labrador puppies learning to swim

Head General Appearance: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull type that is long, narrow, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The skull appears slightly rounded from the front, and the width is less than the width from stop to occiput. The head is well-chiseled, never coarse or excessively fine. The occiput is well-pronounced. The face is well-chiseled with pronounced supraorbital regions and slightly pronounced zygomatic arches. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Expression: The expression is confident, proud, lively, intelligent, and attentive. Stop: The stop is slight or barely perceptible but present nonetheless. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between and , with the topskull being equal to just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel; however, a slight divergence is tolerable. Muzzle: The muzzle is long, full, and deep. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak. The lower jaw and chin are strong and equal in length to the upper jaw. They are never lacking, recessed, or appearing short compared to the upper jaws. Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened. Cheeks: The cheeks may be smooth or may exhibit slight padding to denote strength. They should not appear bulky or coarse. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized. Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, obliquely set, and as dark in color as possible. Darker eye colors are preferred, but lighter, amber-colored eyes are permissible in liver and liver varieties. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never rounded or bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Ears: Medium in size and set relatively low on the skull, with the top edge aligning with the corner of the eyes or falling slightly below eye level. The leathers are long and wide. When extended forward, the tips should reach the corner of the lips or beyond. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Body and Tail General Description: Balanced, agile, and athletic. The body is never heavy or bulky. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Neck: Strongly muscled with a good arch. Elegant and sufficiently long to allow for a proud head carriage. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. Topline: Straight and level from withers to croup. The back is short, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, level, or slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached. Croup: May be flat and level with the back or gently sloped. Underline: A slight tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. The forechest is well-developed but not protrusive. Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. The tail may be left natural preferred or docked. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. Natural tails may be straight or curved. Docked tails are cut from half to two-thirds the original length. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with long, well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: Elbows are close to the body. The distance from the ground to the elbow may be equal to, or slightly greater than, the distance from the withers to the brisket. Forelegs: Frontal View: Long, straight, of good muscle, moderate bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are long, equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The Poodle comes in two coat varieties: the curly coat and the corded coat. Curly coat variety: Well-furnished with an abundance of tight, fine, frizzy curls of equal length and woolly in texture. When touched, the coat will spring back into place. Corded-coat variety: Dense, fine, woolly hair that forms cords measuring at least 20 cm long. NOTE: Poodles may be shown in any clip with the exception of a complete close shave to the point where the coat texture cannot be determined. Nonstandard coat color variety: Phantom black, blue, silver, Isabella, liver, gray, or blue with tan points , brindle, tuxedo, pied, piebald, or party includes all of the above-listed patterns and colors with or without white markings , white with the above-listed coat colors and patterns. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament The Poodle is known for their keen, engaging, and good-natured temperament. They are devoted family companions, sociable playmates for both human and animal kind, and always the life of the party. Poodles are recognized as the second most intelligent dog breed, next to Border Collies. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Contact Us. How could anyone not be happy with a Standard? As many of my clients can testify, they also make fabulous hunting companions as bird dogs. They vary in size from medium to large and come in a beautiful array of colours and markings. The Standard Poodle is the "original " Poodle and the multi-coloured coat is also "original " and can be witnessed in many historical works of art going back many centuries. Whether a solid colour or a multi-coloured Standard Poodle.More interesting information about the history of poodles can be found at www. We enjoy educating people about this particular breed as it has a fascinating history. Most know very little about the Standard Poodle and picture an animal in a fancy cut with diamonds around the neck and bows in the hair. It actually is a very hardy dog as it was originally bred for work and hunting. This versatility allows the Standard to do just as well in the middle of Chicago as it does in country living, sport or hunting companion. All our dogs live within our home as every single one is considered a member of the family. Living on over ten acres of land provides them with plenty of exercise and fresh air, ensuring a sound mind and body. We breed for Health, Correct Conformation, Temperament and those wonderful colours and markings. All puppies are born in a specially designed and custom built nursery within our home where we can keep a close eye on them at all times. There has never been an absolute decision made on where, of these two countries, the Standard Poodle originated from. Of course, many people, both past and present, have their personal opinions. The Standard Poodle is the largest of the four different sized Poodles. The teacup, the toy, and the miniature all descend from the Standard. This breed used to hunt waterfowl, and search out truffles in the hills of France and Germany. The typical coat that comes to mind, when a person thinks Poodle was actually created for a purpose. If the Poodle was left ungroomed, while hunting in the water, the dog would be painstakingly hindered by the weight of its heavy, wet coat. The ribbons in their ears were simply to identify who owned them when they all came running over the hill to their masters. So you see, their hairstyle, which you probably thought was gratuitous and decadent, did in fact have a great purpose in history. The Poodle truly has one of the most fascinating histories in all of the K9 world. There are even drawings found in caves by explorers , with images that resemble the Standard Poodle. These are some of the earliest findings of what appeared to be pure bred dogs, used for a purpose. It was also during this period that Standard Poodles were the most used K9 to perform in shows and circuses. Circus trainers found the dogs to almost train themselves for the routine of the show. The popularity of the breed peaked in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is for this reason that potential Standard Poodle puppy buyers must be very wary of breeders, and ask plenty of questions. When dogs become extremely popular, their health is sacrificed by irresponsible breeders who are in the business only for monetary gain, and not for the betterment of the breed! Character Overview: Exhibiting amazing running and jumping abilities, the Standard Poodle almost flies through the air with ease. They are active, athletic, merry, very alert, and the most intelligent on the planet! The friendly Poodle simply delights in life. The Poodle is highly adaptable, outgoing, and very well-natured, making him a wonderful life long companion. The Standard is still a hunter like his ancestors, with his amazing swimming ability, and very keen nose. If you do not spend sufficient time training and loving your Poodle, he will become bored and can become difficult. Because of their extremely high intelligence, they require their mind to be exercised as much as they do their body. They are able to be trained to do virtually anything. They totally enjoy anytime in the water. Poodles are the ultimate family pet. They love everyone! They love children of all ages. LOL They can sense when someone is ill, and have a very compassionate demeanor. Often times, they have been noted as especially gentle around babies and seniors. What more can we say--they are for all people, for all things. Poodles do not molt! If you are one of the people who wants your Poodle to be traditionally groomed for shows, then yes, there is much more to it. A dog should never be constantly licking his feet, and if this is the case, you should visit a veterinary clinic. We feel as though the healthiest grooming choice is short and trim. During regular examinations by yourself, you will find it much easier to discover scratches or irregularities on their skin, and can take preventative measures to avoid such unpleasantries. If the Poodle is left for too long with a full coat, these things can go unnoticed very easily. The Standard is a very clean specimen, but still requires on average about two baths a month. Daily brushing is recommended, again, depending on how you groom your Poodle. The hair must be plucked from the ears to ensure proper airflow, and to decrease the chances of bacterial growth. This practice should be started from day one, and after the first few times your Poodle will adjust to the procedure for his lifetime. Happy in either the country or in the city, the Poodle adjusts well in almost any setting--provided he has plenty of love and attention. He hates being left alone for long periods of time, as any dog should! We brush our dogs teeth much more frequently, but as a minimum, we always say once a month. Physical Specifications: We ensure that all Magisterial Standard Poodle Puppies leave with their dewclaws removed and their tails docked. The dewclaws are removed to ensure no trouble occurs in the future as your Poodle is running through the woods, or other unpredicatable environments. Docking their tails and removing their claws is my least favorite part of breeding dogs; however, it is an important part of my job. Because Poodles are such happy dogs, their tails would be a force to be reckoned with--knocking anything and everything off ledges and tables. These procedures make life much more enjoyable, for human and K9 alike. The Poodle is the worlds most recognizable breed of dog. His body is very solid, with a slightly arched neck, and his chest well let-down. He has a firm muscular loin and his back is short--neither arched nor hollow, croup rounded but not sloping. His head is dignified, straight, and in total proportion to his body pronounced occipital peak! His nose must match his coat colour, and he has fairly tight lips. Again, the colour depending on his coat. He has a straight nose bride. The Poodle has almond-shaped eyes, which are slightly slanted. The eyes are black or very dark brown to dark amber in colour, depending again on his coat colour. His ears are fairly long, and hanging against the cheeks, with the tips reaching to the commissure of the lips when outstretched. They are covered with wavy, very long hair. He has remarkable muscular, well-boned legs-small, short, and oval feet. His tail is set high and docked. The coat is curly, abundant, fine, woolly, very thick, well-furnished, and of uniform length, forming regular curls. If the coat was corded, it would also be abundant, fine, woolly, dense, but would form small well-defined cords of uniform length. The colour of the Standard Poodle comes in the following varieties: black, white, brown, grey, apricot, red, blue, silver, and parti. The Poodle should stand at about 45 to 60 cm .CH Edencourt's Ziggy of Magisterial Earning his Canadian Championship at only ten months old, we knew from the very beginning that Edencourt Ziggy Stardust would be a force to be reckoned.Magisterial's Lucky Amber Amber is full of life and energy! She is rarely lounging around the Magisterial kingdom, instead, she is usually outside running.Magisterial's Red Mercedes Boasting a confident display of unbridled agility, and a vibrant red coat, Mercedes definitely stands apart in the league of Standard Poodles. She has already completed her.Magisterial's Gloria Everdear Truly one of the most loving souls you will ever encounter, Gloria Everdear takes after her Aunt Amber in almost every way. From her gorgeous dark, apricot.Quite a unique personality, Empress runs the gamut from playful.CH Magisterial's Vincent A marvellous spectrum of personality would do no justice to our beloved champion stud, Vincent, as there is so much more to behold in the presence of such greatness.Magisterial's Classic Chloe Spunky, vibrant, and aesthetically delightful are just a few words that come to mind when considering our benevolent, and free-spirited Chloe. Running like the wind and.All Rights Reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Privacy Policy.

Bean Licorice Looking for popular black Goldendoodle names? Life is always a party when you have a Goldendoodle! Just like humans, our furry pals need their nails trimmed regularly. He or she will remember and may fear future nail trims. Keep it positive with lots of happy talk and praise. This will help your puppy get comfortable having the paws touched. Also, if your black Goldendoodle puppy has dark toenails, never fear! There are many resources to help you learn how to trim dark toenails. I took an online course on cutting black dog nails. Photographing a black Goldendoodle can be a bit tricky. Black Goldendoodles can look super stunning when the lighting is right. But if not, the coat color, texture, and highlights can all blend together. This makes black fur one of the harder dog coat colors to capture with a camera. Especially for our black Goldendoodles with furry faces, capturing the happy glint in their eyes can be challenging. One hack is to use natural lighting outdoor lighting when the sun is lower in the sky. Midday sun casts particularly harsh shadows, so choose morning or evening sun. Tips like these can help you quickly learn how to take cute photos of your dog. Natural lighting brings out the many hues of the black coat color .Some black Goldendoodles become therapy dogs. Black Goldendoodles—like all Goldendoodles—may have the demeanor to become therapy dogs. Goldendoodles are working in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and even dentists offices providing comfort and companionship to humans. Goldendoodle health and temperament trumps everything else. Choosing a reputable Doodle breeder who cares about the future of the Goldendoodle breed and who places the upmost importance on temperament and good health is primary. Unfortunately, unscrupulous breeders will breed without regard to health and genetics, among other things. Or adopt from a reputable shelter. After all, we want our puppies to grow into healthy adults and then become senior Goldendoodles living happily along beside us. Goldendoodles—no matter the coat color—tend to have happy-go-lucky, friendly personalities that make them suitable for most families. With the proper amount of love, attention, and care, they will fill your heart and home with love. Enjoy tail wagging happiness with your pupper Now that you know that Goldendoodles can have black coat colors and many other amazing qualities, you may be weighing all the Goldendoodle pros and cons before you bring a Muppet dog into your pack. No matter what dog you choose, we wish you endless love and tail waggy happiness together. Thanks for stopping by and joining us as we live the Goldendoodle lifestyle with our lovable, comical Doodle dogs. This is also a great choice if you have kids as this breed loves to spend time playing with kids. While slightly high energy, this Goldendoodle might not need as much exercise as other breeds in this family. The Poodle side of the family can lead to a slightly more mellow dog, which can be great for some families. If you live in an apartment, this is also a really ideal dog breed for your needs. These dogs do very well in small living spaces and never knock things over or run around and damage things. Poodles are well-known for being ideal for living situations where there is no backyard or area for daily exercise that is convenient to access. This breed will also be happy to live in a small home with a daily walk or a trip to the dog park. The different coat patterns can impact the appearance of the coat as well. If you have a dog with the straight version of the coat, it might look more like a Golden Retriever than a Goldendoodle. Black Goldendoodles with a curly coat might appear slightly more like regular Poodles. Overall, this is a very beautiful dog and one that you will get lots of compliments on when you are out and about. The medium-sized dog is often the most popular dog size because this kind of pet can fit into almost any size home and can be easier to care for with regard to feeding and things like walking and exercising. This coloration often requires that the dog that you are getting is a second or third-generation dog as well. This means that your pet might look like one or the other of its parents much more strongly than a Goldendoodle that is many generations farther away from the original two dog breeds. You might want to look for this dog breed for your family if you value getting a dog that looks like a Golden Retriever or a Poodle and less like a crossbred dog. F1b black Goldendoodle 6-month-old 34lbs There are actually three sizes of Black Goldendoodle. There are miniatures that will only weigh in at about 15 to 30 pounds, and large standard dogs that can weigh as much as pounds. These are not as commonly bred, however, and the medium-sized dog is the most common one that breeders will try to aim for when creating litters. The medium Black Goldendoodle will be about 45 to 60 pounds and stand about 20 to 24 inches tall. This is a nicely sized dog for families and this size dog will not be so big that your kids will be scared to play with it, but not so little that you will need to carry your pet with you everywhere that you go. The Black Goldendoodle is often built much like regular Goldendoodles as well, so you can expect a nice blend of the body type of the Golden Retriever and the Black Poodle. Black Goldendoodle Lifespan This breed lives for about ten to fifteen years. This is much longer than the average Golden Retriever and is more in keeping with the Poodle side of the pedigree. This is one of the benefits of getting a dog that is not purebred and you can avoid the heartbreak of a dog that does not live to be very old when you choose a mixed breed. There are some common health concerns that can impact the lifespan of your Black Goldendoodle, however, which will be discussed in another section. Hybrid dogs can be healthier overall, but there are always outliers in any dog breed. You will need to be aware that many animals that are young will not suffer from any health issues at all. There are always unfortunate situations that could arise with any breed that you select, so you need to be aware that the lifespan of any breed is only an estimate. Your dog could live longer than the normal lifespan or for fewer years. These dogs love to learn tricks and are always happy to play fetch or play with the other pets in their homes. They are also very good at working on hard tasks without getting frustrated. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are very intelligent , which means that your Black Goldendoodle will be very good at learning new skills and tricks with ease. Many people love that the Black Goldendoodle is so trainable, even if they are not planning to compete or to show their dog. You can teach your Black Goldendoodle all the rules of your home very easily because they are so biddable and they will be happy and eager to make the most of each training session. Training a Black Goldendoodle is really easy and very enjoyable. You will be able to teach them to do all kinds of fun things and they will love working with their family and owners every day. Training any dog needs to be done with patience and positive reinforcement. You will need to use the same techniques when training your Black Goldendoodle as you would with any other breed. Your Black Goldendoodle will thrive under this kind of training method and you will have a great time working with them on any skill that you want them to learn. These are common issues that can come from both sides of the pedigree and both the parent breeds. Hybrid dogs are often less prone to health problems, but you do need to be aware of the common health risks that come from two-parent pedigrees. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is the most common health problem that a Black Goldendoodle might suffer from and it can lead to lifelong struggles for some animals with joint stability and pain. Being aware of the commonality of this health problem is important when you are shopping for a Black Goldendoodle. You can prevent some of the more difficult problems that plague pets with hip dysplasia by keeping your dog from jumping up and down onto furniture and into and out of the car. Patellar Luxation This condition happens when the kneecap moves out of the right place. This issue requires surgery to correct, and it can be found in all Goldendoodle dogs. This can be treated with diet management and grooming routines. These eye conditions might be present in your Black Goldendoodle as well. You can treat many of these conditions, but some of them are progressive and will worsen over time. Grooming Needs of the Black Goldendoodle The grooming needs of your Black Goldendoodle will depend entirely upon the coat pattern that you select. Even if you have a dog with a straight coat pattern, you will still want to be sure that your dog gets groomed by a professional groomer at least twice a year. For dogs with curly coats, grooming might be needed quarterly or even more often. Make sure that you invest in the right grooming supplies and bath products as well for any homecare that you provide for your pet. When you allow mats to form, your dog might end up with hotspots and other painful skin conditions. Grooming a Goldendoodle requires that you commit to a schedule of care and that you stick to this plan. Deviating from the regular grooming plans that you have in place for your dog can lead to health issues and painful skin problems that you will want to avoid. The coat care portion of the commitment to a Goldendoodle cannot be avoided and you will need to plan to offer your dog this attention if you get a Black Goldendoodle. Black Goldendoodles will often shed twice a year as the seasons change. There will not be as much shedding during the other times of the year and you might not see much in the way of pet hair in your home when you are caring for this dog breed. This is one of the key benefits of this breed for you and your family. Being able to trust that your dog will not shed all year around can be really nice and you will probably really appreciate being able to pet your dog without fear of having to remove handfuls of hair each time you pet them. There are some breeds that seem to be shedding non-stop all year round, but the Black Goldendoodle is not one of these breeds. This can make it much easier to keep up on grooming and much more straightforward for those who want to have a professional do all the grooming for their dog. No Goldendoodle dog is AKC-recognized. The AKC might eventually recognize this breed, but at this time it is not one that you can register with this organization. There are other organizations and breed organizations that you can join to show or compete with your Black Goldendoodle, however. You do not need an AKC registration for your dog to be able to have a great pet that you love and that brings joy to your life. You might need an AKC registration for a variety of different dog showing or competition-based experiences, but most people are not looking for a Black Goldendoodle to take to dog shows. How Much Are Black Goldendoodles? The Black Goldendoodle is very popular and there are fewer dogs with this coat pattern than the more common Goldendoodle colors. You might also need to figure out the cost to have your dog delivered to you as there are not many breeders across the country who create a litter of this kind. You might have to plan to drive to go pick up your dog as well. While less common than other coat colors in the Goldendoodle breed, this is still a part-bred dog and one that cannot be AKC registered. This is often a sales tactic and can be a sign that the breeder that you are working with is not scrupulous. Feeding the Black Goldendoodle The Black Goldendoodle will need to be fed in much the same way as any Goldendoodle dog. You should always feed top-quality dog kibble and make sure that your pet is not being exposed to large quantities of grain in their food source. Feeding raw can be an option as well, but you will need to source this kind of dog food just as carefully as you would source the kibble that you feed to your pet. Poodles can have sensitive stomachs, so you will want to avoid lots of treats or wet dog food from a can as well. Most dogs do best when fed a quality kibble and no more than the occasional treat here and there. If you are not sure what to feed your Black Goldendoodle, you can talk to your vet about the various food options that are ideal for this breed. The Black Goldendoodle Can be a Great Companion Animal This is one of the best breeds to select if you have a family and need a dog that will get along with everyone in your family. You will love their sweet and kind personality as well as the unusual color of their coat and their middling size. The Black Goldendoodle offers you all the same breed benefits that you can enjoy with the other coat colors within the Goldendoodle breed. If you love the color of the coat of the Black Poodle, this is probably the right Goldendoodle coat pattern for you! This is a kind and loveable dog breed that will fit right into any home with ease. You will love that you took the time to find this beautiful dog breed and get one to be your new special friend! Other Goldendoodle Colors. Yes, Black Goldendoodles exist, but they are not as common as brown or red Goldendoodles. Can Goldendoodles be Black? Can Goldendoodle be Black? What is a Black Golden Doodle? A Black Golden Doodle is a Goldendoodle with a predominantly black coat. Some would have markings of other colors, such as white, brown, or gray. Are Black Goldendoodles rare? How rare are Black Goldendoodles compared to the other colors of Goldendodles? Black Goldendoodles can be considered uncommon rather than rare. The probability of producing a Black Goldendoodle increases when a Black Poodle is crossed with a second or third-generation Black Goldendoodle parent. However, Black Goldendoodles can compete in agility or obedience competitions. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Goldendoodle Black physical appearance Black Goldendoodle physical traits can vary from each dog since they are a hybrid. But, generally, they have rounded skulls, wide muzzles, ears that hang close to the face, oval-shaped eyes, and long, feathery tails. Their noses and paw pads are also black. Black Goldendoodle with blue eyes It is rare to see a Black Goldendoodle with blue eyes. The blue coloration can be due to the Merle gene being present, or a genetic mutation that involves the ALX4 gene connected to skin and hair development. Some Black Goldendoodles may be born with blue eyes, but this typically turns brown as they mature. If a Goldendoodle puppy is really black in color, then you may not see much Black Goldendoodle color change as they mature and might only lighten a bit. But, a puppy Black Goldendoodle turning silver as it reaches the age of 2 is not in actuality a Black Goldendoodle but a gray or silver Goldendoodle. Of course, it is also normal for a Black Goldendoodle to develop gray hair as they reach their senior years. A skin condition wherein a Goldendoodle skin turning Black is possible. This is called hyperpigmentation, or Acanthosis Nigricans, which can be caused by constant licking and biting due to skin trauma. Some variants of the Black Goldendoodle is discussed below. Black and white Goldendoodle Black and white Golden Doodles or Black white Goldendoodle have little white markings somewhere in their coat. It is typical to see a Black Goldendoodle with white chest, but it is also common for Golden Doodle Black and white to have white markings on the legs or their paws. But, can Goldendoodles be Black and white or do we see a white and Black Golden Doodle with more white coverage on their coat? Golden Doodle white and Black is sometimes called the Black tuxedo Goldendoodle. This is because the black and white pattern in tuxedo Goldendoodle Black and white resembles that of a tuxedo coat with the coat in the upper back, head, and tail being black and those around the neck, belly, chest, and legs being partially or mostly covered in white. Some Black and white Goldendoodles present with a Black and white spotted Goldendoodle. These Goldendoodles Black and white are also technically not Black Goldendoodles because of the wider coverage of irregular patches of white in their coat. Are Black and white Goldendoodles rare? Yes, Black and white Goldendoodles are rare because you need to cross a Golden Retriever with a parti Poodle, and to achieve equal patterns of black and white is even harder. For example, you need a mini Black Golden Doodle with genes for white spotting to get a Black and white Goldendoodle. Black phantom Goldendoodle A Black phantom Goldendoodle has a body coat that is completely black with small portions on the coat in another color specifically on the eyebrows, chest, muzzle, legs, and under the tail. Black and tan phantom Goldendoodle A Black and tan phantom Goldendoodle has a body coat that is all-black with tan phantom markings on the eyebrows, chest, muzzle, legs, and under the tail. You may also like: Phantom Poodle Complete Guide Black and brown Goldendoodle Black brown Goldendoodle or brown and Black Golden Doodle has a predominantly black coat with brown markings found anywhere on the coat. This differentiates Goldendoodle Black and brown from a Phantom Goldendoodle which has specific areas on the coat that have markings. Some Black Goldendoodles lighten in color as they mature, but a Black Goldendoodle turning brown is not possible. A Black and brown Goldendoodle puppy generally stays the same color as they mature. Black and Brown Goldendoodle can come in different sizes, like the Black and brown mini Goldendoodle or mini Goldendoodle Black and brown. Brown Black and white Goldendoodle Body coat is mostly black with white and brown markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail. All Black Goldendoodle Solid Black Goldendoodle with the entire coat completely in black with no markings whatsoever. Black and grey Goldendoodle Black and gray Goldendoodle or Goldendoodle grey and Black has a predominantly black coat with some gray markings. A puppy Black and grey Golden Doodle is typically born all-black and will develop some gray areas in their coat as they mature. Grey and Black Goldendoodle can come in different size variations, such as the mini Goldendoodle Black and grey. Black and grey mini Goldendoodle has a height range of about 16 to 18 inches upon maturity. Do Black Goldendoodles turn grey? A puppy Black Goldendoodle turning grey or lightening their jet-black color as they mature is noticeable in some. Black and tan Goldendoodle Goldendoodle Black and Tan Goldendoodle Black and tan with predominantly black coat and tan markings on the head, chest, legs, and tail. Black merle Goldendoodle Base color is black with mottling of gray or white throughout the coat. Black and silver Goldendoodle Coat with black base color with silver markings on the face, ears, chest, and legs. Black sable Goldendoodle Coat has black-tipped hairs with roots that can be red, brown, or silver, which can be in any pattern across the coat. Black abstract Goldendoodle Base color is black with some irregular white patches on the head, chest, muzzle, legs, and tail. Black and gold Goldendoodle Base color is black with irregular gold patches in the coat. Black and red Goldendoodle Coat is predominantly black with some red markings on the coat. Black Goldendoodle straight coat Straight haired Black Goldendoodle would have a similar coat as its Golden Retriever parent. Straight hair Black Goldendoodle is likely to shed more because of the double coat. Curly Black Goldendoodle Black curly Goldendoodle inherits more of the Poodle coat that have varying degrees of curling. Those with tighter curls should be groomed almost daily to prevent excessive matting. Black Goldendoodle grooming and cleaning Brushing frequency depends on coat texture. Black straight hair Goldendoodle or Black flat coat Goldendoodle sheds more. Some would opt to have a shaved Black Goldendoodle for easier maintenance. Goldendoodles with wavy coats can be bathed every 2 months while those with curly hairs can be bathed once or twice monthly. Black wax Goldendoodle ear infection is common since their hanging ears prevent air circulation inside, so regular ear inspection is necessary. Grooming Needs. Black Goldendoodle April 27, The black Goldendoodle is a specific kind of Goldendoodle. Being the most popular Doodle mix in the US, the demand for specific colors of these dogs has grown. While they nearly always appear to be brown or cream-colored , the more rare black Goldendoodle has been become increasingly sought-after. Not to be confused with the similar-looking black Labradoodle! Due to color genetics it is still difficult to find these dogs. Today we want to look at the black Goldendoodle in detail and evaluate him as a pet and companion animal. If you need help deciding which Doodle is right for you, take our Doodle quiz to find out! Table of Contents Origin A traditional cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle is nearly always some shade of brown, red or cream. If both parents carry a gene that creates a black coat color however, black Goldendoodle puppies can be born. These are very rare and if you have your heart set on a black Goldendoodle, you will need to do some research to find the right puppy. Black Goldendoodles are usually all-black with little or no white markings. They do not occur in spotted black-and-white patterns such as in the Parti Poodle. When looking for your puppy, see if the parents have produced black Goldendoodles before. If so, they will carry the genes necessary for having such pups and your chances of getting a black puppy are higher. Note that there is never a guarantee — genetics can be surprising and two parents could even have a first litter consisting only of black Goldendoodles, and another with only brown puppies! Are black Goldendoodles rare? As mentioned above — yes, they are very rare! There is an increase chance to get a black Goldendoodle if they are bred in the second or third generation. If a black Goldendoodle parent is crossed with a black Poodle, the offspring will nearly always be all black. This type of breeding will increase certain desired traits. A popular cross like this are also f1b Mini Goldendoodles. Below you can see a diagram of how color prevalence chan change in the generations: Are black Goldendoodles popular? Black Goldendoodles are very popular and sought-after — in fact, the demand for them is much higher than the amount of puppies that are born. Of course, the wait will be worth it: These dogs are incredibly smart, loyal and good-looking. However, they are not all goofy and cute: Goldendoodles are the offspring of working dogs and as such will require daily exercise, training and enrichment. It is crucial that you have plenty of puzzle toys for your Goldendoodle , take him on walks daily and provide adequate training for him. Do black Goldendoodles shed? Most Doodle mixes shed either not at all or considerably less than a double-coated dog. However, especially with a mixed breed it is impossible to guarantee a certain coat type. If you are looking for a dog that sheds very little because you do not like to have dog hair on your clothes, furniture and around your house — a black Goldendoodle fits the bill. If however you need a truly hypoallergenic dog that will not shed at all or set off allergies, a these dogs may or may not work. If there is any health concern it is always advisable to spend some time around other Doodles at first and see if they cause any allergic response. Any Poodle mix coat will grow very long and has the tendency to form mats and dreadlocks quickly. You can either buy some clippers and groom your dog at home or take him to a local groomer. It goes without saying that this will be tied to daily brushing and monthly baths. Do not let it mat or your dog will suffer from painful skin sores! How big will my dog get? In general, you can expect an adult size of 20 to 24 inches and a weight of 50 to 90 pounds. This is a big range and where exactly your dog falls into it will depend on — again! If the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have been on the small side, expect a smaller adult dog. If the family of your black Goldendoodle has been large, yours is likely to be tall as well. You can find out how large exactly your dog will become with our Goldendoodle growth chart calculator : How much is a black Goldendoodle? Because the color genetics can be difficult to reproduce and breeders cannot guarantee that a certain number of black pups will be born, the ones that are might be especially expensive. Especially if you are additionally looking for a small dog, such as a black Mini Goldendoodle , prepare to pay a high price for your pup. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

A licence 'allows' them to breed from upto plus bitches - this does NOT mean they are better!! Please be patient, don't encourage these 'Greeders' with your money - get onto a waiting list and then do that - wait! If you send an e-mail simply asking the price your e-mail is very likely to be ignored! We always help the owners of a litter sired by one of our boys to find the right forever homes above still applies at present! Your email will be answered provided the above information is included however PATIENCE is a virtue both in awaiting the initial reply and the right puppy being available! Click HERE for The Kennel Club's Dog Owners Handbook If you are successfully placed on our waiting list it is only POLITE to let us know if you find your new family member elsewhere Our puppies are not on a conveyor belt, they are not made to order and is very frustrating when we do have a potential puppy for you to learn that you have found one elsewhere that in itself is no problem - not letting us know is - it only takes a minute to send an email! Do NOT add to your email that you would like a 'bobtail' To achieve the 'bobtail' which can be anything from a stump to almost full length the genes of a Corgi have been crossed with the Boxer gene We do NOT have any mixed genes in our puppies - you will also note we do not allow our boys to be used on bobtail bitches! Select Options How to treat your newborn Boxers during their first 8 weeks If you have a litter of a newborn Boxer puppies you should prepare to be close to them at least for 8 first weeks of their life. It is the crucial time when you have to be ready for any situation, as it is the time when the health of your puppy is shaped. Day 1 During this day mother-dog will feed her babies with Colostrum. This is a milky liquid that contains a lot of nutrients, providing the puppies with vital antibodies. This day can be called a " sleepy day", as the puppies will sleep almost all the time when not drinking. If the puppies' bodies are warm, they breathe naturally and make soft noises, they are full and fine. On the first day the puppies cannot eliminate waists from their organism themselves yet, so their mother will lick them to stimulate this process. Boxer puppies have their eyes still closed and it will stay this way for days. The umbilical cord still remains, as it is rather damp and not ready to fall off. Day 2 On this day your puppies can lose weight. Don't be afraid, it is absolutely normal. However, take care that the larger puppies don't push the weaker puppies off the nipple. Day 3 If you decided to dock your puppies' tails, it is the best day to do it. Consult with your vet and consider carefully your decision. It is also the day when the cord is dry enough to fall off. On this day you should remove the dewclaws, if you decided to do so. Remember, that it should be done only by your experienced veterinarian. Week 1 During this week you should weigh your puppy each day. Take a basket lined with a soft and clean towel and measure it first. Then put the puppy into the basket. Thus, you will be able to calculate accurate number. Each day your puppies must gain weight. If there is no increase, contact your vet immediately. The nails should be trimmed each day as they grow very quickly. Please, do it very carefully for not to hurt your dog. You must trim off only a small "hook" of the nail. Week 2 It is the time when your small Boxers begin to open their eyes. It is a slow process so be patient. The puppies still hold close to their mom, but they already make their attempts to communicate with you. Week 3 It is a "chatting time". Now the puppies should fully open their eyes. The ear canal is also should be fully formed so the small Boxers start hearing their voices and barking. Be ready that your little travelers will make an attempts to leave their place. Now they have everything to learn the world better! Although it is not desirable to allow them to run about the house as they can harm themselves. Connect one or more boxes together, thus, making a big "playing ground". This way, your puppies will have enough place to communicate and play with each other. And it will be a safe place! Week 4 On the 4th week you may start feeding your puppies with solid food. Make a mixture containing 14 of puppy dog food and 34 of water. Begin with small amounts. You should habituate your puppies to solid food gradually and slowly as their digestive system cannot accept it at once. You can also remove extra heating. The temperature in the room must be 72 F 23 C. Week 5 It is the time when you can give toys to your puppies. You still have to check their weight, but not necessarily each day. Normal weight should vary between 2 lbs. Gradually make the food more solid by adding more puppy dog food and less water. Mother-dog is tired and exhausted so she would like to spend less time with her children. It is a perfect time for your interaction with the puppies. They will be very happy to play with you. Week 6 On the 6th week you may introduce your puppies a new world. Be ready that your small Boxers will become more active and start eating a lot. However, it is still too early for training. It is better to involve them into outdoor walkings. Try to walk them separately and beware of other dogs. Your puppies will be really fascinated to feel the warmth of the sun and soft touch of the grass! Week 7 You Boxer puppies do not require nursing any more. It is a great time when they grew up enough to involve you in their quite active games. Outdoor walks must become a daily routine. You should also take mother-dog with you as well. She will start educating her children all necessary skills. This week is perfect to pass to the usual routine of dog feeding, grooming, exercise and playing. Week 8 During this week the puppies should have their first vaccinations. If you are not going to keep all the puppies, it is a good time to find a new home for them. Make sure that you give them to the kind and loving people, who will take care of their small Boxers. If you are going to keep all or some puppies, you can begin training them as well as falling back into your normal dog care schedule. A Limited amount of "Advance Deposits" will be accepted on each upcoming litter. Once we have reached the limited amount of advance deposits per litter, the litter will read as full. That means no more advance deposits will be accepted for that litter. If you are interested in a litter that says full, please check back once puppies have been delivered to see if there are any available puppies on that litter. If you are truly wanting a Kloud 9 Boxer, we highly recommend placing an advance deposit on one of our upcoming litters. If our litters are full , please check back.Sometimes families move their reservation to an available puppy that we have in our litters which will then open up our upcoming litters. When you see "Expected Month ", the month is based on a projection of when we expect puppies to be born. That rough date may vary as nature takes her course. There is a possibility that the females season will run late which will make the expected litter arrive at a later month. There is also a possibility that the female will come into season a little earlier which then will have her litter be expected earlier. After a breeding has taken place, the date becomes much more specific but is still based on birthing puppies. We will highlight the expected due date in yellow which means that the breeding pair has been bred and we are expecting pups around the yellow highlighted date. So, if you are trying to figure out a rough "take home date" for the future, add two months to the "Highlighted yellow" date. By: Author As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Muscular, stocky, and powerful, the boxer is a breathtaking dog. Her broad deep chest, compact and arched toes, and a regal distinctly shaped head make her a beauty to behold. Character wise, the breed also excels in more ways than one. She is intelligent, playful, and very energetic. Whether you are looking for an exercise companion or just an affectionate pet to own, the boxer will exceed your expectations. Perhaps your boxer friend fell pregnant without your knowledge. Maybe you are curious about breeding the boxer for one reason or the other. Either way, arming yourself with the right information on what happens during the reproduction of boxers is key. In this guide, I will be answering a frequently asked question among Boxer enthusiasts: how many puppies is a boxer likely to have in her first litter? In , a Bakersfield Boxer dog named Sasha made headlines when she gave birth to a whopping 14 full-bred puppies. She almost broke the world record which was fifteen at the time. Two more puppies and Sasha would have topped the list. We rushed to the dog house. First came one puppy. Then another and another until the fourteenth one! All the puppies except one from the litter lived. The pet parents maintained that they would give away 12 of the puppies while retaining only one for themselves. This is more or less the standard for medium-large-sized dogs. However, first-time boxer mothers seem to get more puppies. We checked several social media and meetup groups to find out the experience of boxer owners on this. Most of them claim that their boxer dogs got more than ten puppies for their first litter. A good number recorded puppies. Clearly, this one was not picked up by the news outlets. She would have been named the record breaker! Only a handful of the parents stated that their dogs got less than 10 puppies for their first litter. Still, getting less than 10 puppies is a possibility as well. Keep in mind that the average litter size for the breed is puppies. Different puppies give birth to different litter sizes. The size of the litter is dependent on many things including the weather conditions, health of the mother dog, and her food intake. Boxers reach the proestrus age from 6 months to 1 year. If you are planning to breed, watch out for this timeline. However, your doggie is pretty much an adolescent at this point. It will not be until 2 years of age that she will be referred to as an adult. Sadly yes. The study was conducted to find out the frequency of dystocia in the boxer breed among measuring other reproductive parameters in the breed. Dystocia refers to the inability or difficulty in passing a fetus via the birth canal without being assisted. It encompasses a variety of issues ranging from slow dilation of the cervix to an abnormal drop of the fetus during labor. After doing the experiment, the researchers concluded that the boxer is at a high risk for whelping problems. As a result, a large chunk of the members of the breed need emergency C-sections in their whelpings. From the study, cases of dystocia increase with age of the dog from four years of age. For boxers, the cases are mainly caused by fetal malpresentation and uterine inertia. Like other dogs, not all boxer puppies survive in the first litter in all situations. Many of the boxer owners who answered the question of how many puppies do boxers reproduce in their first litter confirmed this. Others claimed two died. The same goes for Sasha whose puppy died leaving 13 behind. A few of the pet parents said that all the puppies from the large litter made it. Nevertheless, expect to die. If you are lucky, all will live to be adults. It boils down to the care given to the pups, genetics, among other factors. Parting Thoughts A boxer dog has a happy and jolly temperament. Any opportunity to add more puppies to your family is exciting for this reason. It gives you and your family extra members to have fun and play with. If your boxer dog is pregnant for the first time, you must have a lot of questions in your mind. One of them is how many puppies to expect. Hopefully, this guide has sufficiently answered the question for you. Here are more articles about pregnancy and whelping you may want to check:.

Support and Contact French bulldogs have higher risk of 20 common health disorders French Bulldogs have significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with 20 common disorders compared to other dog breeds, reports a study published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics. To reduce the risks of breathing disorders associated with the typical shorter muzzle and flat head of French Bulldogs, the authors propose a shift to focus breeding towards more moderate characteristics. Authors from the Royal Veterinary College Hertfordshire, England used records from veterinary practices across the UK from using the VetCompass database, including 2, French Bulldogs and 21, other dog breeds. The authors observed that French bulldogs were at significantly greater risk than other dogs for narrowed nostrils .Of the French Bulldogs included in the study, the authors found that 1, .This suggests that French Bulldogs may have slightly lower odds of being diagnosed with a disorder in general but could also indicate owners are better at identifying health concerns in other dog breeds. Despite having a higher risk of developing 20 common disorders, French Bulldogs had lower odds of being diagnosed with 11 out of the 43 common disorders compared to other dogs, including undesirable behaviour, lameness and obesity. This highlights that the breed has the potential to move towards a healthier profile. The authors suggest that selectively breeding away from the extreme high-risk physical features of French Bulldogs, such as shorter muzzles and skin folds, that are associated with health disorders could improve the overall health of the breed. This is a very positive step to prioritise the health of dogs over human desires for how these dogs look and we must now continue this evolution of the breed towards a more moderate conformation. They also caution that owners may not recognise that snoring in French Bulldogs could be indicative of a breathing disorder and may not take their dog to the vets. The authors conclude that kennel clubs, breeders and the general public need to work together to encourage the breeding and purchasing of French Bulldogs with less extreme features associated with poor health. Acne Skin allergies most often present when a Frenchie is years old. These dogs also often have more than one allergy, which can make it that much harder to diagnose and treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. However, these are often lifelong and can add up in cost over the years. Ear Infections 1. Allergies, which often cause ear infections in dogs 2. The shape of their ear canals French Bulldogs have narrower-than-normal ear canals, making it harder for debris and moisture to make their way out of the ear canal once it gets in. This makes it easier for infections to develop. Ear infections can easily be treated, but chronic ear infections in dogs can also change the skin that lines the ear canals. This further narrows the canal and leads to even more ear infections. Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. You need to be financially prepared to handle any health issues that develop, and purchasing pet insurance is highly recommended. Birthing Issues French Bulldogs are rarely able to give birth naturally and almost always need a cesarian section C-section. The reason? Again, it comes down to their breeding. Frenchies have been bred to have notoriously large heads but very narrow hips. This causes the puppies to get stuck in the birth canal, which puts both the mom and puppies at risk of death. Back Injuries French Bulldog puppies can be born with a spinal deformity known as hemivertebra , or an incomplete vertebra spinal bone. While this deformity does not always cause issues, it can result in compression of the spinal cord, which can cause weakness in the hind legs, as well as fecal and urinary incontinence. If compression of the spinal cord does occur, advanced imaging techniques such as myelography, CT scans, or MRIs are usually required to diagnose it. Mild cases of spinal cord compression can often be treated medically but severe cases may require surgery. Because of their narrower trachea and congenital airway abnormalities, it can be much more difficult to insert an endotracheal tube, which is needed to help dogs breathe under anesthesia. When recovering from anesthesia, if their endotracheal tube is removed too soon, they may not be awake enough to compensate for their airway issues when breathing. This can cause respiratory distress and the need to be re-intubated. Frenchies are also more susceptible to inflammation of their already small airway after anesthesia, which, again, puts them at higher risk for respiratory distress. Frenchies are also predisposed to several stomach issues, which puts them at increased risk for vomiting and regurgitating, either after their pre-medication is given prior to anesthesia to help them relax or while under anesthesia. This then increases their risk of developing aspiration pneumonia after anesthesia. Because of these risks and issues, veterinarians typically take extra precautions with this breed to help mitigate risk. Cataracts Cataracts are a hardening of the eye lens, causing it to be opaque cloudy rather than clear. As cataracts progress, they eventually lead to blindness. French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to cataracts, and the only treatment is surgery. Corneal Dystrophy and Corneal Ulcers Corneal dystrophy is another French Bulldog health issue that causes the cornea the outer surface of the eye to become opaque cloudy. However, as it progresses, it does make dogs more susceptible to corneal ulcers scratches on the surface of the eye , which are painful and require medical treatment. Ocular Dermoids Dermoids are a growth of skin in an abnormal place. French Bulldogs are predisposed to having dermoids in their eyes. This is a congenital condition typically present at birth. Distichiasis Distichiasis is an abnormal growth of eyelashes in dogs. Instead of growing out of their normal hair follicles along the eyelid, they can grow out of the glands along the edge of the eyelid. This causes the eyelashes to rub on the eye, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and corneal ulcers. This can be corrected with surgery. When the eyelid rolls inward, the hairs on the eyelid may touch the eye. This can cause irritation, increased tearing , conjunctivitis , and corneal ulcers. Surgery can correct the issue. Tear Stains Dogs and cats have a duct that runs from the inner corner of the eye down through the nose. This duct is typically where most tears from the eye are drained. This causes their tears to run down their face, causing brown or rust-colored tear staining. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal dysplasia is an inherited trait in dogs that causes abnormal formation of the retina the part of the eye that sends images to the brain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disorder. Cherry Eye Dogs and cats both have a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland attached to this third eyelid prolapses flips outward. This often appears as a pink or reddish round mass at the inner corner of the eye. Frenchies are genetically predisposed to this disease. Surgery is needed to correct this. Chronic Diarrhea French Bulldogs are predisposed to a number of gastrointestinal issues. One of the most common is food allergies, which can cause off-and-on diarrhea or soft stools. Frenchies are also genetically predisposed to inflammatory bowel disease IBD , which causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to chronic diarrhea. Treatment for both allergies and IBD is lifelong, and often requires special prescription diets and medication. Hiatal Hernia Another commonly inherited health issue in French Bulldogs is a hiatal hernia. Regurgitation most commonly occurs after eating and is a passive process where food slides back up the throat. This is different from vomiting, an active process that involves contraction of the stomach. Surgery can be performed to fix the diaphragm so the stomach can no longer slide through it. Pyloric Stenosis French Bulldog puppies can also be born with an abnormality known as pyloric stenosis. The pylorus is a valve-like structure that allows food to pass from the stomach to the intestines. Brachycephalic dogs such as French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to a thickening of this structure, resulting in narrowing of the opening that passes food into the intestines. Common symptoms include regurgitation, decreased appetite , weight loss, and dehydration. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a commonly inherited joint issue in French Bulldogs that results in a loose hip joint. This typically leads to arthritis and degenerative joint disease, which causes chronic pain. Medical management with pain medications, joint supplements , and physical therapy can be used to help with symptoms. Dogs with severe cases may need surgery. Always ask your breeder for all health information on your Frenchie puppy and their parents. Luxating Patella Luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. You might see your pet with luxating patella suddenly limp for a few steps while running. They may kick out their leg a few times, then continue running like nothing happened. In mild cases, this condition can cause arthritis. Severe cases may need surgery to correct it. Dental Disease Dental disease is the most common chronic disease in dogs and cats. Frenchies and other brachycephalic breeds are even more predisposed. Overcrowding makes tartar build up faster. Frenchies also usually have an underbite, which further causes tartar buildup. As the tartar builds up on the teeth, it gets under the gumline, leading to gingivitis and deterioration of the gums and surrounding bone. Bladder or Kidney Stones Intact adult male French Bulldogs are predisposed to bladder and kidney stones made of a crystal called cystine. The cause for this is suspected to be genetic, but the gene has not yet been identified. Bladder and kidney stones can be incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, they can often be dissolved with a prescription diet that adjusts the acidity of the urine to help dissolve the stone. Pulmonic Stenosis Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary valve and artery the valve and artery that lead from the heart to the lungs are narrowed. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, and in severe cases can lead to congestive heart failure. While not all cases require treatment, those that do will need a relatively high-risk procedure to widen the pulmonary artery and valve. Because this is an inherited trait, a good French Bulldog breeder will have a cardiologist assess their dogs prior to breeding. But if you are going to get one, you need to be prepared. Budget for Medical Care Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. Find a Reputable Breeder Because French Bulldogs are purebred dogs, most people find them through breeders. This is a number given by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals once the pet has had the recommended testing for breed-specific issues. You also can use this number to check the results of the tests through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. The breeder should ask you a lot of questions as well. This means they care about making sure their dogs go to the right home and that the breed is a good fit for you. They will want to meet you, whether in-person or via a video call. The breeder will let you look at their facilities and be proud of their setup. The mother should be on site with the puppies. You may have to wait. A good breeder will give you veterinary records for your puppy. Brittany Grenus graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in with her doctorate in veterinary medicine and a.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Ideally they need owners around all day. Common health problems in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are playful and fun-loving dogs who love spending time with their owners. Sadly, like so many other purebred dogs, they are at risk of certain conditions relating to their breed. If you are thinking of buying a French Bulldog puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Frenchies are a flat-faced breed, which can often cause breathing problems and means they overheat quickly especially when they exercise in warmer weather. Some of the conditions Frenchies may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. Parents should be screened before breeding. Luxating patellas — where the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Dental problems — shorter faced dogs often have crowded teeth with can cause dental problems. A range of eye problems, including cataracts there is screening for this. Back problems such as Intervertebral disc disease — where the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae back bones bulge or burst, pressing on nerves in the spine. Skin conditions — particularly skin fold dermatitis where the skin in their wrinkles gets inflamed and sore or even infected. Hyperuricosuria — a condition where stones or crystals can form in urine causing infections, difficulty passing urine or blood in urine. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems due to exaggerated features, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your French Bulldog Frenchies are loving dogs, known for being quite laid-back and happy to fit in with family life. French Bulldogs can be lower maintenance because they tend to prefer shorter walks, but they definitely have huge characters and personalities and will do anything for a bit of fuss and attention! French Bulldogs and barking As with any breed, your Frenchie is likely to make noise. How much they make is completely down to the individual, their training and personality. Training and socialisation French Bulldogs are eager to please their owners which can make them easy to train, but are also known to be strong-willed at times. They are a sensitive breed, so respond best to positive, reward-based training which needs to be started from an early age. This will help them grow into confident adults and help their laid-back nature shine through. They thrive off company and so could develop separation anxiety if left alone. Exercise Although Frenchies are thought to be less high maintenance than some breeds when it comes to exercise, they still love to keep busy and exercising is a huge part of that. Your French Bulldog will need up to an hour of exercise every day. This should be split into a few shorter walks, with time to play off-lead in a secure area and have a good sniff around. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe really quickly, especially in warmer weather. Make sure you can recognise the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Early mornings and later in the evenings would be better times to go for a walk in the summer. Due to the extra rolls of skin around their face, French Bulldogs are at risk of developing something called skin fold dermatitis. You can clean them with damp cotton wool pads but always make sure to dry them thoroughly after. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate French Bulldogs and children Frenchies are known for being pretty laid back and adaptable, so they tend to get along well with children of all ages which makes them popular family pets. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. French Bulldogs do have a high prey drive. If they have grown up with a cat in the home, they will be fine with that cat but are likely to chase unfamiliar cats and smaller pets. You should always supervise your dog with family pets and introduce them slowly from a young age. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Frenchie should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. Speak to your vet for more information about how to manage this at home. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts An early version of the breed were used by lace makers in the UK shortly before the industrial revolution to warm their laps while they worked. French Bulldogs are known for their big, bat-like ears. They are lovable dogs who fit easily into family life, but come with a lot of extra responsibility and potentially higher healthcare costs. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a French Bulldog. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in French Bulldogs are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. It only takes a few minutes to perform and does not require sutures. This procedure can usually be performed at the same time as a neuter or spay. Laryngeal collapse is a condition that happens when there is a loss of the rigidity and support for the laryngeal cartilage, causing the larynx, or voice box, to collapse. This leads to severe respiratory problems that make it hard for your dog to breathe in. This condition usually develops in dogs older than two years of age, but can happen earlier in brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog. What causes laryngeal collapse in French Bulldogs? Laryngeal collapse usually develops as a complication to long-standing brachycephalic syndrome. What can you do if your French Bulldog is suffering from laryngeal collapse? Luckily, there are many different treatments options depending on the severity of the laryngeal collapse. Treatment of Mild Cases of Laryngeal Collapse Mild cases of laryngeal collapse may be treated with less-invasive procedures, such as shortening the elongated soft palate, enlarging the nostrils stenotic nares , and removing excessive, obstructive tissues within the throat. Shortening the elongated soft palate involves removing a portion of the tissue to help open up the airway. Enlargement of the nostrils stenotic nares : Stenotic nares are nostrils that are too narrow, which can make it difficult for a dog to breathe. Enlarging the nostrils involves removing a small amount of tissue from the nostrils to help improve airflow. Removal of excessive, obstructive tissues within the throat: In some cases, other tissues within the throat, such as tonsils or adenoids, may be obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. Removal of these tissues can help to open up the airway and improve breathing. These procedures can help to open up the airways and improve breathing in dogs with mild laryngeal collapse. Treatment of Moderate to Severe Cases of Laryngeal Collapse Moderate to severe cases of laryngeal collapse may require more invasive procedures, such as partial removal of the collapsed cartilage. Partial removal of the collapsed cartilage: The cartilage in the larynx may collapse or become deformed, obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. In moderate to severe cases of laryngeal collapse, partial removal of the collapsed cartilage may be necessary to open up the airway and improve breathing. Treatment of Severe, Persistent Cases of Laryngeal Collapse In severe, persistent cases of laryngeal collapse, a permanent tracheostomy may be required. This procedure is reserved for severe, persistent cases of laryngeal collapse when other treatment options have been exhausted. Regular veterinary care can help identify and manage laryngeal collapse early on, which can help prevent the condition from worsening over time. Hemivertebrae Hemivertebrae is a congenital present at birth condition of the spine. It refers to when the vertebrae of the spine are deformed and fuse or develop abnormally. This can result in twisting in the spinal cord and compression of the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord is a serious condition as the spinal cord is the central nervous system structure; it can result in nerve impulses not able to transmit their signals to the final destination. Symptoms of a more severe case of hemivertebrae include Weakness of the hind limbs Inability to control urinary and bowel movements Hemivertebrae can be diagnosed with a simple x-ray. Intervertebral Disc Disease This is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge or herniate into the spinal cord space. These discs can press on nerves, causing pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. What are the symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Disease? Damage to the discs in the spinal cord can be caused by forceful impacts such as jumping and landing. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a rare, progressive disease of the spinal cord that usually develops in older dogs between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. While French Bulldogs are actually less likely to develop this genetic problem when compared to other breeds, it is still a possibility. Symptoms generally begin to manifest with a loss of coordination in the hind legs, progressing to buckling limbs and difficulty standing. Within 6 months to a year from the beginning of the onset of degenerative myelopathy, most dogs will become paralyzed in their hind legs. After this point, the dog may experience a lack of control over their bladder and bowel movements. Weakness will eventually develop in the front limbs. What causes Degenerative Myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy is caused by degeneration of the white matter within the spinal cord. The white matter in the spinal cord contains fibers that transmit nerve signals for movements from the brain to the limbs. Research has shown that a mutation in a gene is correlated with a higher risk of developing this disease. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise in the future and we may start seeing many more French Bulldogs affected by degenerative myelopathy as time goes on. How is Degenerative Myelopathy Diagnosed? Degenerative myelopathy is diagnosed once other causes of the weakness have been ruled out. Your veterinarian will most likely rule out herniated intervertebral disks, tumors, cysts, infections, injuries, and stroke. There is no definitive testing available for diagnosing degenerative myelopathy; the only way to confirm the diagnosis is when an autopsy is performed and the spinal cord is examined. What Treatment Options are Available for Degenerative Myelopathy There are currently no available treatment options for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy; nothing has shown evidence of stopping or slowing the progression of this disease. There are a few ways that you can improve the quality of life for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy Treatment options include…. Their playful and affectionate nature, and quirky antics have seen this breed become the third most popular dog breed in Australia! Do French Bulldogs have health problems? Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome and allergies are also some of the more common health problems that French Bulldogs experience. Many of these issues persist throughout their lifetime, significantly impacting their quality of life and leading to extensive veterinary expenses. The most common French Bulldog health problems include: Allergies Similar to humans, all dog breeds are susceptible to allergies. Unfortunately, Frenchies are genetically more susceptible to chronic allergies including food and environmental allergies. Symptoms of allergies in your Frenchies include: Excessive itching or licking, especially of the paws. Watery eyes, ear infections or sneezing. Diarrhoea, bloody or smelly stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, inappetence or lethargy. If you suspect your Frenchie has an allergy, veterinary advice should be sought to diagnose the allergen. This will then allow for appropriate management strategy dietary, environmental or medication to be put in place to improve their quality of life. As the name suggests, this form of dermatitis can occur in other folded areas of skin, including the armpits, neck and vulva. Signs of skin fold dermatitis that owners can look out for include: Excessive scratching, biting and itching around folded areas of skin. Development of redness and sores around affected skin. Luckily, pyodermas are very easily treated with topical or oral antibiotics from your veterinarian. Similar to skin fold dermatitis, signs of pyoderma include: Itching around the wounded area. Development of redness, loss of hair, crusting or pussy discharge from the wounded area. The best way to prevent skin fold dermatitis and pyoderma is regular and careful cleaning and drying of skin folds with pet approved products. Otitis Externa The highly desirable flat face of the Frenchie often means they have smaller ear canals. These narrow canals mean Frenchies lose the ability to naturally clean their ears resulting in their canals remaining warm and wet. This provides an environment that promotes yeast and bacteria growth, leading to ear infections or otitis externa. Symptoms of ear infections include: Excessive scratching of the ear or head shaking. Redness or scratches inside the ears. Excess wax when cleaning the ears. Keeping your Frenchies ears clean and moisture free is the best way to prevent ear infections. Your veterinarian will be able to show you the best way to clean and dry your Frenchies ears with pet approved products. Conjunctivitis Pinkeye and Corneal Ulcers The flat face appearance of the Frenchie makes them more susceptible to conjunctivitis. Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, other irritants or a condition known as dry eye. Additionally, the large, prominent eyes of a Frenchie mean their eyes are more prone to scratches and ulcers. Signs to watch out for that can indicate conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers in your Frenchie include: Red or swollen eyes or discharge from the eyes. Pawing at the eyes, blinking or squinting. Ensuring your Frenchies eyes are kept clean and avoiding irritants getting in their eyes such as dust or sand will help prevent these eye conditions. Their short snouts mean the soft palate is too long in length, causing wind pipe obstruction. Another component of BAS is stenotic or narrow nostrils, resulting in a degraded ability to breathe through their nose. Retching, regurgitation and vomiting. Exercise intolerance and intolerance to heat. Maintaining your Frenchie at a healthy weight is one way of minimising the effects of BAS however, surgery is the best of improving a Frenchies quality of life. Surgical correction involves shortening of the soft palate and widening of the nostrils to help increase air flow to the lungs. Heat Stroke Did you know flat faced dogs, including the French Bulldog, are twice as likely to suffer from heat stroke? Their long soft palate and stenotic nares make breathing difficult for these brachycephalics, in turn affecting their ability to cool themselves down. This results in flat faced breeds overheating quickly and suffering from heat stress, potentially culminating in heatstroke. In hot or humid weather, your Frenchie should be kept in a cool or air-conditioned space to avoid them overheating. Signs your Frenchie may be suffering from heat stress or heatstroke includes: Excessive panting. Blue or bright red gums. Vomiting, diarrhoea or convulsions. If your Frenchie starts showing any of the above signs they should be immediately moved to a cooler area and cool not cold water should be run over their body, especially the back of their head and neck. Veterinary assistance should also be sought as soon as possible. This occurs when the knee cap or patella is dislocated from its groove at the front of the stifle knee joint. Signs that your Frenchie may suffer from patella luxation include: Occasional skipping or abnormal hindlimb movement. Sudden or hindlimb lameness. Surgery to deepen the groove the patella sits in is an extremely effective way of treating this condition. If left untreated, patella luxation can lead to osteoarthritis due to repeated damage of the patella to the inside lining of the joint. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is another genetic condition Frenchies are prone to and results in the ball and socket hip joint not developing properly. This leads to joint deterioration as the hip joint rubs and grinds as opposed to sliding smoothly. Environmental factors such as obesity as well as excessive growth and exercise also contribute to the progression of Hip Dysplasia. Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia include: Bunny hopping, decreased activity or difficulty standing up. Hip pain or sensitivity. Inability to climb stairs. Avoiding over exercising and over eating when your Frenchie is a young pup as well as maintaining a healthy diet and weight will assist in preventing the progression of Hip Dysplasia. Arched or hunched posture, crying out when touched or picked up. Sudden paralysis. Keeping your Frenchie at a healthy weight as well as preventing jumping on and off furniture slows the progression of Intervertebral Disc Disease. If your Frenchie shows signs of paralysis they must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The selection of an ethical and reputable Frenchie breeder will greatly reduce the risks of your French Bulldog suffering from major health issues; however, the highly desirable flat faced appearance of the Frenchie means not all health problems can be eliminated. Need Veterinary care for your Frenchie? At Southern Cross, we are here to help. Book an appointment to see one of our Vets with an interest in French Bulldogs.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

The first step helps you determine why your GSD is barking and then address the underlying issue rather than reprimand the behavior. Top reasons your dog might bark at unknown people might include: Trying to greet the person but having poor greeting manners. Showing territorial behaviors, like protecting their home or yard. Seeing strangers as potential threats. So, they often bark when they notice strangers near their home or yard to protect and alert. They warn their families to threats by barking at people, even when they are not near their home or close to their yard — yet your dog hears them. Your dog will still remain watchful and aware of dangers, even if you discourage excessive barking. The goal is to help them understand the difference between non-threatening objects and threatening objects. If you think your GSD is becoming aggressive, then read up on deterring aggressiveness in your German Shepherd. Harsh punishment—such as hitting, kicking, or using shock—increases aggressiveness in some situations. Other times, owners may use a shock anti-bark collar as a method of punishment for barking. Using painful anti-bark collars and muzzles should be a last resort. Try more positive methods first before adding in negative punishment. Put the treat right up to their nose and let them smell it. Praise him and give him the treat. Repeat this procedure regularly over a period of several days until your dog starts understanding what the command means. Gradually extend the waiting period to five seconds, then 10 seconds, then 20 seconds and then 30 seconds and longer. Finally, work up to the minute mark for the waiting time until the reward. If your German Shepherd barks at strangers when he is outside the house, for example, during walks, then begin a desensitization program. This is a way to find their threshold when they start barking and to work on decreasing the distance to the stimulus the stranger they bark at. Use treats that are soft, like cheese, tiny pieces of fresh-cooked chicken, or even homemade dog training fudge. Reserve these treats only for outside training times, which makes them more high value to your GSD. Be on the lookout for: a stiff body hair standing erect on the back and shoulders attentive staring at the stranger or nuisance object When you see your dog showing these signs, move away from the stimulus stranger. Hold the treat in front of their nose so they can smell and see the treat. As he looks at the treat and walks past or away from the stranger, give him the treat before he has time to bark. You are looking to get their attention away from the distraction. Check out the following for the best German Shepherd training commands for the ultimate in behavior modification. Remember that learning a new behavior takes time, especially a self-rewarding behavior like barking. This means your dog may take weeks and weeks of training to curb its desire to bark at strangers. Keep rewarding them with pea-size pieces of soft treats when outdoors and when they look at you and sit or performs a command you ask , instead of barking. Territorial and alarm barking arise when your dog sees or hears something that excites them. This is why your German Shepherd barks at the living room window or along the fence as strangers walk by. The fastest method to stop barking at the window or in the yard is to control their environment. In your yard, install privacy fencing or place reed fencing to fill in the gaps in the fence and cut off views to adjoining yards or activity in the street. Indoors, leave the curtains or blinds closed. Keep your dog away from the areas where strangers walk past, like your front door and rooms near the street or sidewalk. If your dog barks at strange noises, then install a white noise machine to help blur the background sounds that cause them to bark. Use this guide to exercise your German Shepherd and meet their physical needs to reduce unwanted behavior. Changing a self-rewarding behavior like barking at strangers can take weeks or months of diligent practice. Many forward-thinking German Shepherd owners, like yourself, who want to teach their dogs to listen to them and avoid unwanted behaviors with positive training did so by joining an online training program that uses scientifically-backed protocols found in the online Brain Training for Dogs program. Imagine learning how to control your German Shepherd with kindness, compassion, and science. The step-by-step obedience videos help teach your dog to listen to you and, with time and training, to listen to your quiet command and stop them from barking at strangers. Take a moment to look over the online training program and learn how to use brain training for better behavior. You and your dog deserve a break from their barking to have some fun! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd dogs are known to be vocal. Compared to other dogs, this breed will often let you know about their wants and needs. This dog breed is also energetic, driven, and the most adorable. The common age for German Shepherd dogs to start barking is when they reach months. However, this breed will start vocalizing in weeks. Given the biological structure of a German Shepherd dog, it is natural for its bark to be a lot louder than any other dog. It is always better to know why your German Shepherd dog is barking. Many reasons trigger your GSD. Below is a list of possible reasons that might help you understand your dog better. The dog believes that it is his job to keep the family safe. German Shepherd dogs get alarmed for the slightest sound, moving vehicles, or even for tiny creatures like squirrels or birds in the garden. They think all of these aforementioned are threats to his family members and himself. The first instinct is to chase the sounds away, resulting in the dog barking out loud! This undesirable behavior can be avoided by socializing your German Shepherd well. Excitement Dogs are generally cheerful animals. They do not know how to control their emotions. Sometimes the only way to express and let out the feeling of happiness is to bark. This type of behavior is seen mostly with German Shepherd puppies. They are excited to see you! You know how you scream and jump and hug when you see someone you like? Unnecessary barking can even be for a high-value treat or when they see a friendly dog. This can be done by training him with the help of some yummy treats; eventually, the German Shepherd will learn to control its emotions. German Shepherds are known to be dogs with high energy levels. When they feel lazy and laid back, barking comes to the rescue. Boredom can result due to lack of attention. A tiny pat on the dog and a little playtime in the garden is what your GSD needs. A playful and busy dog is always a happy dog. Feeling Lonely Be it a puppy or a full-grown adult German Shepherd; they feel lonely if they are left alone in your living room. This feeling of loneliness can go from being just sad to intense levels of separation anxiety. Taking your German Shepherd on a walk or socializing more can help this condition. Anger or Anxiety German Shepherd dogs are prone to anxiety. Anxiety coupled with the feeling of fear will make your GSD bark or even bite, for that matter. Making a German Shepherd angry will make him feel nervous. Annoyance is also a reason to make a dog angry. Repeating actions that they do not like or engaging in activities that your GSD gets triggered can cause them to be annoyed. Annoyance often results in a dog barking to express his feelings. Sometimes dogs do tend to bark or howl in a painful way to let the owner be aware of the pain they are going through. The nuisance barking can be due to an underlying health issue. This is often considered a common coping mechanism with any dog breed. Know Your German Shepherd Better — Body Language Guide Most dogs communicate by barking when they want to say something, but knowing their body language is an added point to understand your dog better. It is a sign of submission. The dog knows that you are the boss! Biting Teeth Or Snarling This is a sign of aggression against something. It could be a neighboring dog or a street dog, a cat, a stranger and the list goes on. Right after this, your German Shepherd will start barking nonstop. Knowing what is irritating and distracting him from that can stop unwanted barking. When your dog is in a playful mood, it is always wise to play with it or give a toy to him—not playing when he wants to can lead to a sad or lonely dog which would trigger excessive barking. If your GSDs tail is very high, it means that your dog is very excited, on alert, or even a sign of dominance. It especially shows that he is in charge of the house to other animals or dogs. With this tail position, GSDs often bark out loud. Tail hanging down means that he is relaxed and chilled. Nothing bothers him, so you know you should not aggravate him by annoying him. Tail raised and wagging fast; we all know what this means. This means they are very happy and excited to see someone or feel in a specific way. When your GSDs tail is stuck in between the legs, he feels scared—often coupled with a lot of barking. Fear can cause your GSD to feel very uncomfortable, so you might want to change this feeling for him before his barking worsens. If you see this body language from your dog, just know to give him some space. This is mostly to soothe itself to sleep, or your dog is just having a moment so let it enjoy the time. This is the star question of my article. I understand no matter how much you love your pet, the undesirable barking of the German Shepherd will most likely ruin your peace. There are many ways to overcome the German Shepherd barks. This involves a lot of patience and training. Obedience training must start at a young age. First things first, stop praising when your German Shepherds bark. They are obedient dogs. Chances of them listening to a simple no are high. If your barking German Shepherd stops barking, praise them with a high-value reward. The dog will know that not barking is a self-rewarding behavior. You could get the help of a clicker to train your dog. Clicker commands are easier to follow in dog training. How much training is required to train your dog will depend on each dog. Some German Shepherds are fast learners born with calm behavior, whereas some are born with notorious genes. Another easy way to stop barking behavior is to ignore the barking. The German Shepherd will eventually understand that barking does not do any good when you ignore the barks. They understand simple commands even when they are puppies. It is always better to use positive reinforcement training methods. Training sessions should start in the morning or evening, a more quiet and peaceful time. Find the root cause for the excess barking of your German Shepherd. It would help if you started by triggering his undesirable behaviors. When the dog starts barking, you should command it to stop barking. Once the dog stops the barking, make sure to give it a treat. The next step is desensitizing your dog to whatever triggered its barking. When you see your German Shepherd being sensitive to a particular thing, desensitizing it can stop or reduce the barking next time. Get your German Shepherd to get used to it very often. For example, suppose your dog is sensitive to moving cars. In that case, you can take him on walks and give daily exercises to familiarize your dog with moving cars. It is important to provide this mental stimulation at least every other day to effectively train your dog. Negative reinforcement methods are always discouraged because they inflict pain or suffering. Using shock collars or e-collars on your German Shepherd could make them more aggressive. Do not opt for surgical methods which involve removal of the larynx. It is sad to see dogs go through painful surgeries and be voiceless just because barking is a nuisance. How selfish! Muzzles are not advisable in training dogs. Dogs by nature are animals who need to bark. I mean it! Finally, stop punishing your German Shepherd just because it barks. The first step is to make sure that it is not a medical condition. If that problem is cleared next is to see if the GSD is feeling comfortable enough. If being uncomfortable is the reason, give it some time to familiarize itself. Sometimes aging can be a reason for your GSD to not bark. The level of barking differs from the type of personality. German Shepherds are naturally protective and may bark at night as a form of guarding their territory. This barking can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as cats, strangers, or other small animals. Yes, German Shepherds bark more than other breeds because of their strong instinct to guard and protect, as well as their natural inclination towards vocalization. It is recommended to start training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age, as they are intelligent and able to learn basic commands easily. However, it is beneficial to start training from a young age, as puppies are able to pick up new skills quickly. No, it is never too late to train a German Shepherd Dog. With the right training techniques and plenty of patience and affection, German Shepherds are always receptive to learning new behaviors, regardless of prior training. To address excessive barking, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist to determine the cause of the behavior and create a behavior modification plan. German Shepherds typically bark the most when they are puppies and young adults, but can continue to bark throughout their lives if not properly trained. Final Thoughts German Shepherd barks are a problematic issue worldwide with all German Shepherd owners. Not only barking but GSD owners encounter other undesirable behaviors. Unsocialized dogs will take their time to stop excessive barking. In contrast, puppies trained from smaller days will pick up training methods proactively. Even though the German Shepherd barking problems are unbearable they are amazing watchdogs. When your dog stops barking unnecessarily and progresses through its barking problem, make sure to appreciate your GSD. With appreciation and so much love, you can bond better, which will ultimately result in living a stress-free loved life with your German Shepherd Dog! Okay, some breeds don't, but only a few sticklers will argue against the statement "Dogs bark. Some of us know more than others just how bad it can be, especially if you live in a neighborhood with close neighbors, or an apartment. So, what can you do about it? First off, dogs bark for a plethora of reasons. To fix the behavior, you have to start with the problem, and the problem is "Why. The average dog sleeps around 11 hours a day. A tired dog is less likely to bark when you're away at work, so make sure your dog has an adequate amount of physical and mental exercise before you leave. Another big reason is a lack of socialization. A dog that has had positive experiences with people during the socialization process and is taught to ignore them as background noise won't bark at everyone as they simply make their way down the street. Sometimes, something as simple as meeting the mail carrier in a positive way is enough to get a dog to stop barking at them. Use this method to include all different types of people of varying ages and any contraptions that they may be associated with, like bicycles and skateboards, etc. Don't respond to demands from your dog. If your dog barks or whines in the crate, the door doesn't open until they're quiet. If they bark at you to get a treat, you don't give them a treat until they're quiet. A lot of people train their dog to bark at the door to go out, only to realize their dog likes to come in and go outside nonstop. They end up barking all day long. So be careful to not only not respond to their demands when they bark, but not to create your own barking Frankenstein's Monster! This may seem counterproductive considering what I just said about being careful not to create your own Frankenstein's Monster of barking, but.Hear me out before you judge! Teaching a dog to bark on command isn't teaching your dog to bark for no reason or a reason that they choose when to use. You use your command for them to bark when you want them to, they bark, you reward. If you're diligent in your work of training your dog, your dog surely knows what "no" means. Instead of saying "bark," when they bark without you asking them to, say "no bark. Using a "quiet" command is similar to a "no bark" command but a little different. The first entails teaching to control a dog's barking in a roundabout way. Teaching a "quiet" command is a bit more negative, but nothing extreme at all. It simply involves waiting for them to bark and saying in a firm voice "quiet. When they do that, reward. If they start barking again, repeat the process. If that sounds too easy, or you think you know it won't work on your dog, you might be right. But no worries, you just have to find a way to break their concentration from barking to giving their attention back to you having your dog's attention is called "engagement". If a firm, yet normal voiced "quiet" doesn't work in getting them to turn their head to look at you, say it a bit louder and sharp. If that doesn't work, whistle. That'll be your "quiet" command, then reward when they look to you. If that doesn't work, put a long leash and collar on them, when they bark, correct them while saying "quiet. We already went over boredom and anxiety, but what if the exercise doesn't work? No worries, there's a solution for that! T oys and puzzle games. Fill a Kong with treats mixed with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. You instantly have a toy a dog can play with for hours before getting all of the goodies out of it. Sodapup licking mats also do well in this category. You can also use treat dispensing toys of your dog's choice and leave them around as well. As for anxiety, close the windows and blinds, and leave on the radio or TV. Make it feel and sound like you're home and limit outside stimuli. So do as much as possible to minimize the very presence of such stimuli. Get help. There's a lot of help out there for you. If your dog is good for half the day because you go on a morning run, but starts barking halfway through the day? It may suit you and your dog better to hire a dog walker. If you're out of your depth training wise, that's okay too. You can always hire a trainer or look into doggy daycares. If you find a tip or trick or technique or toy or idea that works for you, that isn't found here in the span of this article, that's great! Share it in the comments! Share this article while you're at it. If you love dogs, and dog training, and you don't learn something new every day, make that a new goal. There's always something else to try, or one more thing you can do to fix an issue, or lessen the symptoms of it at the very least. Don't give up! Thank you for reading, and please leave a like and share.

Open More pics of the Tuesday Ball Pit tail-waggers yfarmsdaycamp funonthefarmdaycamp yfarmskennels yfarms yfarmsfunplaytimes dogsjustwannahavefun zacharylouisiana.Our day camp kids are making the most of Monday with yummy pup cups! Fun times on the farm! We wuv weekend wiggles yfarmskennels yfarmsdogboarding yfarmsfunplaytimes dogsjustwannahavefun yfarmskennelsboarding doggydaycamp yfarmsdaycamp zacharyla We wuv weekend wiggles yfarmskennels yfarmsdogboarding yfarmsfunplaytimes dogsjustwannahavefun yfarmskennelsboarding doggydaycamp yfarmsdaycamp zacharyla.We had Furtastic FriYAY on the Farm, the proof is in the pics funonthefarmdaycamp yfarmsfunplaytimes yfarmsdaycamp yfarmskennels zacharylouisiana We had Furtastic FriYAY on the Farm, the proof is in the pics funonthefarmdaycamp yfarmsfunplaytimes yfarmsdaycamp yfarmskennels zacharylouisiana.Take a look at the precious paw print flower art from our Day Camp doggies. We are looking forward to so many more fun activities with the dogs! Let us know if you would like for your dog to join in the fun! Spots are limited! For more info www. Playtime is about to get a whole lot bigger and better! Day Camp is now available Mon- Fri am - 6 pm. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Baton Rouge. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Many other life lessons are learned by living around a wonderful dog. Some of them are learning to be gentle, benefits of companionship, importance of faithfulness, the safety and security of home and appreciation of the needs of others. Above all the lessons, dogs are just great fun. They can make us laugh, even after a terrible day. They are always there wanting a reassuring hug. How noble—and cool—is that? Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

Lifespan Sociability Papillon Pugs have yet to become a popular hybrid dog. It is quite difficult to find a breeder for them specifically. Equally so, it can be a challenge to track down what their price will be. Since there is no set standard for breeders to follow, each one can choose a vastly different spectrum. When you find a breeder for this hybrid, make sure to vet them properly to know how they treat their dogs. Ask them to give a tour of their facilities. They should be willing to let you into any area where they allow their dogs. Beyond that, ask to see the vet records and registration papers for the parent dogs for your puppy. The vet records give you a clue as to what health issues to watch for as your dog grows older. The Pug is an ancient breed originating from China. The Pug is one of the oldest breeds that are still around today. They were initially developed sometime between A. They were owned by all the richest families and often had their own guards and small homes. These little dogs were owned by China noblemen and set down long-lasting roots with Tibetan monks. They helped guard and be the companions for monks in remote areas of the mountains. Around the 16th century, Pugs were exported by the Dutch as they began to open up trade routes with the Chinese. They quickly established themselves as the dogs of royalty in Europe and were favorite pets to many prominent people in history. Pugs were first introduced into the United States right after the Civil War. They became one of the first breeds recognized by the AKC. The club recognized the breed in .Papillons were painted by master artists of history, including Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Dyke. Papillons have also always been lapdogs, or at least since the beginning of our recorded histories of them. Although French originally, the Papillons became even more beloved in Spain and Italy. Throughout all of these countries, the dogs have been held in the highest regard. They were kept as companions for the wealthy. Since they have been much-loved pets for so many years, they were included in many portraits and paintings from rich families or owners. This is how they found their way into famous paintings by master artists like Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Dyke. Papillons came to American shores much later than Pugs. They first made their way westward in the early 20th century and gained recognition by the AKC shortly afterward in .Papillon Pugs suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. Both Papillons and Pugs have been bred for centuries upon centuries to make the perfect lapdog. They are meant to love and adore whoever their owner is and spend all their time with them. It is no wonder, then, that most dogs that are crossed with either one of these parents can suffer from separation anxiety. It is even less of a surprise that with their combination, the Papillon Pug puppies cannot be left alone for too long without suffering emotionally. If you adopt one of these dogs, you need to ensure that you have plenty of time and love to give them. These are not the type of dogs that can be left at home for most of the day. They tend to bond quickly and readily, often identifying more with one person in particular over the other members. They will always be at ease with just about anyone, though. The Papillon Pug does inherit intelligence from both of their parents. Papillons are known for their smarts and wit, being rather mischievous at times. Although Pugs might not look like the smartest dog, they still stand out from the crowd. However, they also have quite a strong, stubborn streak that can make certain training sessions more difficult. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They do prefer to get your attention and might not appreciate another animal horning in on that time with you. However, by socializing them early on, they generally behave quite well around other dogs and animals such as cats. Neither one of them have strong hunting instincts, so their prey drive is low. Pugion Description The Pugillon is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Pug and the Papillon. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Her mother was a Papillon and her dad was the Pug. Abby and one other girl from the litter have Papillon fur the others had short fawn colored fur like the Pug. I think that this is a wonderful mix. Abby is so sweet and lovable. She adores all people and other dogs. She is also very intuitive and smart but has a silly demeanor. At 7 years old, she still loves to play with her toys, though she never destroys them. She likes to toss them around and wrestle with them. Abby is somewhat the mother hen to our other two dogs, a 6. With her hair short you can see her adorable little Pug body. Her hair grows long like the Papillon, shown in the last picture. His mother was a 12lb black Pug, and his dad was a 9lb Papillon. Maybe just a little too smart for his own good, but other than that, he's been great. He is always excited to see people, even ones he doesn't know, and has done very well with all the animals he's met, even my chickens! I would never have thought a Pug and a Papillon would have made a good mix, but after doing some research, each breed seems to make up what the other lacks. Not only is this dog adorable, but hes also smart, companionable, and did I mention adorable? Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Papillon is known for being friendly, happy, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Papillon or the Pug? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Papillon Pug Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Papillon Pug Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Papillon Pug Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Papillon History The Papillon comes from Spain. They can also be found in paintings of royal families around Europe and paintings of merchant class families. It was a popular breed all throughout Western Europe. It was very common with royalty. Marie Antoinette supposedly clutched hers while at the guillotine! Supposedly the pup was spared however. They are believed to be related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. It is thought that they first came to Europe with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond. The name Mopshond is a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. The other line was developed by Lord and Lady Willoughby d'Eresby, and was founded on dogs imported from Russia or Hungary.

Poodle Clips Overview One of the most fascinating and interesting elements of the Poodle breed are the amazing clips of the coat. The owner of a pet Poodle may simply choose to keep the entire coat trimmed to a certain length.Or the owner of a pet or show Poodle may want the appropriate show cut. The AKC requires certain cuts depending on the age of the Poodle. Let's take a look at the proper Poodle clips for AKC conformation and what each clip entails. When showing, this is the only acceptable clip for Poodles under 1 year old. Many pet owners opt for this cut as well, as it allows for the Poodle to have full coverage over the body, without exposing any skin, except for the dog's small paws. When skin is exposed it is subjected to the sun and can develop possible sores from playing around in the yard or when exposed skin is resting against carpeting. With this type of clip, the Poodle's face, throat, paws and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. You may opt to have a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is done with scissors to even things up and get rid of any long, straggly hairs. The face, front legs between poms and elbow, hind quarter to the pom area and with the exception of the hip rosettes, feet, and base of tail are all shaved very closely. The pack area is left very, very long and scissored into shape. The top knot is left very long and pulled into a ponytail. The tail is given a very large pompon. Poms on the legs are started just above the wrist and hock joints and end just above the feet. They are also scissored round. The hip rosettes are placed directly over the Poodle's hip joint. These are also scissored round. The reason that this is allowed is that the only element which is "modified" is the lack of the hip rosettes, which are optional. English Saddle With this clip, the Poodle's face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and paws are all closely shaved. The pack is left rather full and is scissored into shape. The top knot on the head is left long and pulled back into a pony tail. The poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. The tail's pom is left long and shaped into a ball. The poms on hind legs are rounded off and spaced evenly apart. The bottom pom begins just above the hock and ends above the feet. With this Poodle clip, the face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved close, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head. The rest of the dog's body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short, soft blanket of coat approximately 1 inch long. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. There is a nice, fluffy pompon at the end of the Poodle's tail. It is also referred to as the 'Second Puppy Clip'. The hair on the top may be left puffed out or pulled into a topknot. The coat is allowed to be very low on the legs, only showing a bit of the paw. It is a nice clip that offers a pleasant shape while not exposing any skin. Since coat growth can quickly cause this clip to loose shape, it is retouched approximately 5 to days before a show event. Kennel Clip - This is a pet clip, meaning that many pet owners opt for this easy clip and it is not permissible in the AKC show ring. Body hair is short all over and just scissored into shape. The top knot and tail are left longer than the body hair. The length of the body hair is completely up to the owner, some opt for a shorter length in the hotter months and longer in colder months. Lamb Clip - This is very similar to the Kennel Clip. The only difference is that the coat is left longer. With this Poodle clip, the dog's face, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. Body hair is left fluffy but not too long and then scissored into shape. The legs are shaped into a pom at the bottom starting just above the wrist and the hock ending just above the feet. The length of the hair is up to the owner, however, most opt for a very short clip. Dutch Clip - This is an interesting pet clip. The Poodle's face, neck area, belly band, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. The belly band may be shaved thin or wide, as shown in the photo. The lines between the withers along the spine and between the hips along the spine are also shaved. These lines are very narrow. The top of the head, the legs, and tail are left very fluffy. As you can imagine, the coat cannot be brushed in the traditional sense, cords must be separated out by hand. This used to be a very popular way to keep the coat long ago, however now this is exceedingly rare since most pet owners simply do not have the time to braid the section, keep the coat clean or wait for the exceedingly long drying time that comes with such large dread-lock type sections. This an exceptionally difficult style to do and to maintain which keeps owners away even if the look is a desired one. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If you have to pay a beautician to clip a Standard Poodle every four to six weeks it can prove to be a very expensive outlay. You can ring round for prices, but do be sure to choose a trimmer that likes the breed. Find a kind, competent trimmer. Standard Poodles should enjoy their trip to the hairdresser. You may decide to learn how to clip your pet yourself. If you intend to show your dog, it is essential to learn to trim the dog yourself, unless you happen to be rich. Standard Poodles people are generally most friendly and helpful; you may find somebody in your area that will assist you. It is not advisable to learn to trim on a puppy. All puppies wriggle and you could become exceedingly frustrated, which will do neither you nor your puppy any good at all. Even the most perfectly behaved dog can react nervously to a novice trimmer, pulling its feet away continuously when it normally sits as still as a statue. If you do not own an older dog that is used to being coiffured, then do borrow one when setting forth on your first adventure into trimming. There are books which give step-by-step trimming advice, but these alone are not a magic formula, and first hand help is the best. You must learn the difference between a painful, arthritic joint and a dog playing up because it can or is nervous and worried. Learning handling skills is every bit as important as learning the actual clipping. Before you go rushing out to buy expensive grooming equipment, such as clippers, driers, scissors, and more, take a few lessons and watch, watch, watch. It is better to find out if you are suited to the job before spending vast sums of money. Setting up can prove expensive, but the rewards of trimming your own dogs are many. Trimming is a most satisfying and worthwhile experience; if you love it. CLIPPERS Clipping dogs comes easy to some people, while others have to work extremely hard to get good enough results to walk out in the street with the dog, let alone win with their charges in the show ring. The whole procedure becomes less terrifying and less of an ordeal with practice. If you really do not enjoy clipping your Standard Poodle it will probably be better if you take it to the breeder, or the Poodle Parlour. For those with a burning ambition here a few tips to try to help you, although watching a live performance is also essential. All trims require the feet, face, and tail to be clipped so we will deal with these first, before looking at the different trims and how to do them. Firstly, having established that we have a good, solid, stable table, standing in a sensible position, preferably against a wall in a corner, so that the learner trimmer is more effectively in control, and not worried about the dog moving, and falling off the table and hurting itself, we need a good pair of clippers. There are many good clippers on the market today. It is best to buy the best, and I recommend getting in touch with a good grooming equipment outlet for a catalogue to enable you to see what is on offer. Another good way to find out more about grooming is to attend one of the marvellous Grooming Road Shows that go around the country, as advertised in the weekly dog papers, by breed clubs, or on line. Today we have multiple choices, including the cord-free. Your groomer, or breeder, or teacher will have shown you their preference, but if you can visit a grooming seminar or outlet where you can try different make, and shapes, you will be able to decide what is best for you. A light clipper, a more manual type, cord free, interchangeable blades or sliding all in one — variable sizing ones; usually the cheaper versions. Cordless clippers are a great asset, but fairly expensive, electric clippers such as Andis and Oster are popular, light and easy to handle. They have interchangeable blades, and they come with a quick guide to attaching and removing blades, fitting attachments, essential maintenance and important warnings. There are also a videos, and help and advice. For trimming the feet, face and tail you will need a number 10 or 15 blade. Most clippers come with a free No 10 blade. Closer clipping is usually for the show dog, or very thick coated dog. Clippers come with cleaning fluid for the blades, or you may have to purchase this. Each blade should be cleaned after use, and sprayed with a cool-lubricant during use. During use the blade must be checked on your face for heat. With a novice it may take some time to do the clipping, so it is essential to check the blade is not getting too hot to use. It can burn the skin and put the dog off clipping for a long time. Clean the debris off the clipper after use. For the pet dog a winter blade such as the Andis or Mastergroom No 4. And in summer a 5 or 7 can be used on the body, and body and the legs if Sporting style is preferred, depending on thickness of coat. The professional groomer will have many pairs of scissors for different trimming, but for the novice, or pet owner trimming their own dog, one pair will suffice to begin with. Try the different scissors and see which suits you. They are available from retail outlets, at dog shows, and grooming seminars. What is comfortable to one person may be too heavy, too short, too professional or wrong handed. Talk to an expert, professional outlet for advice on what best to start with, before forking out a large sum for something unsuitable, when a reasonably priced pair of scissors will be perfectly adequate. There is a lot of scissor work to be done on a Standard Poodle unless it is cut down in pet trim, and only practise will allow the groomer to achieve a smooth, almost satin finish to the well-cared-for coat. Finishing is an art that some excel in more than others. Different scissors give different finishes and the groomer must try several pairs of scissors in order to find the pair which is right for them. Most sales outlets are happy to help you choose the right type. Scissors vary in price and in order to sustain the outstanding presentation that some groomers achieve, it is imperative to buy quality products, such as clippers, scissors as well as shampoo and finishing sculpture conditioner. It really does make a difference and the investment is worthwhile. Finishing is achieved by literally skimming over the coat with the scissors accurately placed to edge the coat. As the Poodle coat constantly grows and moves, and has a natural tendency to curl, despite straightening conditioners, this finish will not last but still the dog will look expertly smart for the time being. Good scissoring is an art. It is fascinating to watch groomers from different parts of the world scissoring in their own style to achieve perfection. By attending Grooming Seminars you can see this interesting skill in action, and will see that different groomers have their individual styles. Some fluff the hair outwards before commencing scissoring, and some comb it upwards. Some will say one way is the only correct way, but I have seen dogs turned out to sheer perfection both ways. The same goes for how you hold a pair of scissors. There is a correct way of holding scissors, using thumb and fourth finger that will give you more control, once you have mastered it. With all styles, the Poodle will need to have his feet, face and tail clipped. We will deal with this first. There are certain rules to observe. Apart from the feet, always use clippers with the growth of coat. Where the face is concerned, always clip away from the eye. Unless you are experienced using clippers, it is quite likely that you will need time to get round all the delicate clipped parts of the Poodle, so use clipper lubricant frequently, every five minutes or so, and check the blade of the clipper for heat by putting it on your face. As soon as it feels more than a little warm, change the blade, or stop until the blade has cooled. Dogs have been burned with hot blades and it takes a long time for them to regain their confidence. It is best to clip clean hair if possible. As a novice it is better to use a No 10 to start with. It may not leave such a tidy finish, but it is very safe with all colours. THE FEET Nearly all dogs have ticklish feet, so they tend to wriggle or pull the foot away from you when you start clipping their toes. However, they soon get used to it and cooperate well. It is best to hold just above the foot firmly, but do not squeeze. Be sure your dog is standing square and is comfortable before taking up the foot, start right rear, front right, left rear, and left front. This way none get forgotten. Be sure to keep the dogs leg under its body, if you pull it out sideways the dog will automatically try to pull it back, and a battle of your doing with arise. Gentle press the toes apart with your second finger and clip all the hair between the toes. And do take special care no to twist the foot as you clip. It is essential to learn the knack of flexing, or turning your wrist every-which-way in order to complete a neat job of clipping the feet. Clip from the toe nail up to the base of the toe. At first you will probably find this difficult, but with practice it will become second nature, with a bit of luck. Some people never feel easy with clipping. However, most enthusiasts find it satisfying, and calming and you are at one with your dog. Better to leave the clipped area low rather than take too make off and make your dog look as though it has chicken feet. Turn or slightly raise the foot in order to clip underneath the foot. Blade No 10 - 15 or 30 for a closer finish on the dark colours. The show dogs are clipped closer and more frequently with a No 15 or 30, keeping the blade as flat as possible but without putting undue pressure on the skin. The hair should never be clipped so close that it cuts, grazes or damages the skin. White dogs often have more sensitive skin so take this into consideration. Do be careful to tighten any loose skin with your fingers before running over with the clipper. Clip under the eye to the inner corner, then from between the eyes at the stop down to tip of nose. Now clip from under the eye towards the muzzle, to the nose. Repeat on other side of face. Clip the chin from edge of mouth to nose, taking care to tighten loose skin at all times. For the show Poodle the neck is clipped into a U-shape, shaving hair down to an inch or two above the breastbone, depending on style of mane, and emphasis required to show off length of neck. TAIL Stand the dog away from you, or to the side. Clip from the base of the body to a third of the tail length, leaving enough hair on the tail to leave a pom-pom, or plumage. Clip underneath the tail and hygiene area, taking care around the sensitive anus area. No 15 is generally used. Most pet Standard Poodles are in the Sporting trim for ease, comfort and efficiency. Plus it looks elegant and eye-catching. The lamb trim and the sporting trim is the most popular for pet dogs, the sporting trim is now widely seen in many parts of the world. In the show ring over the past few years we have seen a change in trimming. Not all Standard Poodles are shown in the traditional Lion clip. The puppy Lion has become increasingly popular. And more sculptured trimming is seen, sometimes to a degree of exaggeration, it has to be said. Here are some of the more well known trims for show and pet Standard Poodles. Clip from base of head, just beneath the ears, down the top, and underneath of neck. Lift leg and clip under the arm taking care not to catch the loose skin under the arm, and along the chest to the groin. Clip neck to just above shoulder level, along the back to base of tail, and just above the hip, then along and downwards over rib cage to groin. Clip underneath, stomach, groin, carefully taking hair from around nipples and genitals always holding the delicate parts as you go to ensure safety. Brush through remaining hair, trousers, topknot and tail, removing all tangles with slicker brush and wide tooth comb, and where necessary, to prevent causing the dog too much discomfort, the mat-breaker. Anti-tangle conditioner can be used. Bath the dog in a suitable natural enhancing shampoo such as tea tree and lavender oil, or protein coat strengthening formula with consideration to colour and condition of coat. Use a quality conditioner such as sculpture finish, to aid scissoring, or a stay-in conditioner. Blow the coat dry, brushing all the time in sections from bottom of leg upwards, with pin or slicker. Bathing the hair will lift it slightly so tidy any clipped areas where necessary by going over with same depth blade as before. Hem by scissoring round bottom of leg hair. Feet should only barely be seen. Scissor the legs going with the contours of the limbs, using a silhouette line, with scissors pointing downwards or upwards but never crossways apart from when hemming starting from bottom of leg and keeping the line going to the top, then taking the next line and repeating the process, finally skimming across the hair to blend in. Holding muzzle, comb hair forward and scissor topknot across the eye, upwards, comb hair to the left and trim across the top of the ears and back of neck, then repeat on right side. Trim over top taking care to leave a nice top, but being sure the dog can see clearly. Here the feet and face are clipped as usual, and the body clipped with a coarser blade to leave about enough hair to give the appearance of close wool or astrakhan. With No 5 or No 7 blade, clip neck from base of head, down over shoulder, down back to tail, down and along ribcage and under chest, stomach and groin area. Clip back leg, inside and out to an inch above hock joint. Then, with an eye line to balance, clip inside and out of front leg to same level. Bath and dry as for Lamb trim. Scissor the topknot as for Lamb. Comb outwards and scissor bracelets into oval shape. Trim tail as for Lamb. Most Standard Poodles look glamorous in this eye-catching trim. Blade No .Clip under neck to point of breastbone and on top to about 5cm above withers. Taking a direct line and shave a blades width between the shoulders, across withers, continue the line to the base of tail. Clip abdomen from groin to navel and then downwards, incorporating the insides of the thighs. Brush through entire unclipped hair. Bath in suitable shampoo and blow dry as for Lamb. Go over clipped part on body to ensure a tidy finish. Scissor the top and tail as for Lamb. Scissor back legs to neat finish, leaving a pronounced curve at edge of clipped parts. Scissor the front area leaving pronounced curve to clipped area. The feet, face and tail are clipped as normal. The body hair is kept long, but is sculpted with scissors into an attractive shape to enhance the body contours. Fluff up all body hair, and then allow it to fall, or the dog to shake itself. Scissor the coat to an even length all over the body, including the legs. As the coat grows in length, scissor the hair slightly shorter from the base of the tail, gradually blending the hair up towards the body to obtain an effective, easy-on-the-eye, shape. This clip is sometime called the T clip, although it is not strictly as acute as the Scandinavian outline in all countries. For the novice it is a good idea to put a narrow bandage around the dog at just below this point to distinguish an even line and be sure the balance is right. Roughly one third is trimmed shorter while two thirds is left for the mane. Cut with the scissors held straight, up the edge of your line or bandage from the near side, up one side, over body and down the other side. This is more easily achieved when the dog is standing square with its bottom towards you. Scissor back legs to an even length taking in consideration of rear angulations, which are accentuated. Once you are well practised with scissors and have a good eye, using a photograph of a beautifully contoured dog, and copy the up-to-date trimming. Next, flick the mane with the comb, allow the dog to shake and the hair to settle, then scissor round, rather like skimming over the coat, keeping scissors level, to achieve a blend where mane meets shorter back hair to enhance the appearance of a well defined neck. Shape round mane, shaping incline from brisket up towards ear. Scissor the front legs to tubular shape, moulding or sculpturing to blend where they join the mane at elbow. Scissor the tail as for Lamb. This trim takes longer to wash, longer to dry, and a lot longer to scissor to perfection. The scissoring here is artistically demanding. However, when it is carried out by an expert, the result is stunning. It is always advisable to clip the mane in before the back end to make it easier to balance. Usually the dog will have been trimmed into Puppy Lion before this so the mane line will already be taken care of. It is useful to have a photograph of a beautifully turned out Standard Poodle to copy from when first attempting this trim. Clip feet face and tail. Groom, bath, condition and blow the hair dry as for puppy. If you have not already parted the coat behind the rib cage as in Puppy Lion, do this first. It is always advisable to clip the mane in before the back end to make it easier to achieve a good balance. Again, a bandage can be used for forming lines. This is always a good idea as you can tie it around at the given points and move it up or down to achieve a balance before putting your scissors in. Apply the bandage about two inches 10cm above the wrist, the first joint above the foot look to see if this will allow you to scissor a nice oval bracelet. Cut above the bandage line, clip with No 10 up the front leg to remove the hair up to the joint of the elbow. Do not clip over the elbow. Trim bracelet by combing out and tipping ends to an oval shape. It is a good idea to leave the bracelet slightly longer than you think is right, so that you can look at your work and take off more if necessary. Scissor round bottom of mane to achieve a ball finish, curved scissors are good for this job. It will take time and patience to learn this art, but it will come with practice. Again it is useful to have a photograph to copy from. Now for the tricky part! Again, it is a good idea to use a bandage about one inch thick to help guide your cutting lines. Feel for hock joint first joint above back foot and apply the bandage about one inch above. Feel for knee joint and apply second bandage just above to define. Stand back and check that there is a good balance between the three defined points. Move the bandage slightly up or down until you feel happy that the dog looks right. With the scissors, cut a thin line above the bandage. These points can be carefully clipped, or more defined with scissors. When starting on the other leg do check that your lines correspond from behind. Be careful not to make your scissor or clipped lines too wide as this may completely spoil your finished picture. Comb hair upwards and allow it to settle. Scissor each section to a smooth rounded finish. The pack over loin and hip can be trimmed evenly to a length of about an inch. Poetry in motion is what you are trying to achieve. This trim is far from being easy and takes much practice to get right. Scissor the tail. In England this trim is less seen now than it used to be, as our Kennel Club does not demand it. Certainly it takes less time than the Traditional or Puppy, but there is still a lot of work here to make it as beautiful as it should look. This trim is mostly seen on the Standard Poodle, though favoured in countries such as Japan in all three sizes, but is not popular with the general public as it is rather revelling. Clip feet, face and tail, bath, condition and blow the hair dry as for Puppy. Cut in front end mane as for Lion, including scissoring to finish. For beginners it is a good idea to place a saucer on the hip joint to define a rosette. Take the scissors and cut round the saucer. Remove the saucer and you will reveal a large rosette. Depending on whether the dog is longer in back than it should be, or perfectly proportioned the saucer can be moved backward or forward to achieve the best balance before cutting commences. With No 10 blade, start clipping from a position just above the hock joint and clip up to your newly made rosette. Clip round this being careful not to clip the rosette itself. Clip the narrow area between the end of mane and the rosette. Lifting hair with comb, scissor round rosette to achieve a smart round puff of hair. Trim tail as for other trims. Pet owners almost invariably skimp on brushing their dogs which then come into the grooming salon every six weeks or so with mats and tangles in their coat. Once upon a time, the only considerate and kind way to deal with such felted mats was to get underneath the mat with a fine blade and clip it off. Now, with some conditioning spray, combs and mat-breakers, the groomer has a wider choice and more capacity to sort out a neglected coat. But still, the prime consideration must be to the dog, and if the best solution is to clip off the coat then this must be done. It will grow again. If you brush and comb your Standard Poodle on a regular basis his coat will always look smart, even after a dig in the garden or getting thoroughly muddy, once dry the coat will brush out marvellously. If you are growing the coat to show your Poodle, new grooming techniques will have to be employed. If you want to show then it is essential for you to be able to bath and clip and groom your Poodle yourself, otherwise the procedure will be very expensive. Trimming a pet is one thing, turning out a show dog is something else, and takes many people years to perfect. Luckily Poodle people are generally very kind and helpful. Breeders and expert trimmers can and do help novice exhibitors with their trimming. The best advice is to watch, listen and learn. In time you will, hopefully, be trimming as well as the best. It is a good idea to have a professional photograph of a dog in show trim on the wall when you start scissoring the mane and legs of your Poodle, and try to copy it. Remember no artist ever painted a masterpiece the first time he picked up a paintbrush. It will take time, sweat and tears to perfect scissoring skills, unless you are extremely blessed. Your Poodle show dog will need brushing everyday, or at least three or four times a week, depending on its individual coat and whether or not it is at the age between ten and fourteen months when it is changing its coat from puppy to adult. If you brush the dog every day your task of growing the coat will be easier. Brush carefully each strand of hair. To do this lay your Poodle on its side, start brushing at the bottom of the ribcage, part layers with a tail comb or your fingers and brush the hair downwards. Brush each layer until you reach the spine; include the neck hair, top and ears. The turn your dog over and start the other side. I often do this sitting on the floor watching television, the dog relaxed in front of me. If you have attended shows you will have seen Poodles being groomed this way. All dogs are thoroughly groomed before they go into the show ring. De-matting - tangles that have formed overnight on a dog going through a coat change, needs care. Often it is more beneficial to split the hair with your fingers. Wet hair is more pliable and not quite so susceptible to breakage. Comb with a wide tooth comb, never a fine one. Use a good conditioner if the coat is dry. Spray-in conditioners are good and can be used at any time. Spray from the bottom of the ribcage up, parting the hair as you go to ensure all the layers are conditioned and the solution has not just run over the top. When preparing a coat for the show ring, use the conditioner without oil and rinse. Show dogs must have their fun regardless of coat. Exercise is essential to a healthy life. Bones are essential to clean healthy teeth. The topknot can be protected with a snood. Consider what you are spraying into and around your dogs face, nose and mouth. Some sprays and lacquers are toxic. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.