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Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Massachusetts Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Massachusetts? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Massachusetts? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Welcome to "Nichols White Goldens" So happy that all the puppies have found their new loving families! Stay tuned for news and future litters! Please check the About Us section to learn more. Amesbury Police Department On behalf of Chief Craig Bailey, the Amesbury Police Department is proud to announce that after months of hard work Whittier has been officially certified as the departments first Therapy Dog! Our business began over a life time of love and knowledge for the Golden breed. We are a family of experienced breeders with a reputation for quality, healthy Golden Retrievers. Our dogs are calm tempered and know for their handsome looks. The Golden Retriever breed is renowned for its easy training style and dedication to its owner and families. Our English Creams range in color from light golden, to pure white, a very rare color. Our pups have been featured in Pets Edge professional sales catalog, veterinarian publications and Boston area news. Amesbury Police welcome therapy dog! Always a treat to see long lost puppies all grown up! More Family Photos.

Whilst all dogs are unique, German Shepherds are certainly on my list of the more hyperactive breeds… and if you own one, you might be wondering when your German Shepherd is ever going to calm down. Are German Shepherds calm dogs? I would say German Shepherds are not calm as a sweeping generalisation. This is primarily because they are bred to be working dogs, which means they are literally built for chasing, catching, herding and other high levels of athletic activity. This means that naturally, German Shepherds have a lot more energy than your average dog and, as a result, are a lot more hyperactive and quite low down on the calm scale. When do German Shepherd puppies calm down? When a German Shepherd reaches the one year old, you should expect them to calm down a lot over the subsequent 6 to 12 months. Although your German Shepherd may continue to be hyper after two years, it will never be to the same extent of them in their adolescent age. Again, this is a generalisation. Their hyperactivity peaks and troughs throughout their life, so below is a rough guide: 2 to 4 months At this age, your German Shepherd will be very excited and fascinated by everything. It will have a lot of pent-up energy, so it is important that they have plenty of opportunity to healthily release it via exercise or playtime. If not, you risk instilling harmful behaviour patterns. Yes, your German Shepherd will still appear more hyper than the average dog at this time, and this is because the gap between the physical and the mental development is most pronounced. But, with patience and plenty of means to healthily expel of excess energy, you can feel assured that at this stage, your German Shepherd will calm down considerably. They will still have their moments, but at this point they will ideally have an established routine and exercise regime that keeps their energy levels at bay. When they get to this age, they will be a lot more inclined to relax and snooze as opposed to charging around, but you should still keep up with their exercise. A lack of physical and mental stimulation As we have seen from the above, the key to controlling a hyperactive German Shepherd is routine — this can have a huge calming effect. Their routine should involve plenty of exercise that not only challenges their body and keeps them from getting overweight , but stimulates their mind too. Hyper German Shepherd, what to do? Give them plenty of exercise! The same can be said, in turn, for a lack of mental stimulation. German Shepherds, as hunting hounds, are incredibly intelligent creatures. There are many easy ways to mentally stimulate your dog, such as teaching them tricks and commands or providing them with interactive toys where they have to work for their treats. They just need to be challenged in order to calm down. A lack of attention All dogs need love, and German Shepherds are especially affectionate, widely renowned for their good temperament and status as the ideal family dog. However, hyperactivity alone is not a symptom of hyperkinesis. Other symptoms of hyperkinesis include: Attention seeking behaviour. Short attention spans. Impulsive nature. There are several steps you can take in order to tackle that behaviour in a positive, long-term manner. Teach your German Shepherd tricks: it will make them more disciplined, occupy their mind and provide them with some much-needed mental stimulation. Offer them breaks from playing: and provide them with an area to retreat as mentioned, German Shepherds struggle to self-regulate, so encouraging them to rest and giving them an area to associate with relaxation helps them to learn to develop healthy boundaries. Make their exercise more challenging: when on walks, trying using an extended lead so they are free to run, or maybe set up some jumps or hoops in your yard to encourage their inner athlete! Reassess their current routine: as mentioned above, if your German Shepherd seems unusually hyperactive, you should ask yourself whether they are getting the appropriate amount of physical and mental exercise. German Shepherds thrive on routine, so if they are getting less than what is recommended, the simple answer to is up their activity and make a new routine! More on this in the next section. Did You Know? There are certain characteristics in the GSD breed that make them the best police dogs. Do German Shepherds calm down after neutering? It will depend on the age they get neutered, and what behaviours they might have already learned to enjoy. A German Shepherd with no testosterone can display some subtle behavioural changes. This can lead to behavioural issues such as: Increased aggression. Mar 10, German shepherd dogs are an active breed. If you live with one, you know what we mean. As working dogs, they are high energy and have lots of brain power, too. And even then, as long as they have the ability, they still love to have fun and play well into their senior years. Since German shepherds were bred to work all day, they have lots of stamina. Built for herding and guarding livestock, they have plenty of energy to burn. They can easily get destructive, frustrated, develop anxieties, and even get depressed. Bored German shepherds are unfulfilled, unhappy dogs. The age a German shepherd begins to slow down is unique to the individual dog. The energy level expended in these sessions will lessen as the dog ages, their physical condition declines, or they develop orthopedic problems, etc. By the time a German shepherd reaches 8 — 10 years old, they are usually content to play, roam around the yard, go for a short walk, enjoy the outdoors, or go for a car ride. Taking them out for several short sessions several times a day is better than 1 — 2 long sessions. Some experts suggest exercising your puppy 5 minutes for each month of age several times per day. So, if your puppy is 4 months old, you would go for a minute walk several times a day rather than one power walk for an hour. Training Training your puppy will also help tire them out. You can also burn off energy by reinforcing training throughout the day. By doing things like having your puppy sit and wait for food, sit at the door before they go outside, or sit before you hand them a toy, you can work in the type of training that will also help calm them down. By exposing your puppy to new people, places, scents, noises, and animals, you will help them grow up into a confident dog that is free from fear and anxiety while burning up some of that puppy energy. Things like stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, chew toys, snuffle mats, games, problem-solving like finding treats , scented toys, and more are all fun and help burn off steam so they can relax. Teach your Puppy to Relax or Settle Down Did you know you can also teach your puppy to relax and settle down? But, at the end of the day, your puppy can learn to chill out for a while. You can do this by marking calm behavior with a verbal command. Other tips for calming a high-energy puppy include: Crate training Confining to an exercise pen Mental games, such as sniffing and finding things Treat dispensing toys Switching out toys Calming the environment To recap, German shepherds, are working dogs that have lots of energy. They will be active from the day they come home and remain so well into their adult years years old. The age they begin to slow down depends upon the dog, their overall health, breeding, drive, etc. You can expect your adult dog to start becoming calmer around 6 years old. But even senior dogs continue to enjoy activities that they are physically able to do. After all those needs are met, you can teach your puppy how to relax and be calm. We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. If a hyper dog gives you anxiety, it could make your dog even more agitated. Some of the things you can do to signal your calm demeanor are as follows: Lower your voice — Speaking in a low baritone makes your calmness more noticeable to a German Shepherd. Minimize physical movement — Do not wave your arms or move too much when getting your GSD to calm down. Your physical stillness can inspire internal peace in your dog. The goal of you being calm and showing it to your German Shepherd is to get him to control the excess energy. But if you do this step right, step 2 will be safer. In either case, your dog is not in an ideal state to exercise around the public. As long as you have a backyard, you can let the German Shepherd Dog run around, exhaust at least some of his pent-up energy, and then take him on a long walk. But if you have the German Shepherd as an apartment dog and neglect his exercise, getting him to calm down safely can be rough. Look into getting him a physically engaging dog toy and let him play with it while you sit next to him, calm as a cucumber. Do Not Reward Hyper Behavior German Shepherd puppies are cute and manageable, making owners inadvertently condition them to be hyper. When you come back home, your dog is likely to be excited. Your puppy might jump on you, and you might pat him. This transaction rewards the dog for being hyper, reinforcing the behavior. And as the puppy grows, you have to reckon with the consequences of having a large dog trained to be over-energetic. Treat your German Shepherd puppy as a fully grown large dog when setting boundaries. And regardless of whether your GSD is a puppy or an adult, you can always start holding back on rewarding behavior when the dog is hyper. Usually, attention is the unintentional reward humans give when a dog is hyper. To avoid rewarding a German Shepherd for being too energetic, you should ignore him when he starts acting up. Reward the Dog With Attention For Being Calm If you ignore your German Shepherd unless he is barking or displaying hyper behavior, you might unintentionally incentivize him to be more excitable. Even negative attention can be satisfying to a GSD that is usually ignored. And when a large dog crosses a certain threshold of hyperactivity, you cannot afford to ignore it. When All Else Fails: Use Calming Products As mentioned earlier, rewarding the dog while progressively getting calmer can instill the importance of being relaxed in your canine. If all of the previous natural techniques fail, you can try calming products. Usually, these products are meant to help the dog feel less anxious around loud noises like thunder or fireworks or help with separation anxiety and travel sickness. Some of the most effective calming products on Amazon for GSDs are: Zesty Paws Calming Dog Chews — Calming chews work unbelievably on German Shepherds because they have over 40x the scent perception capacity as humans. These soft chews help with hyperactive and aggressive behavior. It releases oxytocin and helps the dog calm down when it is anxious. This study of 32 dogs found that aromatherapy diffused lavender odor for canine travel-induced excitement calmed the dogs down. Speak with a low baritone voice and drawn-out words to soothe the dog and reward him for calming down. You may use products like a calming jacket, scent, or calming chews if needed. Above all, the most healthy way to calm your GSD is to spend time with him and give him plenty of exercise to exhaust that excess energy. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd to tire them out so you can stop feeling worn out and stressed? So, how do they do it? They use essential dog skills, which you can learn easily right here. Below, I will show you exactly how to exhaust a German Shepherd even a puppy to not only tire them out… But to calm them down, too. German Shepherds have one of the highest exercise needs and are considered not only athletic but highly intelligent. These two traits, coupled together, make for a breed that may seem hyper and overactive. Some might even refer to their dog as having ADHD. Instead, they probably need a more creative daily routine to help them meet their breed-specific needs. Can you teach your German Shepherd how to be calm? Calm is hard to train a German Shepherd to perform on command. Being calm is a learned behavior that takes time to master and requires daily interaction and ongoing training to perfect. How to Exhaust a German Shepherd Learning how to tire out and exhaust a German Shepherd is a process that you can learn. But it does require time, effort, and grit. Stick with the program for a few months to see the best effects. Your German Shepherd is a well-muscled athlete whose body structure is designed for endurance. Think you can outrun and outdistance your German Shepherd? Never forget that your dog is first and foremost an athlete and must be challenged regularly and exercised in a variety of ways daily. Instead of focusing on walking your German Shepherd, consider all of the options you can introduce to your working breed dog. Follow these steps for a rounded exercise plan: For puppies, let them enjoy off-leash exploration in your yard or use a long line leash in a safe area and encourage them to explore at least 20 minutes daily For adults, try hill walking to increase muscle, or using fallen logs, tree stumps, and other natural obstacles and having your dog move around and jump over them to improve coordination and balance Find a physical game your dog loves, such as tug, and play it for an extra 15 minutes in the morning and evening Offer them mind games, described below, to have them use up their mental energy Find new activities to enjoy together with your German Shepherd, such as backyard agility or dog parkour You can create a breed-based exercise program that includes a variety of physical movements, like the German Shepherd exercise routine found here , to help you learn new exercises that engage your dog. When they master one of the mind games, you can increase the difficulty with a different and harder challenge. Exhausting their mind through mental challenges encourages calm, thoughtful play. Playing mind games also includes: reduces boredom are great for small spaces are perfect for bad weather days increase confidence and problem-solving skills Mental stimulation and mental exercise are best played 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes each session. Add in a mental enrichment session in the morning before you leave for the day and after their last walk to help calm them down for the evening. Wondering what mind games your dog will like? Or, how about learning how to play these fun mind games for German Shepherds to reduce boredom? You can always find new toys your German Shepherd will love for some exciting games together! Step 3: Let them sniff to calm themselves. Are you guilty of pulling your German Shepherd along on their leash outside, rushing them through the routine, and hurrying them along? Did you know that sniffing is exhausting work for your German Shepherd because they have to mentally process the source of the smell? Compared to the meager 5 million olfactory receptors in our human nose, German Shepherds have around million scent receptors source! Sniff to Calm Routine Try adding in more time to simply let your dog sniff and enjoy the smells around them. Try this sniffing routine to help calm a hyper German Shepherd: Set aside at least 15 minutes of your walk for sniffing. You can split this time during the beginning, middle, or end of the walk as you see fit. You can even visit a new path or trail to allow your dog to follow their nose for different scents. If you want to let your dog off-leash to sniff but keep them safe and close, then consider using a long line leash that allows your German Shepherd to sniff around freely while staying safe and nearby. Step 4: Encourage appropriate daily chewing. Chewing is actually beneficial to hyper, overexcited German Shepherds that need to calm down. Kong toys to the rescue! When they become too hyper, focus their attention on the Kong toy. I love to keep multiple stuffed Kong toys in my freezer. Freezing the Kongs increases the time it takes for my German Shepherd to earn her meal, so she stays calmer for longer, and working for her food tires her out. Feed your German Shepherd from a Kong toy for at least 1 of their daily meals to give them an outlet for their hyper energy. This is one of the daily essentials that I use to help exhaust my German Shepherd. Kong toys for German Shepherds are an essential item when tiring out your dog. The guide not only shows the most durable Kong toys, so you spend less money, but also the exact ways to use the Kong to prevent and lessen unwanted behavior issues. If you want an even more chewing variety, then choose from this list of German Shepherd Toys for Bored Chewers. Step 5: Build and practice new tricks and training skills. Or, do they only know their commands inside the house? Do you train your German Shepherd daily? Spend at least 10 minutes a day, preferably broken up into smaller minute fragments spread throughout the day, working on polishing up their old skills and learning new tricks. If you need a refresher on the basics, you can get step-by-step instructions here: German Shepherd beginner obedience at home. Even more tiring for your German Shepherd? Take them to different, safe areas on a leash, work on what they know, and see how well they perform. Start in your home, then try different rooms, in the backyard, front yard, or while on your daily walks. You can then see what you can polish up or add to their skill set. The German Shepherd is a dog built for endurance, athleticism, and tireless work. Every week, you add just a few more minutes of running to your routine. The same is true for trying to tire your German Shepherd through physical exercise alone. What adding more exercise does is simply build a more powerful and athletic German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd is more than a well-oiled athletic machine. Give all their senses a workout to truly tire out your German Shepherd. The best way to exhaust a German Shepherd depends on their age, health, and unique personality. But, as a general rule, you can use the following exercise formula to help you exhaust and tire out your German Shepherd. Adult healthy German Shepherds need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise, but most adult German Shepherds do best with minutes of exercise, split throughout the day. This time should include about 15 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity, such as tug or off-leash running. Also, include at least 15 to 30 minutes of mental activity and brain training, a daily chewing session preferably with a food-filled frozen Kong. And last but definitely NOT least, set aside 15 to 20 minutes of your day or longer to enjoy one-on-one time with your German Shepherd to help them bond with you. Exhausting and tiring out your German Shepherd means a complete and balanced routine that you perform daily over a long period of time. Consider that your German Shepherd puppy might not need you to exhaust them if they seem too hyper and wound up. Puppies need lots of sleep and rest and may act wild, crazy, and uncontrollable when what they really need is a quiet place to rest and get a nap. Always give your puppy the opportunity to find a place where they can rest, away from the bustle of the family. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have had success feeding their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or beds when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them to tire while in their resting place. Try giving your hyper German Shepherd puppy a frozen Kong to help with teething and give them an outlet for their hyper energy or a way to help calm themselves and drift off to sleep. Running your puppy while their bones are not fully fused can cause lifelong damage and put them in pain. Your German Shepherd puppy needs the right amount and type of exercise for their age. Examples of good exercise for German Shepherd puppies include: playing with other dogs and puppies of similar energy levels while supervised self-directed play indoors and out in safe areas short walks that gradually lengthen over time, preferably on grass As your puppy grows, you can slowly introduce more activities, such as going up and down stairs, jumping onto soft surfaces, and swimming. Try the following routine when looking for safe exercises for your German Shepherd puppy. The workouts listed in the post work on the essential physical movements your puppy needs to master while protecting his or her soft joints. There are more fun games to tire out your German Shepherd here you might miss out on! A properly stuffed and frozen food-filled Kong can keep a dog busy for minutes or more while tiring out their minds. And puzzle games will provide your German Shepherd with a way to work out when the weather is less than ideal to release some of their energy and improve their problem-solving skills. In other words: Tiring out and calming a German Shepherd requires a healthy balance of both mind and body exercise. Knowing how to exhaust a German Shepherd means thinking smarter, not harder. Spend time not only with physical movements but also with mental enrichment, as well as their innate desire to chew and sniff. While it takes some time to see the benefits of adding these tips into your daily life, the new routine will give you more freedom with your German Shepherd and help prevent annoying behaviors. They might seem tired the first few days, but German Shepherds have extraordinary athletic abilities and are known for their quickness to adapt. The end result of all your running and jogging? A German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything, even being calm. How awesome is that? Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Engaging in rougher play than usual. Excessive barking, yipping and snarling. Even in hyperactive ways. To stop this bad behavior, curb it as soon as they display it. Try doing it when you come home. If they jump at you, turn away from them. Then walk away. Another scenario to ignore their bad behavior is meal time. You know how it is most of the time. They may knock the bowl out of your hand and scatter food everywhere. Frustrating, right? Use meal times to teach them manners and self-control. As soon as they jump all over you, go back to what you were doing. Ignore them until they calm down. Wait a few seconds, then go back to the dog food. If they display the same behavior, ignore them again and wait until they calm down. If you have reached the part of pouring the food before they jump, put the bowl out of reach. Then go back to what you were doing and ignore them. Repeat until you can give the food without them jumping all over. You can do this for other bad behaviors such as excessive barking. Follow the same steps above. Or, you can teach them to sit and wait for their food. Do this when they have calmed down from jumping and barking. Their meal would serve as their reward. Can you imagine all 80 pounds 36 kilos of them jumping all over you? Your German Shepherd puppy is not far from that. Would it make them hyper again? One of my friends owns a dog named Oreo. She was worried that rewarding Oreo with attention might make the dog jump at her. She tried it on Oreo, and the dog simply looked at her with the tongue out. The dog even calmly lay down for a belly rub. If it worked on this dog, you can try doing it on your own dog. Reward them with attention and see if your dog remains calm. I do not guarantee that they will always remain calm. But if they become hyper in response, go back to tip 1. Aside from attention, you can also reward them with treats. Note: A calm dog is a happy dog. Your dog can do this up to twice a day until they are fully grown. For example, 3-month old pups can take a minute walk. Or you can divide it to walking 10 minutes and fetch 5 minutes. Gradually increase the time while the puppy grows. But as owners found out, not all German Shepherd puppies are the same. How long puppies can walk depends on their limits. Some can do minute walks times a day at 2 months old. Others can only do one minute walk together with other exercises. At first, you can do minute walks twice a day. Or you can add another minute walk. Caution: Do not push puppies too hard at a young age. If they get tired, stop the walk and let them rest. In addition to walks, do short play sessions in the park or mental exercises at home. Then build on these walks and play sessions as your puppy grows. By having a job, hyperactive behavior is slowly eliminated. So their energy is redirected to more productive things. An example is putting away their toys. It might take a few tries. But with the right motivation, German Shepherds will learn it. Remember, they are smart and can learn tricks in a few tries. Another example is playing scent games. German Shepherds are very good at this. So good that police use them to sniff and identify bombs and other dangerous items. Let them prove their skill at home. Hide items such as anise and clove. If you have a yard, you can do it there. If not, right inside the house will do fine. Another job you can give them is carrying things. German Shepherds love to please their owners. So carrying things for you will be a very important job for them. They can learn carrying things through the Fetch Method. Repeat until they pick the item every time. Then reward them. Move a few feet away and have them bring the item to you. Reward them accordingly. Have them carry the item as you walk around the house or outside. Always reward with praises and tasty treats. Or firewood from the shed to the house. Let your German Shepherd carry their own water and treats in a small backpack. The extra weight will help tire them out. Now, different scents have different uses. Rose is good for reducing anxiety. Rosemary, on the other hand, works to reduce tension and fatigue. Lavender and Roman chamomile will work wonders for your hyper German Shepherd. Lavender promotes relaxation and sleep while chamomile puts the mind at ease. Caution: Scents are not applicable to dogs that have allergy to a particular scent. Consult with your yet. Ask your vet for recommendations for ones that can calm a hyper dog. Does music work the same way in dogs? Will they relax once they hear Beethoven or Mozart? Apparently, yes! Particularly ones where they can sing along. This research observed shelter dogs exposed to classical music, heavy metal and altered classical. Dogs exposed to heavy metal display body shaking, suggesting nervousness. Another study has the same findings. This one observed 2 groups of dogs. One group was observed with classical music. The other was observed in silence. The study found out that when exposed to classical music, the dogs were calm. Their stress levels decreased significantly. Not only that. Dogs were in a relaxed state not standing up and not barking while listening to music. But why classical music? The answer lies in the tempo. Music with long, continuous tones beats per minute is relaxing. Think of classical, reggae and soft rock. This was proven to relax dogs. On the other hand, music with short, choppy tones is excitatory. That includes hard rock and heavy metal. These have a faster tempo that caused an increase in anxiety and agitation among dogs. In addition, heavy metal music has loud percussion that can frighten dogs. Some dogs love to chew on shoes all the time. Or they destroy blankets or the fabric of your sofa. This chewing obsession can drive anyone crazy. If your German Shepherd is a puppy, they could be teething. Chewing relieves any pain and discomfort associated with it. On the other hand, older dogs chew to keep their jaws and teeth strong. This is what dogs in the wild do as well. However, it becomes a destructive behavior if they direct it toward inappropriate items. In situations like this, dogs chew out of boredom or frustration. Caution: Do not punish your dog when they chew inappropriate things. Never place them in their crate as punishment. Teaching them what is okay to chew and what is not is one way to solve the problem. Another is to give them toys and chew bones. In doing this, take note of the kind of toy they chew for long periods of time. If they love chew bones, then keep offering those. However, here are a few reminders when your German Shepherd a bone: Give them raw meat bone. Let them chew on it for minutes. Then store it in the refrigerator. Discard bones after 3 or 4 days. Always supervise your dog when chewing a bone. If your German Shepherd is an adult, give them a large bone. They could chip their teeth while chewing. These might cause blockages or damage the intestines. Your German Shepherd needs interaction to avoid boredom. This way, they redirect their energy to productive things. Play can be in the form of physical or mental exercises. Play games such as Frisbee or fetch. Or teach them the shell game. You can also involve members of the family in the games. For instance, you need to go to work. Your German Shepherd has to know that the crate is their safe haven. Such as a punishment. Caution: Leaving your puppy in their crate longer than 6 hours is not advisable. It will only make them anxious. Staying in the crate too long will end up in pent up energy. And once out of the crate, they are bent on releasing that energy. When crate training your puppy, remember these: Ignore them when they cry while in the crate. Wait 20 minutes until they calm down. If they are just starting the training, it may be difficult at first. There are times when they cry in the middle of the night. But this gradually stops when they reach 3 or 4 months old. It is flattering to some extent. That level of attachment says a lot about the time you spend with them. It only becomes a problem when they learn to crave for your attention. To prevent this, let them play on their own for a while. This teaches them not to crave for your attention all the time. German Shepherds are basically tireless furballs. Lack of or insufficient exercise is one reason why they are hyper. Take them walking early in the morning and late at night. Or take short walks throughout the day as long as the weather is good check out tip 4 for more info. They can also socialize and play with other dogs. If you have a lawn, take your puppy out for some games. Play fetch or tug of war. No yard? No problem. There are games you can do inside the house. Swimming is also a fantastic exercise for your puppy. Let them swim in your pool or somewhere that allows dog swimming. Aside from swimming, running will tire them out. However, there are important guidelines when doing this activity. First, make sure your German Shepherd is 15 months old or older. By this time, their bones and muscles are fully developed. Second, ensure that they are trained well. Basic commands such as sit, stay and stop go a long way for their safety. Third, get them a clean bill of health by checking with the vet. Physical exercise and mental stimulation give you a tired, calm dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. Help them work their brains by giving them mentally stimulating activities. Hide and seek is a fantastic example of this. It promotes physical exercise and reinforces the recall command. To do this, distract your dog long enough for you to hide. You can throw a ball and have your dog run after it. Then find the best spot for hiding and call your pooch. Just look at this adorable German Shepherd looking around the house for the owners: As you can see from the video, the game is an opportunity for an exercise. The dog goes from room to room several times until they find the owner. The dog has to work harder to find where the scent of the hiding owner is. This game is also a nice way to teach your puppy their name. This is mentally stimulating as your dog uses their nose to find each treat. Note: Spend 30 minutes or more for mental exercises. You can also give them interactive toys to keep them busy. You may unknowingly be feeding them with food that has unsafe ingredients. Many dog foods are made with additives, preservatives and colorants. These have no nutritional value at all. If anything, these only make hyperactivity worse. According to an article by canine nutrition expert Dr. Conor Brady , several things answer the question. Many dog foods are made with chemicals to make them last longer. These are not safe. Another reason is the high dose sugar and low dose protein. High dose sugar can spike blood sugar in humans. Imagine what it can do to a dog. In addition, dog foods contain only the minimum amount of protein. Why is this so, when protein is the building block for serotonin and dopamine? Serotonin and dopamine are the happy and calming chemicals. Lastly, dog foods contain low levels of vitamin B complex. This is responsible for energy levels and behavior. Also, B complex contains vitamin B6, which produces dopamine. Of course, you need to teach your puppy first to love riding a car. Then switch off the engine. Do this until your dog becomes comfortable riding a car. This is also a huge opportunity to mentally stimulate them and tire them out. During a ride, there are a lot of things for them to process. New smells, new faces. This could be a whole new experience altogether. You can drive to new places where you can run, walk or just explore. And by the time you get back home, your German Shepherd is hopefully spent. Because your dog is only a puppy, avoid exposing them to dog parks immediately. Some dog diseases are highly contagious, such as parvovirus. Also, dog parks are open to all dogs of breeds, sizes and temperaments. Some dogs could be rough or simply violent. This could lead to a traumatizing experience for your puppy. Caution: Ensure that socialization is a fun experience. But take them out of situations that frighten them. What you can do, though, is to slowly introduce your dog to others. If not, then perhaps a neighbor or a friend has a dog your puppy can meet. Arrange playdates if possible. Or barking right in their face. One way to prevent this is to instill some manners in them. Teach them impulse control. Impulse control teaches your dog how to engage with you. That is, without lunging, nipping or excessive barking. Make them sit before you open the door or clipping the leash. Before you give them dinner, wait for them to sit. And when they do just that, reward them with what they want. They will associate sitting with getting what they want. In a big way, this teaches them to calm down before they can have the good stuff. Remember to be consistent on your part. It comforts them. So when you have to leave, give them something such as a used shirt. When they are alone, having your smell will feel as though you are with them. For your puppy, the stinkier, the better. Some days going outside for walks or runs is not permissible. Puzzle toys will keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. The only downside is that they will tire of it after they have figured out how it works. That will get them through obedience training. That way, it can prevent behavioral problems later on. This was exactly what this research found out. It studied dogs divided into 4 groups: puppy class, puppy party, adult class and no class. The puppy and adult classes underwent an hour of training each week for 6 weeks. The other 2 groups did not undergo formal training. The findings showed that the groups that attended training responded well to commands. The puppy class group also showed positive responses to strangers. The study concluded that this could prevent behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers. That being said, spend at least 30 minutes each day for their training. Train them young starting with basic commands. These are useful commands that you can use at home or when outside. Also, get them busy with leash and off-leash training. This is particularly useful for when you are taking walks or running. Think agility, flyball or disc dog. Getting involved together in sports can strengthen your bond. In addition, these sports provide physical and mental exercise at the same time. A word of caution, though. Formal training can be expensive and time-consuming. But if you do, you can do the sports for fun. Daily running, check. Puzzles and toys, check. Most of the time, exercises, training and activities solve the problem. But if your German Shepherd is still hyper, it could be a medical condition. So check with your vet because the problem could be thyroid dysfunction, allergies and even ADHD. Yes, you read that right. ADHD is common in human children. Apparently, the same symptoms could be seen in hyper dogs. One study in found out that social and physical factors were associated with ADHD-like behavior. ADHD-like behavior refers to inattention and increased motor activity. The social factors mentioned were: Number of social contacts. The duration of the period of separation. On the other hand, the physical factors were: Frequency and duration of walking. The amount of playtime as puppies. For your peace of mind, have your vet run tests to rule out any problems. Either way, it will help toward calming your German Shepherd. Some owners and dogs thrive on routine. For instance, your German Shepherd eats their breakfast at 6am and 6pm. On the other hand, structure is for people who dislike strict schedules. You can set a schedule for activities without being strict about the time. For instance, your dog knows you will take them for a morning walk when you wake up. And not necessarily at 6am. This is great for days when you feel like sleeping in. Take some time to reflect on yourself. There could be problems at work or other stressors that keep you agitated. Without you knowing, all these reflect on your body language and tone of voice. You reflect energy that your dog catches on. One can easily give in to frustrations when training a puppy. But yelling and punishment will only make your puppy more hyper. Also, be consistent. Stick to the rules you set for your hyper German Shepherd. So fixing it will not happen overnight either. But committing to do the right thing will get your dog to the result you want. Related posts:. They are most commonly brought home from a breeder at the age of 8 weeks to 6 months. This is also the juvenile stage when they start acquiring negative or positive habits. German Shepherd puppies can be hyper because of the following reasons: Lack of Exercise German Shepherds were bred to carry out tasks that require a lot of energy, such as herding. Therefore they need exercise to stimulate them. Puppies are always full of energy and therefore tend to run all over the place. They are also naturally built as strong, athletic dogs, and hence require a lot of exercise. Rewarding Bad Behavior When your German Shepherd puppy is hyper, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down, encourages bad behavior. The puppy learns that to get what they want, they have to exhibit excited behavior. Boredom Hyperactivity in German Shepherd puppies can result from boredom. In most cases, dogs are left home alone as parents go to work and children go to school. An untrained puppy will end up re-arranging the house and not like an interior decorator! Lack of Training A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. Therefore, regular training is essential to teach your GSD puppy discipline from a young age. This will help your puppy to know the difference between playtime and when to listen. Feeding the Wrong Food Dog owners tend to be overly kind to their puppies and may share food with them. However, certain foods may lead to their hyperactivity. Apart from causing hyperactivity, some of these foods, like chocolate , can be toxic to puppies leading to illness or death. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German Shepherd puppy , consult your vet. Separation Anxiety German Shepherd puppies often suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave for business trips or vacations without them. This can also happen when the owner simply leaves for the day to go to work. They can express themselves by being destructive or peeing in the house while you are away. Getting Wet German Shepherd puppies who run around outdoors, just like a child, have to be bathed. This dryer comes with adjustable heat settings, a wide selection of air speeds, and a great warranty to boot. How to Calm Your German Shepherd Puppy As much as you love your puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. The following are ways to calm a German Shepherd puppy. Properly Train Your Puppy Training enables your puppy to obey your commands. While you can train a German Shepherd to follow complex commands, only the basics are necessary. Make sure to always train your puppy in an area where there are few distractions, such as in your home or yard, and then progress to more distracting environments. This slow acclimation will also help to properly socialize your German Shepherd , which is essential for your puppy to grow in to a well-adjusted adult. When giving commands to your puppy, be sure to use an authoritative voice and issue them in a slow-low pitched voice. High-pitched commands which are spoken rapidly will only serve to over-excite your puppy. Below is a YouTube video showing you some simple and effective ways to train your German Shepherd puppy: Give Your Puppy Enough Exercise German Shepherds have more energy than most other breeds, and walking by itself as exercise will not be enough to keep excess energy at bay. Playing games such as fetch, going for runs, walking on hilly areas, and teaching your puppy to swim are healthy ways to wear your puppy out and curb hyperactivity. If you do not have adequate time to exercise your German Shepherd puppy, consider getting a dog walker. Did you know that German Shepherds are great frisbee dogs? This fact escapes most GSD owners, and because of this they often miss out on some great fun to be had with their dogs! Read this great article all about German Shepherds and their ability to play frisbee. Socialize Your Puppy As we mentioned above, a great way to calm your puppy is by regularly socializing her with other puppies, adult dogs, as well as other people and animals in general. Socializing your puppy will tire her out both physically and mentally, while at the same time making her the well-adjusted dog that you want her to be. This is because your German Shepherd puppy will learn that to be rewarded, she will have to behave appropriately, and that bad behavior will only result in being ignored. Aromatherapy Essential oils such as vanilla, ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, and chamomile can be soothing to your dog. Test some of these on your German Shepherd puppy to see which one works best. For more information on aromatherapy and its benefits and potential harmful effects on dogs, check out this great article below: Is Aromatherapy Bad for Dogs? Setting up a good routine for your puppy is your responsibility. Make sure to not feed her too late at night, and always make sure that your puppy gets at least a moderately long walk before bed. A useful practice is putting food in a dog toy when your puppy becomes hyper. This will enable her to shift focus from hyperactivity to concentration. One great toy for this is a Kong Treat Dispensing Toy. This toy is designed to be filled with any number of goodies, and will keep your GSD puppy occupied for a long time! Some great examples of treats that you can put into a Kong are: frozen mashed banana and yogurt mashed potatoes and rice frozen Xylitol free peanut butter pureed and frozen watermelon and strawberries pureed and frozen turkey and cranberry mixture Essentially, if you can dream it, and it is safe for your puppy, you can stuff it into a Kong and keep your puppy occupied. Additionally, there are a number of other treat dispensing puzzle toys that will work to accomplish the same goal of reducing hyperactivity in your puppy while increasing mental focus. Stay Calm Reducing hyperactivity in you German Shepherd puppy begins with you. Puppies pick up on the energy you put out. If you become excited around them, they will copy you and start running around or barking loudly. To them, they are doing nothing wrong. In fact, a puppy will think that it is doing a great job by imitating you, the pack leader. So it is important that you set a good example for your puppy through your own behavior. It will take time to train and calm your German Shepherd pup because they are naturally energetic, strong, and athletic dogs — they love activity! Always use positive reinforcement as opposed to punishing your German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are loyal, courageous, make excellent guard dogs, and bred as herders. German Shepherd puppies are generally hyperactive from the age of 3 months to 3 years. Later on, they become more mature and calm. Training puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months enables them to acquire and retain positive habits. Dog owners need to properly socialize their puppies, play with them, and use toys not only to challenge them mentally but also to require their full concentration, thus reducing their hyperactivity. Consistent training is also essential. If you are unable to do this on your own, we strongly suggest reaching out to a professional dog trainer. This will be a great long-term investment, and save you the difficult task of teaching an old dog new tricks. I will try to mention as many as I can below. Exercise German Shepherds are a breed that was bred to do intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. If you think that your German Shepherd is not currently getting enough exercise then one of the first things for you to do would be to make sure that it does. You might not think that giving your German Shepherd more exercise will make it behave more calmly but it can actually make a big difference to its behavior. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Attention Another cause of its hyperactivity could be that it is looking for attention. If you think that this might be the case then you could try ignoring it when it is trying to get your attention by acting hyper and then rewarding it with your attention when it is being well behaved. Boredom It could be that your German Shepherd is hyper because it is bored. This is again due to all of the new things going on around it. You have been encouraging it It could be that you have been inadvertently encouraging the behavior by giving it things that it wants like food or attention in order to get it to calm down. Separation anxiety The cause of the hyperactivity could be due to it having separation anxiety. This is where it does not like being left without you and it can cause it to become anxious. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? A lack of training If you have not been giving your German Shepherd much training then it could be the reason that it acts hyper. Consult with your vet if you think that this might be the cause. How to stop it from being hyper Below are some things you can do to get your German Shepherd to be less hyper. Train it To get your German Shepherd to stop being hyper you can give it lots of training. Start by teaching it to do simple things such as to sit and stay in an environment like the home where there are not many external distractions. Once you can get it to do that you can build up to teaching it harder things such as to come to you on command. If you would like some more tips on how to train your German Shepherd, take a look at the German Shepherd training book on Amazon. You can watch the video below for advice on training hyper dogs. Another way is to teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to get your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period that will be more likely to effectively wear it out. You could also teach it to swim. There are apps that you can download now that will let you hire a dog walker in your area through the app. So, you should be careful not to reward it when it is acting hyper. Instead, you can try ignoring the hyperactivity if you can and then reward it when it is being well behaved. Calming chews There are chews that you can buy that are designed to calm your German Shepherd down. This is something that you might want to try. Instead, you should train it to behave a certain way in specific situations and stick to training it over the long term. If you just train your German Shepherd once and then stop training it for a while then it will forget its training. Use positive reinforcement If you punish your German Shepherd for acting hyper then it will likely think that you are punishing it for the last thing that it did which is coming to you. A better alternative would be to use positive reinforcement training where you reward your German Shepherd for behaving the way that you want it to. Related questions Will my German Shepherd stop being hyper? If your German Shepherd is still young then it will likely stop being hyper as it gets older. But, in order to get your German Shepherd to calm down the best thing that you can do is to give it lots of training and to give it regular exercise. Why is my German Shepherd hyper all of a sudden? If your German Shepherd has started to be hyper suddenly then it could indicate that something is wrong and you should consult with a vet. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. They tend to be very watchful and protective of their family, barking at anything new or unusual they encounter. Their unique coat is weatherproof and sheds only twice a year. While they require regular grooming, this breed also has a fairly long lifespan of ten to twelve years on average as compared to some other breeds such as dachshunds that live an average of to years or so. They have been known to respond by biting when they feel threatened enough. Owners should never leave original equipment such as muzzles, collars, leashes etc with them unattended or out of sight because they may chew on them. When your German shepherd is look like a hyper dogs, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down encourages bad behavior. Regular puppy socialization with other pups, adult dogs, and humans and animals is a terrific method to calm your puppy. You might also try providing it with toys or calming chews or bones as additional distractions. The majority of German shepherd puppies will outgrow their energetic behavior. This is the most common question that many new potential german shepherd owners have been asking for years. They are commonly known as Companion, Therapy, and Assistance Dogs due to their unique aptitudes. We will discuss all quick ways to calm down the German shepherd quickly. Your days and nights look very similar if you have a hyperactive dog. Your Shepherd wants to play or run around when they should be napping. A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German shepherd puppy, consult your vet Doc. Instead, you need to teach your pup what time they should rest, so that they calm down when they should be resting and quieting their mind. As much as you love your german shepherd puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have successfully fed their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or bed when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them tire while resting. Why do German Shepherds sleep so much? Just like with people, every dog is different. Of course, sleeping through the day is ideal if you wish to keep your dog calm and quiet during normal waking hours. You can usually train them to sleep anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day at least , depending on how well you follow these tips. What if my dog naps too often? Dogs who sleep more than 12 hours a day may experience serious health problems like obesity, joint issues, and more. These dogs are also at an increased risk of developing heart conditions that can result in death, so play it safe by limiting their nap time to just 10 or 11 hours. How do I make my German shepherd less hyper? German Shepherds are high-energy, high-maintenance dogs who need a lot of exercise and stimulation. They can be great guard dogs because of their watchful natures and strong protective instincts, but they may be too much dog for first-time owners to handle. If your German Shepherd appears unusually lively, consider whether they receive enough physical and mental exercise. Their long coats require lots of brushing and combing, especially when shedding usually twice a year. In fact, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America does not allow anyone under age 16 to handle a puppy at their facilities unless under direct supervision. It can cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis that may require surgery to repair. If you want a dog who… A hardy, rugged working dog from Germany with great stamina, focus, and intensity — plus a thick coat that makes him look imposing enough that he might actually be able to protect your home! Easily bored, so training can be challenging. The breed is known as an intelligent troublemaker. May try to herd children or other pets. Requires extensive daily grooming to prevent mats from forming in their thick coats. Not a good choice for first-time dog owners. A breed suited best to experienced dog owners willing to invest time in exercising and training their energetic pets. Also not a good choice for those with limited space or who can only take short walks; this is a moderate energy dog requiring regular opportunities for sustained exercise. FAQs What is german shepherd like to be around? This breed needs plenty of opportunity for exercise and mental stimulation, and lots of human companionship. Will behave differently often destructively when left alone and not given sufficient attention. Lots of barking, howling, whining, and other vocalizations that could annoy neighbors! Tendency to jump or lean on people passing by your home. Barking may pose a nuisance to close neighbors. Probably not a good choice for homes with young children. No guarantee of stability and friendliness around small kids, who could accidentally harm a dog this large. How aggressive are german shepherds? The breed is known to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially from behind fences. It may try to herd people or other animals in the household. Submit a Comment Your email address will not be published.

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question. Are your dilute colored dogs full-blooded Labrador Retrievers? Yes, absolutely! DNA information from both parents affects the color. Some genes are dominant and some are recessive d. Dominant genes D are the more "powerful" of the two. They will express themselves no matter what, even if partnered with a recessive gene. Recessive genes, on the other hand, can only express themselves if they partner with another recessive gene. If two Labrador parents have a "d" gene recessive , they can produce a diluted colored puppy. This "d" gene won't create an entirely new dog color. Instead, it just dilutes the existing color. All pups are registered under the standard colors according to AKC guidelines. What is the purchase price of your puppies? Deposits and balances can be made through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or cash. We accept 8 to 10 deposits per litter, so its first come first served. It is common to wait 6 months to a year or more on your puppy. Quality Labrador puppies are worth the wait! Do you remove dewclaws? No, we do not remove dewclaws. We believe God gave dogs dewclaws to help provide stability when running, climbing up steep terrain and out of water, and to hold items they are chewing. We have Lab puppies for sale in California that are available throughout the year in different colors, including Silver Labradors , Charcoal Labs and Champagne Labs! Let us know what you are looking for and we will find the right puppy for you! About our Wonderful Labs.The Labrador Retriever loves to retrieve. Show a Lab to water and it will retrieve all day: balls, sticks, small boats and even children who might happen to go for a swim. Descended from dogs found in Newfoundland by explorers, fishermen and settlers, the Labrador Retriever evolved by natural selection. An excellent retriever of fish and game, these dogs have been known by several names, among them the Black Water Dog, the Lesser Newfoundland and the St. John's Dog. In the early s, the breed was introduced to Britain, where it was eventually crossed with other sporting breeds. The final product was the strong, sturdy, happy Labrador Retriever, which is America's most popular dog, thanks to its outgoing, eager-to-please and loving temperament. Males usually measure .Weight for males ranges from 65 to 80 pounds, with females averaging about 10 pounds less. The coat is short, dense and hard in colors of black, yellow, silver, charcoal, chocolate and many shades in the middle such as the white and champagne Lab. The AKC only allows black, chocolate and yellow to place in the show ring but that doesn't stop us from loving the other colors! A simple good brushing will remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. A distinctive feature of the breed is the medium-long tail. Thick and round at the root and gradually tapering to the tip, it is often described as an otter tail. This tail can clear a coffee table in seconds! The Labrador is easy to train and excels as a field dog as well as obedience trials. Labs enjoy all outdoor exercise but are especially fond of swimming. They say this medium-sized, high-energy dog is best suited to a suburban or country home with a yard and a family that can provide it with the activity it loves--but that said, many city-dwelling Lab owners tell us it is the most wonderful "city" dog they have ever had! City, country or anywhere in between, the Lab is simply the best! A fun, lovable pup is the perfect addition to a happy home. Whether you're looking for a hunting dog or a jogging companion, our puppies are perfect for you. Here at Dogwood Silver Labs, we produce quality, healthy labrador pups that are loved and handled every day. Every puppy comes home with genetic testing , a written 2-year health guarantee, pedigree, microchip, dewclaws removed and much more. If you're ready to bring home a loving fur baby, you came to the right place. I've been breeding quality labs for over ten years. I have all parents on my site here at Dogwood Silver Labs, they are all my pets. Puppies are wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Dewclaws are removed before the 5th day. At six weeks of age, your puppy will get a physical examination by a licensed veterinarian, shots with shot record and a fecal testing is performed. All pups come to their new forever home parasite free, happy, healthy and well socialized from a family environment. My goal is to improve the Labrador breed and make a positive impact on families. It's my pleasure to introduce you to your new family member. Please visit our available littler tab for pictures and details of all Charcoal, Silver and Champagne labrador puppies for sale throughout the United States. Lankas Labs is one of the only pointing champagne lab puppy breeders in the area producing puppies for sale with this unique coloring. While displaying an interesting color variation, these dogs are so much more than their coats. Champagne Labrador puppies for sale at Lankas Labs are trained to point from a young age, so they are ready to become exceptional hunters and help you bag a great catch. These puppies are also socialized with other dogs and other humans, so in addition to being successful hunters, they will also be gentle, loving, affectionate family pets. This delivers dogs with a coat colored somewhere between the fox red and the standard yellow fur colors. Some lab owners prefer this shade because they simply like the color, while others like it because it is a relatively rare phenomenon in Labradors. Hunters may prefer this color because it mixes the advantages of the yellow and red lab, creating a unique shade that will blend into many different environments. If you hunt in the fall with your pointer gundog, you may prefer champagne colored puppies for sale to blend in with dried reeds or the fall foliage. As a pointing champagne lab puppy breeder, we take great care to ensure all pups receive age-appropriate socialization, as well, and we put a focus on selecting breeding dogs that offer our pups the best health traits possible. See the puppies for sale at Lankas Labs online and learn more about what we do as a unique pointing champagne lab puppy breeder. Give us a call at today or send us a message to learn more about us or any of our upcoming litters. Pointing Champagne Labs Gallery. Check out our Puppies for Sale page for Available pups and anticipated litters! Blue after a successful hunt! DuckCreek Kennels is located about 40 miles southeast of Wichita, Kansas, nestled along the edge of the great Flint Hills. Our labs come from reputable lines that are second to none. We pride ourselves in the fact that they are as comfortable in the field and duck blind as they are on a couch! As we build our kennel, look for good solid litters that will compliment and enhance the Dilute coated Labrador Retriever along side the Standard colors. We strive to enhance the breed with quality dogs that are not only intelligent and easily trained but loving and great additions to your home and hunting trips. Our dilutes have been enhanced with improvement breeding and all our Labs have extensive genetic health testing prior to breeding. Please browse our web site. I hope you enjoy. Take special notice of any print in yellow. It will link you to whatever subject is being discussed. We welcome your input. The puppy whisperers!

We have answers. Instead of coming to a dead end at the end of a long day you can speak with an intelligent puppy raiser and begin your journey to meeting an adorable new German Shepherd. Begin by browsing some of the vetted breeders below. How do I avoid fraudulent puppy raisers? When you begin to search for reputable Albuquerque German Shepherd breeders you may find yourself coming across breeders who are operating out of their backyard or maybe even a spare room in their place of residence instead of spending the money for a top of line facility. The term for these businesses is backyard breeders. In order to empower more Americans to avoid these backyard breeders our network is set up with a thorough screening process to filter through the countless applications we receive each week. Can I find German Shepherd puppies in Albuquerque now? Of course you can. Instead of wasting time trying to find a reputable local breeder who may not even exist you can begin your process of finding a litter of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Albuquerque right now! Having a hard time finding German Shepherd breeders in Albuquerque? Are German Shepherds easy to train? Dogs that are intelligent and capable of accomplishing complex tasks like the German Shepherd are perfect for dog lovers who want to own an obedient pup. Just remember, when it comes to choosing a reputable breeder all you have to do browse the pre-screened businesses below. Yes, puppy mills are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do I have to choose from a local breeder? Before companies like Uptown Puppies existed, consumers were pretty limited when it came to finding qualified German Shepherd breeders. Luckily, the breeders with German Shepherds for sale in Albuquerque who have been accepted into the Uptown network have decades of experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US, which makes your search easier than ever! Can German Shepherds make for great family dogs? German Shepherds are fun-loving, loyal dogs that were bred to join and fit into a pack. Early on in your search for a new German Shepherd puppy you will realize just how coveted these dogs are and how quickly they will become attached to your family. Is it difficult to find a well bred German Shepherd for sale in Albuquerque? It can be difficult to find a properly bred litter of German Shepherd puppies mostly because these dogs are extremely popular among dog lovers across the country. At Uptown Puppies we are committed to making your shopping experience as easy as possible! Instead of wasting countless hours sitting at your desk searching for reputable breeders all you have to do to find your next companion is browse some of the pre-screened businesses below. Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than offering cheap puppies the breeders who tend to get approved to join the Uptown Network offer a more boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards and even puppy transportation for out of state customers. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. I also completed a small animal dietitian program and regularly attend seminars and clinics around the country to stay abreast of pet related topics. Several articles I wrote appeared in national dog magazines and books, and it has also been my pleasure to be a featured speaker on dog-related topics. Since , Hodenhof German Shepherds has maintained the highest standards of breeding top Schutzhund, Obedience, Tracking and Herding dogs. We have won numerous national titles and continue to be actively involved. Equally important to us, our dogs have won the hearts of the many families they have touched over the years. Many of our long-time clients are now enjoying their third generation Hodenhof GSD. They are such little characters, aren't they and make the very best lap dogs?! In , due to many requests, we made the decision to breed our beautiful female, Kimchi and now have two more exquisite young females in our family! We look forward to raising a limited number of litters from these three.We are enjoying showing Pugs again, on a limited basis, as we explore our new home state. Jana Mitchell.

German Shepherd Puppy Health Protocol Vom Banach K9 puppy worming and vaccination schedule All Vom Banach K9 puppies are healthy, happy, vibrant individuals that have been very well socialized, handled and loved from the moment they were born. All photography by Cindy Fike, Fike Fotography. Below is our protocol for worming and vaccination of puppies here at Vom Banach K9, and our recommendations for puppies from birth through adulthood. Nemex-2 is 4. This product is for heartworm prevention as well as the monthly control of other internal parasites. Vaccines should be given in the right front quadrant right shoulder. Rabies should be given in the right rear quadrant right hip. The reason for this is should there be a local reaction to a vaccine or a lump develop later in these areas you will know which vaccine caused these reactions. When I record the vaccines in the Health Record I peel the sticker off of the original vaccine vial and attach it to the lower portion of the Health Record. I record the date, location the vaccine was given, vaccine sticker and initial. I do let clients also know should they later feel a small pea to marble sized lump in that region that it could be as a result of a vaccine. This is what I give here before puppies go home. I like to give it at 7 weeks to allow time for the vaccine to kick in as opposed to doing it at 8 weeks when a puppy may be leaving. I do not like to hyper-vaccinate by doing Lepto and Corona on their first vaccine also it is recommended that Lepto be given ONLY after 10 weeks of age and not before, so do not vaccinate with Lepto under 10 weeks of age. Kennel cough is easily transmitted from dog to dog by contact with a contaminated animal, on the ground, or in a facility where affected dogs have been in such places as dog parks, pet stores, veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities and cargo facilities where animals are shipped. We vaccinate all of our puppies here at 8 weeks of age or before they go to their new homes to aid in the prevention of kennel cough and your Vom Banach K9 puppy becoming infected during those first few weeks where the puppy may be traveling or in infected areas. We recommend a kennel cough booster be given every 6 months if you are frequently in contact with common grounds and unknown dogs. It is a virus similar to Parvo but not as severe. I would check with your vet to see what they recommend for your area. Corona is a puppy virus and does not need to be re-boostered or vaccinated in adult dogs. In puppies however you need 2 boosters of it same as with Lepto. I absolutely recommend vaccinating against Lepto. Lepto is a bacteria. Leptospirosis is spread commonly by infected rodents and raccoons and passed through the contact with urine it is as well very contagious to humans. It is common in our state and many others. The Lepto vaccine has very few side effects clinically with the Large breed dogs. There is a higher risk of side effects to smaller breeds. Life saving vaccinations far outweigh the risk of possible side effects from the actual killed modified vaccine for this disease. Please check with your area for Rabies requirements in your state. Puppies should be at least 12 weeks of age to be administered a Rabies vaccine. Prior to 12 weeks it may be rejected by the immune system due to the puppies own immunities from its mother so the puppy would not be fully protected from the disease. Because Rabies is required by LAW in many States, Rabies can only be given to puppies over 12 weeks of age for this reason and in order to receive a Certificate of Immunization. Because your puppy will be 4 months old by his last scheduled puppy series vaccine it would be too soon to re vaccinate at the 1 year birthdate giving him his adult 1st booster only 8 months after his last puppy vaccine instead of a year from the last scheduled vaccine date. I recommend one booster at 3 years of age and then a titer test to determine if vaccination is needed for specific viruses and for prevention against hyper-vaccination of adult dogs thereafter. Guidelines should be followed for recommendations for Rabies in your state. A titer is a blood test performed by your veterinarian in order to determine the presence of antibodies that develop in the body as a result of vaccines. A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the animal currently has adequate protection against a disease. Low titers indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune protection. Puppies who may be staying longer may not receive the same schedule as those leaving at the weeks of age. I may vaccinate them later then the initial 7 week vaccine so I then follow a vaccine protocol from the date of the initial vaccine giving subsequent vaccines every 4 weeks thereafter for the remaining two vaccines. Because both Corona and Lepto need two boosters following the initial one is why I recommend puppies receive two more vaccines in addition to rabies after leaving here. I also discuss vaccines with my clients when I give go home instructions. And I hope it mostly sinks in. I think it is very important when they take their new puppy to their vet that they bring the record and be sure they are given the correct vaccinations and only the ones that are needed. I think it is important to be on the same page with your vet that puppies are not over-vaccinated. Quick Find. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Your German Shepherd puppies health should be of utmost concern to you. You want a healthy German Shepherd puppy that is free of parasites and on good food. Nutrition is very important - especially in the first year of life - but so are vaccinations. There are many diseases that the GSD puppy may come in contact with and it is these puppy vaccinations that helps your puppy to build resistance to these viral attacks. Keep in mind, a little prevention can go a long way to keep your dog healthy. It is also suggested that all puppies be vaccinated for rabies at six months and then to be repeated annually. Although your German Shepherd puppy may squirm or even cry when getting its puppy vaccinations, it is just as important for your GSD puppy as it is for your children to receive these "annual shots". In fact, by carefully keeping up to date on all your puppies vaccinations, you could be saving its life. Though there are multiple ailments, bacterias and viruses your dog may come in contact with, I will attempt to briefly list and describe only a few of the more common ones in this GSD puppy article that can be prevented with puppy vaccinations. As always, German Shepherd puppy vaccinations are the best preventive method - a little prevention can go a long way to keep your puppy healthy. Parvovirus parvo. This is a very serious disease. It attacks the intestinal system and is a viral disease in dogs. Parvo is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever and lethargy. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and is sometimes yellow in color. Parvo can also attack a dog's heart causing congestive heart failure. Remember, without medical treatment, most puppies will die from Parvo. Distemper : This disease attacks every tissue in the body and may occur through inhalation of the virus in a contaminated area. Death is common and dogs and who recover may have future nervous damage. Again, simple puppy vaccinations are the best prevention. Spread through contact with contaminated urine or feces. Often affected animals will have chronic health problems and recovered dogs will pass infected urine for months after infection. Again, vaccinations are the best preventive method. Leptospirosis Lepto. Affect the liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to man via contact with the urine of an infected dog. Signs such as vomiting and thirst, bloody diarrhea, depression, and jaundice may occur. Antiobiotic treatment is important though the best prevention is through vaccination. Transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies is another disease that may be spread to humans. The disease affects the nervous tissues and causes paralysis and death always. Again, vaccinations are your best weapon against this disease. Below find a brief listing of other common problems of which you should be aware. Kennel cough. Symptoms of kennel cough are a constant wheezing cough. Highly contagious as well! Other symptoms to watch for in your German Shepherd puppy: Vomiting. Occasional vomiting is not uncommon but consult your vet if the problem persists or if blood, diarrhea or pain accompany the vomiting. Can be caused by a number of things- viruses, food, internal parasites, and bacteria to name a few. Contact the vet if the stool is bloody, continues for an excessive amount of time, or if dehydration occurs. Once your pup has recovered, return it to its food slowly and in decreased but frequent portions. Can be caused by multiple factors also such as insufficient water intake, disease or ingestion of a foreign substance. While your vet may have to take blood tests to find the cause, usually a diet high in fiber and exercise will help prevent this problem. Not to scare you in any way, I do hope this information will assure you of just how important those puppy vaccinations are to your German Shepherd puppies and your health. Proper immunizations are the best prevention in the endless war on disease and may save your puppy, and yourself, a lot of discomfort, grief and pain- and possibly even death. Here's to healthy and happy puppy owning. Return from Puppy Vaccinations to Puppy Information "Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads. Here is a puppy vaccination schedule for your German Shepherd puppy! To keep up with the required vaccinations can get confusing fast. Rounds of core vaccinations start from 8 weeks, though it can start as early as 6 weeks old and goes all the way till 16 weeks. First dose of Bordetella vaccine which protects against contagious respiratory diseases especially if your pup will spend time with other dogs in a kennel, dog park, doggy day care. We want to take them everywhere to explore, share our joy with others. I promise you that the wait and extra precaution up until they receive all their vaccinations will be worth it. Here are some precautionary measures: Socialization I like to gradually invite my friends and their pups to our house so they can get socialized safely in our home. Cleanliness and grooming Regular grooming and hygiene practices can help avoid disease. We advise routinely cleaning your puppy's food and water bowls, blankets, and toys. To prevent the growth of bacteria and parasites, keep your puppy clean and well-groomed. Instruction and oversight This part is hard. I usually keep a leash on my new puppy indoors and outdoors, basically any time when they are not secure in a pen or crate. That way you have full control on what they have been exposed to. It will help them learn sooo much faster because you are able to be proactive and train in real time before they start developing bad habits. But besides these added perks of supervising through leashing, this will keep your pup safe during the first 16 weeks of vaccination rounds. FYI German Shepherds Puppy Immunization Schedule The vaccines, treatments, and tests listed below are the current protocols we follow here at Gunbil German Shepherds to provide optimum health care for our dogs. Newborn puppies acquire immunities against many diseases by nursing from their mother. During the first two days of life, a puppy that nurses takes in the colostrum that is present in the milk that is first produced. These antibodies prevent the puppy from being infected by diseases like Canine Distemper and Parvo virus. These same antibodies are also the reason veterinarians suggest vaccinations to be given after six weeks of age. It is highly recommended that new puppies visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will then educate the owner on the needs of the new puppy, look for congenital defects as well as look for signs of parasitic or viral infections. Those for the rest of these diseases are freeze-dried living virus that have been grown in tissue culture in a way that makes them non-pathogenic i. Actually, a single injection, at the right time, of all these live products imparts good, long lasting immunity to all of these diseases. The problem is that puppies absorb antibodies against these diseases from their mothers. In some puppies, parental immunity is low enough that by weeks the vaccination to work. In others, parental immunity interferes with the action of the vaccine for up to 18 weeks. The tests that determine parental immunity levels in puppies are expensive and rarely run. So because we do not know just when to vaccinate we give a series of three or four injections so that at least one of them will work. We only give Coronavirus vaccine to puppies because it is a disease of puppies. For subcutaneous vaccination of healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine adenovirus type 2, canine coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and canine parvovirus. Administer one 1 mL dose subcutaneously. Primary Vaccination: A recommended vaccination schedule should start at or about 6 weeks of age. The presence of maternal antibody is known to interfere with the development of active immunity. Puppies should be revaccinated every 2 to 3 weeks until 12 weeks of age. All dogs over 12 weeks of age should initially receive one dose of Duramune Max 5-CvK and a second dose 2 to 3 weeks later. Leptospira Canicola-Grippotyphosa-Icterohaemorrhagiae-Pomona Bacterial Extract For subcutaneous vaccination of healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine adenovirus type 2, canine coronavirus, canine parainfluenza and canine parvovirus. Annual Vaccination: Annual revaccination with one dose is recommended. Where we live we are not required to have our dogs on Heartworm preventive medication as the disease is not in our geographical location. Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog 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. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog. Currently the American Kennel Club ranks them at number 4 in their long list of most desirable. These dogs make their point communicating with expressive eyes, energetic attitude and possibly the Frenchie Talk. French Bulldogs are excellent watch dogs who adapt well to family life or single. They don't mind being inside most of the time. They get along well with cats and other pets and they like to make friends with your guests and family who drop by. No wonder this a favorite dog for city life from Europe to the US and beyond. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors. This article will look at rare colors found in French Bulldogs like merle, lilac, blue and more. Those colors come in pied only if the mother and father are both pied in theory. Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive and there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Frenchies are one of the few breeds that come in a bewildering variety of colors. Most Frenchies are Brindle. This is a dark colored coat mixed with lighter color strands of hair and the most frequently found color in the Frenchie. Fawn is a lighter tan colored coat that can range from very light to a dark reddish tan. These French Bulldogs often have a darker face mask and ears with some brindle streaks thrown in for variety. The third most common color in this breed is white. White French Bulldogs have a very porcelain white coat and most of the time come with a darker mask. Frenchies with tan points - black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie etc. Trindles - French Bulldogs which have brindle in their tan points. All black French Bulldogs - with no trace of brindle is also quite rare. The Blue French Bulldog is one of the rarest colors. For that reason alone people pay very high prices for them. There is usually a waiting list for blue aren't so much blue as gray puppies. You can expect to pay twice or triple as much for a blue French Bulldog than the average price for a standard French Bulldog. Blue Frenchies are quite striking however can be prone to Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA ;a recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss. This is most commonly seen in dogs with blue or fawn coats. The puppies are born normal looking, but the hair thinning and loss symptoms can start at 6 months up to several years later. It is most often associated with Blue Dobermans. CDA is not curable but it's fairly easy to manage. It is important to mention that our blue Frenchie never suffered from any symptoms to his coat. Not all blue Frenchies will be prone to the coat problems however, your vet can help you keep your blue French Bulldog healthy and happy if any issue arises. Blue Frenchies get cold easily - Some owners have stated the blue Frenchie gets cold easily, we are unsure if this is just a myth or based on actual research. Either way French Bulldogs can't regulate their body temperature well. Having any Frenchie in cold climate is not ideal due to their short coat. If you live in a cold climate there are ways you can keep your Frenchie warm. Always dress your French Bulldog with our specially tailored for Frenchies hoodies , Frenchie pajamas etc. The blue Frenchie skin condition can also impact your grooming regime. We have not experienced any of the above with our blue Frenchie. We also know plenty of the standard color Frenchies who suffer from skin conditions and allergies. We are not trying to promote or discourage buying the standard or rare colors we simply don't discriminate over colors. We love all our French Bulldogs friends that come in all colors of the rainbow. What are the different coat colors of a Blue Frenchie puppy? All Blue Frenchie - meaning all blue without any other colors to the coat. Blue Pied Frenchie - Frenchies with blue coats and patches of white or cream on their bellies, chest, legs etc. Blue fawn Frenchie- Frenchie coat that looks like a mix of blue and fawn. Blue brindle Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with brindle streaks. Blue merle Frenchie - a combination of different patches and streaks that are irregular and unusual. Blue and Tan Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with tan points usually around paws and face. A sable Frenchie usually looks like a fawn Frenchie with darker black hairs covering throughout the coat. There are rare Frenchies with cream or tan sable coats as well. Isabella French bulldogs Isabella color in French bulldogs come from dilution of the recessive gene. A Frenchie puppy can be born with a blue coat and mature to a more of a pale greyish brown or golden coat. For a puppy to acquire this rare coat color he or she needs to have the genotype dd. DNA of an Isabella Frenchie puppy will be ddbb which means that he or she will have two copies of each chocolate and blue gene. The Isabella Frenchie is the only lilac that is testable for the chocolate gene therefore some French Bulldog breeders consider the Isabella to be the true lilac. This rare French bulldog color is usually the most expensive due to their stunning looks and variety of rare coats. Isabella Frenchies usually look different with lighter shades of noses and eyes. Why are they so much more expensive than other popular breeds? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. They have narrow hips that aren't designed for natural birth. The high price tag reflects the expense of artificial insemination and c-sections to deliver the puppies. They also require constant attention and care when they are born. They require many health and genetic exams. These dogs have always been expensive. Reports have it one of the wealthy individuals named Robert Williams Daniel who survived the Titanic had his Frenchie along with him. While Robert survived when the ship sank on April 15th, sadly his French Bulldog did not make it. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness in French Bulldogs. Buying a well bred French Bulldog can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. You are much more likely to get a happy, healthy dog who can enjoy a full, rich life. Merle is a pattern in a dog's coat. Merle French Bulldogs can have tiger stripes, spots, or patches. These come in different colors and patterns and are determined by heredity and genetics. Health issues can occur when two merle dogs are bred, therefore breeders usually mate a merle parent with a solid coat parent. While Merle French Bulldogs can be quite exotic and strikingly beautiful, this kind of breeding can come with a number of serious problems from skeletal defects to blindness to deafness to increased fetal mortality. This is why it is extremely important to choose a reputable Frenchie breeder. The blue merle is the rarest of colors that exist in the Frenchie breed. They are best described as gray with spots or how we like to call them cookies N' cream. They are so different from the standard common French Bulldog however, being that rare may not be a great thing especially when one considers all the health problems blue and merle Frenchies can have. It is important to mention that some merle French Bulldogs can live a healthy uneventful life. It is critical and essential to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices especially when considering a rare color Frenchie. Also expect a blue merle to come with a hefty price tag. One of the most in-demand of rare colors is the Lilac French Bulldog. The lilac Frenchies are only produced occasionally and usually by breeders limited to the West Coast of the United States. They have a purple lilac coat color that can be quite attractive. Price is always higher than the already expensive standard French Bulldog puppy. Excellent Lilac Frenchies have a distinct color and vibrant eyes. This happens when they receive a combination of chocolate and blue DNA from both parents. As you can imagine, this rarely occurs. The Lilac coat can range from cool blue to a very classy looking silver and purple hue. Some have white markings on their chest and face. Another rare trait are their light colored eyes. This remains from the time they are puppies throughout life unlike the standard French Bulldog. The rarest colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is perhaps the rarest of them all. In a world where a standard French Bulldog costs several thousand dollars, these rare colors can sell for tens of thousands. Since rare color Frenchies are prone to health and genetic problems , it is extremely important to find a reputable breeder who uses responsible breeding techniques with the right precautions otherwise you may be sinking your life savings into a dog that will be at the vet all the time, will be sick and may die prematurely. Rare Frenchies are just that - rare. Active breeders may only see one every few years if at all. Most rare colors are produced by breeders who specialize in producing them at a more frequent rate. Breeding rare color French Bulldogs is serious business. Most rare color breeders are running family operations dedicated to become experts in producing the highest quality rare French Bulldogs possible. Breeders expect to spend a significant amount of time answering your questions and sending you information. Be sure to ask them questions about the health of the puppy, their bloodline, and what to expect. The Frenchie is sweet and charming. It's no wonder so many people love their little Frenchie. These dogs are compact, muscular, lovable, and oh so smart. They are just right for apartment life and smaller homes with diminutive yards. Rare colors in French Bulldogs are perhaps the most exciting development in this already delightful breed. Rare colors in this breed can come with health issues so it is imperative to seek a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders. They surprised me. She is now a mom to a Lilac , Brindle, and a pure Black babies. So exciting. I have a six month old male frenchie. When will he be sexually mature to breed? He has a blue tan coat I believe. Do I get a free puppy after? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Jera Benedict June 02, I have a black and tan make frenchie. I have several female frenchie owners asking what is my stud fee. He is 1 year old. He has the markings if a rottweiler. He has never been sick, has all his shots and was bred by a private breeder a former veterinarian. I have read numerous reports that I should beware of illness and disease. How rare is it to never have healty issues with the Blue Merle? Thank you so much for all the info! Where can I find info about it? Thanks Jules April 13, Very interesting reading thank you! Both parents are Kennel Club registered and Mum has Champion bloodlines. He has really strong red eye in the dark, does this mean he is a true Lilac? Thank you. I had to send AKC pictures for color matching. Frenchiestore Team March 03, Hi Georges, It sounds like one of the parents for your future Frenchie puppy is blue which is a rare color in French Bulldogs. Rare colors in the Frenchie breed can come with health concerns so it is vital you get your puppy from a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors and does genetic tests etc which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders in your Frenchie puppy. Thank you for your question, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Thank you for reading and commenting on Frenchiestore blog, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Gracias Joe A wonderful article. I learned a lot from reading this and gained some insightful information. Thank you for providing. Laurie October 02, Hi Benita, Thank you for the feedback. We hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the French Bulldog breed. We hope you found valuable information about potty training your Frenchie and other related topics that will help with bringing the puppy home. Now you can find out how popular the Frenchie dog is based on AKC most popular dog breeds in .These findings were based on stats on AKC registration statistics. It is important to note that even though the French Bulldog is listed as the fourth most popular dog there are many rare Frenchie colors that are not accepted and therefore do not have the AKC registration. The Frenchie breed is popular for their fun-loving, laid back nature and this has contributed to their almost universal appeal among dog lovers. If you have been searching for the perfect Frenchie puppy , we must warn you that this is where your search comes to an end. Armed with an overdose of cuteness and a tough-on-the-outside,sweet-on-the-inside expression, you are minutes away from a French Bulldog puppy fever. Discover the history of the French Bulldog on Meet the Breeds! Is the Frenchie dog breed the right breed for me? French Bulldogs have a unique personality than other breeds and it is recommended you learn more about this breed before getting one. Society stigmatize them as a lazy low maintenance small breed you can just carry everywhere. This is far from the truth. French Bulldogs often require as much attention as a newborn baby. Appearance of the French Bulldog dog The Frenchie dog is one of the miniature dog breed. One of their signature physical attributes are the over-sized bat-like ears that add spades of cute to this furry fellow. They have a muscle bound, compact frame with heavy bones. Their heads are large and square, compared to the rest of their body which tapers off to lean and smaller hind quarters. They have a wrinkly, almost flat face featuring a very short and often black muzzle. This gives them a scrunched up, eternally long-suffering look that provides several funny expressions and makes them look almost human. Their eyes are small, dark and set just above the muzzle. They have strong necks, wide chests and smooth, soft coats that come in a variety of colors. Their tails are usually short and either straight or screwed. The Frenchie dog is alert, friendly and sturdy. Their signature sitting positions will often remind you of a turkey leg. You most definitely will want to nibble on that! How do you know what color is your Frenchie puppy? First, examine the genes and colors of the parents, then examine certain features such as mask, maskless, brindle, tan points, sable etc. If you have questions or unsure you can always ask a more knowledgeable breeder or do a genetic test. Did you know the Fawn french Bulldog comes in many different shades? Here is a short breakdown of the different variations in Fawn French Bulldog puppies: Masked fawn French Bulldog A fawn Frenchie coat color can range from cream and light tan to golden tan and dark reddish tan with the distinguishing feature of a dark mask. Brindle streaks can occur. Their coats look like a pale lighter fawn color and usually puppies have lighter eyes. Their eyes will change in time from blue gray or green to brown honey or hazel color depending on their genes. Sable Frenchie dogs usually look like masked fawn Frenchies with darker black hairs and black-tipped hairs covering throughout the coat. A sable Frenchie puppy may be indistinguishable from sable in an adult French Bulldog. Maskless Fawn French Bulldog A Fawn maskless Frenchie coat color can range from cream and light tan to golden tan and dark reddish tan just like the masked fawn Frenchie. The only difference is that this coat color in Frenchies do not include the dark black mask around the eyes and muzzle. Red Fawn French Bulldog A red fawn Frenchie coat color can range from light red to dark reddish tan with the distinguishing feature of a dark mask. Brindle and sable can occur. The Red Fawn Frenchie coat color is considered rare. Lets talk French Bulldog genes! Two French Bulldogs that are masked brindles - expected to produce masked fawn, masked brindle or maskless brindle. A masked brindle Frenchie and a sable ayayE French Bulldog- expected to produce Frenchie puppies that are masked fawns sables or brindles. A masked brindle Frenchie and an ee red Frenchie - expected to produce depending on the A genes in the ee red blacks and some black with tan pigment, which could either be masked or brindled. If you work most of the day, and planning on leaving your Frenchie at home alone until you come back, please re-think getting this breed. It is too often that this breed is being surrendered to a rescue due to the inability of spending time with the dog. French Bulldogs will get angry and destroy things to get your attention if you are ignoring them or not there for them. If you are retired, and want a great loving companion this might be the breed for you. Should I get a French Bulldog puppy or a Pug puppy? There is no simple answer to this question. Deciding whether to get a Frenchie or a pug puppy can be a hard decision. They might look similar however there are many differences between the French Bulldog and the pug dog breeds. Both the Pug and the French Bulldog make a great family pet. Both are very loving and crave human attention. Both do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. The Pug never outgrows his or her puppy persona, and in contrast the French Bulldog is very laid back as he or she matures. The Frenchie is less active than the pug who might tend to bark more though not excessively. Similarly the Pug needs more exercise per day than the French bulldog. In addition Pugs life span will usually be longer than the French Bulldog. Both breeds do not do well in hot or cold weather. The Pug requires a lot more grooming and brushing than the Frenchie due to their thicket coat. Both breeds need daily wrinkle cleaning to avoid skin infections or tear stains. Frenchies cost more than Pug puppies. This is due to the fact that Frenchies can't reproduce naturally and all the costs associated with breeding the Frenchie. Both the Pug and the French Bulldog are prone to a long list of health problems. When making the decision whether you get a pug or a Frenchie you should consider your space, budget, and lifestyle. Maybe this decision proven to be too hard for you and in those cases you might consider getting a Frug. What is a Frug? A Frug is a crossbreed between the Pug and the Frenchie dog breeds. How do I find the right Frenchie? You generally have two options for getting yourself a French bulldog. You can either choose to get one through a reputable breeder or you can adopt a puppy from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. How can I rescue a French Bulldog? We are involved with many French Bulldog organizations you can always ask us if you need some guidance in the right direction. Are Frenchies healthy? French bulldogs are not known for their great health. In fact, they can develop several health issues. This is largely due to several factors including their physical attributes. Keep in mind that not all Frenchies will have these health challenges. They are simply associated with the breed and may not occur at all for your furry buddy. With adequate knowledge about their health issues, you can better make intelligent decisions when it comes to picking your Frenchie-puppy. What is the life spam of a French Bulldog? On average, the French bulldog lives between 10 and 12 years although, it is common to see some live for longer, up to 13 or 14 years especially if your French Bulldog is at an ideal weight. Do Frenchies smell? A French Bulldog tend to be more smelly than other dog breeds. Their delicate stomach and breathing issues can cause a lot of gas. Additionally, the Frenchie's facial folds can have a bad odor if not cleaned daily. How much should a French bulldog puppy weigh? Our Frenchie Weight Calculator can tell you an approx weight of your puppy or dog instantly based on on your dogs age and breed size. A general idea of an ideal weight would be lbs for a male Frenchie and lbs for a female French Bulldog depending on frame and height. French Bulldog dog breed is considered one of the lazy breeds since they love to lay around and sleep a lot. Frenchies can become overweight or obese very quickly and that can lead to many health issues that can be avoided with proper and ideal weight. My Frenchie is too thin, what should I do? First ask yourself, is your Frenchie months of age? If so its natural for them to look skinny, they are still growing and filling up to their mature body. Has your Frenchie been through any medical proceedure in the last few months that requires anesthesia? It is normal that your French Bulldog is skinnier after a proceedure such as neutering, spaying, boas surgery etc. If your French Bulldog is not a puppy and have not been through any medical procedures but still looks thin there are a few options to help them gain a bit of weight and reach an ideal weight: -De-worm your Frenchie and rule out intestinal parasites with the help of your vet. Things like chicken or beef broth, a dollop of non-fat plain yogurt are safe for your Frenchie to consume in moderation. Does your Frenchie eat raw, dry or wet food? Ask yourself does he or she like the food? This type of supplement usually comes in a tube and is easy to give the dog. How will being underweight or overweight affect my Frenchie's health? Just like people an overweight or obese Frenchie may exprience a shortness of breath with little to no exercise. It is a matter of life or death for a breed like the French Bulldogs that already has respiratory issues in the first place. In addition you can expect an overweight Frenchie to have Diabetes and heart disease. They may also experience joint problems and inability to walk or run. Even 5 pounds would affect a Frenchie tremendously due to their already small size. If your Frenchie is underweight it could be a sign of a serious health problem. It would best to talk to your vetranarian and test for major health issues such as parasites, gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease etc. How can I tell my French Bulldog is overweight? Did you know that more than half of the dogs in the world are overweight? Chances are 50 percet that your dog may fall into that catagory as well. The signs of an overweight Frenchie is : - No muscle tone - Heavy breathing with little to no exercise. What should I do if my Frenchie is overweight? Here is a list of things to consider when it comes to a French Bulldog that is overweight: - There has been extensive research in regards to thyroid health and dogs that pull on dog collars. Are you using a collar or a harness on your French Bulldog? Does your Frenchie pull? Is it possible the collar is affecting your French Bulldog's thyroid gland? A collar pushes on the throat exactly in the area of the thyroid gland, and any trauma created by the pulling can inflame the thyroid. Read the label which will list protein, fat content and calories per cup. Ask your vet for any suggestions for your specific needs. Should I free feed my Frenchie? It is not recommended to free feed a French Bulldogs since Frenchies will typically overeat. That is not to say that every Frenchie is the same and yours might do well with free feeding. How much should a French Bulldog puppy cost? Why are Frenchie puppies so expensive? French Bulldogs puppies are more expensive than other dog breeds due to the fact that Frenchies can't have Frenchie puppies naturally. Is this breeder posting a scam? Stay away from buying a Frenchie puppy if the price is too good to be true. It most likely be a scam. Furthermore never purchase a Frenchiebulldog puppy without references from prior buyers, and a contract in place. Never transfer money in western union or any other means that will not cover your purchase in case the deal went south. Even if its not a scam, a breeder can only offer a Frenchie for a cheap amount if they bypass many necessary testings. Buying a healthy Frenchie puppy will never be cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care as well as heartache. Why does my male Frenchie squat and not lift his leg when going potty? It is normal for male French Bulldogs to go to the bathroom squatting instead of lifting their leg. This is due to their stocky built and their short body. When your dog is marking his territoty or around other dogs it is possible he might lift his leg. Can I place another dog with my Frenchie in the same crate? It would have to depend on your dog's personalities and whether they get along. Another thing to keep in mind is not crating the opposite genders if they are not fixed. If your Frenchie shown any aggression to the other dog it is not recommended you crate them together. However, if they get along well and are best freinds it may be beneficial to crate together to eliminate separation anxiety. Make sure the crate is large enogh for them to be comfortable. My Frenchie puppy ate the pee pad, what should I do? Don't panic! A lot of French Bulldogs go through a chewing phase where they eat everything in sight. Your Frenchie will most likely pass the pee pads in stool. Watch your Frenchie for any signs of blockage like constant vomitting and unable to go to the bathroom and take your French Bulldog to the vet if you believe there was any issue in passing the pads. My Frenchie bulldog is aggressive towards children. What should I do? Do not allow your Frenchie to be mean to kids or other pets. Your French Bulldog needs to have respect to other household members. When French Bulldogs get away with this behavior this problem will only get worse so correct it as soon as it starts. Another method of eliminating aggression in French Bulldogs is to overly praise them when they are affectionate, and when they are not, ignore and stand your ground. At times positive reinforcement with Frenchies work the best since they are very emotional. My Frenchie suffers from allergies and cytopoint. My vet recommended the use of the medication Apoquel. Every Frenchie is different and off course they each have their own sets of problems and symtoms, however, as a responsible owner you need to educate yourself on the medication Apoquel before giving it to your dog just like you would with any other medication. There are wonderful holistic vet care facilities everywhere that take a different approach that does not include drugs. This medication works because it suppresses your Frenchie's immunity system so they don't feel the need to itch. The downside is that its a highly addictive drug which your Frenchie will need to rely on for many years, and when you stop giving it to them the symptoms might come back and be worse than they are before starting. Another side effect stemming from Apoquel is constant ear infections. Some dog owners reported cancer after prolong use but there is no scientific research or proof that it causes it. Before starting such a serious medication you can always try a more holistic approach like special shampoos, bath treatments, immunity booster treats, goat milk, supplements, coconut oil etc. Should I give my Frenchie a bully stick? Absolutely not. French Bulldogs are known to choke on bully sticks. In fact it is recommended you never give a Frenchie any type of hard bone including Antlers etc. For a treat it is always recommended to use a soft treat that can easily dissolve even if they swollow it whole. Although, French Bulldog breeders can, and do, go beyond these, there are three main colors that Frenchies come in. These are brindle, fawn and pied. While these are the most common colors, they do come in such a mix that you could reasonably assemble French bulldogs with different coats. Brindle is the most dominant color of the breed. A brindle Frenchie has a mostly dark coat with light hairs mixed in here and there. According to the French Bulldog Club of America, the coat isactually made of a base of fawn hairs, through which black hairs extend in bands. This means there must be a patch of enough fawn hairs to show the brindle pattern, no matter where that patch is located. Other shades of brindle french bulldogs include: The strong brindle Frenchie - Mix of brown and tan coat coloration in Frenchies. The brindle pied French Bulldog - A Frenchie dog with a chest, head, neck or toes sporting white hairs. The seal brindle French Bulldog- A French Bulldog with very light white hair that may even seem invisible. It is also common to see some of the dogs with coats that have a light tan, golden tan or a reddish tan. When Frenchie dogs have a dark reddish fawn color, they are referred to as a red-fawn. Although fawn Frenchies usually have lighter masks as well, it is more common for them to have a dark mask and a black nose. Their ears are also commonly dark and they may even have some brindle streaksin their coat. Pied Frenchie Bulldogs have a coat that ranges from white to eggshell color. Their coat may look porcelain white or a bright cream. Often,these color types will have one dark patch that stands out and gives them their personality. This may be around the eyes or some other place on the body of the Frenchie dog. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors. Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive depending on how rare the puppy is. Also there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Rare colors can be merle, lilac, blue and more. It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, apparently the result of cross-breeding of Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local Parisian ratters. History[ edit ] From the beginning of the nineteenth century bulldogs were bred in the United Kingdom for purposes other than traditional blood sports such as bull-baiting, which were banned in .By , there were few Toy Bulldogs left in England, such was their popularity in France, and due to the exploits of specialist dog exporters. The dogs were highly fashionable and were sought after by society ladies and Parisian prostitutes alike, as well as creatives such as artists, writers, and fashion designers. As it changed, terrier stock had been brought in to develop traits such as the breed's long straight ears. One of its ancestors was the English bulldog. Americans had been importing French Bulldogs for a while, but it was not until when they were brought over in order to set up an American-based breeding program. They were mostly owned by society ladies, who first displayed them at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in .The judge in question at the dog show, George Raper, only chose winners with "rose ears"—ears that folded at the tip, as with the standard for Bulldogs. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed quickly after the breed club was formed, and by the French Bulldog was the fifth most popular dog breed in America. The Kennel Club initially recognized them as a subset of the existing Bulldog breed rather than an entirely new breed. Cousens, a meeting was held to set up a breed club in order to seek individual recognition for the French breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog has overtaken the Labrador as the most popular breed of dog. Before , Labradors had held the top spot for 31 years. They were bred to be smaller versions of the larger bulldog and quickly became popular companions for Parisians living in small spaces. They have bat-like ears, can have a range of colors, and boast a short, smooth coat. They tend to weigh 28 pounds or less and are easily trainable. This is something to consider before bringing one into your home. The cost of a French bulldog varies based on where you buy it, as well as other unique factors about the dog. Purchasing a French bulldog from a breeder will typically cost more than adopting one from a shelter or rescue. How much does it cost to buy a French bulldog from a breeder? How much does it cost to adopt a French bulldog from a rescue? Sometimes, adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization is free. Why are French bulldogs so expensive? French bulldogs have long been one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. French bulldogs are also difficult to breed. They typically require artificial insemination and C-sections upon delivery. This can increase the cost for breeders, who pass those expenses onto the consumer via high prices. Factors that affect the price of a French bulldog Many factors can make a Frenchie — or any dog, for that matter — more expensive than the next. Some colors are very common, including white, cream, and black. Rare colors, like merle, blue, brindle, and lilac, are more unique and typically fetch a higher price. Gender: Female dogs usually cost more than males since they have the ability to produce future generations — and future income if you decide to sell any of her puppies. Bloodline and genetics: If a dog has parents or grandparents who've won shows, have other accolades, or were AKC-registered, this can increase their price. Dogs with health guarantees may also cost more. Breeder: The location and quality of a breeder — as well as the animals, methods, and facilities they use — can vary widely. You can expect a highly regarded, long-time breeder with a great reputation to charge more than someone with less experience breeding French bulldogs. Sometimes their price can be double that of a Frenchie in a common color like white or black. Boarding or pet sitting If you send your pup to doggie daycare, have them boarded while traveling, or hire a pet sitter, this will add to your ongoing costs. Ongoing classes may cost more than this, though. Pet insurance — if you decide to purchase it — may offset some of these costs, as well as other medical expenses. The American Kennel Club claims that Frenchies need coat grooming only once per month. What are some common French bulldog health problems? Hemivertebrae: Hemivertebrae can cause your dog to develop triangle-shaped vertebrae that can result in pain, weakness, and paralysis. Hip dysplasia: This is when the hip joint degenerates and no longer fits properly into the socket. It can often occur in Frenchies that are over-exercised. Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. It can cause walking problems and arthritis. Your Frenchie may also develop issues outside of these breed-specific problems that may also need treatment. What is the best insurance plan for your Frenchie? Some pet insurance plans cover only accidents and injuries, while others include preventative care, dental care, vaccinations, and other services. Consider your lifestyle and what activities you plan to do with your Frenchie before selecting a plan. Additional coverages may cost more. Asking for referrals from friends, family members, or colleagues who have bought Frenchies is one place to start. This can help you gauge the conditions the dog will be born into and the genetic line they come from. You can also look out for the signs of a responsible dog breeder, as outlined by the Humane Society of the United States. Is a French bulldog the right dog breed for you? French bulldogs might be right for you if you can afford the potentially high initial investment and are willing to spend time playing and socializing with your pup, as they are affectionate, playful, and active animals. The American Kennel Club says this breed is good with young children, good with other dogs, and overall very trainable. French bulldog FAQs French bulldogs are a unique and popular breed. What is the life expectancy of a French bulldog? French bulldogs have a life expectancy of nine to 12 years. This is slightly less than the average dog, which lives an average of 10 to 13 years. Do French bulldogs bark a lot? French bulldogs are not big barkers. A short daily walk should be enough for this small breed, making them a good fit for apartment and city life, where yards and large lots can be hard to find. What is the cheapest French bulldog? Purebred dogs represent only a small portion of shelter animals, so you may find yourself with a mixed Frenchie if you adopt one. What is the most expensive Frenchie? The rarest Frenchies tend to be the most expensive. How much is a French bulldog worth? Related articles. Your first pet will most likely feel threatened and protective over his territory and get jealous. Here are my tips for introducing your French bulldog to a new puppy. It has something to do with their scent — puppies have a different smell than adult pups. He stopped drooling around her after a couple days. Apart from that, have your dog meet your new puppy for the time first time in an open location, like a large park If possible, let them reach the meeting location at the same time and keep the leashes loose or even off-leash. Sometimes on-leash, dogs can become more agitated and aggressive. Let them eat individually with their own dishes. Let your first pet go straight into the house while your new pup runs around the yard. This is because at night, dogs have a harder time seeing one another, which can put them on edge. And at mealtimes, many pups can get territorial. That includes feeding dishes, toys, beddings and other shared items. Additionally, clean up their common area and let the existing pet have an idea that another pet is set to arrive. Weston went in there occasionally to roll around in the bed and mark it with his scent. Whenever we left the house, we had Fira stay inside her playpen which was her safe place. Play with them, train them together and always give lots and lots of love to the older pet. He will also make his own rules with the new sibling, so allow him to create his own boundaries and teach the younger one his rules, how to play and more. Fira never did it again. Interactions between your Frenchie and your new puppy should not be forced. Weston did such a great job teaching Fira how to play and wrestle. Follow us on Instagram wtfrenchie to see all our updates in real-time. Related Posts. Depending on where you live sorry California, it is expensive where you are! This could indicate the dog is coming from a puppy mill. You can read why you should avoid buying dogs from puppy mills here. But the popularity of the dog means there can be a lot of competition for the Frenchies that do need a home. There are a lot of factors that can influence price, and if you are looking for a show dog or a dog for breeding, you should expect to pay a lot more. Certain colors, which are desirable but genetically quite rare, can also push up the price. A brindle or black puppy will usually be at the lower end of the scale, but a breeder might ask a lot more for a platinum or blue fawn puppy. This is Micro, a perfect body specimen for a Frenchie. He also has a blue coat and orange eyes, which are quite rare in dogs. What About Mini Frenchies? Mini Frenchies, also known as Teacup Frenchies, are the same fantastic dog, but they are quite a bit smaller than usual. You can expect them to weigh just 5 to 14 pounds on average. Due to their smaller size, though, their bodies can be fragile, so it is important not to engage in rough play with them. These dogs are even harder to breed see below than standard French bulldogs, so they are also quite a bit more expensive. Why are they so expensive, then? One factor is high demand since they are a very desirable dog breed. But that is not the whole story, since Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds. Health Problems One of the biggest factors is these dogs have a lot of health problems. Most of their health issues are related to their flat, brachycephalic faces similar to Pugs and American bulldogs , which makes them particularly prone to breathing issues and allergies. This unique facial structure can also affect the formation of their jaw, and the health of their eyes, and can even affect their healing from certain illnesses and injuries. On top of this, they can also be prone to hip dysplasia, kneecap shifts, and heat stress. Fortunately, breeders try to control these breed-specific issues. It is essential that responsible breeders do their best to control these conditions, which means DNA scanning, genetic testing, multiple trips to the vet, and paying extra close attention to the developing puppies. Of course, all of this comes with a cost. Breeding Problems The other big problem is that Frenchies are extremely hard to breed. As well as the operation itself is expensive, the mother and pups need extra care afterward. Plus, breeders need to give their mother dogs significantly longer to recuperate before they can think about breeding them again. On top of that, French bulldogs have small litters—usually just three puppies. It is very unusual for a Frenchie to have five or more puppies in a single litter. So, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy, you can expect to be on a waiting list for several months before a puppy is available. As well as being expensive to buy, French bulldogs can be pretty costly to care for, again mostly because of their health problems. They will probably need regular trips to the vet, and insuring them can be expensive because they are known to have health issues. But what are some of the main costs that you can expect to incur when bringing home a new puppy? Supplies It can surprise pet parents just how many things you need to care for a new dog. For starters, your new pup will need a bed, toys, bowls, a collar, and a leash. A crate can also be a big expense if you choose to crate train. However, because crate training is not so common among French bulldogs, first-time owners might also want to consider some professional training classes. Food Food is one of the biggest neverending expenses for any dog. Puppy food is also a bit more expensive than adult food because of its high protein content. Ideally, your dog should be eating puppy food until they are about 9 months old. French bulldogs should be eating around 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. You can read more about pet insurance for puppies here. They will usually only bark when there is something wrong, so it is worth paying attention when they do vocalize. This is one of the reasons why they make excellent apartment dogs. While French bulldogs are adorable, they are specifically bred for their appearance, and this has led to a lot of genetic issues that affect their health and can leave them in a lot of pain in their later years. Many people object to putting the health of an animal second to appearance and therefore object to buying French bulldogs and supporting the purebred breeding industry. In theory, if there was no demand for these dogs, this kind of exploitative breeding would stop. In practice, this is difficult to imagine, considering how popular the breed is. Can French bulldogs stay home alone? French bulldogs actually tolerate being left alone relatively well. However, all dogs need a lot of love and companionship, and no dog responds well to being left on their own for 10 hours a day five days a week. Dogs become members of the family, and if they are going to thrive, they need to be treated with that kind of attention. Are Frenchies hard to potty train? However, they are little dogs with small bladders. They also tend to gobble down their food, which means they can be prone to smelly gas expulsions. How much exercise does my Frenchie need? French bulldogs do well on just a 15 to minute vigorous walk each day. They are also quite playful, so they burn off energy just playing around as well. Are French bulldogs aggressive? Despite the reputation of bulldogs, Frenchies are not aggressive. They are friendly and get on well with people and other animals. However, all animals are a combination of nature and nurture, so they can learn aggressive habits if they are not properly cared for. Are Frenchies high maintenance? They can also be left alone without expecting too much trouble. On the other hand, their tendency towards breed-specific health issues does mean they need regular visits to the vet. They may need special medications for things like breathing issues, and in later life, they may need things like a special bed. The Verdict French bulldogs are excellent dogs. They are great little companions who will find it easy to live in your apartment with you, but they are also fun-loving and curious. While they are great dogs, they are also quite expensive. This is due to high demand and some pretty serious difficulties when it comes to breeding them. They have small litters, almost always delivered by c-section, and health screenings and vet visits are a big burden for breeders. If you want something special, such as a rare color, you should expect to pay a lot more. You can also expect them to be relatively expensive dogs to own because they do need regular and close contact with a good vet to maintain their health. At a glance, the French bulldog is: Highly intelligent and trainable Small, meaning it does well in fairly small apartments Expensive due to demand and how difficult they are to breed Prone to breed-specific health issues So, are they worth all this expense and trouble? We think they are. French bulldogs can be the ideal pet for first-time owners with limited space and time but a lot of love to give. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Lung disease Pain In a healthy puppy, a short lived episode of fast breathing that quickly resolves and is not accompanied by any other symptoms is unlikely to be of concern. During non-REM sleep, the dog is immobile and does not dream. Is your dog twitching in their sleep? If so, this is likely them in REM sleep which can cause them to move their limbs and breathe heavily as they dream. This is normal sleep behavior and does not indicate any sort of health concern. If your puppy is breathing heavily during sleep, he is simply dreaming about chasing his favorite ball! Breathing heavily during sleep is not a problem and does not mean that your puppy is in any kind of distress. A normal resting breathing rate in puppies is breaths per minute when the puppy is relaxed and quiet. The respiratory rate can naturally be higher if the puppy is excited or has recently exercised. Once the puppy calms down, this breathing rate should go back to the normal breaths per minute range. If the breathing does not return to normal on its own within a short period of time or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, increased effort to breathe, changes in the color of the tongue or gums, or other changes in health or behavior, then this is a sign that the rapid breathing is abnormal and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Seek veterinary care right away. Depending on the cause of the breathing problem, treatment could include medications or surgery, or a referral to a specialist for further care. Fast breathing in puppies is often a normal occurrence, especially when it happens during sleep. Puppies dream just like we do and they may twitch, move, or breathe rapidly during REM sleep when they are dreaming. Puppies can also breathe fast if they are excited or after exercise, such as playing with a favorite toy or running to greet the guests that just arrived at your door! At these times, it is not unexpected to see your puppy breathing faster than normal - although it is important to know the answer to how far can a puppy walk and how much exercise they can do in general to ensure you're not over-taxing them. If your puppy breathes faster than normal when he is calm and quiet, and the episode does not resolve within a short amount of time or is accompanied by other respiratory symptoms, then it may be time to see your veterinarian for further advice and care. Fast breathing can be a sign of several illnesses in puppies, including heart disease and respiratory illnesses. Looking for more great puppy content to help you navigate that first year of their life? Find out how much sleep does a puppy need? A Day In The Life.Puppies The link has been copied! We all love to watch our pets catch some shut eye after a long bout of exercise. But what if it seems like your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping, and you are worried about them? Is breathing fast in puppies a problem that you need to worry about? There are a number of reasons why you might see this, and many of them are normal. As a new puppy owner, it is okay to feel stress and anxiety with understanding your puppy. Detecting fast breathing in your puppy is no small feat either. Because they're so small, even more so in some breeds, it's often hard to make out whether they're breathing fast while sleeping more than usual. But don't worry, as we'll give you some tips for how to check your puppy's breathing rate to know if they are healthy. Below, we'll also explain why puppies often breathe fast while asleep, as well as understanding the natural sleep stages of a dog. If your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping then there are a few different reasons that could impact their breathing patterns while they sleep. Typically, fast breathing or heavy breathing in puppies is a normal thing that can be explained by recent activity or normal bodily functions. Below are the most common reasons that your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping: Recent Exercise or Play One of the most common causes for a puppy to be breathing fast while sleeping is its body reaction to recent exercise or activity. Puppies are known for their boundless energy and playful nature, which often leads them to engage in vigorous exercise and activities. When a puppy is breathing fast after such exercise, it is perfectly normal and expected. Fast breathing is a natural response to an increase in physical activity, as the body needs to take in more oxygen to keep up with the heightened demand. This is especially true for puppies, as they are still developing and their bodies are not yet fully conditioned for prolonged exercise. However, if a puppy continues to breathe fast even after resting for some time, or if they show signs of distress or discomfort, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Your Puppy Is Dreaming If you notice that your puppy is breathing fast or even twitching slightly while they sleep then a possible explanation could be that your puppy is dreaming! During sleep, the brain activity of a puppy can become very similar to when they are awake, and this can result in a range of physical responses, including fast breathing, whining, and even leg movements. While it can be tempting to wake a puppy from their sleep when they are breathing fast, it's important to allow them to continue their sleep cycle, as this can help them feel more rested and energized when they wake up. As long as there are no other signs of distress, such as barking or shaking, fast breathing during a puppy's dream is nothing to worry about. Panting as well as fast breathing is a mechanism used by dogs to help regulate their heat and to cool down. Dogs do not sweat like humans and instead release heat by panting, which allows moisture to evaporate from their tongue and the lining of their mouth, thereby reducing body heat. Fast breathing in a puppy can also help increase air circulation and promote heat loss through their skin. Let's explore the different stages of your puppy's sleeping patterns. A dog's sleeping cycle is fairly similar to our own, though they'll rotate through each phase of sleep at a quicker rate than we do. Often, they'll go through around 20 sleep cycles per night compared to our 4 or 5 cycles. In phase one, your dog is sleeping lightly. At this stage, their breathing should be deep and steady, and there'll likely be no movement or twitching. This is known as NREM non-rapid eye movement sleep. Your pup's heart rate and blood pressure will drop slowly in this phase, and they can be easily startled by sounds in their environment. The second phase is your dog's REM sleep phase, which often kicks in after around ten minutes. They'll twitch, make soft noises, and may indeed breathe more heavily if dreaming. They're more difficult to wake during this stage, and you should try to avoid doing so. Startling a dog from REM sleep can cause them to briefly lash out in confusion. Throughout their slumber, your dog will alternate between these cycles. You can usually notice when they're in a period of REM sleep based on the signs outlined above. Heavy Breathing is Often Normal While Sleeping While heavier breathing is usually associated with REM sleep, puppies, in general, tend to breathe more quickly than older dogs when they're asleep. Much of your pup's growth and development occurs while they're snoozing, and this process demands a lot of oxygen. What's more, puppies are very active - often more than their adult brothers and sisters. High levels of energy expenditure lead to a higher heart rate and faster breathing, and it takes time for the body's pulse and oxygen levels to return to normal. So, expect them to breathe more heavily and heavier panting if they're tuckered out from intense exercise and playing. Which is usually not a sign of a health condition. They just need time to rest and their breathing fast will settle down. How to Check Your Dog's Breathing Rate While resting, most pups will have a breathing rate of around 10 - 35 breaths each minute. That said, this can vary depending on which vet you ask. Your own veterinarian can advise on your specific breed and the breathing rate that's considered normal for them. Nevertheless, you can check your dog's breathing rate while they're resting to get an idea of what's normal for them and to make sure it is nothing to worry about. This way, you can monitor for any changes in the future and more quickly determine if something might be wrong if they are starting to breathe faster. Prepare a thirty-second timer. Watch them as s he sleeps; count the rise and fall of their chest. Start the timer, counting the number of times your pet's chest rises. When the timer expires, double the number you've counted to get your pet's breathing rate. Be careful not to touch or startle them while in close proximity, as they can bite if disturbed during REM sleep. Even if your puppy's breathing is normal right now, it's worth carrying out this quick check to establish a baseline that you can compare against in future. This could help you avoid worrying about a problem that may not exist. Breathing Habits that May be Concerning While fast breathing is most often not a cause of concern, it can be tied to a number of medical conditions; some are minor, while others might require more prompt attention. In most cases, though, you're likely to spot other signs and symptoms if your pup's fast breathing is associated with a medical issue. Below, we've covered the most common medical conditions that can lead to more rapid respiratory rate in your puppy. Bear in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list and shouldn't be considered an alternative to having your dog checked over by the vet: 1. Laryngeal paralysis Your pet's throat contains small muscles, which are called laryngeal flaps. Like in humans, these flaps move to accommodate eating and drinking, or breathing. However, there can be problems in the nerves that control these muscles. If this problem presents itself, it can reduce the level of movement that these muscles have, which can create air resistance. This means that less air gets into the lungs, which can make your puppy breathe more heavily to get oxygen. In puppies, it's more likely that this issue will be caused by neck trauma. Experts aren't quite sure what might cause this problem in older dogs. But watch out for raspy breathing, a change in the sound of your pup's bark, and difficulty breathing after activity. Tracheal collapse The trachea is often called the windpipe; it's the large, tube-shaped funnel that carries air into the lungs. In some dogs, the rigid cartilage that makes up much of the trachea can soften over time, resulting in problems breathing. However, this tends to be in older dogs, and particularly in breeds like Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus. Respiratory infections and pneumonia Simple infections can lead to heavier breathing, particularly when they affect the lungs. If a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection localizes itself in the trachea, it's less likely to cause breathing problems. But if it spreads into lung tissue, your dog might start breathing more heavily to draw sufficient oxygen. When your pup's lungs are impacted by an infection, this is often known as pneumonia. If you notice that your puppy has a fever or is increasingly lethargic, as well as breathing more heavily, these symptoms could mean that your dog has contracted an infection. Heat stroke Dogs lack the same kind of sweat glands that humans have; while we have them all over our skin, dogs only have them in their paws. As a result, they can struggle to cool off effectively, which is why they'll often pant to release heat. Unfortunately, panting isn't as effective as sweating. In extremely hot environments, dogs can't cool themselves down quickly enough. Again, like in humans, this can lead to heat stroke. Above degrees Fahrenheit, your dog can get into serious trouble. Watch out for heavy panting, disorientation, vomiting, and a change in gum color. Heart disease Heart disease can of course lead to breathing difficulties in puppies who can't pump oxygenated blood around their body efficiently enough. This could be caused by electrical disturbances, cardiomyopathy, and valve disease, among other conditions. Essentially, dogs can suffer many of the same heart problems as humans. If your puppy's heart is struggling to pump blood, your dog will likely start breathing more heavily to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This problem compounds as the condition gets worse. If your dog has cardiovascular problems, you might also notice that they struggle with exercise, develop a cough, or collapse. Pain or discomfort If your puppy is in pain for any reason - and there can be a number of conditions or causes - then they may breathe more heavily. Unfortunately, dogs are experts at masking pain. They may simply hide themselves away, or they may present their paw to you, but it's not always immediately obvious that they aren't simply asking for a hug. There are many causes of pain in dogs, which aren't always linked to biological problems. Canine arthritis, torn ligaments, tooth abscesses, and other problems can contribute to discomfort that might make your puppy breathe more rapidly. Other lung conditions Fast breathing can be linked to other, minor conditions that affect your pet's lungs. While they can be uncomfortable, they're less severe than some of those we've outlined above: for example, asthma and kennel cough. Asthma isn't as common in dogs as it is in cats, but it's typically caused by an allergic reaction; this could include anything from mold spores and dust mites, to pollens and perfume. You might notice coughing, wide-mouthed panting, wheezing, and general difficulty breathing. Kennel cough is also known as canine infectious respiratory disease. It's a common problem in facilities housing a large number of dogs, such as kennels and daycare establishments. You might also notice a runny nose, a cough, sneezing, lethargy, and a loss of appetite, according to the AKC. When to Contact Your Vet About Your Puppy Breathing Fast Don't panic if you catch your dog breathing quickly, and remember that it could be something completely innocent, like exercise or an overactive dream! But if you're at all concerned and have anxiety about your dog's breathing, then we recommend you get in touch with your vet. While we've outlined several conditions and associated symptoms above, consider speaking to your vet if you notice the following symptoms in your pup: They appear pale, with red or blue-tinged gums They have a reduced appetite They're very lethargic and don't want to exercise or move Their breathing is noticeably heavy and labored They're breathing with a gaping mouth, even when resting If your vet's concerned, they'll perform a full physical examination of your pup. This helps to determine whether your pet is suffering from any medical problems that are affecting their breathing, and where those problems might be originating from. Trust Your Instincts You know your dog and what is normal for them, so trust your own instincts and know what is a cause for concern. Deciding when to seek help can be difficult, but if you have any doubt, seek professional help. At best, you'll discover that your puppy is absolutely fine, but if a medical condition is lurking, you'll be able to resolve it before it becomes more of a problem. It is best for you to start paying attention and knowing your breaths per minute of your dog if you are concerned about your puppy breathing fast while sleeping. There are several reasons that are reasons to not be concerned with if you see your dog breathing fast. Simple things like stress or an elevated body temperature from heat can cause panting and change how your dog breathes. The breathing can also simply be elevated from playing with you or other adult dogs or puppies. Make sure to note what your dog was doing before hand if you are worried about your dog's health. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Should I Be Worried? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This could be a natural response to a stressful situation, or it could be a sign of something more concerning. How do you know the difference? Read on as we take an in-depth look at dog breathing, starting with what exactly is normal and why dogs breathe so much faster than humans. How Fast Do Dogs Breathe? Dogs do breathe faster than humans. While most humans have a respiration rate of between 12 and 20 breaths per minute when at rest, for dogs it can be almost double that. Dogs can breathe anywhere from 15 to 35 times per minute while at rest and still be considered in the normal range. Smaller dogs tend to breathe faster than larger dogs. You can expect big dogs to be at the lower end of the spectrum and your toy and miniature breeds to be at the higher end. They might have a respiratory rate of between and breaths per minute after a game of chase, but this should last no longer than about 10 minutes once they have returned to a restful state. The reason that dogs breathe so fast in comparison to humans is that this is how they manage their body heat. Quick breathing allows air to circulate around their body and for heat to escape via their upper respiratory tract, tongue, and mouth. A little bit of quick breathing can get their body back to a comfortable temperature quickly. What if your dog has bad breath? Read our guide here. It should take them a maximum of about ten minutes of rest to return to normal breathing post-exercise. If it takes longer than this, it can be a sign that they are being overexercised and you might want to tone things down on your next outing. In High Temperatures When it is hot, your dog might start breathing quickly to lower its temperature. You will probably notice them doing other things to keep cool, such as finding a cool piece of ground to lay their belly on. It might be completely normal for them to have elevated breathing for several hours on a really hot day. While your dog is doing their best to manage their temperature, they are at risk of heat exhaustion if they are kept in the heat for too long. Think about things that you can do to help them lower their temperature. Make sure they have access to shade, a cool spot, or make a fan available for them to sit in front of, and make sure they have plenty of cool water to sip. Active Dreams It can be strange to see your dog breathing faster than normal when they are sleeping, but this is often nothing to worry about. Dogs often have active dreams of chasing their favorite prey or playing with other pups. If they are getting a good workout in their sleep, their respiratory rate might rise as if they are actually doing those things. There will usually be other signs that accompany this type of dreaming such as whining and the occasional leg twitch. Also, when they wake up, their breathing should return to normal pretty quickly. Try not to wake them up while they are having one of those dreams. Just as it is disconcerting for you to be woken when you are in deep REM sleep, the same is true for your dog. Stress And Anxiety You might find that when you first bring a puppy home, they are breathing pretty fast. This can be the result of stress and anxiety associated with adapting to their new home. It is pretty normal and will pass over time. Think about it; they have been taken away from their mother and littermates and have been plunged into an unfamiliar environment with lots of people who want to cuddle them. They are going to be stressed out! This should pass within about a week. Other signs that your dog or puppy might be stressed out include frequent yawning, drooling, licking, pacing, shaking, a general inability to stay still, excessive shedding, and hiding away from people in the household. While adapting to a new home is the most common cause of stress in puppies, for adult dogs being left at home alone for extended periods of time is the most common cause of stress. Having someone drop in and pass time with your dog during the day if you are out of the house for extended periods can make a big difference to their mental health. Read our advice on how to help your new puppy adapt to their new home here. If your dog seems to have extended periods of accelerated breathing for no apparent reason, you might start to be concerned. The first thing to do is to count their breathing to get a feel for just how fast their breathing is, and compare it to what is normal for them. Pay particular attention to breathing issues when it comes to brachycephalic dog breeds —dogs with flat, squished faces— as breathing issues may be one of the first symptoms that they develop. Below are the most common medical conditions associated with accelerated breathing, and the other accompanying symptoms you can expect to notice if they are affecting your dog. Asthma As well as rapid breathing, other common symptoms of asthma in dogs include sudden difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, heavy panting with mouth open, a bluish color to the gums, loss of appetite, and loss of energy. Lung Cancer Lung cancer only tends to be common in older dogs. As well as rapid breathing, other common symptoms include coughing, lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, hair loss, loss of appetite, lameness, fever, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Kennel Cough This is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs that usually gets passed around when a large number of dogs come into contact like they do in kennels. As well as rapid breathing, expect to see a strong cough, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever. Laryngeal Paralysis This is a disease that can make it difficult for your dog to close off their windpipe when they are eating and drinking, which can result in a variety of issues. As well as rapid breathing you will probably notice a strange noise when they are inhaling, a change in the sound of their bark, a blue discoloration around the tongue and gums, and coughing or gagging while eating or drinking. Windpipe Issues Dogs can be affected by a variety of windpipe issues, including pressure on the windpipe and tracheal collapse. As well as rapid breathing, you will notice coughing, vomiting, and gagging, as well as blueness around the mouth. Bacterial Or Fungal Respiratory Infection As well as breathing difficulties, if your pup has picked up a respiratory infection you can expect to see snorting and sneezing, discharge around the nose and eyes, foam around the mouth, high fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and lethargy. Smoke Inhalation If your dog has been exposed to smoke which they have inhaled, in addition to rapid breathing you can expect to see coughing and wheezing, red or irritated eyes, lethargy, weakness, and foaming around the mouth. Pain Increased breathing can be one of the various symptoms that your dog displays when they are in some kind of pain, as a kind of stress response. You can also expert shaking, flattening of the ears, whining, low posture, whimpering, excessive licking or scratching of a specific area, reluctance to play or move, or a loss of appetite. Parasites If your dog has picked up a parasite, such as heartworms, rapid breathing can be one of the symptoms. You may also see diarrhea, vomiting, scooting, a distended abdomen, weight loss, decreased activity, and a dull coat. Compressed Lungs A compressed lung, or pneumothorax, is an accumulation of air outside the lungs but inside the chest walls. This prevents the lungs from inflating properly. Pressure on the lungs due to compression can cause accelerated and abnormal breathing. You may also notice a dull sound associated with their breathing, coughing, and hypoventilation. It can be congenital, or the result of an accident. When your dog is suffering from a hernia, as well as a bulge at the site of the hernia and rapid breathing you may notice vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and other general signs of pain. Anemia Anemia occurs when a dog cannot produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. This can affect several vital body functions. Dogs suffering from anemia often breathe quickly. They will also likely have pale gums, seem weak and lethargic, and have very dark-colored stools. Medication Certain medications can cause your dog to start breathing quickly. This side effect should be listed on the medication along with other symptoms to look out for. Symptoms Of Concern In addition to the speed, the main symptoms to be concerned about in connection with breathing are: Breathing with the mouth open Noticeably labored breathing Any blueness around the tongue and gums An unusually low or high body temperature Any other respiratory signs such as coughing or sneezing Inactivity or lethargy Weight loss or loss of appetite Any changes in their regular stool Any general signs of pain FAQs How fast should my dog be breathing? A resting respiratory rate of between breaths per minute is considered normal for dogs. Smaller dogs tend to breathe faster and larger dogs slower, Your dog may breathe faster after exercise, when it is very hot, or when they are stressed, but breathing faster than this for extended periods or no apparent reason is a reason for concern. Do puppies breathe fast when they are sleeping? It is more usual to see puppies breathing fast when they are sleeping than adult dogs. This is because they sleep more, and also because they are processing so many more new experiences. This means that they are more likely to have the kind of intense, active dreams that cause their bodies to respond to their dream as if they are active in real life. You will probably notice other signs of this type of dreaming, such as whining, growling, and twitching limbs. The accelerated breathing should only last a few minutes and should stop when they wake up. Do puppies have a fast heart rate? Newborn pups can have a heart rate of around beats per minute. It will slow down as they grow, but stay high at around beats per minute for the first six months or so of their lives. The Verdict When you notice that your dog is breathing a lot faster than you, this is nothing to worry about. The resting respiratory rate of your dog should be about twice as fast as yours. When they are recovering from exercise or dealing with extreme heat, you can expect their breathing to increase significantly, by as much as ten times. They may also breathe faster if they are dealing with stress or anxiety, or having a very active dream. If your dog is consistently breathing at more than 35 breaths per minute for no discernable reason, though, this can be a symptom of a variety of problems from pneumonia, to parasites, to pain. It is time to consult your vet and watch out for other symptoms of what could be going on with your dog. Have you dealt with a dog suffering from accelerated breathing? Share your experience with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases. Non-rapid eye movement NREM. This phase often lasts about 10 minutes. Rapid eye movement REM. Breathing increases during this phase of deep sleep, especially if your pup is dreaming yes, dogs dream. Recommended Videos Your dog will run through these cycles. There may be other reasons, too. How can I find out how fast my pet is breathing? However, vets say some dogs have lower thresholds. Count the breaths. Repeat for 30 seconds. Multiply the number of breaths by 2. Should I call a vet? Several factors can trigger fast breathing during sleep. Exertion Best-case scenario: Your pup is still cooling down from a rousing play session or exercise. If you took your puppy out for a game of fetch or went on a power walk together, they may still be breathing heavily as they nap it off. Heatstroke is dangerous for dogs, just like for humans. Turn down the heat or move your puppy to a cooler space, preferably inside, on a hot day. Make sure they have plenty of water. Food poisoning If your puppy got into something they should not have, like garlic or onions , they might breathe heavily. If it collapses or has too much pressure, your puppy may start breathing more heavily. Other symptoms of this issue include a dry cough. This problem typically occurs in older dogs, but puppies can have issues too. Certain breeds, like chihuahuas, are more susceptible to tracheal collapses. Heart issues Heavy breathing can be a sign of heart disease. If your dog is diagnosed with ticker trouble, the vet may have you monitor their resting breathing rate more often. Simply count each breath, which is considered one inhale and exhale, for 30 or 60 seconds. If counting for 30 seconds, multiply the number of breaths by 2. Generally, anything over 30 to 35 breaths per minute is cause for concern. Puppies may breathe rapidly when sleeping if they have recently played or exercised or are too hot. Fast breathing during rest periods can also be a sign of something more serious, such as food poisoning or heart disease. Make sure to keep your dog out of the heat and ensure they always have plenty of water. Call your vet if you notice fast breathing while sleeping. They can advise you on the next steps and evaluate your pup to determine if treatment is necessary. Editors' Recommendations. September 03, 5 min read Table of Contents Is there anything quite as peaceful as watching your pup napping? While it can be difficult to pinpoint the reason for their rapid breathing without asking your veterinarian, there are a few potential reasons you can keep an eye on. Why is my dog breathing so fast? While a quick rate of breath can be worrying it should not be a reason for instant panic. For one thing, puppies breath much faster in their sleep than adult dogs do. Interestingly enough, puppies will dream much more often and more vividly than an adult dog might. Dogs, like humans, dream during the REM phase of their sleep cycle. The REM phase is unique to mammals, like your precious pupper, and comes with a high amount of brain activity. During this period, a dog will need more energy. Adult dogs, however, do not tend to breathe as rapidly in their sleep. While a brief period of quick breathing is acceptable, prolonged periods are a bad sign. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice this kind of behavior in an adult dog. There are other factors to consider as well. Remember, a warm environment can also cause rapid breathing in your pup as it tries to cool its body down during a snooze. Keeping an eye on your thermostat will help your dog stay more comfortable! A brief nap after a spirited round of fetch or a walk through the park will leave your furry friend breathing a little harder for a bit. While these are perfectly natural reasons for rapid breathing, there are other factors to worry about. If your dog has spent an excessive amount of time in the heat they might be at risk for heatstroke. Note that this will often be combined with diarrhea, vomiting, and excess salivation. Regular checkups with your vet will help you monitor this. Fluid in the Lungs: While most mammals, great and small, have a minuscule amount of fluid in their lungs, an excess amount can cause pain and make it hard to breathe. Low body temperature can also be an indicator. How fast is normal? According to the Animal Emergency Center , a puppy will breathe at a higher rate and clock in at between 15 to 40 breaths per minute. An adult dog, however, will have a lower rate between 10 to 30 breaths per minute. To see if your pupper is breathing rapidly, time it, and see how many they take in 60 seconds. This will help you determine if you should be worried. What do I do if my dog is breathing fast while resting? If your pup is breathing fast while napping, it might be a good idea to check other factors. For instance, stomach issues combined with rapid breathing can indicate poisoning while discoloration of the gums or unusual body temperature can indicate problems like heart failure or fluid in the lungs. Waking your dog can be an acceptable way to check whether or not they were dreaming, but waking them out of REM sleep can be just as disorienting for them as it would be for you! If you choose this course of action, try to calmly call their name and reassure them that everything is okay. When should I be worried? Other signs would include diarrhea and vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, and coughing. If your companion is low on energy, having stomach issues, or any sort of issue breathing, please consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and explore treatment options. How can I prevent this in the future? Remember, your puppy is frolicking in dreamland during their REM cycle and developing their respiratory systems. Their diet is also very important! What can help my dog sleep? Making sure your dog is comfortable and happy can go a long way toward helping them breathe easy! Providing your pup with a comfortable place to sleep can also make their dreams sweeter, and an orthopedic dog bed is a nice way to make sure they can rest easy. Remember, maintain their diet and provide a comfortable environment for them to rest in! These things, alongside regular veterinary checkups, will help you keep your pupper happy and healthy. For More Articles Check Out. Contact Help! Why is my dog breathing fast but acting normal? You have just noticed that your dog is breathing fast but hasn't been exercising or playing. Should you be concerned? Today our Davidson County vets share some of the reasons why dogs breathe fast, and when you should call the vet. Why is my dog breathing fast? Is something wrong? For you to be able to spot abnormal breathing you'll need to understand what a healthy respiratory breathing rate for your dog is. A typical healthy dog will take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest. Naturally, while exercising, your pooch will breathe much more quickly. So, anything above 40 breaths per minute while your dog is at rest is considered abnormal and certainly worth investigating. That said, it's important to understand that panting doesn't always mean that there's a problem. Panting is your pup's way of regulating their body temperature, cooling themselves down and allowing water and heat to evaporate from their upper respiratory tract, tongue, and mouth. Dogs can't sweat to cool themselves down, instead they need to breathe fast to allow air to circulate through their body. Rapid breathing helps your pup's body to get back to a normal temperature. How can I tell if my dog is breathing too fast? You may even want to do this when you are not concerned, in order to have a clear understanding of your pet's normal respiratory rate. Anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern and is worth contacting your vet over. Your vet will have a good understanding of your dogs normal respiratory rate from previous examinations. Brachycephalic dog breeds, breeds with 'squished faces' or shortened snouts , such as Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs face a higher risk of developing breathing issues and should always be closely monitored by pet owners for signs of increased respiratory effort. Short nosed breeds aren't the only ones that can run into difficulties breathing normally. No matter which breed your dog is, fast breathing could be a sign that your pooch is suffering from an illness or injury that requires urgent veterinary care. A few potential causes of fast or heavy breathing in dogs include: Asthma Lung Diseases such as cancer Exercise. Side Effects of Medication Watching their beloved pup sleeping is one of the sweetest things in the world for many owners. Our pups are gorgeous, but when they sleep, especially in a funny position, we just can not resist them. Looking after our paw friends during sleep is not only quite normal, but it can also be very helpful, as we can recognize any breathing issues that may be present. However, the normal breathing rate for each pup is individual, that is why you may want to consult a veterinarian for accurate information about your paw friend. After 30 seconds you can just multiply the number by two, to determine the breathing rate of your paw friend. Why Do Pups Breathe Fast As mentioned above pups have higher breathing rates than adult dogs, which applies even more to hyper pups, who are eager to play and explore. In general, we could say that there are three types of reasons for faster breathing in pups: 1. Physical-related causes they are quite normal, and you should not worry ; 2. Psychological causes; 3. Underlying medical issues. Psychological causes might be related to stress triggers, that may cause anxiety and lead to increased breathing rate. The third group includes underlying health conditions like heart failure, respiratory problems, Cushing's disease a. In this case you need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important that the area is not draughty as, as your puppy may get sick. You should always keep in mind that heatstroke is dangerous not only for humans, but also for dogs. During this stage the eyes move fast behind closed eyelids , the heart rate increases and the breathing gets irregular. However, from a medical point of view, there is nothing to worry about. Stress triggers can usually be a rapid environmental change, i. Your Pup Is Breathing Fast During Sleep - When Should You Consult a Veterinarian If you notice that your paw friend is breathing rapidly even when they are resting, or they are panting with a closed or not fully opened mouth, you should contact a veterinarian. Coughing, retching, wheezing as well as producing other sounds , having blue or pale gums, are other signs of underlying health conditions, that require a veterinarian check. This condition can cause permanent lung damage. Coughing occurs as a response of the body in order to help the airways clear the excess mucus. Bronchitis can be acute and chronic. While acute bronchitis is usually caused by infection viral or bacterial and is a temporary condition, if its symptoms remain more than 2 months, it is deemed chronic. Trachea Problems The trachea is a part of the airway system, supported by cartilaginous rings that open to let air in and out. This is a progressive disease, most common in toy breeds like the Pug, the Yorkshire Terrier , the Miniature and the Toy Poodle, the Chihuahua. Tracheal collapse is perceived as an extension of chronic bronchitis. The treatment of trachea problems may feature both medication and preventative care. Dyspnea Dyspnea or the so-called shortness of breath is a condition that prevents the lungs from expanding. As a result, they can not get enough oxygen into the bloodstream which leads to breathing problems. Initial treatment may feature: providing oxygen, taking out fluid from the chest cavity, doing tracheal intubation, inhalation, keeping the pup hydrated, treating any bacterial infections if present. Heart Problems Fast breathing can be a sign of congestive heart failure. Accompanying symptoms can be panting, experiencing fatigue, having difficulties breathing or breathing very rapidly, coughing, and having blue gums. Medication to correct the heartbeat or prevent fluids from build-up may be prescribed. Also, surgery may be administered. Certain types of food such as chocolate, garlic, onion, chives, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol, corn on the cob can be harmful for your paw friend. We always recommend that you keep human food which is potentially dangerous for your dog locked and always supervise your paw friend while outdoor. Side Effects of Medication Sedatives and pain relievers can lead to breathing problems in your paw friend. In most cases these medications do not lead to labored breathing when used properly , however, if your dog has an allergic reaction, heart issues, anemia or internal bleeding, breathing problems may occur. Do you wonder why my puppy breathes fast than your adult dogs? As mentioned above, puppies require more oxygen for healthy development. Set the timer for 30 seconds. Multiply the resulting number by 2 and the number you get is the number of breaths per minute of your puppy. The normal breathing rate for puppies is 15 to 40 breaths per minute. In some cases though, the breathing rate can be as high as breaths per minute. Is this still normal? Save Big On Dog Essentials! Why do Puppies Breathe Fast? My Puppy Breathes Fast while Sleeping! Should I be worried? If the fast breathing is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, disinterest in playing, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, swollen stomach, and breathing difficulty, then those are the signs that puppies require immediate veterinary attention. Otherwise, it can be a cause for concern. The gums should be moist and pink, not pale or any other color. Yes, a puppy breathing fast is normal. But, the story is different if it comes with other symptoms such as loss of appetite and coughing. As a fur parent, you must observe your pup if there are obvious signs that warrant a trip to the vet clinic. The best gauge is to determine if your puppy is actively interacting with you and other pets. If it is within the normal range, then, you have nothing to worry about because a puppy breathing fast is normal. Yes, puppies do breathe faster than dogs. Having said that, do not panic right away if you notice that my puppy is breathing fast compared with your adult dogs. As you have learned earlier, having a dream or being in the REM stage is one of many reasons why is my puppy breathing fast while sleeping. There is no need to run to the veterinary clinic right away because this is pretty normal. Remember when we said that it is also through fast breathing that their bodies get the right amount of oxygen for proper growth? This is because smaller dog breeds and those belonging to the brachycephalic dog breeds tend to breathe faster even in adulthood. On the one hand, if there are other concerning signs like lack of appetite as to why does my puppy breath so fast when sleeping, then that is the time to have your puppy examined by a vet doctor. Are Puppies supposed to Breathe Fast? To answer the question, should puppies breathe fast while sleeping? Yes, puppies need a higher level of oxygen intake for proper muscle, bone, organs, and brain development. However, if the puppies are breathing fast in situations that do not involve sleeping, playing, or cooling down after physical exertions, it is best to schedule an appointment with a vet doctor immediately. How fast should a Puppy Breath while Sleeping? The respiratory rate of puppies during sleep does not remain constant. It could increase or decrease during their sleeping cycle. At its slowest, it ranges from 15 to 40 breaths per minute, and around breaths per minute at its fastest. Rapid respiratory rate should only last for a few minutes and anything lasting more than 10 minutes should be checked by a vet. Make sure they are breathing through their nose and not through their mouth, as if they are panting. With a stopwatch at hand, count the number of times their chest inhales and exhales air for 30 seconds with one in-and-out movement counted as one. Next is to multiply the result by two. That would give you the result of their breaths per minute. If you suspect that their breathing is not normal, you can check their temperature by gently touching their body to feel if they are warmer than usual. The color of their gums is also a good indicator if there is something of concern. If they are pink and moist, then it should be fine. If it is very pale or rosy, have your pup checked by a vet. A swollen or hard stomach can also be a sign that there is pressure on the lungs to exert more effort. Other concerning signs include coughing, tiredness, and noisy breathing. Puppy Breathing breaths per minute While Sleeping A puppy breathing breaths per minute sleeping may not necessarily mean that you need to immediately drive him or her to the vet clinic. If a puppy breathes this fast, it can be classified as panting. But, should you worry right away? Panting helps puppies regulate their body temperatures, especially after playing. A puppy who just had some playtime may suddenly decide to rest and sleep and its breathing may not return to normal immediately. It should only be of concern when their rapid breathing is prolonged and accompanied by other unusual manifestations, like lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. Why is my 4 week old Puppy Breathing Fast? Puppies naturally breathe faster than older dogs. At four weeks of age, they are starting to walk, run, and play with their littermates and this increased activity makes their heart rates increase, thus, increasing oxygen intake. Fast breathing during their sleep is normal and nothing to worry about. Only when it is labored and showing signs of distress that they need to be checked. New stimulation can bring about stress which can also contribute to faster breathing during sleep. This is because heavy panting while sleeping is normal for puppies at 8 weeks of age, for as long as there are no signs like appetite loss or fever. Puppies usually breathe more heavily from 8 weeks to 24 weeks of age. A 2 month old puppy breathing fast while sleeping could be that his or her body is going through a growth spurt. This is all part of the growing process of a healthy puppy. It is possible for them to dream about their new escapades making them breathe fast while sleeping. Crate training is also introduced to most puppies around this age and this could cause stress. When exposed to uncomfortable situations, puppies could exhibit signs of rapid breathing while sleeping. They are usually lively during the morning and evening and would suddenly take a nap to rest. Heavy breathing could be exhibited while they are taking a snooze right after strenuous activity and would usually return to normal in a few minutes. Residual excitement can bring about rapid breathing while sleeping. Obsession over chewing and gnawing at random things is commonplace. They are also reaching half their adult full weight during this month. It is normal for them to toss and turn a lot during sleep with brisk breathing through the nose. It is also possible at this age for some diseases they inherit from their parents to start to appear. It is still normal for them intermittently to breathe fast while asleep, but any prolonged panting behavior during rest should be checked by a vet. Yes, stress can also be one reason your puppy is breathing rapidly during sleep. Stress or fear can take many forms. Separation anxiety, new environments, and even exposure to other pets can bring about anxiety. Signs you should look for are excessive drooling and barking, changes in posture, shaking, constant pacing, tucked ears, showing the white of their eyes, and panting. When you see a sign of stress in your puppy, gradually remove her from that situation and place her in a quiet place where she can re-group. Exercise, like walking or a game of frisbee , is another good way to release tension not only physically but also mentally. Yes, for some puppies, the fast breathing while sleeping is due to an underlying health condition such as the following: 1. If for some reason, the trachea collapses, one of the first symptoms that will manifest is rapid breathing. In most cases, tracheal collapse is hereditary. Another respiratory issue that can causes rapid breathing while sleeping is asthma. This occurs when the windpipe gets swollen or inflamed due to irritants. Lung disease There are a number of lung diseases or conditions due to certain bacteria or viruses that can affect a puppy, like pneumonia, kennel cough, and influenza. Kennel Cough Kennel Cough, or canine infectious respiratory disease CIRD , is infectious bronchitis that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. It brings about inflammation in the trachea resulting in a dry, hacking cough, especially during the night. As we can see, this is a respiratory infection that constricts the upper airways resulting in fast breathing. If it is accompanied by fever, it is most likely the highly contagious kennel cough. Pneumonia Pneumonia is a disease that causes the microscopic air sacs in the lungs to be inflamed. The common culprit is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract, but bacteria such as Streptococcus and Bordetella bronchiseptica can also cause the disease. Influenza Canine influenza virus CIV or dog flu is caused by either the H3N8 or H3N2 strain that brings about symptoms of cough, runny nose, and fever. It is typically spread through contaminated objects and respiratory secretions from infected dogs. Diaphragmatic hernia A form of diaphragmatic hernia found in puppies is called a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia PPDH. Puppies with this condition present with labored breathing and an irregular heartbeat, and the only solution to ease the difficulty is through surgery. Pain Dogs are good at concealing pain. It was a survival tactic that their ancestors employed against their enemies in the wild so as not to be seen as the weaker species. One of the typical signs of puppy pain is breathing fast while sleeping and during waking hours. Exposure to pain activates the stress hormone known as cortisol which plays a role in numbing pain. Increased cortisol also results in increased heart rate and faster breathing in puppies. If you suspect that your puppy is in pain, do not attempt to give pain medicines. Instead, head out to the veterinary clinic right away. The veterinarian will conduct a series of physical examinations to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. Blood tests, ultrasounds, and radiography may also be necessary especially if the vet suspects that it is a case of juvenile hip dysplasia. Though hip dysplasia is more common among older dogs, there are cases of puppies that are seen to be suffering from this problem as early as 5 months. Genes play a major role but obesity and poor diet can also be the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, the common pain medicines prescribed for puppies in pain are non-steroidal medicines. Supplements may also be given such as glucosamine to bring down swelling. Food Poisoning Puppies are notorious for eating just about anything. If fur parents failed to remove toxic food and substances around the house, puppies will naturally devour these. Fast breathing is one of the symptoms of food poisoning. Three of the human foods that can result in food poisoning in dogs are chocolate, garlic, and onions. Chocolates also have minimal traces of caffeine. While theobromine and caffeine can be processed by humans, our dogs take a longer time to break down and excrete these two which results in chocolate toxicity. The signs of chocolate poisoning can be seen 22 to 24 hours after intake and some of the symptoms are rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Garlic and Onions toxicity Garlic and onions can cause food poisoning in our dogs because of the compound N-propyl disulfide. This is a compound that damages the red blood cells of dogs and causes hemolysis and anemia. Aside from increased heart rate and faster breathing, the signs include pale gums and lack of coordination. The Dangerous Truth!

Close share Copy link Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it's easy to see why - their friendly demeanor and loyalty make them a beloved family pet. From choosing the right type of food to managing portion sizes and incorporating healthy treats, understanding your Golden's nutritional needs can help ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend. A breed like Golden Retrievers known for their lustrous coats and high energy need the proper nutrients to maintain shiny fur and healthy joints. Why Huntaway? Whole Ingredients Our dog food is a biologically appropriate balance of venison meat, offal, and bone. Our recipe also includes healthy fruits and vegetables such as swiss chard, kelp and beets. For dogs that are prone to dental disease and cancer, having ingredients like parsley can help support fresh breath, and polyphenol rich vegetables can reduce oxidative stress or inflammation in the body. You can read more about our ingredients. In addition to being a wonderful balance of foods for your dog, venison is a hypoallergenic and novel protein. A novel protein is a variety of protein that has not dominated our food system for a long time like beef, pork, chicken and turkey. For Golden Retrievers who suffer from allergies, this can be a great option since their immune systems are less likely to have a reaction to a novel protein over a conventional one. Simple to Portion Our raw dog food comes in 3 ounce cubes. This makes portioning easy for your pup. Additionally, there is an option for subscriptions to make sure you never run out. You can choose between Small, Medium and Large boxes, set to arrive every weeks. Earth Friendly Our wild venison are an invasive species in New Zealand. They disrupt the local environment and farm land, and currently do not have any natural predators, resulting in the population growing rapidly. By mindfully harvesting this species, and making sure no part of the animal goes to waste, there is a reduced amount of stress on the surrounding ecosystem. You can read more about our sustainable practices. Please note that this is a starting point, and should be adjusted based on activity level. For puppies or lactating dogs, please consult your vet for guidance. To serve, put portions in the refrigerator to thaw for around 12 hours. Similarly to other raw meat, handle with care, keep Huntaway separate from your other food, and make sure to wash surfaces and bowls thoroughly with soap and warm water after your dog is finished eating. Any food that is not consumed within 30 minutes should be discarded. If you're thinking about introducing Huntaway to your Golden Retriever, scroll down to purchase or email us at hello huntaway. The adventure starts here! Open media 1 in modal Huntaway. Nutritional requirements of a Golden Retriever What exactly should the diet of a Golden Retriever consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your Golden Retriever, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Golden Retriever, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. Golden Retriever raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Golden Retriever, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. You can do this with a little guesswork, or you can do the math. Calcium Replacements If your dog is too small to consume bone or you have a dog who struggles to crunch through bone, you can give a bone substitute. Seaweed and coral calcium have a bit more calcium, but the same rule applies. The best bone replacement for raw diets is bone meal. Give 2 teaspoons bone meal powder per pound of food for adult dogs. Feed 2 teaspoons per pound of food for adult dogs. These organs are essential. You should also try to get kidney, pancreas, spleen, lung, eyes, brain, sweetbread and green tripe. When raw feeding dogs, you need to remember that not all proteins are made the same. Some are richer in vitamins and minerals than others. And the organ that supplies the most, pound for pound, is the liver. This will supply most of his vitamins such as vitamins B and C and many of his minerals including copper and folate. The main mistake raw feeders make is only adding liver. There are many other organs you should feed your dog … and your job is to source as many of them as you can. Taurine deficiency can cause heart disease. Glandular therapy is based on the principle that organ meats support the corresponding organ in your dog. For example, pancreas is rich in enzymes. If your dog has pancreas disease, he will have trouble making enzymes. So feeding pancreas will supply him with the enzymes he needs. Another example is brain. Your dog needs DHA for healthy brains and nerves, especially puppies. And brain as an organ meat is rich in DHA, so it supports healthy brains and nervous systems. If you have trouble finding these organs at your butcher, you can buy them in powdered form. If you buy tripe, try to get green tripe from grass-fed animals. If the animal is fed corn, then pass on the tripe, as it will be too rich in unhealthy omega-6 fats. Adding Organ Meats Because organ meats are so rich in nutrients, they can cause digestive upset if you add too much, too soon. But not all fats are created equal! There are two fat properties you need to consider with the raw diet for dogs: Saturation this just refers to the number of double carbon bonds in a fat Omega family whether the fat is an omega-6 or omega-3 fat Saturated Fat There are three main types of dietary fats: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. The meats you feed your dog will have a combination of all three, but mainly saturated and polyunsaturated. In the wild, grazing animals would normally eat grasses, while most birds would eat grasses, seeds and insects. Grain-fed animals will contain more saturated fat than their grass-fed counterparts. Poultry is naturally higher in polyunsaturated fat and lower in saturated fat. Feed low fat meats and add polyunsaturated oils. Avoid coconut oil, which is saturated fat. Omega Fats There are two main types of polyunsaturated fats: omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats. Both fats help control the immune system and inflammatory response. Omega-6 fats tend to increase inflammation and omega-3 fats reduce it. Just as grains change the amount of fatty acid in meats, they also change the omega fats. While wild animals eating grasses contain equal amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, animals fed grains contain a lot more omega-6 fats. Here are some tips to balance the omega fats in raw diet for dogs: Trim the skin off poultry. It can contain 30 times more omega-6 fat than omega.Pork has a lot of fat in the meat and can contain large amounts of omega-6 fat. Make sure you feed both poultry and ruminants such as beef, lamb and goat. Add a source of omega-3 fats. My favorite sources are ahiflower or hemp a good source of a healthy fat called GLA and green lipped mussels a sustainable and clean alternative to fish and marine oils that carries several beneficial omega-3 fats. Broccoli, kale and especially broccolo sprouts are a good source of cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Blueberries have a special affinity for the brain and nervous system, and cranberries add bladder and kidney benefits … but most berries are a good choice. Research shows that vegetables reduce the risk of cancer in both humans and dogs. This is because fruits and vegetables have important immune benefits. All fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols , which are bioactive substances that play a role in health and immune function. They pass through his small intestine to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria that live there. Polyphenols have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been extensively studied for their role in preventing and treating chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Their immune benefits come mainly from short chain fatty acids … which are byproducts when bacteria consume polyphenols. They feed the wrong types of gut bacteria and are linked to chronic inflammation. To boost the vitamin D content, feed whole raw fish, egg yolks, vitamin D rich mushrooms or green lipped mussels. Green lipped mussels will also increase manganese levels, as will oysters and shellfish. This last step will make sure your dog gets enough of the two micronutrients that are most likely to be lacking in a raw diet. The problem is, many food animals are raised indoors and might be deficient in vitamin D. So there should be a source of vitamin D in the raw diet. Here are some of my favorite food sources of vitamin D for the raw diet for dogs: Mushrooms: When mushrooms are exposed to sunshine, they can product vitamin D, just like animals. Egg yolks: Yolks from pastured hens raised in sunshine and eating a proper diet are rich in vitamin D. You can feed eggs several times a week. Mussels: Green lipped mussels and other mussel species are rich in vitamin D. Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines and mackerel are all rich in vitamin D, as is cod liver oil. Manganese Manganese is an essential trace mineral that activates important metabolic processes in the body. It also helps the body detoxify harmful free radicals. If your dog is deficient in manganese, it will usually show as weakened ligaments and connective tissue that can cause joint issues such as cruciate tears. If your dog is very active, you may need to feed a little more. And if your dog is more of a couch potato, you may need to feed a little less. If you can feel the ribs, but not see them, your dog is at a good weight. Pound for pound, puppies need more calories and nutrition than adult dogs. Remember, puppies need to eat more calcium and less fat than adult dogs too. Puppies need to eat more to support their growth. We also discuss everything from how much to feed and how often. Plus, what types of meat to give your puppy, and how to make a balanced diet. Whilst most dogs nowadays feed on commercial kibble, there is a growing interest in raw food for puppies What Are the Available Raw Foods for Puppies? These may include grains, vegetables, legumes, and other animal proteins as we will see. However, dogs have associated with humans for ages. As a result, they can now digest many additional types of food. Despite the fact that the dog has adapted to eating a wider range of food, his digestive system is still ideally suited for processing carcasses. The aim of raw feeding, therefore, is to give your dog a diet made for them as a carnivorous animal. Dogs have the powerful crushing jaws, strong stomach acids, and short meat-eaters digestive tract to process a completely natural raw diet. Raw Food for Puppies: Rules and Principle If you choose to feed raw, you need to understand the principles involved and follow some basic rules to keep your puppy safe and healthy. Even for animals perfectly designed for crushing and swallowing bones, there are certain risks involved. And it is important that we minimize those risks in any way possible. Because whichever way you decide to feed your dog, it makes sense to reduce any risks to an absolute minimum. One way to do this is to buy an off-the-shelf raw food. But many raw feeders want to make their own food at home. It is a good idea to follow these feeding practices if you are going to raw feed your dogs. This is doubly important with puppies. As part of this process, the pathogens in meat will increase naturally over time, unless it is frozen. So be sure to freeze meat soon after purchasing or refrigerate it below 4 C and use it within a couple of days. Older dogs can often cope with pathogens that would make humans ill. Puppies, however, are more vulnerable. Only feed them the freshest meat that you would feed your own family. Handling raw meat, especially chicken, is always risky. Raw chicken especially is typically contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella. You can reduce this risk in a number of ways. Careful Storage: Store raw meat in covered containers, separate from your other food and well away from foods eaten raw like salads. We like these fridge containers from Amazon with clip-on lids. Of course, you can use any container with a lid that is dishwasher proof or can be washed in hot water. Dedicated Cutting Boards: Cut up raw meats on dishwasher safe dedicated chopping boards. Remember that you should use these boards for nothing else, but cutting raw meat. Use dedicated knives too, and wash both in a dishwasher or very hot soapy water. Protect Your Hands: Wear disposable latex gloves to handle meat and throw them away when you have finished. Then wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. The Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommends 20 seconds at least, of handwashing after. The major benefit is clean teeth—a result of the abrasive cleaning actions of processing bone. The main risk is tooth damage. This can include serious fractures of the teeth requiring expensive dental treatment and involving pain for your dog. Fortunately, this risk can be largely avoided, by the following: Avoid Weight-bearing Bones of Large Animals Avoid feeding your puppy weight-bearing bones of any large animal, such as cows, sheep, etc. Weight-bearing bones are the bones the animal stands on. They include the long bones in the legs that carry all of its body weight. It is, however, OK to feed leg bones of small animals to most dogs. Think about the size of animal a small to medium-sized dog might be able to catch and consume on his own. If your dog is medium to large-sized, this may be a rabbit, for example. That should be the largest size of animal to feed whole to your dog. Very tiny dogs may need even smaller bones. Rule 4 — Feed Your Puppy a Wide Variety of Meats Puppies need sufficient nutrients to keep them healthy and provide for their rapid growth. The best way to provide those nutrients is to offer a wide variety of nutritious food. It is very tempting to just feed what is easily available at the time. Many raw feeders are overly reliant on chicken because it is easy to obtain, but this is not sufficient, especially for puppies. If you make sure that your puppy has access to the following raw ingredients, at least once or twice each week, he should be able to access the nutrients he needs: Eggs Green tripe stomach of herbivore Oily fish Beef or lamb ribs with plenty of meat on them White fish Chicken backs, necks, wings and feet Pigs trotters Kidney, heart, lungs of cow, pig, sheep Liver tiny quantities Eggs make a great raw food for puppies. Some dogs will eat the shell too, which is fine. You may have to whisk the egg slightly the first few times you feed, to get the puppy started. There is no truth to the myth that pork is poisonous to dogs. It is fine to feed puppies pig feet, meat, and organs. Can Puppies Eat Vegetables? Dogs in the wild eat the stomach of their prey and some of its contents, which may include digested vegetation. They may also consume fallen fruit, berries, and so on at certain times of the year. Tripe is the stomach of a herbivore — usually a cow or a sheep. On the other hand, humans typically eat white tripe. Feeding green tripe and whole prey animals whole rabbits, fish, etc. It will give your puppy access to the range of nutrients he needs. Ensure that these are pureed mashed or liquidised. It is no use giving green vegetables whole, as your dog cannot digest them effectively. Some people like to feed fruit and vegetables carrots, for example to their raw fed dogs as snacks. This is not a problem provided you are aware of which common human foods are toxic to dogs. Onions are, for example. How small an item you can feed will depend on the size of your puppy. For example, take a Labrador puppy of three or four months old. He may be able to swallow a chicken wing whole if you feed just the last two joints. So it is best to feed the whole wing of a big chicken, or to feed a larger portion such as the back of the carcass. That way he has to work on the wing to break it down before he swallows it. They are more likely to do this if they think you are going to take their food away. So let your puppy eat in peace. This can lead to the puppy gulping down larger quantities of bone than he can digest, instead of breaking it up with his teeth. Raw meat is very valuable to dogs. Feed Your Puppy Enough Bone! Many people rely on ground minced meat and steak. But feeding puppies ground up beef or steak is not a suitable diet. They need bone and connective tissue in their diet. But he needs to chew on actual bone to benefit from the dental hygiene aspects of a raw diet. A dog that eating enough bone will produce firm stools that crumble when dry. Too much offal will also produce loose stools. It might be best to cut back a little. But as soon as he is big enough to manage to tear chunks off by himself, let him do so. Raw-fed dogs drink a lot less than kibble-fed dogs do. However, water is still essential. Always ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink. This is especially important when your dog has consumed a lot of bone. He will drink as much as he needs. Your dog will be fine with a regular water bowl, provided you keep it clean and well filled How Much Raw Food for Puppies? As always, when feeding puppies, be guided by your dog, rather than a set of scales. You should be able to feel ribs, but not see them. And your puppy should have a waist. So if you have a labrador puppy, feed him according to what he might be expected to weigh as an adult around 60lbs. This would amount to just over 1 lb of food each day. Each puppy is different and will grow and eat at his own pace. It is difficult to overfeed using raw food for puppies. So if you want to give your puppy a little more because he seems hungry, then by all means. Just keep an eye on that waistline, and cut back for a few days if he starts to get plump. Thin Puppies If you think your puppy is looking a little thin, despite being fed as much as he wants, think intestinal worms. You should deworm him regularly with a puppy deworming medication from your vet. You can also find them on online veterinary pharmacies. At the time of writing, fenbendazole is considered very safe. You should always check with your vet before deworming your puppy or dog for the first time. Deworming Your Puppy The thought of deworming your dog may sound gross to you, but it is a necessary evil. Dogs can become infested with different kinds of worms. The most common is the roundworm, but they can also have tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Besides weight loss, a worm-infested pup may also vomit or experience diarrhea. Be sure to see your vet to check their feces and choose an appropriate dewormer. Panacur is the dewormer I use for my puppies. The active ingredient is fenbendazole, and there are a range of products based on it including the popular brands "Drontal" or "Panacur". After deworming, your dog may pass the dead worms in his feces, looks like spaghetti. Some dogs may also experience vomiting. Other dogs with heartworm may be at risk of pulmonary thromboembolism after deworming. But try not to worry; your pup should be good as new soon after. Divide the daily ration into four portions for puppies under three months old. Do three portions for puppies between three and six months of age. And for pups six month to 1 year old, do two portions. Spread these meals out over the day at three to four hourly intervals. If your three-month-old puppy only wants to eat twice a day and is thriving, then that is OK. Adult Dogs and Fasting Adults can eat once or twice a day. It is up to you and your dog. In fact many experts believe that occasional fasting is beneficial for you dog. However, do NOT fast a dog on kibble, then allow him to gorge on extra rations the next day. Kibble is not designed to be consumed in large quantities, and your dog is not designed to process it that way. Lots of new foods all at once may trigger a tummy upset. Start with one food. Chicken is usually well tolerated. Feed a meager amount at the first meal, and if all is well, slightly more at the next. After a couple of days, add another food—eggs for example, or tripe. The rule is: small quantities at first, increasing gradually at each mealtime. Of course meal variety is important. And this gradual introduction will allow his stomach and digestive system to get used to his new way of eating. Raw Food for Puppies on a Budget We all want the best for our dogs. So it is likely that after reading this, you really want to start using raw food with your pup. Except, you have one issue: your budget is pretty low. Shop for cheaper animal parts: This was an eye-opener for me! Parts like chicken feet, chicken necks are less expensive and may fit in your budget. Use dog-safe vegetable peelings: Be sure to only pick fruits and veggies safe for dogs. Good luck with using raw food for puppies. References VetStreet. Khuly, Dr. Becker, Dr. Barchas, Dr. Craig, J. We at Bonsaviour strongly believes in a Raw Natural Diet for True Health of the Dog, We offer help and advice on the correct diet for the In-Whelp Pregnant Bitch, naturally rearing healthy puppies, adult dog diet and the older dog diet. Dogs fed naturally as nature intended with the addition of vital herbal minerals and vitamins will keep your dog in excellent health and ailment free throughout their life. Bonsaviour has practiced the Natural Diet for the dog for more than 25 years. Dogs in the wild would naturally kill their own prey, this is the reason why raw meat and raw bones is a natural diet for the domestic dog as like their ancestors. Domestic dogs and wolves have exactly the same strong digestive tract, the prey, example the rabbit the dog will eat the cereal content of the stomach, the prey would of raided the farmers crops thus why the cereal is part of the dog's diet, the fur would be the roughage, we replace this with bran it helps the anal glands to empty naturally. Commercialized unnatural dog foods can cause health problems in dogs especially as the dog ages. Feeding your dog raw foods the natural way as nature intended combats these problems. So how could they have possibly survived. In the wild a dog will catch it's food and devour nearly all of it, the flesh good source of protein , fat a good source of energy , bone good source of calcium , muscle and organ meats, and the stomach with its contents a good source of enzymes, minerals and pre-digested plant material consisting of herbs and grasses. Dogs, both domesticated and wild, are members of the carnivore family. Anatomically, they are built for it. No one describes this more eloquently than Juliette de Bairacli Levy in her book, The Complete Herbal Book for the Dog A Handbook of Natural Care and Rearing: The dog is a meat eater, from the teeth fashioned for tearing and crushing, the powerful jawbones and muscles, the small, very muscular stomach, the short intestines and above all the very powerful digestive juices peculiar to the carnivorous animals - digestive juices that can dissolve even lumps of bone. In health, the dog's juices, both of mouth and stomach, are strongly antiseptic, and thus high meat and even flesh from diseased animals food which would kill a human being in a day, can be eaten without any harmful effects. Levy's philosophy of raising dogs is called Natural Rearing and it means just what it says raising the dog in such a way as to reproduce the way they would exist in their natural state. Natural rearing diets, such as Raw Food, also known as, Bones And Raw Food , are based on fresh foods such as raw meats, raw bones, raw vegetables and herbs. Because dogs in the wild would not eat every day, one day of fasting only for adult dogs per week is also recommended. This allows the animal to cleanse its body of toxins. Cooking breaks down many of the proteins and amino acids in raw meat, thus destroying much of it's nutritional value. The dog being not only a hunter, but a scavenger as well, will be able to exist on a diet of cooked food, but it will not be in optimal health. Raising your dog on poor diets will eventually have its effect - disease, immune deficiencies, short life span, the list is endless. Thanks to the works of Juliette de Bairacli Levy, Dr. Ian Billinghurst, Wendy Volhard and Dr. Kerry Brown, Dr. Tom Lonsdale and Kymythy Schultz a step in the right direction back to nature has been taken. Their books have been and invaluable source of information for all dog owners. The answer to that is simple, because it is the best, most natural food you could feed your dog. I would suggest breeders make good use of such flesh foods as the following paunches of all animals the raw, uncleaned paunches of healthy grass-fed animals can be fed with much benefit to all breeds of dogs. I learned this from a gypsy in the Forest of Dean: this man had bred many famous greyhounds, and he told me that such fare was the finest of natural food tonics. Tripe is the stomach of animals. These animals i. The food the animal eats i. It is again swallowed and then passed through the reticulum and omasum into the abomasum, where it is then further broken down by the gastric juices, amino acids and other digestive enzymes. So how can something so disgusting, be so good. These same gastric juices and enzymes not only aid the animal in digestion, but also aid the dog in digesting and efficiently utilizing his food. The amino acids are necessary for muscular development and, the other gastric juices, I believe, are the best cleaner ever for their teeth. I caught up with pro-raw feeding vet David Hopper who runs Vet on the Corner, a small family run practice in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. David has over 25 years veterinary experience and has been feeding his own dogs a raw diet for at least 5 years. Without giving away any trade secrets I was staggered by the list of ingredients which went into the food but did not appear on the label, some of which in my opinion more at home in the chemistry lab not dog foodDavid Hopper David was in mixed practice for 25 years working with farm animals, horses and pets before specialising latterly in pets. He has used acupuncture in horses and dogs for much of that time and more recently trained in veterinary homeopathy. However the majority of his work is still in conventional veterinary practice. David tries to keep an open mind and every day learns something new — not bad after 34 years in the game! The interview was proofread by Nick Thompson of Holisticvet who added a few of his own comments. Nick is a fully trained vet with over 20 years experience, he has also trained in homeopathy, acupuncture, natural nutrition and veterinary herbal medicine. Hi David, thanks for taking the time out to discuss this very popular topic. I actually asked a couple of raw feeding groups on Facebook if they had any questions for this interview and the response was phenomenal! This is going to be a good one. Large sums of money have been spent by the Pet Food Industry on the veterinary profession over the years to sponsor education and research to the point that no one can remember any alternative to commercial diets. Following on, is there any sort of nutritional training available for raw feeding, perhaps sponsored by larger raw suppliers? I am not aware of any specific training courses but I suspect they will come with time as the major pet food firms can not ignore raw diet any longer and come on board. Having said that I have always been able to get advice from raw diet producers like Honeys. There is also a wealth of material online After being anti-raw for the majority of your career, what changed your opinion of a raw food diet, and even convinced you to rethink what you were feeding your own dogs? The conversion to feeding raw diet has been a gradual process over several years for me. At regular intervals we would get emergency phone calls from her to attend to dogs with gastric torsion. This is an acute emergency condition which will rapidly kill dogs if not surgically corrected and often recurs. Unfortunately we had to operate on many dogs and we lost several in the process. One day it occurred to me that I had not heard from her for several months. It transpired that she had started feeding raw diet instead of dry dog food and the torsions had stopped. I had heard through antipodean vets that raw diet is popular in Australia but I did not know any vets in the UK who supported it. I had access to the menus for the pet food. Without giving away any trade secrets I was staggered by the list of ingredients which went into the food but did not appear on the label, some of which in my opinion more at home in the chemistry lab not dog food? There appears to be no legal obligation for pet food manufacturers to declare all of the ingredients in pet food? I suppose the first step towards realising the importance of diet was when I noticed a tiny article in a veterinary publication about a vet called John Burn who had produced a holistic dog food. I phoned and had a long chat with this quietly spoken Scottish vet and as a result we tried this new food. Holistic diet improved many chronic skin, digestive and behavioural problems that had evaded curation by conventional treatments. It was long uphill struggle to convince clients that these conditions could be improved if not cured by diet alone. About 7 years ago a client walked into the surgery who fed her dog on raw diet. Raw diet seemed to tick so many boxes for me but it took a discussion with my wife, a vegetarian of over 30 years, to convince me to try it. We embarked on it with some trepidation and I must admit that when we first fed our dogs chicken wings I was ready to perform bowel surgery. However both dogs, one a GSD puppy the other a geriatric JRT, took to it readily and the benefits were almost immediate and they have continued ever since. Why do veterinarians oppose raw so much? Veterinarians and veterinary nurses oppose raw diets because they have no knowledge of them. Indoctrinated since students days of the merits of artificially produced pet foods by advertising and education, they have forgotten that for millennia animals have eaten raw food. Commercial dog food only became available in the 20th Century. They have also been fed old wives tales about raw food carrying bugs like salmonella and making dogs aggressive. Vets are understandably cautious about litigation and they are often unwilling to stick their heads above the parapet by recommending raw diet. More education and information for the veterinary profession and the general public is essential. I have not treated any dogs with illnesses related to raw diet feeding. There is some discussion about an overactive thyroid illness but I have not personally seen nor had any experience of this condition in dogs fed raw food. I have treated many cases related to feeding inappropriate commercial dry and tinned diets including skin, bowel, metabolic, skeletal, neurological and locomotory disorders. What do you feed? There is some confusion with pet owners who sometimes consider a raw food diet as totally meat. They do not realise the need for vegetable content and supplementation with bone flour. Occasionally pet owners also confuse a holistic artificial diet with raw food diet. Nick Thompson: There is much discussion among raw feeding vets on the most appropriate diet. No consensus beyond it has to be complete diet, not necessarily each meal , nutritious and work well for that individual. Watch this space! What is your view on supplements? Nick Thompson: I do supplement and there is evidence that modern foods, meats and vegetables have lower mineral content than 80 years ago. I also like using herbs, glucosamine products, vitamins at nutraceutical levels to give a nutritional boost beyond that of optimal nutrition. If so, how? I am unable to tell if the dog is on raw diet when it comes into the surgery however certain things give the game away on further investigation: clean teeth, no bad breath, normal faeces with no offensive smell and good bodily condition. To start buying fresh raw ingredients and mixing them into a diet for the dog is an anathema to most people with busy lifestyles so I can understand why pet owners feed commercial dry diet. It is quick and convenient rather like the fast foods some of us regularly eat. They have also been convinced by very persuasive advertising that a particular diet is the best one for their dog. We will never use commercial dry diets again if we have the choice. Do you have any advice on how to approach a non pro-raw vet? Unfortunately very few vets at the moment have any experience of raw diet so they do not recommend it. Hopefully in years to come that will change. Until then tread carefully and consult web pages like Raw Food Vets first. Whole animals rabbit, quail, etc. This is especially important for small breed puppies as they can become hypoglycemic if meals are spread out too long. Watch to see if he gets too fat or too thin and adjust accordingly. They are important because they are full of nutrients not found in muscle meat. But you want to introduce them slowly. Liver and other organ meats can cause some pretty nasty loose stools in puppies who have never had them before. If your puppy is new to raw feeding, wait until you see a good two or more weeks of solid stools before you introduce organ meats. Then add them in gradually instead of feeding one giant meal of liver. Find out here. Your puppy will benefit from some supplementation. Supplements to consider include: Phytoplankton — whole food nutrition that contains nearly every nutrient your dog needs Nutritional herbs — alfalfa, dandelion leaf, nettle and more Probiotics — friendly bacteria that protects the body from bacteria, viruses and fungi Digestive enzymes — break down and absorb nutrients from food Bovine colostrum — helps to build a strong immune system 8. He should also have plenty of fresh air and exercise. Exercise for young puppies should not be forced walks. His growing joints will suffer less stress if you take him outside for short play or training sessions instead. Keep the walks short — about five minutes per month of age until he is about six months of age. One day, you can return the favor and help another puppy owner realize how simple it is to raise puppies on raw! Plus get new recipes delivered right to your inbox. She's a sought-after speaker and loves to help dog owners give their dog a healthier, more natural life. Dana also breeds Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix and has been a raw feeding, natural rearing breeder since the 90's. Dana works tirelessly to educate pet owners so they can be the driving force to change veterinary medicine for dogs and make their world a safer place. Visit Dana's Labradors at Fallriver Labs. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best Golden Retriever raw diet or recommend a raw food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your Golden Retriever gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. Golden Retrievers Raw Feeding Chart You have four scenarios to choose from to determine how much to feed your dog. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a Golden Retriever that weighs 65 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. Dog treats The loyalty and friendly demeanor of Golden Retrievers make them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. For this reason, you as the owner need to take care of your Retriever by learning everything you need to know about their nature and overall well-being. Understanding their nutrition not only boosts their immune system but also allows your furry friend to live a long and happy life. It all comes down to choosing the right type of food, incorporating healthy treats into their diet, and managing portion sizes as they continue to grow. What is raw feeding? A raw diet comprises raw meat, raw organs, raw bone, and sometimes fruits or veggies. This means that there is no heat involved in preparing it before feeding your dog. Since dogs are carnivores, they need a diet that is packed with adequate amounts of protein, moderate fat, and very little or no carbohydrates. This makes raw meat the best diet for most dogs, especially when you compare it to kibble. Is the raw diet safe for your Golden Retriever? The raw food diet for dogs can be the healthiest diet! A raw diet is naturally delicious to your dog because they are carnivores, and their system is well adapted to this type of food. However, it poses a higher risk of parasites and other microorganisms that are present in raw food. When preparing a raw diet for your Golden Retriever, you need to follow all the necessary precautions in terms of food quality and safety. The recommended raw diet for a Golden Retriever involves meats that have been frozen to get rid of parasites, and properly washed before being served at room temperature. Keep in mind that dogs can have allergies to the commercial foods you buy at the stores. It makes your Golden Retriever enjoy food time even more because a raw diet is naturally appealing to their taste buds. Because carnivores get more nutrients from foods that are rich in nutrients, feeding your dog with raw diet gives him a shinier coat and healthier skin. Besides boosting their immune system, a raw diet gives your Golden Retriever the nutrients he needs without fillers. What are the downsides of feeding a raw diet to my Golden retriever? First, a raw diet costs more than kibble which can make it difficult for owners to keep up with their budget. You will also invest a lot of time in feeding your Retriever a raw diet because of the safety precautions you need to take. Another disadvantage of serving a raw diet is that it poses a higher risk of parasitic infection to your furry friend. The reason why you might consider cooking the food first before serving your Golden Retriever is that it kills off bacteria, germs, and parasites. There is a high possibility that your dog could be infected by intestinal parasites if served a raw diet. Your dog getting sick means frequent visits to the vet, which can be costly in the long run. How to maintain a proper weight for your Golden Retriever Golden retrievers are known to gain massive weight over time so it is essential to fill their diet with biologically appropriate proteins, ground bones, healthy fats, and some vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. How much food you feed your Golden Retriever will vary depending on its age, weight, metabolism, amount of exercise, quality of food, and whether you would want him to gain, maintain or lose weight. When creating raw feeding recipes for your Retriever, it is essential to maintain the correct ratios of ingredients so you can achieve the desired outcome for their weight and physical appearance. You can feed your Golden Retriever a raw diet as long as you take the necessary precautions before presenting it to your dog. It all comes down to how much you are willing to invest in terms of time and money. All in all, a raw diet is ideal for your furry friend as long as you take precautions to reduce the risk of parasitic infections. Post navigation. Do they start salivating when you cook chicken or turkey? Mine do. When the holidays are here during Thanksgiving and Christmas we always cook one or two Turkeys. Part of my food regimen is a raw food diet. The majority of my dog food is given in kibble that I rotate monthly if not bi-weekly. However, we also feel it is important to give them raw meats as well. Feeding raw meat is a very controversial topic. Most veterinarians do not recommend offering raw meat to their dogs. Understandably that makes sense for many reasons. However, if done properly a raw food diet can be much healthier if you are willing to invest the time. Many cheaper brands the first listed ingredient is a meat by-product. How many people know what a by-product is? If you did would you still feed it to them? How many people know what chemicals are put in their foods? Why is there so many grains in the food? In general a dog would never eat grains in the wild. I could go on and on about kibble. The diets we advocate are meats that have been frozen to eliminate parasites, or foods that have been cooked without bones in them. Recently I saw a post about raw meats stating that they are not good for dogs. To say that raw meat is not good for dogs, is saying that the evolution of dogs to be carnivores is unnecessary because humans exist. In the future I will have many posts that discuss a raw meat diet. Specifically we will cover the BARF model of raw feeding. If it is done properly then your dog will be a healthier, and a dog that loves you more. There are also other methods to follow as well and we will try and cover them too. Why go to a Raw Food Diet? Dogs have allergies too. A raw food diet can help by eliminating unnecessary ingredients. Some dogs will enjoy food time even more, especially when they realize the alpha human is putting more time in their meals. Trust me, this one is true and is not a joke. Your dogs will smell you in their food. That is a good thing for your relationship with your best friend. Shinier coats and healthier skin Your dogs will have smaller stools. Most dogs foods are filled with unnecessary fillers. A raw food diet gives your dogs what they need without fillers. Optimum immune system Reason not go to go to a Raw Food Diet? It costs a lot more than kibble. It can be difficult to invest more time in feeding your dog. Parasites are a higher risk Diets can be unbalanced if not done properly Is a Raw Food Diet right for your home? Only you can answer this question and discover if it fits in your routine. Feeding raw meat is an investment of time and money. Many people can buy raw meat meals that are prepackaged online such as Raw Beef Pet Food. You could try other meats like Raw Lamb for Pets. You might start there to see if your dogs will like it. Natural Balance does have cheaper meats, although they are not considered a 5 star product. If you have more time, and you want to cut costs, you could also opt to join a local co-op. Co-op raw meat clubs make bulk amounts of raw meat meals at a fraction of the cost. If you really have time you can buy all the products yourself and piece it together. In the future we will discuss all these options further in depth. Anyway, feel free to follow us on our journey and our pack.

Small, hypoallergenic and cuddly companions, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents. This zesty little designer dog has captured the hearts of many Americans in recent years. With their low shedding coats and playful nature, this pup is suitable for almost every home. The fact the Shih Poo only needs a moderate amount of exercise and is extremely small makes them well suited to apartments and city living. These dogs do need lots of grooming but their gorgeous coats make this a pleasurable task. Read MoreLess Temperament: They are known for their lively, affectionate nature. These little dogs will have everyone smiling with their crazy antics. These guys are confident and friendly with everyone. They are well known for getting along with all people and dogs alike. The Poodle is known for their eagerness to please. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their humans. Toy Poodles have a reputation for being somewhat highly strung. Adult Weight:. What coat colors are available? The coat color of a Shih Poo will vary. They can come in black, brown, white, cream, apricot, gold, red and brindle or a combination of all or some of those colors. Will I need to regularly groom my Shih Poo? Daily to a few times per week brushings along with regular scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks will keep your little ones coat soft and clean. Will a Shih Poo make for a good family pet? They also really enjoy the company and comfort of older people. With patience and consistency, they will be trained in no time. How much exercise will my Shih Poo need? Since they are smaller dogs, they will require less exercise. Daily walks between 30 minutes will be plenty to keep them fit and active. They also love to have indoor play, so make sure to keep lots of safe toys available to them. What is the life expectancy of a Shih Poo? The average life expectancy of a Shih Poo is between 14 and 17 years. What is the temperament of a Shih Poo? These spirited little pups are full of love and energy. They are companion dogs, so they thrive in the company of others, but prefer the company of older adults. Training them to control their barking is best when it is corrected at a very young age. Does the Shih Poo shed a lot? No, they have very minimal shedding. They make for great companions for those that suffer with allergies. What kind of coat does the Shih Poo have? The coat can vary depending on which parent they take after more. Their coat can be wavy and wiry like the poodle or soft and straight like the Shih Tzu. It may also be a healthy mix of both. Do they adjust well to their living environment? Yes, they adjust very well. They are just as happy and content in a small apartment as they are in a big home. They need to be around people, so it is best not to leave them for long periods of time. If they become too upset or anxious they can get destructive. Shih Poo Reviews. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article.