppy to react with fear in different situations, which is a very normal part of puppy development. Offer them a variety of new experiences and reward your puppy for exploring them. By 12 weeks of age or so, they will begin teething. By the end of this month, he should have better control of his bladder and bowels. He may begin to sleep through the night without accidents or potty breaks — yay! Your Dood will need more and more food as he grows. Be sure to feed him times a day right now to support his rapid brain and body development. Before bringing your 2-month old puppy home, find out what food the breeder was feeding him and use that same food as he adjusts to his new home. After a few days, you can start making the switch to a different puppy food if you want. Feed your 2-month old puppy an appropriate amount of food. On the other hand, if he often leaves leftovers in his bowl, reduce how much you give him. Use our feeding calculator if you need and be sure to keep track of his growth using our awesome growth tracker! Related Content. Share 0 Shares 8 weeks is often the age at which our beloved Goldendoodle puppy should be ready for pickup from their respective breeders. At this stage, the Goldendoodle puppy should have gone through a lot to ensure they come out perfect, healthy, and strong. Even with all that, the puppy still has a lot more development to do, and you as its new owner are a critical part of this development process. With that being said, this article provides you with everything you need to know about the 8 weeks old Goldendoodle puppy. They should have gone through basic socialization and training programs to help them get more comfortable in new situations. We would provide you with valuable information on what to expect from your newly gotten Goldendoodle, the processes they would have gone through, and what needs to be done to ensure they grow strong and healthy. What To Expect From a Week-old Goldendoodle Puppy 8 week old mini Goldendoodle As stated earlier, the 8-week age range is the time period at which you should be getting your Goldendoodle puppy from their respective Goldendoodle breeder homes. With that being said, depending on how reputable the breeder is, your Goldendoodle should already be properly socialized or introduced to the basics of proper socialization. This is highly important as even though Goldendoodles are incredibly nice and generally happy dogs, an unsocialized Goldendoodle can develop some erratic traits or behaviors that can be caused by stress from being in unfamiliar situations and seeing unfamiliar faces. And since your new Goldendoodle friend should be seeing you for the first time around this stage, socialization is a high necessity. They should also be healthy and fully checked by a licensed vet. Reputable breeders know the importance of vaccinations and deworming for Goldendoodles and all dogs in general. With that being said, your new Goldendoodle puppy should have received all the necessary shots and deworming that are appropriate for the exact age range they fall on. And as an extra, some Goldendoodle breeders make an effort to introduce or start their Goldendoodle puppy on the basics of certain training programs like basic commands, potty, and crate training. If this is the same for you, then you are expected to further improve on the overall training your new Goldendoodle gets as they are no longer under the care of their breeders. First Week Schedule With 8 Week Old Goldendoodle Puppy After receiving your Goldendoodle puppy from the breeder, the next and best thing to do would be to have them properly checked or examined by a licensed vet. Have them properly examine your Goldendoodle puppy and be sure they are free from any issues that might have been overlooked by the breeder. While the puppy is with the vet, have them properly vaccinated and dewormed to keep them healthy and strong. You also would want to ensure they are properly trained and exercised to ensure they are in the best of shapes and behaviors. When it comes to socializing your new Goldendoodle puppy, there is a great way to go about it. The idea is to make sure your Goldendoodle puppy familiarizes itself with every possible situation and possible human interaction it can possibly be exposed to. There are three key focal areas you should prioritize when it comes to socializing your Goldendoodle puppy. The first should be human interaction. This is highly important when trying to familiarize your Goldendoodle with your household and friends. Ensure you regularly introduce your Goldendoodle to people of various age groups and appearance structures. This can include them trying out different attires and looks on your Goldendoodle to ensure they are comfortable with people in any form they might appear in. For the second socialization priority, focus on general experiences and stimulations that the Goldendoodle puppy might get introduced to in the future. This can come in a variety of sounds like car horns, vacuum cleaner noises, and a host of others. Different textures can also be introduced to the Goldendoodle and a host of other feelings as well as sights. Take your Goldendoodle puppy exploring, and let them soak in different experiences that can help shape them into becoming bright and generally happy dogs. So occasional swimming, car rides, and regular walks would definitely help them get properly socialized. The third area or focal point when it comes to socialization should be interacting with other dogs and animals. If your Goldendoodle was raised on a farm, this can help a lot with getting them socialized with farm animals and other pets. This can be regular doggy daycare or home. Just ensure they are carefully vetted before handing over your precious Goldendoodle to them. Identifying how big your Goldendoodle would be at 8 weeks of age can be a bit difficult to predict. This is because the size of the Goldendoodle can be affected by lots of different variables and factors. Even though an 8 weeks Goldendoodle is technically still a puppy, their sizes can be influenced by the exact size class they fall under, teacup, petite, and standard Goldendoodles could each possess different sizes and weight classes at that stage of their life. But on average, your Goldendoodle should fall between the range of 3 pounds to 12 pounds in weight. The height also depends on the overall size class they fall under, with an average of 7 to 12 inches. At this stage of the Goldendoodle puppy, you should also expect that they develop a ferocious appetite. This is practical because they are at the peak of the growing stage and they require all the necessary nutrients that could further make them healthy. The required nutrients for a Goldendoodle puppy at this stage are protein, carbohydrates, and fat, alongside other nutrients like vitamins, calcium, and a lot more. The exact feeding schedule should be based on the size of the 8-week-old Goldendoodle puppy. This can be spread across 3 to 4 different meal servings for that day. This also works for even smaller sizes of the 8-week-old Goldendoodle puppy like the petite and teacup size class. When looking at medium size Goldendoodles puppies, at 8 weeks old, you can consider providing them with more food than you would a small-sized Goldendoodle. You can spread that across 3 to 4 servings to ensure they are well-fed but not overfed. And as for the standard-sized 8-week-old Goldendoodle puppy, you should consider feeding them 1 cup of Goldendoodle kibble each day. This can also be spread across 3 to 4 servings each day to be certain they get all their desired nutritional requirements. Even the 8-week-old Goldendoodle puppy can be seen as energetic, they are still pretty young and deserve all the sleep and rest they can. Their immune systems and overall bodies require all the sleep that they can get. With that being said, ensure you provide your 8-week-old Goldendoodle puppy with over 18 to 20 hours of complete sleep each day. This should go on till they are at least 20 weeks old, at which point their entire sleep schedule can then be reduced to 13 hours minimum. And as such, it is highly important that you let your Goldendoodle get all the desired rest even though you might feel very tempted to play with them. It is highly important that you do not overwork your Goldendoodle, especially during their puppy stage as their bodies and the overall system is still very fragile and easy to injure. With that being said, you should regularly exercise your Goldendoodle pups and keep them healthy. Start them slowly by introducing short minute walks each day. This can be done between 1 to 3 times each day, totaling 30 minutes of mild exercises for them. Remember to do this in a safe and controlled environment where they would be free from any harm or health issues that might affect them. You can also introduce them to small games like mild fetch or perhaps tug. As theory gets older perhaps 4 months and above , you can proceed to increase the overall time limit for exercising your Goldendoodle and even add more games for them to play and generally have fun. Training Your 8-week-old Goldendoodle Puppy Training your Goldendoodle puppy might feel like a daunting task and who can blame you? Sometimes it feels like they might be having a hard time understanding basic instructions. But the Goldendoodle is a wonderful dog to train. They are quite intelligent and are more likely to pick up instructions and learn faster than the average canine dog or breed. When training a Goldendoodle it is always a great idea to adopt a gentle and kinder approach to training. This method is called positive reinforcement and it is proven to be much more effective on Goldendoodles than simply being stern and authoritative. This way, you can keep them interested long enough for them to learn new tricks and techniques. In fact, there are three possible pieces of training they can undergo at such a young age. These are;. There might be days or even weeks when it seems to regress, but as long as you stay calm and stick to the training schedule and daily routine, your doodle puppy will thrive. Remember, the younger your pup is, the shorter its attention span and the less it understands. A lot of the earliest work involves planting seeds for the future and maintaining that consistent routine. Many goldendoodles respond best to one or more of the following methods: Positive Reinforcement Your number one tool as a puppy parent is positive reinforcement. Scolding and punishment will make it fear you, which might garner very short-term results but will ultimately lead to long-term problems like destructive behavior, biting and excessive barking. Use a mixture of praise and toys as your primary rewards, with food used as big rewards and treats very occasionally. Clicker Training Many puppies respond best to clicker training, and many professionals use it. It combines positive reinforcement with a handheld clicker that you press whenever you reward your pet for following a command or behaving well. Very quickly, it starts associating the click with a reward, until the clicker itself becomes the reward and a treat is no longer required. Animals are territorial by nature, and giving your pup a little island of its own in your home is a great way to prevent unwanted behaviors. Remember, the crate is not a punishment. However, like every breed, they have their character quirks. Below is a list of the main issues doodle owners encounter and how to approach them. Jumping All dogs have the potential to get excited and jump up on people when they meet or greet them, but this can be scary for strangers and children. Teach your doodle puppy that it only gets a reward if it sits when greeted and this behavior will eventually become second nature. Stealing Food Every dog loves to eat. A clicker can be particularly good for this behavior. Mouthing and Biting Biting is natural for dogs, and they might use it as a way to get your attention in addition to it being a sign of aggression. Check out our training program to find out more. There is so much your little guy needs to learn to be a polite, lifelong family companion — where do you even begin? We are here to give you a broad overview of some basic tips of where to start with teaching your new buddy. Follow these three steps to begin training your 8 week old doodle puppy. The good news is if you welcome a JLDD puppy, we have already done some of the hard work with crate training for you. At JLDD we introduce all of our puppies to the crate at weeks of age! First, they are first placed in a crate with another littermate. As they get older, they begin to spend small amounts of individual time in the crate each day. We give our pups an excellent head start, but as the owner, it is up to you to follow through with structured crate time even if your pup objects at first. The first few days can be extremely difficult, but your consistency will pay off. Many owners find it difficult to be consistent because of their worry that their dog is miserable with crate training and, true enough, the puppies can sound really pitiful in there. But stay strong and remember that you are actually helping them in the long run to have a safe place when they must be left alone. A good crate training foundation will be very helpful in curbing separation anxiety and will make traveling, boarding, grooming, etc. Once the pup accepts the crate as his personal space, he will often go there on his own to rest. Keeping a routine is key so your pup knows what to expect. Allow pup to settle for about five minutes before you let him or her out. The only time this does not apply is in the middle of the night. Potty Training When people ask what they need to know before buying a doodle , this is the big one! And it can be very intimidating for owners. Bring all your consistency and patience! Keep in mind most puppies will not be fully potty trained until at least weeks. We start our young pups on puppy pad training so puppy pads can be a helpful stepping stone to outdoor potty training when you first bring your dood home. Keeping the area small and puppy pads easily accessible will help your pup stay consistent. Many owners find it is an easy transition to slowly move the puppy pads to the designated outdoor area closer to the door, then right outside the door, etc. Other owners prefer to jump straight into outdoor potty training. Here are a few basic tips: Frequent potty breaks. When your doodle is awake and playing, taking him out as frequently as every 30 minutes is important when they are young. When pup does potty, immediately praise and reward him with a treat. Always use the same exit to take your puppy out. This will help them learn where to head when the urge strikes! Eagle Eye. Scolding your pup for an accident after the fact is generally ineffective as he will not connect the discipline to the moment of the accident. We work on basic obedience and conditioning as early as weeks with our pups at JLDD by waiting until the pups sit to give their food and treats. Remember that basic obedience is critical for establishing the owner-dog relationship early on. It teaches your doodle that he must look to you for direction and when treats are involved that looking to the human for direction is lots of fun! Doodle puppies are extremely clever and can easily learn the basics such as sit, stay, down and come in their first couple weeks at home with you. Stay positive and keep training sessions short. End the session if you find yourself feeling frustrated for any reason. Furthermore, doodles are a sensitive breed and generally highly trainable so most respond quite well to positive training methods. Typically, simply ignoring unwanted behavior and rewarding the desired behavior will produce the intended results. If you're looking for a fully trained doodle to bring home, JLDD provides an awesome course for new puppies. We hope the advice in this article helps aid the teaching of your dog! Be sure to share your best tips with us at contact jennaleedoodles. Post not marked as liked4 Recent Posts. Predicting the mature size of a puppy is by no means an exact science, especially with a hybrid breed like the goldendoodle. How big will my goldendoodle puppy be? From birth until the gotchya day, puppies have fluctuated back and forth in terms of who weighs the most. Even though adult weight is a bit of a guess for a young puppy, expect mini goldendoodles to weigh 4lbs-9lbs at 8 weeks of age. A medium puppy and standard puppy may both weigh 9lbs at 8 weeks old, but the standard puppy with gain weight at a quicker rate than the medium. Like most dog breeds, goldendoodles generally do the majority of their growing in the first six months of life. In fact, many mini goldendoodle puppies reach half of their adult weight by four months. Standard goldendoodles may take a month or so longer to reach that halfway mark. The larger the dog, the longer growing takes. For mini goldendoodles, expect the weight to start leveling off between months of age. Standard goldendoodles, like other large dog breeds, will grow for a longer period of time. While this rule may work for many standards, it is not accurate with smaller-sized goldendoodles who finish growing at a younger age. When will my goldendoodle stop growing? Dogs can finish growing anywhere between years of age, but generally reach their maximum height by a year of age and spend the remaining months filling out. This means your dog might hit a growth spurt right after her first birthday — she might not get any taller but she could thicken up. Golden retrievers grow at a slower rate in terms of height than standard poodles, but fill out more quickly. Golden retrievers tend to finish growing and filling out between months while standard poodles can take up to 2 years to accomplish the same. Established breeds generally reproduce naturally, whereas first-generation mini goldendoodles require artificial insemination. Subsequent generations of hybrid breeds i. F1b, F2b, etc. F1b goldendoodles can potentially have a slightly more predictable size range if the parents are similar sizes. Our 19lb F1 goldendoodle and 24lb poodle produce F1b mini goldendoodle puppies ranging in weight from lbs as adults. Embark is a canine genetic testing company that offers a variety of canine disease and trait tests in their panel. Order an Embark testing kit off Amazon , send in that quick cheek swab, and Embark will happily send you the results. Check out our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to watch various goldendoodles grow up right before your eyes! If you would like to submit data, please complete our quick survey or email goldendoodles timberidgefarms. Growth patterns vary from dog to dog but there are some generalities you may find helpful. Remember, this is a guide only, not a guarantee! Thank you for your support! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share this:.

Sophia is a grey brindle girl that is very sweet. She is 72 lbs. Annie is a pretty fawn girl out of our retired female Tess. She is 80 lbs. She is almost as tall as her mom. About the breeds. The Poodle The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds of dogs ever recognized and has been around since ancient times, originally in Germany but then being perfected in France. Others claim that there are some other breeds mixed in such as Asian herding dogs and other breeds that ran wild during that time. The smaller versions of the Poodle were created in the s by breeding small Poodles with each other. At the time, the Poodle was mainly used for hunting ducks and truffles but became popular as circus dogs and in shows. The AKC officially recognized them in where they are now the 7th most popular breed of dog. Some believe the breed is a mix of Spaniels, Sheepdogs, and Mastiffs while others claim they are a blend of the Griffon and Beauceron. In those days, they were bred only for function so the appearance of the Bouvier des Flanders varied quite a bit. At first, they were called the Toucheur de Boeuf, which means cattle dog, Koehond, which means cow dog, or Vuilbaard, which means dirty beard. The name they have now, Bouvier, means cowherd or oxherd. A veterinarian named Adolphe Reul was a proud breeder who made the Bouvier des Flanders popular during those days even though there was no standard until .In , the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and it is now the 83rd most popular breed in America. Flandoodle The Flandoodle is a large dog that stands between 22 and 28 inches tall and weighs about 65 to 95 pounds. The Flandoodle can be any color but is usually black, gray or brindle. They may be lean or stocky, with well-muscled long legs, a large head, and a furry face with a beard. The long tail is usually docked and their furry ears are pendulous. They do not shed much but it is important to bathe them if they get dirty, using mild shampoo and conditioner specially recommended for Poodles. Be sure to clean their ears once a week and watch for redness and ear mites. In addition, you should brush their teeth several times a week to prevent dental problems. They make special toothbrushes and toothpaste specially for dogs that you should use. They enjoy being part of the family activities and like to play with other animals but may be inclined to hunt smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. They should also be supervised around children younger than five years old. Although they are intelligent and learn quickly, they may be a bit stubborn during training so you have to have patience and use positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment. They can get lonely if left home alone for a long time so they need to have plenty to keep them busy while you are not home. Activity Requirements: Keep in mind that these are all suggestions. If your dog is happy, healthy and content, that is what is important, and just like people, every dog is different and unique. The Flandoodle loves activity and needs some type of exercise daily. They love to hunt and would appreciate a trip to the park daily to chase squirrels and rabbits if you do not have a fenced in yard to play in. In addition, having them run alongside you while you jog or bike can also be a beneficial choice for you both. This breed is also good at agility training, Frisbee, fetch, flyball, and swimming. Recent Posts. They Love a Good Chase Until your Flandoodle is well trained, it is not a great idea to let them off their leash. These dogs love a great chase. If there is a bird, squirrel, or another small animal that you come across on your daily walks, your Flandoodle may make a run for it. Great for Those with Dog Allergies If you have mild dog allergies, you will likely do very well with the Flandoodle. Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Poodle are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. You should always meet a potential new dog before bringing them home as sometimes, even if a dog is deemed to be hypoallergenic, they could still cause some problems. The Flandoodle is a nice mix of popularity and a lesser-known breed. These are genuinely lovely dogs that want to be a part of all that goes on in your household. You can bet that your Flandoodle will be following you around and in the middle of any family conversations or game nights. The Flandoodle is a loyal animal that wants to please and take care of its people. Your Flandoodle also desires and seeks attention. This is not a dog that is going to be overly independent and do its own thing. The Flandoodle will want to be the center of attention at all times. Flandoodles are generally well-behaved animals as long as they get the proper amount of exercise. They tend to act out when they have too much energy and no outlet for it. The Flandoodle is not a brilliant dog, but they are not unintelligent either. The Flandoodle has a high enough intelligence level to be trained; it will just be a bit of a long process. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The first point of concern is the separation anxiety that Flandoodles are prone to. If you are a busy young family and the Flandoodle will be left alone most of the day, you may see some separation anxiety issues start to arise. Flandoodles thrive when they are around people. If left alone for extended periods, they will become withdrawn or even act out because they are upset. The issue with their separation anxiety is actually what makes them an excellent fit for a family with lots of people. If people are coming and going all day and the Flandoodle is not left alone for extended periods, it will be ideal for this breed. When it comes to a family dog, another point of concern is the time needed to care for the animal. In busy families with young kids, the dog and their exercise and grooming needs can sometimes end up at the bottom of the list. If your family is already busier than you could ever imagine, you may want to consider a lower maintenance dog. The Flandoodle will need your attention for several hours each day, both for exercise and grooming. However, this does not always need to be undivided attention. It is quite easy to figure out a game in the yard that keeps both the kids and the dog entertained. However, this dog will need some of your time and care. As long as those conditions can be met, the Flandoodle is an excellent addition to any family. You should have no problems with aggressive behavior when it comes to other large pets. If you have another dog, introduce your Flandoodle at a young age and teach them how to get along. The earlier you socialize the Flandoodle, the easier it will be when it comes to getting along with other dogs. The only thing that you need to watch out for in the case of the Flandoodle are small pets. If you should have a smaller animal in the house, something like a guinea pig or similar, there is a chance that your Flandoodle will try and go after it. The Flandoolde has hunting skills in its genetics, and it is hard for them to give this up completely. You will likely notice if you let your Flandoodle lose in the yard, they will chase squirrels and rabbits, often unsuccessfully. Image Credit: Felicia Lee, Shutterstock Things to Know When Owning a Flandoodle: Now that you have a pretty good idea as to whether or not the Flandoodle would be a good fit for your family, you may want to understand what goes into taking care of them. Flandoodles are not any more difficult than another dog, but there are some specifics about their care that you should know. You will need to feed your dog several cups of dry food a few times a day. It is best to check with your vet to get the exact amounts that your dog will need. When your Flandoodle ages from a puppy to an adult dog, their food requirements will change. Dog food is not cheap, and you should calculate how much it will cost to feed your Flandoodle before purchasing your dog. This is a high energy dog that likes to run, chase, and play. If you are an outdoorsy type that likes to swim, hunt, and hike, a Flandoodle is an excellent choice for you. The Flandoodle even maintains some of their original hunting skills and can be quite good at catching small animals. A Flandoodle needs several hours of exercise each day. If you live in a small apartment, this is not the right dog for you. Keep in mind that Flandoodles will start to misbehave if they do not get enough physical exercise in a day. You may hear Flandoodle owners talking about how they have to tire the dog out. This is absolutely true. We also mentioned that the Flandoodle struggles with separation anxiety. If you are someone who is not home enough to spend time with and run your Flandoodle, this is not the right breed for you. Ideally, a Flandoodle should be walked twice a day. If this is not possible, make sure that your Flandoodle has plenty of time to run and play in the yard. If your children need something to do, have them take the dog outside and give them all some exercise. You need to stay consistent when training a Flandoodle. They are smart dogs but not highly intelligent. Since your Flandoodle is a happy and playful dog, you should always be using positive reinforcement. You will, however, need to be firm and consistent with a Flandoodle for them to understand what it is you want from them. You can start training your Flandoodle when they are a young puppy. If your Flandoodle is a family dog, you may want to make sure everyone is on the same page as far as training is concerned. However, this is not the case, particularly for the Flandoodle dog. This breed needs to be brushed every day. If you have to push it to every other day, that is usually fine. But If they are not brushed highly frequently, their coat will be in terrible shape, and you will end up spending more time and money on grooming. The length of the hair on your Flandoodle can vary depending on what traits they inherited from their parent breeds. It is best to start grooming practices with your Flandoodle from a very young age. They may come to like getting brushed, and it can be a daily thing for you and your dog. Both the teeth and the ears should be cleaned weekly, if possible. Since a Flandoodle is part Poodle, they can be prone to some ear infections and other ear-related issues. Keeping the ear clean is the best way to avoid this. Overall, these are very healthy dogs, even though their lifespan is only years on average. Minor Conditions. It has been reprinted many times by clubs to use for the education of prospective Bouvier owners. I give my permission freely to all who wish to reprint and distribute it in hopes of saving innocent Bouviers from neglect and abandonment by those who should never have acquired them in the first place. My only limitation is that you may not sell this article unless the proceeds are going to Bouvier Rescue. Interested in buying a Bouvier? You must be or you wouldn't be reading this. You've already heard how marvelous Bouviers are. As a breed they have a few features that some people find charming, but that some people find mildly unpleasant and some people find downright intolerable. There are different breeds for different needs. There are over purebred breeds of dogs in the world. Maybe you'd be better off with some other breed. Maybe you'd be better off with a cat. Maybe you'd be better off with goldfish, a parakeet, a hamster, or some house-plants. Please DON'T buy a Bouvier unless you are convinced that you will be happy living with the dog and , equally important, that the dog will be happy living with you. The appearance of the Bouviers you have seen in the show ring is the product of hours of bathing and grooming. This carefully constructed beauty is fleeting : a few minutes of freedom, romping through the fields or strolling in the rain, restores the natural look. The natural look of the Bouvier is that of a large shaggy farm dog, usually with some dirt and weeds clinging to his tousled coat. His esthetics are those of an unmade bed. Remember that the Dutch nickname for the breed , "Vuilbaard", means "Dirty Beard". The true beauty of the Bouvier lies in his character, not in his appearance. There are many other breeds whose natural beauty of appearance far exceeds that of the Bouvier. Some of the long-coated and most of the short-coated breeds' appearances are less dependent on grooming than is that of the Bouvier. See also the section on grooming below. Note: when I first got introduced to the breed, I actually considered them esthetically unattractive, but their character was overwhelmingly appealing to me. Bouviers were bred to share in the work of the farm family and to spend most of their waking hours working with the family. They thrive on companionship and they want to be wherever you are. They are happiest living with you in your house and going with you when you go out. While they usually tolerate being left at home by themselves preferably with a dog-door giving access to the fenced yard , they should not be relegated to the backyard or kennel. An adult so exiled will be miserable and may invent annoying pastimes. If you don't strongly prefer to have your dog's companionship as much as possible, enjoying having him sleep in your bedroom at night and sharing many of your activities by day, you should choose a breed less oriented to human companionship. Likewise if your job or other obligations prevent you from spending much time with your dog. No dog is really happy without companionship but the pack hounds are more tolerant of being kenneled or yarded so long as it is in groups of 2 or more. A better choice would be a cat, as they are solitary by nature. Update: I have rescued any number of Bouviers who had been kept as back yard dogs. Always their behavior and their health had suffered. Basic obedience and household rules training is NOT optional for the Bouvier. As an absolute minimum, you must teach him to reliably respond to commands to come , to lie down, to stay , and to walk at your side , on or off leash and regardless of temptations. You must also teach him to respect your household rules: eg, is he allowed to get on the furniture? What you allow or forbid is unimportant; but it is critical that you, not the dog, make these choices and that you enforce your rules consistently. You must commit yourself to attending an 8 to 10 week series of weekly lessons at a local obedience club or professional trainer and to doing one or two short 5 to 20 minutes homework sessions per day. As commands are learned, they must be integrated into your daily life by being used whenever appropriate and enforced consistently. Young Bouvier puppies are relatively easy to train : they are eager to please , intelligent, and calm-natured , with a relatively good attention span. Once a Bouvier has learned something, he tends to retain it well. Your cute sweet little Bouvier puppy will grow up to be a large, powerful dog with a highly self-assertive personality and the determination to finish whatever he starts. If he has grown up respecting you and your rules, then all his physical and mental strength will work for you. But if he has grown up without rules and guidance from you, surely he will make his own rules and his physical and mental powers will often act in opposition to your needs and desires. For example: he may tow you down the street as if competing in a sled-dog race; he may grab food off the table; he may forbid your guests entry to his home. This training cannot be delegated to someone else, eg by sending the dog away to "boarding school", because the relationship of respect and obedience is personal between the dog and the individual who does the training. This is true of all dogs to greater or lesser degree, but definitely to a very great degree in Bouviers. While you definitely may want the help of an experienced trainer to teach you how to train your dog, you yourself must actually train your Bouvier. As each lesson is well learned, then rest of the household except young children must also work with the dog , insisting he obey them as well. Many of the Bouviers that are rescued from Pounds and Shelters show clearly that they have received little or no basic training, neither in obedience nor in household deportment; yet these same dogs respond well to such training by the rescuer or the adopter. It seems likely that a failure to train the dog is a significant cause of Bouvier abandonment. If you don't intend to educate your dog, preferably during puppyhood, you would be better off with a breed that is both small and socially submissive, eg a Shetland Sheepdog. Such a dog does require training, but a little bit goes further than with a Bouv. In the opposite direction, if your goals in obedience training are oriented towards success at high level competition HIT, OTCh, and Gaines , please realize that the Bouv is not among the half dozen breeds best suited to such highly polished performance. Bouvs can, with adequate training, excel at such "working" competitions as agility, carting, tracking, protection, and herding. Update: there is really no dog who can be raised without basic training in obedience and household manners. Cats require some training too. In addition to a daily formal training session while the dog is learning new material, I strongly recommend dozens of "60 second" sessions throughout the day, each consisting of just one or two items successfully performed. Responsiveness becomes a way of life for the dog, and monitoring his behavior becomes a way of life for the humans. Dogs do not believe in social equality. They life in a social hierarchy led by a pack-leader alpha. The alpha dog is generally benevolent, affectionate, and non-bullying towards his subordinates; but there is never any doubt in his mind or in theirs that the alpha is the boss and makes the rules. Whatever the breed, if you do not assume the leadership, the dog will do so sooner or later and with more or less unpleasant consequences for the abdicating owner. Like the untrained dog , the pack-leader dog makes his own rules and enforces them against other members of the household by means of a dominant physical posture and a hard-eyed stare, followed by a snarl, then a knockdown blow or a bite. Breeds differ in tendencies towards social dominance; and individuals within a breed differ considerably. Bouviers as a breed tend to be of a socially dominant personality. You really cannot afford to let a Bouvier become your boss. You do not have to have the personality or mannerisms of a Marine boot camp Sargent, but you do have to have the calm, quiet self-assurance and self-assertion of the successful parent "Because I'm your mother, that's why. If you think you might have difficulty asserting yourself calmly and confidently to exercise leadership, then choose a breed known for its socially subordinate disposition, such as a Golden Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog, and be sure to ask the breeder to select one of the more submissive pups in the litter for you. If the whole idea of "being the boss" frightens or repels you, don't get a dog at all. Cats don't expect leadership. A caged bird, hamster , or fish doesn't need leadership or household rules. Leadership and training are inextricably intertwined: leadership personality enables you to train your dog, and being trained by you reinforces your dog's perception of you as the alpha. Update: I often refer to the quality of being a pack-leader as "Alphatude", meaning the attitude of being the leader. However the terms "dominance" and "alpha" have fallen out of favor with some writers and behaviorist because some people, mostly those with Y chromosomes, have the unfortunate tendency to think of "dominance" as meaning "domination" and as justifying domineering and bullying tactics. Nothing could be further from the truth. Machievelli was not a dog trainer and his dictum that it is better to be feared than to be loved does NOT work with dogs. You must make the rules and be respected but you must also be benevolent and affectionate and trusted by your dogs. I have known many dogs who were high ranked among other dogs, and the best and most respected were very benevolent and very well trusted. Leadership and training are inextricably intertwined: leadership personality enables you to train your dog, and being trained by you reinforces your dog's perception of you was the alpha. A Bouv becomes deeply attached and devoted to his own family, but he doesn't "wear his heart on his sleeve. Some are noticeably reserved, others are more outgoing, but few adults are usually exhuberantly demonstrative of their affection. They like to be near you, usually in the same room, preferably on a comfortable pad or cushion in a corner or under a table, just "keeping you company". They enjoy conversation, petting and cuddling when you offer it , but they are moderate and not overbearing in coming to you to demand such attention. They are emotionally sensitive to their favorite people : when you are joyful, proud, angry, or grief-stricken, your Bouv will immediately perceive it and will believe himself to be the cause. The relationship can be one of great mellowness, depth, and subtlety; it is a relationship on an adult-to-adult level, although certainly not one devoid of playfulness. As puppies, of course they will be more dependant, more playful, and more demonstrative. In summary, Bouvs tend to be sober and thoughtful, rather than giddy clowns or synchophants. A number of breeds retain into adulthood a more puppyish and playful disposition, eg Australian Shepherd, Malamute, and others. Update: Bouviers vary quite a bit in the degree of attention and affection they seek and in degree of demonstrativeness as well as varying in playfulness. So some are more demonstratively affectionate than described above, but still they are not usually as much so as some other breeds. The degree of warmth shown towards strangers also can vary from cooly condescendingly polite genuinely aloof to very solicitous of petting from strangers. I still consider them to be more "adult" than many other dogs. The Bouvier's thick shaggy coat and his love of playing in water and mud combine to make him a highly efficient transporter of dirt into you home, depositing same on your floors and rugs and possibly also on your furniture and clothes. One Bouvier coming in from a few minutes outdoors on a rainy day can turn an immaculate house into an instant hog wallow. His full beard soaks up water every time he takes a drink, then releases same drippingly across your floor or soppingly into your lap. It is of course possible to cut the beard off and to keep the feet clean-shaven year-round to reduce mess. Although it is technically true that Bouviers do not shed, you will find that the grooming process usually results in balls of pulled out hair tumbleweeding their way about your house, unless you deposit same directly from comb into a trash basket. I don't mean to imply that you must be a slob or slattern to live happily with a Bouv, but you do have to have the attitude that your dog's company means more to you than does neatness and you do have to be comfortable with a less than immaculate house. While all dogs, like all children, create a greater or lesser degree of household mess, almost all other breeds of dog except the Old English Sheepdog are less troublesome than the Bouvier in this respect. The Basenji is perhaps the cleanest, due to its cat-like habits; but cats are cleaner yet, and goldfish hardly ever mess up the house. Bouvier anyway? It is a well kept secret, revealed to you here, that Goddess will not strike you dead if you do cut off your Bouv's beard or even keep him in a "working clip" short coat all over. I've advised a number of people to do this. Related to cleanliness, I also get many inquiries as to whether it is true that Bouvier are less provocative of allergies in people who tend to be allergic to dogs. The answer is I really don't know. I always advise the person to make a test by spending quite a bit of time with Bouvs in close quarters and to take a bag of hair home to place in their pillow. Some people do seem to find Bouvs more acceptable to their allergy status than other dogs. However Poodles and other breeds share this less-allergenic reputation and might be a better choice. Bouviers are one of the more flatulent breeds of dog. While the volume and aroma of the emissions depends partly on the diet, about half an hour after his meal your nose knows! As the period of maximum emissions lasts only half an hour to an hour, it would not be unreasonable to put the dog outdoors in a fenced yard for this period. The Bouvier coat, when damp, tends to smell rather swampy. A wet Bouv confined to a car or small room for an hour or so can create an aroma even the least sensitive will perceive. Some people consider the Bouvier beard to have noticeably unpleasant body odor even when dry and recently groomed. The Bouvier beard tends to retain particles of food, which soon become offensive if the beard is not washed frequently. I'm sure many other breeds are less flatulent, but it is difficult to get reliable information on this as few owners care to discuss the issue. Flatulence does seem to vary with the dog's diet. Better quality food seems to produce less flatulence. You have to experiment. And you do get used to it in time. Older dogs seem more prone to flatulence. There is a product called "Beano" or "Curtail" that is supposed to prevent flatulence. I have no idea if it works. As to coat odors generally, it certainly helps if you bathe the dog from time to time. Or you might keep the coat short and cut off the beard if you are not willing to wash it frequently. The thick shaggy Bouvier coat demands regular grooming, not merely to took tolerably nice, but also to preserve the health of skin underneath and to detect and remove foxtails, ticks, and other dangerous invaders. For "pet" grooming, you should expect to spend minutes a day eg while listening to music or watching television on alternate days or half an hour twice a week. Of course any time your Bouv gets into cockleburrs, filigree, or other coat-adhering vegetation, you are likely to be in for an hour or more of remedial work. During "foxtail" season western U. In Lyme disease areas during tick season, you will need to inspect for ticks daily. Keeping the dog in a short or semi-short "working clip" substantially reduces grooming time, but does not eliminate the need for regularity. Almost every Bouvier that is rescued out of a Pound or Shelter shows the effects of many months of non-grooming, resulting in massive matting and horrendous filthiness, sometimes with urine and feces cemented into the rear portions of the coat. It appears that unwillingness to keep up with coat care is a primary cause of abandonment. Many other breeds of dog require less grooming; short coated breeds require very little. The Rottweiler has a temperament and personality similar to the Bouvier, yet requires little grooming. Professional grooming at monthly or more frequent intervals can reduce your personal workload but it will also greatly reduce your bank account. Keeping the dog clipped to a coat length of an inch to two inches makes more sense and is practical in many climates. If choosing an adult dog, try to choose one with a very harsh outer coat and only a modest amount of undercoat. However I would discourage you from making coat your number one priority, as behavior and personality are far far more crucial to your relationship with and enjoyment of the dog. DON'T buy a Bouvier if you also have a cat, unless you are willing to do a great deal of work to ensure peace between them. There is a reason that the phrase "to fight like dogs and cats" became a cliche. To a dog , a running cat looks very much like a running rabbit, thus like prey. Many dogs will chase and grab anything that runs. The larger the dog, the more easily it can inflict damage on a cat. Any dog has to be carefully taught to live in peace with a cat. Bouvier are large and powerful and most of them have very strong prey chasing drive. So a Bouvier can kill a cat in the very first second of contact. Expect to spend at least a hundred hours vigilantly supervising all interactions between dog and cat, and be prepared without fail to separate them when you are not in immediate and vigilant supervision. Some Bouviers do live in harmony with cats, especially if raised with them from puppyhood. But there are plenty who are not so safe with cats. My own theory is that a Bouv is "guilty until proven innocent" where cats are concerned. Generally speaking if you want the best chance of having a dog who is safe with cats, you should avoid the Terriers because they are bred to be intense about killing mammalian prey and likewise you should avoid the Hounds because they are bred to chase mammalian prey. The Herding dogs have a strong chase drive, though the kill part of the sequence is somewhat weakened. The larger the dog , the more potential for serious injuries. So the best bet for adding a dog to a home that already includes a cat would be a dog that is not significantly larger than the cat and that is not a Terrier, Hound, or Herding breed. If your cat is one who is afraid of dogs and runs from them, the risks of a chase and grab are much higher than if your cat is a "Garfield" who stands his ground and is ready to whap the dog with claws. Need I add that a declawed cat is at greatly heightened risk? Note: this section was not part of the original Don't Buy a Bouvier, nor the revision. I really should have thought of it, but did not, probably because I have not had cats as a routein part of my life. But I have learned from other people's experiences in this regard. Bouviers need exercise to maintain the health of heart and lungs and to maintain muscle tone. Because of his mellow, laid-back, often lazy, disposition, your Bouvier will not give himself enough exercise unless you accompany him or play with him. An adult Bouv should have a morning outing of a mile or more, as you walk briskly, jog , or bicycle beside him, and a similar evening outing. For puppies, shorter and slower walks, several times a day are preferred for exercise and housebreaking. All dogs need daily exercise of greater or lesser length and vigor. If providing this exercise is beyond you, physically or temperamentally, then choose one of the many small and energetic breeds that can exercise itself within your fenced yard. Most of the Toys and Terriers fit this description, but don't be surprised if a Terrier is inclined to dig in the earth since digging out critters is the job that they were bred to do. Cats can be exercised indoors with mouse-on-a-string toys. Hamsters will exercise themselves on a wire wheel. House plants don't need exercise. Update: need I point out that an hour of moderate intensity exercise daily is essential for human health and is the single most important thing you can do for your own welfare? Walking with a dog is so much more enjoyable than going by yourself, and the dog will remind you if you should feel inclined to shirk. With the advent of Dog Parks, you may have the choice of giving your dog some of his exercise by visiting the park, however it won't do much for your own exercise needs though it may fill social needs very well. The sport of Agility is another very enjoyable exercise opportunity for both of you, as are some other dog sports. Whether you live in town or country, no dog can safely be left to run "free" outside your fenced property and without your direct supervision and control. The price of such "freedom" is inevitably injury or death : from dogfights, from automobiles, from the Pound, or from justifiably irate neighbors. Even though Bouvs are home-loving and less inclined to roam than most breeds, an unfenced Bouv is destined for disaster. Like other breeds developed for livestock herding, most Bouvs have inherited a substantial amount of "herding instinct", which is a strengthened and slightly modified instinct to chase and capture suitable large prey. The unfenced country-living Bouv will sooner or later discover the neighbor's livestock sheep, cattle, horses, poultry and respond to his genetic urge to chase and harass such stock. State law almost always gives the livestock owner the legal right to kill any dog chasing or "worrying" his stock, and almost all livestock owners are quick to act on this right! The unfenced city Bouv is likely to exercise his inherited herding instinct on joggers, bicyclists, and automobiles. A thoroughly obedience-trained Bouvier can enjoy the limited and supervised freedom of off-leash walks with you in appropriately chosen environments. If you don't want the responsibility of confining and supervising your pet, then no breed of dog is suitable for you. A neutered cat will survive such irresponsibly given "freedom" somewhat longer than a dog, but will eventually come to grief. A better answer for those who crave a "free" pet is to set out feeding stations for some of the indigenous wildlife, such as raccoons, which will visit for handouts and which may eventually tolerate your close observation. Update: with ever higher concentrations of human population, and with ever decreasing tolorance of dogs running at large, the dangers of allowing a dog to roam are even higher than described. I do NOT recommend the use of so-called "Invisible Fencing" as an alternative to real physical fencing. Invisible does not keep other dogs or humans out and it may not always keep an excited dog inside. Bouviers are not a cheap breed to buy, as running a careful breeding program with due regard for temperament , trainability, and physical soundness hips especially cannot be done cheaply. The time the breeder should put into each puppy's "pre-school" and socialization is also costly. The "bargain" puppy from a "back-yard breeder" who unselectively mates any two Bouvs who happen to be of opposite sex may well prove to be extremely costly in terms of bad temperament, bad health, and lack of essential socialization. In contrast , the occasional adult or older pup is available at modest price from a disenchanted owner or from a breeder, shelter, or rescuer to whom the dog was abandoned; most of these "used" Bouviers are capable of becoming a marvelous dog for you if you can provide training, leadership, and understanding. Whatever the initial cost of your Bouvier, the upkeep will not be cheap. Being large dogs, Bouvs eat relatively large meals. Need I add that what goes in one end must eventually come out the other? Large dogs tend to have larger veterinary bills, as the amount of anesthesia and of most medications is proportional to body weight. Spaying or neutering, which costs more for larger dogs, is an essential expense for virtually all pet Bouviers, as it "takes the worry out of being close", prevents serious health problems in later life, and makes the dog a more pleasant companion. Bouviers are subject to two conditions which can be costly to treat : hip dysplasia and bloat. Your best insurance against dysplasia is to buy only from a litter bred from OFA certified parents and if possible grandparents. Yes, this generally means paying more. While bloat may have a genetic predisposition, there are no predictive tests allowing selective breeding against it. Your best prevention is not to feed the dog too soon before or after strenuous exercise. Professional grooming, if you use it, is expensive. An adequate set of grooming tools for use at home adds up to a tidy sum , but once purchased will last many dog-lifetimes. Finally the modest fee for participation in a series of basic obedience training classes is an essential investment in harmonious living with your dog; such fees are the same for all breeds, though conceivably you will need to travel a bit further from home to find a training class teacher who is competent with the more formidable breeds, such as Bouvier. All dogs, of whatever breed and however cheaply acquired, require significant upkeep costs, and all are subject to highly expensive veterinary emergencies. Likewise all cats. Update: alas, two extremely serious health problems have overtaken bloat and hip dysplasia as the most serious worries in the Bouvier. These are Sub-Aortic Stenosis SAS , which is a genetically caused heart defect that in severe form can kill the dog, and Glaucoma, which can be geneticaly caused or can arise from other ailments and which can cause blindness suddenly and painfully. The list of recognized genetic health problems has grown for all breeds in the past 20 years, and currently there are genetic tests for some of them. The ability of veterinary care to aleviate or cure diseases and injuries in pets has grown marvelously in the past 20 years, but the costs of that care have also grown. I advise any pet owner to set aside in a special savings account at least a dollar a day, preferably more, as a hedge against future major veterinary bills. Although the Bouvier's capability as a personal protection dog and as a police dog have been justifiably well publicized, and occasionally dramatically over-stated, the Bouvier is not any more capable in these respects than are half a dozen other protection breeds. Nor are all Bouviers equally capable : some are highly so and some moderately so, but many have insufficient natural capacity for such work. Due to his laid back disposition, the Bouvier is , if anything, a bit slower to respond aggressively to a threat than are most other protection breeds. For the same reason, however, the Bouv is perhaps somewhat more amenable to control by the handler and somewhat more willing to refrain from biting or to stop biting when told to do so. Whatever the breed, before a dog can be safely protection trained, he must have great respect for the leadership of his handler and must be solidly trained in basic obedience to that handler. Equally essential, he must have a rock-solidly stable temperament and he must also have been "socialized" out in the world enough to know that most people are friendly and harmless, so that he can later learn to distinguish the bad guys from the good guys. Even with such a dog, safe protection training demands several hundred hours of dedicated work by the handler, much of it under the direct supervision of a profoundly expert trainer. Please don't buy any dog for protection training unless you are absolutely committed to the extreme amount of work that will be required of you personally. Also talk to your lawyer and your insurance agent first. In contrast to the protection-trained dog, trained to bite on direct command or in reaction to direct physical assault on his master, the "deterrent dog" dissuades the vast majority of aspiring burglars, rapists, and assailants by his presence, his appearance, and his demeanor. Seeing such a dog, the potential wrong-doer simply decides to look for a safer victim elsewhere. For this job, all that is needed is a dog that is large and that appears to be well-trained and unafraid. The Bouvier can serve this role admirably, with the added assets of generally dark color and shaggy "beastial" appearance adding to the impression of formidability and fearsomeness. If the dog has been taught to bark a few times on command, eg "Fang, watch him! Of these the first 3 are recognized by the general public as "police dogs" and are probably are far more feared by most potential criminals than is the Bouvier. The Malamute, though not suitable for protection, is quite effective for deterrence due to his highly wolf-like appearance. Update: the legal risks of owning or being in custody of an inappropriately aggressive dog have increased greatly over the past 20 years. There have been criminal convictions for damage done by a dog known to the owner to be highly dangerous. Homeowner Insurance companies have banned some breeds from coverage, and some cities and counties have banned some breeds from living there. Don't think it cannot happen to the Bouvier. Rottweilers are amoung the more frequently discriminated against breeds and a Bouvier is equivalent in damaging potential. Most Bouviers have an assertive and confident personality. When confronted with a threat, a proper Bouvier will be somewhat more ready to fight than to flee. Thus he may respond aggressively in situations where many other breeds back down. Most Bouviers have some inclination to act aggressively to repel intruders on their territory ie your home and to counter-act assaults upon their packmates you and your family. Without training and leadership from you to guide him , the dog cannot judge correctly whom to repel and whom to tolerate. Without training and leadership, sooner or later he may injure an innocent person who will successfully sue you for more than you own. With good training and leadership from you, he can be profoundly valuable as defender of your home and family. See also remarks on stability and socialization above. If you feel no need of an assertive dog or if you have the slightest doubts of your ability and willingness to supply the essential socialization, training, and leadership, then please choose one of the many breeds noted for thoroughly unaggressive temperament, such as a Sheltie or a Golden Retriever. Update: many Bouvier fanciers say that today it is harder to find a Bouvier of correctly protective character. At the same time, there are more reports of Bouviers involved in incidents of inappropriately aggression in public. Meanwhile, some of the breeds formerly believed to be uniformly good natured have shown that a dog of any breed can become dangerous if there is enough stupidity or malice on the other end of the leash. No dog deserves to be cast out because his owners want to move to a no-pets apartment or because he is no longer a cute puppy or didn't grow up to be a beauty contest winner or because his owners through lack of leadership and training have allowed him to become an unruly juvenile delinquent with a repertoire of undesirable behaviors. The prospects of a responsible and affectionate second home for a "used" dog are never very bright, but they are especially dim for a large , shaggy, poorly mannered dog. A Bouvier dumped into a Pound or Shelter has almost no chance of survival unless he has the great fortune to be spotted by someone dedicated to Bouvier Rescue. The prospects for adoption for a youngish, well trained, and well groomed Bouvier whose owner seeks the assistance of the nearest Bouvier Club or Rescue group are fairly good; but an older Bouv has diminishing prospects. Be sure to contact your local Bouvier club or Rescue group if you are diagnosed as terminally ill or have other equally valid reason for seeking an adoptive home. Be sure to contact your local Bouvier club if you are beginning to have difficulties in training your Bouvier, so these can be resolved Be sure to make arrangements in your will or with your family to ensure continued care or adoptive home for your Bouvier if you should pre-decease him. The life span of a Bouvier is from 10 to 15 years. If that seems too long a time for you to give an unequivocal loyalty to your Bouvier, then please do not get one! Indeed, as most dogs have a life expectancy that is as long or longer, please do not get any dog! However a Bouv dumped in a shelter still faces very great risks. They are every bit as wonderful as you have heard! If buying a puppy, be sure to shop carefully for a responsible and knowledgeable breeder who places high priority on breeding for sound temperament and trainability and good health in all matings. Such a breeder will interrogate and educate potential buyers carefully. Such a breeder will continue to be available for advice and consultation for the rest of the puppy's life and will insist on receiving the dog back if ever you are unable to keep it. However as an alternative to buying a Bouvier puppy, you may want to give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued Bouvier. Despite the irresponsibility of their previous owner, almost all rescued Bouviers have proven to be readily rehabilitated so as to become superb family companions for responsible and affectionate adopters. Many Rescuers are skilled trainers who evaluate temperament and provide remedial training before offering dogs for placement, and who offer continued advisory support afterwards. Contact local Bouvier breeders or Bouvier club members to learn who is doing Rescue work. An Afterward I first wrote this article nearly 10 years ago. Since then it has become a classic of Bouvier literature, reprinted many times. Since then I have spent nearly 5 years in Bouvier Rescue, personally rescuing , rehabilitating, and placing 3 or 4 per year and assisting in the placement of others. Very little has needed revision in this new edition. Update I am still doing rescue and have personally fostered over a hundred rescued Bouviers and a number of other dogs, and I have been peripherally involved in many more situations of Bouviers in need of help. The shelters are a bit less crowded and a bit less lethal these days, and various breed rescue groups have had a major part to play in that. Nationally the USA is still killing millions of perfectly nice dogs and cats every year because their owners discarded them and no one came forward to adopt them in time. There is a tide of legislation rising that, with avowed intent of reducing the slaughter, may make it difficult for responsible purebred dog breeding to continue. Every case of a dog obtained impulsively or ignorantly and then discarded as a disappointment makes the situation worse for all dogs and all dog lovers. Please do your homework, do serious soul searching, and make a lifetime commitment before you acquire any pet. Life Span Did You Know? These large dogs are loyal, devoted, and protective of their families. They are also smart, energetic dogs with playful personalities that are loving and affectionate. As a newer designer breed, the Flandoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they can currently be registered with the Dog Registry of America. These dogs make great companions and family dogs. They tend to have a gentle nature, cheerful disposition, and playful personality. Those traits, in addition to their affectionate nature and intelligence, make them a perfect fit for families. Flandoodles thrive on attention and affection, so they love being the center of attention. As long as they are properly socialized, these dogs tend to be quite friendly. They even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced! A Flandoodle is a highly adaptable dog. They are best suited for homes with fenced yards where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartments as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. But, their fluffy coats tend to give them a little bit more insulation against the cold. However, they may still need some winter dog products while out on walks when the temperature drops. Because these dogs are protective, thrive on attention, and bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also end up with all of them or some of them. Testing and good breeding practices make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large dog breed, the Flandoodle is also at risk for bloat, so you want to learn about how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and learn the symptoms. Although the Flandoodle is highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please, they are also high-energy dogs that get bored easily. They need a patient and firm owner that can keep training consistent, interesting, and focused on praise and positive reward. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. Because of this, puppy training classes or a professional trainer are recommended. The Flandoodle will have a rough coat that ranges from shaggy to the classic Poodle curls. Their coat may not shed a lot, or at all, but they will require some effort on grooming. Bathing is on an as-needed basis and professional grooming is recommended every few months at least, if not more often. But, you will still need to do some care and maintenance between appointments. Nail trims once or twice monthly help keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Flandoodles are high-energy dogs, and they need an active owner who can give them enough daily exercise. Multiple daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough. However, this dog will likely be up for more activity if you are. Thankfully, they tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once puppies finish growing , you can try out a lot of activities to find the ones that fit you and your Flandoodle the best. Dog parks, frisbee games, running, and more can all be good activities for a Flandoodle. A fully-grown Flandoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Flandoodles generally live for years. Flandoodle Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Flandoodle page! 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Boxer puppies for sale Worcester, Massachusetts Boxer puppies for sale Worcester, Massachusetts Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Worcester Massachusetts? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Worcester MA The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Worcester for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Named after Worcester, Worcestershire, England, as of the Census the city's population was ,,4 making it the second-most populous city in New England after Boston. Due to its location near the geographic center of Massachusetts, Worcester is known as the 'Heart of the Commonwealth,' a heart is the official symbol of the city. Wiki Worcester Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Blitz is a 4-year-old, 55 pound working dog. He's smart, food driven, and loves playing fetch. He sleeps through the night in his crate, is house trained, loves learning new tricks, and can be good with other dogs if they allow him to calmly greet them. Blitz would do best in an adult only home, with an owner who is active. He loves going on walks, runs, hikes and car rides. He can be untrusting of new people, and will need someone to continue to train him on confidence building. Blitz will walk in a heel when requested, he is a quick learner, super food motivated, and will LOVE his owners fiercely. Like Broken Tail Rescue on Facebook! Follow Broken Tail Rescue on Instagram! Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most of the dogs we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. We expect that all adopted dogs will enroll in a formal dog training class with their new owners. Obedience and training classes are an excellent way to learn more about your newly adopted dog, gain handling and training experience, and improve your relationship with your pet.

Breeds The link has been copied! The Bernedoodle is a hybrid dog that combines the intelligence and of the Poodle with the robust and loyal personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are also known for having low-shedding coats, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies or who prefer a breed that doesn't shed excessively. If you are curious about the size of a full grown Bernedoodle, read on as we break them all down. Size Categories of a Full Grown Bernedoodles 1. Standard Bernedoodle Size Standard Bernedoodles vary in size, with some being larger or smaller than others. However, on average, a full-grown standard Bernedoodle weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 29 inches. This size range is considered to be a standard or medium Bernedoodle. It's crucial to note that the size of a standard Bernedoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents used in the crossbreeding process. For example, suppose a toy poodle is used as one of the parents. In that case, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may be smaller than a standard Poodle. Similarly, suppose a standard Bernese Mountain Dog is used as one of the parents. In that case, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may be larger than if a smaller Poodle was used. Features of a Full Grown Standard Bernedoodle These are energetic and active dogs that need frequent training and psychological stimulation. This dog is highly intelligent and can be coached to execute several tasks, such as discipline and swiftness courses. A standard full grown Bernedoodle can live a long time with its owner with appropriate monitoring and training. Mini Bernedoodle Size The mini Bernedoodle size is a smaller version of the standard Bernedoodle breed. Similar to standard Bernedoodles, mini Bernedoodles are hybrid dogs that carry the characteristics of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, a full grown mini Bernedoodle size is smaller than their bigger sized kinds. On average, the mini Bernedoodle size will often be between 20 and 50 pounds and stand 14 to 22 inches high. This can be considered a medium sized dog. Additionally, the full size mini Bernedoodle size depends on the parents involved in the breeding process. Mini Bernedoodles are routinely created by breeding a moyan poodle or a mini poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog. This crossbreeding procedure results in smaller Bernedoodle puppies that are more active and easily managed in tinier living spaces or for owners with less time for exercise. Features of a mini Bernedoodle Despite their relatively smaller size, mini Bernedoodles are still energetic and active dogs that require frequent training and mental stimulation. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs and can be coached to perform various duties, such as obedience training and agility courses. Similar to their full-grown kinds, mini Bernedoodles can make good therapy dogs and provide great companions for families with children. With proper care and training, mini Bernedoodles can live long, healthy lives with their owners. Similar to full-grown and mini Bernedoodles, toy Bernedoodles are crossbred dogs that combine the traits of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, toy Bernedoodles are smaller than their full-grown and mini counterparts. On average, a toy Bernedoodle weighs between 10 and 20 pounds and stands 10 to 14 inches tall. Additionally, the toy Bernedoodle size will depend on the size of the parents used in the breeding process. Toy Bernedoodles are often created by crossbreeding a tiny or toy Poodle with a small Bernese Mountain Dog. This process results in even smaller Bernedoodle puppies that are more compact and easier to manage by busy masters living in smaller spaces. Characteristics of Toy Bernedoodles Toy Bernedoodles appear to be the smallest of their kind but are still strong dogs and require steady coaching and psychological stimulation. Comparing them to their other kinds, these dogs are sharp intellectually. They can be instructed to carry out several duties, such as obedience monitoring and agility teachings. Toy Bernedoodles are also regarded to be exemplary therapy dogs and can live longer under good care and training. Limitations of Toy Bernedoodles It is important to remember that toy Bernedoodles are more prone to particular health issues due to their small size. These issues may include dental problems, respiratory issues, and joint problems. Toy Bernedoodle owners should note these potential health issues and work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their dog receives appropriate care and medical attention. However, these dogs need regular grooming to maintain their healthy coat. This routine may include frequent brushing, baths, nail trimmings, and ear cleanings. Additionally, the Bernedoodles breed is often used as service and therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle nature. The Bernadoodle dog breed is among the most juvenile, dating back to the early s. This calm and easy-going dog goes by other names, such as Bernesedoodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, or the Bernepoo mix. This breed of dog comes in various sizes, including standard Bernedoodles, mini Bernedoodles, and toy Bernedoodles, and can have a wide range of colors in their coat. They were originally used as farm dogs, where they performed tasks such as pulling carts and guarding livestock. The breed gets its name from the canton of Bern, where they were originally developed. It was recognized as a breed by the Swiss Kennel Club in , and the breed was first imported to the United States in .Today, they are still used for work on farms in some parts of the world, but they are also popular as family pets. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and versatility, and they are often used in search and rescue, therapy, and as guide dogs. They are also shown in conformation shows and participate in other canine sports such as obedience and agility. The Poodle The Purebred Poodle is a breed of dog that is believed to have originated in Germany, although the exact origins of the breed are unclear. The breed was originally developed as a water retriever, and the name "Poodle" is thought to be derived from the German word "pudel," which means "to splash in the water. The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three sizes and was originally used as a working dog, while the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle were bred to be companion dogs. Poodles became popular in France in the 18th century, and they were often kept by aristocrats as lapdogs. The breed became popular in the United States in the 19th century, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Poodle as a breed in .Today, Poodles are known for their intelligence, trainability, and versatility, and they are often used in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and tracking. They are also popular as family pets and are often shown in conformation shows. Understanding What "Designer Breeds" Means A designer breed is a type of dog that is created by intentionally breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds. The intention is to create a new breed that combines the characteristics of both parent breeds. Designer breeds are also sometimes called "hybrid" or "crossbred" dogs. This is exactly what a Bernedoodle is, regardless of the size you are interested in. Designer breeds are created for a variety of reasons. Some people breed designer dogs in an effort to create a breed that has the desirable qualities of both parent breeds, such as the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle with the low-shedding coat of a Bichon Frise. Others breed designer dogs simply because they find the combination of two specific breeds to be aesthetically pleasing. It's important to keep in mind that designer breeds are not recognized as official breeds by major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club AKC. This means that they are not eligible to participate in AKC-sanctioned conformation shows or other events. Coat Colors for Bernedoodles Bernedoodles come in several coat colors: white, black, cream, and brown. These colors can appear in solid form or mixed with others. For example, a Bernedoodle may have a black and white coat, a cream and brown coat, or any other combination of these colors. However, it is important to know that the coat color of a Bernedoodle depends on the coat colors of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents involved in the breeding process. For example, suppose a Bernese Mountain Dog with a black and white coat is bred with a Poodle with a cream and brown coat. In that case, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may have a variety of coat colors, including black, white, cream, and brown. The coat colors of a Bernedoodle are primarily soft and fluffy, with a wavy or curly texture. The Bernedoodle breed is known for its intelligence and low-shedding coat, as well as its loyal and friendly personality. It is the perfect breed for anyone looking for a little playmate; furthermore, you can have eyes on your little dog at all times with the Fi collar. With a long-lasting battery and an in-built GPS, you can track your pup's movements wherever, whenever. Here are some things that a Bernedoodle may enjoy regardless of size : Playing fetch with a ball or other toy Going for walks or runs in the park Swimming in a pool or lake Going on hikes or exploring new trails Playing with other dogs or children Learning new tricks or commands Participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, or tracking Snuggling on the couch or in bed with their owner Chewing on bones or other appropriate toys Going on car rides and exploring new places. It's important to keep in mind that every dog is unique and may have different interests and preferences. It's important to get to know your Bernedoodle and find activities that they enjoy and that are appropriate for their age and abilities. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Bernedoodle is a unique and wonderful breed that combines the best qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. With their intelligence, affectionate nature, and hypoallergenic coat, Bernedoodles make great companions for families and individuals of all ages. Whether you're looking for a playful and energetic dog to join your family or a calm and loving companion to keep you company, the Bernedoodle is definitely worth considering. As with any breed, it's important to do your research and understand the specific needs and characteristics of the Bernedoodle before adding one to your household. With proper training, socialization, and care, a Bernedoodle can bring joy and love to your life for many years to come. Visit the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Would you like to learn more about TryFi. The Fi Dog Collar is a GPS tracking collar that not only tracks your dog's location, activity level, and sleep pattern, but also alerts you if your dog escapes. If your dog escapes, this is the fastest way to find him. Give the Fi Dog Collar a try today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Sherry Rupke is widely credited for breeding the first Mini Bernedoodles in when the Ontario-based Swissridge Kennel breeder intentionally bred two of her Bernedoodles. Mini Bernedoodle Appearance Mini Bernedoodles can come in a wide variety of different colors. Their appearance mirrors that of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. They resemble a cuddly, hair small bear cub. These shaggy dogs can have the broad build of the Bernese Mountain Dog or the slender build of the Poodle. Every Mini Bernedoodle has a different coat but there does tend to be some common themes. In terms of size, Mini Bernedoodles can range from 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 45 pounds. However, you can get some members of the cross breed who are a little taller, smaller, heavier or lighter than these ranges. After all, they tend to be happy, goofy, loving and loyal dogs who relish the chance to interact with their fellow family members. Their energy levels can vary depending on whether they take after their Poodle parent or Bernese Mountain Dog parent. This is both a blessing and a curse, but does require persistence when training them because they can regress in training quickly if you do not maintain consistency. Rasa highlighted that every Mini Bernedoodle is going to differ slightly, but they usually have some traits in common. Every [Mini] Bernedoodle is a little bit different. In my experience, though, [Mini] Bernedoodles are total velcro dogs and often a product of their environment — so whatever training you do and routines you establish will help your [Mini] Bernedoodle in developing their personality. For instance, a Mini Bernedoodle who is more alike the Miniature Poodle will have quite high energy levels but a Mini Bernedoodle who is more akin to a Bernese Mountain Dog could be more relaxed. She plays with neighbors dog about 30min every day. High energy. Rasa highlighted the importance of mental stimulation when taking care of a Mini Bernedoodle. Treat puzzles and snuffle mats are truly life changing and will often exhaust your puppy more than any physical exercise you can give, but [Mini] Bernedoodles love being social and active so you should definitely incorporate both. Booker gets at least two walks a day as well as some playtime with other dogs. His favorite form of exercise is play time with other dogs so we try to set up play dates once a week with other dogs in our neighborhood — either by going to our local dog park or playing in the backyard. Poodles are the second smartest dogs in the world behind the Border Collie. Rasa found training Bernie a breeze seeing as her Mini Bernedoodle was highly food motivated. Be warned, however, that sometimes bernedoodles will try to outsmart you to get treats without a task! Mehnoosh believes Mini Bernedoodles do benefit from consistent and regular training. Having said that, each member of the cross breed could shed to varying degrees, from virtually no shedding to moderate shedding. Mehnoosh provided a brilliant explanation of why Mini Bernedoodles tend to be low shedders. However, the shedding is minimal and is reduced when you breed Bernedoodles with other Bernedoodles. In my experience, not at all but you do have to keep up with grooming religiously. While most [Mini] Bernedoodles have the non-shedding Poodle coat, without daily brushing and regular professional grooming it can get quite matted. SwissRidge Bernedoodles founder Rupke wrote on her website that Bernedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles are completely dedicated to their families with a special fondness for children. In general, [Mini] Bernedoodles love being part of a family unit, inclusive of humans, dogs, cats, whatever! Mehnoosh recommended early socialisation for Mini Bernedoodles to help develop their social skills. Mini Bernedoodles are very affectionate and friendly dogs, particularly to other pets within the household! Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that occurs when dog owners are about to leave the home or have left the home. The symptoms include barking, howling, whining, chewing, digging, urinating and defecating. But yes they want to be with you alllllll the time. Mini Bernedoodles are absolutely velcro dogs and would rather be with their people than without, so to an extent, yes. However, if you do your best to make sure they are well exercised physically and mentally, this should not be a problem. If you leave them comfortable, they should be able to stay comfortable! However, Mehnoosh revealed that Booker does suffer with separation anxiety. This is a tough question, as i can only speak to my experience with Mini Bernedoodles. But i know that to be true with many different breeds that were also adopted or purchased during the pandemic. Are Mini Bernedoodle Fussy Eaters? However, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that can have sensitive to certain types of food. Mehnoosh admitted that Booker is a voracious eater. Absolutely not — Mini Bernedoodles are hungry all the time and will eat just about anything if you were to allow them! Booker eats a diet that is inclusive of kibble and freeze fried food. One thing to be mindful of though is that poodle breeds often have allergies with chicken so we like to avoid including any chicken within his diet. However, as a relatively new hybrid dog, your best bet may be a breeder. You should be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle and home as well as ask the breeder lots of questions. You should ask to see your potential pup with their mother as well as ask the breeder for proof of health screening and veterinarian checks. These canines are loyal, friendly, and gentle toward their family. These canines require at least 1 hour of walking daily to keep their body and mind fresh, fit, and happy. Breeders cross mini or toy Poodles with Bernese Mountain Dog to get these cute tiny and toy versions of Bernedoodle. These canines have higher stress levels as compared to other sizes. One of the main reasons is their small size, and this is why small dogs bark a lot and have anxiety issues. However, these canines are cheerful and highly energetic dogs. Which Bernedoodle Size is Ideal for You? After reading all the information, you might wonder which Bernedoodle dog size is best for you. There are many factors from which you can decide which size of dog you want, such as space and time. Suppose you have plenty of space in your home and you have a lot of time to spend with your dog; the Standard size is the best option for you! These canines have the best personality and temperament. Even though you have a pet for the first time, the Bernedoodle in standard size is a great choice. But you also have to give them a large space to play around and give them at least hours for exercise and activity. You can select the Full Grown Bernedoodle or Bernedoodle puppy according to your requirements. Regular veterinary check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help mitigate these potential health concerns and ensure a happy and healthy life for your Mini Bernedoodle companion. Mini Bernedoodle Care The Mini Bernedoodle is an affectionate and dependent breed that thrives on human interaction. They are best suited for a home where their dog parents are frequently present, as they seek constant companionship. Additionally, Mini Bernedoodles often enjoy the company of another canine friend, providing them with additional socialization. Daily walks are essential for this breed, as a lack of exercise can lead to anxiety and potential destructive behavior. Mini Bernedoodle Feeding Feeding the Mini Bernedoodle requires a diet suitable for a small to medium-sized dog with high energy levels. They can provide personalized recommendations to ensure your pup receives the proper nutrition for their overall health and well-being. Regular bathing and trimming are also necessary to keep their thick coat in good condition. Additionally, Mini Bernedoodles are prone to tear staining below their eyes, so proper cleaning may be required to maintain their appearance. To keep your pup looking their best, you may need to consider professional grooming from time to time. These pups are generally friendly and eager to get along with everyone in the household, including children and other dogs. Properly introducing the dog to children and other animals is crucial to creating a safe and harmonious environment for everyone involved. By taking these factors into account and providing proper introductions, Mini Bernedoodles can be wonderful companions that get along well with other dogs, cats, and kids in the household. Mini Bernedoodle Rescue Groups Since the Mini Bernedoodle is a mixed breed, there are no specific rescues dedicated solely to this breed. However, you may find similar mixes available for adoption. Breed-specific rescues for the Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle often have mixed breeds looking for homes, so exploring these resources could be a good option. Sometimes, crossbreeds like the Mini Bernedoodle may not be immediately recognized by shelter employees and could be listed simply as a mix. Regardless of the circumstances, consider opening your home to a rescue pup. There are many wonderful mixed-breed dogs waiting for loving families, and by adopting, you give them a chance for a happy and fulfilling life. Mini 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. Mini Bernedoodles are excellent dogs for any type of lifestyle. They can be the best cuddle buddies for laid-back owners and the most adventurous sidekicks for outdoorsy owners. Mini Bernedoodle puppies also come with high intelligence, cheer, good manners, and generous affection. They are careful around small children and great at making friends. These adorable little dogs appear happy and ready for warm and loving hugs. Like all mixed-breed dogs, these dogs sport a wonderful blend of looks and traits from both breeds that make up the Mini Bernedoodle mix. Their build is sturdy and well-proportioned, and their demeanor is calm and happy. They have sweet, rounded faces, oval-shaped eyes, and cute floppy ears. Their beautiful tails are thick, puffy, and wagging in excitement. Because they are a mix of different-sized dogs, they can come in different sizes depending on which generation they belong to. The height of an F1 Mini Bernedoodle can be between 12 and 22 inches. The size of an F1b Mini Bernedoodle is generally between 20 and 30 pounds with a height average of 12 to 20 inches. An F2 Mini Bernedoodle will weigh between 25 to 35 pounds and stand at 12 to 15 inches tall. Learn more about breed generations. Smaller Mini Bernedoodles like the Petite Mini Bernedoodle and the Micro Mini Bernedoodle will weigh less than 25 pounds and be less than 12 inches tall when full grown. Their hair is semi to fully hypoallergenic with minimal to no shedding. Their coats can vary from straight to wavy or curly depending on which side of the family they take after — the Bernese Mountain Dog parent or the Miniature Poodle parent. Mini Bernedoodle colors include combinations of black, white, and brown. There are also some that sport gorgeous, uncommon colors. Photos Mini Bernedoodle Photos Temperament The Mini Bernedoodle is an easy-going, well-mannered, highly trainable dog with a joyful personality and a big heart. A cuddly teddy bear in disguise, the Mini Bernedoodle puppy was made for a loving owner. These sweet puppies are the joy magnets everyone needs in their life. Mini Bernedoodles enjoy walks, hiking, swimming, fetching, running, and any outdoor activities they can do with their family. They make great adventure companions, and they love to run and play as much as they love to cuddle. Goofy and fun, active and adventurous, calm, cuddly, and quiet, this dog can adapt to any lifestyle. Mini Bernedoodles are sweet dogs to their very core. They devote themselves to making their parents happy and they are quick to form lifelong friendships and bonds. Their love is unconditional, as is their loyalty. Raising a Mini Bernedoodle puppy requires understanding their specific needs. Doodle dogs are crossbreeds of two or more purebred dogs, one of which is always a Poodle. These dogs are favored for their hypoallergenic status, unique and fashionable looks, big brains, and affable personalities. These cuties are easy to train, loving, lovable, and fun. They love games and cuddles and are just as happy living in apartments as they are.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Care Grooming Requirements Mini Bernedoodles are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Mini Bernedoodle shed very little and are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. They require one weekly brushing to avoid tangles and matting, and a few baths per year to keep them clean and shiny. Their teeth , nails, and ears should be checked and cared for regularly, preferably once every few weeks. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and playing canine games, as much as they enjoy lazing around the house all day. They are generally relaxed and calm dogs. A minute walk each day and some family playtime at home are enough to keep this dog happy, in shape, and healthy. Health As a crossbreed, Mini Bernedoodles enjoy excellent health with very few possible conditions. Although they are sometimes predisposed to certain allergies, eye issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, and dental issues, most Mini Bernedoodles live long and happy lives without serious health problems. Some can become overweight if they are not properly exercised. If your dog is more energetic, it is beneficial to take on a little bit more daily exercise. It's essential to understand what foods are safe for your Mini Bernedoodle. Curious if they can have fruits like bananas? To ensure your bundle of joy reaches or exceeds their life expectancy, make sure to give your dog plenty of exercise, high-quality dog food, and lots of loving cuddles. Training Training a Mini Bernedoodle is generally straightforward due to their eager-to-please nature. They are equipped with an agile mindset and can pick up on things very fast. That being said, they are sometimes too enthusiastic and can appear stubborn. They are more than capable of learning tricks and commands, but they prefer to be cheered and motivated into doing so. A few delicious treats and positive reinforcement methods will keep them attentive and eager to learn. Leash training and socializing Mini Bernedoodles should go smoothly as they are outgoing and friendly in nature. When it comes to strangers, they should be introduced gradually in puppyhood to avoid shyness in later years. Mini Bernedoodles are very attached to family. Their main concern is to be near their family members at all times. Attached dogs and puppies are generally prone to separation anxiety and this is best dealt with when they are still very young puppies. It is recommended to leave them alone for short periods of time so they can adjust to some alone time and avoid sadness or destructive behavior in the future. Find more useful information on raising your puppy from our New Puppy Owner Guide. The Bernese Poodle mix is one of the best doodle breeds in the country, impressing constantly with fluffy-adorable looks and excellent personality traits. The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle were both selected for the Mini Bernedoodle mix for their intelligence, soft nature, and remarkable looks. The mini versions of the Benredoodle breed arrived a few year after their larger counterpart, the standard Bernedoodle, rose to fame. Standard Bernedoodles are a mix of a standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain dog. And like their smaller counterparts, they are cuddly, sweet, and a true joy to have around. Although these mini puppies have only been around since , they were quick to climb the latter to success. They are among the most popular doodle puppies in the United States, and among the most loved designer dogs in the world. The visionaries who designed the designer dog, sought to gift the world with a new type of dog breed that would have both hypoallergenic qualities and great health. Mini Bernedoodle puppies are bred into three different generations also known as generation crosses: A first - generation puppy known as an F1 Mini Bernedoodle is when a puppy has a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parent and a purebred Mini Poodle parent A second - generation puppy known as F1B Mini Bernedoodle is when a puppy has an F1 Mini Bernedoodle parent and a purebred Mini Poodle parent A third - generation puppy known as an F2 Mini Bernedoodle is when a puppy has two Mini Bernedoodle parents Mini Bernedoodles can also be found in various size variations. The Teacup and the Micro are currently the rarest and most sought after. Although the Mini Bernedoodles are quite new as a breed and do not have much history, we can look back at the history of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle parent breeds in order to better understand the designer doodle breed. The gorgeous, hard-working, well-mannered, loving, and loyal Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland in the Swiss Alps. Intelligent and agile, with great tracking, herding, and guarding skills, the Bernese Mountain Dog is well equipped and loves having a job to do. With the ability to be both a hard-working dog as well as a loving, loyal companion pet, the Bernese Mountain Dog has been well loved and appreciated across the world for centuries. The Poodle has been depicted in drawings on artifacts dating as far back as B. C and is believed to be one of the most ancient breeds in the world. Proud, graceful, and elegant, with a sharp intelligence and a loving nature, the Poodle puppy has been a cherished companion of royal families and aristocrats for centuries. Hard-working, highly trainable, and ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world, the Poodle is and always has been a very popular breed and for good reason. Mini Bernedoodle. Life Span Did You Know? They tend to be affectionate and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are even known to make great therapy dogs! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. One of the facts about Bernedoodles is that they are true companion dogs. They are cuddly companions that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, Mini Bernedoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Miniature Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most climates. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This makes them a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They can become stubborn if training is not consistent or clear. Although their coat tends to be low-shedding and will range from straight to wavy or curly, the Mini Bernedoodle coat requires some maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed help to prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, Mini Bernedoodles are more prone to developing gum disease. Good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout their life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal. Although Mini Bernedoodles will be playful and have bursts of energy while playing, they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for them. But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be smaller dogs, but they also tend to be relatively athletic. When puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like running, hiking, training for dog sports, and more. Fully-grown Mini Bernedoodles usually stand inches tall. They can range from pounds. F1B and F2 Mini Bernedoodles usually weigh pounds and are on the shorter side of the range. Mini Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Bernedoodle Article. They are unable to look after themselves and are fully dependant on their mothers as the only senses they have are taste and touch. Mini Bernedoodles spend majority of these 2 weeks sleeping and nestling as close to their mother as they can. Their muscles are not developed and they cannot walk. At the beginning of this period they will get their hearing and sense of smell. Their eyes and ears open so they become much more inquisitive about the world. They start to interact with litter mates, bark and walk a little as their muscles start to get stronger. Mini Bernedoodles start to become more aware of their surroundings and start to interact with others. By 8 weeks, they have full use of their senses and usually go to their new home. Many Mini Bernedoodles undergo a big growth spurt at this age as they are only eating puppy food now. At this age, your Mini Bernedoodle will be at least half their adult weight. Female Berneoodles go through their first heat if they are not desexed. At this age Mini Bernedoodles are extremely active and also very inquisitive. They love exploring their world and learning new things. Unfortunately, this is the age where you might start having problems with your Mini Bernedoodle as it is the adolescent stage. Mini Bernedoodles may start displaying some regressive behavior like not listening to your training commands, being a bit aggressive or chewing up stuff. This is especially the case if your Mini Bernedoodle is not desexed as their hormones will start to kick in. Check out the adorable Bernedoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! Further Reading.

Thanks again for breeding such a magnificent dog! Ginger Facebook Our new pup is absolutely beautiful! Super smart and everything we were told he would be. The customer service was excellent! April was very responsive and took the time to answer all our questions. First rate experience! Melissa google So happy with my puppy. Almost 6 months old and he is growing into a phenomenal dog! He is my constant shadow and such a joy to have in our lives! So much thanks to this kennel for the wonderful dogs the are producing. Rebekah google We received Hans at 10 weeks. What a lovable, beautiful puppy. Easy to train! Hans is quite possibly the best dog we've ever owned. Stephanie google Couldn't be happier with my puppy. I will for sure buy every one of my future dogs from them. Such a pleasure to do business with. I love my dog so much, so healthy and beautiful! Nelson google We worked with April for a male and a female, great service and they did work with us on a payment plan which was unexpected but appreciated! Great experience and super dogs! Asa google Our puppy is absolutely gorgeous. He's brilliant and perfect in every way. Would highly recommend them. Wendy google We have two dogs from April. Male is 2 and female is 9 months, they are the best dogs! Our male is super obedient and full of energy, our female is protective and alert. They are both loyal and great family protectors. Solid and confident. We are regular people with extraordinary dogs. Heather google Amazing, my family and I love our female puppy! She is super easy to train, super gentle, and very lovable! Best dog ever! Thank you! Kaycee google We have purchased multiple puppies from April and have been completely satisfied with each and every one. Extremely intelligent, loving and courageous. Thank you again April. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd reference guide page. The price for a German Shepherd puppy can vary greatly depending on the breeder. The most important thing is to make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Prices for German Shepherd puppies vary for different reasons. If the dog is from show lines, then expect to pay more. For example, if healthy parents can produce a litter of 12 or 13 pups, they may only want to keep the top 3 or 4 to be sold as pets and will not take care of any problems with other pups born in the same litter. Breeders of this type of dog generally have an active presence on social media sites and may be more open to selling their pups online than someone who breeds other types of dogs. Before buying your new puppy you should set up an interview with the breeder. You will want to prepare for this by making a list of questions that you can go over during the interview process. Here are some examples: Will my dog come with full AKC registration? If you are buying a puppy for competition, ask what titles the parents have earned. Are both the mother and father on-site? If not, where are they? How old is your oldest dog that you breed with? What vaccinations will my pup already have done? This is an indication that they are taking care of their animals even after selling them. Ask how often they worm the pups to prevent parasites. Seeing where the puppies are born and how they are being raised can give you a good indication of whether or not this is a responsible breeder. When buying a German Shepherd puppy, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder. You should be able to see where the puppies are born and meet both parents at least once before making your purchase. The most important thing is to ask lots of questions. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Montana Most responsible breeders will have no problem giving you references from people who have purchased puppies from them in the past. These references can be a valuable resource in helping to decide if a breeder is right for you. If the breeder balks at this request or seems hesitant to provide references, it is probably best to move on. References will be able to tell you whether or not they have witnessed the breeder interacting kindly with their animals and if they seem to be knowledgeable about dog breeding. If you want a healthy puppy, you need to find a good breeder and let them prove themselves. Good luck! Responsible breeders will be more than happy to put you in touch with people who have purchased puppies from them in the past. References can be a valuable resource in helping to decide if a breeder is right for you. Past customers will be able to give you a firsthand account of their experience with the breeder, from communication to quality of puppies. They can also tell you if the breeder was available for questions and support after purchase. Be sure to ask the following questions: How were your interactions with the breeder? Was the breeder available for questions and support after purchase? Are the puppies healthy and have they had all their shots? Was the breeding program healthy and responsible? What kind of temperament do the puppies have? How much did you pay for your puppy? One of the best ways to judge the quality of a breeder is by their relationship with their veterinarian. A good breeder will have a veterinarian that they work closely with and trust implicitly. The veterinarian will be able to provide a health certificate for each puppy, verifying that they have been vaccinated and are in good health. They will also be able to screen for genetic disorders. If your breeder does not have a good relationship with their veterinarian, it is probably best to move on. Do Your Homework Before you purchase a puppy, do some research on the breed. This will help you determine if the breeder you are considering is responsible and breeding healthy dogs. A responsible breeder will welcome questions and should be able to provide you with references. They should also have a good relationship with their veterinarian. If the breeder you are considering does not meet these criteria, it is probably best to move on. The breeder does not health screen their dogs for genetic disorders. They do not have a good relationship with their veterinarian. They are not willing to provide references. The puppies do not have health certificates or vaccination records. If you see any of these signs, it is probably best to move on. When looking for a German Shepherd Dog Breeder in Montana, be sure to ask the right questions and look for the signs of a responsible breeder. All reputable breeders will screen their dogs for genetic disorders and have a good relationship with their veterinarian. The puppies should also have health certificates and vaccination records. Health problems can be costly and time-consuming to treat. It is best to avoid breeders that do not health screen their dogs. If a breeder balks at this request, it is probably best to move on. Be sure to ask the Montana breeder about the temperament of the puppies. Puppies like to chew and dig, so remove anything that can potentially harm them from your home. Check all of the baseboards and electrical cords in your home for chewing damage. Be sure to provide lots of toys and entertainment for your puppy. Doing so will help keep them busy and prevent them from causing any damage around the house. Another thing you should do before getting a German Shepherd Puppy is set up an appointment with their veterinarian. You will need this information when you purchase their health certificate, which verifies they have been vaccinated and are in good health. There are a few things you can do to make the process easier. Be consistent with your commands. Take your puppy out frequently, especially after meals and naps. Reward them for going potty outside. Use a crate to house train your puppy. It will take some time and patience, but eventually your puppy will learn where to go potty. When bringing home a new German Shepherd Puppy, be sure to prepare your home and set up an appointment with their veterinarian. Also, be prepared to potty train your new puppy. With enough time and effort, they will eventually potty train. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Both of these proven, top working bloodlines have reliably and consistently produced quality working dogs! Very few breeders have these honors, especially in North America. Thank you for taking such care in your program that you can provide such an animal as this one. Rebekkah A lovely young Sapphire Shepherds female with owner, enjoying each other's company on the farm. Nov we take the tracking exam! He's an amazing dog, I am very grateful for you pairing us together. C" A multi generation bred dog from Sapphire Shepherds. This website documents our history of involvement in this beloved breed. We are blessed to have a long history of top representatives of Working German Shepherds grace our lives. Please reach out to Ramona with questions and thank you for your visit! This kennel name was chosen as Ramona grew up in the foothills of the beautiful Sapphire Mountain range in Montana. Sapphire is a gemstone associated with royalty. It is believed to attract abundance, blessings, good fortune and gifts. It has been used to protect against negative energies, bring calmness, strength and spiritual clarity. The below image of Sapphire Shepherds business logo was designed by Ramona. It incorporates her photo of Xurk of Sapphire Mountain, a male who is a work of art inside and out. We are very happy to speak or correspond with you about our German Shepherds via phone, email and allow appointments to view dogs on premises. We are not members of, nor do we post on forums and we are not on social media. Von Cluskey German Shepherds is dedicated to producing stable, balanced, clear headed dogs suitable for real world work, a wide variety of sports venues or as active family companions. We will never produce just for the sake of having puppies to sell, but rather because we have a goal in mind for a particular breeding and because we feel that the sire and dam of the litter are a good match and will produce puppies that will be excellent representations of the breed and who we will be proud to have represent our breeding program. All of our breeding stock is titled, usually in several venues, health tested and from top working lines. Because we do train and compete with our dogs ourselves in a wide variety of sports, we recognize the strengths and weaknesses in each dog and take these in to consideration when planning breedings. We want to produce a dog who will give his all while working or playing but who can then come into the house and be a beloved part of the family when work or play is done. Contact Have questions about our dogs or training services please don't hesitate to contact us. Von Cluskey German Shepherds.

Breeds The link has been copied! Are you ready for some puppy talk? If you're a fan of the French Bulldogs, you're in for a treat! These adorable little pups are known for their charming personalities and irresistible squishy faces, but just how many of them can one Frenchie mama have? In this article, we'll explore the fascinating world of French Bulldog litters and answer the burning question on every dog lover's mind: how many puppies can a French Bulldog have? Get ready to unleash your curiosity and let's dive in! On average, a French Bulldog can have a litter size of between 2 to 4 puppies. However, it's not uncommon for some Frenchies to have larger litters of up to 5 or 6 puppies, while others may only have a single pup. French Bulldogs are known for being small, compact dogs with a big personality, and when it comes to their litters, they tend to have a smaller number of puppies compared to other breeds. There are several factors that can influence the size of a French Bulldog's litter, including genetics, age, and overall health. For instance, younger Frenchies and those in peak physical condition tend to have larger litters than older or less healthy dogs. It's worth noting that while having a larger litter may seem exciting, it can also come with some challenges. French Bulldogs, like many small breeds, can experience difficulties during labor and delivery, so it's important for breeders and pet owners to work closely with a veterinarian to ensure a safe and healthy birth for both the mother and her puppies. On average, a French Bulldog can have up to 4 litters in their lifetime, with each litter having between 2 to 4 puppies. This means that a Frenchie can have anywhere from 8 to 16 puppies over the course of their breeding years. However, it's important to note that breeding a dog should be done with careful consideration and only under the guidance of a responsible breeder or veterinarian. Overbreeding can be harmful to a French Bulldog's health, and can also contribute to the problem of overpopulation in the dog breeding industry. It's also important to consider the ethical implications of breeding dogs, including the responsibility of finding suitable homes for each puppy and ensuring that they receive proper care throughout their lifetime. Factors That Affect the Litter Size There are several factors that can affect the litter size of a French Bulldog, including: Age: As a general rule, younger female dogs tend to have larger litters than older dogs. This is because their reproductive systems are more efficient when they are in their prime. Health: A French Bulldog's overall health can play a significant role in the size of their litters. Dogs that are in good physical condition are more likely to have larger litters than those who are not. Genetics: The genetics of the dog can also impact litter size. Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to smaller litters, while others may be more likely to have larger litters. Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is essential for a French Bulldog's health and can also impact litter size. A dog that is malnourished or underweight may have smaller litters or may experience complications during pregnancy. Breeding frequency: French Bulldogs that are bred too frequently may experience smaller litters due to a decline in fertility. It's important to give the female dog enough time to recover and regain their health between breeding cycles. Breeding method: The method used for breeding can also affect the litter size. Artificial insemination may result in smaller litter sizes than natural breeding. Hormone Imbalance Hormone imbalances can also be a factor that affects the litter size of French Bulldogs. Hormones play a critical role in the reproductive system of dogs, and any imbalances can lead to reduced fertility and smaller litter sizes. One hormone that is particularly important in female dogs is progesterone. Progesterone levels rise during the second half of a dog's reproductive cycle, and they play a key role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. If progesterone levels are too low, the uterus may not be ready to support a litter, resulting in smaller litters or even infertility. Another hormone that can affect litter size is luteinizing hormone LH. LH is responsible for triggering ovulation, and if levels are too low, ovulation may not occur, leading to smaller litters or infertility. In addition to these hormones, imbalances in other hormones such as estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone FSH , and thyroid hormones can also affect a French Bulldog's reproductive system and ultimately impact litter size. If a hormonal imbalance is suspected, a veterinarian can perform tests to determine the levels of various hormones and recommend appropriate treatments or management strategies to support the dog's reproductive health. Age Female dogs are most fertile between the ages of 2 and 5 years old, and during this time, they are more likely to have larger litters. As dogs age, their fertility decreases, and they may experience smaller litter sizes or infertility. It's important to note that breeding French Bulldogs before they are fully mature can also have negative consequences. Breeding dogs that are too young can result in smaller litter sizes, and it can also put the mother and puppies at greater risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery. On the other hand, breeding dogs that are too old can also increase the risk of complications and smaller litter sizes. Female dogs that are past their prime reproductive years may have a reduced number of eggs, and their uterus may not be as capable of supporting a large litter. In general, the ideal age for breeding French Bulldogs is between 2 and 5 years old, when the dog is in optimal reproductive health. However, it's important to work closely with a veterinarian or responsible breeder to ensure that the dog is physically and emotionally ready for breeding, regardless of their age. Genetics The number of puppies that a Frenchie has in a litter can be influenced by the genetics of both the female and male dogs involved in breeding. In general, large dog breeds tend to have larger litters than smaller breeds, and this can be reflected in the litter size of mixed-breed puppies. However, French Bulldogs are a relatively small breed, and their litter sizes are typically smaller than those of larger breeds. The genetics of the female dog can also play a significant role in litter size. Some French Bulldogs may be more predisposed to having smaller litters due to their genetics. In contrast, other dogs may be more likely to have larger litters. Genetic testing can help breeders to identify dogs with optimal reproductive health and litter size. Health A Frenchie that is in good physical condition is more likely to have larger, healthier litters than a dog that is not. Dogs that are malnourished, underweight, or have an underlying health condition may have reduced fertility, which can lead to smaller litters or infertility. Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can help to ensure that a French Bulldog is in good health and ready for breeding. It's also important to note that French Bulldogs, like all breeds of dogs, can experience reproductive health issues that can impact their litter size. Conditions such as infections, tumors, or abnormalities in the reproductive system can reduce fertility and result in smaller litters. Regular veterinary checkups and reproductive health screenings can help to identify and address these issues early on, improving the chances of a successful breeding. In addition to physical health, a Frenchie's mental and emotional wellbeing can also play a role in their reproductive health. Dogs that are stressed, anxious, or in poor mental health may experience reduced fertility, and this can impact their litter size. It's important to ensure that the dog's environment is safe, comfortable, and conducive to their overall health and wellbeing. The process of breeding for these colors can be complex, and it often involves breeding dogs that carry specific color genes. For instance, a blue merle French Bulldog may carry two copies of the dilute gene, while a lilac Frenchie may carry one copy of the dilute gene and one copy of the chocolate gene. Breeding for exotic colors or even fluffy coats can also involve the use of artificial insemination or the use of stud dogs that are carriers of the desired color genes. However, it's important to note that breeding for these colors can come with some risks. French Bulldogs that are bred specifically for their color may be more prone to health issues, including skin problems and eye disorders. In addition, the popularity of exotic colors like the platinum coloring has led to an increase in the demand for these dogs, which has resulted in some breeders engaging in unethical breeding practices, such as inbreeding or breeding for extreme physical characteristics. These practices can be harmful to the health and welfare of the dogs and can result in a range of health issues. It's important to work with a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the dogs above all else. Breeding for extremely small size can increase the risk of a number of health problems in French Bulldogs, including respiratory issues, hip dysplasia, and spinal problems. Additionally, breeding micro French Bulldogs with a focus on appearance rather than health and temperament can lead to a range of serious health problems that can negatively impact both the mother and the puppies. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of the breed and carefully select breeding pairs based on factors such as health, temperament, and genetic diversity. Breeding French Bulldogs for extremely small size or for specific coat colors can compromise their health and result in a host of problems that can be detrimental to their overall well-being. Female French Bulldogs typically reach sexual maturity between 6 and 12 months of age. However, it's important to note that while a female dog may be physically capable of breeding at this age, it's generally recommended to wait until the dog is at least 2 years old before breeding. Breeding a Frenchie too early can have negative consequences, including a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, dogs that are bred too young may not be emotionally or mentally mature enough to handle the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. French Bulldogs, like many brachycephalic short-nosed breeds, are at increased risk for complications during natural birth due to the shape of their skulls and bodies. The breed's unique anatomy can make natural birth dangerous and potentially life-threatening for both the mother and her puppies. French Bulldogs have a relatively large head and narrow pelvis, which can make it difficult for puppies to pass through the birth canal. This can result in prolonged labor and increased risk of fetal distress, stillbirth, or death of the mother. In addition to the breed's physical anatomy, French Bulldogs can also be prone to certain health issues that can increase the risk of complications during natural birth. For instance, obesity, poor nutrition, and other health issues can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. For these reasons, many veterinarians and responsible breeders recommend that French Bulldogs give birth via cesarean section C-section. A C-section is a surgical procedure that involves delivering the puppies via incision in the mother's abdomen, and it can greatly reduce the risks associated with natural birth. The First Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy During the first month of French Bulldog pregnancy, the fertilized eggs travel down the Fallopian tubes and implant in the lining of the uterus. At this point, it can be difficult to detect pregnancy as there are no external signs. However, some dogs may exhibit subtle changes in behavior or appetite. It's important to ensure that the dog is getting proper nutrition and exercise during this time, as this will support the health of both the mother and the developing fetuses. It's also a good time to schedule a veterinary checkup to confirm the pregnancy and monitor the dog's health. The Second Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy By the second month of French Bulldog pregnancy, the fetuses have developed significantly and are about the size of walnuts. The dog's abdomen may begin to swell, and she may exhibit signs of morning sickness or fatigue. During this time, it's important to continue to provide the dog with proper nutrition and exercise, and to monitor her health closely. The veterinarian may recommend additional testing, such as an ultrasound, to monitor the health and development of the fetuses. The Third Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy During the third month of French Bulldog pregnancy, the fetuses continue to develop rapidly, and their organs and body systems begin to mature. The dog's abdomen will be noticeably swollen, and she may begin to experience nesting behavior as she prepares for the birth of her puppies. It's crucial to continue to monitor the dog's health and provide her with proper nutrition and exercise during this time. The veterinarian may recommend additional testing or monitoring to ensure the health and wellbeing of the mother and her puppies. Please Breed Your French Bulldog Responsibly Breeding French Bulldogs is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration and responsible practices. The health and welfare of the dogs should always be the top priority, and breeders and pet owners should work closely with a veterinarian or experienced breeder to ensure that the breeding process is done safely and ethically. Breeding French Bulldogs can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to approach it with caution and responsibility. Overbreeding, breeding for profit or for the sole purpose of producing exotic colors, and engaging in unethical breeding practices can all have negative consequences for the health and wellbeing of the dogs involved. It's important to prioritize the health and wellbeing of the dogs above all else and to ensure that they receive proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care throughout their lives. By working with responsible breeders and veterinarians and by following ethical breeding practices, we can help to ensure a healthy and happy future for French Bulldogs and other breeds of dogs. Final Thoughts French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog that many people are interested in owning. This is due to their popularity and the high demand for these dogs. If you're on a budget, you may want to consider adopting a Frenchton, which is a crossbreed between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier. These dogs can be just as cute and playful as purebred Frenchies, but may be more affordable. It's also important to note that French Bulldogs often require c-sections to give birth, as their puppies have large heads and broad shoulders that make natural delivery difficult. This can add to the cost of owning a French Bulldog, as c-sections can be expensive and require careful monitoring and recovery. If you're considering getting a French Bulldog or any other dog breed, it's important to do your research and be prepared for the responsibilities of dog ownership. This includes providing proper care and training for your dog, as well as ensuring that you can afford any medical expenses that may arise. Keep in mind that there are many other dog breeds to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and needs. Consider researching other breeds that may be a better fit for your lifestyle and budget before making a decision. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent- it is a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Indeed, they have inspired an entire fashion industry of French Bulldog clothing, accessories, and even jewelry. That popularity has made an already expensive breed even more valuable. But why do Frenchies cost so much in the first place? The answer lies in their limited ability to reproduce. The average French Bulldog litter consists of 3 puppies. Although some have successfully carried and birthed up to 7 pups, that happens very rarely. In comparison, the average Golden Retriever produces 8 puppies in a litter. Beagles, for example, typically give birth to 6 puppies at a time while pugs produce 5 pups in an average litter. Frenchies typically carry up to 4 litters in their lifetime. Although their average life expectancy is around 12 years old, they can only breed safely between 2 and 8 years old. That limitation affects the number of Frenchie puppies born each year, which directly impacts the value of the breed. Canadian Moto French Bulldogs wearing Frenchie harnesses. French Bulldogs have difficulty reproducing in large numbers because of their physical conformation. Although organizations like the American Kennel Club and the French Bull Dog Club of America see to it that breed standards are upheld, even the healthiest Frenchies will have trouble breeding naturally and copiously. One of the biggest reproductive concerns in French Bulldogs is their narrow hips. French Bulldogs also have trouble birthing naturally. The large heads that are so often perfectly adorned with Frenchie jewelry make a caesarean section necessary. Additionally, the French Bulldog is among the brachycephalic breeds that have breathing issues simply because of their short muzzles and flat faces. Because of this and the way their bodies are built, pregnancy and birthing can be too stressful on their bodies and could become fatal. The limited number of puppies a Frenchie can produce in her lifetime is one of the biggest reasons why this breed is so expensive. And because fewer puppies mean an even smaller probability of producing rare-colored French Bulldogs, the value of specific pedigrees are even higher. For most of us, that cost means settling for getting our Frenchie fix on social media where canine celebrities provide endless joy as they show off the latest in French Bulldog fashion. Due to this popularity, you may want to breed your French Bulldog to save some bucks since they are expensive. However, the question in your mind will be, "How many puppies can French bulldogs have? Female French Bulldogs can have a maximum of four litters in their lifetime, translating to 12 puppies. Therefore, a female French Bulldog will have 12 puppies before they are considered old to carry more. In the rest of this article, I'll discuss litters as they relate to French Bulldog breeding and the number of puppies. I will also cover the factors that limit a French Bulldog's ability to reproduce. Keep reading to learn more. A French Bulldog will typically have three puppies on average in a litter. This is a low number compared to other dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, which usually have more than eight puppies in a litter. It's worth mentioning that although rare, French Bulldogs can have up to eight puppies in a litter. However, this is considered unsafe owing to the French Bulldog's body size and shape. This means that a French Bulldog carrying more than four puppies at a time is in danger of dying from pregnancy-related complications. As a Frenchie parent, you're interested in knowing how many puppies your Frenchie can have over their lifetime. The number of puppies a Frenchie can have in a lifetime depends on the number of litters. A French Bulldog can have a maximum of four litters in its lifetime. Each of these litters will have an average of three puppies, translating to .Thus, you can expect your Frenchie to give you approximately 12 puppies in her lifetime. It's essential to consider the reproductive age when figuring out the number of pups your Frenchie can have in a lifetime. Most dog breeds, Frenchies included, reach reproductive maturity at six to nine months. Although French Bulldog females usually have their first heat as early as four months old, it's not advisable to breed the dog this early. Breeding a French Bulldog on her first heat exposes her to: Stunted growth Premature aging Complications during pregnancy and birth Even when a French Bulldog has had multiple litters, you should only breed her after two years. For safe delivery and recovery, veterinarians advise that the breeding period should not exceed eight years. However, some breeders inseminate their dogs after eight years to get more puppies. For this reason, knowing the factors that affect litter size will help you decide when to breed your Frenchie. The following are the main factors that affect litter size in French Bulldogs: Hormone Imbalance Frenchie females with a hormone imbalance will often undergo false pregnancies. In most cases, the dog will behave like she is pregnant even though there isn't any puppy inside her. Hypothyroidism is a hormonal imbalance problem in dogs that causes weight gain, lethargy, and depression. In extreme cases, it can cause abortion or decreased litter size in females. Age The older your French Bulldog gets, the smaller the litter size. Dogs bred between two and five years have larger litters because they are still young with more active reproductive hormones. By the time the dog is six years old, the litter size decreases significantly as the reproductive hormones become less active. Genetics Genetics play a role in determining your dog's ability to have puppies at any point in its lifetime. If both parents have a small litter size, you'll most likely have fewer puppies from your Frenchie mom. A mother with a bigger and broader family tree will have bigger litters. Therefore, you're more likely to get larger Frenchie pups if the mom comes from a family of bigger French Bulldogs. Health Healthy dogs can carry healthier and larger puppy litters. For example, your Frenchie can have a healthier and bigger litter if she has good nutrition. That's why it's essential to feed the dog with high-quality pet food throughout pregnancy. You may have questions like: When is the right time to breed my Frenchie? What are the steps to take in preparing for this process? What should I expect when giving birth? To make the experience smooth, here are the two crucial steps to follow: Artificial Insemination Apart from the hassles of looking for an appropriate and healthy stud dog, the narrow hips of French Bulldogs make natural mating hard. As a result, most Frenchie parents rely on artificial insemination. You must get a canine veterinarian to draw sperm from the stud dog and insert it into the female's reproductive tract. This process is usually done two to three times for positive results. The veterinarian will also be in charge of monitoring the pregnancy's progress. Therefore, you must keep in touch with your veterinarian to monitor the dog's progress and prepare for labor. French Bulldogs have a gestation period of approximately 63 days. The day your Frenchie goes into labor will be significantly different for each dog. Besides being responsible for the C-section procedure, your vet will guide you on what to expect during this period. Furthermore, they will take you through how to deal with any complications that may arise after delivery. It's worth mentioning that taking your Frenchie mom through natural birthing can expose them to dystocia. Unfortunately, 1. Factors That Limit a French Bulldog's Reproductive Ability Two to four puppies in a litter is a low number compared to other dog breeds. Why do French Bulldogs have such a small litter size? Read on to find out the limiting factors. Physical Conformation The physical nature of French Bulldogs makes it challenging for them to reproduce in large numbers. French Bulldogs have narrow hips. Although these hips make the dog beautiful, they hinder natural mating. This explains why these dogs are bred through artificial insemination. It's also hard for French Bulldogs to birth naturally due to their large heads. Consequently, most French Bulldogs undergo cesarean section C-section procedures. Due to their large heads, whelping your Frenchie mom naturally is a risky affair that can lead to: The pups getting stuck in the birth canal The mother suffering from complications such as hemorrhage or uterine rupture Injuring the pups Therefore, although costly and risky, C-section is the most humane option for helping your Frenchie canine give birth. Brachycephalic Breed Frenchies are among the brachycephalic dog breeds. Brachycephalic dog breeds have short nostrils and flattened muzzles with longer bottom jaws than the top ones. Due to their squished face, these dogs have difficulty breathing and cooling. This makes them prone to overheating. Moreover, the squished face exposes most of these dogs to Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. This syndrome makes breathing a struggle, leading to challenges in carrying pregnancies and giving birth. Prenatal Care for a French Bulldog Your Frenchie's prenatal care should start as soon as she is pregnant. Here are some key areas to focus on: Diet Your dog needs a high-quality diet to support her pregnancy. A healthy, natural diet will strengthen the dog's body, allowing it to accommodate the mom and pups. Pregnant dogs need the following nutrients : Calcium: 1 to 1. Johnny Facts 0Comments Dog owners have been guilty of irresponsible breeding far too many times — especially today. Some people are just looking to make money fast, without thinking about the consequences it might have on their poor pups. That being said, how many litters can a French bulldog have? How often can your Frenchie have babies? Continue reading to find out! You see, the litters are smaller due to Frenchies being a brachycephalic breed. On average, French bulldogs have three puppies at once — and anything over five babies is an extremely odd number. On top of that, most Frenchie puppies will be delivered via a C-section. The French bulldog is a brachycephalic breed — which gives these dogs a short skull, flat face, and a short nose. These breeds are typically smaller, making them have fewer puppies in every litter. The female dogs have even smaller bodies and narrower hips, anatomically preventing them from having a larger litter. And to add to that, having more than three puppies in a litter could result in only a few puppies surviving. The puppies will likely be small and underweight, struggling to get milk from their mother. Some irresponsible dog owners will try to get more liters out of their poor French bulldog, but we advise against it because of many health complications that may follow. The mother should be given 18 months for recovery before breeding again. However, that is completely wrong! Their bodies have likely not been developed enough to carry to term — which could endanger their lives. French bulldogs are ready for breeding when their heat patterns become regular, usually at about two years of age. Having a C-section will put your Frenchie through significant amounts of stress, which can affect how she feels for the remainder of her life. Even more so, the actual surgery could be accompanied by complications such as infections or hemorrhaging. The point is, having puppies way too often can put your Frenchie in danger. Your female French bulldog needs enough time — meaning at least 18 months — to recover from giving birth and having surgery. Giving birth is extremely stressful for Frenchies — which is why it should be taken seriously. If the French bulldog had her next litter 12 months after the last one, the puppies would not be recognized. French bulldogs have become extremely popular in the past few years. Along with that, many irresponsible breeders showed up, producing litters at the stake of the mother. We advise you to do a check-up on every breeder you find before you pick your French bulldog. Pups have to come first, not profit — and you want to ensure that you are getting a healthy pooch from a breeder that takes good care of the dogs! When not writing, he enjoys hiking and time in nature with his pets. And French Bulldogs are becoming increasingly popular in Europe and elsewhere also. So there is a huge and growing demand for French Bulldog puppies. But French Bulldogs are not like most dogs in terms of how they are bred and how the puppies are delivered. If you are thinking about breeding your Frenchie, this is definitely the article you want to read first. French Bulldogs are very hard to breed and whelp deliver. A healthy and sturdy French Bulldog female adult may have up to three litters as long as the veterinarian advises it is safe to do so. Some females will only have one litter in their lifetime. Trying to breed a French Bulldog female more than three times risks the life of the mother dog as well as the health and lives of her puppies. See a Litter of Adorable French Bulldog Puppies Just in case you haven't had your dose of cuteness overload today, watch this precious video of a new French Bulldog mama dog with her four perfect Frenchie puppies. You will notice the family mentions their dog, Bella, who has just given birth and is coming home from the veterinarian. And you will see that Bella has a pink bandage around one paw. Pregnant French Bulldogs typically cannot give birth naturally because the puppies have heads and shoulders that are too wide to pass through the birth canal. So typically French Bulldog puppies are delivered by C-section in a veterinarian's clinic. This is very important to know when you are planning to breed your French Bulldog, as we will go into more detail about here shortly. Just looking at a French Bulldog, it might not be immediately obvious how the same traits and characteristics that make this dog breed so popular are the same ones that can be such problems in breeding. As we mentioned in the earlier section here, often the French Bulldog mama dog will struggle to deliver whelp her puppies naturally. Even though French Bulldog puppies are very small, the mama dog is quite small herself! A fully-grown French Bulldog rarely weighs more than 28 pounds. These dogs are much broader in the head and chest area than in the hindquarters, which means the puppies often don't fit easily into the birth canal. But there is an even bigger issue that must be tackled first: insemination. French Bulldogs have shortened legs and curved backs with heavy heads and deep chests that make them top-heavy. French Bulldog stud male dogs can have a very hard time mounting a female in heat to inseminate her naturally. Even if the stud dog is able to mount the female nature, as Breeding Business explains, the stud dog may still struggle to get her pregnant. If there are so many challenges right from the start, you may wonder how French Bulldog puppies are ever born. Step 1: artificial insemination The process typically starts with artificial insemination. This is not unlike the process for people. The French Bulldog female is inseminated by a canine veterinarian and monitored carefully as her pregnancy progresses. Here, unless you happen to own a breeding pair of French Bulldogs yourself, this also means you will need to seek out an appropriate stud dog male dog to contribute sperm for artificial insemination. There can be some substantial costs involved even at this early stage, especially if the stud dog you choose is not local to your area. Step 2: cesarean section whelping According to the Journal of Small Animal Practice , up to 80 percent of all French Bulldog litters are whelped born through veterinarian-assisted cesarean section, or C-section. While C-sections for dogs have their own risks, especially for dogs with the brachycephalic short muzzle shape like the French Bulldog, they are considered a less risky method of whelping than letting the French Bulldog deliver naturally. As well, the Royal Veterinary College in the UK explains that French Bulldogs are nearly 16 percent more likely to suffer through difficult and dangerous births, including dystocia. Dystocia is a condition where the pregnant female dog is literally unable to pass her puppies naturally through the birth canal and out. Sadly, up to one-quarter of puppies will not survive a dystocic pregnancy. Veterinarians reported that 1. Step 3: human-aided puppy rearing There is another much less well-known side effect to artificial whelping via cesarean section: a lack of oxytocin that bonds the mother dog to her puppies. Giving birth naturally produces a flood of oxytocin, aka the "feel-good hormone" — the same hormone that bonds human mothers to their children before and during birth. When a French Bulldog gives birth artificially, she is under sedation during the birthing process. So she does not experience the flood of oxytocin that will prompt her to bond with her puppies and care for them. You saw some of this in the video you watched earlier here as the couple was introducing Bella, the new French Bulldog mama, to her puppies. Bella sniffed one of the puppies but then seemed uninterested. You may have also noticed that the human breeders praised her for showing any interest in her puppies. It is not uncommon for French Bulldog mother dogs to refuse to care for their puppies, either because they lack the oxytocin bonding or simply because they don't feel good after having a major operation like a C-section delivery. This means that the human breeder has to care for the puppies around the clock. The care required includes bottle feeding puppy formula several times per day, stimulating the puppies to go to the bathroom, keeping the puppies warm, and cleaning the puppies. If a female dog rejects her puppies, then the survival of those puppies is entirely in the hands of the human breeder. Sometimes these puppies will grow up to have additional socialization issues because the mother dog was not involved in their early rearing. As the French Bulldog Club of America points out, the earliest it is safe to breed a French Bulldog adult female dog is two years old. This doesn't mean that your French Bulldog won't come into heat be receptive to breeding earlier than that age. But expert breeders believe it is much safer to wait until your dog is older and has gone through at least one heat cycle before breeding. Breeding is physically demanding for any female dog of any breed. But it is even more demanding for short muzzle brachycephalic dog breeds like the French Bulldog. As you now know, the French Bulldog female will likely have to go through artificial insemination just to get pregnant. She will need careful monitoring throughout her pregnancy. And she will likely need to deliver by cesarean section under sedation. Ideally, she should also be strong and healthy enough to nurse her puppies for at least five weeks until they begin the natural weaning process and transition to puppy food. You definitely don't want to breed your French Bulldog until she has completely finished growing and is in the prime of her life and health. With such high demand for French Bulldog puppies, it is only natural to wonder if there is money to be made by going into business breeding French Bulldogs. However, if this is your primary reason for wanting to breed your Frenchie, you should be aware that breeding a brachycephalic dog breed like the French Bulldog can be incredibly expensive. As the French Bulldog Club of America points out, breeding Frenchies can be so difficult that new breeders must be willing to try with zero guarantees that they will be successful. From this statement, it is easy to infer that even if you make money selling the puppies, you are likely to break even at best in terms of what it cost you to breed those puppies. To add even more challenges, French Bulldogs are not known for having large litters. A young French Bulldog may have a single puppy or just two or three puppies. More than that is very rare. Not only does this explain why French Bulldog puppies can be so expensive to buy , but it also means that if you can't charge enough to recoup all of the breeding and surgical costs, you may actually end up paying to breed your Frenchie! Then when you consider that your French Bulldog can safely have puppies only three times or less over her 10 to year lifespan, it is easy to see how breeding French Bulldogs is not typically considered to be a profit-making endeavor. Ultimately, unless you are simply doing it for the pure love of the breed, breeding French Bulldogs is not the best choice for a pure money-making enterprise. It is not uncommon for a French Bulldog owner to want to breed their dog to have puppies that are just like their beloved Frenchie. After all, most Frenchies will only live until age 10 or 12 and breeding can feel like a way to keep your beloved pup close to you for a lot longer than that. Here, it is vital to remember that whenever you breed your French Bulldog, there is a risk to the mother dog as well as to the puppies. First, there is a risk during the initial pre-screening and testing process when you have to make sure your French Bulldog female is healthy and has high-quality genes to pass along to her puppies. Then there is a risk during the process of artificial insemination, whether you choose to try to do it yourself at home or take your dog to the veterinarian to have it done. There is another risk during whelping, especially if your dog needs a C-section delivery with anesthesia and stitches like most French Bulldogs do. There is yet another risk after whelping when your Frenchie mom dog may develop secondary infections or complications from the sedation anesthesia or the operation itself. There is even another risk to the puppies if whelping happens too early or too late and the puppies do not survive the process of being born. And there is a risk to the puppies of failing to thrive if your French Bulldog mother is not willing to take over their care and you have to do it yourself. There is no time off when you have hungry puppies to feed and care for — not until they are weaned at around the age of five weeks can you expect to get any break. Many breeders actually take time off work just for this purpose. If all of this doesn't sound like a fun and rewarding challenge to you, then you probably should reconsider whether to breed your French Bulldog. So the short answer to the question of how many times can a French Bulldog has puppies is "three times — and only after she reaches age two. You should only decide to breed your French Bulldog female if you have the interest, the time, the budget, and the patience to see your French Bulldog through the whole pregnancy and delivery process from beginning to end. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. It is common for pregnant French Bulldogs to be unable to give birth naturally because their puppies have wide heads and shoulders that prevent them from passing through the birth canal easily. It is normal for French Bulldog puppies to be born by C-section at a veterinary clinic. The following information is crucial if you intend to breed your French Bulldog. Importance of understanding litters in French Bulldogs Understanding litters in French Bulldogs is important for several reasons: Health Concerns: French Bulldogs have a small gene pool and are prone to certain health issues such as breathing problems, skin allergies and eye problems. Knowing the average litter size and potential health issues of a French Bulldog can help owners prepare for and prevent any potential health problems. Financial Planning: Breeding and raising a French Bulldog litter can be expensive and requires careful financial planning. Knowing the average litter size and associated costs can help owners determine if breeding is a financially viable option for them. Responsible Breeding: French Bulldogs are a popular breed, and responsible breeding practices are important to ensure the health and well-being of the breed. Understanding litters helps owners make informed breeding decisions and can help prevent overpopulation and inbreeding. Proper Planning: Planning for a litter involves more than just deciding to breed your French Bulldog. Proper planning involves the preparation of the mother and puppies, the preparation of the breeding environment, and ensuring that adequate resources are available to care for the litter properly. Understanding litter helps owners plan and prepare properly. What is so difficult about breeding French Bulldogs? The traits and characteristics that make a French Bulldog so popular can also be the ones that cause problems with breeding them. Looking at a French Bulldog, it might not be immediately evident what can cause problems. When fully grown, a female French Bulldog rarely weighs more than 28 pounds. This means in most cases. They are subjected to c-sections cesareans. French Bulldog litters are typically born via veterinarian-assisted cesarean section in up to 80 percent of cases. Despite the risks associated with C-sections for dogs, especially those with brachycephalic short muzzle shapes such as the French Bulldog, they are considered a safer way to deliver puppies than letting the French Bulldog deliver naturally. Further, the Royal Veterinary College states that French Bulldogs have a 16 percent higher risk of suffering difficult or dangerous births. Having your Frenchie has too many C-sections is completely irresponsible if you intend to breed your dog. You run the following risks: A C-section is not always successful, and there is a risk to the puppies during the procedure. Following a C-section, your French Bulldog can become stressed and perhaps even aggressive. A negative reaction to anesthesia, blood clotting during surgery, hemorrhaging, or wound infection are all possible complications for your French Bulldog. Being a mother and giving birth are emotionally and physically demanding times. Aside from the scarring from the C-section, your female will need time to recover from giving birth to a litter. Additionally, she will have to re-grow parts of her uterus and strengthen her muscles. Early in pregnancy, many females experience muscle wasting and even fur loss. Frenchies should only be bred every 18 to 24 months, allowing them enough time to recover from their surgeries. How many litters can a French Bulldog have per year? Because of this, the female Frenchie needs to recuperate after giving birth. She may have come into heat, but that does not mean her body is ready to carry a litter so soon. As I mentioned earlier, French Bulldogs should only be bred every 18 months to 2 years. The longer we wait, the greater her chance of recovering, being healthy, and being happy without the constant stress of frequent C-sections. You should not plan to breed your dog until at least her second or third heat. The third heat is a good time to begin breeding for a few reasons. The health of a young dog can be negatively affected by excessive breeding because they are still growing to their full adult size. In addition to testing for different medical conditions, responsible breeders should also ensure that the dogs reach adulthood first. The breeder may have to do more work to care for a female dog that is too young, which could result in behavior problems with the puppies if the mother does not give them proper attention. Dogs typically gestate for around 63 days after conception, although this may vary by several days. Even though this seems an obvious answer, conception can be difficult to determine. Sperm and eggs can stay fertile in the female for up to 48 hours, so mating itself is not an actual measurement of gestation. As a result, it is nearly impossible to predict how long a pregnancy will last without veterinary assistance. Factors affecting litter size There are several factors that can affect the litter size of French Bulldogs: Age of the mother: Younger French Bulldog mothers tend to have smaller litters, while older mothers tend to have larger litters. A healthy mother is more likely to have a larger litter. Size of the breed: French Bulldogs are a small breed, and their small size can affect litter size, leading to smaller litters compared to larger breeds. Stud used for breeding: The stud used for breeding can also impact litter size. Some studs may produce smaller litters, while others may produce larger litters. Nutrition and environmental factors: Proper nutrition and environmental factors such as temperature and stress levels can also affect litter size. Genetics: Genetics also play a role in litter size, and some French Bulldogs may tend to produce smaller litters. It is important to remember that litter size can vary greatly and may not be predictable, even with the best planning and preparation. It is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder when planning a French Bulldog litter. Variations in litter size Variations in litter size are common in French Bulldogs and can range from a single puppy to as many as six or seven puppies. There are several factors that can cause variations in litter size, including: Genetics: Some French Bulldogs may have a genetic tendency to produce a smaller or larger litter, which can impact litter size. Poor health or malnutrition can lead to smaller litters, while proper care and nutrition can lead to larger litters. Age of the mother: As a French Bulldog mother age, her litter size may decrease. This can be due to hormonal changes and a decline in overall health. Breeding conditions: Environmental factors such as stress levels, temperature, and breeding conditions can impact litter size. Multiple breeding partners: If a French Bulldog is bred with multiple partners, it can result in variations in litter size between litters. It is important to remember that variations in litter size are normal and can greatly impact the financial and emotional resources required to care for a French Bulldog litter. Preparing for a French Bulldog Litter Preparing for a French Bulldog litter involves proper planning and preparation, including preparing the mother and puppies, the breeding environment, and ensuring that adequate resources are available to care for the litter properly. This can involve seeking veterinary care and proper nutrition and ensuring that the breeding environment is safe and comfortable for both the mother and the puppies. Proper preparation is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies and can help ensure a successful French Bulldog litter. Some key steps include: Seek veterinary care: Before breeding, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that both the mother and stud are in good health and free of any genetic health issues. Prepare the mother: The mother should be in good health and receive proper nutrition to ensure a successful pregnancy and delivery. Choose a stud: Choose a stud that is in good health and free of genetic health issues. Consider size, personality, and health factors when selecting a stud. Prepare the breeding environment: Ensure that the breeding environment is safe, comfortable, and free of any potential hazards for both the mother and the puppies. Ensure resources are available: Caring for a French Bulldog litter can be expensive and time-consuming. Ensure adequate resources, including finances and time, are available to care for the litter properly. Develop a plan for the puppies: Develop a plan for the care of the puppies, including finding homes for the puppies and ensuring that they receive proper veterinary care and nutrition. Proper planning is crucial for the success of a French Bulldog litter and can help ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies. Importance of pre-breeding health checks Pre-breeding health checks are important in preparing for a French Bulldog litter. Early detection of health issues can help ensure that appropriate treatment is available. Improving the chances of a healthy litter: By ensuring that both the mother and stud are in good health, the chances of a healthy litter are improved. Reducing the risk of genetic health issues: Pre-breeding health checks can help to reduce the risk of passing on genetic health issues to the puppies. Making informed breeding decisions: Pre-breeding health checks can provide important information that can help make informed breeding decisions. This can include information about the health of the mother and stud, their age, and other factors that can impact the success of the litter. It is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder when planning a French Bulldog litter and to ensure that pre-breeding health checks are performed to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies. Providing proper nutrition and care for the mother Providing proper nutrition and care for the mother is crucial for the success of a French Bulldog litter. Some key steps in providing proper nutrition and care for the mother include: Proper nutrition: The mother should receive a balanced and nutritious diet to support her health during pregnancy and lactation. This can involve feeding her high-quality dog food specifically formulated for pregnancy and lactation. However, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise during the later stages of pregnancy. Ensure that she has a comfortable and quiet place to rest and sleep. This can include regular check-ups, prenatal care, and treatment for any health issues that may arise. Ensure that she is in a calm and comfortable environment and avoid exposure to stressful situations. Proper nutrition and care can help ensure the health and well-being of the mother during pregnancy and lactation, which can greatly impact the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies. It is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder when planning a French Bulldog litter and to ensure that proper nutrition and care are provided to the mother. The cost of raising a French Bulldog litter can vary greatly depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the litter. Still, it is important to be prepared for the associated costs and to plan accordingly. Initial costs of breeding and caring for a litter The initial costs of breeding and caring for a French Bulldog litter can be significant and can include the following: Pre-breeding health checks can include health exams, genetic testing, and other screenings for both the mother and stud. Breeding expenses include stud fees, artificial insemination costs, or travel expenses for breeding the mother. Veterinary care: This can include prenatal care, delivery costs, and care for any health issues that may arise during pregnancy or lactation. Housing and supplies: This can include a comfortable and safe place for the mother and puppies, bedding, and other necessary supplies. Marketing and advertising: This can include expenses for advertising and promoting the litter and costs for preparing and distributing promotional materials. It is important to know the initial costs of breeding and caring for a French Bulldog litter and to plan accordingly to ensure that adequate resources are available to provide proper care and support. The cost of raising a litter can vary greatly depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the litter, so it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder to obtain a more accurate estimate. Ongoing expenses for food, vaccinations, and veterinary care Ongoing expenses for food, vaccinations and veterinary care are an important part of raising a French Bulldog litter and can include the following: Food: Puppies will require a high-quality and nutritious diet to support their growth and development. This can be a significant ongoing expense, particularly as the puppies grow and their nutritional needs change. Vaccinations: Puppies will require a series of vaccinations to protect them from common illnesses and diseases. This can be a significant ongoing expense, particularly as the puppies grow and require additional vaccinations. Veterinary care: Ongoing veterinary care is crucial for the health and well-being of puppies. This can include routine check-ups, treatment for any health issues that may arise, and preventive care to help ensure the puppies stay healthy. These ongoing expenses can add up quickly and be a significant financial investment. It is important to be aware of these costs and plan accordingly to ensure adequate resources are available to provide proper care and support for the puppies. It is also important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder when planning a French Bulldog litter to obtain a more accurate estimate of the ongoing expenses associated with raising a litter. Conclusion In conclusion, breeding French Bulldogs can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to understand the associated costs and responsibilities. From the initial expenses of pre-breeding health checks, breeding expenses, and veterinary care to the ongoing expenses for food, vaccinations, and veterinary care, the cost of raising a French Bulldog litter can be significant. It is important to be prepared for these costs, plan accordingly, and seek the advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder to obtain a more accurate estimate of the expenses associated with raising a litter. Proper planning, preparation, and attention to the needs of the mother and puppies are crucial to ensure a successful litter and to provide the best possible care and support. Pin 0 Shares I am not a breeder of Frenchies. However, there are many irresponsible breeders out there including French Bulldog owners looking to make a quick buck. One of the most common questions people like this ask is how many times you can use a Frenchie for breeding. Professional and qualified breeders will tell you the following: How many times can you breed a French Bulldog? Responsible Frenchie breeders will not breed their French Bulldog any more than 3 times in a lifetime, and only once every 18 months at a minimum. Any more than that and the dog will struggle to recover physically, and possibly even mentally. Why you should not breed French Bulldogs too much The reasons for the minimum amount of times you can breed a French Bulldog are varied, but all boil down to care and love. The danger of too many C-sections The majority of French Bulldog puppies are delivered via Cesarean section. This is due to the way in which the female Frenchie has been bred herself over time. They have narrow birth canals and the pups have large heads. C-sections are the easiest and safest way for them to deliver a litter. As a French Bulldog breeder, it is totally irresponsible to put your female Frenchie through too many C-sections. The risks are as follows: Stress: the female can become stressed and possibly aggressive after a C-section. Too many procedures could have a negative effect on their mental health. Medical problems: your dog could have an adverse reaction to anaesthetic, could have blood clotting during surgery, haemorrhaging, or a wound infection. Injury to the pups: not all C-sections are successful, and there is also a risk to the puppies during the procedure. Did you know? C-sections can be very expensive. Read this guide to how much you should expect to pay your vet to deliver a Frenchie litter via Cesarean section. Bodies need time to repair themselves The birth and nursing period post-pregnancy is critical to the health of your French Bulldog. Giving birth and becoming a mother is a highly charged time both mentally and physically. As well as the scars from the C-section, your female will need to recover from feeding her litter and will also have to re-grow parts of her uterus and build her muscle tone back up. Pregnancy and motherhood can take a toll on the female. This is why you should not breed your French Bulldog too many times. During the early stages of motherhood, many females will lose muscle tone and even patches of fur. It acts as a governing body for pedigree dogs, holding the national register of all breeds. They are very explicit about how many times you can breed a French Bulldog officially, where they will be prepared to register the puppies. The Kennel Club will no longer register any further litters from any bitch which our records show has already whelped 4 litters. Where the number previously recorded is 4 or more, the application will be rejected. The mother is younger than 1 year old at the time of birth. The puppies are born due to familial inter-breeding e. The mother has already delivered 2 litters via a C-section. How old does a Female French Bulldog have to be to breed? When can French Bulldogs breed and what age should they have to be? Frenchies can safely breed from the ages of 2 and a half years up to 8 years of age. At this point they will have gone through a number of heat cycles and will be ready to breed. This beautiful little girl is not old enough to be bred yet. They can produce sperm as young as 6 months, but you need to wait until they are older to breed them successfully. How many times a year can you breed a French Bulldog? Having spoken to professional Frenchie breeders, the general consensus is that you should only breed French Bulldogs once a year — and even that frequency is probably far too much. The reason being is that the female Frenchie needs to recovery after giving birth. As I mentioned earlier, you should only really breed a French Bulldog once every 18 months to 2 years. Anything more than that could be considered cruel, and this extended healing time gives her the chance to recover, be healthy, and be happy without the stress of frequent C-sections. Boxer 6 — 8 This table shows that breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds tend to have larger litters compared to Frenchies. Variations Based on Specific Factors Just like people, every Frenchie is unique and various factors can influence the total number of puppies in each litter. Here are some key factors: Health: As mentioned earlier, a healthy mother will usually have a larger litter compared to one with health problems. Age: The age of the mother can also impact the size of her litter. Older dogs 5 years and exceeding may have fewer puppies than younger ones. Genetics: Some dogs naturally produce more offspring due to their genetic makeup. But just how many puppies do French bulldogs have? The range of puppies in a French bulldog litter can vary widely. You might be wondering why that is. Frenchie Litter Sizes: The Basics Typically, a female french bulldog will give birth to three or four puppies in a single litter. Some litters may have as few as two puppies while others could boast up to five or six. So what causes these variations? Several factors come into play: Genetics: Just like human families where some have twins or triplets more commonly than others, some dog breeds are predisposed to having large litters. Age: Younger female dogs 17 months or younger tend to have smaller litters compared to their older counterparts. Health: A healthy mother equals healthy pups! Dogs with good overall health and nutrition may produce larger litters. But wait! Are there instances when the number of French bulldog puppies goes beyond the typical range? Surgical insemination is exactly as it sounds. They go in and place the semen right on the eggs. This is an invasive surgery and requires 2 week recovery time like a spay would. Selective Breeding: Breeders sometimes selectively breed dogs with a history of large litters in hopes of replicating the result. Large litters can pose risks for both mother and pups such as difficult labor, higher risk for congenital defects, less attention per puppy. I whelped a litter for a friend. The dog had previously had a litter of 3 perfect puppies in her first litter. The second litter, conceived by surgical insemination, was 10 puppies, with a cocktail of problems, heart murmurs and other defects that caused failure to thrive. I think 6 of the 10 puppies made it. The parent paring was exactly the same, but insemination method was different. Make sure your females are getting adequate nutrition from the moment she completes her first breeding through the first 30 days. These dogs are known for their brachycephalic short-nosed features, which can lead to health concerns during pregnancy and birth. A responsible breeder understands that these adorable pups are prone to complications such as dystocia, or difficult labor, often requiring veterinary intervention like C-sections. Great General Health is Imperative Other factors such as vaginitis and bladder infections are common but if left untreated can cause problems for pups as well if bacteria travels up into the uterus. Before Portia was bred in she had some vaginitis. After c section, I was told the placentas on 2 of the 3 pups were dark green and just gross. General Daily Health is Extremely Important French bulldogs are more susceptible than other breeds to things like pancreatitis and yes pancreatitis can cause a dogs pregnancy to fail, along with other serious health issues such as stroke, organ failures, and death. When breeding you need to make sure your dog is in tip top shape not only to carry her pups but to also produce healthy pups. Why would you want it any other way anyway?! They may need a totally different protein, different fat content, different feeding schedule. Make sure your dogs are getting the proper amount of exercise as well. An underweight dog can be just as sick as an over weight dog as well with nutrient deficiencies, low bone density, and more. These things pass on to puppies, why take that chance. Why put that on a pup and new owner knowingly? In alone I have seen 3 dogs get diagnosed with pancreatitis, one of which is severely overweight. Only 1 of the 3 dogs had a successful pregnancy. Litter size plays a significant role in the well-being of both mother and pups. On the flip side, too small a litter might indicate underlying health issues. Breeders need to strike that balance — not too big, not too small — just right! In contrast, irresponsible breeders might overlook these risks for quick profit — leaving unsuspecting new owners grappling with hefty vet bills down the line. As mentioned above health is the most important factor. Their large heads and narrow hips make natural birth a challenge. Infections, blood loss, and anesthesia complications are some risks associated with cesarean sections. Newborn Frenchies may face difficulties such as low body temperature or breathing problems post-surgery. Believe it or not, anesthesia actually affects the pups as well. You need to find an experienced reproductive veterinarian who works with french bulldogs regularly. Knowing the proper dosage of anesthesia is extremely important for both mom and puppies. Too much can hurt both and cause puppies to be slow to wake or not wake at all. Pregnancy itself is taxing on their bodies due to potential complications like eclampsia or dystocia. Here are some health issues that can arise from cesarean sections: Infection: Surgical sites may become infected if not properly cared for. Hemorrhage: Blood loss during surgery is common but can lead to severe problems if excessive. Anesthesia complications: Adverse reactions to anesthesia can occur during or after surgery. Anesthesia Reaction- muscle contractions, she was fine but it did freak me out. A call to my vet confirmed it was only from anesthesia, and not to worry This Photo is minor compared to some of the incision problems I have seen on facebook. Sutures need to be on the inside with sutures or vet bond on the outside. Also, not just 1 long single string of sutures. The weight of the body is too much for one string. Sometimes the pups have so much spit it disrupts the glue seal. This one was a quick easy fix, but if you notice anything wrong with the incision site, call your vet immediately. Breathing problems: Puppies might have difficulty breathing post-surgery due to fluid in their lungs. During the last c section we had 1 pup that was slow to wake due to the cold. Once he was brought to proper temp, everything was fine and he is thriving! Below is a photo of him now! Reproductive Limitations of a French Bulldog Physical Constraints and Fertility French Bulldogs, adored for their compact size and expressive faces, face significant reproductive health challenges due to their unique physical attributes. The narrow hips characteristic of the breed often lead to problems during the birthing processes. This reduced fertility is primarily why artificial insemination and cesarean sections are commonly practiced. As such, many breeders resort to artificial insemination. Frequency of Litters The frequency at which a female French Bulldog can safely have litters is another factor that impacts their reproductive system. Rest Periods: Some people claim having a rest period between litters is necessary. With my vets permission, I have not done this. Portia, one of our smaller females, has more time in between heats. This past heat took 10 months to come back around. The average litter size? Usually around pups. But it can range from 1 to even 8 in some cases! On extreme rarity I have seen .Risks like birthing complications are common due to their unique physique, often necessitating C-sections for safer deliveries. They have their reproductive limitations which should be respected for their health and welfare. So there you have it! On average, a French Bulldog will have puppies per litter. Q2: How often can a French Bulldog safely have litters? Q3: Why do many French Bulldogs require C-sections for delivery? French Bulldogs often require C-sections due to their narrow hips which can complicate natural birth. X ray will give you the best chances of predicting and knowing litter size. Q5: Are there risks involved in breeding French Bulldogs? Yes, there are risks such as birthing complications which may require veterinary intervention like C-sections. Unlike people though, an expectant dog mum-to-be has her work cut out for her, as she rarely, if ever, gives birth to a single puppy. The number of puppies that a bitch has is dependent on several factors, namely size the bigger the breed of dog, the more puppies they tend to have in a single litter and the physical characteristics of a breed. There are, however, no absolutes in nature, which means that the number of puppies that a French Bulldog has per litter can vary. The breed has a higher than average possibility of developing a condition called dystocia, which is similar to a breech birth in humans, but far more dangerous. French Bulldogs are up to twenty percent more likely to suffer from dystocia during pregnancy, which is one of the main reasons why your veterinarian will suggest that you opt for a C-section for your Frenchie. Giving birth is just as hard for a dog as it is for a human, and during and after the birth, your Frenchie will need to breathe harder and faster in order to ensure that her body has the oxygen it needs to make it through and recover from the trauma of having a litter of pups. For a brachycephalic dog like the Frenchie, this is much harder than it is for a normal dog and puts the mother at a much greater risk of cardiac arrest, which again is why most veterinarians will suggest that the safest option for any Frenchie mother is always a C-Section. The procedure also carries a risk to the puppies and can put their lives in danger as well, so the fewer C-sections that your dog has to endure, the more likely she, and her puppies, are to emerge from one unscathed. Which most Frenchies are. Always insist on seeing the paperwork, and the mother dog before you agree to buy a puppy. Before we begin, a word of caution. Most Frenchies tend to reach maturity between eighteen months and two years of age, which is why most breeders tend to let their dogs mate between the ages of two and seven. The typical gestation period the length of a pregnancy for a French Bulldog is between sixty and sixty-three days, and the dog can enter labor at any point during that time. In the first month of her pregnancy, you might notice that your Frenchie starts to become even more affectionate than she already is and that her appetite has increased. Her appetite might start to wane toward the end of the second month, as her body starts to prepare to give birth. Post navigation. Dogs of this nature tend to be smaller, and also have smaller amounts of puppies. And with French bulldog dams the females they have very narrow hips and small body. If a female Frenchie does have a large litter of over 3, there can be health implications for the puppies. They will probably be underweight, with the weaker ones in the litter struggling to get the milk they need during the first few weeks of being born. How many times a year can a French bulldog have puppies? How many litters can a French bulldog have in a year? They should not have any more than 1 litter a year, and most preferably every other year. Because they are delivered via C-section, the female needs time to recover and recuperate, so anything intensive is just cruel and designed to make money. For more information on Frenchie C-sections, click here. How many litters can a French bulldog have? Most female Frenchies have around 4 litters in total, although I have heard of irresponsible breeders who try to get more from them. This litter size of 4 puppies is quite normal, with the average amount of puppies being 3. If you are thinking about buying a French bulldog puppy, talk to the breeder and find out how many litters she has had. How long is a French bulldog pregnancy? Frenchies very rarely give birth naturally, with most puppies being delivered by C-section. A French bulldog pregnancy the gestation period i. She will typically deliver by Caesarean section and will have on average around 3 puppies in her litter. Frenchie breeders will often use artificial insemination to get their females pregnant, as this breed find it very hard to mate naturally due to their narrow hips. You can read more about how long a Frenchie is pregnant for elsewhere on the website. When people say a dog is in heat, what they actually mean is that they are in their oestrus cycle. It is very similar to when a human female gets a period. When a Frenchie dam is on her oestrus cycle it means she has gone into heat and will accept a mate and could end up getting pregnant. French bulldogs go into heat from the point they reach sexual maturity. The regularity of their oestrus cycles tends to be every 6 months on average but will vary from dog to dog. It can take up to 2 years for a French bulldog to develop regular heat patterns. Female French bulldogs can gain sexual maturity as young as 5 months old. At that point, if they have started to have regular oestrus cycles, they are at risk of getting pregnant. Do French bulldogs always need C-sections? If your French bulldog does have puppies naturally, it can be very dangerous for both the female and the litter. Handy Hint: French Bulldogs mating naturally is a very rare occurrence. It can lead to health risks too. Find out more about why Frenchies should not breed naturally in this new blog post. The last word French bulldogs make for great companions and pets. If you browse other guides on the website, you will see plenty of photos and videos of Claude, our own Frenchie. However, in recent years their popularity has exploded, and this has led to an increase in unscrupulous breeders who use irresponsible methods of breeding. This can result in poor health — read the various health problems that Frenchies are prone to. If you are thinking about buying a Frenchie, please do your research into the breeder before you even consider buying from them.

Are you finding it difficult to stop your dog from pooping in his crate? I get it. I had the same problem, too, when I got my pups! My dogs, Zorro and Budak, have been very close since they were born, so we decided to buy a fence big enough to house them both. We also bought them a training toilet just placed outside this fence. So far, so good. Until they peed and pooped. Zorro left and Budak right sleeping inside their fence. See the red bed they're sleeping on? During the day, they often use that as their very own toilet. They don't just ignore the training toilet; they avoid it. If you're chuckling while reading this, you probably have the same experience as I did. But don't worry. We got past it, as I'm sure you will too. There are a few simple ways you can stop your dog from pooping in a crate, which we will talk about later. Pooping in a crate is normal for young puppies who are yet to be trained. However, this could also indicate that something is medically or emotionally wrong with the dog, especially if he's already an adult. As my vet advised, try to pay attention to your dog's poop the next time he goes. It's best to consult an expert immediately about this. But if their stool is firm and has a normal color, then their behavior might be caused by the following: Improper or lack of training Incorrect dog crate size Bad habits they already got used to Other possible causes which we included below. So as promised, here are 10 proven ways that helped me stop my dogs from pooping in their crate, which will hopefully help you too! Proper Potty Training Your dog might be pooping in a crate simply because they know no better. Duh, obviously, Jo. Before crating your dog for an extended period of time, he must be housebroken first. This was my first mistake. I immediately housed my dogs in their fence without letting them get used to a set schedule first. As you know, housebreaking means that they will also be trained to go potty at a specific time and a specific place. Of course, you can still use a crate while you're house training your dog, but only for a short period of time. Speaking of time, this brings me to our 2nd solution… 2. Crate Stay Duration How long are you keeping your dog in the crate? With Zorro and Budak, I usually keep them in their fence when I'm cleaning the house and before sleeping at night. However, as I mentioned, they weren't housebroken, so they didn't learn to follow a scheduled time for bathroom breaks. When you crate your dog, ensure the time does not interfere with the dog's bathroom-walk schedule. It would be best if you don't keep your dog in the crate for too long. But dogs are denning animals, right? They need to be in their own den! Despite the myth , dogs are not denning animals, and some do not prefer to stay in them, especially for an extended period of time. Oh, and your dog's age is a big factor, too. Adult dogs can hold it in longer than puppies. The recommended maximum time for a puppy under 4 months to stay in a crate is up to 4 hours. A puppy around 6 months can stay up to 5 hours, and an adult dog can stay up to hours. But if they have crate anxiety as we're about to dive into next , pooping could really happen regardless of age. Anxiety I remember the first time I left my dogs in their crate while I went to the market. I wasn't even gone for more than an hour, as the market was just 2 blocks from my apartment. When I returned, they sure had a fresh surprise waiting for me on their bed. Other than any other health issues, dogs may also poop in a crate because something causes them anxiety. After you place your pet in a crate, watch out for signs of stress. If any distress is present, that often leads to peeing and pooping uncontrollably. If your dog suddenly has diarrhea, that could be another symptom of his anxiety. Exercise Plenty of exercise benefits a crated dog in more than one way. It tires out the dog, making them less likely to whine, misbehave, and poop in a crate. And if your pooch is usually active at night, tiring him out before bed will help him go straight to sleep. In fact, according to Dr. Michele K. Regular walks, playtime, and exercise also help the dog's mind connect routines. As you know, potty habits align with other routines, such as walks and meals. And speaking of feeding your dog… 5. Feeding Times Routine is crucial for our dogs. That's why you should try to feed your pets at the same time throughout the day. So you can predict when they're about to go. Many dogs tend to poop about 30 to 60 minutes after their meals. This means if you feed them, make sure it's not right before you're about to crate them. For example, if your puppy is crated for the night at midnight, plan to feed no later than 6pm. The later a puppy is fed, the more likely he's going to defecate overnight. But of course, I did that when I first had my puppies, thinking nothing of it. And another no-brainer piece of advice: hold off keeping or putting food in the crate until you're confident that your dog can hold it in for long enough. Especially if the kibble or treat has a history of not sitting well in your dog's tummy. Which brings us to number 6… 6. Choosing The Right Dog Food and Treats If you're a new puppy owner, you're probably still trying to figure out if your pet has food sensitivity. But if he's been with you for quite a while, you might know this already. Thankfully, in my case, my dogs aren't too picky with what they eat or chew on shoes included! Just make sure that whatever you give your pet agrees with his stomach. Some dog foods and treats may upset a dog's stomach, cause diarrhea or otherwise mess with a dog's bathroom schedule. Because if you're leaving a peanut butter stuffed KONG toy in the crate, and your dog won't stop pooping in the crate, then peanut butter could be the cause. Remove Any Blanketing Do you put blankets in your dog's crate? Our pooch could be smart and naughty at the same time. You'll probably try to sniff around to know where the culprit is, just to find it under a blanket. Some dogs understand they can poop in the crate and cover it up like nothing happened. If your dog does this, it's best to remove the blanketing until it learns that laying in its mess is not the ideal way to spend time in a crate. Training How do you know your dog isn't training you a. Even if you follow all crate training rules , some dogs still learn that pooping in a crate equals being allowed out. If you suspect this to be the issue, consult a professional behaviorist to discourage the dog from this behavior. You will use positive reinforcement and redirection to stop your dog from being smarty pants. Crate Size Dogs will poop if the crate size is too big. When a crate is too large, dogs may treat part of it like a backyard. Poop on one side, sleep on the other. Choose dog crates based on their age and size. When a crate is too small, however, it may be too uncomfortable. It can cause them stress and anxiety, which also results in pooping. To get the perfect dog crate size for your Fido, refer to this dog crate sizing chart we found. Health Issues Jo, I've exhausted all my options, but my dog still does it. What more should I do? First of all, calm down. If you feel you've done all you can to stop your dog from pooping in a crate, just bring him to the vet! Have him get a health check-up to ensure no medical issue is causing this problem. I'm sure your vet will also advise you on food options if that's the cause of your dog's pooping habits. When Nothing Else Works So, you've done all 10 steps. You've even ruled out any medical conditions with the help of your vet. But your dog is still treating his crate like a toilet? There are two more things you could give him. More time and more patience. Training Pads Get yourself some training pads to lay them out in the crate. This is a temporary solution but will help to deal with poop in the crate. Sure, they're primarily designed for dog urine. But pee pads are still helpful in absorbing the feces and even locking in the smell. And besides, would you rather he do it on the blanket or the bed? Training pads are your best bet in containing and cleaning the mess in the crate much easier. Pet Diapers An appropriately sized set of pet diapers can also help you and your pooch temporarily. After all, they're commonly used in puppies and senior dogs who are having trouble holding their poops and pees in. However, if your pet is like my dogs who hate the idea of diapers and can remove them in a snap, I recommend the training pads. Most dogs will not feel comfortable wearing diapers , so this should only be used as a last resort and only for a short period. Other tools that can help you temporarily deal with this problem are trays that you can place in the crate ideally, with pee pads. You can also use pet odor eliminators that contain enzymes to discourage the dog from pooping where you spray it this is my favorite Below are some of the best products I used for this problem. How do you crate train your new Labradoodle like a pro? First, find a crate that is the right size for your dog and that is secure enough to prevent a sneaky escape. This is the crate I use with my Labradoodle. Introduce the crate slowly by allowing your puppy to freely go in and out before you attempt an extended period of crate time. Before crating, engage in a period of rambunctious play with your puppy, and make sure to give your Labradoodle plenty of potty opportunities. When playtime is over, sit calmly by the crate and brush or pet your puppy to instigate a sleepy-time response. Then, once your puppy is soundly snoring, place her gently into the crate and shut the door without locking it. With time, your Labradoodle will associate his crate with rest time, and crating your Doodle will be a stress-free experience for you both. It emits a life-like heartbeat that can calm and sooth them. You can even add a heat pack to make it even more realistic. Sounds simple, right? The truth is, crating can be one of the simplest training exercises for you and your pup, but it can also be laden with challenges and unexpected issues. If you are ready to begin the process of teaching your Labradoodle how to love his crate, read on for tips on crate selection, introducing your puppy to his new hideaway spot, and tackling issues as they arise. Many first-time dog owners are horrified at the idea of leaving their dog in a small, enclosed space for hours at a time. I love her too much! Dogs are den animals: even though they have been domesticated over thousands of years, they still retain some wild canine instincts. One of those instincts is to rest in a spot that is safe and offers protection. According to the Humane Society of the United States , most dogs actually crave periods of solitude, and a crate gives them a special space where they can secure that solitude when and if they need it. While you may use crate training specifically to house your Labradoodle when you need to leave, you may find that your dog goes in and out of her crate even when you are home. If crate training is approached slowly and methodically, your dog will come to love this special spot. Once your Labradoodle is acclimated to her crate, a wide variety of benefits will be seen. Instead, a dog crate is a sanctuary. Choosing The Right Crate The single most important part of successful crate training is choosing the right crate, and this often leads to Doodle owner panic. There are thousands of crate models on the market today, and it can be absolutely overwhelming for first time Labradoodle owners to know which crate to buy. This is the crate I got for Oliver as a puppy …and he still uses it today. We wrote a helpful guide on choosing the right crate which you can read here. Which materials are safe for your fluffy furball? How secure should the crate be? How big? Does it need attached water and food bowls? Multiple doors? An enclosed top? Everything else can take a back seat. Dogs frequently reposition themselves when resting, and a crate that provides room for this is essential. Dogs kept in crates that are too small may develop anxiety issues or even health problems like joint stiffness. This can be problematic for Labradoodle owners who want to start crate training when their Doodle is still a puppy. A crate that is the perfect size when your dog is six months old is going to be far too small when your puppy reaches a year in age. Large crates with dividers will let you adjust the space as your Labradoodle grows, so a single crate can function well through the various stages of doggy development. Useful Crate Features The size of the crate may be the most important feature, but there are other factors to consider when investing in a high-quality dog crate for your Doodle. These features are not necessities, but they may make your Labradoodle more comfortable and your life a little easier. Here are four simple steps to ensure crate training success. Allow your pup time to get acclimated to this interesting, new cubby. If your snuggle buddy falls asleep in your lap after a period of play, gently move him to the crate and let him continue to sleep with the door open. This accomplishes three things. First, it will tire her out and make her more likely to spend her first crate experience in deep, blissful sleep. Second, it will give her ample time to go potty, which helps to avoid accidents. And lastly, it gives your Labradoodle time to feel connected to you, her human companion. Crating can be stressful for a puppy because they are spending an indeterminate amount of time without you in the home. When you walk out the door, your dog has no idea when, or even if, you will return. Playtime reinforces bonds and helps your Labradoodle puppy feel nurtured and engaged. You can transition your puppy from exuberance to exhaustion by sitting quietly and petting or brushing him. When your Labradoodle is relaxed and starting to sleep, place him in the crate and continue soothing him until he falls asleep. Then, quietly shut the crate door and immediately leave. If you crate your Labradoodle for four hours the very first time, she is going to have an accident. This will lead to discouragement, frustration, and even fear of the crate. You want to establish crate milestones that your puppy can easily achieve. Each time you return to a puppy who has successfully stayed in her crate with no issues, you reinforce the crate as a positive location. Start your Labradoodle off with periods in the crate ranging from a few minutes up to an hour. Once she is acclimated to staying in the crate alone for an hour, you can gradually begin increasing crate time. Common Crate Training Mistakes In the world of dog training, a simple mistake can often lead to months of problem behaviors that need to be slowly and meticulously corrected. Here are some of the most common crate training mistakes made by first-time Labradoodle owners. Rushing the process: Dogs need time to acclimate to changes, so if you introduce a scary-looking crate and immediately shut your pup inside this unfamiliar area, it may lead to anxiety or panic. Forgetting the potty break: Puppies can only hold their bladders for a couple of hours at a time, so be sure to give your Labradoodle a chance to go potty immediately before putting him in the crate. When you return, immediately take your puppy to go potty, and praise him when he goes. Punishing with the crate: If your puppy associates her crate with punishment, it will cease to be a safe and relaxing environment for her. Never punish your puppy by banishing her to the crate. Similarly, never punish your puppy for soiling her crate. Simply take her outside for a potty attempt, praise her if she goes, and clean the crate promptly to remove any lingering odors. Crating multiple dogs together: Yes, puppies love to snuggle with one another, and it can be tempting to think that crating two dogs together provides them with companionship and comfort. However, as puppies grow they will need their own spaces, and separating two pups that have spent months in the same crate can be traumatic. If you have multiple dogs, crate them separately but in close proximity to one another. Cluttered crate environment: Sure, you want your puppy to be entertained while crated, but the crate should predominantly be an environment of serenity. One toy is enough to provide your Labradoodle with something to do without cluttering up the zen-like atmosphere of the crate. There are issues that can pop up between pup and crate, and these may be chalked up to a mistake made during the training process, an issue with the crate itself, or even just the specific personality of your dog. My Labradoodle cries constantly when I put him in his crate. After all, who wants to hear their precious puppy crying? If your Labradoodle whines or barks immediately after being put into his crate, sometimes waiting for him to cry himself to sleep is the best course of action. If your puppy is panicking i. Give your puppy calm, soothing pets and snuggles until he calms down. Then, take one more trip outside for a potty break, and try to introduce your dog to the crate again. You may need to do this several times until your pup has worn himself out to the point where he can fall asleep in his crate. My puppy always makes messes in her crate. If your pup has too much room, use a divider to cordon her to one side of the crate to avoid messes. Labradoodle puppies younger than one year need to go potty once every two hours to be comfortable! Try to schedule a few mid-day breaks for your Labradoodle puppy. Finally, you might want to watch how much water your Labradoodle is drinking in the hour leading up to crate time. Congratulations, you have a strong-willed pup on your hands. Some dogs will do everything in their power to avoid being put in their crate. Your dog may brace himself against the crate door, drag his paws on the ground, or turn into a puddle of dead weight and force you to manhandle him through the opening. Because he hates the thought of being separated from you. Be sure to spend plenty of time playing with your Labradoodle puppy before crating him. Also, some dogs will relax when they are brushed for a few minutes before crating. Crate your Labradoodle firmly but calmly. My Labradoodle is an escape artist, and no crate can contain her. If you have a little Houdini on your hands, you might need to get creative. Some dog owners, however, have to resort to zip ties to keep their magic canines in check. Every bed I put in the crate gets shredded within hours, what gives? Your Labradoodle puppy has an innate desire to chew, and this desire can only be redirected, never eliminated. Dogs are perfectly happy resting on a hard surface for a few hours at a time. Crate your dog without the bed, and leave the comfy cushion for times when you are at home and supervising. Next, find some sturdy toys that will stand up to persistent chewing, and put one in the crate with your Labradoodle. You can find toys that can be filled with goodies to occupy your Doodle pup for hours on end, but any toy will act as a healthy outlet for that chewing instinct. Some owners find success by purchasing several toys and rotating them in the crate on different days. Puppies are information sponges, and they love the stimulation and reward that comes from learning new tricks. First, try not to act differently when you are preparing to leave your puppy. If your dog senses that you are stressed by the act of leaving, she will internalize that stress. Next, stay positive and upbeat, and when you are ready to leave do so promptly and without fanfare. Start with short trips away from your dog, so she can learn that you will always return after leaving. Finally, make sure her crate is comfortable and stress-free, so she has a space to relax while awaiting your homecoming. If you have to leave your Labradoodle for more than four hours without a break, you will probably need to make arrangements for him to get a reprieve from the crate. Apps like Wag or Rover are great ways to locate passionate dog-lovers who will visit your dog mid-day for a walk or some much-needed play time. Doggy daycare facilities are also incredibly beneficial. Not only will your dog be active and exercising throughout the day, but these communal dog spaces teach valuable socialization skills. Leaving your dog crated for an extended period of time will make him uncomfortable and could lead to crate anxiety, so be sure to plan ahead. Wolves rarely sleep in the open, preferring instead to find a cave or hollow where they can be protected on all sides while they snooze. Their canine cousins still possess this innate desire, and a Labradoodle left to his own devices inside a sprawling home can feel anxious and unprotected. These feelings of anxiety coupled with the freedom to roam are the only necessary ingredients in a recipe for disaster. Start crate training as early as possible, and take it slow. Eventually, your Labradoodle will recognize her crate as her own special space, and she will likely seek it out when she needs some downtime. Related Posts:. Your puppy has a lot to figure out and potty training is just part of the bigger picture. Make Sure Your Puppy Is Healthy Your puppy could be pooping in their crate at night because of a medical issue, most often internal parasites or infections like giardia, tapeworms, or coccidia. While these are all a little different, they can all cause diarrhea or loose stools which will make it harder for your puppy to hold it in overnight. Of course, accidents are going to happy with any puppy but if you notice that your puppy has suddenly started pooping in their crate after being previously potty trained then a parasite could be at play. Dogs are naturally inclined to sleep in certain areas and use the bathroom in others at least when they can help it. The big crate problem is extremely common when new pup parents decide to buy a crate that their dog can grow into. You can also buy crates with premade dividers that are perfect for puppies and this one from MidWest Homes on Amazon is also easy on the budget. Just make sure you pay close attention to how your puppy handles any new crate as accidents can happen if they try to escape. With dividers limiting their crate space, puppies will be much less likely to establish a bathroom area and make more efforts to hold it throughout the night. Not to be crude, but that poop is coming from somewhere! In most cases, it takes dogs around 6 to 10 hours to fully digest their food and then have a bowel movement. Get them on a schedule that not only works for you but also sets them up for potty-training success. Is The Bedding A Problem? Bedding is a bit of a complicated issue in the world of pooping puppies. Of course, we want our puppies to be comfortable but a bored puppy might end up eating their bedding which can lead to major problems and require surgery in some cases. Some puppies may be more likely to poop in their crate at night if they have bedding to cover it up. While a consistent feeding schedule will help your puppy stay regular, and allow you to time your potty breaks, there are many factors that could impact when your puppy goes. If your puppy has already pooped at three, you can try an alarm for two-thirty instead…and so on. When you have the time narrowed down, you can begin to wake up before your puppy usually poops and bring them outside for a potty break. Not only will this reinforce the positive potty break behavior but it will also save you the stress of cleaning up in the morning. Are You Waking Up Regularly? So if you have a new two-month-old puppy, you should be bringing them outside to go potty at least three times every night, or every two hours. This usually happens at around months. You might even find yourself missing the good old days. Can You Hear Your Puppy? Try your best to find a setup that allows you to hear your puppy at night. It also trains your puppy to communicate when they need to use the bathroom, which will be useful as they grow up too. The simplest solution is to try moving the crate into the bedroom or at least somewhere closer to your room. You can also try a baby monitor so that you can hear your puppy from across the room. You can get some very high-tech baby monitors for your dog some even shoot out kibble as a reward but all you need a super simple audio monitor like this one on Amazon. That will allow you to hear your puppy and rush in for a potty break before an accident happens. A tired puppy is a well-behaving puppy! Bored or anxious puppies are generally more likely to poop and by making sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise you can give them a better chance of successfully sleeping through the night. Toys are a great way to do this and introducing a Kong toy with a little peanut butter but not too much to upset the feeding schedule can go a long way to making the crate the happiest place on earth. Those toys are almost impossible to destroy and most certainly puppy-approved. But the simplest thing to do is just make sure your puppy is being crated through the day as well. Crate training is a lot more complex than it might seem at first but this video has some great guidelines along with more tips for making the create a happy and poop-free zone: .The symptoms can cover everything from vocalizations, chewing, digging, and of course, pooping. It can be hard to figure identify separation anxiety as different from normal puppy behavior like having accidents and crying but over time it will become more clear. But if you let your puppy consistently poop in their crate at night, they may get used to this habit and consider it the norm. By hiring a local professional, you can get an expert set of eyes on your specific situation and puppy. Make sure you go with a certified trainer and while there are several organizations that certify dog trainers, I recommend the CCPDT which you can learn more about here. The exact time will depend on the age and size of the puppy, but most puppies fully digest their food after about 6 to 8 hours. However, puppies can only hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age. So a three-month-old puppy has roughly 3 hours of bladder control. You should feed your puppy early enough in the day so that they have at least 6 hours to digest their food and get a bathroom break. That means their last meal should be given roughly 6 hours before you go to bed so you can give them their last potty break of the day. As gross as this sounds, it does happen. Puppies have a lot to learn from figuring out what they can bite to where they can poop! But with some patience, perseverance, and training you can slowly rule out possible problems and help your puppy learn about proper potty breaks! 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. Learn more » If your dog spends time in a crate on a regular basis, you want it to be someplace that is clean, safe, and comfortable. Here are 10 possible reasons why your dog might be pooping in his crate, along with solutions to consider. Potty Training Is Incomplete One of the biggest reasons dogs might not keep their crate clean is a lack of proper training. Praise your dog for defecating outside and give him frequent opportunities to relieve himself. If your dog frequently has accidents inside, working with a trainer can help resolve the issue. Image Credit: Kiadtisak-Khwanyu, Shutterstock 2. Puppies and older dogs are especially likely to need multiple bathroom breaks a day. If you have to leave your dog alone for long periods of time, consider changing your strategy. If nothing else works, a doggy daycare, dog walker or similar service might be a better choice than leaving your dog at home. Your dog should have room to turn around and lie down comfortably, and to stand up without having to stoop. But much more room than that could make your dog feel exposed. Image Credit: charlesdeluvio, Unsplash 4. Other dogs lose bowel control because they are anxious. You can work to make your dog more comfortable while inside the crate or try other solutions to help the crate be less scary. You can also give your dog lots of love and attention inside and outside of the crate. Something as simple as food poisoning might lead to your pup having an uncharacteristic accident. Inflammatory bowel disease can lead to an inability to control bowels as well. Another possibility is a muscle or nerve disease that stops your dog from being able to hold muscles over long periods of time. A disease like this will likely have other symptoms. Meeting with a vet can help you find a good treatment. Another possibility is an infection. Infections can lead to diarrhea, lack of bowel control, and other changes that make your dog poop in his crate. Food Sensitivities If your dog has stinky, unusual poop and shows other signs of gastrointestinal distress, you might have a dog with undiagnosed allergies or intolerances. Some common allergens include corn, wheat, soy, and various types of meat. Dogs are also lactose intolerant, so many dairy products are no-goes. A change of food or a diet meant for sensitive stomachs can help your dog recover from gastrointestinal issues. Injury or Physical Trauma Physical trauma can also lead to incontinence. If this is the case, your dog will likely have frequent accidents both in and out of his crate and poop much more frequently than before the injury. Image Credit: Ayla Verschueren, Unsplash 8. A tumor near the sphincter is the most common culprit when it comes to tumors, but other places around the gastrointestinal tract might cause problems as well. Medications That Interfere With Bowel Control Some medications have incontinence, more frequent defecation, and other bowel problems as side effects. A change in medication might be possible, but as always you need to weigh the inconvenience and frustration of one side effect against the alternatives to make the best choice for you and your dog. Older dogs are often unable to hold in bowel movements for long periods of time. In some cases, veterinary treatments can help minimize incontinence, but you might also need to accept that part of caring for a senior dog is dealing with the occasional accident and plan around it. Working to find the best solution for frequent defecation can take some time and effort, but most dogs who poop in their crate can have their behavior changed if approached correctly. After all, no dog wants to sit in a mess! She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages. Read more Advertisement. Several medical conditions can bring about incontinence in dogs. Dogs with complete or partial paralysis of their hind section may experience incontinence. Older dogs may also have this experience as a consequence of aging. An emergency In life, emergencies are usually unexpected or unforeseen events, and it affects both humans and animals as well. Remember: a puppy cannot hold it in for more than two hours at most. How to Stop a Puppy from Pooping in a Crate at Night How to stop a puppy from pooping at night is hard work, and calls for your commitment and determination. But it is not an impossible feat, especially if you religiously follow the steps outlined below. Health check If you believe that you have exhausted all possibilities or techniques, you may have to visit your local vet with your puppy for a health checkup. You need to be sure that it is not a medical issue that is responsible for the pooping habit of your puppy. Your vet is qualified to determine if what you are feeding your puppy is responsible for their inappropriate poopy habits. Adequate exercise Is your dog getting enough exercise? You should always make it a habit for your dog to have enough exercise — before and after — being crated. When your puppy has enough exercise, he becomes tired. And this tiredness will readily prevent him from pooping in his crate out of boredom. Moreover, regular exercise can help your dog to connect to a particular routine. This routine will include potty habits, meals, walks, etc. Your puppy will be able to associate exercise with potty time. Good potty training Before you crate your puppy, especially for an extended period, you need to teach him — by showing him — the ins and outs of where and when to go to the bathroom. Punishing a bad deed is not usually as effective as positive reinforcement. You can watch the video below which is about how to housetrain your puppy. Potty training your puppy made easy Well-timed feeding schedules Make sure you feed your pooch at the same time every day. And you need to relate this period directly to the time that is spent inside the crate. Most dogs have this innate habit of passing waste approximately 30 minutes after their regular meals. So, do not send your puppy straightaway into his crate post-meal. Get a sizable crate Make sure the crate is not too large for your puppy. But move over to the front area to sleep, buddy. The goal of this partition is to make the crate appear smaller but with just enough room for your pooch to turn around and lay with his little legs out. This will not give your little furry companion enough room to poop and then lay in it. For a guide on the best crates for a puppy, read this blog post. Seek the help of a professional trainer Seeking the help of a certified trainer is another option that you should consider when looking for ways to stop your pooch from pooping at night. Some dogs have discovered that as soon as they poop in their crates, they will be allowed out. This is a behavior that you should discourage vehemently, and you may not be able to do this unless by hiring the services of a professional dog trainer. They can help you focus more on positive reinforcement and less on punishment for the bad habit. Your puppy will eventually become used to this silly behavior since he knows his crate will be cleaned the next day. And even if you consider using air fresheners to get the better of the smell, the resulting odor could become intolerable. This could put you in a foul mood, and that is an excellent recipe for ruining your day. This is why you need to take drastic steps in eliminating this bad habit that your dog has as soon as possible. As a dog owner, part of dog ownership involves cleaning up their mess in the garden, crate, or anywhere else around the house. If you are fortunate to get a puppy that has been toilet-trained, then you have no problem at all. You will need a sturdy pooper scooper and poop bags , and a poo bin for outside. Zoonotic diseases are those diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. You can get the following zoonotic diseases from dog feces: Giardia. My Puppy Hates the Crate! What do I do? The whole point of using a crate for potty training is that a dogs natural instinct is to keep themselves clean and not to go to the bathroom where they sleep. Never compare your new puppy to your last puppy or a friends puppy. Every puppy just like every human child is going to react differently to crate training, new environments and new people. Every puppy is a unique individual. If you had a puppy in the past that was super easy to train. .Lucky you. This time might be harder. Accept that and move on. A puppy crying in their crate can definitely be one of the saddest sounding and most challenging parts of having a new puppy. A Frantic Puppy in the Crate Some puppies have a harder time with crate training then others and it will take them a little longer to accept it. Never let a puppy get totally frantic in the crate. Open the door and calm them down and take them out side for a break. Start slower when you come back in. Pay attention to your own tone of voice and body language. .Slow down and start over. You need to start crate training by giving them a positive association to their crate before even attempting to close the door. Before you try to put a puppy in a crate for the whole night. .Start by slowly introducing them to the crate before actually closing the door on them… Feed them their meals in their crate, give them some high value treats and chew sticks in the crate, put a stuffed animal in the crate to snuggle with…lay down next to the crate and nap with them for awhile blocking the door with your body at first and then try closing it and laying next to them. Not true. Just stop AND breathe! That thinking is absolutely false. There will be an adjustment period before anything becomes their new normal. Be prepared for that. Wear them out during the day! Try different setups. If your puppy is comfortable with the door closed for even a few minutes, your on your way, now gradually increase the time your puppy is in the crate. Gradually building up the amount of time your puppy is alone in their crate and then alone in the room. Try giving them a stuffed animal, beef gullet stick, or a safe chew toy while in the crate. Puppies Love Stuffed Animals! Just like a human toddler… crying and whining is how puppies get attention. If you reward the behavior, your puppy will repeat it. You can quickly train your puppy to repeat negative behaviors just as easily as you can teach them to repeat positive behaviors.Remember every puppy is different. They just want out. Increase the time in the crate a few more minutes at a time. Stay calm yourself in your tone and body language. Repetitions is the key. Putting them in the crate and taking them back out, going outside for a potty break, back into the crate…doing this several times a day until it becomes second nature for you both. Puppy proofing where your puppy is going to be is crucial. Do not give them full access to your whole house until they can be trusted. Having the right size crate is KEY to success! Using the Crate Divider If the crate is too big… use the divider panels! You can either get a smaller crate and not worry about using the divider and then buy them a bigger crate once they grow out of it or start off with the bigger adult size one and then use the divider. My Standard size Doodles cuddle up together in one of their 48 inch size Midwest crates. For the medium and standard size puppies I recommend the 30 inch iCrate on Amazon Prime during crate training and for some into adulthood. Buy your crates on Amazon! Potty training will definitely take longer this way but it might be easier on your patience and your ears. You can also add a fake grass pad , potty pads or a litter box in the pen.

They were very spoiled, as they were the dogs of emperors. They were even guarded by soldiers! Some believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff ancestor of the Mastidoodle , but this has not been confirmed. During the s and early s, China began trading with European countries, and therefore Pugs were introduced to Europeans. They instantly became a big hit. They were common in royal households. William, Prince of Orange, even claims his beloved Pug saved his life by barking to signal the approach of the Spaniards. Pugs peaked in Europe during the Victorian era. After the Civil War, they were introduced to America. This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Additionally, the Pug Dog Club of American was founded in .Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. However, in the United States between the s and the s, there was a significant increase in breeding Poodles with other dogs. Pugapoos are not large dogs. On average, males are between inches in height and females are between inches in height. Males weigh between pounds and females weigh slightly less, between pounds. If the coat is more similar to the Pug, it will be lower maintenance and require less frequent brushing. The type of coat also dictates how often they should be bathed. If the Pugapoo has the longer, curly, Poodle-like coat, they should be bathed every three to six weeks. Are Pugapoos Hypoallergenic? Do Pugapoos Shed? Pugs are pretty heavy shedders, although Poodles are hypoallergenic and generally non-shedding. When mixed together, the shedding may be better controlled. However, when a mixed breed has only one hypoallergenic parent, it is impossible to guarantee that the offspring will be hypoallergenic. The only way to guarantee a hypoallergenic offspring is if both of the parents are hypoallergenic. The Pug Poodle mix averages about a year lifespan. Pugapoo Dog Breed Common Health Concerns: Although mixing breeds often minimizes health problems, there is still the potential for health problems to arise. Pugapoos have some potential health problems that you should be aware of. Some other potential concerns that warrant your attention include allergies, epilepsy, and brachycephalic syndrome. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. These dogs are considered highly intelligent, and adequate amounts of mental stimulation are important for them. This keeps them entertained and decreases the chances of them participating in destructive behavior. This dog may be slightly wary of new visitors, and will you give a bark or two to alert you to their presence. This friendly dog is usually great with children, although older children are preferable. Pugapoo Dog Breed Activity Requirements: Pugs are not considered very active dogs requiring much activity. Poodles, on the other hand, do require a significant amount of exercise due to their working past. Estimate dedicating around 45 minutes of your day to giving a Pug Poodle Mix a proper amount of exercise. This can be in the form of walks and trips to the dog park where they can romp with other dogs. As a puppy, a Pugpoo may require more exercise than just 45 minutes. Something to be cautious about with this breed is their bradycephalic condition. Their flat snout contributes to this and can have adverse effects on ability of the Poodle Pug mix to breathe properly, especially after physically exerting themselves. Additionally, be careful that the Pugapoo does not become overheated. Keep water nearby and always encourage frequent breaks. Photo courtesy of maya. Alternative Breeds to the Pug Poodle Mix. Gold Cream. Pugapoos are good house pets, and they tend to be easy to handle. This dog is a good family dog and handles children well, as they are playful. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners. The Pugapoo is a gentle, social, and intelligent dog with hints of whimsy in its character. This makes them a lot of fun but difficult to train. They are friendly to strangers and can get along well with other dogs, cats, and pets. They have some degree of separation anxiety as they enjoy being around people and other animals. Otherwise, they are relatively quiet. Seeing as they are playful and energetic, they can be difficult to train at first. The owner must exercise positive reinforcement when training to yield the best results. They are also easily potty trained. The Pugapoo has unique traits that are formed from being a hybrid of two different breeds. Give them some exercise, proper grooming, and a healthy diet, and you are good to go. They are also able to live in any type of environment. Just be careful of increased heat or cold temperatures and look out for panting, which is typically an indication of overheating. Exercising your Pugapoo The little bodies of the Pugapoo can store a lot of energy, which means the dog can be lively and active. Exercise is a good way to get some of that excess energy out of their bodies. A lengthy walk once a day would be an ideal amount of exercise. Playtime with their owners is also a great activity. Grooming: Are Pugapoos hypoallergenic? The difference in coats means that some Pugadoos can be quite hypoallergenic if they have a bit more fur like the poodle coat. However, Pugapoos with short fur are not known to be hypoallergenic. The various kinds of coats from Pugappoos mean that their grooming needs also vary. The Pugapoos might have to visit the parlor every six weeks at most, depending on their coat type. But they do require their teeth to be brushed at least once a day to prevent gum recession and wobbly teeth. Feeding a Pugapoo: What is their food consumption? Make sure that the food you are giving your Pugapoo is high-quality and that it is meant for dogs of the same size and level of energy. You can feed them twice a day with controlled portions as not to overfeed the dog. Instead, Pugapoo puppies should be eating food made for their growing bodies, which requires a lot of nutrients. What health problems does the Pug and Poodle Mix have? All dog breeds are susceptible to different health issues. Still, mix-breeds like a Pugapoo or a Goldendoodle are less likely to develop congenital conditions because of the larger gene pool than purebred dogs. Pugapoos do, however, still have the potential to develop some health conditions. Some signs that your Pugadoo has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are a worsening limp, stiffness in one or both rear limbs, licking or chewing at the hip area, muscle atrophy, and restlessness and aggression. Other health conditions Pugapoos are susceptible to are: Eye problems — mostly inherited. In general, it is a dog that is pretty affectionate, loyal and devoted, and makes a good apartment dog. They are gentle and sociable though, but have a hint of willfulness and whims in their character, making them relatively slow in responding to training. Hence, careful training is required since they would be willing to please their masters. Pugapoos generally bark less, but can turn up to be barkers if they take too much after their poodle parents. They are naturally playful and get along well with kids and other pets, but will never forget alarming their family members if they hear a strange noise or see a stranger around. The breed does not do well if kept alone for long periods of time. Care Exercise Being a high-energy breed, with quite a good amount of activity, the pugapoo will obtain its exercise it needs on its own. Since it is an indoor breed, it does not need a significant amount of space to stay active. For all these reasons, the little canine does not require lots of exercises. Take it out for a short daily walk, or even a jogging session. The playful pugapoo would enjoy playing flyball, rally and obedience games with you. This should also keep them healthy and sound both physically and mentally. Grooming Grooming your pugapoo completely depends on its coat type. Brushing them once a month should be enough to keep it clean. They need occasional trimming. But you must also remember that the curly version of the pugapoo sheds relatively lesser than the short, straight version. Clip the hair to avoid tousles. If you know how to clip it, you can use your skills else, you can well take your dog to the professional. Do not bathe your dog frequently or unnecessarily. Give it a shower only when its coat is really dirty. Health Problems As most dog lovers would know, the gene pool of the crossbreed dogs is much larger than the purebred ones, and hence, the former breed of dogs are not as susceptible to developing congenital problems as the latter. However, this does not necessarily mean that your dog is completely protective of all health hazards and issues. Keep an eye for general dog issues like hip dysplasia, eye, breathing and dental problems, allergies, neurological problems like Pug Dog Encephalitis, thyroid, hormonal disorders, etc. Training Begin training your puppies before they are 16 weeks old because it is this time when new faces are more acceptable to the pups. Teach them tricks and train them to socialize well, but do use positive reinforcement techniques like food rewards and praises. Pugapoo pups are sensible young ones, always eager to see you impressed, and they would learn to pick up training in no time. All you need is patience, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful companion. Its regular meals should comprise of regular high-quality foods that are meant for dogs of its size and the same level of energy. Interesting Facts Pugapoos enjoy being in the house, never outdoors. This breed does best in homes with older children who will treat them tenderly. Pugapoos that take much after their pug parents might be prone to snorting and snoring. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. This is the top recommended dog food for different types of small dog breeds. It contains 28 percent of protein, 16 percent of fat, 4 percent of fiber, and Omega-3 and Omega.It consists of small and bite-sized kibbles specifically for pugs, and it is made up of chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and corn. The shape of the kibbles is designed to aid the pugs with picking up the food since this dog has a short muzzle, making it difficult to eat. Orijen Adult Dog Food. This dog food is free of grain. It is made up of chicken, fish, turkey, and avocado, or approximately 80 percent of meat and 20 percent of vegetables and fruits. Avoderm Small Breed. This dog food is formulated for dogs that are 20 pounds and below only. It has percent of crude protein and 16 percent of crude fat, beef, and avocado. Small dogs that are obese should consider eating this dog food. It has no byproducts, no corn, wheat, and soy, and contains chicken meal. Whichever brand you settle on, you want to be sure it makes only the best dry dog food. Those formulas are not ridden with additives, by-products, preservatives, and artificial colorings that are typical of the worst dry dog food. Puppies have special nutritional requirements, so if you have one at home, make sure you only get them the best puppy food brands. Old dogs are also not excluded from special treatment. Give your loyal, elderly pup the best kind of chow for their age by following our best senior dry dog food guide. Feeding your Pug Poodle mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. It may not be the most energetic dog, but it can adapt to the lifestyle of the family. You should make at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes of playtime and mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Walking or Jogging. This activity is encouraged since it would quickly burn down the energy level of your dog. Playing fetch. This is another alternative to walking or jogging outside. It also encourages mental stimulation since it would eventually learn new commands and react to it. This is an effective method of molding the attitude of your dog into a pet-friendly animal. Not only does it learn how to socialize with other dogs, but also learn how to play with children. Trick training. There are various exercises that incorporate both physical and mental stimulation that is applied when teaching your dog to climb over an obstacle or jump over a fence. Pug Poodle Crossbreed Training Pug Poodle mixes are easily trainable once you get past its quite stubborn personality. If the dog is left untrained, it would have the tendency to jump up to people while being excited. Other times, the dog may become noisy and difficult to handle around strangers or guests at home. Here are some approaches to addressing these issues: Socialization. The Pug Poodle mix is a dog with a small pinch of attitude. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and make the necessary behavioral adjustments to please its owner. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Poodle Pugs and Families Pug Poodle mixes make one of the best family dogs out there. This is an adorable dog that loves nothing more than being at the center of attention. It needs constant attention and engagement with members of the family because it is eager to please. The Pug Poodle mix is very intelligent. Like its Poodle parent dog side, the dog can be taught several dog tricks and follow new commands with ease. Children would enjoy learning how to train the Pug Poodle puppy and appreciate its presence at home. This dog is also an ideal companion for people living in smaller spaces such as dorms and apartments. And because the dog should have constant companionship, it makes for ideal dogs for senior citizens or retirees who spend most of their days at home. Additionally, the Pug Poodle mix could adapt to different climates or temperatures. The Pug Poodle mix loves to fool around and play in its own way with its owner, so expect it to be noisy when it plays with you. The dog does well with other dogs and animals because of its social disposition. A Pug Poodle mix has a loving personality that makes it more than qualify as a special member of the family. Lifespan Sociability One big draw of the Pugapoo is their relatively low cost compared to either parent. Both the Pug and the Poodle are fully pedigreed breeds, accepted by the major canine organizations. This means that their puppies can get very expensive. Pugapoos, however, are a designer breed. As an alternative, you can check around at local shelters and see if there are any Pugapoo puppies available for adoption. Some Pugapoos Are Hypoallergenic One of the multitude of desirable traits displayed by the Poodle is their hypoallergenic fur. Allergies are a major deterrent that prevents many people from experiencing the joy and companionship of a lovely canine companion. Not all Pugapoos are hypoallergenic because offspring only inherit some traits from each parent. Their genetics may heavily favor one parent or the other, or they could possibly get nearly equal traits from both. They can be almost any color, usually a mixture of several. Moreover, they can range drastically in size, weight, and even temperament. You can have a litter of Pugapoos where each pup looks completely unique. This is actually quite common, with each puppy taking apparently random genetic cues from each parent. You could take two siblings from a litter that look like entirely different breeds of dog! They Prefer to Stay Indoors Some dogs are perfectly happy spending the majority of their time outside. In fact, some dogs are happier this way! But not the Pugapoo. This is an indoor dog through and through. Your dog will be very unhappy and will openly display its displeasure to let you know. Pugapoo pups tend to follow suit, generally displaying above-average levels of intelligence. These are also very playful and affectionate dogs. They want to be close to their person, playing together or cuddling up all the time. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A Pugapoo that has been around kids and other pets since it was young is going to be a very social dog that gets along well with just about everyone. Pugpoo Description The Pugapoo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Pug and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has a wonderful personality, was easy to train and is very loveable. She likes to sleep under the blankets like a human. She definitely does not have the Poodle fur at all. Jasmine's fur can been seen on the couch, carpet and on our shirts when we hold her, but it's fine, small hairs that we see, not big clumps like some dogs would leave behind. Notice how some of the puppies have Poodle-type coats which will not shed and some have Pug-type coats which may or may not shed. The pups with the Poodle coats you will have to take to the groomer to get clipped. The pups with the Pug coats may stay short and you may not have to get them clipped. However, this will not be certain until the pups grow up. Update: This is a picture of Rosco, one of the Pug-looking pups shown above, all grown up at about a year old. His owners say, "He is very unique. He doesn't have to be groomed, but when he is, his hair is vastly different. It is softer, lighter and doesn't shed. They are fun and loving and make great pets! In this guide, we will discuss the characteristics of Pugapoos, their temperament, price in Australia, dietary needs, and everything else you need to know about this cute little designer dog. What is a Pugapoo? Two adorable and smart dog breeds, namely the Pug and a Poodle, give us the sweet and loving Pugapoo. These heavily wrinkled dogs were bred to be lapdogs for royalty and are one of the ancient dog breeds from China. Pugs are toy dogs but despite their small size, they are quite strong. Poodle Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs popular for their low-shedding, water-resistant coats and high intelligence. They were the most popular dogs from .They are also consistently second on the list of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Their country of origin is Germany where they were bred for duck hunting. Origin of the Pugapoo Pugapoos and other hybrid or crossbreed dogs have always existed since the dawn of time. However, breeders started studying the science of crossbreeding only in the s since more and more potential dog parents were looking for a compact, smart, low-shedding, and highly trainable dog. Around this time, the popularity of Doodle breeds crossbred dogs having one Poodle parent also escalated. Poodles were ideal for crossing with other popular dog breeds thanks to their high intelligence and low-shedding coats. The Pugapoo is a small, compact dog that combines the fun-loving attitude of both parent breeds. Pugapoos are not purebred dogs so there is no standardisation as far as their height and weight are concerned. Also, some breeders use Miniature Poodles in their breeding program while others use Toy Poodles. In general, most Pugapoos weigh between lb. The coat and appearance of a Pugapoo are also dependent on complex canine genetics. Some Pugapoos inherit the wrinkled short coat and characteristic black face mask of a Pug while others might inherit the tight, curly coat of the Poodle. If the Pug genes are dominant in your Pugapoo, then it might shed heavily and that could trigger allergies in people that are sensitive to dog dander. The common coat colours seen in Pugapoos are black, white, cream, tan, merle, apricot, fawn, blue, silver, etc. Pugapoos are hybrid dogs with dual personalities: your pet will be content to lie on the sofa by your side all day but it will also be active, playful, and cheerful from time to time. The Pugapoo is a charming dog that will win friends and influence people with its smartness, pleasant disposition, and cute looks. Being compact in size, Pugapoos are excellent pets for apartment dwellers. They also do well in the city and countryside and thanks to these advantages, we are sure the popularity of this rare designer dog breed will rise in the years to come. Your Pugapoo puppy will be completely focused on you. As a pet owner, you can take advantage of this fact and begin training your dog early on. This not only includes potty training but also obedience training. The sooner you teach your Pugapoo basic manners and simple commands such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, etc. Your Pugapoo will follow you from room to room and stick close to you like a shadow. Their strong people-pleasing skills combined with a stable temperament make Pugapoos excellent companions for adults and mature kids alike. Your pup will even be willing to wear clothes and march in just-for-dog show events if that pleases you! Just like in any breed, there can be a range of temperaments in the Pugapoo. Some could be shy, introverted, and even aggressive. However, these traits can be reduced through proper training and early socialisation. However, when you buy your dog from a reputable breeder, you can insist on meeting the dam and sire. Ensure they are of friendly, calm and loving disposition so your chances of getting a friendly Pugapoo puppy will be higher. Fortunately, it is very rare to find a snappy Pugapoo. They are generally sweet-natured and affectionate dogs. On rare occasions your Pugapoo bites will be out of self-defense, therefore, you must make sure your children respect your Pugapoo. A well-trained Pugapoo will gladly accompany you to work, shopping malls, and even restaurants, and movie theatres. They are easy to travel with and their compact size and love for people make them excellent therapy dogs and service dogs. Training a Pugapoo is fairly easy given its smartness and people-pleasing nature. You can always keep your puppy motivated using tasty treats but do note that these small dogs tend to gain weight fast. So make sure to only use low-calorie, natural treats for training. Pugapoos make excellent pets for most people — individuals and families. However, they do have certain needs that you must fulfil. Pugapoos are fairly easy to groom but if your pet has wrinkled skin and a squashed-in face like a Pug, then it will need special care. The wrinkles tend to accumulate oil, debris, and moisture which can result in skin infections. You need to clean these skin folds daily. Also, Pugapoos are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome like their Pug parent. This causes overheating or difficulty in breathing as well as issues like stenotic nares. You must take care not to over-exert your pet, particularly on hot Summer days. In Australia, some dogs also need surgical correction to reduce breathing difficulties. Like all dogs, the Pugapoo needs daily exercise. Thankfully, these dogs do not need as much as some of the larger and more energetic poodle mix breeds. A short walk or two a couple of times a day should be adequate for your Pug-Doodle. How Much Does a Pugapoo Cost? Some breeders might charge more if the parent dogs are championship, agility or obedience winners. Certain coat colours also cost more. In addition to the initial cost, you must also consider the monthly and annual costs of keeping a Pugoodle. You will spend on food, vet bills, training, grooming, pet insurance, etc. Pugapoo Barking The Pugapoo will usually only bark when there is something strange in their environment. Being a small poodle mix breed, a common behaviour problem can be barking and this can be problematic when it occurs at night or when the Pugadoodle is left alone Separation Anxiety. To help prevent your Pugapoo from barking, crate training should be undertaken when they are brought home. Crate training teaches your dog to be comfortable being independent of you and represents a safe place where they can have uninterrupted rest. Similarly, Pugapoos are smart dogs that require mental stimulation. A bored Pugapoo can be a loud barker and the way to stop the barking is to provide interactive toys like Stuffed Kongs, food puzzles, snuffle mats, licky mats and long-lasting chew treats. Is a Pugapoo Hypoallergenic? First-generation Pugapoos are the result of crossing a Pug with a Toy Poodle. The resultant Pugapoo puppies usually have a wire coat, that sheds less than their pug parent. F1b generation Pugapoos have a Pugapoo and a Poodle parent. Ethical Poodle mix breeders DNA test their breeding dogs for coat traits like furnishings and shedding genes. Such breeders have a greater insight into whether their Pug cross puppies will grow to be Hypoallergenic when fully grown. What to Feed a Pugapoo? Small dogs like Pugapoos need more calories per pound than large breed dogs, because of their high metabolisms. In addition to higher metabolic rates, they also have low body fat reserves. Due to this, they could suffer from hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include lethargy, muscle tremors, etc. Therefore, you must feed calorie-dense meals to your Pugapoo puppy times a day while adult Pugapoos can be fed times a day or as advised by your vet. Like all small dogs, Pugapoos are susceptible to dental issues since they have small mouths with crowded teeth. Bacteria tend to remain trapped in their teeth, especially at the back of the mouth. Remember that Pugapoos love food and will gladly eat whatever you set in front of them. Health Issues in Pugapoos Due to the overall unhealthy structure of a Pug, many Pug mixes including Pugapoos tend to suffer from similar health issues seen in the parent breed. Of importance is the Brachycephalic Syndrome mentioned earlier. Their flattened facial structures could result in breathing issues. What is the Life Expectancy for a Pugapoo? The average lifespan of healthy Pugapoos is around 13 years. 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Menu Welcome to Dry Creek Poodles. We are two sisters specializing in raising beautiful, pure-bred Standard and Toy Poodles. Our families have raised Poodles in Central Valley for over 25 years and know that both the Standard and Toy Poodle make a perfect friend and companion. Our goal is to produce healthy and sound Poodle puppies with wonderful temperaments. We do extensive health testing on all of our breeding dogs, and take extra measures to promote the health and well being of our pups. Click here for more info. We strive to produce pups that will be the perfect family companions. Poodles might be known for being show dogs, but this breed is very versatile. The Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and retrieval but we have also found that the Standard and Toy Poodles make wonderful Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and thrive in many types of environments from living in the city in an apartment to running free in wide open country. And as they love to run, make great jogging partners! This breed is very intelligent, eager to please, wonderful with children, and make great watchdogs as well! If you're looking for a Standard Poodle Puppy for sale, look no further! For more information call If you are looking for adorable, sweet, and loyal standard poodles in San Francisco Bay, CA, and surrounding areas, Acqua Standard Poodles is the perfect option. We are a standard poodle breeder and we pride ourselves on the beautiful poodles that we have for sale. Whether you want a new member of your growing family, or if you want a loyal companion, we have the perfect poodle for you! Standard Poodles We raise our poodle puppies in a loving, caring environment, so you can rest assured that they are well socialized and as healthy as can be. We test the health of each and every parent, and all of our puppies are sired by champions. No matter which puppy you choose to bring home, you will always get a great quality poodle. These poodles are sociable and loving companions. These traits make them ideal as a new member of your family. Not only are our standard poodles great as a new addition to any family, but thanks to their elite bloodline that spans multiple generations, they are also perfect for dog shows. And if you are a hunter, a standard poodle from us will make an excellent hunting dog as they were originally bred to retrieve hunted birds for their owners long ago. To learn more, browse our current puppies for sale, or contact us by calling today. You may also send us an email at Francinekpassa aol. As a breeder my passion is to create healthy, socialized and beautiful puppies for companion or for the show ring! Champion sired puppies and health tested parents. Excellent bloodlines going back many generations producing excellent Standard Poodle puppies for sale. A Furever Friend The natural qualities of Standard Poodles is they fun with kids, adorable snugglers and great hunting dogs. They were first bred to retrieve fowl centuries ago in France and Germany. Frequently Asked Questions Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question. Do Poodles Shed? Poodles do not shed like many other dogs. Are Poodles good with Children? Poodles are wonderful around Children. How often do Poodles need grooming? However, it depends on the trim. Daily brushing is required to keep hair from matting. Question Add an answer to this item. It was the French, however, who honored the Poodle at home, in court circles and on the battlefields thus earning the dog the popular, but incorrect title, "French Poodle. Poodles are highly intelligent and learn very quickly, are adaptable and have a good sense of humor. They come in three varieties sizes , many colors, do not shed, and are tolerated by many allergy suffers. With so many wonderful qualities, it is easy to understand why the Poodle has so many admirers. They are ideal for those individuals who prefer a larger dog, anywhere from about pounds can be pounds. The Miniature Poodle is a sturdy size but small enough for apartment living and large enough to be a rough and tumble child's companion. The Miniature Poodle is also very intelligent, learns quickly and thrives on all the same activities as the Standard Poodle. It is popular with apartment owners, retired people who enjoy traveling with their pet, people who want a lap warmer and those who just prefer a small dog. By definition, the Toy Poodle should not be taller than 10 inches at the shoulders and about pounds. The Toy Poodle is not an appropriate pet in a home with young children. While just as active as its Standard and Miniature relatives it is still small enough to warrant adult supervision when little children are near. Once you own one you will never want anything other than a Poodle. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are a small kennel, located in the gold country of Northern California, a short drive from beautiful San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. We breed and and raise red standard poodle puppies. Our focus is on health and companionship, with the goal to improve the breed, but also to breed sweet pups with temperaments calm enough and suitable for service and therapy dog certification. Our puppies are born in our home, in their own personal puppy room, which by the way is right off our great room and kitchen, in the heart of our home and we are there for the entire whelping process. When the puppies are old enough, they are exposed to any and all sights, smells and sounds that are needed to properly socialize a puppy. One of our goals is for each and every puppy to meet at least 50 different people before they even go to their forever homes. Plus our research has brought us to the realization that over vaccination and early spay and neuter could be shortening the lives of our beloved canines. Therefore we encourage a minimal vaccine protocol and do not encourage spay and neuter until after our beautiful puppies are fully grown. We hope you enjoy exploring our web pages and drop downs that follow, and as you can tell, we are transparent in every aspect of our raising and socialization of these precious puppies. Through pictures, videos, and our 'closed-private' FB group where we post at least one video each and every day of every litters life here at our poodle plantation , and personal visits you can fully see each and every aspect of our breeding program. Now how many breeders can say that. Before there were no red standard poodles. Yes there were reds in the miniature and toy varieties but not the standard size. In the standards there were Apricots. I feel Janet made the greatest impact on the red standard poodles as we know them today. Following are a few kennels that have made a mark on the red standard poodle. Palmares Kennel. Janet Blannin who was Key in the development of the Red color in the standard poodle size passed away .Although the Palmares name lives on. Shangri-la kennel. Ilse Kong passed away in October of .Majestic kennel. Joan Mistkowski started with Shangri-la reds. She passed away in , her daughter took over the kennel and she too passed away in Minarets poodles. Ester Underkofler still breeds, shows, and titles her poodles in among other things agility and obedience proving that standards are more than pretty faces. Leatherstocking kennel. Barbara and Stratfod Deitch were successful in breeding top show quality standard poodles as well as therapy dogs. At this time there are many breeders trying to breed the ever beautiful deep red standard poodles that are conformationally sound enough to show, sweet enough to be therapy dogs, and smart enough to be hunters. I would like to think that my small kennel will do all that and more. COM bottom of page. Puppies expected Spring , we are very excited to produce quality puppies. AKC Standard Poodles raised in a wonderful home environment. Socialized with adults, children, and other animals! We strive to breed for correct structure, to preserve the breed, health, and temperament. The puppies are worked with daily to produce happy, confident puppies with great temperaments from day one when they are born and we are there with them. Puppies are exposed to many things to help desensitize them so they will be confident dogs. They are born and raised in the house. We start grooming at three weeks, and nails cut every 3 days. We use the early neurological stimulation and the early scent intro. Tails are docked long and dew claws removed. Worming and vacnataions per age. A vet check with a health check certificate at 8 weeks old. Our dogs are shown in UKC, and are part of the family. I take them to agility classes for fun and we go on hikes and outings. Of course Standard Poodles don't shed or smell and make great pets. .Brushing required They are very intelligent and eager to please. Puppies are sold with a limited registration unless discussed. Important information for families already on our list or those considering getting a Cabernet Puppy. Cabernet Puppy Placement Procedure Although this topic is included on our FAQ page, we feel it is important enough that we want to have it clearly explained in a little more detail. Every breeding we plan and do is with the hope of getting our next show puppy. When the puppies are close to ten weeks old, we make our choice of which pup or puppies we plan to keep. Next, we begin mentally matching the others with their potential owners. Scott and I are very experienced in this and it is we who make the decision where each puppy will go. We have many, many Cabernet families that can attest to the fact that having us do the matching really works. That is one reason why we have so many of them returning for another Cabernet Poodle. There are several factors that go into this process. It is very interesting to us that puppies inherit not only physical traits from certain dogs in their ancestry, but they also often inherit particular behavior or personality traits. Some will fit in best in a quiet household where it is the only dog. Others will always be more active and adventuresome, wanting a life where a lot is going on. Are there children in the home and if so, what ages? Have you had a Poodle before? Do you want a dog to go running with you? To visit nursing homes? Do you want a dog that can get along with your other dogs? The more you tell us about yourself, the easier it is for us to choose the right puppy for you. We encourage you to stay in touch throughout the process and beyond. Knowing you and your lifestyle helps us choose the puppy we feel will make a great match but we want you to get to know us too. We plan on being an ongoing resource for you for the lifetime of your Poodle. They all are very easy to love! It is at that time that we ask for a deposit. If you have a specific sex or color that you are requesting and we do not have it once the puppies are born, your deposit will be refunded. You can always choose to wait or not wait for the next litter. If you choose not to wait we will happily refer you to other reputable breeders. We want the same thing you want: Good Temperaments and Health. It is important to us that we feel confident that the boys we choose to breed to have the same wonderful temperaments our girls do. How We Nurture Our Puppies It is important to us that the pups we place have the best psychological start in life that we can give them. From their first day until their eyes and ears open, we are constantly holding them so that they become comfortable with the touch of human hands. When they begin to see and hear, they are introduced to many new sights and sounds. So they become accustomed to all the sounds and sights of daily living. By the time the puppies are weeks old, we begin taking them on short field trips to experience new sounds, sights and places. We also begin to have a constant stream of friends and children come to socialize the pups. We encourage and extend invitations to all prospective families to come and play with all the puppies. We believe that all of this makes our puppies feel more confident when they go out into the world and become wonderful companions for their families. You will learn more about our process of raising the puppies and matching them to our prospective families. Rather than asking prospective buyers to fill out an online application, we prefer a more personal contact by hearing from you whether by email or a phone call and when possible a visit to your home and a visit from you to our home. We want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us and our doggie kids. If you should get one of our Cabernet puppies we will always remain a support for you for the lifetime of your Poodle. We are always complimented when people choose Cabernet. If we are your choice, please feel free to contact us for the details at cabpudel gmail. We know that prospective puppy buyers have many questions that need to be answered before they make the decision to buy a puppy from a particular breeder. Enjoy watching these PhotoShows of some of our Cabernet puppies. We have answers. Many factors affect the price of Poodles. Breeder experience, size, and coat color all play a role in how much a puppy will cost. When searching for Poodles in the Uptown network, you will be matched with pups closest to where you are and also closest to your price range. Do your breeders arrange travel for San Francisco Poodles out of state? The breeders and businesses in our network have plenty of experience in transporting puppies to their new homes, even when they have to cross state lines. What is the screening process for miniature Poodle breeders in San Francisco? Our strict screening process checks for breeder experience, facility quality, and ethical practices. Breeders who make it through the screening eventually take our legally binding Breeder Pledge. Uptown Puppies wants to help loving families meet ethical breeders who will introduce them to their dream Poodle puppy. Unlike other online marketplaces where puppy mills and backyard breeders can participate freely, Uptown works hard to keep the network free from dishonest businesses. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle San Francisco? Puppy mills are the complete opposite of honest breeders. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies in San Francisco for sale now? Excited to welcome a Poodle puppy into your home? What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies San Franciso? The biggest difference between these Poodles is the size. Regardless of type, all Poodles are incredibly intelligent and possess a biddable temperament that makes them very easy to train for a variety of purposes.