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By John Martin - August 10, They are perky. They are clowns. They are mischievous. Pugs are absolutely lovely companions. That just about sums up what these muscular little dogs are all about. They were bred to be lap dogs and originally were the companions of Chinese royalty. Of course, there is no breed called Chinese pugs. They have brown eyes and a funny face. But are they a little too much to take? A Bit Much to Handle? Well, truth be told they can be chaotic little canines. They are very popularly hyper and notorious for their ability to pee on the floor when not trained well. They are energetic little dogs that are always ready to play. But this excitement is what makes pugs a really recommended breed for families with children. They are also good with other dogs when socialized at an early age. In fact, they are not too easily scared of big dogs either. So, if you already have a canine in the house, a pug might still be a good fit even though it is a toy dog breed. Related: Do Pugs Shed? Does It Ever Come to an End? But that should not deter you from getting one. The hyper energy levels often stay on till the pug is about a year and a half. Although, some puppies manage to keep it going for about three years. Once they get to this phase of their lives, they are happy to sit around on a couch and bother nothing and no one. They turn into nice laid back dogs that suit their ancestry of being the favorites of Chinese royalty. What Can You Do to Help? If it is getting a bit much for you to handle, there are a few time-tested ways to get them to calm down. When dogs are being extremely active, the best way to handle it is to lean in. Take them out, play with them. Give them the attention and exercise that they so clearly crave. Which means, for the first few years of getting a pug you need to be prepared to make time in your schedule and utilize the source of energy that they pump into your life. And yes, as mentioned earlier, be ready for a little tugging on the leash. Get a Frisby and some treats and head to the nearest park. An hour of that will do you a lot of good. Since this happens a lot in the formative years, you might want to think about consulting a vet and a trainer and putting all that energy into training your dog well. You might even be able to get them to clean up after themselves around the house. Everything is fun only when it is done in moderation. One of the things you can do is find a way to communicate with them when you are tired. This is also part of their training exercise. It makes them understand that they cannot get their way with everything that they demand. Pugs are happy dogs and can usually entertain themselves. Let them be. They will be okay. One disadvantage of not maintaining that kind of self-control might also give them the wrong idea. As long as you encourage their hyperactivity, they will keep at it assuming that it makes you happy. Remember that pugs live to please their owners. But they can also be stubborn which makes them bad students. They are also small in size and are difficult to train at home. Pug owners have said that it takes them about three months to train their dogs with the help of a professional whereas it takes about a year to do the same at home. It is also important to know that their feelings get hurt easily. You know what, just get a trainer if you can. Meanwhile, you can get them toys that are like little puzzles and fill them with treats. This will keep their minds stimulated and off your back for a little while. You can also improvise on the games you play with them or change the route of the daily walks. This will keep them engaged and guessing on the road. That might also reduce tugging on the leash for a bit. You might be tempted to consider getting one of those switching or prong collars or choke chains. That is a big no-no when it comes to their face. Since they have a pushed-in face, pugs experience a few breathing problems already. When you use negative behavior modifiers like these, it can lead to serious health problems. And by the way, even if it is not a pug, these kinds of tactics might leave your pup confused, stressed or scared. None of that is advised. You can try harnesses with an adjustable neck but the best way still is to train them to walk with you. You can even reward them with treats for listening to you. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, gets you great results. In some ways, pugs are like us. When we get a promotion or a compliment, we tend to repeat that behavior for the same result, right? They do the same. Exercise is also a great solution because pugs have a tendency to get obese once they start sitting around. For all the talk about being hyper, a minute walk twice a day is actually good enough for pugs. Remember that they are enthusiastic dogs, not athletic. They are also agile and obedient dogs. But they are meant to thrive in moderate weather. They are not outdoors dogs and are susceptible to quite a few health issues, especially due to hot or cold weather. Some dog owners are also known to use aromatherapy to keep their dog calm. This will require a little research on your part. Look for signs of distress to make sure your latest tactic has somehow not gone sideways. This is also a great way to find out if your pup has allergies. You might, however, want to do this without the use of candles. Oils are a great way to make this happen and a simple Google search will give you lots of ideas. Some of them are a treatment for fleas, anxiety, arthritis, etc. Early training and socialization are recommended for these dogs. Luckily for us, they are very social dogs and take to people quite easily. Point Being So to summarize, pugs are active, agile and energetic dogs. They love people and are a great fit for families with children. They will even get along with your other dogs if you train them early on. The hyperactivity is every bit true when they are puppies. But they usually let it go in about a year and a half, although some pups can keep it going till they are three. Once they get over that phase, they like chilling on a couch just as much as you and I do. That sounds lovely but they like food so keep an eye on their weight. We'll dive into more details on each of these: 1 Illness or injury. As with any sort of strange behavior, health issues are always a top concern. Not feeling well almost always manifests as changes in mood. Any physical issues such as limping, favoring a certain part of the body, or inability to walk or run as usual point to some sort of injury or condition. What to do: When in doubt about any possible health issue, contact the vet. Eating changes or gastrointestinal issues are just a few reasons to contact the veterinarian and schedule a checkup. If you have a female Pug that has not been spayed and is therefore entering in and out of heat cycles , this can cause her to feel moody. Heat typically occurs twice per year. It can last 2 to 3 weeks. In addition, it is believed that some dogs feel abdominal cramping, which can lend to the bad mood. What to do: You can help by allowing your Pug to retreat if she wishes, being sure that she has a great bed to rest on, and if she appears to be in discomfort placing a warm heating pad next to her abdomen can help be sure that this is set on warm, not hot, and that your Pug cannot chew on any cords. Ky Ky, at 2 years old, photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 3 Loss of a companion If a Pug no longer sees a friend animal or human , this can have a huge impact on him. This is generally most severe if a person, dog, or other is no longer part of the household. But, a Pug can also feel quite down even if he does not see a regular visitor. If your Pug is feeling sad or down for this reason, it will be important to allow him to grieve the loss. If it was a household member that is gone, it will be normal for a Pug to roam the house looking for him, or to gaze out of a window waiting for that person to arrive. What to do: It can be hard to watch a Pug feel unhappy like this. While you will want to give him time to accept the loss, there are some things that you can do. It can help to engage your Pug in an activity that is new to him. This can be a walk in a new neighborhood, or a visit to a new place. Any sort of safe location in which he can see new things, hear new sounds, and smell new scents can help to perk him up. This can be a lake shore, hiking trail, pet store… any place that is novel. When you find a spot that your Pug seems to enjoy and that has let him shake off his bad mood for a while, try to make that a new ritual for both of you. Take him there as often as possible, but at least once a week at minimum. And of course, this is applicable to a negative change. Some examples include: Spending less time with his human A new household member human or pet A move to a new house Changes in the household vibe such as more noise, more visitors, etc. What to do: How you help your Pug come out of a funk will depend on what type of change triggered him to start to feel depressed. But, if the situation is already occurring, you can: Be sure to keep both pets separate in regard to where they eat, rest, and sleep. Even if you envisioned your Pug having a new best friend, that sort of bond cannot be forced. Until the two are ready, they should feel as if they have their own areas for food, and to rest both during the day and at night to sleep. If this is a matter of having two Pugs or two dogs, you may need to help them decide who the leader is. Hopefully, your Pug already sees you as the alpha. But with more than one pet, there is also an alpha dog, the leader of the animal pack. Normally it is the older dog; but, it is not always so and can also depend on gender. If the dogs are unclear about where they stand, you can help them by doing things for the alpha first. This applies to the order in which the food bowls are placed down, leashes are attached, dogs are let out, etc. Bowls in a certain corner of the kitchen, toys to the side of the sofa, etc. Dogs can feel wary until they understand that they are occupants and not just visitors, so it can take some time. Each day, walk your Pug from room to room. And when you take him outside, walk him around the perimeter of the yard. He may seem irritated or withdrawn. Any sort of commotions should be kept to a minimum. And if some of these sorts of things cannot be avoided, set up an area for your Pug to retreat to if he has the urge to get away from things. Now, this kind of odd behavior is just fine! Lilly 2 years old and Ky Ky 2 years old , photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 5 Boredom While a Pug may be perfectly happy to sit by you while you watch TV, and may seem just fine laying down while you do some household chores, ongoing monotony can really start to wear on a Pug. Some windows of down time are just fine. Days, weeks, or months on end can end up making a Pug rather depressed. Also, as a Pug matures, issues with boredom can increase. This is because as he ages, his comprehension of the world strengthens. What used to satisfy a puppy may not be enough for an adult Pug. He should have at least 2 walks per day, a session of some type of learning commands, a trick, heeling, etc. Pugs should have toys that encourage independent play. Some great ones to get are those that speak or make silly noises. The Animal Sounds Babble Ball is great too; this lets out 20 funny animals sounds, including frogs, goats, horses, and more. That is just one, the Multipet line of toys has a bunch of different animals, each is a good sized stuffed animal, sturdy, and lets us fun sounds. Are there any errands that you run without your Pug that you actually could take him with you for? Are you sure? As long as you have a safe car seat for your Pug , and keep him on leash and harness, let him to be your companion for shopping and running errands as much as possible. When a Pug Acts Restless The Pug breed can get a bad rep sometimes, being thought of as a touch lazy and inactive. But, Pug owners know that this breed actually has a pretty good energy level. With Pugs, there is usually a good balance of activity and rest. Mood changes that include agitation, restlessness, or irritation definitely point to some sort of problem. Reasons for acting restless include: Pent-up energy most common reason Health issue or injury possible We'll dive into each of these: 1 Pent-up energy The Pug is often underrated in this regard. But, Pugs can get very disturbed if they are not allowed to release their natural energy. This is very common in the winter , when weather keeps both owners and dogs inside more often, but can also happen just from not getting outside enough for his daily walks. Frank, photo courtesy of Nina Coley What to do: 1- If you do not take your Pug for two walks per day, now is the time to start. If cold weather is getting in your way, place a lined vest on your Pug like the Kuoser Waterproof Windproof British Style Plaid Dog Vest , be sure that his paws are protected from the cold and he has traction via a good paw wax, and dress warmly yourself. Of course, a concern with this breed is overheating; however, as long as your Pug appears to have the energy, you take a break every 15 minutes, and bring along water to for him to re-hydrate, you can often extend walks. Playing fetch or teaching commands are always good choices. If your Pug knows all of the basic commands, take it up a notch by teaching him some tricks. Any of these sorts of odd behaviors may be red flags of a hip, bone, back, or other physical issue. However, if a Pug suddenly acts afraid for no apparent reason, this can be worrying. Whining and cowering down Reasons for acting afraid include: Actually being startled or scared Feeling uncomfortable, mostly due to temperature We'll dive into each of these: 1 The most common cause is the one you assumed; the Pug is afraid of something. The tricky part is trying to figure out what it is, if the reason is not clear. In some cases, this can be related to the incredible sense of hearing that canines possess. A puppy or dog may have heard an alarming noise that his human simply did not pick up on. This may be other dogs barking, police sirens, or other such noises. If so, the episode should be over quickly. In other instances, the cause can be a mystery. It can be random things… a dog may see his reflection in a mirror and get spooked studies show that canines cannot identify their own reflection , or even a former tumble down steps that now make a dog wary when he goes near them. What to do: How you act will have a big impact on how your Pug interprets things. Since you are his leader, he will look to you for cues on whether or not his behavior is valid. If you coddle him, swoop him up, and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. It is best to acknowledge that he has sensed something. And then, show him that all is well and re-direct his attention. Be sure that your body language conveys what you are saying. If you coddle him, swooping him up and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. Sometimes shivering, cuddling up close, and other such behaviors can be misinterpreted as a Pug being scared, when he is actually trembling and seeking warmth due to feeling chilled. Though this breed has a thick coat, this does not make him invincible to the cold. And being a small dog, cold intolerance is not uncommon. What to do: Check your house for drafts and air currents. In the winter, some spots that you do not normally access, but your Pug does, like the floor can have drafts. You may wish to place clothing on your Pug like a soft shirt or vest. Once he has another layer on his core body, he should feel more comfortable. Or use his eyes to follow unseen things across the wall? If so, you are not alone. Lots of dogs react to things that their humans cannot see or hear. The reason for this is due to incredible canine hearing. Dogs hear things that we cannot hear without special instruments. We only hear things in the frequency range of , Hz. But, your Pug hears things in the much larger range of , Hz. And, your Pug can hear noises from 4 times the distance that you can. So, if your puppy or dog is reacting to something that you can neither see or hear, changes are that he is behaving that way for good reason. What to do: Do the exact same thing as stated above in cases of a Pug acting afraid with no reason. Acknowledge that he is noticing something, and then re-direct his attention. This is a pretty even-keeled breed, so any sort of strange, weird, or odd behavior usually has a root cause that should be assessed. Other Articles: Pug Dog Tails - An interesting look at the unique features of this breed's tail and several tail-related issues that can happen. Fun Things to Do with a Pug - 10 super-fun things to do with your Pug that both of you will enjoy. Includes idea for both indoors and outdoors. Pug Dog Paws - Do you pay attention to your Pug's paws? If not, you should. Read about common paw issues and what you can do to prevent them and keep the paws in great shape. Pug Dog Care Tips - A great round-up of top tips and advice to take good care of your Pug puppy or adult dog. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Which makes them such appealing pets for canine owners with limited indoor and outdoor space. After centuries of breeding intended to refine the qualities that make them such great lap dogs. Despite being known for their lapdog qualities. You may find that your Pug puppy is much more hyper than you expected them to be. A young puppy sees the world for the first time. Like a toddler, they explore the world differently and go through a slew of mental and physical developmental changes in the first year. These changes cause over hyperactivity issues that many pet parents are not ready for. Are Pug Puppies Naturally Hyper? Puppies, in general, have a high level of energy. Especially if you selected this breed thinking they would be the perfect lap dog right out the starting gate. But like human children, they seem to have an endless supply of energy for such a small package. It will eventually taper off as they enter canine adulthood. When people say a dog is a big responsibility or that it is like taking care of a child, they are not wrong. At around four months now that your puppy has developed physically to be able to walk around , your Pug puppy will become much more curious about the things around them and feel more confident to venture off, inspect, and play as they become excited with their new discoveries. As they continue to mature over the rest of that first year, their need for mental and physical stimulation increases. In fact, puppies of all breeds at this stage of their life will have very little tolerance for inactivity. Their minds are hungry to learn. As a result, your Pug puppy may seem extremely energetic and demanding of your time, during these months. Your puppy is also going through a slew of other developmental. These changes may also increase how often they want to play. Read this article to find out when Pugs stop teething. Sexual maturity: At around six months, your puppy will begin going through physiological changes that may demand any pent-up energy be redirected and released through play. Your puppy will be in what is known as the second fear impact period between six to fourteen months of age. It is crucial to keep in mind that as your puppy goes through these changes, you meet the increased demand they place on you with positivity and balance. For your puppy, playing stimulates the senses and helps them discover the world around them. As they go through these changes, they will need to be mentally and physically stimulated to help prevent them from forming any destructive behaviors as they act out and to create good social and behavioral traits. Which, if you got this far, you should now be better informed of. Knowing what you are in for is the best preparation for the both of you, making this stage more enjoyable and less stressful. Right now, your puppy is mentally hungry to learn more, see more, smell more, touch more, you name it. Giving your Pug a daily routine and plenty of mentally stimulating toys can help alleviate some of the demands their need for activity places on the owner. With the rapid-fire amount of energy, your Pug puppy has, taking them out for daily walks is a great way to give them both physical and mental stimulation and help them expel that energy. Not only will it promote a healthy bond between the two of you. But it gives them the physical exercise they need to stay fit and plenty of sensory stimulation for the mind. Taking your Pug puppy out every time they are energetic, however, is clearly not an option. To help keep them engaged mentally and prevent them from being bored, while at home and your attention is pulled elsewhere, provide them with puzzle toys and chew toys so that they are less likely to start acting up. Stimulating toys will help mentally and physically stimulate a hyper pup and help them get exhausted faster. Once they reach canine adulthood, you will see them become less of that super energetic puppy and more of that cuddly lap dog you had expected. Final Word Pug puppies are excited by the new world around them. In the first year, they go through several mental and developmental changes that can cause over hyperactivity. These changes can cause a young pup to become overly hyper. Before you can tackle the issue, you need to know which developmental stage your Pug is experiencing. If your Pug puppy is hyperactive, consider taking them for a walk or playing with them to tire them out. A stimulating toy is a great way to keep them from being bored and help tucker them out quickly. This overly hyperactive period ends. When you think of a pug, you might imagine a dog that loves nothing more than snoozing on the couch all day. How can I help a hyper pug settle down? If you have a hyper pug, there are a few things you can do to help them settle down. Pugs might be small, but they still need regular exercise to burn off their excess energy. Taking your pug for daily walks or playing with them in the backyard are great ways to tire them out. Mental stimulation is also important for helping your hyper pug settle down. Training is another great way to provide mental stimulation while also helping your pug learn good behavior. Consistency is also key when it comes to helping your hyper pug settle down. What are good ways to get energy out of a pug? Pugs love to play, so games like fetch or tug-of-war are great for burning off energy. Going for a run or playing in the backyard are other great options. Mental stimulation is just as important as energy for helping to settle pugs down. What age do pug puppies calm down? Puppyhood is a time of boundless energy and curiosity, and pug puppies are no exception. Pugs typically reach adulthood around months of age, and many will start to calm down around this time. Can pugs have ADHD? Pugs are naturally energetic dogs, and many can be easily overstimulated. Do pugs need a lot of exercise? If they are getting 30 minute of exercise a day but still seem to have a lot of pent-up energy, take that as a sign that they need more! What are some common behavioral issues in pugs? Some common issues in pugs include separation anxiety, excessive barking, and aggression towards other dogs. Can pugs be trained to be calm? Yes, pugs can be trained to be calm and well-behaved. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your pug develop good behavior habits. So the best way to cope with a hyper pug is to help them meet their needs for exercise and mental stimulation, and that will result in your pug being a good pug! Last Words Are Pugs Hyper? Yes, they can be. Why Are Pugs Hyper? There are tons of reasons why your Pug might behave in a hyperactive way and each pet is different. If your Pug is feeling excited they will make a show and dance about it. In fact, most dog breeds experience periods of hyperactivity. This kind of behavior is nothing to worry about — especially if your Pug is still young. These bursts of activity usually last for just a few minutes so unless your Pug is displaying an excessive amount of hyperactivity on a daily basis, you can rest easy. Typical triggers for the zoomies include: Excitement — did the doorbell ring? Is the postman round the corner? Whatever gets your Pug excited could trigger the zoomies. Queue hyperactivity. Anxiety — Does your Pug get the zoomies every time you arrive home from work? This is not uncommon. Pugs are prone to separation anxiety. Having a bath can be uncomfortable and stressful for dogs. Once the job is done they will celebrate their freedom. Some Pugs will run all around the house, others will spin in circles, and some will jump here and everywhere. Check out this video. Pablo the Pug has the zoomies! When people get a Pug puppy for the first time, they often ask me: will my Pug ever calm down? And the answer is yes. Although it can carry on into adulthood, canine hyperactivity is most prevalent in puppies. This is a natural and important part of puppyhood. Most Pug puppies will start to calm down as they mature. They will still get the zoomies from time to time, but the days of their puppyish antics should diminish considerably. In most cases, the zoomies are nothing to worry about. Random bouts of hyperactivity are part and parcel of being a dog. The zoomies are usually over in a few minutes, and your Pug should remain relatively calm for the rest of the day. However, there are some practical considerations to take note of. Many Pug owners find that they can predict when their pup is going to get a bout of the zoomies, giving them a window to remove any hazards ahead of time. How To Keep Pug Hyperactivity At Bay Even though periods of hyperactivity are completely normal, there are some things we can do to keep our Pugs as calm as possible and moderate that frenetic behavior. Regular exercise Daily exercise and playtime will use up your Pugs excess energy and reduce the chance of a hyperactive episode. Aim for between 20 and 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Aim to split this into two e. Once they are all tuckered out, your Pug will just want to snuggle on the sofa with mum or dad. If you spend a significant amount of the day away at work then try to ensure that your Pug has plenty of opportunities to engage in independent play. You might wish to create a designated play area or provide some treat-dispensing toys. Daily routines Keeping to a solid routine is really beneficial for Pug behavior. Routines alleviate stress and anxiety and promote consistent behaviors. By reducing stressors, your Pug is less likely to indulge in anxiety-driven hyperactivity. Additionally, if you know when your Pug is likely to act out, you can provide a fun distraction to divert their attention. Socialization Socialization with people and other dogs is essential for healthy canine development. Socializing provides mental and physical stimulation and makes use of all that excess energy. If not, why not buddy up with a dog-owner friend or visit a dog park a few times each week. Reduce anxiety For some Pugs, the key to reducing hyperactivity is treating the root of the problem — anxiety. As social animals, Pugs are particularly prone to separation anxiety. Finding ways to minimize the distress your pet feels will help them to calm down. Distractions are great that could be a fun toy or puzzle. Some Pug owners have even tried canine aromatherapy. Last Words Are Pugs hyper? Yes, they certainly can be. But a moderate amount of hyperactivity is nothing to worry about. Most of the time the zoomies die down after puppyhood. However, there are ways to keep hyperactive behaviors at bay. Exercise, moderating anxiety, adequate socialization, and consistent daily routines can make the world of difference. Like any puppy, Pugs display playful bursts of energy before they suddenly collapse for a nap. They seem to have two speeds fast and stop! The good news is that Pug pups will not always be this hyperactive. They usually settle down after a couple of years and morph into more sedate lap dogs who love to take a lot of naps. Pugs are very happy, excitable dogs who want nothing more than to play and hang out with you. Their natural exuberance is what makes Pugs so fun to be around. Pugs slow down a bit as they grow older, but fortunately, they never lose their zeal for having fun! Most Pugs have enthusiastic personalities with sweet dispositions making them great companions. Whether they are hanging out on your lap or begging you to throw the ball for them, they demand a lot of attention! Combine this with youthful puppy energy and you have a pretty lively little dog! However, for the most part, Pugs are not high maintenance click here to read more. I actually think of Pugs as being more joyous and playful than hyper. But they are prone to some crazy antics at times and can become obsessive about their playtime. Pugs need quality playtime but they also need to be taught moderation as they mature. A good example of this is my Pug-mix dog, Georgia, who absolutely loves her balls! She gets particularly attached to tennis balls and softer rubber balls that she can hold and squish in her mouth. She could walk around all day with a ball in her mouth if I allowed it! Georgia sneaks around with her favorite Chew King ball. In addition to her Insum Tennis Balls , Georgia really loves her Chew King balls which are easy for her to catch and hold in her mouth. Getting the ball back is a major challenge which usually involves high-value special food! I mostly use the harder Snub dog balls when we go to the dog park to play fetch. These are slightly bigger, very durable, and practically indestructible. And, because they are not as fun and squishable, she will actually bring them back to me. You can see more about my recommendations for balls and other toys on my recommended products page for dog toys. I think another reason Pugs get branded as being hyper is due to their incredibly high energy and playfulness, especially as puppies. A Pug pup will race around, bouncing from one thing to the next. Then he will suddenly crash in a heap and take a nap. Pugs only seem to know two speeds— fast forward and drop dead! Pugs get these incredible bursts of energy, which may seem like hyperactivity. But it is really just the way Pugs have fun and let off pent-up steam. As puppies, Pugs are probably more prone to zoomies and excitable behavior than other breeds. This will usually go on for about two years until they finally begin to mellow. Eventually, they will be content to hang out by your side and lounge around on the sofa. Mature Pugs have a reputation for being lap dogs who love to nap, which is why Chinese royalty loved them so much! An additional reason Pugs can sometimes become a little hyper is their love to explore! And, this often involves tasting the world with their tongue. Pugs are very motivated by anything they can taste, and they love to eat. If you want a Pug to do a trick, give her a treat! My dog Georgia wakes me up every morning by licking my nose see my post. She wants me to know that it is time for her breakfast and she is quite anxious about getting it! She will do just about anything for a small bit of food or even a crumb. My kitchen floors have never been so clean! And as a puppy, your Pug will need more frequent attention and brief play times at least times a day. Ensure Your Pug Gets Adequate Sleep — Whether your Pug is a puppy or an adult, having a consistent sleeping and waking schedule is extremely helpful. Consider using a crate as a quiet den for your new puppy for the first few months. Then when your dog gets older, make sure she has a comfy bed in a quiet space. A little bit is fine. But keep in mind that Pugs are not athletes. They have short little legs and stout bodies. A fun walk to the park or around the neighborhood should suffice. A couple of additional play times during the day for an adult is good, and a puppy will need play periods in between naps. Puzzle Games — Since Pugs love to eat, dog puzzle games that involve food keep them very engaged. I have two Outward Hound interactive food puzzles for my dogs and they love them. It keeps them engaged for at least minutes. These puzzles are fun and work their minds, which will help with pent-up energy. Sometimes simple Kong toys stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or Cheese Whiz work pretty well for a quick distraction. Pugs Do Not Like to Be Alone — Pugs were bred to be companion dogs and they love nothing more than to be right by our side. Therefore, leaving a Pug alone for several hours each day could lead to separation anxiety click this link to see my post. Pugs do best in a family in which someone will be home at least for part of the day. If this is not possible, have a friend or neighbor spend some time with your pooch each day. If you want a really independent dog, a Pug may not be the best choice for you. But if you work at home, a Pug could be ideal. Training — Obedience training is always helpful, but especially with a Pug who has a tendency to be a bit stubborn and even mischievous at times. Training classes will help to socialize your Pug, provide your Pug with a routine, and help with discipline issues. Going to classes together is also a great way to bond with him. Training is also a great way to help a dog stay calm as he learns what you want him to do, and he will be more clear about what is expected of him. Final Thoughts Pugs may seem hyper, but they are mostly just happy energetic dogs. Once you get through the puppy stage and have some training and a routine established, your Pug will become a fun, relaxed dog who will sleep on your lap, play with you, lick you, and be a great companion! Share this post:.

It comes in a large bottle, size 32 oz. Bacteria, mold, fleas, parasites, fungus, and more can get trapped and hidden within a Golden Retrievers furry coat. This shampoo contains ingredients that treat skin scaling, hydrate the skin, promote healing, relieve parasite infections, and remove fungus and bacteria. This shampoo is known for its fast-acting formula that also heals rashes, bald spots, and dry, itchy skin. Veterinary Formula works to provide quality medical ingredients at an affordable price for pet owners. This shampoo leaves your dog clean and smelling fresh without having to use any water. Ingredients found in this shampoo are paraben-free, alcohol-free, and plant-based with no harsh chemicals. If your Golden Retriever likes to avoid bath time at all costs, do not hesitate to try this waterless, no-rinse shampoo. This shampoo is specifically targeted to reduce the amount of shedding in dogs like Golden Retrievers. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that will get your dog clean and smelling fresh. There are no parabens or dyes in the ingredients that would harm your dog. You can purchase a 16 oz. Best Puppy Shampoo for Golden Retrievers While many of the above shampoos would work great for your Golden puppy, below are a couple options that we recommend if you are looking for something specifically for a puppy. This shampoo contains all-natural ingredients that are safe for dogs of all ages. It provides relief for allergies with an added hypoallergenic lotion, which contains antifungal and antibacterial ingredients that work to reduce flea yeast. Not only do the ingredients in this shampoo smell great, but they also keep odors away for extended periods. Do not hesitate to get a 17 oz. The mild and natural ingredients in this puppy shampoo make it safe for dogs of all ages and help prevent irritation to the eyes, nose, and paws. There are no harsh chemicals, colorants, or fragrances, which make it completely safe and well recommended by veterinarians. This fantastic all-purpose shampoo for puppies comes in a 16 oz. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shampoo for Golden Retrievers When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your golden retriever, there are several factors to consider. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for dogs and have a pH level between 6. You should also consider the ingredients in the shampoo, as some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients. As mentioned before, Golden Retrievers have a double coat that will easily trap unwanted dirt, smells, pests, sweat, and more. To keep your dog clean and smelling fresh, you will want to bathe and groom it frequently. The number of baths you give your dog should be based on its activity level, skin sensitivity, allergies, and hair length. For example, if your Golden Retriever has more sensitive skin, bathing your dog too frequently can lead to skin dryness and irritation. So if you find your dog has these symptoms, try reducing the frequency of baths and introducing a moisturized shampoo. Having the right shampoo for your dog will allow it to stay cleaner and smell fresh longer. Tips for Bathing a Golden Retriever When bathing a Golden Retriever, you want the experience to be both enjoyable for you and your dog. Below are some brief tips to help the process go smoothly. For a more in-depth look, read our article How to Bathe a Golden Retriever. Sample a few different types at first until you find the one best for your dog. Brush your dog before the bath. You will want to prep your dog before each bath by brushing away excess fur and removing tangles. Be consistent. Just like children, dogs will feel more comfortable in a familiar place with an established routine. Use the same bathtub or area of the yard each time you bathe your dog. Have everything with you. The last thing you want to do is get your dog watered down and then realize you are missing an essential bath time item. Make sure you have everything you need before you start, so you never have to leave your dog unattended. Be sure to have a comfortable water temperature. Select a water temperature that is comfortable for your dog. It may be tempting to use cold water, but treat your dog like a child and provide it with the right water temperature. Warmer water will also do a better job at cleaning than cold water. Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Each type of shampoo is different. Some are tear-free and safe for eyes, paws, and nose; others are not. The shampoo bottle will tell you how to lather, scrub, and rinse your dog to get the best results possible. Dry your dog. After each bath, you should dry your dog with a towel or blow dryer rather than letting it air dry. This will keep it warmer and reduce the amount of water that drips or is shaken off. Do Golden Retrievers Need a Conditioner? The question of whether to use a conditioner on a Golden Retriever is a common one. Lots of great shampoo products include some conditioning elements in their formula, so if you are unsure if you want to use a pure conditioner, this might be an excellent way to go. Also, if you are using a high-quality shampoo for your dog, then using a conditioner might not even be necessary. If you decide to use one, there are several benefits to using a dog conditioner. You do not always need to apply conditioner right after shampooing your dog. There can be some adverse effects when using a conditioner on your dog. If you see any of these symptoms, then stop using the conditioner and just wash with shampoo. Some symptoms might include skin irritation, weakened hair shafts, or trapped dirt after applying the conditioner. Do not attempt to use a human conditioner on your dog. When it comes to washing your dog, always try to use dog-specific products. Tips on Reducing Odor? It will also help significantly in reducing its unpleasant odors; however, a good shampoo is not the only thing needed to keep a dog smelling fresh with a healthy coat. Test out different shampoos for your dog until you find one that keeps it smelling fresh longer. Increase grooming. Wash its bedding weekly. For more information on solving your dogs odor problems, see our article Do Golden Retrievers Smell. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bathing Your Golden Retriever Bathing your golden retriever may seem like a simple task, but there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. One mistake is not brushing your golden before the bath, as this can lead to tangles and mats in their coat. To prevent this, place a cotton ball in each ear and remove them once the bath is complete. Use only the recommended amount of shampoo, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. Instead, use a low heat setting or let them air dry. Because there are so many different dog shampoos on the market, try out a few different ones recommended in this article that you think will meet the needs of your dog. Once you find the one you like, stick with that shampoo to provide your dog with a healthy coat of fur. Remember always to avoid using human products. Use a dog conditioner if you feel it is necessary, or select a shampoo that has conditioner added. Or, if you are more interested in different options for dog brushes, check out our article Best Dog Brushes for Golden Retrievers. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Breed and coat type Dogs have a variety of coat textures, including short, long, curly, wiry or double coats. Below are some examples of coat types and textures, and what shampoo to use for each. Short-coated breeds: Dogs with short hair, like boxers and dalmatians, generally have low-maintenance coats but they can still benefit from shampoos that gently cleanse while maintaining the natural oils of the skin, according to Satchu. For short-haired dogs, consider shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera. Long-coated breeds: These include Afghan hounds and Yorkshire terriers, and often require more frequent grooming to prevent the hair from tangling but no more than once every two weeks, according to our experts. Shampoos with conditioning and hydrating ingredients like shea butter and oatmeal help detangle hair to make grooming easier and keep the coat looking sleek, says Satchu. Double-coated breeds: Breeds with double coats, like huskies, samoyeds and golden retrievers, should use a shampoo that helps manage shedding to keep their undercoat healthy. Look for shampoos with omega fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, for example to increase coat health and reduce excessive shedding, according to Satchu. White-coated breeds: If your dog has a white coat, they will benefit from shampoos that are labeled as coat color brighteners, which contain optical brighteners to make the coat appear whiter and more vibrant, according to Satchu. Some shampoos are also designed to enhance and maintain the colors of other coat types, including black coats or those with unique patterns. Ingredients You should always use shampoos specifically formulated for dogs because human-grade formulas are more likely to cause skin irritation, says Satchu. Generally, look for ingredients like aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal consisting of finely ground oats , which are gentle, hydrating and have soothing properties, according to our experts. And, because dogs have extremely sensitive noses, you should also avoid heavy fragrances in their shampoo, according to Rona. Skin sensitivities and allergies Some breeds, like bulldogs and shar peis, are more prone to skin sensitivities and allergies, according to Satchu. These breeds will benefit from hypoallergenic oatmeal- or aloe vera-based shampoos that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. If your dog has skin irritation, infections or inflammation, you should talk to your veterinarian for a medicated shampoo recommendation, according to Mayhew. How often should you shampoo your dog? Experts recommend bathing your dog at least once every three months , but many breeds may require more frequent baths depending on how much time they spend outdoors or any skin or coat problems they might have, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Brush your dog before and after bathing. For long-coated breeds specifically, you should always brush your dog before bathing to prevent matting, according to Mayhew. After shampooing, use a cream rinse or conditioner. Avoid using human shampoo or other products not intended for dogs as they can disrupt their natural pH, according to experts. Use a detangling spray after bathing, especially if your dog has a long or thick coat that gets easily tangled. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Jess Rona is a professional dog groomer based in Los Angeles, California. Zay Satchu is the co-founder and chief veterinary officer of Bond Vet. Why trust Select? Mili Godio is an editor at Select who covers a variety of pet topics, including dog food , treats and dental chews. For this article, Godio spoke to veterinarians, veterinary technicians and dog groomers about how to shop for the best dog shampoo, and the best ones to shop. Because of this, you want to look for hypoallergenic shampoos. If your dog has an allergy to oat proteins, for example, be sure not to use a shampoo that contains oatmeal. You also want to avoid any artificial fragrances, perfumes, or colors for this same reason. To reduce skin irritation , look for shampoos that are specially formulated for dogs and are pH balanced. Deodorizers Deodorizers in dog shampoos can be helpful when you have a dog that likes to spend a great deal of time getting dirty. No one likes sharing a house with a stinky pup, so deodorizers can make a big difference. The important thing is that the deodorizing ingredients are natural and not too harsh. Brightening Ingredients Golden Retrievers have beautiful blonde coats , but their fur can sometimes look dull and dingy. Be sure to look for natural ingredients. Making it a safe and gentle product for your fur baby. The shampoo contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Featured Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock Contents. Specially formulated to reduce shedding in dogs, this shampoo enhances the effectiveness of deshedding tools. It is made with natural ingredients that help control excessive shedding by promoting healthy skin and coat. Other natural ingredients, including calendula extract, chamomile extract, and papaya leaf extract have soothing properties and help soothe dry and itchy skin. Cruelty-free and made without sulfates, colorants, or other harmful ingredients, this gentle shampoo is completely safe for regular use on young puppies or adult dogs. This tearless shampoo is made with the mildest ingredients to make bath time more pleasant for both you and your pup. Additionally, their active lifestyle means they tend to pick up dirt that hangs onto their coat, and since they are high shedders, you can expect them to leave that dirt around your home! A good shampoo is a must, since you will need to bathe your golden retriever once every four to six weeks or more often if they tend to get dirty. Unless your golden retriever has a specific skin condition for which they need a specific vet-approved product, when choosing the best dog shampoos for goldens, consider the following factors. Natural Ingredients: You should always avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals such as parabens and phosphates. Since golden retrievers tend to be prone to allergies, their skin and coats can greatly benefit from the use of hypoallergenic dog shampoos. Odor Control: Naturally energetic and active, golden retrievers like to play and can get stinky in no time! If you need help keeping your dog smelling fresh, look for a shampoo with deodorizing properties. Hydration: Whether or not your golden has skin problems, you should look for a shampoo that will keep their skin properly hydrated. Puppies benefit from different ingredients and formulations than adult dogs, and if your dog has sensitive skin, you may need to fork out money for a more expensive shampoo. Similarly, you can get deshedding shampoos to help you manage specific problems such as shedding, fleas and ticks, or dandruff and similar issues. Below is a list of the different types of shampoos you might want to consider for your dog. Not only do puppies have more sensitive skin than adult dogs, but they also have sensitive eyes. For this reason, look for mild and tearless puppy shampoos that are formulated to make the bathing process less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your pooch. Flea And Tick This type of shampoo can be natural or chemical and is designed to kill fleas and ticks. For the best results, you will have to work it into the coat and leave it for 10 minutes to sit before rinsing. Depending on the type you choose, some flea and tick shampoos have repelling properties and will keep these blood-sucking pests at bay for some time. You can find out more about flea and tick shampoos for dogs here. Medicated Dog Shampoos These shampoos are designed to tackle skin conditions and have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic effects. If your golden retriever suffers from allergies, skin mites, seborrhea, or has a yeast infection, your vet might prescribe a medicated dog shampoo. All-Purpose Shampoo A good quality, all-purpose shampoo is essential if you want to keep your dog clean. Look for one that has natural ingredients and is hypoallergenic. Chances are, they are going to get dirty often and need regular bathing. Exactly how often you need to bathe your dog depends on their specific coat and activity level, but even dogs that spend most of their time inside need to be bathed at least once a month. Here are our top tips for making bathing your golden retriever as easy and effective as possible. Brush your dog before bathing them to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from its coat. Make sure to soak the coat all the way to the skin so you can work in the lather properly and remove all dirt and grime. When bathing your golden retriever, place a towel or a mat inside the tub. Use treats to entice your goldie to get into and stay in the tub during bathing. Generally speaking, you should bathe your golden retriever once every four to six weeks to keep their luxurious coat clean. However, if your goldie tends to get dirty quickly, you can bathe them more often. What can I use to bathe my golden retriever? Make sure you are using dog shampoo whenever you bathe your golden retriever. Dogs have a different skin pH than people, and dog shampoos are specially formulated as to not dry or damage their skin. Can I use human shampoo on my golden retriever? You should never use human shampoo on your dog! This is because human hair and skin are slightly acidic, and therefore our shampoos are formulated with a slightly acidic pH, of 5. Dog skin and hair has a more neutral pH of around 6. If you regularly wash your dog with human shampoo, you can disrupt the acidic mantle that protects them, making them vulnerable to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Can I bathe my dog with baby shampoo? You technically can bathe your dog with baby shampoo because it is designed with a neutral pH to accommodate the more sensitive skin of babies. However, you are still better off choosing a specialized dog shampoo for your golden rather than relying on baby shampoo as an alternative. After all, you are what you eat. A diet that is rich in healthy fats, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and fish oils will give your dog the nutrients they need to grow and maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing, using a good dog brush , to remove dirt and debris and spread oils throughout the coat can also make a big difference. How do you bathe a golden retriever at home? Many first-time owners worry about how they will manage to bathe their golden at home. Fortunately, goldens are actually one of the easier breeds to bathe. They are cooperative, highly trainable, and love water, so they are more likely to tolerate a good soak and scrub than many other breeds. The key is to be gentle but firm and to teach your dog the behavior that you expect at bathtime through positive reinforcement training. Another important thing to remember is that bathing is going to be a wet and messy process, so do it outside, in the shower, or somewhere similar, and watch out for slippery floors. If they slip, they could hurt themselves or leave a big wet patch on your carpet or couch. Conclusion Regular baths are what you signed up for when you welcomed a golden retriever into your home! While all shampoos listed above can do wonders for your goldie, the Hylyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs is our choice for best overall. Our other recommendations for the best dog shampoos for goldens are ideal for specific circumstances and needs. What is your favorite shampoo for bathing your golden, and why? Share your advice with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like. The thick, fine double-coat of a Golden Retriever can get tangled or trap dirt and odors, so they need regular bathing to stay clean. Along with baths, your Golden Retriever should have regular grooming to keep them clean in between bathing. Double coats are prone to mats and tangles and may trap dirt and oil, leaving your dog with irritation and a dull coat. If your dog is prone to shedding or odors, choose a shampoo that addresses these problems. Always brush your dog before bathing to remove excess fur and remove tangles. This also prevents a lot of fur from getting trapped in your drain. Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Consider a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. Golden Retrievers benefit from conditioners that keep their coats silky and tangle-free. If your dog gets nervous at bath time, having a 2-in-1 formula reduces the time spent in the bath while providing the conditioning benefits. Be consistent. Plus, your dog will get used to the routine and may become more comfortable with grooming. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are prized for their long, silky coats, but with that comes extra grooming and bathing responsibilities. Fortunately, dog shampoo for Golden Retrievers can help with detangling, coat and skin health, and issues like itching or odor. See Also:.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Horace was rescued from a mennonite farm when the owners no longer wanted him. He lived on a farm and slept in a barn. He had a bad ear infection, scabby painful ears from horse flies and sadly tested positive for lyme. He was on antibiotics for a month, and his protein in his urine is perfect. He will test positive for the rest of his life, but shows no illness from the disease. Horace is neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped. He is VERY dog friendly and lives with three other dogs currently. He loves to play ball. Horace would do best in a home with another dog. He came out of his shell quickly in his foster home due to the other dogs in the home. He loves playing catch and wrestling with his favorite girl dog Zoe. He loves children but might knock them over accidentally. He weighs 75 lbs, but looking at him you might think he weighs close to .He has very long back legs. His foster mom calls him her little horse. Horace is still learning about personal space. He has no issues laying on top of you for love and passing out. He does not have a mean bone in his body. He would do best with a family that has another dog and a large 6 ft fenced in yard. He knows how to climb a chain link fence. He would be a great running partner! If interested in this handsome guy with a beard and a mohawk, please email us at pldpaws gmail.

Articles German Shepherds have for the last decade or so held steadily in the top 3 of most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Dachshunds are also pretty popular, especially in the lap dog category. The Dachshund Shepherd Mix, though not very common, is equally as appreciated. Now I must admit that this is one mixed-breed doggy that I did not see coming given how fundamentally different the two breeds are. However, their unique appearance and strong personalities actually work and if you are interested in one you have a lot to look forward to. Due to the differences in size, breeders prefer to have the German Shepherd as the female carrying the pups. The resulting mix usually takes after the Dachshund in terms of build with the sausage dog silhouette. In terms of size, the dogs range from small to medium. Everything else from coat traits to temperament varies from puppy to puppy. In the sections below, we shall take a look at everything that makes the German Shepherd Dachshund Mix so special from appearance to grooming needs. That way, you will be able to make an informed decision when it comes to getting and raising one of your own. More often than not, the contributing Dachshund is of regular size but it could be a Miniature Doxie or a larger one. With this combination, the female German Shepherd is in the best position to safely carry and deliver the mixed pooches whether they end up being large, medium, or small. In order for you to understand what to expect from the Dachshund Shepherd, you have to have a bit of understanding about their parents. Dachshunds are a small breed of dog that is widely known for their unique build. They have long torsos and disproportionately short and muscular legs. The breed can be traced back to Germany where it was used as a hunting dog. The German Shepherd , on the other hand, is a medium to large breed of dog that can also be traced back to Germany. They are known for their strength, bravery, and intelligence. In the past and now, they have been used in different capacities from herding aids and guard dogs to law enforcement and military work. The Dachshund Shepherd takes after both of these dogs in a lot of ways. When it comes to the build. They are more often than not small to medium dogs with a more proportionate version of the sausage dog silhouette. They are also known for their coat colors which range from dark brown and intense tans to black, strikingly similar to the sheltered pets of the 46th POTUS. They also usually have the signature dark face mask that is found in German Shepherds. The size that a Dachshund Shepherd Mix will grow to is quite hard to predict. This is because of the existing size differences between the small Doxie and the beastly shepherds. It all depends on genetics and chance. For some perspective, here is what you would expect from both parents. Dachshunds are considered small dogs. When it comes to height, they are very short as a result of their stubby, little legs. Dachshunds grow to an average of 15 inches in height at their tallest. With weight on the other hand, the range is pretty wide and the Doxie can weigh between 16 and 30 pounds. It is also influenced by the specific type of Doxie with miniature and rabbit Dachshunds being significantly smaller and lighter. On the other hand, German Shepherds can measure 22 to 26 inches at maturity and can weigh anywhere from 48 to 88 pounds. Indeed they are quite large. More often than not, Dachshund Shepherd Mixes fall in the middle when it comes to size and are considered medium-sized dogs. They measure 10 to 20 inches in height and weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. These mixed-breed pooches can be smaller than the ranges provided. This usually happens if a regular German Shepherd is bred with a Doxie that is smaller than the regular size. They may also be significantly larger and this is often due to strong genetics from the shepherd parent. However, they never grow to the height and size of the German Shepherd. They also have a bad reputation for being occasionally stubborn and aggressive. German Shepherds are considered intelligent, obedient, and brave which is why they are so popular. However, they can be a bit aloof and mistrusting and are generally not the most affectionate of pooches. Despite these differences, Dachshunds and German Shepherds share several personality traits which are often passed down to the mixed doggy. Here are a few that you may come across. Confident Dachshund Shepherd Mixes are very confident dogs and they will walk all over your house like they own it. This makes them open to exploring unfamiliar places and even human beings which makes socialization easier. Intelligent They take after both parents who are celebrated for their intelligence. German Shepherds, in particular, are super smart and their contribution to this mix makes the resulting dog smarter and much easier to live with. Selectively Affectionate Dachshund Shepherds are more affectionate than their German Shepherd parents. However, they do not show this love to everyone. Like Doxies, they have also been shown to cling emotionally to one member of the family. Emotionally Clingy These doggies are not exactly the most independent all the time. They particularly hate being left alone whether you are leaving for work or for a different room in your house. This is often a sign of separation anxiety which is something you will have to deal with sooner rather than later. They have a lifespan of 7 to 14 years. For some perspective, Dachshunds live for 12 to 16 years while German Shepherds have a lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Despite being strong, they occasionally suffer from some diseases that are inherited from both parents. Some of the common problems they face in this case include hip and shoulder dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease. Consider giving glucosamine supplements to your Dachshund Shepherd to boost its bone structures and relieve its joint pains. It helps by providing useful compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin which promote joint and bone health. German Shepherds typically live to 7 to 10 years due to their larger size and potential health issues, versus Dachshunds with a good breeder can live on average 12 years , and sometimes even up to 16 years old. IVDD is a neurological condition that affects the cushioning in between the vertebrae of the spinal column. The discs can bulge, and herniate causing paralysis, severe pain, and sometimes nerve damage. This breed, in addition, has a long list of conditions that are common with the two breeds, such as: Bloat : When the stomach fills up with gas, food, or fluid and the stomach flips, which if not treated urgently can result in death. Degenerative Myelopathy Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are when the joint does not develop properly and can cause instability and even deterioration. Eye conditions Check in details being cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Mitral Valve Disease is common with Dachshunds. Luxating Patella Seizures inherited from its Dachshund side. Irritable bowel syndrome is common with German Shepherds as well as a couple of other common Gastrointestinal diseases. Some Pet insurance for a small premium will offer pre-approvals for emergency visits, so if the stay is thousands of dollars, you will only have to pay a small portion of the visit to receive veterinary care. Care Credit is also a medical credit card often used at emergency visits. You can apply for that day that offers zero interest for a year for you to pay off your Veterinary bills. Dachshund Shepherd Grooming Dachshund Shepherd If your little guy has a double coat, you better prepare to invest in a good vacuum and brush weekly! At the beginning of the warmer weather, German Shepherds have whats referred to as a blowout. They shed their winter coats in preparation for the hotter season. You should expect hair to cling to every surface of you and your home. Thankfully they do make plenty of brushes designed specifically for that tricky double coat, and a handheld vacuum does wonders for upholstery in between your weekly vacuuming. Recommended to check: How to groom your dachshunds with care. It is also essential to make sure their nails are routinely trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly to help prevent any type of dental issue or disease. Obesity can cause and put your dog at higher risk for potential health issues. Veterinary hospitals often use Royal Canin , and a science diet when feeding hospital patients. Stray away from using any type of raw diet or grain-free diet, due to its long-term effects relating to heart disease, for prevention of arthritis or any other orthopedic issues developing, put a glucosamine supplement in their food daily. Exercise is vital for behavioral wellness in all breeds, but especially for this breed. This mix will be high energy, and both parents were used as working dogs. You should start with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day and adjust accordingly. This mix can potentially become destructive if not adequately exercised mentally and physically. If you cannot put aside an hour of your time a day, this breed might not be the one for you. The Dachshund Shepherd will be more than happy to run around with your children in the backyard. Walks are also a great way to exercise your mix without putting them at risk for any type of exercise back-related injuries. Is the Dachshund Shepherd Easy to Train? The short answer is YES. They should be. The Dachshund is one of the more difficult breeds to train because of its feisty, independent personality. German Shepherds are bred specifically for their easy trainability and obedience. However, this mix needs to be trained and socialized early on to avoid potential behavioral issues. If there are any aggressive situations noted like resource guarding, please seek out the help of a professional dog trainer. German Shepherds are typically good with the whole family, and the mixes counterpart Dachshunds are pack dogs and can be good with small children too. It is important to teach small children how to interact with any dog in the home appropriately. Due to the dog having a high prey drive might not be recommended for you to have small children with this dog. When getting a puppy, socialize them and always supervise them with any small children. This dog does have a high likely hood of not getting along with other animals. If you have another animal in the home, it might be good to get a puppy and socialize with them from a young age. Rescues are typically significantly less. Most of the time, the dog is already spayed or neutered and vaccinated by the time you receive them. What do you think? They are a lovable, loyal, and intelligent breed that will make a great companion for the whole family. Just be prepared to put some work into this puppy. All dogs should be trained from a young age and taught basic manners. Both German Shepherds and Dachshunds are breeds that need a lot of training, in the beginning, to prevent any behavior issues from arising. It might be better to adopt this breed because of all of its potential health risks. I can guarantee though if you put the time, energy, and love into this little guy, you will get the same return tenfold. They will be the most loyal, loving pooch you can ever ask for! Other Choices of Dachshund Mix You might want to see other Dachshund mixes , check out the list below:. Talk to your veterinarian to find out the best way to maintain your Dachshund German Shepherd mix happy and healthy for many years! German Shepherd Dachshund mix dogs have medium-long coats that are usually dark brown, black or tan. Some dogs might have white, cream, and red markings. You may like: Corgi Dachshund mix. Dachshund German Shepherd mix must be brushed regularly to prevent mats or tangles. They also require their nails to be trimmed once a month. The type of fur your puppy has will determine how often you need to brush it. Double coats signify that your dog needs to be brushed and vacuumed regularly. German Dachshund mix dogs shed moderately. For German Shepherd Dachshund mix dogs to be happy and healthy, they need to get exercise every day. This cross will need to walk two miles per day, but this will depend on their parent. You can keep your mixed breed dog moving with a brisk walk, jog, or playtime in the yard. German Shepherd Dachshund mix enjoys swimming and hiking. If this mix is not exercised properly, it can become destructive. This breed may only be right for you if you dedicate an hour a day. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods like praise, treats, and petting. These German Shepherd Dachshund mix dogs can be stubborn, so patience is key to training them. You may like: Shiba Inu Dachshund mix. Are they get along with kids and other pets? Yes, German Shepherd Dachshund mix dogs are good with children and pets. They are well-known for their loyalty, obedience, protective nature, and commitment. It is not good breed if you have children under the age of 3 with this dog. The breed can be aggressive toward its owners. It is possible to adopt a puppy if you already have an animal. German Shepherd Dachshunds, a mix of German Shepherd Dachshund breeds, are loving, loyal, intelligent, and wonderful companions for all members of the family. You will need to work hard with this puppy. The Dachshund Shepherd Mix is a wonderful breed for anyone looking for a loving and loyal dog to add to their family. German Shepherds and Dachshunds require a lot of training to avoid behavior problems. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Lifespan Sociability The Dachshund German Shepherd mix is not standard, so finding an actual breeder might prove difficult. Unfortunately, the puppies can be unhealthy with improper breeding and can suffer serious health consequences. If you suspect this is happening, avoid the litter altogether. Because this is a mixed breed, it might be relatively easy to find one at a local shelter or rescue. Most of them are usually adults who have been surrendered for one reason or another. But there is still a possibility of finding a litter of puppies. If you can find it in your heart to give a dog a second chance with a loving family, this is an excellent option. This method tends to be less expensive, with most healthcare already being done before buying the dog. Dogs usually come with all necessary vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery. Both parent breeds hail from Germany. The German Shepherd was a military and herding dog in Germany s. Dachshunds were developed to hunt badgers and other hole-dwelling animals dating back to the 15th century. While they had very different roles, they are from the same country. This hybrid cross is very protective of its owners. Both the Dachshund and German Shepherd are highly protective of their families. Even though they can be very social, sometimes enjoying the company of outsiders—their families come first. There are lots of physical possibilities with this mix. Dachshunds are long-bodied, short-legged dogs with floppy ears and lengthy snouts. German Shepherds are large with athletic bodies, sloped backs, and pointy ears. German Shepherds are typically very protective dogs who are sharp, affectionate, and easy to train. Dachshunds are spirited little dogs with big personalities and quite a bit of sass. These dogs are brilliant, but they might not always be so willing to listen on command. They need a job to do as their energy levels require it. Dachshunds can be pretty territorial sometimes with people outside of their family, and German Shepherds can be the same way. So, early socialization is essential. With proper introductions, these dogs can blend well with strangers and other animals. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, we do recommend this dog for children ages 6 and older due to their activity levels and possible personality quirks. If your family is active, this dog will love joining in on the fun. They will love to be outdoors exploring all around—so much that it can be hard to persuade them to come back inside. As for older adults, if you adopt this cross as an adult, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, due to high activity levels and training challenges, a puppy might be a little more challenging to handle. German Shepherds have relatively high prey drives incompatible with farm animals in smaller pets. So always be mindful when bringing a dog into a new situation. There is a risk of same-sex dog aggression with this breed because of its territorial nature. Not all of them exhibit this characteristic, but it is something to watch out for and to know before purchasing. The Dachshund Shepherd mix temperament can be yet another great unknown. They tend to be friendly and lively, and they are usually highly protective of their owners. Oh, they are extremely yippy, too! For example, if the German Shepherd parent is dominant, the pup will make for an ideal snuggly companion! They love to cuddle and can be quite spoiled when they decide so. If the Dachshund prevails, the cub may be a bit more stubborn and mischievous, which can be adorable in its own right. Another important trait of a German Shepherd mix is that they come from one of the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world. If they take after that parent breed more, it means that they will be relatively easy to train, which is great if you are a first-time dog owner. Luckily, one half of their genetic code comes from the German Shepherd, one of the most easily trained dogs in the world. They are used as service dogs for the disabled and are disciplined and intelligent enough to also be employed by the police force and special military units. It is nevertheless crucial that you start with obedience training and potty training early on. You can use one of the best dog treat brands and avoid the worst dog treat brands as rewards during training. We wrote an extensive article on Dachshund training tips , so give it a read if you want to tame your beast without a constant headache! This bit depends on your family as well as the lineage of the puppy. If your kids are small and the pup is as feisty as its Dachshund parent, they may not put up with the toddlers always poking and pinching them and may retaliate. This mix is also not very open to other pets, so if you have any, either opt for a different puppy or keep a watchful eye on all of your furry and feathery! In other cases, these mixed-breeds thrive in families. Their lovable personalities and their general openness to adult humans make them great additions to the family so long as there are no tiny beings around, human or animal. As with behavioral traits, mixed breeds can inherit health problems from their parents. Luckily, most of them can be kept under control with proper food and exercise regimes so that your dog remains healthy for as long as possible. Some of the most prevalent health issues in German Shepherd and Dachshund mixes are: Bloat — Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome , is often observed in German Shepherds, although it affects Dachshunds, too. It is a dangerous condition of the digestive system whereby the stomach dilates, rotates, and twists. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, damage the blood vessels, disrupt the blood flow to major organs, and potentially have more serious consequences, like organ failure. Degenerative Myelopathy — Degenerative Myelopathy is a chronic condition that usually slowly leads to paralysis. It initially shows up in the hind limbs, but can also spread to the front legs. Elbow Dysplasia — The condition affects German Shepherds to a high degree and is frequently inherited by their cross-breeds. Just as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia results from the constitution of this particular breed. Knee Dysplasia — Also known as Patellar Luxation , knee dysplasia is common in both parent breeds. The dislocation of the knee cap can be quite painful and discourage the dog from leaning on the affected leg. Intervertebral Disc Disease — All Dachshund mixes are prone to spinal degeneration. If they inherit the short legs and the elongated body of their Dixie parent, the chances are that they will suffer from a disc eruption at some point. If the condition gets severe, it can lead to pain and paralysis. Hip Dysplasia — Hip dysplasia is possibly the most common ailment in German Shepherds. It can transfer to their mixes if they inherit similar body build. The shorter hind legs and lowered hips in relation to the front portion of the body lead to grinding in the hip joints and cause damage that can result in hip dislocation. Cancer — German Shepherds are among the breeds with the highest rate of cancer development. That mainly refers to Hemangiosarcoma and Osteosarcoma, the cancers of the circulatory and skeletal systems. That puts their mixed breeds at high risk as well, so frequent checkups with the vet are essential. You should also be aware of Dachshund seizures that can happen more often than you think, as well as other health issues to look out for. It might not be a bad idea to think about the benefits of pet insurance so you and your pup can be ready for anything that comes your way. In fact, regular vet visits should always be on your to-do list. Major concerns. A post shared by Ms. The Shepherd is often trained to be smart, fast, muscular, and strong with a high sense of smell and vision. The 17th-century German hunters used the Dachshund as a hound dog to scare away farm rodents such as moles and badgers in underground tunnels. And some people claim the famous hot dog fast food got its name from the dog. Dachshunds usually have a long lifespan of up to 20 plus years. Dachshunds are great watchdogs, eagle-eyed and easily triggered by sudden distractions such as a moving leaf; they often keep out unwanted guests such as other animals or strangers. If the phenotype is dominated by the Shepherd, the dog is usually large and can weigh up to 60 pounds 27kg , and can be as much as 20 inches 50cm in height while standing with a medium-length double-layered coat type. If the phenotype of the dog is dominated by the Dachshund, the pooches tend to be smaller sausage dogs , short-legged, with smooth and long hair. They usually have a double coat of fur that will shed moderately throughout the year and heavily during the season. The Dachshund mixes often have large triangle ears of both parents which can be floppy or erect. They have big dark round eyes which could be green, amber, blue, brown, or black. Their cute little noses are usually black or brown. The Shepherd Dachshund crossbreed is a relatively new designer dog whose weight may range from 20 to 60 pounds 9 to 27kg and may measure between 10 to 20 inches 25 to 50cm while standing. They are not as tall as the Shepherd and not too small as the Dachshund doxie; their stature is often somewhere between the weld. Adult male Shepherd Dachshund mixes are taller and weigh more than their female counterparts. They have thick long hair on the chest, ears, underbelly, and behind the legs. Whichever coat the dog has, it will have a double coat that sheds from time to time, so the owner should be ready for a fur fest. These canids are very loyal and overprotective of their owners. They are very super conscious and vigilant watchdogs. GSDs are often caught snapping at intruders or fomenting trouble around children. Depending on the parent breed dominance, they could be spoiled and attention-seeking canines or stubborn and mischievous poochies. Their Dachshund genes make them intelligent mollycoddles, often not so sociable with strangers at first but warm up to them afterward. They can be pig-headed or stubborn or even aggressive and can burrow or dig anything when having a fit due to their Dachshund trait. The Dachshund mix is very energetic and can often go nuts when they are bored. So they need to be allowed enough space to play around and given enough exercise in order to vent off all their energy. The Shepherd Dachshunds are very confident canids and they like to strut around the house like they own the place, they like to be the cocks of the walk, not the feather dusters. This kind of Dachshund mix is very loyal and protective of their master friends, and this is why they are invaluable as animal companions to Military Police K9 Groups. They are a perfect mixture of their parent breeds. They are strong smart German Shepherds but smaller and doting lovable and lappy Dachshunds but bigger. They love to cuddle and show affection. They can easily mount on their owners while asleep or stay on their laps if they are awake. They can be stubborn doggies because of their Dachshund genome, therefore they need owners who can show them enough attention. Both parent breeds of the mix are fierce barkers, so the Shepherd Dachshund is going to be a loud barker by nature; a stranger striding into the compound, a wobbling leaf, their own shadow, or a stray cat is enough to draw a bark from them 3. They can mistake other smaller pets like parrots, hamsters, and small cats for intruders. Hip and Joint supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin should be given to the doggy in their food servings to increase bone strength and joint stability. These dogs may suffer eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts which may result in permanent blindness in old age. Mitral valve disease is the commonest cardiovascular disorder that affects Shepherd Dachshunds due to obesity that may arise from obesity. Droopy-eared GSDs are often prone to ear infections due to the outburst of fungi and bacteria infections in the ears because they are always warm and closeted. They may not be suitable for people with fur allergies. Regular nail clipping and ear cleaning to reduce the incidence of bacterial infections should be done on the doggy. The doggy should be bathed regularly and their coats brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week, which helps to detach already loose fur and a heap of one giant furball. Vacuuming can also help to brush much easier. The ration sizes for GSDs depend on the size, weight, and activity of the pooch. But they normally consume about 1. Overfeeding can cause obesity which will, in turn, cause cardiovascular problems, spinal degeneration, and intervertebral disc herniation. It is also important to feed the doggy a diet rich in fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine supplements in order to prevent bone and joint disorders common with their kind. It is important to train them well so you will love them as they can be used as service dogs for the disabled, the military, and the police because of their discipline and intelligence. Owners must understand their personality traits, like their sometimes aggressiveness and stubbornness, and show strong authority over them so they can behave. Since they are overprotective of their owners, they can act up in the presence of children who do not know how to treat them, so discipline is often required in the presence of strangers. German Shepherd Dachshunds are very active and energetic canines and need to be exercised for about 30 to 60 minutes every day. But be careful not to overstretch them as when they show signs of fatigue when they stop dead in their tracks and expect you to carry them. They can be that spoiled. Exercise your pooches with interactive games, and provide them with enough space to play around. Stimulate them mentally with witty games and reward their achievements. When buying a GSD puppy from a breeder, you must make sure to get a healthy pup. The same goes for pet shops. If you want to buy a healthy breed look for an excellent breeder. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd Dachshund mixed breed is a wonderful doggy that has a strong mixture of the traits of a German Shepherd and a Dachshund. The Shepherd gives the dog their strength and smarts, while the Dachshund makes it a cute little doting creature who could be just the right playmate and companion for you! Having noticed the inherent passion and zeal in me to care for pets, I took a step further to create a team of I and like-minded individuals to provide an informative resource in order to broaden the knowledge base of a regular pet owners. The author of this website is a passionate pet lover, and researcher. After gaining experience in raising and training various pets, I realized the need to provide answers to frequently asked questions from pet owners as well as insightful advice I've learned over the years to assist pet parents raise healthy and well-behaved pets. Size and Appearance of German Dachshund Mix Their size and physical appearance can vary to a large extent depending upon the parent types. Image from IG : aritheschaekel Their weight may range from anywhere between 20 to 60 pounds and size in between the range of 10 to 20 inches. Height is a mixture of the sizes of shepherd and dachshund parents. He will certainly inherit the large triangle ears of both parents that can be either floppy or erect. He will surely have big dark round eyes that will add to his personality. So overall, you will get a very handsome-looking chap with all the desirable characteristics. The mixed-breed can either be smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired. So there is a wide set of textures and colors. Such dogs usually shed moderately throughout the year and heavily during the shedding season. German dachshund can come in colors dark blue, brown-black to solid white, red, blue, or even merle. Training of German Shepherd Dachshund Mix The basic laws of training and learning are the same for all the species across the universe. You will have to train your dog by using the basic training techniques of punishment and reward. Do your research and find out what your dog loves the most? Is it cheese, ham, toys, meat, or anything else? Join any puppy training classes available in your area. Lifespan The German shepherd dachshund mix is usually a healthy breed having a lifespan of 7 to 14 years or even longer in some cases. Nutrition The portion size for this mixed breed depends on their size, weight, and activity level. They usually consume 1. Do not overfeed your dog since obesity can be fatal for their health. Always check and carefully follow the serving recommendations printed on the packaging. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, GIT disorders, and back problems. The mixed breed is prone to spinal degeneration and disc hernia. They carry traits of both their father and mother, so have a mixed temperament. Generally, they are friendly and lively towards their owners. They are happy, energetic, and yippy! They are extremely protective of their owners. If the dachshund traits are dominant, the dog will be more stubborn and mischievous and if the German Shepherd traits are dominant, they can be a nice cuddling companion. This totally depends on your family size, nature, and preference. The dog may terrify the baby or wake him up from sleep. Secondly, they are not very friendly and open to other pets. They want to get all the love and attention of the family themselves. So, keep these things in mind when selecting this mixed breed. Health Concerns Related to German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Just like any natural breed, mixed breeds also inherit health problems from their parents. Some common health hazards in Dachshund mix breed are listed below: Bloating. SausageDogWorld is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. However, it is also a very new combination in the designer dog world. It comes under scrutiny by potential owners, fans of both dachshunds and German Shepherds, and registered dog clubs alike. Two feisty dogs with one noticeable size difference, this article considers the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix in further detail. We will focus our attention on areas such as physical appearance, temperament, personality, health, and exercise requirements of this particular mix. We will then sum up and offer our opinion as to whether the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix is the right choice for you. In this situation, the German Shepherd in question will be a female and the Dachshund a male. The female German Shepherd will be then inseminated using the sperm of a male Dachshund. However, this is a process that will obviously need some assisting with! So, the question remains why pair such a stark contrast of dogs together? For most people considering this mix, the reasoning tends to concentrate on creating one of the unique looking of dogs. In other words, people want to produce a dog, unlike any other already found in the canine world. However, due to the apparent size difference between the two, combined with the plentiful health issues, this mix is not one that experts and health professionals will recommend breeding. The German Shepherd has been long known for its structural problems, namely that of its hips and back legs. This crossbreed can potentially take on the appearance of either of the parent breeds. Therefore, no one can say ahead of time what the puppy of this mix will look like. So, when considering the possibilities of this mix, we can only look to the parents as a guideline. Firstly, German Shepherds are classified as large dogs. They can weigh up to as much as 95 pounds 43 kg. They can also be as much as 26 inches 66 cm in height while standing. With a coat that can also vary greatly, most German Shepherds boast a medium-length double-layered coat type. The fur is usually dense in appearance and can often be wiry. Colour-wise, German Shepherds tend to display black as their primary colour, coupled with cream, silver tan, grey, or red. Dachshunds, on the other hand, are smaller dogs and go by the name of sausage dogs or wiener dogs because of their low-lying body structure. Short-legged, they can display smooth, wired, or long-hair and come in a variety of colours. Generally, the most popular colour is black, coupled with tan, red, chocolate, or cream. Therefore, when it comes to identifying a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix, you can expect anything from a large dog or a small dog. You can also get a crossbreed with German Shepherd pattern or a Dachshund pattern, and a selection of coat types! Dachshund German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament schaxenfrida Once again, when it comes to determining the personality and temperament of a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix, we need to look at the parents. German Shepherds have a fantastic sense of loyalty towards their owners. That is why they are perfect for roles as security dogs, army, and police dogs. A highly intelligent breed, German Shepherds are classed as working dogs and thrive on having something to do during the day. Initially, some people consider these dogs to be more guarded and aloof for their owners. The bond German Shepherds form is usually one of the most protective, and they will place their owners above all else. Many owners of this dog breed will tend to recommend only those more capable and experienced owners take on a German Shepherd. In other words, even though German Shepherds are loyal and at times easy going, they tend to show their strong personality. Therefore, they can become quite a handful for those not used to such strong and confident breed as this. Dachshunds also have a strong, independent, and feisty streak in their personality. They too can be quite the demanding of dogs, despite their smaller stature. But, once again, with the correct socialising and training, it can display a whimsical and quirky nature. Consequently, a dachshund can be one of the most loyal of sidekicks for the families it lives with. Considered an easy-going dog to have around the home, a Dachshund does not require as much dedication as a German Shepherd. However, it still needs an equal amount of socialisation to ensure their personality remains easy-going, rather than stubborn! Therefore, when combined, the corresponding personality of this mix will depend significantly on the most prominent traits it takes from its parents. In particular, when you consider the potential for further health issues, it remains hard to suggest a time frame for the lifespan of this dog mix. Yet, this will all be dependent on the health and welfare of the dog in question. It is due to the most common issues already present in Dachshunds, and even more so in the German Shepherd breed. Dachshunds are susceptible to spinal problems. It is especially true if there is no proper care or right environment for their smaller size and stature. As a rule, you should not allow your dachshund to climb up the chairs or jump down off furniture. This care also extends to how you pick your Dachshund up. The reasoning behind this is their sausage-like appearance and tendency to experience spinal issues due to their low spine and short legs combined. A well-known fact is that dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease. However, perhaps the more problematic issue here is the genetic health issues of a German Shepherd in this mix. These dogs can succumb to Hip Dysplasia , which shows itself in lameness or the rear legs. When this health issue is combined with the onset of arthritis, it can become an excruciating condition, indeed. Thus, when considered mixing these two breeds, the potential for severe structural problems is rife. These issues may well centre solely around the joint area. The best way to help your dachshund live longer? Watch our video to find out! Exercise and Activity Requirements The exercise and activities suggested for a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix will largely depend on two factors. They are the size and body structure of the individual dog. If this mix takes predominantly after the German Shepherd, in physical stature, then longer distances are possible. For instance, you can walk your dog a couple of times each day and for longer time lengths, as you would with a purebred German Shepherd. However, if the predominant breed is similar to Dachshund in stature, meaning a shorter body structure and indeed legs, then shorter walks are better. You should prevent your dog from attempting lengthy walks regularly throughout the day. Instead, shorter bursts of regular activity will benefit the Dachshund German Shepherd mix more. All in all, the physical state and body structure of the Dachshund German Shepherd mix will be the final determiner here. Besides, this crossbreed is an outcome of two individual dogs that are often very intelligent. Therefore, it needs an excellent form of mental stimulation. Secondly, you should ensure Dachshund German Shepherd mix gets all the mental stimulation it needs, no matter what their outward appearance. As yet, there is not enough information about the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix. That is why it is hard to provide a strong opinion as to whether it could be the right dog for potential owners. Currently, health experts, veterinarians, and kennel clubs strongly advise against actively looking for a puppy of this nature. This warning is merely due to the potential for a variety of possible health complications of a Dachshund German shepherd Mix. However, if you do come across this mix at a shelter and are considering whether to adopt, do not disregard this option. Above all, this crossbreed has the fantastic loyal nature of both of the parental breeds combined. Therefore, we would certainly recommend taking on a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix in these particular circumstances. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our review about German Shepherd Beagle Mix.

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. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Memphis 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 Memphis? 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 Memphis? 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. We have answers. Surely not! Like tattoos and discount sushi, beware of bargains when looking for a puppy. The "cheap" pups likely come from unqualified breeders and could be prone to developing health problems. That may mean big vet bills later! Best to stick with our network's Memphis Golden Retriever breeders and businesses and the fair prices they offer. What's the difference between a purebred and a mixed-breed dog? Purebred dogs, like the Memphis Golden Retrievers for sale through Uptown, descend from a traceable ancestry and are bred to specific standards across litters. The behavioral and physical characteristics of purebreds are predictable. Mixed-breed dogs, commonly known as "mutts," have two or more breeds in their genetic makeup. Are there Golden Retriever puppies in Memphis available right now? It's possible. But that's an ever-changing answer. Any of the Golden Retrievers for sale in Memphis you see today might not be there tomorrow. That's especially true of popular pups such as Golden Retrievers. So while you should never feel rushed, a new puppy is a big decision, understand that most pups don't hang around long. Can I pick up my puppy in person? You can speak to the breeder or business about that, as most of the individual Golden Retriever breeders in Memphis have their own transportation policies. While you're chatting, they'll be happy to give you lots of other information, such as details about your puppy's health history, current diet, and milestones. How do I know for sure that the Golden Retriever puppies for sale Memphis breeders have are healthy? Because we make it a priority to ensure that they are! Each of the Golden Retriever breeders Memphis and elsewhere have can offer full comprehensive health checks. They can examine everything from your dog's ears, nose, eyes, and teeth to diagnostics of circulatory, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. You get documented proof of a healthy pup! What's a "designer dog? For example, if one were to take a Memphis Golden Retriever for sale and cross it with an Alaskan Malamute you would get an Alaskan Goldenmute. Designer dogs are increasingly popular for their uniqueness and variety. Are the Golden Retriever puppies Memphis breeders have easy to train? They're one of the easiest breeds to train! Any Golden Retriever for sale Memphis breeders may tempt you to bring home will be highly intelligent and eager to please. They often grasp commands on the first try! Training sessions work best if you keep their keen minds engaged -- so games are a good way to go. How does Uptown Puppies work? All you need to do is begin by browsing through the adorable pups on the site. Perhaps one of the Memphis Golden Retriever puppies for sale will get your attention. If so, contact its breeder, who will be happy to answer your questions and talk about transportation options. Before long, that pup will be off the site and in your loving arms! How big do Golden Retrievers get? Considered a medium-large breed, Golden Retrievers range in weight from 55 to 75 pounds. Males usually weigh from 65 to 75 pounds and stand 23 or 24 inches tall. Females weigh from 55 to 65 pounds, with heights of 21 or 22 inches. Both sexes usually reach their full sizes within a year or two. Shouldn't I first check for a Golden Retriever Memphis shelters have? We wouldn't dissuade you from that, as we applaud reputable shelters. And we offer a very different service and experience, especially when it comes to information, which is usually lacking with shelter dogs. But any Golden Retrievers for sale Memphis breeders and businesses list with us comes with a wealth of important information.

First things first, how many pups can you expect? The average litter size for a Labrador Retriever is typically between 5 and 10 puppies. The largest recorded lab litter is 15 pups, but anything above 10 is generally very rare. Still, even 10 is a lot. Many lab owners never see a pup litter, however, because the first litter of any dog tends to be on the smaller size. The first litter of any dog will be in the 1 to 5 range rather than 5 to .A larger first litter is still possible, of course, but it is unlikely. As for single-pup pregnancies — many are under the illusion that these are incredibly rare. They are not. Granted, pup first-time pregnancies are more common, but 1-pup births are certainly more common than pup ones. On the other hand, if you just want to have a couple of pups from your dog before you spay her, the fact that the first litters are smaller is perfect for that. Typically, no, but there may be some issues to watch out for. Especially for younger dogs read — just under one year , one-pup pregnancies can even be viewed as common. However, it is wise to consult with your vet before the pregnancy or in the early days. If this happens, a C-section will be necessary to get the pup out. Another common issue that also necessitates a C-section is that singleton puppies are often larger than normal. This is quite understandable given that a single pup tends to get more nutrients and more space to grow in the womb. Hence — the C-section. Your vet will brief you on everything you need to have prepared, of course. A 5 to 10 average litter size is on the bigger side of things in the canine world. This is normal for a large breed, however. Bigger dogs tend to have larger litters than smaller ones for obvious reasons. Of course, you should consult with your vet ahead of time to make sure that your dog is healthy. But, generally, your lab should go through the pregnancy without a hitch. The birth itself can be stressful, of course, so you need to be prepared for that. The gestation period for Labradors is on par with other breeds — anywhere between 57 and 65 days with an average of about 63 days. In other words — the gestation period should be 2 months, take or leave a few days. Do keep in mind that pregnancy can remain completely unnoticed for weeks, however. The sacs will start getting noticeably big between the 21st and the 35th day of the pregnancy, which is one of the main signs. A lab can typically get pregnant right after its first heat or around her 8th month. It is recommended to wait for one or two heat cycles to pass before you try breeding your dog, however. There are a few common pregnancy complications in all dog breeds, however:. Gap in birth The overall Labrador gestation period is from 58 to 64 days. You will notice when your Labrador is ready to give birth by watching for common signs such as a lack of appetite and a rigid abdomen. You might find them crying; it may be due to the labor pain. How many puppies does a Labrador have in their first litter? After their first litter, they will have on average between 6 to 10 puppies. Labrador Litter Size The average Lab litter size can range between 1 to 12 puppies depending on the health, age, and size of the dog. The size of a litter is different for different breeds; large breeds give birth to more puppies than small ones. Litter size depends on the size, diet, and age of the Labrador, the litter size may increase or decrease. You should also know about the Labrador heat cycle. The biggest litter recorded in the Labrador breed was the birth of 14 puppies. What factors affect the litter size in Labradors? Litter size is not a fixed thing, but it changes depending on different factors. The very first litter of the female Labrador is mostly tiny as compared to the other litter. If the female is under 7 years, there are chances of a small litter. While on the other hand, sometimes breeding Labrador before 5 years can result in a large litter size in puppies. Even labs that give birth between 2 to 5 years of age get large litters. Older Labradors produce less sperm than young male labs; this may affect the litter size in terms of puppies. However, the male Labrador that is 5 years old has an abundance of quality sperm, which contributes to a healthy and large litter. This is why it is highly recommended to allow breeding when both the male and female Labradors are 5 years old. The health of the Labradors Health plays an important role when it comes to litter size. In short, both of the Labradors should be healthy in order to maximize the overall number of puppies. As a dog parent, if you want your female lab to give birth to the maximum amount of puppies. Providing the best quality supplements to both male and female Labradors is really going to help in increasing litter size. Diet A female Labrador with a poor diet is never going to give birth to the required number of puppies. If you expect a large litter size from your Labrador, you should first provide her with the best quality food throughout the year, not just in the breeding season. Providing the best quality and suitable quantity of food is going to improve the fertility of your female Labrador. We are not talking about providing a bunch of supplements but a balanced diet to produce a large litter. Gene pool As mentioned above, it is not all about the female Labrador. Still, male Labradors somehow plays a role in litter size. Fertility is the only factor that is affected by the gene pool. Other than this, traits are primarily hereditary. Sometimes, the color, size, and eye colors are not affected by the gene pool, but all of these are hereditary. Gap in birth Last but not least, the gap between the birth seasons also affects the litter size of the female Labrador. You cannot expect the same large litter two years later. Consult a vet when you are planning to breed your Labrador. As such, they are recognized experts in facts and figures for many breeds of dogs. According to their data, most labrador litters contain between five and ten puppies, with the average being seven. In comparison to all dog breeds, Labradors are right in the middle. The average size of a litter of puppies, in general, is five or six dogs. The largest known litter of labradors ever recorded was 14 puppies , born to a black labrador in the United Kingdom in .Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! In short, probably not. Your vet can confirm pregnancy, give an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is, and give you an approximate due date. Humans and canines alike know the excitement of a first pregnancy. When it comes to labradors, this can also impact the size of the litter. Biological and evolutionary factors come into play and make first litters smaller. Expect one or two additional puppies from her first two. After the fourth pregnancy, the litter size tends to taper off. In addition to whether or not it is her first litter, the age of the mother labrador also affects the size of the litter. Generally speaking, the older the mother, the smaller the litter size. This fact is a little confusing, though, when you also consider that first litters are smaller. It means that a 3-year-old labrador will have larger litters than a 5- or 6-year-old labrador. So, if two female labradors have their third litter at ages four and six, the four-year-old labrador is likely to have the larger litter of the two. How Old is Dad? Believe it or not, the age of the father of the puppies can also impact the size of the litter. This is because of the viability of his sperm. When a female dog is in heat, her ovaries release several eggs that are ready for fertilization. However, if the male dog is older, his sperm tends to be less vigorous, meaning fewer will reach the eggs, and therefore fewer eggs will be fertilized, resulting in smaller litter size. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Natural versus Artificial Insemination How did the mother dog become pregnant? Many labrador breeders and breeders for other types of dogs, as well prefer artificial insemination. It also takes the social interactions of the two dogs out of the equation. Some dog handlers and breeders hesitate to put their mama dogs in such a sensitive and potentially unpredictable situation. The bad news is that, while artificial insemination seems to be the more controlled and safe option, it usually yields fewer puppies. Of course, the breed of the dog is a significant factor in genetics. Does the Size of the Mom Matter? Not really. If you have a mom who is part labrador herself or is a purebred labrador but has puppies with another breed, some of these numbers and averages change. If your pregnant pooch is only part labrador, the size of her litter will also depend on what other breeds she contains. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the breed, the larger the litter. If your lab is a part German shepherd , expect a somewhat bigger litter. The breed of the father matters less, though. The breed of the father has more to do with the size of each individual puppy. Fun fact: the largest known litter of puppies ever recorded is a whopping .Unsurprisingly, the 15 male and nine female puppies were born to a Neopolitan Mastiff in , one of the most giant breeds around. Do Labs like water? Healthy dogs tend to produce larger litters. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Aspects that influence the number of puppies What you should know before your dog gets pregnant Before allowing your dog to get pregnant, it is important that you consider every little detail properly. Bear in mind the space, patience and financial resources needed. As outlined above, the puppies must stay with their mum for the first two months of their lives. Puppies are hard work and you must be aware of this before getting carried away with the idea of breeding your dog. Do not forget that you are responsible for these animals. Take care of them well and make sure you find them a good home if you decide not to keep them. You need to put a lot of thought into this before going ahead with the idea. If you're thinking of selling your dog's pups or if your dog is already pregnant, you must have wondered how many puppies can a Labrador have. Or, how many dogs you'll have to take care of! Keep reading to find out. How many puppies do Labradors normally have? On average, Labradors usually have between 6 and 10 puppies given that they are a large breed. Of course, this is only an approximation because there are many factors that can influence the number of pups a dog might give birth to. In some rare cases the dog can have up to 14 puppies. A Labrador's gestation period lasts between 58 and 64 days. The more puppies the dog will have, the sooner they will give birth given the shortage of food and space in the womb. In principle, it is not necessary to take the dog to the vet for the birth, but the home should be prepared so that they are warm, comfortable and provides them with some privacy to give birth and care for their young during the first hours. You will know that the birth is drawing near when your dog: stops eating or drinking water, when they begin to gasp and wheeze, when they have a hard abdomen and when they shake or cry. The birth normally takes place around a day after these onset of these symptoms. As soon as the puppies are born, you should take into account certain factors with regards to caring for them properly. We recommend reading our article on how to care for a newborn dog for some advice. Aspects that influence the number of puppies An average litter contains 6 to 10 puppies; however, many factors can influence the size of the litter, which can contain less or more. The first thing to be aware of is the fact that the size of the litter can vary for the same bitch. This will depend on: Genetics and the size of the animal - factors which affect the number of eggs released in the womb. Age - after the bitch has been in heat four times, the size of the litter tends to increase. Your dog's diet and nutrition, as well as its general health and well-being. When your dog is bred. If your dog is mounted during the two most fertile days, there is a greater chance of a larger litter. On the other hand, if it is done one or two days before her most fertile days, although the male dog's sperm can survive in the female's body for up to 48 hours, less eggs are likely to be fertilized, meaning less puppies are born. In this article How to determine your Labrador's litter size As we've said, the number of puppies inside a Labrador's belly varies greatly. Your pet can have anywhere from one to over twelve puppies. The average litter size is five to ten, but it is heavily influenced by several factors more on that later. Your veterinarian can actually help you find out exactly how many puppies there are inside a Lab's uterus. They can take X-rays of the pregnant female and count the skeletons of pups in her belly. This is an acceptable way to determine litter size in dogs. You have to wait until six weeks of pregnancy for puppies' skeletal system to develop. Ultrasound scans and abdominal palpation are other ways to estimate litter size. What is the average litter size for Labs? In , a comprehensive study was performed to answer the question of litter size in dogs. The researchers analyzed breeds and more than 10, litters, and they calculated the average litter size to be 5. However, there was a clear difference between miniature and large breeds. The former only had 3. The above research is for all dog breeds. But the AKC analyzed over 85, Labrador litters to conclude that Labs have a typical range of five to ten puppies, with an average of 7. So we can safely say that Labradors, being a large breed, will likely have a larger litter size. Though cases of producing just a puppy or two are not unheard of. Overall, if you have a pregnant Lab mother, expect her to give birth to about half a dozen babies. The biggest Labrador litter on record Now you know how many puppies to expect when your Lab gets pregnant. And you're probably wondering, "But what's the maximum they can pop out? Back in , when a black Scottish Labrador named Anne was pregnant, the vet predicted that she would have three to six puppies. Little did they know, the proud mama kept popping out babies one after the other until there were 15 of them! A more recent case was reported a few months back in April .Here, A Labrador called Bella produced 14 fur babies, just one shy of the record set in .The labor lasted for seven hours, and Bella gave birth to eight black and six yellow Labs. Fun fact: Anne's 15 kids are a lot, but the Guinness World Record for most puppies is set by Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff. She gave birth to 24 puppies in November .Of course, she couldn't do it all by herself and had to take the help of a Cesarean section. Factors affecting Labrador litter size Many variables influence how many puppies Labradors have. In this section, we'll talk about some of the crucial ones. But several other factors such as breeding management, reproductive history, and season also play a role. Even the environment she lives in affects her well-being and, consequently, the health and number of her babies. Much of the information here is sourced from an article published by Dr. Bretaigne Jones for Royal Canin. Age Labradors usually remain fertile for their entire lives. However, as you might imagine, their litter size decreases as they get older. As a general rule, Labs are most fertile between the ages of two to five. However, regardless of her age, a dog's first litter is usually smaller than the future ones. After the first one, the number of puppies increases with every litter, through the fourth litter. Then, it starts declining steadily. A Labrador will have her first heat cycle anytime after she's six months old. But you should never breed a Lab during her first heat cycle, as she's relatively young at this point. Imposing the stress of pregnancy and lactation can have adverse effects on the mother's mental health. Just like very old females, too young mothers also produce smaller litters. This is why the AKC recommends waiting for the third heat cycle, which means not breeding until the female Lab is months old. Lastly, the male Lab's age also affects the litter size. But the influence is much less than the female's age. As a male Lab gets older, his sperm count and quality decrease. He will produce larger litters under the age of five. Breed Size We've already discussed that smaller breeds tend to produce fewer puppies, and larger breeds have a bigger litter size. This trend is seen even within the same breed. A Labrador weighing 45 pounds 20 kg may only produce five or six babies, while a pound 32 kg Lab may give birth to a litter of ten puppies or more. Again, these are only generalizations based on the data available about Labrador puppies, which means there will be exceptions. You can have a relatively small Lab giving birth to nine or ten pups every litter. Health and Nutrition This one is a no-brainer. If your Lab is happy and healthy, she'll give birth to more puppies, and the babies born will be healthier as well. The mother needs to be in perfect health so that she and her pups survive the birthing and whelping process. Not only the female but the male Lab should also be healthy if you want to avoid complications. Nutrition is crucial for your Labs throughout their entire lives. And when it comes to breeding, diet directly affects the litter size. Both male and female Labs will produce healthier and larger litters if they've been fed a high-quality diet. Check out my Recommended Products for foods that I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions. Gene Pool Diversity Breeding two dogs from diverse genetic backgrounds results in bigger litters. Similarly, the smaller the gene pool is, the fewer puppies your Lab will have. Gene pool is smaller when closely related dogs brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters, etc. The more dogs are bred from the same line, the smaller the litter will be. This process of mating such dogs is known as inbreeding. We can measure the gene pool diversity using the coefficient of inbreeding, a numerical value ranging from zero not inbred at all to one completely inbred. Other Factors to Consider Apart from the things we discussed, litter size is also affected by: Type of breeding: Natural breeding results in more puppies than artificial insemination AI. Using AI can decrease the litter size by as much as 15 percent. Season: Usually, if a Lab gives birth in spring, she produces more puppies. But if the breeding takes place in summer, the litter size is smaller. Mating frequency: Litter size is smaller if the female is bred only once. So it's recommended to mate the Labs every other day until the female refuses to mate. What can you do to increase litter size in Labradors? While litter size is mostly out of our control, optimal conditions can increase how many puppies Labradors have. The first thing you should do is feed your Labs a healthy diet throughout their lives. There's no reason to spend extra money on grain-free food because dogs' evolution has given them the ability to digest grains easily. Just make sure you're feeding them one of the high-quality kibbles available in the market. Apart from a healthy diet, you should also give her enough playtime and exercise to maintain her ideal body weight. For female Labradors, it's lbs. Pregnancy drains the mother's body of protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy. You need to satisfy her dietary needs with food rich in fats and carbohydrates. Feeding a low-carb diet during pregnancy leads to increased fetal death and stillbirths. Consult your vet and make sure her diet includes enough vitamins, amino acids, minerals, omega-3 acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. As the mother nears the last three weeks of pregnancy, her dietary needs will increase significantly. This is because the embryonic puppies gain 75 percent of their body weight during this period. Depending on the litter size, she may need one and a half to two times her typical requirement for these few weeks. Control inbreeding risk Another thing you control is the coefficient of inbreeding. We've seen that mating closely related Labs results in decreased litter size. So it's the breeder's responsibility to choose suitable Labradors to pair. It would be best if the male and female Lab's last three ancestors are unrelated. Lastly, you can give your Lab lots of love and attention. She's going through a challenging period, and it's up to you to support her. Doing this doesn't directly increase the litter size, but it keeps the mother happy and enhances her well-being. So go and scratch her behind the ears! The One-Half Rule This is a general rule that's usually followed by all mammals. It states that a mother will produce half as many babies as there are nipples on her. Sounds interesting, right? Statistics back this rule. Most female dogs have eight to ten nipples, and as we've seen, the average litter size is 5. Humans, of course, have two. Most mothers give birth to one child at a time, but they may also produce twins occasionally. While it does happen, having more than two babies is rare among humans because nature tries to ensure enough nutrition and nourishment for all the babies. Now don't start counting your Lab's nipples! This is simply a statistical correlation; it's not a method you can use to predict litter size. The best way to determine litter size is to take your Lab to the vet. How often do Labradors produce puppies? As we've discussed, female dogs can go into heat anytime after they're six months old. After the first heat cycle, they will typically go into heat twice a year, which means they can produce puppies every six months. However, many breeders and veterinarians advise against breeding continuously. They contend that it's hard on the mother's body and decreases the litter size. Accordingly, they allow their female Lab to breed every other heat cycle, which means the mother will give birth to one litter per year. Others, including one I spoke with on the issue, contend that breeding back to back has physiological benefits for mothers, citing commentary from Dr. Robert Van Hutchinson, a well renowned veterinarian and reproduction specialist. In an online reproduction seminar , Dr. Hutchinson explained that the female's progesterone levels remain elevated for 60 days during ovulation - regardless of pregnancy. This causes severe stress to the uterine lining, and can lead to long term health issues. Therefore, skipping seasons prolongs this activity as opposed to breeding season after season and retiring the mother early. How many puppies Labs have in their lifetime As we've discussed, a Lab goes into heat twice every year, which means she can give birth to a litter every six months. Suppose a female starts breeding when she's two years old and continues doing so until she's eight. In that case, she would produce 13 litters over her lifetime. We've also seen that the average number of pups a Labrador produces is 7. We know that litter size is affected by several factors and does not stay the same throughout the years. But for argument's sake, let's say our female Lab continues to give birth to seven kids during every heat cycle. So theoretically, a Labrador can give birth to over 90 puppies in her lifetime. How long are Labradors pregnant? When measured from the date of ovulation, gestation lasts for days. Since it's difficult to determine the date of ovulation, you cannot know precisely how long your Lab will be pregnant. This is because male sperm can live for 10 to 11 days in the uterine tubes of the female dog. However, for the most part, you should expect your Lab's gestation period to last for two months, or maybe slightly longer. Signs of pregnancy in a Labrador As we've discussed, Labs' gestation period is only about two months. So you don't have a lot of time to notice and interpret the signs. Many pet owners are shocked to find their Lab pregnant in the final days of her pregnancy. Below are some signs of pregnancy in Labradors. If you start to notice them in your female dog, it could be that she's about to give birth to little fur babies. Your dog becomes exhausted quickly or spends more time sleeping Loss of appetite early stages or increased appetite later stages She becomes more affectionate, seeking extra attention, and wanting to stay beside you Appearing lethargic or depressed and just want to be left alone all the time There's mucus discharge from her vulva occurs about a month after mating Her nipples' size or color changes happens about a month after mating Her abdomen size increases noticeable after 40 days She gains weight starts happening around day 35 Of course, the best way to determine whether your Lab is pregnant is to take her to a vet. They will perform one of several diagnostic tests to determine if she will become a mother. Abdominal palpation, ultrasound scan, witness relaxing test, and X-rays are the most common ways to check pregnancy. Final thoughts Breeding Labradors isn't an easy task. You have to invest time and effort to take care of the mother and her puppies properly. Labs usually have five to ten babies per litter, and the average litter size seems to be 7. Factors like the mother's age, health, diet, and the coefficient of inbreeding affect how many puppies Labradors have. We can also influence the litter size to some extent by making sure the female Lab is healthy and by selecting unrelated dogs for mating. Many breeders mate their Labradors every other heat cycle once a year ; others believe back-to-back breeding to be most effective. Compared to other breeds of dogs, labs are somewhere in the middle. The size of a litter may vary based on factors such as medical condition, physical fitness, health, nutritional intake, and genetic variation. Incredible, huh? We will also discuss the 1st-ever large Labrador litter. Labrador puppies are generally born between 58 and 64 days after being conceived. There is an interesting relationship between pup count and the time to expect your labrador to be pregnant-free. One of the reasons for this is that there is not enough space and not enough sustenance to sustain the baby. In addition, it is not necessary for you to take your lady labrador to the veterinarian in order to deliver her since this can be adept without having to leave your home under the appropriate circumstances and precautions. It is simply a matter of offering some privacy and relief to the expectant mother. In any case, if you see the dog behaving strangely, it is a sign of the fact that the puppies are waiting to be born. Different breeds have different litter sizes, and dogs of large breeds have a tendency to breed more babies in comparison to dogs of small breeds. In addition to different breeds, there can also be differences between similar breeds of dogs. When it comes to Labradors, their first litter usually consists of 7 puppies. On the other hand, it is also important to note that other factors may come into play during this process, which may affect how many puppies your lab lady produces in her 1st litter. Even at the first litter, older labradors are capable of having up to 14 puppies. First pregnancies are always exciting both for humans and canines. However, in the case of labradors, the litter size affected as well. Interestingly enough, if this is the 1st litter of puppies for the female dog, chances are fewer puppies will be born. What is the reason? Because a newly pregnant mother has a smaller uterus, the body still has to adjust for pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Heredity and evolution play a role in the small size of the first litter. Generally, female labradors have the biggest pregnancies during their third and fourth pregnancies. From her first two pregnancies, two to three more puppies aexpected. However, as she reaches her fourth pregnancy, fewer puppies expected. In light of the above, it is important to note that the majority of vets advise against breeding dogs beyond the fourth time. Labrador parents and the dog centers should be happy to hear that there are a number of factors that contribute to the larger litters. To get the best labrador puppies, your best strategy involves paying close attention to the dietary needs, well-being, and physical activity of both DAM and SIRE. The Health Factor Litter size influenced by health in many ways, so health is the key factor here. Simply put, it is necessary for both female and male labradors to be in good health with the goal of producing the largest litter of puppies possible. When it comes to pet parents, to have the most puppies possible from your female lab, you should pay attention to her health. As no unhealthy labrador female can carry large litters. There is an important distinction to be made about the fact that health is what is being discussed, and this does not necessarily imply a labrador is obese. Before you breed your labradors, you should consider how slim or overweight they are. Supplementing the male as well as female Labrador with the best nutrition is key to increasing litter size. When compared to the litters of other breeds, the 1st litter of a female lab is usually small. The likelihood of a small litter is high if the bitch is under seven years old. However, it does not influence the size of a litter exclusively, in which case miracles can occur, such as the lab producing a larger litter at an early age. Young labradors must used for breeding because aged dogs will not release as much sperm and it will somehow affect the size of the litter. Labrador sperm count is high in the male of 5 years old, indicating that the litter will be healthy and large. It is therefore very important that breeding takes place at about the age of 5 years old for both male and female labradors. Genetic pool plays no role in litter size since only fertility affected. Aside from fertility, characteristics are primarily handed down from generation to generation. There are times when you will notice, such as with purebreds, that their eye color or size is not influenced by their genetic makeup, but these traits are inherited. Diet Matters Happiness can never achieved through a bad diet. Everyone knows this. Having a poor diet will prevent a female labrador from giving birth to as many puppies as she should. To ensure that your female labrador has a large litter size, it is essential that she is provided with a high-quality diet all year long and not just when breeding season arrives. Providing your female labrador with a high-quality and appropriate amount of nutrition will surely increase the furtiveness of your female labrador. Besides providing her with a nutritious diet, make sure she gets plenty of physical activity and proper exercise to stay in shape. When it comes to the female labs, they weigh between 55 and 70 pounds which is equivalent to 25 — 32 kilograms. Remember — Supplements is not the solution here and generally not recommended; a diet with a variety of nutrients is. Best Food For Pregnant Labradors In recent years, we have learned that pregnant labradors need high protein diets in order to be healthy. The nutritional needs of pregnant dogs are similar to those of pregnant women. In addition, they need certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. In light of this, we need to learn which is the most appropriate high-protein food for pregnant labradors. You can quickly become overwhelmed with all the choices you have when it comes to buying dog food for your lady labrador. The best dog foods for pregnant labradors compiled for your convenience. A litter from 2 years ago, for example, would not be the same size. Prior to pursuing a breeding session with your labradors, you should consult with a veterinarian. Keeping the proper gap between the two will not cause the litter size to decrease. However, having consecutive pregnancies will reduce the litter size. Other Considerations On top of the factors discussed previously, there are other factors that impact litter size: Mate Rate — According to the majority of the people, if a female only mates once, she will have a smaller litter. We recommend allowing them to mate every couple of days if they are necessary, but you must stop when the female refuses to mate. If you do not stop a female labrador when she refuses to mate, you will put him under a great deal of stress, prohibiting him from having successful breeding. Season — Most commonly, Spring is the most common seasonal time for a labrador to give birth, during which she gives birth to a large litter. However, when breeding occurs in the summer, smaller litters are born. Breeding type — It is generally acknowledged that naturally bred animals deliver more puppies than artificially bred ones. One-Half Rule All mammalian species tend to follow the same underlying rule. According to the rule, the number of babies a female gives birth to is equal to the number of nipples on her body. There is some evidence to support this rule. Typically, a female dog has between 8 to 10 nipples, which explains why litter size is typically 7. Two of them, of course, found in humans. It is common for mothers to have a single baby at a time, but twins can also be born. Although it is not unheard of, having three or more children in the same body is extremely rare as nature ensures sufficient care and nutrition for every child. These results are merely correlational. If you want to know the size of your litter, make an appointment with the veterinarian. Labradors belong to the large breed category, which means that they mature between 18 and 24 months. Which means that breeding should avoided up until her 3rd heat cycle and approximately two years of age. Pregnancy Symptoms In Labradors Labs only take about two months to gestate. The vast majority of pet parents are surprised when they discover their lab lady pregnant in the final days before the delivery. Your lady labrador may exhibit these signs as she prepares to give birth to a litter of puppies. In this case, your veterinarian can assist you. A pregnant female can be x-rayed to see how many pups are in her belly. Puppies with skeletons are seen during this process. Other methods to estimate the litter size include the following: Ultrasound scans Abdominal palpation. Mama Labrador Ready To Give Birth: How To Help Female Labrador giving birth is an incredible, exhilarating, and sometimes breathtaking experience you will surely remember for the rest of your life. Below are a few suggestions. Before you assist your labrador in giving birth, consult your veterinarian and gather the necessary supplies. It is important to make sure that your dog has an appropriate environment, preferably a litter box so that she has space to explore, but also to be aware of her needs. Some may be surprised to learn that labs are very capable of self-sustaining during the birthing process, as are many other breeds. Understanding when to provide assistance and when to let her handle things independently is an essential part of the process. The vet should be kept on hold for emergency purposes. Gather essential supplies such as cleaning towels, blankets, heating pads, gloves, and sterilized scissors. Maintain a clean and comfortable environment that is conducive enough to deliver puppies. She will need to be calmed because she will soon be in a lot of pain crying for help. Due to her heat cycle, labradors have heat cycles twice a year, allowing them to give birth every 6 months. If so, her lifetime litter count would be .Labrador puppies usually have six to seven pups on average. In fact, litter size changes throughout the year depending on a variety of factors. As a hypothetical case, assume the lab lady continuously delivers seven kids during every heat cycle. Consequently, female labradors are capable of bearing 90 puppies in their lifetime. No, the dates of their birth are the same, but the times are different. There is usually a minute interval between puppies. But it is possible for the mama dog to rest for as long as 4 hrs between puppies. Post navigation. But what if you have a Lab that has recently given birth to only 2 puppies? Is that normal for Labradors, or should it be a cause for concern? The larger the breed, the more likely the litter will be bigger, but a healthy Lab can also have a small litter. The rest of this article will go into Labrador litter sizes in greater detail. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting subject! The breed of the mother is another factor to consider. Make sure to keep your puppies warm during the first few weeks. If the mother has previously had larger litters, she may be confused or distressed due to having such a small litter this time around. You should also stay close to her if she seems highly distressed. Littermates Are Important for Puppy Development During the first few weeks of life, puppies learn basic social skills by playing and play-biting each other. The mother will scold puppies for being too aggressive and teach them manners. Feeding your Lab a healthy diet will also increase the chances of a big litter. After seven years old, having a small litter becomes more common in Labradors and all dogs. Although it may not seem like it, keeping your Labrador healthy and active will also increase its chances of having many puppies. A healthy Labrador will have a more muscular body, so carrying a big litter will be easier. Litter Size Occurs Naturally You can do certain things to make it more likely for your Labrador to have a bigger litter, but it may not always work. Or she may be too young or too old! Many small dog breeds are likely to have small litters, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers. Typically, Labs will always have many more puppies than a Pomeranian. Jack Russels, for example, are a small breed, but their average litter size is six. Six is a big number, considering how tiny Jack Russels are! A healthy Labrador between 2 and 5 years old has the best chance of having a big litter. Smaller litters need extra help to stay warm due to the lack of warmth from littermates.

Once again, the intelligent, family friendly Labrador retriever has taken the 1 spot on the most popular list for the 23rd consecutive year, the longest reign at the top in AKC history. We have helped birth and place more puppies this year than in any of our previous forty. Read the full text of the AKC press release here. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the Sunshine state. Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have shipped more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily ship our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Syracuse. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Labrador Retrievers Make Good Therapists In recent articles, a licensed professional counselor with thirty years of experience, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children and seniors. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Many benefits of pet ownership are less tangible, though. One recent study showed that people with dogs were better able to remain emotionally stable during crises than those without. Canine companions can also work as a buffer against social isolation. This can help combat depression, one of the most common medical problems facing seniors today. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We take great pride in our dogs, and they are a part of our family. Our Labrador Retrievers live inside our home, spending their days lounging away on the couch! Our Labs are a close pack and love to play. There is never a dull moment around the MLC Lab pack. Our dogs each have their own great personality that comes out when they romp and get into typical Labrador life situations. We love our Lab life! We focus on genetic health and environmental support in our breeding program. We are very conscious about improving the Labrador breed and because of that, all of our breeding dogs must pass their health testing before being bred. We test them for several genetic diseases known to affect Labrador Retriever. We also take our Labs for hips and elbows x-rays to make sure they are not dysplastic. We do this to ensure we are doing everything we can to produce the healthiest puppies we can. Our Labs have certified scores. Our litters can contain chocolate, silver, black, charcoal, yellow, and champagne puppies. The yellow and champagne puppies may range in shade from cream to light red. We can not guarantee shade. If you are on the waiting list for a yellow or champagne puppy it is for any shade. If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from us, we recommend starting the application process immediately. We know how exciting it is to watch puppies open their eyes and begin to play! We like to offer our puppy families the chance to see that. We host a lot of Facebook live videos so be sure to come hang out with us on our facebook page MLC Labradors. We offer delivery along the east coast, for an additional fee. For families not along the East coast we do have a flight nanny available. My Labradors have proven to be some of the best friends in the world and shaped my life in many ways. I live on a small non opperational farm in upstate NY with my husband. We own 70 acres that the dogs can romp and play on. We bought our first lab Eli, 28 years ago not knowing the path that one yellow dog would take us down. Each of our Labradors are out of foundation English lines, their puppies have went onto become family members, working canine companion dogs, hunting dogs, agility, and show dogs. When we originally started this adventure we set some goals and standards that we felt to be vital to the dogs. One, we would do everything in our ability to improve the Labrador breed. Two, we would not comprimise what was right. Three, if our view ever changed it was time to stop breeding labradors. We have three adults daughters and three amazing son in laws. Our children have been so important in this adventure. Our oldest daughter Heather, carried her passion onto become a Veterinarian. Our middle daughter Lynne, is a professional photographer, for which many puppies and dogs have sat patiently to have its picture taken. Our youngest daughter Kristin is the most interested in the breeding aspect of the labradors, she helps me pick the best puppies to keep and the new lines to bring in to our breeding program. She has also expanded to her own kennel, Skyline Hill Labradors Our grandchildren have taken over the role of puppy snuggling and even help me deliver puppies. We diligently research genetics and keep current on the latest trends in diets. Having a family that is so involved in what I do serves to better the information I have on the breed. We hope to pass this knowledge onto you. We have a yellow female available the end of august from this litter. Also Hattie delivered on the 15th of july. Nine puppies arrived healthy and safe. We have three puppies available from this litter. Yellow and black. During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Price: Low to High Pyrenees pups We Pyrenees puppies family raised we are asking or best offer text or call .Will come with health certificate from the vet shots wormed food toys blanket. Located in Watertown NY willing to meet part w.AKC 1st shots, dewormed, health cert. Vet checked with first shots and wormed. Ready now .All pups will have 1st shots, worming, microchipped and vet checked before leaving. Parents are health tested by Paw Prints and Embark. Sweet, smart, non shed shots, vet checked. Raised in our home, well socialized with young children, other dogs and cats, l.Located near Wa.They will be pounds full grown and have their first set of shots. The mom is a family dog and i.Hypoallergenic, non shedding, raised.Up to date on all shots and worming, Akc papers and one month pet insurance. Crate training now, Started basic training she kn.They are ready for their forever home any day! Born June 8th. Vaccinated, dewormed and vet checked. If interested in giving.Family raised. Parents on premises. Top quality hunting and tracking lin.Will come vet checked and papered. Both parents on site!

During this stage a pug puppy is experiencing everything for the first time. He's also learning what it means to be a dog -- lessons that will stick with him for the rest of his life. The First Two Weeks During the first two weeks of your pug puppy's life, he'll be pretty focused on doing two things: eating and sleeping. Newborn pups spend the day nestled with their mother and siblings, suckling and napping and occasionally readjusting to get comfortable. Their eyes are still closed, and they can't see or hear, but they can feel the warmth of their mother and litter mates around them. Keep in mind that it's normal for pug puppies to breathe rapidly when they're sleeping because of their snubbed noses. But, if a puppy is wheezing, you should contact your vet right away. Age Two to Three Weeks In the two to three week stage, your pug puppy will begin to emerge from his constant slumber. Once his eyes are open, he'll build his ability to respond to light, movement and sound. He may try to crawl around his whelping box, until he wears himself out and needs another nap. Since he's more aware of his surroundings, he'll begin to recognize his mom, brothers, sisters and you. Now that your baby pug has all his senses, you can begin handling him gently for short periods of time. Always respect the pup's mother when handling her babies -- if she seems uncomfortable, return the puppy to the nest. Age Three to Four Weeks Your little pug will really perk up when he hits three to four weeks old. By now his eyes, ears, and nose are fully functioning. He'll see you coming and know that good things are headed his way. At this point your puppy is an adorable little sponge, constantly absorbing information about his surroundings. Because pug pups are so susceptible at this stage, it's important to keep their experiences positive. This is also the time when he starts to learn what typical pug behavior is really all about. Now that your pug pup's eyes are fully functional, check them for any sign of disease. Many eye diseases afflict pugs in particular because their eyes are so prominent. Check your pups for common pug eye diseases like Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca chronic dry eye and Pigmentary Karatitus spots on the cornea. If you suspect that any of the pups have an eye disease you should talk to your vet immediately. Age Four to Six Weeks And so the training begins. At four weeks old, your little pug is playing with his litter mates, who are all learning what to do and not to do as far as proper pup interaction goes. This is also a critical time in your puppy's life because it's when his mother begins to wean him. Pug puppies can start eating regular dog food at four weeks old, in combination with mother's milk, until they're fully weaned. Even though he's learning to make it on his own, it's still crucial for your baby pug to stay with his family. Experts consider weeks three to sixteen to be the most important time for learning appropriate dog behavior. During this window your pup will learn how to play with other dogs appropriately, how to respect their pack leader their mom , and where it is and is not OK to go potty. At six weeks old, your baby pug isn't ready to leave his mama's side, but soon he will be. When he reaches seven to eight weeks of age, as long as he's well-adjusted and happy, he should be ready to leave the nest and begin his life with his forever family. More Articles. Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. 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. Final Words… How old are pugs when they full grow? A pug breed is small and they mature faster than other large breed dog like Golden Retrievers and Boston Terrier. At the age of nine months, pugs reach full growth. But you can expect pug grows continuously at a slower pace until they reach twelve months. The sexual maturity of pugs starts at the sixth to ninth months as well. This is to ensure their body is strong enough to undergo the stress of giving birth. After a year, you can percent make sure that your pugs reach their full growth. You can expect about the same rate for all purebred pugs. There is slight variation for those pug mixes due to mix of other dog genes. What are the different pug growth stages? Male and female pugs are under toy breeds. These are small sized breed, so pugs are prone to dystocia. Because pug puppies have large head and shoulder while their pug mother has small pelvic bones. This is expensive but it will give a higher rate of survival for both the mother and the pug puppies. On average, pugs have a litter size of three to six puppies. This is how many puppies you can expect for your pregnant pug. Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the earliest stage for a pug puppy. They still nurse from their mother and sleep most of the time. Their sense of sight and hearing are still not present at this age. A pug puppy at this time get most of their happiness from their pet parents. Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks Your pug puppy at this age starts to develop their sense of smell and hearing. Their eyes will also start to open, same with their teeth. This stage is where you will see a lot of development on the motor skills of your pugs. Your pug puppy will also start to bark and learn more from their parents. If you have other dogs in the house, they can influence the puppy. Socialization Stage 3 to 12 weeks At this age, the growing puppies are on a fast pace. Because these small dogs have high adaptive intelligence, they are very sociable at this age. Here some of the notable changes for this stage: Play will be their most essential thing during 3 to 5 weeks age Sleeping and bowel control will manifest in them between 3 to 4 weeks Your pugs will start to interact with other dogs. Playing will be there most vital tool for socializing with other dogs. Your pug starts to develop emotional dependence to you at the fourth week. There will be high exploration for your pugs during 5 to 7 weeks. That means you need to guide them at this point. Your pugs must start to learn eating solid food. Start to potty train your pugs upon reaching 7 to 9 weeks old. Crate training will also help shape their obedience. Once they reach 9 to 12 weeks, you can teach them with basic commands. Always train your pug to socialize with children, strangers, and other dogs. This starts when they are 14 to 16 weeks old. Ranking Stage 3 to 6 months During this stage, your pug develops their teeth. Because their teeth are developing, pugs are prone to biting things. That means you must provide them with non toxic toys. You also need to teach them what they can bite or not. While your pug is growing on his or her prime, it will be essential to guide them. Your presence is most important to them at this stage. They are loyal and emotionally attached to their owner. Adolescence Stage 6 to 18 months The physical maturity of your pugs is reached when they reach the age of 6 to 9 months. Looking at their average life expectancy at 12 to 15 years, this toy group matures fast. There will be several things happening to your growing pug during adolescence but mostly in preparation for the maturity stage. Male pugs tend to be slightly taller than females. They are literally small as they are under the toy breeds similar to Chihuahua and Frenchies. Pugs average weight is around 6. You need to give them a healthy diet if you want them to stay fit. If your pug is slightly lighter than this, then they are classed under weight. If they go above, they are overweight. An obese pug is more prone to breathing problems. Therefore, you need to give them proper food, so they get healthy weight. Most female pugs have weight gain when they are pregnant. The excess weight can be due to their unborn puppies and extra fat. Here are other details about pug growth chart: At 8 weeks age, pugs ideally weigh between 2 to 4 pounds At 6 months of age, their weight is between 7 to 12 pounds At one year, their weight hits at 13 to 18 pounds What is a teacup pug? This is pug hybrid is made from combining a pug and a chihuahua. But this pug mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Teacup pugs can literally fit inside a teacup, thus, giving them that name. They usually weigh 1. As they reach adult size, their weight is between 1. Breeding this miniature pugs is not recommended because of health reasons. Because of their compact size, they are prone to many health risks such as pug dog encephalitis. They are also at risk for dystocia and breathing problems. And their average life span of a teacup pug is 6 to 10 years. Some animal welfare groups consider it unethical to breed teacup pugs because of the many serious health problems due to their compact body. How big do pugs age 6 month be? A pug usually stops growing after a year, but they can reach their full growth on the ninth month. But when they are 6 months old, their physical maturity is already close to maturity. At this age, they usually weigh around seven to twelve pounds while having a height of 10 to 13 inches. Take note, once your pug reaches 6 months, it still continue to grows to maximum at the ninth month. After that, growth slows down until they reach one year age. With good nutrition and regular exercise, the overall health of your pug will be great. Over weight will be prevented since inactivity will cause them to gain weight. This is bad since they are more prone to respiratory concerns when they are obese. How big do pugs are at full growth? According to many dog kennel clubs, a full grown pug is around 10 to 13 inches tall and weighing around 14 to 18 pounds. Most adult pugs have a muscular build when they reach their full maturity. But you need to watch out for their diet and exercise to avoid letting them go overweight. If this happens, bring your pug to a veterinarian to find out the possible reasons. Most dog diseases happen when they are over weight, especially for pugs. Because of their wrinkled face and compact body, breathing is challenging. Some of them even suffer from a pinched backbone, which requires surgery. If your pug weighs over 18 pounds, start counting their calorie intake. Schedule a walk and play time with them since these are most energetic dogs in the toy group. We know they are lap dogs, but they love playing with their owner. That makes them great companions. How can you keep your pugs healthy? Pugs are adorable pets because of their loving nature. But they are also prone to health issues, especially breathing since they are brachycephalic breed. This makes breathing a lot challenging for them. For you to keep the optimal health of your full grown pug, you need to bring them to the vet periodically. Complete their annual shots, deworming, and heart worm tests. They also need to under DNA testing for spotting pug dog encephalitis. Because of their breathing issues, it also makes them susceptible to heart problems. These two are strongly linked together. To keep your pugs in their right weight, spend around fifteen to twenty minutes of exercise with them. This prevents them from being goofy and mischievous. More about Pug health in this section. Final Words… Adult pugs are not as big as other dogs, yet they are good natured ones. We hope to have helped you understand everything about the topic. So, going back, pugs stops growing when they reach a year old. They reach maximum adult size on their ninth months of age, then continue to slowly grow until reaching one year. You still need to care for them until they reach their end of life stage. Through this journey, give them proper love and care since they are your buddies too. If you plan to get a pug, you can adopt one from a shelter. Otherwise, you can buy one from a reliable pug breeder. Make sure to check the AKC papers for your purebred pugs. We can help you in acquiring and taking care of your pug , by reading our blogs on the topic. When Are Pugs Full Grown? Although some pugs can be bigger, skinnier, fatter, smaller or taller than others, they are more or less similar in size if purebred. But, when are pugs full grown i. Pugs are full-grown after 9 months when they stop growing, whether in weight or height. Pugs usually reach adulthood when they are 1 year old. Sexual maturity comes before physical maturity 6 to 9 months old. Most pugs are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic and toy breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. Usually, a pug litter size is between 2 to 5 puppies, the average being 4 pups per litter. Your pug will go through 5 puppy growth stages: The neonatal stage: Birth to 2 weeks of age. The transitional stage: 2 to 4 weeks of age. The socialization stage: 3 to 12 weeks of age. The ranking stage: 3 to 6 months of age. The adolescence stage: 6 to 18 months of age. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 Weeks At the transitional stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. The Socialization Stage 3 to 12 Weeks This stage is key for socialization , like the name indicates, and is the period when a puppy goes through rapid development. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, pug pups start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your pug daily. The Ranking Stage 3 to 6 Months At the ranking stage: Between 3 to 6 months of age, pugs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. The Adolescence Stage 6 to 18 Months The adolescence stage is the last development step: Between 6 to 9 months of age, sexual maturity in puppies typically occurs. After 9 months, growth slows down and by the age of 1, pugs reach adulthood and their full height. Pug puppy. When Do Pugs Stop Growing? After 9 months of age, pugs will stop growing and can be considered fully-grown whether in weight or height. By the time they are 1 year old, pugs reach adulthood. Sexual maturity, on the other hand, usually comes before physical maturity. Female pugs go into their first heat cycle known as estrous when they are 6 to 9 months old. After that, female pugs are able to get pregnant. Male pugs, however, generally gain full reproductive capabilities when they are between 6 months to 1 year old. The pug breed is in his or her prime between 1. Afterwards, they will be considered senior dogs. Their life expectancy is between 13 to 15 years source. Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age and their growth slows down. You might not see big changes from 9 months old until they reach 1 year old, but some do continue filling out until they are a year old. On average, pugs get 10 to 13 inches 25 to 33 cm tall and weigh between 13 to 18 pounds 5. Adult male and female pugs. Pug Growth Chart Mature pugs of both sexes are usually close in height and weight. When fully grown, pugs are generally between 10 to 13 inches in height cm. According to the AKC breed standard , both male and female pugs should ideally weigh between 6. Pugs outside of this range may be classed as under-weight and over-weight. Check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis since more athletic pugs will have bigger muscles and will weigh more. However, if your pug starts looking like a big barrel, you should really start getting concerned. Check out our Is My Pug Overweight? This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect regarding how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact. Good day and welcome everyone! This is Sharda with another Pugs newsletter. Today we will discuss about Pug puppy development stages! To know why this happens, you need to understand each stage of development that your pup goes through to become an adult. In this stage, your Pug pup will first open his eyes, and begin to respond to light and movements and sounds around him. At this stage, he will begin to move around a little, adjusting to the earth beneath his feet and crawling in his box. He will begin to recognize his mother and his siblings and any objects you place in his box. He will be alert and sensitive to his environment and begin to recognize you and your family. This is a crucial stage in his growth as now he learns all it takes to be a dog, so let him be with his mother and siblings. He will learn now to interact with his littermates and play and how to overcome his bite inhibition. In addition, he will learn to be disciplined while his mother weans him and teaches him dog manners, as also that she is the leader of the pack. At this stage, you can safely introduce him to food at the same time as the mother is weaning him. While his mother does her bit by her Pug puppies, you should not give up handling your pup every day, at least for 10 minutes at a time. It is best to leave newborns with their mother until seven weeks of age if not longer so that they are better socially developed. According to canine experts, the best time a pup can learn social skills is when he is between three and 16 weeks of age because anything he learns now contributes to making him a well-adjusted dog. So, leave him with his mother and siblings now for as long as possible. This is not the appropriate time for disciplining him if he is play-fighting or has housebreaking mistakes because this is a normal step in his growth. No harsh talk or loud voices either or even traumatic events. If you like, you could now begin to teach him simple commands such as come, sit, stay and down. Accustom him to using a leash now and take care not to keep him away from the rest of your family, as he must continue to learn social etiquette and behaviour that he will need for the rest of his life. At this stage, he will appear to be just a little more independent and might even start ignoring all the commands you taught him only recently. Take care, however, as he might just bite you or nip you in an attempt to challenge your power over him. He may interpret the former game as a sign of dominance, especially if he wins while with wrestling, things can get completely out of control. As your puppy grows in strength, he will want to play games of strength, perhaps even with you. He will no longer be keen to please you and will display cheeky behaviour. He will now begin teething and will search for things to chew on if only to relieve the pain and pressure. To help him through this period, give him frozen doggie bones. He may try to bully over other members of your family, especially children. If you shout out to him to come over to you, at this stage he will choose to ignore you. This can be a dangerous situation, because if he does this in a public place and runs away from you, he may meet with an accident and injure himself badly and even die. At this stage, he will also go through all the hormonal changes a teenage boy or girl would. He will now be sexually ready and may display a rebellious streak. This is the right time to have him neutered or spayed if you have a female. Though he is not seasoned and experienced in the ways of the dog world, you still need to treat him as you would an adult son or daughter. Be realistic about him and give him his freedom. You can do this by increasing the scope of his activities and his training. Give him advanced training sessions, if you choose, such as herding or agility training. Or you could include more people and animals in his sphere of contact so that he learns not to be aggressive or jealous or even a threat to other dogs and people. All the best and take care Warmly,

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share!