labrador retriever and german shepherd mix puppies for sale
Are you worried about the growing prevalence of designer dogs? As a dog parent, you want to be as well-informed as possible about your new family member. With this information, you can be confident that the Labrador puppy is purebred. Visual Assessment The most obvious way to identify a purebred Lab is by looking at its physical characteristics. The American Kennel Club establishes those standards. A black Labrador must be completely black, while a chocolate Lab should be anywhere from light brown to dark chocolate brown. A wider range of colors is allowed for yellow labs, from very pale cream to fox red. Thus they are less likely to be disqualified. Do purebred Labrador retrievers have white markings? Small white spots on the coat are still permitted. Unfortunately, a fully grown Labrador with brindles, color markings, or color panels is ineligible. Male Labs should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, with female Labs weighing slightly less at 55 to 70 pounds. Their muzzle should be long, wide, and deep with a slightly set-back nose. The top of the muzzle should be straight or gently arched. However, this color does not last into adulthood. The noses of yellow and black Labradors are typically black, whereas those of chocolate Labradors are often brown. Dudley Labradors are the only dogs in the breed to keep their pink noses into old age. It has an oily outer layer to protect the pup from water and cold temperatures and a soft, wooly undercoat that helps to trap body heat. Their dark, pure lustrous black fur coats make them so gorgeous and appealing to all dog lovers. However, not all Labrador retrievers belong to the black variety. Some of the mutts had white patches on their black fur because of a gene disruption that occurred when they were descended from the St. Like a lemon, they can be anywhere from a tan to a bright yellow. Included in this range is a yellowish-brown color called fawn Labrador. This is a deeper yellow but not as dark as a red Labrador. It is common to find cream-colored labs among yellow labrador retrievers. With six distinct labrador colors to choose from, yellow Lab offers the most color variation. Most people enjoy this chocolate-like covering on their fur as they are lustrous and appealing. Nonetheless, there is a wide range of shades of chocolate in labradors. Their hue ranges from light brown to a blend of brown and black lab coats. Although their ear and paw fur are typically white, certain animals may have lighter brown fur in other areas. Red labs are at the dark end of the yellow spectrum, opposite the white labs. In light of this, red fox labs are just yellow labs with darker coats that are mistaken for the reddish kind. In direct sunshine, the silver tone pops out more clearly. Scientists have found that silver labs and chocolate labs share a color spectrum. They may have been born chocolate, but their DNA can subtly overcome all the other colors, producing an incredible silver covering instead. Therefore, silver labradors are distinct from other labrador coats because they have recessive genetics. Natural Instincts Labradors possess certain natural instincts that set them apart from all other breeds. These include retrieving and water-based activities, a strong desire to please their owners, and an affinity for training. They are also known to be very loyal, friendly dogs who enjoy being around humans and other animals. This information can be important for people interested in purchasing a Labrador retriever puppy, as it can help them make an informed decision about which puppy to choose. You can also use the pedigree paper to track the health and temperament of the Labrador breed and identify any potential genetic defects present in the puppy. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a Labrador puppy, it is important to ask for a copy of the pedigree papers. A DNA test can be done with a simple cheek swab or blood sample and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test amplifies the DNA so that it can be easily analyzed. You can usually obtain the results of a PCR test within one to two days. However, this type of test is less commonly used than the PCR test. A DNA test can provide valuable information about a labrador puppy. Buying a Purebred Labrador Puppy Ensure the puppy you acquire is a purebred Labrador and that its papers are in order. It is important to verify that the breeder registered the litter before selling the puppy to new owners. Make sure you meet the mother and that you like her appearance. Do not buy a puppy from the breeder if it has markings that you find offensive. True black Labradors sometimes sport white patches. Finally, make sure to ask the reputable breeder if they have performed any health checks on the puppies. This is an important step in ensuring that the puppy you are buying is healthy and free of any genetic defects. These dogs are born with two copies of a gene that causes them to have a diluted coat color. The result is puppies with grey, silver, or light blue coats instead of the traditional black, yellow, or chocolate colors. Dilute Labradors may also have a lighter eye color than traditional Labradors. While these dogs are still considered purebred, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club due to their unique genetics. While the dog may have done nothing wrong, most dogs end up in shelters owing to issues with their owners, such as financial constraints, lack of time, changes in the family dynamic such as a new baby, divorce, relocation, or marriage , or allergies. Read up on breeders who have good reputations and ask for references from owners whose dogs you admire. Ask about their breeding practices, how their puppies are socialized and raised, and whether or not the puppy is registered with an organization such as the AKC. Make sure that the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Reach out to previous customers and find out what their experience was like. Finally, remember that a purebred Labrador is one of many types of dogs worth owning. Mixed breeds can be just as wonderful and loving as purebreds and may even be healthier. Take your time when selecting a puppy, and make sure that you find one that is right for you and your family. A: Mixed breeds may not have all the same characteristics as a purebred Labrador, but they can still be just as loving and loyal. Mixed breeds are also often healthier than purebred Labradors due to the lack of inbreeding. Q: What is the best type of Labrador to get? A: The best type of Labrador depends on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet. If you want a show-quality Labrador, then a purebred would be best. However, if you just want a loving and loyal companion, then a mixed breed might be the right choice for you. This is because they have unique genetics that does not match the breed standard. However, they are still considered purebred dogs and can be registered with other organizations. Q: How can I find a reputable breeder? A: Start by searching the internet for reviews and recommendations from other dog owners. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few reputable breeders, ask them for references and reach out to previous customers. Make sure the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Q: How do I know if a Labrador puppy is purebred? A: The best way to ensure that a Labrador puppy is purebred is to purchase it from a reputable breeder. Ask for proof of registration, health checks, and breed history. If the breeder cannot provide these documents, then it is best to look elsewhere. Additionally, it would help if you look for physical traits typical of Labradors, such as a broad head and short muzzle. Q: Is it possible to train a Labrador puppy? A: Absolutely! Labradors are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. Start by teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Then move on to more complex behaviors, such as walking on a leash and responding to hand signals. With patience and consistency, you can have a well-trained Labrador in no time! Final Words Selecting a purebred Labrador puppy is a big decision. Make sure to do your research and select a reputable breeder who can provide you with all the necessary paperwork and proof of health checks. You should also remember that purebreds are not the only type of dog worth owning — mixed breeds can also be just as loving and loyal. Finally, once you have a puppy in your home, be sure to provide them with the proper training, socialization, and care that all puppies need to grow up healthy and happy. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family. How do you pick a good Labrador puppy from a litter? Other characteristics include a moderately-sized muzzle, medium-sized and well-spaced eyes, and a thick and water-resistant coat. Physical Appearance And Features Breed standards may vary. As per the American kennel club, A labrador retriever should weigh about pounds. They should be .While dilute colors can be AKC registered, they are unacceptable in the show-ring business. Other physical traits include a dense, short coat, otter-like tail , broad skull, and kind eyes. How To Identify pure breed yellow lab 2. Personality And Temperament Labrador Retriever has a gentle personality. They like to cuddle and are loyal to their owners. These dogs love activities like fetch or swimming and are playful. However, temperament can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Labs may be more laid-back and easygoing, while others can be hyper. An aggressive labrador can be tamed with socialization. One common behavioral trait is their strong sense of wanderlust. If given the opportunity, these dogs run off searching for adventure. A secure fence or leash is needed when taking them outside. Overall, labs make wonderful family pets. They have high energy and make good working dogs and sporting dogs. No wonder they are the most popular breed of dogs. Their love for food can sometimes cause obesity. How To Identify pure bred labrador 3. Health Considerations Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but can still suffer from breed-specific issues. Some examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. DNA testing can detect genetic abnormalities that might not be visible yet. Another crucial health consideration is its nutrition and exercise requirements. Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, which keeps them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Opt for high-quality dog food brands recommended by veterinarians. Avoid harmful additives or fillers that could harm its overall wellness. Researching The Breeder Reputable breeders are transparent about their breeding process. Ask for referrals from a fellow dog owner or veterinarian. Look out for red flags such as unresponsiveness or reluctance to let you visit their facilities. You can identify reliable breeders via the AKC directory. Conducting A Physical Examination Conducting a physical examination can help you identify potential red flags. It must have a sleek appearance. Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Labrador should be medium-sized. A chocolate or black lab typically has brown eyes, while yellow Labs may have lighter-colored eyes. Ears: The ears of a purebred Labrador should hang down close to the head and have a slightly rounded tip. Its color will depend on the color of its coat. Teeth: Check that all teeth have erupted properly by age. Body structure: Purebred Labradors should have an athletic build with well-proportioned muscles and limbs. They are suited for work in water or outfields. It is thick and tapers toward the tip. Behavior: Observe how the puppy plays and interacts with other puppies or older dogs. Genetic testing can reveal potential health issues like hip dysplasia early on so that preventative measures can be taken. A CH Conformation Champion on the certificate means the dog is close to the breed standards. However, they indicate potential health problems. Despite their unconventional coloring, some Lab variations, such as the Silver Lab and Fox Red Lab, are still considered purebreds. If the potential dogs look smaller than usual, it might point towards some degree of mixed-breed heritage. Labrador retrievers are the least aggressive dogs. Their behavior matches the cuddling kind. If a lab shows aggressive behavior, it may not be pure. An aggressive labrador is due to inadequate training and socialization. A responsible and reputable breeder should be open and transparent. Breeders must be able to answer whether they conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This allows for better management. Ask for referrals from friends who have purchased a purebred Labrador. Ask for references and testimonials from prospective breeders. Ask if they have been screened for genetic disorders. Observe firsthand how the puppies behave and interact with each other. You can also assess whether they look healthy or not. During your visit, note how clean the breeding grounds are and whether or not they have access to food, water, and bedding materials. Breeders committed to producing healthy purebred Labradors always give OFA certification. Ask your breeder if they have conducted specific veterinary checks on the puppy. This includes checking for parasites like worms or fleas and ensuring the new puppy has received vaccinations. It means using both objective information alongside subjective feelings to make informed decisions. DNA tests or pedigree papers are the best ways to identify a pure labrador retriever. A visual evaluation is also beneficial, but you cannot depend on it entirely. How does a pure Labrador look like? If you see labrador retrievers with coat colors other than yellow, black, or chocolate, they are not purebred. A purebred lab can have a small white mark but nothing other than that. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current breed standards are clear on what labrador retrievers should look like. However, some labs may not meet the breed standard. A mismark occasionally appears, indicating they are not purebred. A small white spot is acceptable, though. What is the difference between pure Labrador and Labrador? A purebred labrador adheres to the standard breed characteristics in terms of height, weight, coat color, temperament, etc. They may exhibit the same behavior with slight variations. How should a Lab puppy look? A lab puppy must have a strong build, broad skull, high energy, deep chest, etc. Their broad skull usually has a defined stop. They have powerful jaws of medium length. Their cheeks are not fleshy. What color eyes does a purebred Labrador have? Labrador eye colors should be brown yellow and black labs. Chocolate labs can have brown or hazel eyes. Some labrador retrievers can have green or greenish-yellow eyes. Silver labrador retrievers have gray eyes. Research is essential before purchasing a puppy from a litter. Enquire about their appetite, elimination, etc. Consider their health and pet parents before making a decision. About The Author Sarah Sheikh Labradors have an extraordinary capacity for love and companionship, and my mission is to help you unlock their full potential. Hi there! I'm Sarah, a proud contributor to Labradorandyou, the go-to online resource for all Labrador Retriever enthusiasts. As a lifelong owner and avid admirer of these remarkable dogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our readers. One of my strongest beliefs is in the power of positive reinforcement training. I'm truly passionate about helping our readers build strong, positive relationships with their Labradors. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned Labrador enthusiast, I aim to provide you with the resources and guidance to cultivate a bond that will endure a lifetime. Even in modern days, the Labrador boasts the thick, sometimes wiry coat that helped its ancestors to stay warm when fowling in the freezing Canadian sea. Due to this selective breeding, the Labrador breed still retains many of the characteristics that made the dog a valuable asset: vigor, strength and powerful love for retrieval. Labradors come in three main variants: chocolate, yellow and black. Though there are many differing opinions on the defining characteristics and traits of each type of Labrador, generally the chocolate lab is seen as a bit of a lush with an affinity for the show ring. The yellow lab is famously the first choice as a guide dog for the blind, and the black lab frequents television and movies as an astute hunter and birding dog. There are many things to consider prior to making the leap into Labrador ownership, however; as with any new pet, the responsibilities associated with owning a vivacious dog like a lab cannot be understated. Labrador retrievers are excellent companions for many living situations, including both single owners and large families with children. However, it should always be a decision that involves every member of the family; agreeing to adopt a Labrador is no small undertaking. These dogs are intelligent, high-energy and can be therefore difficult to train. Is the entire family on board with the challenges that come with a puppy? The issue of any other family pets that will be affected should also be given as much importance as kids. Therefore proper socialization is absolutely necessary when bringing a new dog home, and should be researched and undertaken properly to avoid any unneeded bumps along the road. If there is a suspicion that there may be undue prey-seeking behavior or that another pet may be endangered, the correct actions must be taken to prevent this, even if it means re-homing a pet or reconsidering your new puppy. Puppies are well known for their boundless energy and playful spirits, but Labradors are another thing altogether. Through many years of selective breeding, the Labrador has become well known as one of the most energetic dog breeds available, and the puppies are no different. One of the most important things to consider when adding a canine member to the family, regardless of its breed, is the space available for a young dog to roam and exercise. Labradors are generally considered a bad fit for apartments due to their energy levels and occasional fondness for chewing when bored, however, even if your family does not have a few acres for your new family member to run, as long as your puppy will receive exercise in some form or another any situation can accommodate a Labrador. Another important characteristic of the Labrador to take note of is their sense of wanderlust; they are known to be trusting of strangers and curious of new smells, and therefore wandering off can be a real danger. Fences are an excellent way to discourage this type of behavior, although in absence of this a watchful owner, adequate training and a long leash can suffice to prevent escape. Any new pet can be expensive, but Labradors can be prone to many extra expenses that should be taken into consideration before taking the plunge on a purchase. Apart from the normal costs of new dog ownership, including microchipping, vaccinations, collars, leashes, food and boarding where necessary, Labradors also demand an extra level of expenditure to make sure they live long, healthy and happy lives. Veterinary bills can also be steep, venturing into the thousands sometimes for various ailments. It is important to ask the breeder from which you plan to purchase your new Labrador retriever what sorts of medical issues have arisen previously in that particular line, what can be done to prevent their exacerbation, and how best to identify the symptoms to best head the conditions off. Finding a Reliable Breeder Will Save You on Medicines, Food, and Training Finding a reputable breeder with experience in the Labrador retriever breed will make the transition from the dam to home much easier and more comfortable for both dog and owner. Gleaning information from the breeder can help to lessen the cost for things like training and veterinary treatments down the line. A breeder should always be the front line defense for any preventable or hereditary issue. They can also be an invaluable resource on the subjects of food and training; most breeders have experience in both providing adequate nutrition for their dogs to maintain health and longevity and also how to properly train based on requirements and characteristics unique to the breed. Taking tips and suggestions from a breeder can save time and money on professional training programs and less healthy commercially available food. Questions to Ask Your Shortlisted Breeder The most difficult task involved in choosing where your Labrador will come from is selecting a breeder. There are scores of breeders who are active in most countries in North America and elsewhere, and a quick web search or a visit to a breed-specific website is a great place to begin. As with any business, all breeders are not created equal; therefore it is important to take some time and investigate each one before choosing the best fit. Some breeders do not recognize hygienic or safe environments for their litters, and many will falsify information in order to prey on the uninformed or inexperienced. Often a visit to the facility or home of the breeder is a good way to differentiate between the predatory or dishonest breeders from those who are honest, forthcoming and diligent regarding the health and quality of their lines. Once a breeder is chosen, there are several questions that can be asked to ensure that you go home with a puppy who is healthy, happy and bound for success: Will the parents get registered? What rights will I own on the puppy? If a breeder is reputable and breeding Labradors for confirmation or agility as well as pets, most, if not all, the dogs that the breeder owns, including dams and sires, will be registered with the AKC or one of its constituent. This provides information on specific bloodlines and guarantees that your new dog is indeed a purebred Labrador. The paperwork on such animals should be readily available for inspection and verification prior to purchasing a pup. Many breeders will try to retain breeding rights or a certain number of litters, or demand that you refrain from spaying or neutering if your Labrador will be a pet only. If this is a source of discomfort, the best time to say so is prior to purchasing when arrangements can still be made. What kind of socialization and environment puppy get during his breeding time? Labradors are social animals, and their socialization should start young; much like human children, their earliest environmental and social exposure will go a long way toward determining what kind of dog he or she will grow into someday soon. Another good indicator is the behavior of the adult dogs in the facility. Are they skittish or nippy? Do they seem frightened of interaction both from dogs and humans alike? When in doubt, always trust your instinct! Can you get the vaccinations chart which shall be given to the puppy? Puppies get their first vaccinations around the age of four to six weeks and will receive frequent boosters and shots until they leave their mothers at the age of twelve to fourteen weeks. Therefore in most cases, when a puppy is purchased from a breeder, many of the necessary shots have already been administered. However, it is important to note any continuing needs for further vaccinations and booster until your dog is old enough to go a year or two between necessary shots. A reputable breeder will provide you with a chart or a list of the prior vaccines, what type of prevention and when the next ones are needed in an easy to read format. Keeping your dog healthy does not end in adulthood, but it certainly begins before then. If no vaccinations have been administered or notated, this can be a red flag. Distemper, parvo, and rabies are deadly to Labradors and easily contracted, though very preventable. What all other breeds are handled by the breeder? Not all professional breeders specialize in a single breed of dog. Many experienced breeders will have experience in many different types, which seems to be a natural result of gaining experience in the field and branching out. If the number of breeds currently being kept in a single facility is too high, or if there are too many different types of dogs, this can bode ill. What is the experience of the breeder in breeding Labs? Any major cases or complaints? While many breeders have been at the game for long enough to be able to differentiate between the traits of a good dog and one who will run into issues later in life, some breeders are still wetting their feet in the art of breeding dogs. Labradors in particular, due to their popularity, seem to be an easy target in the creation of puppy mills, or facilities who breed dogs only for the financial gain that it entails. Moreover, careless breeding between two-parent dogs with serious health issues can perpetuate those problems into later generations, causing a much bigger issue with dogs who continue to fall ill to the same problems. The AKC can be a valuable resource in the selection process, due to its exquisite record-taking track record and capacity for suggestions and comments. Will you provide the initial instructions on how to handle the puppy and his pet supplies for the initial days? When purchasing a Labrador puppy, the prospect can seem overwhelming. There are so many specifics and rules to owning a young dog, including which supplies you will need, how initial training will go and what to expect from your new family member in the first few days. Tips for keeping your new Labrador puppy happy and comfortable while adjusting to his or her new digs is key to starting a new life together as smoothly as possible. Ask for testimonials and references for getting feedback from previous buyers? When we want to try out a new restaurant, where do we go first? Yelp, of course, or a similar place where we can see firsthand experiences and reviews. Again, a breeder is a business owner, so this should be a no-brainer for them; the better the service, product and plan of care, the happier his or her customers will be, making them not only likely to purchase again but also to rave about the quality of the services they received. Many breeders keep details on every puppy sold, so this should not be an issue unless the breeder has a great deal of negative feedback to hide. Is there any refund in case of fraud or insurance of any kind for the purchase? The puppy may not get along with the family cat, perhaps, or maybe a startling health problem manifests itself, such as seizures or signs of distemper. This also gives the buyer some peace of mind if there is suspicion of fraud occurring during the transaction, such as a promise of delivering the puppy personally once the payment is rendered, or raising the price abruptly. Documentation with witnesses can help alleviate the concerns of both parties and keep the transaction simple and to the point, therefore beneficial for everyone, including the puppy. Any special processing or agreement for the new owners who adopt the puppy? Again, many breeders will sell their puppies with a litany of stipulations circling around which benefits and rights cease and which persist after the puppy is purchased and taken away from the facility. Many times this has to do with breeding rights, be it a litter with the first pick of a puppy or a siring of their choosing later on. Documenting these quid pro quos is very much advisable even if the agreements seem fairly simple and straightforward, and witnesses to such an agreement can also help to keep everyone honest. Sometimes the temperament and physical skills are also passed down to the progeny. This is especially important if there are plans to use your Labrador in confirmation or agility, as both these sports require a great deal of talent; most of this talent will come from hard work and training, but not all of it. If the personalities or temperament of either parent strikes you as unbecoming, it may be a good idea to walk away and find another breeder. There are many criteria to remember when choosing your new friend; would you like a black lab? A yellow lab? Perhaps a chocolate lab? Are you looking for a companion or a sporting dog? Would a high-energy animal fit better into your household than a calm one? The best way to see if the fit is right is to bring the family to the ceremony of choosing your Labrador. Meeting each individual puppy can be useful in gauging how their personality seems to be, but just as important is observing how the pup behaves among his or her siblings. Does he or she seem like the most dominant personality there, jumping on the other puppies and causing a ruckus? Or is he or she more reserved, sticking to the outskirts of the commotion and seeming much more interested in the humans? An affinity for cuddles, or a more aloof puppy? There are many options to consider, but in more situations than not, your puppy will choose you. As dog parents, you may have personal reasons for preferring purebred Labs and you want to know as much as you can about your furry family member. In this article, we tell you all you need to know to determine if a Labrador is purebred. The Embark dog DNA kit helps ascertain everything about your pet, so you can provide them with the right mix of nutrition, environment and lifestyle, and help them live a long and healthy life. We can see traits of the different breeds in our pup. It is a wonderful tool to learn about the puppy, what to expect from a breed and how to train. Knowing what our dog is, is a great tool!!! Sarah H Collecting the dog spit was easier than I expected and the results came back pretty soon. Mikayla P Great customer service! I got the results within 17 days. We were kept updated every step of the way. I got a lot more than what I paid for. Buy Now Visual Assessment Firstly, specific visual standards must be met for a dog to be considered a purebred Labrador retriever. The American Kennel Club sets these criteria. Black Labs have to be entirely black, while chocolate Labradors should fall within the range from light to pure dark brown. Yellow Labs have more flexibility because light cream to fox red is still acceptable hues and will not disqualify them. Do purebred Labs have white markings? White markings on the coat are still acceptable, but they should be small. Unfortunately, brindles, color markings, or color panels are causes for disqualification, especially if the Lab is already fully grown. Coat Your Labrador should have a slightly dense, short, and straight waterproof coat to be considered purebred. The exterior coat should be a bit stiff when you touch it, whereas the undercoat should be soft. Silky and wooly undercoats are not acceptable. Weight Range Considered as medium-sized dogs, standard purebred Labrador retrievers are naturally athletic, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds with a height of .Any measurement beyond these dimensions is outside the set standards of the AKC. Tail Structure The traditional tail of a purebred Labrador retriever is thick, and it tapers towards the end. Unlike the other retriever breeds, Labs have minimal to no feathering on their tails. Yellow and black Labradors usually have black noses while chocolate Labradors have brown noses. The only exceptions are Dudley Labradors who retain their pink noses throughout their life. Natural Instincts The Labrador retriever was originally bred to look for waterfowl for hunters. This breed has a powerful instinct to retrieve, run through overgrown terrain, and swim in the water. They also have impressive athletic and physical skills, making them excellent working dogs. Also Read: Types of Labradors Conformation Standards Labrador retrievers have a trademark broad head, naturally floppy ears, and expressive eyes. They have a strong build with a well-balanced conformation that makes them one of the best retrieving gun dogs. One of their most distinctive features is their webbed feet. The skin between their toes, together with their ottered tails, helps them when swimming. Do you want to know how long do purebred Labs live? They have a relatively long lifespan, at an average of 12 years. This is why most owners and breeders opt for a second and even third method for accuracy and documentation. Pedigree Papers Secondly, another way to identify if your Lab is purebred or not is through its pedigree document. Your reputable, AKC-registered breeder should hand this certificate to you on the day you bring your puppy home. There are many dishonest breeders out there, and a certificate is not enough to ensure that your Lab is purebred. DNA Test Lastly, given the reality that even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, there is a final method for identifying a purebred Labrador: DNA testing. You can have your Lab undergo a DNA test through local laboratories offering this service. Also, there are test kits that you can purchase online. DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine if your Labrador is purebred. You can get a sample from your dog in two ways. One is a simple swab on the cheek, and the other is through blood collection. The results will show how closely the parents and ancestors correlate to the set standards of the breed. Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle, and even-tempered.
Written by Simon Wilson in Beagle Mixes Last Updated June 22, Beagle golden retriever mix is a cross between two of the most popular breeds globally — the beagle and the golden retriever. This mix is adorable and full of energy like their parent breeds, making them great for families with young kids and other pets. They are also very intelligent, which makes training them a breeze. History of the Beagle Golden Retriever Mix The beagle golden retriever mix is a fairly new crossbreed, only becoming popular in the last few years. However, we can look at the history of their parent breeds to better understand where they come from. The Beagle The beagle is a scent hound originally developed in England to hunt rabbits. They were bred to have a strong sense of smell and be tenacious in their pursuit of prey. Over time, the breed became popular in other countries and used for different purposes. In the United States, they are commonly used as hunting dogs, while in Europe, they are more often kept as pets. Recently, breeders found the beagle is an excellent parent breed. Bonnie — our Lemon Beagle right after Crufts The Golden Retriever The golden retriever is a much newer breed, having only been developed in the late 19th century. They were originally bred in Scotland as gun dogs and were used to retrieve games that had been shot. Nowadays, golden retrievers are among the most popular breeds globally the third most popular breed and are kept as both working dogs and pets. Golden Retriever dog enjoying outdoors Beago — The Beagle Golden Retriever Mix Beago is a cross between the two breeds, the beagle and the golden retriever. As such, they inherit the best traits of both parent breeds. This Golden Retriever-Beagle mix is a medium-sized dog typically weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. They have a short to medium-length coat that can be either straight or wavy. The most common coat colors are brown, black, and white, but they can also be found in other colors like red and blue. They are very affectionate and love to cuddle. This Golden Retriever-Beagle mix is also very playful, energetic, and lively. They need plenty of exercise and love to play fetch or go for hikes with their human family. Beago is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods like treats or verbal praise. The Golden Retriever-Beagle mix has long, floppy ears and a tail usually carried high. They have a broad head with a square muzzle. Their eyes are typically brown or hazel. The most common coat colors are brown, red Golden Retriever coat , black, and white, but they can also be found in other colors like red and blue. Their coat only needs to be brushed once or twice a week to remove any dirt or loose hair. They should also be bathed as needed, but not too often as it can strip their coat of natural oils. Beagos only need their nails trimmed every few weeks. Beago Exercise Needs Beagos are very active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They love to play fetch and go for hikes or runs with their family. The Golden Retriever-Beagle mix should be taken on a daily walk or given access to a dog park or a fenced-in yard where they can run and play. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and allergies. Beagos have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Beago Training Beagos are an intelligent breed that is easy to train. Beagos should be started on basic obedience training as early as possible. Beago Nutrition Beagos should be fed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, activity level, and size. Puppies and young dogs will need more calories than adults. Beago Puppies Beago puppies are adorable and make great family pets. A beago puppy inherits the best traits of the beagle puppy and the golden retriever puppy. A beago puppy is a friendly, outgoing, and loving dog that loves to play. They need plenty of exercises and do best in a home with a backyard. Beagos are intelligent and easy to train. With proper care, they can live a long and healthy life. They are friendly, outgoing, and affectionate dogs that love to play. While the Beago is an outgoing dog that loves people, it may not be the best fit for every family. Families with small children or other animals should consider another mixed breed as the Beago may be too energetic for them. Families who are not active or do not have a yard for the great dog to run around in should also consider another popular breed. Final Thoughts on Beagle Golden Retriever Mix The Beago is an excellent breed for active families and has a yard for the great dog to run and play in. They are friendly, outgoing, and easy to train. Just get your Golden Retriever-Beagle mix from a reputable breeder. We hope you have enjoyed reading about the Beagle Golden Retriever Mix. Do you have a Beago? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! I've been living with and owning beagles for over 15 years now, and during that time I've learned a lot about myself and the beagles. I love to write about my beagle experiences, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, others may find use in my learnings and experiences. Read more about My Beagle Buddy. Simon Wilson Linkedin profile. These sweet-natured dogs are always patient with children and are tolerant towards their family as well as strangers. The Beagos are calm and docile dogs with an eagerness to please. They are neither hostile towards other pets nor are they timid or nervous. They make great family dogs that hate spending hours alone. Being light-hearted and lively, these dogs love working with people. They remain focused on their task until they become tired. They may also show some of the retrieving behavior of their Golden Retriever parents, such as fetching the newspaper, or waking up their family members. When intruders come around, they will bark to alert their owners. Care Exercise The beagle retriever mix is an active breed of dog that needs an hour of vigorous exercises regularly. It loves outdoor activities, which means it would be more than happy to go for a walk or a jog. Playing sessions involving a game of fetch in the backyard is also needed to keep your pet mellow and mentally satiated. You should provide your Beago with plenty of soft toys so that it can keep itself busy inside the house. Remember, a Beago is happiest when it has something to play with. Grooming Caring for this dog requires nothing extraordinary. Regular brushing is needed to remove the loose hairs from its coat, keeping them from settling all over the house. An occasional bath is necessary to keep it looking clean and smelling good. Its long, fold-over ears need to be frequently cleaned to prevent ear infections. To clean its outer ear, apply a pH-balanced ear cleaner using a cotton ball. Trimming its nails once a month as well as brushing its teeth times a week will help in keeping your pet in good condition. Health Problems Like most crossbred dogs, the beagle retriever mix is prone to some of the breed-specific health issues affecting its parents. Therefore, you should be aware of dog ailments such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, cancer, and heart diseases. Training These are highly trainable pets with the ability to learn quickly. The golden retriever and beagle mix dogs need exposure to new people as well as other pets when they are young. This will help them become a sociable and well-rounded pet. You can enroll your Beago puppy in obedience classes that will help your pet learn some of the rules of living in a family. Feeding When it comes to feeding your Beago, you may consider giving it commercial dry food garnished with a little bit of canned food, cottage cheese, or meat to add flavor. You may also give a healthy raw-food diet or a home-cooked diet, but make sure that the nutritional balance is correct. The daily amount of dry food required by an adult Beago is 1. Beago Retriever Description The Beago is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Beagle and the Golden Retriever. 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. He is three years old in this picture. His mom was a Golden Retriever and his dad was a Beagle. He looks mostly like a pound Golden Retriever with silky ears, feathers on his legs and a full flag of a tail. I think he has the best of both breeds—Golden Retriever happy, but the Beagle makes him less hyper than some Goldens. He's not much of a barker or howler either. He is all-around friendly, mellow, and very, very good with all kids. Jerri is not a watchdog at all—he thinks the only reason anyone would come to his house is to play with him or bring him treats. Not the smartest dog we ever owned but certainly the most loving and easygoing. He has nice long legs and big feet. He is real mellow and has a really, really playful side, too. We are having so much fun with him. His tail is long and turning black and when he barks he sounds loud, but no baying yet. He likes to chew and play and dig. He follows his nose all around like the hound that he is. His feet are webbed and thick and he likes to bounce up into the air. He is learning a lot; he sits and stays a little and gets down. We call him a Golden Reagle. Both parent breeds are renowned for their loyalty and intelligence, though both are also susceptible to a myriad of health concerns, which are less common in their Beago offspring. These dogs display many of the best traits of both parent breeds, making them excellent pets and hunters that are sure to continue growing in popularity. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Those that are intended for showing or hunting could cost substantially more. Adopting a dog from a shelter can save you a substantial amount of money while giving a lucky pup a second chance at a great life. See what their reputation is like and read any testimonials or reviews you can find. When you go to look at the puppies, look around the facilities and see what kind of conditions the puppies are kept in. This makes them incredibly easy to get along with. Naturally, with both sets of genes, Beagos can be expected to turn out equally friendly. These dogs tend to be quite affectionate and will take love from just about everyone. If you leave your Beago alone too much, it could become destructive out of boredom and anxiety. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With hunting deep in their genes, it can be hard for a Beago to turn off its prey drive. As such, smaller animals like cats and even small dogs can often set a Beago off, resulting in a chase. Naturally, this can be quite dangerous for other little critters. Granted, if you properly socialize your Beago often from an early age, you might be able to avoid such behaviors, but a strong prey drive is inherent in this breed. They have tons of energy thanks to their hunter parents. Both Golden Retrievers and Beagles are known for their outstanding endurance, and the Beago inherits this trait from them. All that energy is going to need an outlet, so you should expect to spend a good minutes exercising your Beago every day. If you skip this, your Beago could get bored and start displaying destructive behaviors that can be difficult to untrain. Luckily, their Beago offspring also display this affinity for training. Beagles have very short coats that need little upkeep while Golden Retrievers have much longer coats that require a bit more maintenance. If your dog takes after the Beagle side more, then it will probably only need its coat brushed once per week. For Beagos that have more of a Golden Retriever coat, brushing up to three times each week might be necessary. Keep them clean and make sure to always inspect for buildup, redness, mites, and any other signs of poor ear health. Minor Conditions.
Not your original work? Add source If you've ever seen a boxer dog breed specimen, you know that they have two, very different sides. On one side there's this amazingly athletic, handsome and very bright dog, on the other - there's this constantly salivating, adorable goofball of a funny dog. And you know darn well, that all of the boxer dogs have both of their sides polished to perfection. However, boxers are not only good for being an excellent family pet due to their friendliness and intelligence, but these dogs can also take part in police K9 units and were even used in wars as message and pack carriers, attack and guard dogs. So the same as with their double-sided silly dog personality, these canines are also very versatile in their working fields. We here at Bored Panda have compiled a list that celebrates the foolishness of funny boxers, by showing all the hilarious and awkward situations these weird dogs can find themselves in. Scroll down below to check the funny photos out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments! This post may include affiliate links. A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass.
Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. We are dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. The group has been dedicated to the breed since , as a component of Lone Star Bulldog Club. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue accepts Bulldogs from owners who can no longer keep them, as well as retrieves Bulldogs from shelters and other undesirable situations. Each Bulldog in the program is lovingly cared for in a foster home until the perfect forever family for that specific dog is found. Every Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs and more. We take all these factors into consideration when making a forever-home match. Adoption is a coordinated process between the coordinators, fosters and applicant. We work together with our knowledge of the dog to find the best home. When you apply, you might have a particular dog in mind. But please understand, that dog may already be in the process of being adopted by an approved family who has been waiting weeks to be matched with the right dog. But they would prefer to be the only thing with fur in their home. They still make a wonderful companion and deserve a loving home. For your convenience, they have been designated as Forever Single on our website. If you plan on only having one dog, we hope you will consider one of these. Since most of our volunteers live in the North Texas area, it is easier on us and the applying family if they live in this area. Because of this, our out-of-state adoptions are incredibly rare and only in neighboring states. If you are ready to submit your adoption application, please complete the Adopt A Bulldog Application. A volunteer will then review your application. This process can take some time, and not every home is a suitable home for a Bulldog, so please be patient. You are not buying a dog. My name is Monty and I am famous! Yesterday, my photo was all over social media and friends were begging someone to save me. The shelter said I had to be out by …. We have answers. Once we approve a business, they partner with our network to advertise their adorable Fort Worth French Bulldogs for sale. When you see your perfect Frenchie pup, simply send their breeder a message. They will tell you more about your chosen pup, as well as the steps you need to take to bring your sweet Frenchie home! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The French Bulldog puppies Fort Worth on our site will grow into adorable and affectionate dogs, with just enough sass and stubbornness to keep life interesting! French Bulldog puppies for sale Fort Worth are thought to have been bred from English Bulldogs, and they certainly share a similar chunky look! Why are French Bulldogs expensive? This is simply to do with the fact that French Bulldog breeders in Fort Worth need to spend a lot more on medical intervention during the breeding process. The narrow hips of Frenchies means that not only do the females have to be artificially inseminated, but the pups also have to be born by C-section. To cover these costs, French Bulldog breeders Fort Worth have to charge a higher price for their pups. Can I visit a breeder to collect my pup in person? The businesses within the Uptown network are always happy to help make transport arrangements via air. We only ever partner with breeders of French Bulldog for sale in Fort Worth once we have pre-approved a business and are satisfied that they meet our high standards in terms of welfare and ethics. How do I know my puppy will be healthy? We only work with businesses who have the best reputations for breeding healthy Fort Worth French Bulldog puppies for sale. Every puppy will have a full veterinary examination, from the tip of their nail to the end of their nose! These records will be made available for you to have. Once your puppy is home, we recommend taking your puppy and their records for a first check-up at your own veterinarian's clinic. Do you recommend a specific food brand for French Bulldogs? When you bring your new puppy home, speak to your vet about formulating a plan to meet their dietary needs. So choosing a plan to suit them is key! Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than focus on price, businesses within the Uptown network provide amazing breeding standards, full service transportation options, and of course, the cutest pups! Do French Bulldogs need a lot of walks? Not really, no. French Bulldog puppies in Fort Worth are actually pretty low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. Take care in hot weather as Frenchies can struggle to breathe. So go for early walks, or chill out in the AC instead! Is the French Bulldog a good family dog? These little pups adore human company of all ages, and make wonderful family companions. Why adopt WB English Bulldogs? Travel Nanny Services Optional As experienced and reputable breeders; at WB English Bulldogs, we understand that the transportation of your English Bulldog puppy is one of the most important things. British Bulldogs Breeder in Dallas since We at WB English bulldogs take into consideration that all puppies we place in new homes must have excellent conformation, good health and amazing temperament. Microchip ID Optional We offer a more secure form of identification for your pet that is safer and extremely more effective than common pet tags. Our happy customers who chose our in cabin nanny services! English Bulldogs stand out for their unique appearance combined with a heart of gold. Their wrinkled face, stout stature, and gentle eyes are not just adorable but also exude their loving nature. How big do English Bulldogs get when they grow up? English Bulldogs, though compact, have a sturdy and muscular build. Males typically weigh between lbs, while females usually range from lbs when fully mature. Their size makes them suitable for both apartment living and homes with yards. Are English Bulldogs good with children and other pets? English Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle, patient nature, especially with children. They often become protective of younger family members and coexist harmoniously with other pets. How often do English Bulldogs need exercise? A daily walk of about minutes helps maintain their health, manage their weight, and keeps them mentally stimulated. Play sessions in a fenced yard or indoors are also appreciated! Are English Bulldogs easy to train? English Bulldogs have an inherent eagerness to please their owners, making training a rewarding experience for both parties. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, they can learn commands, tricks, and good behaviors, enhancing your bond with them. English Bulldogs and British Bulldogs are the same? The breed is commonly known as the Bulldog. How to buy an English Bulldog puppie? Browse Our Selection: Explore our website to view available puppies. Need More Information? Our team is here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Prepare for Your Puppy: Once your purchase is complete, ensure you have all the essentials ready at home for your new furry friend, from food to a cozy sleeping area. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about care, feeding, or health concerns. Thank you for choosing WB English Bulldogs. Do you ship to other cities in the USA or to other parts of the world? Yes, WB English bulldogs offers shipping services for their English bulldog puppies to any major city within the United States. They ensure that transportation considerations, including breed conformation and temperatures, are taken into account before arranging the transportation of the puppy. So, distance is not a barrier for those looking to get their dream puppy from WB English bulldogs. If there are any further questions or concerns about shipping methods or in-person pickups, the breeder encourages prospective customers to reach out to them directly via their provided phone number. English Bulldogs are medium-sized, robust, and muscular dogs. Adult male English Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg , while adult females usually weigh around pounds kg. In terms of height, English Bulldogs generally stand about inches cm tall at the shoulder. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure that an English Bulldog grows to its optimal size and maintains a healthy weight. English Bulldogs are sturdy and muscular canines. Typically, adult male English Bulldogs weigh between pounds kg , while adult females tend to weigh around pounds kg. However, individual weights can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and health. Our Blog.
History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Miami. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. AKC Registered Puppies In Ocala Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else.
Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Know symptoms of oral issues bad breath, redness, swollen or bleeding gums, and plaque Proper Socialization Early socialization is essential for German Shepherds. It helps introduce them to new people and situations, which can help significantly reduce issues like excessive barking, anxiety, and aggression later in life. One tip: Pick a responsible breeder. The best breeders socialize pups before they go to their forever homes. Early socialization can ease the transition from breeder to forever home. Regular Health Visits Find a good veterinarian for your German Shepherd and schedule regular appointments. Yearly or twice-yearly is ideal. Also, make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and X-rays. Shots help protect your pup from disease, while X-rays can help catch illness early. Canine hip dysplasia, for example, is a hereditary disease that becomes more common with improper breeding practices. German Shepherd puppies also have special needs early in life. Socialization, dietary and exercise considerations are all critical as puppies. The best breeders provide their puppies with the important care that they need early in life. Avoid Overheating in Summer German Shepherds have heavy, dark-colored coats. In summer, make sure you protect your pup against heat sickness and heat stroke. Provide ample access to shade and water, and never leave your animal alone in the car. A few tips: Avoid heavy lifting — When your German Shepherd is a puppy, you should avoid heavy lifting. Wait until the joints are fully mature, which usually occurs around years old. Supplements may help — Supplements can help promote good joint health. Recognize symptoms — Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint discomfort become more problematic as your pet gets older. Find a Reliable Trainer German Shepherds are so intelligent. But when that intelligence is left to its own devices, problematic behaviors can materialize. In addition to regular exercise, obedience training, Schutzhund competition, and agility training are all great activities for your pup. One tip: Provide regular physical challenges for your German Shepherd, like hiking, swimming, and open running. German Shepherds are so athletic; these sorts of activities allow your pup to put its athleticism and intelligence to good use. Bloat is a digestive disorder, in which the stomach twists and fills with gas, causing discomfort and, in severe cases, death. Knowing the symptoms — a distended abdomen, difficulty breathing, drooling and pain — can help you seek early care for your animal. Contact us for more information.
We are dedicated to a quality-breeding program that has allowed us the opportunity to develop international relationships with some of the top kennels worldwide! All of our dogs live in loving homes… NONE live in a kennel. Our guardian program is an integral part of our breeding program. It is imperative to our belief that every one of our dogs should be in their own loving home where they receive one on one attention, love, training and proper every day care. Our dogs get the best of two families ours and their guardian families! We do not breed Golden Doodles. Several years ago we began developing our Australian Doodle program. We have strong ties to various agencies that help place service dogs with families and individuals with needs. That is the main reason we began a breeding program with Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be hypoallergenic service dogs. Several of our guardian dogs have been professionally trained and are registered service dogs for the families that they live with. Our babies are all across the United States. Sammamish, Issaquah, Bend and many more cities and states around the US. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Vancouver Washington and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.
Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. A few things are as cute as a litter of German Shepherd puppies, but the idea of caring for all those bundles of fluff can be overwhelming. So, what do you do after your German Shepherd gives birth? After the whelping process is over, clean the mother GSD as much as possible, without disturbing her or the puppies. Instead of using soaps and disinfectants, clean your dog using warm water and a washcloth. Remove soiled bedding from the whelping box and replace it with clean towels or blankets. If your female German Shepherd is about to give birth, you need to be prepared to step in and care for her newborn puppies if necessary! Read on to find out how to take care of newborn German Shepherd puppies to raise a healthy and happy litter. It may come as a big surprise, but German Shepherds are very self-sufficient during birth. Though your GSD is more than capable of giving birth to puppies on her own, you should still be there to offer her support and help out in case of an emergency. Wrap the puppy in a towel and continue rubbing their back to stimulate them to breathe. Keep in mind, delivering the puppies is a messy business and there will be some drainage and waste in the area for the next couple of weeks. Your best bet to keeping the mom and the puppies clean and safe is to set up a designated nesting box before the delivery. Proper hygiene is the key to ensuring the health and well-being of both mom and her pups. Besides using towels and blankets you can also use a heating pad or a heat lamp inside the nesting box. If you decide to use a heating pad, choose a quality product and make sure that it is set at an appropriate temperature. Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes, puppies are born with excess fluid and mucus inside their noses and rely on you to clear their airways and help them breathe properly. As mentioned earlier, delivery is messy so make sure that the bedding inside the nesting box can be easily removed and disposed of. Remove the soiled bedding and replace it with clean sheets once a day to maintain hygiene inside the whelping box. By the end of the second and the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Feeding German Shepherd puppies spend their first week of life nursing and sleeping! However, you should start weaning your puppies when they are around three or four weeks old. Three weeks old German Shepherd puppies can eat wet puppy food or puppy kibble mixed with water as it is easier to chew. If this happens, have your vet prescribe you an artificial puppy formula to feed to your pups. During the first week, keep the temperature inside the room between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In the second week, you can lower the room temperature to 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the puppies turn three weeks the ideal temperature for them is around 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure not to exceed 65 percent humidity, since too much moisture can cause diseases. Use a humidifier or place the nesting box in your laundry room to maintain ideal humidity levels. Weigh the Puppies Use a baby scale to weigh your puppies regularly to ensure they are gaining weight. Puppies are generally checked over and weighted two weeks after birth and then again at four weeks of age. However, you can use baby scales to weigh your GSD puppies at birth and then every other day to see if they are gaining weight and developing as expected. Once their baby teeth start to grow your puppies can start eating wet puppy food, or kibble soaked in water. By the time your puppies reach seven or eight weeks of age, they should be transitioned to solid food. Nevertheless, there is no harm in wanting to be prepared to welcome the new puppies the best way you can. Caring for a litter of newborn German Shepherd puppies can be a daunting idea, especially if you never raised puppies before. Related Articles:. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!
Genes The cause of your Golden Retriever being skinny could be that it is genetic. This would be more likely if it was also relatively skinny as a puppy, it has not become skinny suddenly and if the vet has found no issues and you have been feeding it the right amount. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause could also be that there is a problem with its diet. It could be the case that you have not been feeding it enough or that it has not been getting the right nutrients in its diet. It would help to consult with your vet about its diet and to make sure that you have been feeding it correctly and in the right amounts. You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a breed that is meant to get a lot of exercise on a daily basis so if your Golden Retriever is getting a lot of daily exercise it would likely be a good thing. However, it might be the case that it is not eating the right amount of calories to match it. This would be more likely if it was not skinny as a puppy and it has become skinny since being more active. Again, it would help to make sure that it has been eating the right amount of calories and it would help to ask your vet about it when you next see them. Illness Another possible cause is that it has gotten an illness or disease. This would be more likely if it has become skinny suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as fatigue, not wanting to eat or vomiting. If it seems like it might be ill or it might have a medical condition the best option would be to take it to a vet. Stress It could be the case that something has been causing it to be stressed which is what is causing it to lose weight. This would be more likely if your Golden Retriever has started to become skinnier suddenly, if it has been showing other signs of being stressed and if there was recently an event that might have caused it to be stressed such as an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny If your Golden Retriever was not always skinny, it would help to consider what else happened when it first became skinny. If it did become skinny suddenly it would be more likely to be due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would also be important to take it to a vet. Whereas, if it has always been skinny it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny Below are some things you can do to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your specific Golden Retriever and to rule out illness or medical causes. Make sure that it is getting the right diet It would also help to make sure that it is getting the right diet by talking to your vet about its diet when you next see them. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your Golden Retriever it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a Golden Retriever should be getting an hour of exercise per day. It is recommended for sedentary Golden Retrievers to eat between and 1, calories per day and active ones to eat between 1, and 1, calories per day. Female Golden Retrievers should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, while males should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. The ribs, hips, shoulders, and backbone may be apparent and easily felt as physical symptoms. Furthermore, the abdominal taper between the ribs and hips may be severe, with little to no body fat. Bear in mind that each dog has its individual characteristics and body type which gets affected by multiple aspects, so as long as your dog is closer to this range, it is fine, but if you notice a huge difference, this should get your attention. Solution: Ensure the diet you choose is complete and balanced. Choose large, raw, meaty bones. For recipes and recommendations, check out my guide to Golden Retrievers foods and treats for every age here I even included homemade Ice cream, so make sure to check it out. Your dog could also be eating the wrong diet for their age. You can learn when and how to switch your golden to adult food here. Health Issues An underweight Golden Retriever or one that is losing weight too rapidly may be suffering from parasites, diabetes, or thyroid problems. This is especially probable if he has suddenly grown thin and has been exhibiting other symptoms of illness such as tiredness, a lack of desire to eat, or vomiting. Solution: If your dog appears to be unwell or has a medical issue, the best course of action is to take him to a veterinarian. This is more likely if his parents were skinny by nature or if he was reasonably skinny as a puppy if he did not become skinny abruptly, Solution: Pay your vet a visit, and If you have been feeding it the proper quantity and the vet detects no problems, then it goes back to genetics. It would not be a reason for concern in this situation unless your dog has been exhibiting symptoms of health issues. Stress Have you recently started leaving your golden retriever alone for long periods of time? Have you gotten more busy than usual? Have you gotten a new puppy? These can all cause your dog to feel stressed which may cause a lack of appetite and weight loss Solution: take a look at any changes that may have happened recently that could be causing stress to your golden retriever and try to get him used to this new environment. Solution: If you feed your dog dry food, you may want to try topping it with wet or fresh food, and try encouraging your dog to eat whatever there is by not changing food if he refuses to eat. Exercising routine Golden Retrievers normally need a minimum of 1 hour of high-intensity exercise every day to keep them healthy and free of any pent-up energy that may cause them to act aggressively or have a change of behavior. But if your dog is getting too much exercise and not enough nutrients to compensate, then he may lose weight excessively. Solution: the key is balancing between the energy that your dog spends and the intake of food that meets his nutritional needs. Change of Environment Did you move to a new house recently? Did you change parks? Has the staying or sleeping area of your dog changed? How to fatten up your golden retriever There are always methods you can use to make your golden retriever gain a little bit of weight, but make sure you choose the right, healthy track. Here are some tips that will help you fatten up your golden retriever: Feed your dog high-protein food Make sure the amount of exercise matches the amount of food he gets and not exceed it by a mile. If this does not improve, it is advisable to get him examined by a vet to inspect him and determine what is causing this. When to worry and check the vet? The slope from waist to hips is exaggerated and noticeable. These signs are often your red flag to go and see the vet. Related Questions What is the favorite food of golden retrievers? The favorite food of golden retrievers is dry kibble, canned foods, and a mixture of meat and vegetables. When it comes to taste, golden retrievers are huge fans of poultry, kidney, turkey, beef, and salmon. What to do if my golden retriever is underweight? If your golden retriever is underweight make sure he is getting enough food quantity and quality to satisfy all his nutritional needs and promote a healthy lifestyle. Is it normal for a golden retriever to be skinny? It is normal for golden retrievers to be skinny but extremely rare, as they are more prone to be overweight. Being skinny may go back to genetics, health issues, dietary habits, malnutrition, or even stress; pay your vet a visit to create a lifestyle that will keep your dog healthy. How can I make my puppy gain weight fast? Helpful Resources. As such, you may have a female or male with a weight slightly less than the ranges noted. However, provided that is their average weight, and the weight is stable, it is okay. They might be a smaller-sized dog, which is their normal. So, maybe the average weight for your female Golden Retriever is 53 pounds once fully grown; whereas, another owner has a female that is 63 pounds once fully grown. Both are healthy dogs with no underlying medical issues, and both are exercised and fed appropriately. Both dogs are at their normal weights because they were born to be that way. The baseline is one of the main criteria in determining if your Golden Retriever is becoming too skinny. Consider a large adult female Golden Retriever with a breed standard weight of 65 pounds. Notice that 55 pounds still falls within the breed standard or normal range for a female. Keep in mind that just like humans, weight can fluctuate daily and weekly. For example, a two-pound gain or loss might not be a reason to panic, especially if your dog is eating and seems otherwise healthy. It may just be water loss or gain, bowel movement, dehydration, or other normal fluctuations. However, once a Golden Retriever becomes an adult weighing them is not often easy or feasible, or we may be ill-equipped to do so. This is why it is essential to be aware of some of the physical signs of a skinny or underweight dog — it provides another tool as part of the weight management process. Often the first indications we have that our Golden Retriever is too skinny are the physical signs. Often these become the first indications that there is a problem, and we need to contact our veterinarian. Very little or no body fat. Ribs may be visible and easily felt. The curve from waist to hips is excessive and very obvious. This poor guy is grossly underweight too skinny and malnourished. Notice the protruding hip, back, and rib bones, and excessive abdominal taper. A very pronounced taper from waist to hip is one way to tell, and using your hands to feel for protruding ribs, shoulders, and backbones is also helpful. Your veterinarian may ask that you bring your dog in for an examination. Identifying an issue early on ensures you can work with your veterinarian to develop a structured plan to address the problem. Calories in must equal calories out. Your Golden Retriever will lose weight if: Its energy expenditure from daily physical exercise exceeds the intake of calories over a prolonged period. Calorie intake is below the level needed to maintain weight, i. The food is of poor quality. The dog is a finicky eater or fed table scraps, i. A change in environment or stress levels results in a loss of appetite or reduced physical activity, e. Regarding the last point, I wrote an article on common reasons a Golden Retriever might be suddenly lazy or lethargic, and it can be found here: A Lazy Golden Retriever? Do They Exist and Possible Causes. Please take a few minutes to read it as it identifies some reasons why a Golden Retriever may suddenly become less active. On the brighter side, provided any of the above is the cause, then the outlook is excellent. As a first step, a visit to your veterinarian is essential. Your vet will need to rule out any underlying medical problems that may be causing or contributing to the weight loss and determine the best course of treatment moving forward. Provided there are no underlying physical or medical causes; you may be required to do one or more of the following to help your Golden Retriever gain some weight: Change the brand of dog food to a more nutrient-dense one. Increase the amount of food at one or more meals. Decrease the amount of physical exercise. Address stress levels or a change in the environment. The key takeaway is that you should work in consultation with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues and ensure appropriate dietary changes. Then, monitoring and follow-up with your vet until the weight issues are resolved may be required. The most effective ways to ensure your Golden Retriever maintains a healthy weight is to: Feed it healthy, high-quality food. Provide the appropriate amount of food for its normal body weight and activity level. Ensure your dog gets adequate physical activity — not too much and not too little. Most Golden Retrievers are food-driven and enjoy eating. Therefore, if you need to increase the amount of food, it is usually well received by your dog. As well, Goldens are highly active dogs so getting them to exercise is typically not a problem. An inactive dog is usually a byproduct of an inactive owner. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight is not all that different from us humans if you think about it. A healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and keeping our intake of calories the same as our expenditure is pretty much all it takes for us. Apply that same formula to your Golden Retriever and adjust as necessary, and there should be little to no issues keeping it at a healthy weight. However, if your Golden Retriever is happy and healthy despite its underweight, then your pal is healthy. After you know about the ideal weight of your Golden Retriever, it is essential to maintain your pal weight at least at the baseline. Furthermore, the baseline is a criterion to determine whether your dog is getting too thin or not. Besides this, sudden drastic weight loss and excessive deviation in weight is also something that you must worry about in your pal. Thus, visit the Vet immediately. It might be due to water loss or gain, change in bowel movement, dehydration, or change in exercise. Besides this, some Golden Retrievers have a higher metabolism. So, these dogs might be underweight and healthy without signs of health problems. In addition, you should understand that, like humans, the weight of your pal also fluctuates a little weekly or daily. But how to know whether your Golden Retriever is underweight or not? Just some visuals can help you know that your pal is getting skinny. Besides this, an underweight dog also shows some abnormal behavior for indicating health issues. Thus, the ways to know if your Golden Retriever is underweight are: Check The Ribs A healthy Golden Retriever should have a layer of fat distinguishing the skin and the ribs. Besides this, the ribs of underweight Golden Retriever clear from even a distance. View From Side Generally, it is natural for a Golden Retriever to have some curves when observed from the side. But when a pet has too prominent curves with an extremely visible abdominal taper between the limbs, it is a problem. Apart from this, the underweight dog also has little or no fat in its abdomen. Thus, that makes their hips and ribs more distinct. Look Overhead When you look for the top, a healthy Golden Retriever has an hourglass figure. But if the ribs and hips are distinctly visible from the top, it is a sign that indicates your pal is underweight. In addition, your pal has more curves in the waistlines and extremely visible backbones if it is underweight. But when it is underweight, the spines are visible from the top. Further, the bones in the baseline of the tail of an underweight dog are protruding and look extreme. But when a dog becomes underweight, it lacks the necessary nutrients for the proper growth of the skin coat. Therefore, you will notice a thinner, depigmented, or dull hair coat in an underweight Golden Retriever. In addition to this, red rashes, scales, and bald patches are also common in skinny dogs. Thus, they like to play with the kids. But when a dog is sick and underweight, it loses interest in playing. As a result, instead of hanging with people and playing, these dogs prefer hiding in dark places. Besides this, you might also notice that your pal is aggressive and destructive when it loses weight. In addition, abnormal behaviors like biting , barking , grunting , chewing, and immobility are common in skinny dogs. Generally, one of the most prominent signs to know that your Golden Retriever is underweight or might be losing lots of calories is its loss of appetite. Furthermore, these breeds are always hungry and eat any and everything. But when your pal suffers from health issues, it might experience immense pain. Thus, it will lose its urge to eat and stops eating. Therefore, if your dog starts avoiding meals, it might be the cause and an indication of being underweight or weight loss. So, you should consult with the Vet as soon as you see these signs in your pal. However, do you know what causes your Golden Retriever to be underweight? And when there is an imbalance between the calories in and out, your pal may have fluctuation in weight. Moreover, underweight results when calorie utilized is more than calorie consumed, So, what do you think might be the reason for this imbalance? So, they are more likely to be underweight. Besides this, some dogs inherit various health issues from their parents that cause them to eat less. Furthermore, like obesity, being underweight can also be hereditary. Thus, if the parents are small and underweight, their offspring have a higher chance of being skinny. However, you cannot assume a child to be completely different from the parents. Can you? Hence, the puppies of American Golden Retrievers are obvious to be leaner and taller in comparison to the English Golden Retriever. History Of Abuse When a Golden Retriever comes from a poor breeding environment, it will be very vulnerable and emotionally unstable. Thus, these dogs try to resent and avoid everything around them. Further, an abused Retriever is more likely to be anxious, uncomfortable, and scared of the surrounding. Thus, these dogs lose their drive to eat, lay and enjoy. Besides this, the dog that survived attacks and accidents also acts abnormal and avoids eating. As a result, these dogs lose excessive weight and become underweight. Stress Golden Retrievers have a friendly , quiet, and gentle temperament. Thus, these dogs prefer a peaceful environment. So, if your house is noisy, these dogs feel threatened, scared, anxious, and uncomfortable. Therefore, they start suspecting everything around them, even the food. As a result, Golden Retrievers stop eating. Injuries Or Diseases Usually, due to the genetic makeup and playful attribute of Golden Retriever, these breeds are susceptible to various health issues like cancer, hip dysplasia, joint problems, thyroid disorders, diabetes, ear infections , etc. And as a consequence of these diseases, the dogs experience immense pain and loses the drive to eat. Besides this, some diseases like diabetes, parasitic infections, hyperthyroidism can make your Golden Retriever underweight even if it is eating normally. Old Age Like humans, the functions of the body gradually start degrading as a Golden Retriever becomes older. So, they become thinner and fragile. Besides this, senior dogs are susceptible to various health issues that can affect their eating habit and make them underweight. Thus, those dogs stop eating food. Besides this, as Golden Retrievers started living with people, they started becoming sophisticated and picky while eating. As a result, those dogs only prefer tasty food that has lesser nutrition. So, they become underweight due to nutrition deficiency. Moreover, underweight is a huge problem that can decrease the lifespan of your Golden Retriever. Like humans, maintaining an ideal weight is essential for a healthier and happier life for Golden Retriever. Thus, here are some tips for you to increase the weight of your underweight Golden Retriever: Make A Visit To The Vet Underweight might also result from various health issues like diabetes, thyroid disorders, parasitic infections, cancer , etc. So, it is better to consult with the Vet before starting any diet plan. Choose Higher Calorie Meal Since underweight results due to calorie deficiency. As a result, your pal will eat more calories throughout the day. However, manage the meals in a way that your pal eats more throughout to gain extra calories. Supplements Meals With Snacks If your pal is eating less, you can supplement its meal with healthier food options like natural snacks. Usually, natural snacks are rich in fibers and proteins. Thus, they help to improve the digestive system of your pal. Besides this, natural healthy snacks are tasty, and every dog loves them. Increase Exercise When you increase the intensity of exercise, your pal will burn more calories in lesser time. Thus, your pal tends to eat more to fill up the calorie deficiency. Furthermore, exercise helps in the development of bones and joints that make your pal healthier. In addition, the immunity of your pal increases through exercise. Hence, your dog is lesser prone to health issues and more likely to eat well. So, are you looking for an effective diet for your pal? If yes, then further to get your answer. Since Golden Retriever needs calories to maintain its weight, you need to feed a little more for weight gain. However, a rough diet to tell you how much food does your pal needs to gain some extra pounds and reach the ideal weight is as follows: months Below 30 pounds months old Golden Retriever pounds months Golden Retriever 90 pounds Golden Retriever over one year above 90 pounds Body Weight pounds. And after that, they stop growing. Does your puppy weight according to this chart? When your puppy weighs more, it might be overweight. But, if it weighs lesser than the above value, it might be skinny. But how to know whether your Golden Retriever puppy is getting skinny or not? Sometimes, the owners fail to notice subtle signs that their puppies are getting skinny. Thus, it seems like they are ignoring their pals. However, if you are parenting a Golden Retriever puppy, neglecting its health can be dangerous. Therefore, look for these signs in your Golden Retriever puppy to know whether it is skinny or not: Are the ribs of your puppy visible? Does it feel like they have ribs just beneath the skin without a layer of fat? Can you feel the hip bones, shoulder bones, and spinal cord of your Golden Retriever with ease like they lie just beneath the skin? Are the bones in the tail of your Golden Retriever puppy protruding? Are the ribs of your puppy too clear? Can you get a clear view of ribs and hips from the top? And does it feel like your pal is hollow without tummy? Further, if your answer to all these questions is yes then, your puppy Golden Retriever is for sure skinny. Read further to get your answer. However, there are many reasons why your Golden Retriever puppy might be skinny. And, those influencing factors are: Genes Some Golden Retriever puppies are naturally skinny. Further, these dogs have a higher metabolism. And thus, they are less likely to gain fat. Besides this, when the parents are skinny, the puppies born inherit their genes. Hence, they become lean and thin. Can you? However, when your Golden Retriever is active and happy despite being skinny. Then, it is natural. Picky Eaters Most Golden Retrievers can eat any and everything. But still, you will find a few dogs nagging about their food. Further, since puppies are new to the environment, they need time to get familiar with the surrounding. So, picky eating is more common in puppies. So, these puppies avoid their food and become skinny. Thus, they prefer peaceful and quieter surroundings. Besides this, when puppies are new to the surrounding, it needs time to settle down. But if their new environment is noisy and disturbing, they may be anxious, uncomfortable, and nervous. So, instead of accepting the surrounding, they suspect everything as a threat. Hence, puppies stop eating, playing, and interacting with people. As a result, a puppy Golden Retriever will be skinny. In addition, extreme environmental conditions like too much hot and too cold might also make a puppy Golden Retriever aggressive and destructive. Thus, it avoids its meal. Sickness Or Injury Owing to the complex genetic makeup, Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to several health issues like cancer , hip dysplasia, joint problems, eye disease , ear infections , allergies, etc. As a consequence of these diseases, the dogs lose their appetite and become skinny. Besides this, puppy Golden Retriever is very playful and active. So, they like to run, play, and jump here and there. Thus, they are prone to injuries. Therefore, due to the immense pain of injures, the puppy loses its appetite. Poor Breeding When your puppy Golden Retriever comes from an abusive breeding environment, it is less likely to have an interest in eating and playing. Since those puppies lost trust in people, they resent everything. Thus, these dogs avoid eating food served to them, assuming it is a threat. Further, these puppies are vulnerable and emotionally unstable. So, they have a lesser urge to eat and are skinny. Too Much Or Too Little Activity Generally, for proper development of bones and joints of a Golden Retriever puppy, it needs at least an hour of exercise daily. So, when your puppy lacks adequate physical training, it might be lazy, inactive, and moody. As a result, it stops eating its food. Thus, intense physical activities might degrade their bones and results in strain and tearing of ligaments. Therefore, your pal will experience immense pain and loses interest in eating. In addition, limping , grunting , frequent barking, and biting are the most common signs that indicate your pal has health issues. Underfeeding Since puppies are in a growing phase, they require more nutrients in their diet. But some owners fail to understand this fact. So, they end up underfeeding their pal. As a result, a Golden Retriever puppy becomes skinny. Thus, low-quality dog food can make your puppy underweight. Furthermore, you cannot use human foods for your puppy. Since your pal cannot digest those foods, it suffers from health issues like constipation , bloating, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Along with this, adult dog foods are low in carbohydrates and proteins. Thus, adult dog foods cannot provide adequate nutrition to your puppy Golden Retriever and make it skin. As humans, it is essential to manage the weight of Golden Retriever. Moreover, a study also says that a healthy Golden Retriever can live more. So, after you find that your puppy Golden Retriever is skinny, you might want to increase its weight. Schedule The Daily Activities When you schedule all the daily activities, you ensure your pal is living a qualitative lifestyle. Further, you can feed, train, and play with your pal at an appropriate time. Thus, it keeps your pal happy and active. Besides this, you can also manage the essential foods and time for serving your pal through the schedule. As a result, your pal will get an adequate amount of nutritious food to gain healthy weight. Hence, your Golden Retriever puppy will get its ideal weight. Thus, you can change your schedule accordingly to help your puppy get an ideal weight. Although, low-quality food might be cost-effective. Besides this, Golden Retriever is an expensive and sophisticated dog. Moreover, qualitative dog foods are high in nutrition and contain the exact number of calories that will help your puppy gain weight. Feed Frequent Small Meals If your Golden Retriever puppy has a small appetite, feeding it frequent small meals can be a good idea. Further, ensure the small meals contain all the essential nutrients for your pal so that it can gain weight. Generally, if you manage the meals properly, your pal tends to eat more through frequent small meals than a single meal. Hence, it is helpful for your skinny Golden Retriever puppy to get some extra pounds. Incorporate More Exercises Exercise and physical activities burn the calories of your dog and make them calorie deficient. Thus, your pal tends to eat more after exercise and training. Besides this, exercise helps in the proper development of the bones and joints of your pal. So, it gives a healthier life to your furry friend. Furthermore, adequate training helps to discipline your pal. Hence, a trained Golden Retriever puppy follows your every command and eats what you offer. As a result, your puppy can gain weight. However, be careful about the intensity of exercise. Since puppies have weaker bones, avoid intense physical workouts. But you can give behavioral training like potty training , bite inhibition training , barking control training , and training to control aggression to your puppy. Use Weight Gain Snacks Since some Golden Retrievers might not find meals appealing, you can entice those dogs to eat using special high-calorie treats. Further, as per professional suggestion, you might even give your pal higher protein and fat-rich food that helps to gain extra pounds. Besides this, some supplements can also help your puppy to get the missing nutrition in its diet. So, try food supplements. Along with this, you can even include healthy natural foods as snacks. Thus, you pal might eat more and gain weight. How are you helping your pal to gain weight? Further, while choosing dog food, make sure that your puppy likes it and is high in nutrition. However, if you are struggling to find the right food for your pal, I will try to narrow down and include the best options below: Natural Foods To Fatten Skinny Golden Retriever Puppy Since Golden Retrievers love their owners , they always search for ways to get closer to their owners. So, the food options that are healthy and easily available in the kitchen are: Lean meats: To increase the calories in your puppy, you can steam, boil, and roast food high in proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Sweet potatoes: As cooked skinless sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, they can promote strong nerves, bones, and muscles. Thus, they can be a superfood for your Golden Retriever puppy to gain weight. Peanut butter: Besides being tasty, peanut butter is higher in fats and proteins. Thus, it can help your pal gain extra pounds. Pumpkin: Although pumpkins are cheaper, they are rich in Vitamin A, zinc, and fiber. Besides this, they hydrate your pal. Therefore, pumpkins can be the best food for the health of your puppy. Thus, they are:.
labrador retriever and german shepherd mix puppies for sale - With our best friends by our side we get to run, swim, hunt and explore this beautiful countryside. They are a part of our family and our lifestyle. They are along for the ride and happy to be there, work or play! Golden Retrievers are such wonderful dogs. We enjoy being a part of something that brings a lot of happiness to our family. They will love the things you love. If you love running, hiking, swimming, or hunting then these will probably be your Golden's favorite things as well. They are fun, sweet, trainable, and easy to be around. These attributes make them a wonderful family pet and more! Teton River Golden Retrievers are bred with the intent that your new pup can go any direction you'd like to train them. By having our Goldens health testing done, we know your new companion has the potential to be there by your side for the adventures ahead. They have gorgeous red coats that are a breeze to keep groomed and clean even when they are hunting and swimming. We wanted healthy, beautiful, smart and loyal females with sweet temperaments. The parents to our pups are well matched in every way. They win people over with their great manners, calm temperaments and extreme desire to please. Our mommas are producing quality golden retrievers. Your pup will come with AKC papers with limited breeding rights. We send home each puppy with a puppy starter kit to help with the transition period. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Message sent. We have litters available now. We are located in Boise, Idaho. We are a family partnership raising highly socialized, health tested, in-home quality puppies. We are not a puppy mill. We raise only litters a year in Idaho. We partner with our parents in Pittsburgh, PA who breed litters a year to diversify our lines. We import our foundation lines from Europe, and partner with each other to produce the quality we are looking for. If you choose one of our local puppies, or our puppies in Pittsburgh, PA, we can usually in-cabin hand-deliver to you. Why Us Only a short few years ago, English Cream Golden Retrievers in America were rarely entrusted to breeders when European breeders thoroughly trained and mentored them. American Golden Retriever standards are still maintained in America, and that only by a handful of breeders truly breeding to the standard. Unfortuately, like the American Goldens, The English Cream Golden Retiever lines have recently fallen into the hands of breeders that are not even remotely interested in breeding to standard. Have you ever known someone that decided to breed their dog because they thought their dog was so great, that his lines needed to be passed on. Of course, that is no reason to breed a dog. There are many health tests, pedigree analytics and breed standards to meet. English Creams in recent years have been bred to small backyard gene pools or even regional gene pools that have produced weaker genetics, non-standard coat types, colors and temperaments not to the standard. We have put years of know-how, investment and careful consideration to make sure you get a breed-standard English Cream Golden Retriever. Our family works together as a team. We have a large family where everyone uses their talents in our family business. Dad is the glue that holds us all together. Mom keeps all the wheels running in the breeding business and the kids all use their specific talents, and have become experts at their "golden" puppy jobs over many years. Our Story We had a young family and had a dog bite happen to our then youngest son. After that happened, we found the English Golden Retrievers to be the perfect family dog. We absolutely love them and know that you will enjoy them as well. How to Reach Us We know that your puppy will be your family member for life. The greatest part of our job is the magical moments that you first get to hold your English Golden Retriever puppy. It often brings tears to everyone's eyes. If you are interested in one of the puppies, please reach out. We are diligent to follow up with every inquiry. We look forward to hearing from you. We first started breeding goldens in .We found a wonderful mama dog and had her bred to a handsome, healthy sire. Our first litter of puppies was born, and we realized we had fallen into something that we loved. Alisa and the girls knew that our lives would never be complete again without puppies in it. Poor Zach, who loves to build things, realized that if he wanted his garage back and to keep puppies out of his bathtub on cold nights he had better get started on a really nice dog house. Ha ha. Everyone was happy. Breeding can be an interesting field to navigate. There are many different breeding philosophies and many types of breeders but deciding what our program would look like was as simple as laying out our core values. Eight years later our program has grown. We now have four of our own beautiful dogs and several more in wonderful guardian homes. Breeding still brings us joy. We anxiously await every litter and love our time with your pup. We are excited to meet you and be a part of your journey. We carefully select our Dam and Sire for good health and wonderful personalities. We believe that nutrition is key to healthy happy dogs, so we offer good, high quality foods to mother and pups and carefully supplement with meat scraps. We live outside of Buhl, Idaho with lots of room for puppies to roam and play. We don't kennel our pups except at night for safety reasons. The puppies are a part of our lives from day one, and they will be well socialized to inside and outside environments, children, cars rides, and other pets. We believe in doing preliminary potty training as well as simple obedience training - even in the first 8 weeks. We allow the mother and pups to be together from day 1 to day 56, as they learn best from each other. We feel confident that these puppies will be happy, healthy, and well socialized. We would love to hear from you! Lily and Fisher's He is the perfect dog for our family. He is mellow indoors with us and adventurous outside. He came to us so sweet and content and well cared-for. His crate training and potty training have gone well too! It was a bit miraculous that we found each other, in a different state and pretty quickly, but Alisa was so responsive and informative. We are so grateful for the addition to our family! Winnie's Family I've had a great experience from the very beginning. Alisa is very communicative and answered all of my questions. She was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and easy to work with. It's clear that she's an experienced breeder. I also love knowing my golden girl has a health guarantee. Getting to meet my puppies mother and litter mate was a wonderful experience for us. Not only are her dogs healthy, but they are happy and well loved too. I have nothing but great things to say! Wrenly's Family I met the Atkinsons this past December after I had been talking to Alisa about how I was interested in getting a puppy. Since then they have all become family. With every step and question Alisa was there with an answer and let me see my pup multiple times before I even brought her home. They have given me the best experience and truly care and love their dogs like family! A lot of that is because of the breed of course, but also from the socialization and love and attention the Atkinsons give their dogs from the very beginning. Highly, highly, highly, recommend Atkinsons goldens to anyone interested in a puppy. We live a couple hours away and they were so good about sending us pictures, updating us with how our little guy was doing every few days and even a FaceTime date on Christmas Day to surprise our girls. Truly an incredible breeder. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Idaho Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Idaho? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Idaho? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Once Upon A Dream Kennels! From Our Dreams To Yours! Welcome to our Golden Retriever Program! Once Upon A Dream Kennels We are a small, family run program located in Idaho focusing on quality, healthy Golden Retrievers that have wonderful temperaments, good nerves, great drives, a balanced conformation and great lines to top the whole thing off. I have always dreamed of raising amazing puppies, and this program is my dream come true! I fell head over heels with Golden Retrievers when I brought home my first little girl at 10 weeks old. Chloe was fantastic and made me fall in love with field line Golden Retrievers. We feel that these are the ultimate dogs. Golden retrievers are such amazing dogs. We want to be able to put a golden in every home. We feel that Golden Retrievers are such amazing versatile dogs and we want our program to reflect that. We are striving to have an couple different programs all rolled into this one amazing breed! Our first program is field line or hunting line Golden Retrievers. These dogs will be bred to have high drives, high nerve strength, great energy and be up for anything. Our other program is for those looking for the perfect family companion. These dogs will be bred to have the very best of temperaments. We are looking for those sweet, loving, loyal companion dogs. These dogs will be ready to be spoiled by sweet kids, service work, therapy work and so much more! The focus of our entire program is to produce healthy, well rounded dogs for many different purposes. We health test our breeding dogs so that we know we are breeding the best dogs we can. We look for that perfect balance of pedigree, health, and temperament for these great dogs. Our puppies are raised right in our home as part of our family! We believe in early socialization and exposure. We try to introduce them to as many new things as we can. We work closely with our veterinarians to make sure they are as happy and healthy as they possibly can. We hope that we can make your dreams come true as well! Also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! When can I pick up my puppy? That will be posted on the specific litter page. We try to have our puppy families come get them as close to 8 weeks of age as possible. Pick up day is scheduled out a week or two in advance in order of deposit received. For example, first male would come at AM, second male at AM, and so on. The schedule will also be posted to the specific litter page. Do you deliver? Delivering puppies is not a service we regularly offer. On occasion, if the situation is right, we will do our best to accommodate. This would be at the cost of the buyer which would include, but not limited to: mileage, food, and lodging reimbursements. We do deliver puppies to the Boise, Idaho airport at no cost to the buyer. Do you offer full breeding rights? All puppies go home with AKC limited registration. If the time comes where a buyer has ran the proper health screenings on the dog that was purchased through our program hips, elbows, heart, genetics and agrees to the FULL AKC contract provided by SBG, then full breeding rights will be granted. Yes, we will ship to anywhere in the United States except Hawaii. Ground shipping or air shipping, completely at the expense of the buyer. Other options to highly consider: Flight nanny - We can give you recommendations for great flight nanny services they fly in cabin with pup. Meeting you personally at the Boise, ID airport to fly in cabin with pup. Yes, we offer stud services. We have studs in every color, in multiple places throughout the Treasure Valley. We will also highly consider pick of the litter instead of stud fees.
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labrador retriever and german shepherd mix puppies for sale - Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. What class of dog are French Bulldog puppies for sale near Weatherford? French Bulldogs are a playful and affectionate breed of dog that belongs to the Non-Sporting Group, according to the American Kennel Club. While they can be classified as a "toy breed," they have a sturdy physical build and a robust energy level that make them an excellent companion for anyone seeking an active dog. They are known for their iconic "bat ears" and flat faces, and most exhibit short, smooth coats that are easily cared for. French Bulldogs are very social animals, and they require plenty of attention from a loving and reliable owner. Are French Bulldog puppies for sale in Weatherford non-shedding? French Bulldogs have minimal shedding compared to other breeds, but they do shed some. Because of their short, dense coats, their fur does not blow off like breeds with softer fur. Their coats may need regular brushing though to reduce the amount of fur that accumulates which can help maintain their coat in a healthy condition. They do generally require regular grooming, but occasional baths and haircuts can keep them looking sleek and dapper. In general, French Bulldogs tend to require less coat maintenance than some other breeds. What's the best dog food for Weatherford French Bulldog puppies for sale? The best dog food for French Bulldogs depends on their individual dietary needs. Nutritional content is important, so look for a quality, grain-free dry food specifically designed for French Bulldogs or other brachycephalic breeds. How can I become the best puppy parent for French Bulldog puppies in Weatherford? Becoming the best puppy parent for your French Bulldog is achievable with just a few simple steps. First, do your research on the breed and ensure you understand the specific needs of a French Bulldog in terms of exercise, diet, and socialization. Talk to other owners and veterinarians as well for advice. Second, create an environment where your pup feels safe and secure. Establish a daily routine and create consistent rules and boundaries which will help them to understand what is allowed and help them develop good behavior. Third, provide them with exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization opportunities. How big do French Bulldogs for sale in Weatherford get? French Bulldogs typically have a stout build and weigh an average of lbs. Despite their small stature, French Bulldogs have a very playful, outgoing attitude, and they can easily adapt to small living spaces. As long as your Bulldog gets plenty of exercise, the size they grow to shouldn't be of concern. With the right nutrition and exercise, a French Bulldog should be able to live a full and healthy life. Are French Bulldog puppies near Weatherford active dogs? French Bulldogs are generally not considered active dogs. They can be relatively energetic, but typically enjoy a slower pace lifestyle. These small breed dogs are content with romping around the house and garden for a few hours rather than requiring a long walk each day. French Bulldogs are also great companions for long, lazy naps. They are not known for their athletic abilities, and their exertions are typically more suited to short bursts of energy, such as running around the house, playing with toys or chasing a ball. Do French Bulldogs in Weatherford get along with other pets? French Bulldogs can generally get along with other pets, but it always depends on the individual dog. Generally speaking, these dogs are known to have a sweet and friendly nature, and many of them are very social with other pets, like cats or other dogs. However, it's important to remember that introducing new pets into the same living area should always be done slowly and carefully. Some dogs may take longer to adjust than others, so it's important to offer patience, supervised interaction, and plenty of positive reinforcement for each of the pets to ensure a good balance. How do I train my Weatherford French Bulldogs for sale? Training your French Bulldog is all about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Having a consistent routine is essential, including setting up rules and boundaries your dog will come to understand. Reward your pup with treats for good behavior, and never lose your patience or use negative reinforcement. Be sure to practice commands frequently and use variety so your pup doesn't become easily bored. Introducing challenges and new activities are a great way to keep your pup motivated. Encourage socialization early on and expose your pup to a variety of people, places, and experiences. Minimal exercise needs and a low barking tendency make her perfect for apartment living. The breed has flourished as an adored companion ever since. The Frenchie is known for its bat-like ears and short, wrinkled nose. She tends to have a curious and gentle nature and is notorious for being the class clown. She will often have sporadic bouts of energy followed by prolonged periods of resting. The French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. Your French Bulldog's Health We know that because you care so much about your dog , you want to take good care of her. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your French Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to French Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in French Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for French Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. In fact, your French Bulldog's life span may be cut short by one to three years! Infections French Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in French Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Parasites All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Frenchie's body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Riverstone Veterinary Group will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your French Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even drag his back feet or be suddenly paralyzed and unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. As with so many other diseases, weight control helps to prevent this problem. Spinal Deformities French Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in French Bulldogs in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Eye Problems Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older French Bulldogs. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your French Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Because your Frenchie has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea the protective covering on the eyeball are the most common injuries. Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Call us at right away if he has any problems with his eyes. A damaged cornea is painful and should be treated immediately. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Knee Problems Sometimes your French Bulldog's kneecap patella may slip out of place called patellar luxation. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your French Bulldog's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your French Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and French Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurologic condition, similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease in people, that causes weakness and poor nerve function in the hind legs. It affects French Bulldogs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Skin Infections Your French Bulldog is prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs because the folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist. Bacteria and yeast can readily gain a foothold and cause a reddened, smelly area that is uncomfortable for your dog. We will examine him for this problem, but let us know if you see signs. When symptoms are severe, the excess skin folds can be surgically removed. Taking Care of Your French Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Frenchie live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Check her facial wrinkles and eyes often. Her droopy skin and eyes can collect debris. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your French Bulldog needs help.