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Their steep price comes from the fees of the breeder you decide to go with, as well as the cost of the parents. If they always have litters available, beware that you might be dealing with a puppy farm. Pugs have been the saviors of nobility and kingdoms. Pugs have a long and engaging history that most agree starts in China over a thousand years ago. They were brought to Europe by the Dutch East India Company, where they became popular among the nobles, particularly those in the House of Orange, an old royal line of the Netherlands. Pugs became especially beloved and held in high esteem when the dog saved the life of William, who was the Prince of Orange. They were then made the official dog of the House of Orange in .The Pug is also credited with giving a prompt warning that alerted the nobility of the invading Spanish army. She ended up training the dog to take notes to her husband when she was trapped in Les Carmes. Schnugs may need extra work on potty training. Schnug puppies, due to the genetic tendency inherited from their Pug parents, can have problems with being housebroken. The training should start as soon as they arrive in the home and can take weeks of consistent work to become accustomed to the habit. Miniature Schnauzers are a German-bred dog, developed out of the need for a small but a speedy dog to control rat problems in homes and stables. This hunting and chasing tendency is what makes them an instinctual hunter, something you need to look out for behaviorally with other small animals in a home. However, afterward, they still had a distinct pet owner following, and the breed was revived. Since then, they have become a popular companion dog and have spread to many parts of the globe. However, for many people, their temperament and overall personality win over everything else. They are mischievous and curious, always wanting to be in the middle of things and know what is going on. They are a happy dog, enjoying it the most when they can play around with their owners. This pup should be left at home all day. Doing that can harm their emotions since they are so social. The Schnug is outgoing and can be quite vocal. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are rarely aggressive but sometimes exhibit a short temper when it comes to poking and otherwise irritating behavior. They love to play for long periods and are happy to keep children company all day long. They are such social creatures that it is recommended to have another dog around, especially if people are out of the house for most of the day. Due to their breeding, they have a high prey drive. This characteristic can make Schnugs a dangerous dog to have around smaller mammals like rabbits or hamsters. Shnug Description The Schnug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. These are photos I took the first couple of days she was home with us. She was only eight weeks old, very hyper when she is awake. Much like a newborn she still sleeps most of her day away, but when she is up the whole house knows about it. She is a strong personality dog already and loves to play fight. Sometimes she is very aggressive toward my daughter, but you just have to let her know who is in control and she will ease up. She loves to chew on everything so you must keep the floor clean. The things she likes the most are fingers and toes. He is full of personality and likes nothing better than to lick your face and hands! I took these photos recently after a visit to the groomer and a walk on the beach. As Bobby is my first dog I had a behaviourist out when he first came home to give me some tips on the best way to train him. He has been relatively easy to train but needs consistency. He will take advantage if you let him away with anything! He chews a lot, but has so far contained himself to his own toys and bones and the odd toe! You have to watch your socks, though! I work full time and live in an apartment. Bobby does not seem to mind this. A dog walker comes every day at lunch time and then he sleeps until I get home from work. He does not bark very often except at his own reflection. He is a delightful dog! Schnug Dogs There are hundreds of dog breeds out there, each with their own sets of attributes — both positive and negative. Today, we will take a close look at the Pug Schnauzer mix, otherwise known as the Schnug. An adorable, admittedly odd looking dog, the Schnug is gaining in popularity, and winning the hearts of dog owners worldwide. But is the Schnug a good breed to own? There is an ongoing debate in the dog owner community. Some believe that designer dogs like the Schnug are unethical or too unpredictable. Others love mixed-breed dogs and designer dogs, on the basis that they help to eliminate some of the common health issues associated with purebreds. Evidence of hybrid vigor in crossbreed dogs indicates that they are indeed on the path to longer, happier lives. Ultimately, no side has been proven right or wrong. Designer dogs have pros and cons, as do purebred dogs. The battle of purebred vs mutt is likely to go on for some time. Wherever you stand on the issue, we always encourage our readers to have an open mind on the issue. Of the three Schnauzer types, Miniature Schnauzers are closest in size to Pugs, which makes them the most suitable for crossbreeding. So you need to know about both breeds, and be prepared to embrace the unpredictability. This includes any combination of the physical qualities, temperaments, exercise needs and health problems of each parent. Origins of the Pug The Pug dog is an ancient breed with a history dating back over 2, years. Up until the s, Pugs were rare and exceedingly hard for non-royalty to acquire. They were passed down within royal families, and occasionally given as gifts. Dutch traders eventually brought the breed to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity. Origin of the Schnauzer The Miniature Schnauzer is another breed with a long history. The Miniature was bred down from the Standard Schnauzer with the aim of creating an ideal breed for hunting rats. The Miniature Schnauzer fit this role perfectly, quickly becoming a popular choice for European farmers seeking a barnyard ratting dog. Today, the Miniature Schnauzer is even more popular than the Pug, consistently ranking in the top 20 most popular breeds. Pug and Schnauzer Mix Size Like any first generation cross, there can be a lot of physical variation among Schnug dogs — even between brothers and sister from the same litter! Bred from two small breeds, the Schnug is predictably small though. A full grown Schnug will usually be 10 to 14 inches tall, with a weight between 15 and 24 pounds or so. Schnugs are typically fairly long from head to tail yet short from shoulders to floor. They can have somewhat of a boxy look, with a head that seems just a bit too large for their body. Schnug Characteristics The shape of their face will vary depending on which breed comes through stronger. They can have the short, pointed muzzle of the Schnauzer, or the flat face of the Pug — or anywhere in between. Schnugs often take on the bearded face of the Schnauzer and many have large, prominent eyes. Schnug Temperament Schnugs are often described as a relatively high energy breed — like their Schnauzer parents — but not hyperactive. They enjoy walks and plenty of exercise. The Schnauzer cross Pug breed is usually a happy, social and curious dog. They have a bit of a mischievous streak, as well. They are typically intelligent and eager to please their owners, although like both their parents they can have a stubborn side at times. Schnugs are generally good with other dogs and human friends alike, although they may take a bit of time to warm up to strangers. The Schnauzer Pug mix is a social breed and loves to be around their human. They can suffer from separation anxiety like Pugs, so this might not be the best breed to choose if you are out of the house for long periods of time. Coat coloring can vary. Shades of grey, cream, white and light brown are most common, but other colors like black and red are possible. Schnugs will often sport a bearded muzzle, which is typically a darker color than the rest of their coat. Nails should be clipped once a month or so. Ears should also be checked regularly and cleaned, if necessary. If you get your companion as a puppy, this is the ideal time to establish regular grooming routines and get your dog used to the process. It can be difficult to introduce new grooming methods later in life as the dog may learn to dislike the process. As with any mixed breed, the Schnug can inherit a predisposition to illnesses associated with either parent breed. Thus, one should look at the potential for health problems in both the Pug dog and the Miniature Schnauzer in order to get a better idea of what to look out for in a Schnug cross. Some common health issues of the Pug include Pug dog encephalitis PDE , brachycephaly, hip dysplasia, elongated palate, Legg-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, entropion, obesity, and skin infections. On the Schnauzer side, health concerns include mycobacterium avium infection, eye issues including cataracts and retinal dysplasia, allergies, and Schnauzer comedo syndrome. Are Schnugs Healthy? In general, Schnauzers tend to be healthier dogs than Pugs. Sadly, this frequently results in difficulty eating, breathing, and controlling their temperature, as well as eye and dental problems. This leads some to believe that a crossbred Schnug may be healthier than a purebred Pug dog — but there are no definitive studies to prove that theory. The primary concerns for Schnug owners include breathing problems, eye problems and joint problems. Pugs and Schnauzers being used for breeding should have a vet check prior to mating, including a full eye exam and hip and knee assessment. A good breeder will happily share the results of this with you, talk frankly about the health concerns facing Schnugs, and how they try to protect their puppies. They have a moderate to high energy level. They enjoy playing with other dogs and their owners, although you will often find them entertaining themselves, as well. For these pups, their instinct to work hard is at odds with their physical ability to do so, which can be distressing, frustrating, and even dangerous. But since every first generation crossbreed is a genetic lottery, instead you need to be an owner who could live happily with a variety of dogs. Specifically, would you be happy with a Pug? And would you be happy with a Miniature Schnauzer? Despite being intelligent, Schnugs inherit an independent streak and a short attention span from both parents, which means they are not among the easiest dogs to train. The breed is relatively new and although their popularity is on the rise, numbers are still small. Selecting a reputable, experienced breeder is vital as it improves your chances of getting a healthy, happy dog. Ensure that the Pug parent has wide open nostrils that have never required surgery. To locate a breeder, you can search online to find a local source. Be prepared to join a waiting list. Is a Schnug Right For Me? The Schnug is a cross between two of our most popular small companion dogs. This little mix is likely to be a playful and personable member of your family. When looking for a new dog, you should first and foremost find a good, reputable breeder in your area, who is passionate about the health and welfare of their puppies. After that, you can help to keep your dog happy and healthy by visiting the vet regularly and ensuring your dog lives a healthy, active lifestyle. Do you have a Schnug to snuggle with? What lead you to this unlikely-looking crossbreed? Join in the conversation using the comments box! References Tipold, A. Diagnosis of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the central nervous system in dogs: a retrospective study. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Structural characteristics of the nose in brachycephalic dog breeds analysed by computed tomography. Parshall, C. Photoreceptor dysplasia: an inherited progressive retinal atrophy of miniature schnauzer dogs. Gelatt, K. Inheritance of congenital cataracts and microphthalmia in the Miniature Schnauzer. American journal of veterinary research,

Through the Years - Cutest of the Cute To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Located in Ocala Florida, we are a family owned and operated breeder who enjoys showing and breeding top quality Bulldogs. Here in the horse capital of the world where only the best horses and dogs will do. We have a peaceful 30 acre farm where our dogs are a huge part of our everyday lives. They live in our house, have their own dog beds, go in our trucks and love to go to horse shows and which is why we have found this breed to be our loyal all around best companion for life. Here at the farm our dogs are well socialized around other dogs and other animals and most of all around my 3 children. Keeping my dogs happy and healthy is extremely important and I will not overlook any details to do so. You can rest assured our dogs have impeccable show bloodlines and your pup will be a fantastic addition to your family as well. They are great with children when trained with a firm but, loving and positive hand. Here at Blackhorse you are not just purchasing a pup but, you are becoming a member of our family, we will always be here to answer questions and help anytime. Judges love his near perfect structure, breath taking movement and super kind personality as well! Way to go Einstein! Love this remarkable boy!! Building a trustworthy, capable, vigorous, and beastly Olde English Bulldogge is my lifestyle. My breeding program permeates my entire life and gives me purpose. Take a look around my site to see the Evolution Bulldogge difference. This is my story. The giant bulldog in the cartoons had a magnificent head, colossal chest, low, broad, heavy, and muscular body! Immediately Bulldogs became a massive fascination for me. The cartoons with bulldogs were by far my favorite. I would become a very excited kiddo each time a bulldog made a television appearance. This fascination grew into an obsession. Unfortunately, my first introduction to a real bulldog was a disappointment mixed with a strange sense of enthusiasm. My friend Mikey had a female English Bulldog at his house. She was tiny, chunky, super cute, and snorty. He showed me that when he nudged her chest with his shoe, she would grip it and snarl in rough play. Her bully mind was incredible, but her body was lacking. I really thought bulldogs were going to be how television portrayed them to children. There had to be something better. I was fifteen years old when I met Mr. Jack, an over-sized English Bulldog stud. I spent hours playing and wrestling around with him. He was a great bulldog, and he was reasonably similar to my giant cartoon bulldog dream. Unfortunately, he was not quite the icon of health or vigor I had hoped for, but I was completely hooked. I made a clear decision. I would become the greatest bulldog breeder in the world. My parents, however, put my dream as a bulldog breeder on hold. Over the next decade and a half, I spent countless hours and days researching genetics, anatomy, physiology, and biology. I was learning how to breed healthy versions of my beloved cartoon image bulldog. In my studies, I realized the English Bulldog is structurally limited in regards to health. I began looking at other bully breeds in an attempt to find a healthy bulldog that matched my vision. For many years my search came up lacking. By the time I reached this earth, bulldogs had become a gross mutation of their former selves. The bulldog of old- the courageous, capable, athletic, powerful bulldogs had long since become extinct. I become less enamored with the English Bulldog breed and more so interested in my image of what I felt a bulldog should be. But I did not Stop Searching. They were local, and the name in the olde tyme spelling piqued my Bulldog curiosity. I called and made an appointment to see what these Olde English Bulldogges were all about. I rushed right over to see this new promise of a better Bulldog. When I arrived, I saw the most superb Bulldog bitch that I had ever seen in my life! Bulldogs only moved that powerfully and quickly in the cartoons! I knew I was onto something with my brand new introduction to the Olde English Bulldogge. The sales pitch that the Olde English Bulldogge was healthy and capable sold me. Traveling around the country, I visited breeders of this amazing new breed and I bought up puppy after puppy. Dog after dog failed health and temperament tests. It quickly became evident that the Olde English Bulldogge breed also suffers from several of the same health issues which plague the English Bulldog. Compelled by obsession, I started all over, In spite of my losses. The lessons were expensive, in addition to well-received. Nevertheless, I searched tirelessly for Olde Bulldogges that would put me within reach of my ultimate goal of a bigger, better bulldog. Taking some significant losses, I realized getting what I wanted would mean creating it myself. Still obsessed with my dream, I kept searching and searching. With a few tastes here and there of what could be, I eventually stumbled upon a few exceptional dogs. As dogs finally started passing health testing, I could move forward. This small handful of quality dogs would lay the foundation for a solid breeding program. I began linebreeding my productions to make great family companion bulldogs that excel at protection. Evolution Bulldogges was born! Fast Forward a Bit… With multiple generations of tested and proven dogs, my main focus is to advance my Bulldogge breeding program consistently. My secondary focus is to help you get just the right Olde English Bulldogge puppy for you. Occasionally I have other puppies available who are not yet listed. When you purchase an Olde Bulldogge puppy from Evolution Bulldogges, you can be sure you are getting the highest quality Bulldogge puppy money can buy. If you are interested in learning about my Olde English Bulldogge kennel and breeding program or purchasing bulldog puppies from me, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you and will help you in any way I can.

According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America the coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out off-colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. These colors make Show Line German Shepherds truly stand out. Good balanced diet, daily NuVet, addition of carrots and Salmon oil benefit the Genetics. Many times when we are in public we are asked what breed our dogs are and when we say that they are "German Shepherd Dogs", people are surprised and say, "Wow! But they are so red! We are amazed by all the scientific research that is done in breeding and continue to learn! In a classic German Shepherd genetic table - black is a recessive gene and to produce a solid black puppy BOTH parents must carry a black gene. Owners of Solid Black dogs are extremely proud of the color of their dog and many call it "rare", as not always you can produce a Solid Black dog. Solid Black puppies are born completely black and have no tan anywhere on their body. Small patches of white can be present at birth on chest or on the paws , but they will disappear as puppy grows. It is an off-color as far as the breed standard goes and is a highly undesirable color. The darker - the better and when you see the "RED", you know it. We also see more "Black and Tan" dogs being short-stock. This is a serious fault. There are actually three variations of a blue German Shepherd Dog as they come in blue and tan, blue and sable, or blue and black. The nose of a liver GSD is brown leather as well. This is an off-color and is a fault as far a breed standard goes. Image from the web - SABLE The sable is classic pattern of a GSD and is described by gray coat that looks very similar to the coat you would expect to see on the wolf. Even with a sable, you can see variances in the color of the pigment. Sometimes you will hear people say they own a red sable. Sometimes you will hear them say that they own a gray. So you can find black sables, tan sables silver sables or red sables. This is how much the coat of a sable can vary. This is major fault as far as breed standard goes and a white dog will be disqualified from a show ring. Image from the web BI-COLOR The bi-color is a classic pattern when the saddle part of the dog covers most of the body leaving markings on the feet and sometimes on the face like having eyebrows. Image from the web Below this text is a popular image that is circulating on the web. Many off-color breeders are using it as a proof that their dogs are German Shepherd dogs of AKC recognized "rare" color. Even so, we here at Vom Geliebten Haus, go by the German Shepherd Breed standard and only respect the desired colors of the German Shepherd Dog, that include: black, tan and red. These colors can be present in any of the standard patterns: solid, bi-color, blanket back, sable and saddle. The coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Image from the web. Sable White Though all these colors are standard for this dog breed, not all of them are widely bred. Breeders choose to avoid colors such as liver, white and blue, despite being standard colors. So, if you have your heart set on one of the ones I just mentioned, then you may need to spend extra time searching for a reputable breeder. But even with this common color, there is plenty of room for variation. The tan fur can range from deeper hues to a shade that almost approaches silver along the edges. The black color usually appears as a saddle-like pattern along the back and can vary quite a bit in size. Something to keep in mind is that GSDs born with this pattern usually begin life with a darker shade and slowly lighten as they mature. Darker, especially black, coloration is recessive in the German Shepherd. So if both the parents display the black and tan coloring, then the pup is more likely to as well. Sable German Shepherd via Instagram: konathesablegsd The most common color seen in the German Shepherd breed is the sand color. As a matter of fact, this opens the door for quite a few color combinations. While other colors of this breed are largely defined by single colors, or bicolor ratios, sable dogs are a bit more homogenous. That is, the coloring is more even throughout without distinct areas of one color or another. Within this coloring, the shades can range from lighter greys to darker colors, such as more grey or shades approaching red and brown. If you were to look at any single hair of a German Shepherd with this coloring, you might notice that their hair can have two to three colors on each strand. As such, they are much more popular in the work line or as pets. They are especially popular in the K-9 units of a police force. Bicolor German Shepherd via Instagram: asulkancrew At first glance, this may seem like a variation of the black and tan German Shepherd. And there is some debate about whether bicolor German Shepherds are simply displaying a pattern or a distinct color on its own. A bicolor German Shepherd will have black and tan colors, but the black with be much more dominant here. Almost the entire body will be black, with only a few areas such as the legs or chest displaying fur that ranges from tan to brown. At birth, the two-tone German Shepherd will be hard to distinguish from its solid black siblings. In fact, it may take months to start seeing changes. However, an indicator of whether the puppy will grow up to be a bicolor dog is if it has some brown color under the tail. Black German Shepherd via Instagram: trublueaussiedogz The gene for a black coat is recessive in German Shepherds, so an entirely black dog will be somewhat hard to find. Black GSDs might actually have a bit of brown fur on their toes or feet, and even some hints of white on their chest. While less common than other colorations, a black German Shepherd is by no means rare. There will be some breeders that hike up the price based solely on the idea that these dogs are rare or special. And while, yes, they are absolutely beautiful and worth taking home, just be sure the price is fair and do some market research beforehand. The white GSD is downright gorgeous. The white coloring really gives the dog a wolf-like look and lends it an air of mystery. They may often get confused for an athletic, slimmed-down Samoyed, but their poise and calmness begs to differ. Plenty of people, The Smart Canine included, see this coloring as one of the more desirable for a German Shepherd. And, in any case, the AKC does allow them to be registered, but simply not as a show dog. For most owners, this is fine because who really has the time to show their dogs? Biology and evolution did well here by pairing these two genes. Liver-colored German Shepherds tend to range from lighter browns to darker and warmer colors. And in some cases, even bordering on red. The coat can also have hints of other colors in it, smoothly blending in with the brown, here and there. There are three variations of the liver coloring: liver and tan, liver and white, and solid liver. The good news is that all three of these are recognized by the American Kennel Club. Blue German Shepherd via Instagram: titanbluegsd Contrary to what some people say, blue coloring in a German Shepherd is not an indication of fault and or poor health unlike blue French Bulldogs. The reasoning for this belief could be due to the fact that blue coloring might indicate temperament or health problems in other breeds. For example, some blue dogs may have hormone or skin issues. We call this condition, Color Dilution Alopecia. However with the German Shepherd, this is definitely not the case. Plenty of breeders purposely breed for this color because of its rarity. Coming from a recessive gene, blue coloration does not occur often without specifically being bred for it. While you might not have too hard a time finding a blue German Shepherd nowadays, be prepared to dig deeper in your pockets. Their scarcity can push up the price and will vary from breeder to breeder. In a way, the coat pattern of the red and black German Shepherd looks almost like a brindle or merle. The black is not limited to those areas of the body — it depends on the dog and the parents. Most of the time, color distribution may vary from dog to dog. However, they will typically have a silver base on the bottom of their body and black on the top half on their body. The hue of black can range from a dark gray to a deep black. In some instances, the German Shepherd may have silver with multiple shades of black on the coat. Instead of the metallic-like silver coloring, the black and cream has an off-white cream color. However, this cream color can vary from dog to dog, but usually has a hint of yellow to it. It really depends. If you like how it looks, whether white, dark, or blue, then you should choose accordingly. Unfortunately, white German Shepherds will be out of the picture, despite its aesthetic appeal. Either way, coloration in a German Shepherd covers a wide range of options, and each of them are simply just colors. No single color indicates better health, temperament, skills or anything like that. Which is your favorite German Shepherd color? And which one do you own? Let us know in the comments section below! Posts you may like:. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin! Liver These are all approved show-ring standard coat colors in case you want to show your GSD. But is there any way to know for sure what coat color your GSD puppy will have when they grow up? First-time German Shepherd owners are often very surprised to learn that a large breed dog like the German Shepherd can continue growing for 24 to 36 months. An adult German Shepherd dog may weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pad to shoulder. That is a lot of growth that needs to get done. For this reason, genetically speaking, it is advantageous for a large breed puppy to grow in spurts, spacing it out over time. Canine coat color experts explain that dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin melanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin Eumelanin pigment always defaults to black. Eumelanin not only determines basic coat color but also controls for iris eye colors and nose colors. Phaeomelanin Phaeomelanin always defaults to red. Like eumelanin, the introduction of different genes can determine where on the red spectrum phaeomelanin expresses shows up. Unlike eumelanin, phaeomelanin only affects coat color and not eyes or nose. This is the chart many breeders use to design breeding programs to focus on certain coat colors. Each parent dog contributes a set of genes that control for color: coat color, eye iris color, and nose color as well as skin color. If you have a preference for a specific adult coat color, whether because you want to show your GSD or you are developing your breeding program, the best guarantee is to work closely with a knowledgeable breeder who understands coat color genetics. There is one exception to the coat color change to be aware of: often GSD puppies born with white coats will stay white. The coat is no exception here, as we mentioned in the introduction here. When your GSD puppy is born, all the puppies are typically but not always solid in color. The most common GSD puppy colors are black, grey, or — surprisingly — white. Kennels Von Lotta, a German Shepherd breeder, and kennel have posted this picture of a litter of newborn neonate German Shepherd puppies that were born black. Whelping to 2 weeks The puppies will start to show some differences in coat color and also coat length. By the day mark, breeders say it is often possible to tell if a GSD puppy is potentially going to grow up to have a long coat. As South Florida Shepherds kennel and breeder explains, the very same parent dogs can produce GSD puppies with very different adult coat colors. Because nearly all GSDs are displaying their permanent adult coloration by 18 to 24 months, continued changes or a sudden recurrence of color changes should always be investigated further. Now you know what to watch for as your little fluffy German Shepherd puppy starts to display their full and fabulous adult coat color and pattern. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

How much does a C-section cost for a French bulldog Breeding French Bulldogs Before discussing the litter size of the French Bulldog, we need to talk about dog breeding in general. While we discuss different dog breeds here regularly, it is important to know there are still many issues involved in breeding. While loving a particular breed and enjoying its ideal traits is not wrong, there is a problem with population numbers. Shelter systems around the world are overrun with abandoned and stray dogs, rescued from circumstances which often cause psychological trauma and physical harm. The reasons so many dogs enter the shelter system are varied, but they often come from negligent owners who cannot meet the responsibility of dog guardianship. While you yourself may be a responsible dog guardian, finding the same for all of the puppies in a French Bulldog's litter may not be an easy task. Due to canine overpopulation, there are more dogs than homes to accommodate them. Shelter systems work hard to rehome and care for abandoned dogs, but many do not have the resources to do so. The difficulties from which many of these dogs suffer often means they are shuffled back and forth or are directly euthanized. Another worrying aspect is the presence of unscrupulous breeders. The popularity of French Bulldogs began with professional and legally registered breeders. They not only guarantee that the characteristics of the breed are maintained, but they look after the dog's welfare and give them the best chance to be happy and healthy adult dogs. Unscrupulous breeders only want to make money. They will house dogs in inhumane conditions, not give them proper socialization, neglect their health needs and may be involved in abuse. Keeping dogs in puppy farms means the mothers are often used solely for breeding and are not given a happy existence. Keeping so many dogs in close proximity can also promote many diseases, parasitical infections, skin disorders and more. Even if the dog is physically healthy, they may suffer from serious behavioral problems. Another reason for taking care when breeding French Bulldogs is due to their particular health issues. Although French Bulldogs are wonderful animals which can lead happy lives, they are also a product of certain breeding practices. In a desire to have certain physical characteristics, French Bulldogs have a particular morphology. Their snout is shortened and their stature is very stocky. The result is that these breeds are prone to certain disorders such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Studies show that many Bulldog owners are not even aware of the condition [1] , but it can lead to severe respiratory problems and a significant decrease in quality of life. Other health problems common to the French Bulldog include eye problems, entropion , invertebral disc disease, cleft palate and more. For the above reasons, it is not advised you breed your French Bulldog. You will be contributing to an overpopulation of dogs which means dogs already in need are often overlooked. Veterinarians recommend sterilization for both female and male dogs not only for the larger dog population, but for the individual dog. It helps avoid certain physical and behavioral disorders which can make their care difficult. After a French Bulldog gives birth to their litter, they will be able to become pregnant again as soon as they reach their next heat cycle. If your French Bulldog has become pregnant and you are wondering how many puppies they will have in their litter, you should consider spaying the dog as soon as they have been able to wean the puppies and are ready to be separated from their mother. Average number of puppies in a French Bulldog litter If you do not take our advice or your French Bulldog is already pregnant , you will want to know how many puppies are in a French Bulldog litter. In doing so, you will know how many homes you will need to find for each puppy or if it is possible an adopter will take in more than one puppy. The average size of a French Bulldog litter is 3 puppies. It is not abnormal for a French Bulldog to have 4 puppies in a litter, but anything over 5 puppies is unusual. While we will not be able to tell how many puppies a French Bulldog will be able to have early on, we need to carry out checkups with the veterinarian. How to know how many puppies a French Bulldog will have While we may know how many French Bulldog puppies are likely to be born, many people will want to know an exact amount. This can be a difficult to determine, especially in the early stages. Apart from determining the health of mother and fetuses, the veterinarian can help to determine how many puppies will be in a litter. Palpations will be used initially to determine pregnancy. The vet will press and tap the French Bulldog's abdomen to look for the presence of fluid sacs which contain the fetuses. These can only be felt after a minimum of 3 weeks after conception. Even during this time, it will not be possible to know how many fetuses are present. An x-ray is a better way to determine the amount of puppies in a French Bulldog litter, but not until later in the gestation. The reason is that the x-ray needs to pick out the spine and skull in the fetus, which don't develop until at least day 42, but even then it may not be easy to determine exactly how many fetuses are in the litter. Perhaps the best method of determining how many puppies are in a litter is with an ultrasound. This should be carried between the third and fourth week of pregnancy and then again further into the gestation. An ultrasound will not only help to determine the amount of fetuses present, but they will also be able to find out if they are alive. Earlier in the pregnancy, a miscarried fetus will be absorbed into the mother's body, but this will not happen if it has developed sufficiently. An x-ray can tell if the fetus is present, but an ultrasound will let us to know if there is a heartbeat. Complications in French Bulldog pregnancy As we state above, the French Bulldog has certain health issues which affect them as adults. The same problems will affect a French Bulldog's pregnancy. As the Bulldog's hips are narrow, giving birth normally becomes more difficult. Another aspect is the fact that French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs. The shape of their head can lead to various problems, particularly with respiration. A mother dog which is giving birth to multiple puppies may struggle to get enough oxygen. If they already have other health issues during their pregnancy, this can exacerbate them. Not only is it problematic for the French Bulldog mother to have complications, but the shape of this breed's head means it can be difficult for the puppies to pass through the birth canal. The word for problems during labor is dystocia and recent reviews have highlighted the specific problems faced by brachycephalic dog breeds. Firstly, French Bulldogs are .It is important to monitor your dog's pregnancy, regardless of breed. With French Bulldogs it is imperative. How much does a C-section cost for a French bulldog As we have seen, regardless of how many puppies a French bulldog can have, a caesarean section is likely. This is regardless of whether it has been scheduled by the veterinarian or if it has to occur due to obvious complications in the birth. The caesarean section is a type of abdominal surgery which involves the veterinarian cutting into successive layers. Once they are in far enough, they will reach the uterus which they open with a scalpel. The puppies are then extracted from the abdomen and their amniotic sacs pierced so they can breathe air. The French Bulldog dam will be anesthetized during the procedure, but this needs to happen just before otherwise further complications such as hypotension may occur [5]. Another reason the anesthetic needs to have short duration is the fact that the puppies will need to start feeding almost immediately. The veterinarian will dry the puppies after the c-section and keep them warm until all the puppies are birthed and the mother regains consciousness. The price of this procedure will depend on various factors: Time of the operation: if the c-section is an emergency and is performed outside of clinic hours, it will normally cost more. Complications: if there are any issues during the operation which require the dog to have extra medical care, this will add to the bills. This is particularly the case if the dog needs to stay in for observation. Weight: if the dog is particularly large, they may need more drugs or procedures to carry it out safely. The same goes if they have related medical conditions. Place: different countries, regions and individual clinics will have varying prices. For the above reasons, we cannot give you the exact price of a c-section for a French Bulldog. You will have to discuss pricing with your veterinarian as you go on checkups during the pregnancy. While this may be expensive, we are paying for the expertise of the veterinary health professional, the materials required during the procedure and various other factors. If you want to read similar articles to How many puppies can a French bulldog have? References 1. Liu, N. February 2, This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. French bulldogs are a breed of dogs that have gained popularity over the past few decades. Most importantly, French bulldogs, like all brachycephalic breeds, suffer from many health issues due to their physical characteristics. The lifespan for a French bulldog can be a short as years since they often die prematurely due to breathing difficulties such as collapsed lungs which can be caused by their flat faces. A well-bred French Bulldog can live the full years assuming they do not have the brachycephalic dog syndrome or other diseases causing a premature death. While the grunting noises may sound silly, they really can be interpreted wrongly by other dogs. That being said, it should be clear that all dogs need socialization. A good breeder will have taken measures to ensure that the puppies do not have any problems, which includes a good breeding program and health testing. French bulldogs, like all breeds of dogs, are subject to a wide variety of health problems. Photo by MirasWonderland on Shutterstock There is no one cause of death for the majority of French bulldogs. They just seem to be more prone to certain types of diseases or conditions which can lead to their early death. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. And that includes undesirable health issues. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic diseases in dogs, French Bulldogs are no exception. There are a few things you should know about this condition before getting your rescue checked out by a vet. Symptoms include difficulty standing up from a sitting position, difficulty walking or running, inability to climb stairs without assistance, an arched back posture indicating that weight is being shifted onto the front legs , and reluctance or refusal to go on walks or play fetch. Entropion French Bulldogs are a breed of dogs that require careful attention to their eyes. Photo by Ivonne Wierink on Shutterstock Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing discomfort and irritation. The dog may rub his eye with one or both paws because of the constant irritation. If not treated, this condition can lead to ulceration or corneal abrasion. If you notice your french bulldog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it may be entropion and should be treated as soon as possible by a veterinarian. A vet can prescribe topical ointment or eye drops that will help ease discomfort. IVDD When it comes to dog health, there are many common conditions that can affect your pup. One of the most serious is IVDD. This condition often affects dogs who are over 50 lbs and have a long back. What does IVDD stand for? The spine can be injured or damaged in many ways, including from cancer, trauma, infections, congenital defects and IVDD. These discs act as cushions between the bones to absorb shocks during movement. Rupturing of these discs can cause severe pain. When these discs break down they may begin to leak fluid which compresses nearby nerves causing pain and loss of control over muscles in the legs with varying degrees of paralysis depending on how badly these structures are damaged. Brachycephalic Frenchies A major issue for Frenchies are brachycephalic respiratory problems. Do not buy poorly bred puppies with this issue, no matter how cute they may look. This is a condition that affects dogs with short noses and makes it difficult for them to breathe. The problem stems from their anatomy, which includes a shortened nasal passage and an elongated soft palate. These anatomical differences make it difficult for these animals to cool themselves when they pant because the air has trouble passing through the nose, causing them to overheat quickly. It also causes difficulty in regulating breathing as well as changes in the shape of their faces. Also, would you like not being able to cool off or not having sufficient airflow? Dogs regulate a lot through their breathing and one of the symptoms of poorly bred French Bulldogs is the fact that they never close their mouth and lie down to cool down instead of just pant. Heart Failure Dog owners often face the difficult decision of whether or not to euthanize their pet when they are diagnosed with heart failure, so do your best to not let it get so far. What are some signs my dog may have heart failure? If left untreated, it can lead to congestive heart failure, which will cause them to develop symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and increased thirst. Dogs that have been diagnosed with heart failure should not be allowed to exercise strenuously, or at all in some cases. Some medications may help slow the progression of heart damage from high blood pressure or diabetes as well. Having a healthy Frenchie can actually save you money. Remember what I told you above about the health conditions? A major pet health insurance has collected data on what their claims have cost in the past. Health condition. Epidemiology Abstract A life table is a tabulated expression of life expectancy and mortality-related information at specified ages in a given population. This study utilised VetCompass data to develop life tables for the UK companion dog population and broken down by sex, Kennel Club breed group, and common breeds. Among 30, dogs that died between 1st January and 31st July , life expectancy at age 0 was .Female dogs .Life tables varied widely between breeds. Jack Russell Terrier .Life tables generated by the current study allow a deeper understanding of the varied life trajectory across many types of dogs and offer novel insights and applications to improve canine health and welfare. The current study helps promote further understanding of life expectancy, which will benefit pet owners and the veterinary profession, along with many other sectors. Introduction A deeper understanding of life expectancies at different ages within the United Kingdom UK companion dog population, further categorised by sex and breed, is critical to the improvement of canine welfare and health management 1 , 2. For example, existing and potential dog owners can develop realistic expectations for the typical remaining life period of their dogs through the knowledge of life expectancy. To date, much of the research on dog life expectancy has focused on reporting average overall ages at death in dogs that have been selected using referral or first opinion veterinary caseloads 1 , 3 , insurance databases 4 or owner questionnaires 5 , 6. Among companion dogs died between and in the UK, the median age at death was estimated to be .Instead of offering a single value for the average age of at death, a life table is a tabulated expression of life expectancy and probability of death at different age groups of a given population. A life table provides much more detailed information and inference than a single summary average age at death across all ages 7. There are two main types of life tables: a a cohort life table, which summarises the actual mortality experience of a group of individuals the cohort from the birth of the first to the death of the last member of the cohort, and b a current life table, which provides cross-sectional mortality and survival experience of a population during a single or few current years 8. Cohort life tables have also been constructed using a hypothetical i. Both types of life tables have their importance. Cohort life tables can inform the mortality situation of cohorts, but the data for current life tables are generally easier to be collected 8. Human life tables are routinely constructed for countries, or sub-populations within a country, as a proxy indicator of the general health of the population. A decrease in life expectancy implies that events leading to mortality occur, on average, earlier and is, therefore, suggestive of a generally less healthy population .Thus, life tables can be used to monitor changes in the general health of a population over time, as well as to identify vulnerable sub- populations, promoting targeted investigation into the reasons for the observed reduction in life expectancy 11 , .Human life tables are considered an essential tool for effective public planning and policy-making 13 , e. In the UK, a national current life table for humans is generated every three years whereas there is an update every year in the United States 12 , .National life tables are usually constructed for the population overall, per sex, and may include ethnic groups in some countries .Despite their usefulness for the management of human populations, life tables are rarely built for companion animals. Two life table studies for dogs were recently conducted in Japan 10 , 17 ; the first created current life tables for dogs in general, along with estimates for differing sizes, using pet insurance data, whilst the other created a hypothetical cohort life table using pet cemetery data. These life tables have advanced the knowledge of dog life trajectory 18 and have been applied in studies that required information on the life expectancy of dogs of different ages, such as a quantitative risk assessment of the introduction of rabies 19 and the quantification of welfare impact caused by diseases 2. However, given that the breed structure of dog populations can vary widely between countries, the international generalisability of lifetables needs to be considered carefully. In addition, the average lifespan and mortality profiles of individual breeds may differ among national dog populations for a wide range of genetic and healthcare reasons. For instance, on average, Labrador Retrievers lived .The construction of a life table for companion dogs in the UK could facilitate the understanding of the life expectancy and health of the UK companion dog population in a similar way to the application of such life tables in human populations 12 , .A reliable canine life table can enhance our understanding of the life expectancy at different ages, as it demonstrates that life expectancy at each age is not the same as the average lifespan minus that age. There are practical implications when life expectancy is not understood correctly. For example, canine adoption centres may underestimate the typical remaining lifespan of adult dogs being rehomed if predictions about their age at death are based on their current age and the average lifespan. This could lead to a longer length of ownership than the adopting family had originally expected. Moreover, more complex forms of life table modelling can be used to support studies that quantify the burden of diseases on dog health and welfare 2 , .When a disease leads to the death of a dog, this dog foregoes the potential remaining lifespan that it would have lived without that disease. Thus, the burden of the disease increases when a longer period of remaining life lost is caused by a disease, and this information about the life lost can be supplied by a dog life table. The current study aimed to develop the first life tables for the UK companion dog population and dogs of different traits, including sex and some breeds. The resulting life tables could improve our understanding of longevity-related demographics of the dog population in the UK, whilst ultimately contributing to the improved health and welfare of dogs worldwide. The candidate cases were randomly ordered and the clinical notes of a subset of candidates were manually reviewed in detail to evaluate for case inclusion. Case inclusion criteria as a confirmed death required evidence in the EPR that the dog had died at any date from January 1st to July 31st .Animals without information about sex were excluded from the final sample. After descriptive statistics for summarising the demographics of the sample were conducted, a hypothetical cohort life table for the UK companion dog population was constructed with all dogs in the dataset 8. Life tables for subpopulations mentioned below were also built: all life tables needed to have a minimum of 3 dogs in each given year interval and 11 dogs at the last year interval. A minimum of 3 dogs in each given year interval was decided to ensure a sample variance that takes the advantage of averaging i. Thus, we only set the number limit of dogs for the last year interval. Based on the criteria, life tables were also constructed for a male and female dogs, b neutered and entire dogs for both sexes c dogs of different KC breed groups Gundog, Hound, Pastoral, Terrier, Toy, Utility, Working, and non-KC recognised , and d crossbred and 18 breeds of dogs. All the life tables were complete life tables i. Table 1 presents the parameters in the life table and their definition and equations. The life expectancy at age 0 equates to the mean age at death of dogs across all ages. Table 1 Parameters used in a life table. Full size table Data cleaning including removal of dogs a died before January 1st or after July 31st , b with negative lifespan, c without birth or mortality information, d without sex information and management were performed in Microsoft Excel Microsoft Corp. No human data were included in the current study. The geographic spread of the clinics with available postcode data included England .Initial screening identified 97, candidate death cases at any date from 1st January to 31st July .Following a manual review of 32, .The success rate of the combined search terms to correctly identify deceased dogs was .Among the 30, dogs, 14, .There were 17, .There were 23, .Among 23, dogs of KC-recognised breeds, there were .The number and percentage of each breed is in Supplementary File 1. There were 18 breeds included in the life table analyses, accounted for .There were .Life table Table 2 shows the overall life table for the UK companion dog population. The life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion dogs was .The probability of death at each year interval increased with age with an exception of year interval 1—2 0. The probability of death within each year interval remained at or below 0. Table 2 Cohort life table of dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Full size table Female dogs .This trend towards greater annual female life expectancy persisted until individuals were 12 years of age, after which the life expectancy of both sexes became similar. When adding neuter status into consideration, a substantially higher probability of death in entire female year 10 and before and male year 4 and before than their neutered counterparts was observed Tables S3 to S6 in Supplementary File 2. Entire females .Full size image Among the KC breed groups and dogs of breeds not recognised by the KC, Terrier had the longest life expectancy at age 0 at .However, comparative patterns of life expectancy between the breed groups at age 0 were not necessarily maintained later into life. For instance, Hound and Toy groups had a similar life expectancy at age 0 but diverged soon after this to reach a difference of 0. The life table of Hound ended at year 17 with a life expectancy of 0. Supplementary File 2 Tables S7 to S14 contains the life tables for the breed groups. Full size image Life tables for the 18 breeds and crossbred varied widely Table 3 and can be found in Supplementary File 2 Tables S15 to S.Jack Russell Terrier had the greatest life expectancy at age 0 at .Compared to other breeds, many brachycephalic breeds i. To explore the longevity of the dogs of different breeds, we examined the earliest age at which the life expectancy dropped below 1. The life expectancy dropping below 1. English Bulldog was the earliest to reach the life expectancy of 1. Table 3 Key statistics extracted from the life tables of 18 individual dog breeds and of crossbred, including the life expectancy at age 0 and at the last age, using the data of dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Full size table Figure 3 Relation between the life expectancy at year 0 and year interval in which the life expectancy became 1. Full size image The probability of death was lower in year 0—1 than year 1—2 in most breeds [American Bulldog 0. Some breeds, including American Bulldog, Chihuahua, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Husky and Pug had a probability of death before reaching adulthood before year 2 30 much higher than the overall dogs 0. Discussion This study presents the first cohort life tables for the UK dog population and dogs of different characteristics, including sex, neuter status, KC grouping and 18 breeds and crossbred dogs. These tables offer information about annual life expectancy and annual probability of death, which has been unavailable from conventional longevity studies in UK companion dogs to date. With the ongoing accumulation and accessibility of death information from Big Data resources such as VetCompass in the future, the construction of life tables for increasing numbers of breeds of dogs and also for other companion animal species should expand. Based on the mathematical and biological plausibility, a valid life table should exhibit the highest life expectancy at age 0 which decreases with age 8 , 15 , .The probability of death may be higher in infancy as the immune system continues to mature in the postnatal period, for both humans and dogs .In dogs, the immune system takes approximately one year for full maturity .In the most recent life tables of humans in the UK, Australia and the US, the probability of death appeared the lowest in ages of 7—11 years i. Some life tables constructed in the current study did not follow this trend in the probability of death, for example, the life tables for neutered males and females. These life tables will be discussed below. The life expectancy at age 0 reported in the current study for dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK in was .Differing data sources for the study populations might partially contribute to this substantial variation. Insured dogs may represent a subset of dogs that live longer than those without insurance, as they may receive more or additional veterinary care, due to alleviated economic constraints on the owners 35 , .Moreover, dog breeds of high disease risk such as brachycephalic breeds might be under-represented in some insurance data than the general population due to the elevated cost to insure and special rules of reimbursement applied to these breeds in some insurance companies 37 , .Breed demographics are likely to differ between these two counties. Breeds of toy or small size have a longer life expectancy than larger-sized dogs and are more common in Japan than in the UK 1 , 5 , 10 , .In contrast, breeds of large and medium sizes, as well as brachycephalic dogs, are more popular in the UK 39 , which present shorter life expectancies. These demographic differences will influence country-level life expectancy estimates at age 0. Variation in estimates may be partly due to sampling effort, as the life expectancy tables from Japan were created using a smaller sample size. While female dogs .Entire animals of both sexes showed similar trajectories of life expectancy from age 0 onwards. However, neutering was associated with an elevated life expectancy at age 0 for both sexes compared to their entire counterparts, and this longevity advantage from neutering was higher in female dogs than in male dogs. A similar survival advantage for neutered animals has been reported in several studies 1 , 40 , 41 , but most data, including the current study, generated these results by dichotomising dogs into neutered or entire without taking into account the duration of gonadal hormone exposure before the neutering. Neutered animals in these cited studies would have already lived to the age of neutering, biasing their life expectancy towards greater length, highlighted by the lowered probability of death at year 0—1 in neutered dogs. As veterinarians may often recommend early neutering for female dogs, sometimes before the start of the oestrus cycle 42 or soon after the first cycle 43 , neutering of females may occur earlier in life than neutering for males .Therefore, the gap of true life expectancy between the sexes due to neutering might be even wider than reported here. Neutering may also act as a proxy for stronger owner responsibility and better care, as it is often considered responsible dog ownership. Thus, neutered animals may benefit from additional survival advantages related to enhanced owner care .Neutering may directly affect the risks of various health conditions and therefore shift life expectancy as a result .Neutering is linked to a reduced risk of tumours within reproductive organs and various cardiovascular diseases, but an increased risk of joint disorders and several types of tumours such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, especially in females .Due to the complexity stated above, our life tables for neutered dogs should be interpreted with great caution. For the 18 breeds and the crossbred category, the number of years contained in the tables, life expectancy and the probability of death at different ages varied widely. Relatively shorter life expectancy at specific year points can be taken as evidence that events and processes eventually leading to mortality are occurring earlier in life in these populations than some other populations, so these populations may have generally poorer health than some other populations 30 , .If the distribution of external factors that may lead to differences in the life expectancy and the probability of death e. Breed predisposition to particular disorders is a well-identified phenomenon .Breeds that show high levels of potentially life-threatening predispositions that start early in life are likely to have a higher probability of death at younger ages and therefore a decreased life expectancy. Indeed, four brachycephalic breeds French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug and American Bulldog that showed the shortest life expectancy at year 0 of all 18 breeds in our results are also reported with several predispositions to life-limiting disorders that occur early in life, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, spinal disease and dystocia 48 , 49 , 50 , .Lifespan variations between breeds were explored by examining the association between the breed life expectancy at age 0 and the year interval at which the life expectancy reached 1. Generally, life expectancy at age 0 and the year interval in which the life expectancy became 1. However, although Chihuahuas showed a life expectancy at age 0 of only 7. A lowered life expectancy at age 0 suggests an increase in mortality of younger-aged dogs whose mortality is usually low , and the life expectancy becoming 1. In our results, the probability of death before year 13—14 was higher and much higher before year 4 in Chihuahua than for dogs overall, which became lower after that. It was also observed in French Bulldogs that a low life expectancy at age 0 4. The number of KC registered French Bulldogs in the UK rose steeply from in to 39, in 39 , suggesting that the population of French Bulldogs and other breeds sharing a similar rising trend in popularity in our dataset are biased towards younger dogs that contribute proportionately more deaths in younger ages in the life table. In contrast, breeds with a decreasing trend in popularity may have an underestimated probability of death at younger ages, resulting in overestimated life expectancy. Previous studies have also shown the rising popularity of certain breeds and the association of rising popularity with lower median age 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , .Hypothetical cohort life tables are more susceptible to the influence of population instability, which is common in dogs due to sudden and dramatic fad-like changes in breed popularity .This can be avoided by implementing current or real cohort life tables instead if such data were available. Thirteen of the 18 breeds had a lower probability of death in year 0—1 than year 1—2 in the life tables, some slightly and others substantially. This finding goes against the evidence that mortality is higher in puppy 0—26 weeks and juvenile 27—52 weeks periods than young adult period 1—2 years and empirical results in human life tables 15 , 33 , .This may, in part, be due to substantial puppy mortality occurring before individuals can be registered to a primary veterinary clinic resulting in these deaths not appearing in the current dataset. A more accurate estimation of life expectancy from birth would be possible if all the currently unavailable puppy mortality information could be recovered. Life tables in companion animals offer extensive applications. Similar to a common application for human life table studies, comparison between life tables can support deeper insight into the health of dogs of differing demographics such as sex and breed over time and space 62 , .When life tables are generated periodically for a specific population, changes in the life expectancy and the probability of death at specific ages can indicate changes in the general health and welfare of the population. Comparison of life tables among the populations of different traits such as breed or conformation can also identify less healthy or more vulnerable populations 62 , as demonstrated in our study especially for breeds. Advanced life table modelling can offer useful information allowing the quantification of disease burden on health and welfare in human and companion animals 2 , 64 , .Quantification of disease burden is important because it can assist with the prioritisation of health conditions for targeted reform 66 , 67 , .Coupling these findings with cost-effective analysis on disease prevention and control can assist to allocate resources to priority health conditions and achieve efficient improvements in the health and welfare of the overall population .The value of disease burden quantification has been demonstrated by the Global Burden of Disease project of the World Health Organization to improve human health .The Global Burden of Disease uses the Disability-Adjusted Life Year framework that incorporates life tables as part of the methodology to quantify the burden of many diseases diseases and injuries in 64 , .The WALY constitutes two elements, a years lived with impaired welfare, which is the years having a certain disease weighted by its severity and b years of life lost due to the premature death caused by the disease or resulting assisted death. Future life table modelling that accounts for comorbidity and demographics of dogs can offer information about years of life lost based upon the life expectancy at the age of death for the individual animal affected. Life tables highlight the value of interpreting life expectancy annually, especially at older ages, where differences in life expectancy between ages become narrower. Thus, the current authors propose that life table literacy is important for veterinary professionals, shelter staff, and dog owners because it can optimise decision-making and subsequently can positively impact dog welfare. Life table literacy will promote realistic expectations for the life expectancy of dogs at different ages, helping to make treatment plans for illness and end of life decisions. Shelters and charities can also incorporate this information in the adoption process ensuring that potential dog owners understand the expected length of ownership commitment required for dogs of different breeds, ages, and neuter status. With the foundations for canine life table science built by the current work, we hope to generate further examples of life tables for both dogs and cats using the VetCompass data in the future. The current study provides a proof of concept that can support future research looking to construct life tables for dogs and cats as a periodic recurring endeavour. Consequently, changes in the life expectancy, mortality, and health of companion dogs and cats can be tracked similarly to how it is in human demography 15 , .For future life table construction, we hope to incorporate other sources of information such as KC annual registry data and dog insurance data with further modelling, which will help to produce even more accurate life tables .This study had some additional limitations to those discussed above. Firstly, the high frequency of euthanasia in companion dogs highlights the potentially underestimated life expectancy compared to unassisted death .This is especially biased by euthanasia undertaken for non-life-threatening reasons such as undesirable behaviours, economic reasons or convenience 35 , .Consequently, differing cultures between countries for euthanasia in dogs might substantially influence national life tables. Another limitation is the sole inclusion of primary veterinary practice-attending dogs. Thus, our results might be less representative of unowned dogs or dogs not attending veterinary clinics. Also, some dogs that died at home or in emergency out-of-hours clinics might be excluded from the current data, although the data did capture all deaths away from the clinics that were reported by owners to the veterinary clinics at any time. Lastly, the sample sizes for some of the 18 breeds e. Conclusion The current study has produced the first life tables for dogs in the UK, reporting annual life expectancy and probability of death for the UK companion dog population, dogs of different sex and neuter status, breed groups and also for 18 breeds and crossbred dogs. We report an elevated life expectancy in neutered dogs compared to entire dogs and wide variation in life expectancy between breeds, with Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier having the highest and some brachycephalic breeds showing the lowest life expectancy at age 0. The construction and application of life tables offers great potential for companion animal health and welfare sciences but is still in its infancy. Life tables generated in the current study promote not only a better understanding of the life trajectory of dogs but also offer several applications for the veterinary profession and research to improve the health and welfare of dogs. These deformities are associated with a host of health problems. Respiratory problems Every French Bulldog suffers from some degree of brachycephalic syndrome, which causes all kinds of respiratory problems. Many French Bulldogs snort and snuffle as they struggle to pull in air through a windpipe and nostrils that are malformed. In hot weather, Frenchies should be kept in an air conditioned home and supervised during outside activity so they don't suffer heatstroke. Bone and joint diseases The French Bulldog Club conducted a health survey in which 1 out of every 4 French Bulldogs had one or more bone or joint problems — especially intervertebral disk disease and hemivertebrae. Let's talk about intervertebral disk disease and hemivertebrae in French Bulldogs. Hemivertebrae is an orthopedic disease in which at least one of the bones in your French Bulldog's backbone is deformed into an abnormal shape called hemi. Fortunately, hemivertebrae don't harm the tail, but if they also occur in the backbone.A single deformed vertebra in the backbone can still be okay. But multiple hemivertebrae in the backbone or a single one in the wrong place can compress the spinal cord. At months old, an affected puppy will start experiencing discomfort when you press on his back, or even loss of sensation weak hind legs. Mild symptoms can be relieved by acupuncture, but most puppies with severe symptoms are put to sleep before a year of age, because major surgery would typically put the puppy through a lot of pain for nothing. Hemivertebrae occur in French Bulldogs more than any other breed. In my opinion, any anatomical structure that compromises a dog's health in this way should be changed by breeders — most certainly not "preserved. That's appalling. A more serious hip disease that occurs in Frenchies is Legg-Calve-Pethes. If the knee pops out frequently, or if it pops out and won't go back into its socket.Per leg. Eye diseases Eye diseases in Frenchies include corneal ulcers, retinal dysplasia, cherry eye, entropion, and eyelash abnormalities. At months old, cataracts can appear and can progress to blindness. Frenchies are prone to a number of serious eye diseases. The scariest one is inherited cataracts, which can appear at 6 to 24 months old and often progresses to blindness. A French Bulldog with large, prominent eyes is vulnerable to corneal scratches and ulcers. Heart disease Heart disease is a current concern in French Bulldogs, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonic stenosis. Skin diseases Skin diseases occur regularly in the loose folds of skin that provide a hiding place for bacteria and fungi. Frenchies are very susceptible to chronic allergies and itchy skin. Young French Bulldogs are prone to demodectic mange, which may be mild or severe. Neurological diseases The French Bulldog is vulnerable to epilepsy, and a devastating disease of the central nervous system called degenerative myelopathy, which can progress to total rear-end paralysis. Blood-clotting diseases Blood-clotting diseases include von Willebrand's, factor II deficiency, hemophilia A, and the more serious hemophilia B. Miscellaneous Colitis inflamed digestive tract and inherited deafness also occur with some regularity in French Bulldogs. Virtually all French Bulldog puppies are born by C-section, birth defects are common, and the puppy mortality rate is high. Clearly Mother Nature is trying to tell us something here. Preventing health problems Some health problems are inherited. For example, if your dog inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it. But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog. Become your dog's health care champion! An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. Create your pet's best life. Inspiring people to have happier pets since .Answers to your dog behaviour and cat behaviour questions. Photos: left, Irina Kozorog; right, Dmussman. Because pedigree dogs are bred from a closed genetic pool, they can develop health issues related to the breed. As well, of course, any dog can be affected by various canine conditions. The studies are based on health records for .Having a better understanding of how common different disorders are in particular breeds means that breeders and Kennel Clubs can make plans to improve the health of those breeds. As well, it means that dog owners have a better idea of the questions to ask a breeder, and veterinarians can keep an eye out for the conditions that are most common in those breeds. When the overall numbers of a breed in the database are small, when the numbers of that breed are growing rapidly, or when the average age of the dogs in the database is young, the data may not reflect all the issues affecting the breed, some of which tend to appear as dogs age. This applies to French Bulldogs in the sample. So which health issues tend to affect French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers? French Bulldogs Number of dogs in the database: Median age at time of study: 1. However, given the young age of dogs in the sample, this may change as the dogs age as they are not old enough for many diseases associated with old age. Most common conditions: .Other common conditions were the nails being too long and skin-fold dermatitis. In this sample, 2. These rates are much lower than other studies, likely due to the young age of the dogs and one-year time-scale of the study. Behaviour: Surprisingly, 2. Colours: The most common colours were brindle and fawn. Population growth: The rise in popularity of French Bulldogs is astounding. The paper reports that in , French Bulldogs made up only 0. It may be that some issues typical of the breed would be more likely to appear as the dogs get older, and that breeding practices change as a result of the increased demand e. URT [upper respiratory tract] disease and ophthalmological conditions , the increasing popularity of this breed is not necessarily a benign phenomenon. Median age at time of study: 4. Most common causes of death: Musculoskeletal disorders and tumours were the most common causes of death. Lameness and periodontal disease were the next most common disorders. Chocolate labs were more likely to have ear and skin diseases than black and yellow Labs. Behaviour: In contrast to French Bulldogs, aggression did not feature in the list of the 20 most common conditions. Undesirable behaviour was listed for 1. Colours: Labrador Retrievers come in black, chocolate, and yellow. The most common colour was black, followed by yellow. Other info: The number of Labrador Retrievers in the UK dropped significantly from until when the data for this study was collected. Male dogs weighed more than female ones, and while for females, spaying was not associated with overweight, for male dogs neutering was associated with the dog being overweight or obese. It is possible that a more restricted population gene pool has a higher carriage rate of the disease risk genes involved in ear and skin conditions. The finding that chocolate Labs tend to live less long and are more likely to be affected by certain conditions are interesting. Other research has suggested personality differences between chocolate Labs vs yellow and black Labs , at least according to owner reports. Because the sample of French Bulldogs was so young, they may not yet have been diagnosed with congenital conditions associated with the breed. Research shows that French Bulldog owners typically choose the breed because of it's appearance and personality , but many people are concerned about the health of this and other brachycephalic breeds. Here are some suggestions if you love French Bulldogs but want to consider alternatives too. Modern Dog magazine calls it "The must-have guide to improving your dog's life. She is the creator of the popular blog, Companion Animal Psychology, writes The Pawsitive Post premium newsletter, and also has a column at Psychology Today. Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats. Useful links:. Read Articles Written by Patricia Wuest Due to its adorable personality and good looks, the French bulldog has soared in popularity in both the U. New research examines the cost to the mothers and puppies. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. The results of the research, presented in two papers, were published in the official journal of the British Veterinary Association, Veterinary Record. The studies also found that among the female dogs that had problems giving birth, French bulldogs were 2. This compared to brachycephalic dogs in general, which the RVC researchers found are 1. The researchers examined the records of 20, female dogs that required emergency treatment at 50 Vets Now veterinary clinics between and .French bulldogs are among the most popular breeds of dogs in the UK. An earlier study by RVC researchers found that the most common health issues in French bulldogs were ear infections, diarrhea and conjunctivitis. The original PhD aimed to use these data to understand the epidemiology of health and disease in cats and dogs in the UK with a specific focus on breed-associated issues. I set up VetCompass as a legacy program that would live on indefinitely after the original PhD period and this is now leading to a vast array of other studies. In addition to French bulldogs, other pure breeds, such as Boston terriers, chihuahuas and pugs, are also at risk of suffering birthing problems. Compared to crossbred female dogs, Boston terriers are .The results of our study that led to two peer-reviewed publications in the Vet Record now show that there are well-defined factors that predisposed bitches to dystocia. Understanding the risk factors offers a route to an evidence-based set of actions by breeders, breed clubs, kennel clubs, veterinarians and even prospective owners to reduce this welfare cost. Of the dystocic cases, .Of these surgical cases. Of the bitches that were already dystocic, .Bulldogs are 7. In , they were listed as the fourth-most popular breed; in , they were ranked 11th. So, despite the high risks shown in our studies, we may still have substantially underreported the true risks to the overall breeds. We are working closely with the Brachycephalic Working Group in the UK [a collaborative of academia, breeders and breed clubs, the veterinary profession, The Kennel Club, animal charities and owners] to translate our findings into meaningful and positive change for predisposed breeds. Much of the health issues relating to dog breeds stems less from the dogs themselves and more from the humans associated with these breeds: it is only by joined-up thinking and efforts from all these humans that we can really make the lives of our dogs better. Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in .Editor's Picks. This is how you can ensure a happy and long life to your Frenchie 1. Only they can guarantee that you receive a healthy and strong puppy from a quality bloodline. We at TomKings are extremely selective about the breeding parents, we know the bloodlines for generations and exclude any Frenchie that shows any possibility of carrying a health issue. Check out the average French Bulldog Price at a reputable breeder. Focus on the right diet Keeping your Frenchie on a healthy and balanced diet also has a large impact on their lifespan. You should always aim for a high-quality dog food which has all the necessary nutrients. Choosing a grain-free food is a great option as it has more protein, meat and animal fats with a lower level of carbohydrates. Read our guide on how to choose the perfect dog food for your Frenchie. A raw meat diet like B. Wynter, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Another thing to keep in mind is that Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can unfortunately lead to some unwanted health issues like back problems, high blood pressure, problems with insulin and so on. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies 3. Good veterinarian, regular checkup Finding a really good vet and taking your Frenchie to regular checkups is absolutely necessary to ensure a long and healthy life. They will not only make sure that your puppy stays up to date with the yearly vaccinations, but will also do blood panels to see if there are any abnormalities or maybe some vitamins or supplements are needed. Minor skin problems can be treated at home but for example lethargy and lack of appetite are two common symptoms that mean your puppy requires immediate medical attention. Accidents can always happen so having pet insurance is an absolutely must for Frenchie parents! The importance of training and exercise Frenchies are companion dogs so they hugely depend on human interaction. Similarly to humans, stress has a large impact on health and their lifespan as well. French Bulldog mommy — TomKings Puppies Owning a Frenchie means that you need to carve out a considerable amount of time of your day to train them and make sure they are getting enough exercise. A short walk in the morning and the afternoon with a couple of training or playing sessions throughout the day are ideal and will tire your Frenchie enough both physically and mentally. If you ask us, playtime is by far the best form of exercise that you can do with your dog whether indoors or outdoors! Ultimate Guide. September 29, Are you thinking about breeding your French Bulldog? If so, the first question on your mind is probably, how many puppies can a french bulldog have? And how many times can a french bulldog have puppies? If you do, you could put her health at risk. French Bulldogs are small dogs and have around 3 puppies in each litter. French Bulldog puppies must be delivered through a Caesarean section aka C-Section. Since French Bulldogs are very small and small-boned, the mothers have an average of just three puppies per litter. Anything beyond five is very unusual for frenchies and seven is the dead maximum. Most Frenchie litters are born by c-section. Because of their high health risks, Frenchie pregnancies must be closely monitored by a skilled veterinarian. Even so, determining the exact number is very difficult. Many use x-rays to try to determine the number of puppies approximately 43 days into the pregnancy. The good news is that many veterinarian facilities do have sonograms. They are the best at telling the number of fetuses and, as a bonus, whether their hearts are still beating. It sounds gross but a lot of things in nature are. Aside from being small-boned, female Frenchies also have narrow hips. As a result, more than three puppies in a litter can result in them being underweight at birth as well as other health complications. On average, most can have about four litters without risking their health. Many breeders impregnate their Frenchies by artificial insemination. Her French Bulldog litter size should be the second question on your mind. Frenchie moms-to-be go through a variety of stages during the pregnancy. The First Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy Up to the seventh day after mating or insemination, the embryos are traveling up the uteran horn. After that, they start to embed themselves on the uterine lining. On the 22nd day, they will start to form their actual shapes. Their heartbeats can be detected on the sonogram on about the 29th or 30th day. She may start to become more affectionate than usual and eat more than usual. Her nipples will start to enlarge. She may even show signs of morning sickness and vaginal discharge during the fourth week. However, not all Frenchie moms-to-be show those signs. The claws usually show up on the 40th day followed by their skeletons and coats on the 45th. Day 50 is usually when the fetuses can be distinguished. Day 58 is when your Frenchie mom-to-be will likely start looking for a nesting place. You can help her by designating a very safe and comfortable area for her and the puppies to come home to. Most Frenchie moms-to-be start eating less around the 45th day. Her belly will start to firm up at that same time. On the 50th day, you may even be able to see the fetuses moving. Her weight increases up to 50 percent more. She will have a lot of vaginal discharge and need to urinate much more than usual. The Third Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy Day 58 is when the fetuses start moving toward the birth canal so the labor can start anywhere between day 58 and .At this time, you will need to keep a very close eye on her to watch for early signs of labor. Be prepared to rush her to an emergency veterinarian if she starts showing signs of labor a little earlier than expected. She will probably not have much of an appetite during the last few days. She may be restless and agitated. She will probably start to show some nesting behaviors such as digging and pacing. During the last two weeks, she may be more affectionate and calm with you but shut out contact with other dogs. She will probably eat a lot. Female Frenchies usually first go into heat at five months. The females are typically in heat also called estrus or oestrus for nine days at a time. Some go into heat every two years. Beware that five months is the equivalent of a young teenager for Frenchies. As a result, if you start breeding them that young, you put both her and the potential puppies at risk. Most Frenchies reach full maturity at the age of two. That sperm also tends not to be as lively at a young age. Frenchies are one of the breeds that are more likely to have a complication called dystocia. Dystocia is when the labor progresses slowly or not at all due to the fetus being abnormally positioned. In French Bulldogs, the mortality rate of the moms is about one percent and 20 percent for the puppies. Frenchies are at a 15 percent higher risk than other breeds. Also, many Frenchie moms are known to have trouble getting the proper amount of oxygen during the pregnancy. This often worsens during labor. After a Frenchie mom has had a litter, she will need at least 18 months to recover before having another. Any less than that and she could have all kinds of mental and physical struggles. Their uteruses and surrounding muscles need time to regrow. They are also known to lose patches of fur during the pregnancy. As a result, those need time to grow back as well. Putting a Frenchie mom through too many cesarean sections is also very dangerous. As a result, she could interpret it as an act of aggression and become aggressive afterward. There is also a high risk of medical issues. These could include hemorrhaging, blood clotting, wound infections and allergies to the anesthesia. On top of that, not all c-sections are successful and not all puppies survive. Many wonder why are French Bulldogs so expensive? The medical attention required in responsible breeding has a lot to do with the price of a French Bulldog. If you are serious about being a French Bulldog breeder please speak to experienced breeders, talk to a qualified veterinarian, and please do your homework. It is not something you should take lightly. Otherwise, you could end up contributing to the overpopulation in shelters. Many are euthanized as a result. Others end up having genetic issues due in large part to improper breeding practices. Yes, animal abuse is rampant but most that end up in shelters are actually neglect cases. You will also need to spare time and money for the care. If any of the above is currently not an option for you, spaying is your best option. Breeding French Bulldogs is very high maintenance work and care. It should be done with the best of intentions and your whole heart. Since over 80 percent of the puppies are born by c-section, it requires close medical supervision. PS — Want to see some adorable photos of super cute French Bulldog puppies? Share on facebook. French bulldogs more prone to birthing problems than other breeds Published: 04 Feb Last Updated: 06 Feb French bulldog bitches are .And, among female dogs that had problems giving birth, French bulldog bitches are then 2. Once they have birthing problems, flat-faced brachycephalic female dogs overall are 1. The academics studied 20, bitches that required emergency treatment at 50 Vet Now veterinary clinics between and .Their findings, published in two papers in The Veterinary Record, highlight the substantial risks that bitches and their puppies face during the birthing process. According to the first paper, 3. Alongside French bulldogs, other pure breeds such as Boston terriers, chihuahuas and pugs, are also particularly at risk of birthing problems. Compared to crossbred bitches, Boston terriers are .Apart from the risk of death, problem births also mean that many bitches have to undergo painful and invasive surgery, with .Bulldogs also known as British Bulldogs , border terriers and golden retrievers were the top three breeds at risk of caesarean section once they have difficulty giving birth. Bulldogs are 7. We all need to fall back in love with dog-shaped dogs and move away from the current fascination with extreme-shaped dogs. The Kennel Club recognises the rewarding experience of breeding a litter of puppies successfully, nevertheless breeding dogs comes with a fundamental responsibility for supporting the bitch and her puppies throughout the breeding process and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. The links to the papers can be found here: O'Neill, D. O'Neill, D.

We have answers. Am I limited to Portland German Shepherd puppies for sale? Looking for your dream German Shepherd, Portland? If you're looking for a dog, but can't find the right one in your area, don't worry! We work with breeders and businesses throughout the United States to get your pup flown in to meet you. These partners are total professionals when it comes to transportation, and most families who choose Uptown Puppies will have their pup picked up at a local airport. How do you screen breeders with German Shepherd puppies for sale in Portland, Oregon? German Shepherd puppies for sale? Portland has the best! We're all about responsible, humane breeding. When we screen breeders who wish to join our network, we're looking for a track record of exemplary practices in animal care and customer service. Breeders must adhere to our Breeder Pledge and have no connection to puppy mills. Are German Shepherds trainable for novice owners? What about the best German Shepherd puppies Portland has to offer? German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They make great pets and can be very obedient. However, they may not be the best choice for people who don't have a lot of experience training dogs. We have created a puppy finder network where families like yours can search for their dream dog without being bombarded by bad breeders. We only allow qualified breeders to join our network, and we make it easy for you to find the perfect pup. What is a puppy mill? Do they have cheap Portland German Shepherds for sale? Puppy mills are not always terrible places where dogs are treated poorly. Sometimes, these puppies can be bought from reputable mills that follow good breeding practices and provide a loving home for the pup. However, there are also many puppy mills that treat their dogs poorly and use them only for the purpose of producing puppies. These "affordable" pups often have serious health issues later in life due to their lack of care early on. Are German Shepherds for sale in Portland, Oregon good for apartments? Fact: German Shepherds need regular exercise and room to roam in order to stay healthy. Some people may tell you that it's okay to keep your German Shepherd cooped up, but the truth is that this breed needs plenty of physical activity in order to be happy and healthy. If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, they're more likely to become destructive and reclusive. Are there any German Shepherd puppies for sale near Portland? If you're looking for a German Shepherd puppy, be sure to check out Uptown Puppies. They have a wide variety of puppies to choose from, and they always have new litters coming in. With so many puppies available, it's important to act fast if you want one. Are German Shepherd puppies near Portland right for me? Well, that depends! Do you desire a loyal dog who is intelligent and hard working? If so, the German Shepherd may be the perfect pooch for you! They are protective but also very friendly towards their families. Join the club if you're looking for a loyal pet that will always have your back. Are German Shepherds good family dogs? German Shepherds may have a reputation for being fierce and intimidating, but this is not always the case. They are actually very loving dogs towards those that they care for, including children in the family. They are also quite protective of their families and will remain friendly with people they know if properly socialized from a young age. Where do German Shepherds come from? Are they only available from German Shepherd breeders near Portland? The German Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. In fact, evidence suggests that this breed may have originated in Germany as early as the late s. At first, these dogs were solely used to herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. However, over the years their intelligence, obedience and temperament has made them some of the most popular dogs around. Whether you're looking for a loyal companion or a powerful hunting dog, the German Shepherd is definitely worth considering. Are German Shepherds smart? German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world. They're considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds, and because of this they require a lot of training. If you don't provide your German Shepherd with the appropriate training, he may start to outsmart you instead of obeying your commands. How fast can German Shepherds run? Where can I find the best German Shepherd for sale Portland has to offer? German Shepherds are some of the fastest dogs in the world. They can sprint briefly at a top speed of up to 30 miles per hour or run at a sustained speed of up to 15 miles per hour, sometimes for an hour or longer. Whether they're herding, working, or playing, that's pretty darn fast. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders page. The average price for a German Shepherd Puppy in Oregon will vary depending on the breeder that you choose. It is important to do your research before purchasing a puppy and to find a reputable breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club. Prices may vary because of the pedigree of the dog, whether it is purebred or not and what training the puppy may have already undergone. The most important thing to remember is that you get what you pay for. It is not recommended that you purchase an animal on the cheap when it comes to matters of health and well-being. There are many breeders who are registered with the American Kennel Club and who adhere to the strict guidelines that have been put in place. When looking for a breeder, it is important to ask questions about the health of the parents and grandparents of the puppies. Breeders should be able to provide documentation that proves that their dogs have been tested for genetic diseases and are clear of any issues. The breeder should also be willing to provide a guarantee of the health of the puppy. If you are looking for a show-quality dog, then you will likely have to pay more for your puppy. However, all German Shepherds are beautiful animals and there is no need to break the bank in order to bring one into your home. When you find a responsible breeder, it is important to stick with them so that you can continue to get quality dogs from them in the future. This will allow you to see where the puppies are being raised and how they are being treated. It will also give you the opportunity to meet the parents of the puppies and ask any questions that you may have. A responsible breeder will want to meet you as well and will likely ask some questions about your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog. They should also be willing to provide references so that you can speak with other people who have purchased puppies from them in the past. If everything looks good and you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from this breeder, be sure to get a written contract that outlines all of the details of the sale. This should include information about the health of the puppy, his pedigree and what type of training he has received. The breeder should also provide you with a list of supplies that you will need to get started, such as a food dish, water bowl, collar, leash, crate and toys. Purchasing a German Shepherd puppy is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. By doing your research and finding a responsible breeder, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-behaved animal who will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. A breeder who has been breeding dogs for years should be able to provide you with references from other people that they have sold puppies to in the past. These individuals will have valuable information on the level of care and expertise offered by this breeder. If there is a particular reason why these former clients did not keep their German Shepherds, then it may be a good idea to steer clear of this breeder. Although it is impossible to find a perfect breeder, someone who has a long history of good reviews should be your ideal choice. When looking for a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Oregon, it is important to ask questions and do your research. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-behaved puppy who will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. Sometimes this is done to make a quick buck. Other times it is because they simply do not know the proper way to care for their animals. If they are rushing through the process with little concern about who you are or what kind of life that their pups will have, then it might be time to find another breeder. This organization provides a list of breeders who have met certain standards of care and breeding. If the breeder you are speaking with does not have papers for their animals, then they are likely not a reputable source. Ask The Oregon Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems When you go to pick up your new puppy from a responsible breeder in Oregon, they should be able to provide you with a health certificate that shows that the puppy is free of any serious medical problems. This certificate will also list all of the vaccines and preventative measures that have been taken for this animal. This should be a place where the pup can run and play without fear of getting hit by a car or becoming lost. Introduce The Puppy To All Of The Family Members: Once your new pup has had a chance to relax and play in their safe area, it is time to introduce them to the rest of your family. Be sure to have plenty of treats on hand to reward the pup for good behavior. It may take a little bit of time for the puppy to get used to everyone, but with patience and love, they will soon become part of the family. Install A Dog Door: If you want your German Shepherd puppy to be able to go in and out of the house as they please, then you will need to install a dog door. This can be a great way for the pup to get some exercise during the day when you are not at home. Bringing a new puppy into your home is always a joyous occasion. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your new German Shepherd has a safe and happy home to call their own. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy Potty training is one of the most important skills that any new puppy will need to learn. When you bring your German Shepherd home, there are certain steps you can take to make sure they pick up this behavior quickly and easily. Many owners make the mistake of introducing their dog to a potty spot in the yard and expecting them to know what to do from there. This strategy rarely works and can lead to accidents all over your house before you even knew what happened. If your new pup does not feel like it is necessary for them to go outside at certain times, they will wait until the last minute and often make a mess inside of your home. To get around this problem, it is important to keep your puppy on a strict schedule where they are expected to go outside every couple of hours or so. You can either use an app on your phone to set up reminders or you can mark off each hour as it passes with different items such as toys. This could be anything from a small treat to verbal praise or petting. If the puppy makes a mistake and goes potty inside, do not scold them. Simply clean it up and take them outside immediately so they can understand that this is not the behavior that you are looking for. Bringing a new German Shepherd puppy into your home is an exciting experience that will bring plenty of joy to your family. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your new pup has a safe and easy time getting potty trained. Congratulations on your newest addition! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. German Shepherd Resources German Shepherds are arguably one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, as their history reads back to the early s, and even with all that history, they have still found a way to remain very popular breeds in modern times. According to the American Kennel Club, the German was ranked the 3rd most popular dog breed in the world as of the year .The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile dog breeds you can find. They can be used as family dogs, protection dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, working dogs, and a lot more. If you are considering getting a German Shepherd puppy or considering adding one to the family, then you certainly have made the right choice. Another important decision you would need to make is the exact German Shepherd breeder you should work with. States like Oregon are blessed with a high number of German Shepherd breeders, but you have to be careful, as not all breeders are reputable breeders that truly care for the breed. In this article, we provide you with a list of some really good German Shepherd breeders residing in the state of Oregon. These are responsible breeders that are selected for their breeding programs as well as their socialization and training protocols. With that being said, it is essential that you only view this article as a guide to help you find the best breeder for you. They are focused on German Shepherd puppies. The breeding facility is located in Veneta, Oregon and the program is owned and managed by Kilynn Heinrichs. Heinrichs German Shepherds operates a very impressive breeding program that is blessed with some of the best sires and dams you can find in the world. Their breeding dogs come from West German show lines. They have mainly championed dogs with an equally impressive pedigree to show. Their dogs are genetically health tested before being added to the breeding program. They also have their orthopedic health tested by licensed professionals. Every dog that they produce is raised in the family house which is located in Veneta, Oregon. They are socialized using different protocols and enrichment tools, one of which is the Puppy Culture program. The puppies are also introduced to different stimulating experiences that help with improving the dog breed. All thor dogs come with a 2 years health guarantee. They are vaccinated and dewormed and each is registered with the AKC as well as microchipped. Testimonials "We wanted a sister for our 6 year old GSD, Katja, she had just lost her favorite kitty Tattoo, who was 33 years old. I then started researching GSD Breeders in our area. I researched them thoroughly. From the moment Bobbi and I spoke on the phone I knew this was the perfect fit, she sent us pics of her mom n dad and pics of Zasha. All of the parents history, health records, vet checks, AKC certification and verification. We called a handful breeders and met with a couple and were saddened and discouraged. She cared, she asked tons of questions, wanted us on speaker phone to get a feel of our family. You could tell her dogs and puppies were her family just as much as any human. Bobbie encouraged us to talk it over, call her back with any questions and we were welcome anytime for a visit. We did call back with questions and planned a visit the next Saturday as they live 3 hours from us. I have never been greeted into a strangers home so warmly. All her dogs are amazing, loving, smart, beautiful and tested. Justin brought his girl Kimber home and we remained in touch by sending photos, messages and her checking in. Fast forward 1. He said to me "Mom, come on - it's Bobbie! If she's home, I bet she'd love it" so I sent a quick message and immediately she said "yes! It was intended as a short visit but we were having a nice time and Kimber and our lab were having so much fun playing with her dogs that we took much of their afternoon. She had a 5 month old puppy that we all feel in love with for her goofiness and loving manner. Sounded as though all would be fine in time but Bobbie wouldn't take that chance in case she needed extra medical care in her future etc so she gave the person who had a deposit on this girl her pick of the litter instead. Over the next 4 months she was monitored and vet checked and released with a clean bill of health. We are a busy house with 2 of Bobbie's German Shepherds, a lab and a yorkie but always try to take moments to send Bobbie updates of their antics and spoiling. I can tell you in our hunt we did not come across anyone as dedicated, responsible, committed or loving with her dogs than Bobbie and we can't leave her children or Mike out - they too were there every visit and very engaged and supportive with the dogs. Much love, " - Michelle Evjen-Freed and family Bobbie is wonderful lady, who deeply cares about her dogs. All her dogs is absolutely stunning, well behaved. I'm mom of her 2 gorgeous German Shepherds. Bobbie is very honest and responsible breeder. I love Bobbie and highly recommend her!! Julia Goudie.

Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events.

We rescue abandoned, homeless and neglected Labradors from all over central California and beyond. We wish to end suffering and promote the welfare of labs and lab mixes through direct action and education. We provide each dog with a stable environment, love, companionship, food and veterinary care until a qualified, loving forever home is found. Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno believes that all companion animals should be treated with dignity, compassion and kindness. LRRF is supported entirely by our dog loving community. We fix broken bones and provide all needed medical care for the dogs who come into our rescue. We take in senior and special needs Labs. As a direct result of the number of dogs coming into rescue, our resources are severely strained. Through the generous hearts and hands of people like you, we can ensure that the animals who come into our care will never again be alone, hungry, sick, afraid or in pain. Please consider a one time or monthly donation to help us with caring for these dogs. Your donation is tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via our Paypal button below. Box , Clovis, CA .What our adopters say Here are some comments from families that have adopted from us.There is no way we can possibly thank you enough for letting Jack spend his last five years with us. Despite what his previous owners may have believed, he was a wonderful dog who brought us so much joy, so many laughs, and now, so many tears. We will truly miss our "Big Old Big Dog". We love him more then life. Thanks for letting us welcome this amazing dog into our life!!! He's brought us so much joy and laughs! I am happier every single day because of my Tucker boy and that is made possible because you took the time to scoop up a lab who needed you. Thank you! Mari We had almost five amazing years with Harley and truly believe senior pets are the best. She was so easy, sweet, calm and happy. She loved us and we loved her! The perfect fit! We were blessed. Thank you for bringing her into our lives. Jenny Chief is doing wonderful! He came home and jumped right into the family. He made himself comfortable in our bed the first night and has claimed our big chair as his own. He is the biggest cuddler and we couldn't love him more. I wanted to drop you a note to say thank you, and to let you know that all of my interactions with your organization and with Cal's foster mom have been absolutely first class. Thank you for everything you do for these wonderful dogs and for people like me and my family, the very lucky beneficiaries of your work. Broke our hearts. Then we signed up with your group and look what you found for us! Such a great dog. It's hard to believe someone didn't look hard enough to find her. Thanks to all your team for the wonderful work you all do. So Many Easy Ways to Give! Amazon doesn't have an app. Use their website on your phone. It's just as easily or use the app to fill your cart, but don't check out. Check out using the SmileAmazon website. Your items are still there. It's easy! Every purchase helps our Labs. You shop, Amazon gives! We were there but now we need your help. Will you skip Starbucks for a week or dinner out? Valley Glen, CA Thank you for giving these dogs a voice. IndiLab was there for Tillman. Will you be too? We didn't let that happen. Multiple surgeries, time to heal between, foster willing to take a petrified medical case, stress impeding healing, and special needs adopters to take him home. See our breakdown below his photos.They don't need it, the dogs do. Petal was used to breed puppies for profit. When she prolapsed she wasn't wanted anymore. IndiLab was there for Petal. Petal spend her entire life in a cage on dirt surrounded by plywood. She never had love, played on grass, went in a house, slept in a dog bed, or was pet She was isolated and depressed. When she prolapsed her owner took her to be killed. By the grace of God, Petal found compassion in the very person hired to euthanize her. We were contacted and we rushed to take her in. Petal has been spayed and her first surgery to fix her prolapse completed. But this is what rescue is all about for our breed. We will do whatever is necesarry to give this beautiful, darling, and sweet love a chance she never had. As sad as it is, the day we found her was her luckiest day because her new life began. Petal will be seeing a new specialist as we continue to attempt to shrink her prolapse in preparation for yet another surgery. Meanwhile she is being lovingly cared for by the most special foster mom who is keeping her immaculate and keeping her prolapse sterile, covered, and moisened with a special veterinary application. This poor female Lab was dumped at in Inland shelter to die covered in mange and filth. They would not even do a skin scrape or treat her at all. She was slated for euthanasia instead of doing anything to ease her suffering. IndiLab was there for Sunday. Sunday is a beautiful girl with the sweetest disposition. She requires bloodwork, a skin scrape, a skin analysis, a thyroid test, a urinalysis, antibiotics, skin treatments, hollistic treatment and finally she will need her spay, vaccines, and microchip once she is well enought. We will boast her immune system in tandem with her medical treatment. She will be given regular medicated baths along with her other treatments to ease her red and swollen skin and itchyness. They would not even make her a rescue only dog!!!! Anything helps. Skip a coffee or movie or dinner. Or give more and be her sponsor. Our adoption donations only cover so much of the cost of medical for our dogs. Only donations can do that. Will you help? Ribbons had her entropion surgery at Agoura Animal Hospital with Dr. She is pain free for the first time since she has been born. Ribbons: 9-year-old senior Labrador with Entropion eyes Ribbons needs our urgent help! After 9 years, this sweet confused senior Labrador was dumped at a high kill Socal shelter to die when Indi Lab Rescue discovered her laying on a cold concrete floor of her kennel. Her family didn't want her anymore. Not only was she no longer wanted, Ribbons has suffered her entire life since birth with an entropion eye causing severe infection and pain and no one caring enough to ease her suffering. At 9 years of age, this Labrador angel deserves a chance to be pain free and treasured. Won't you help us to help Ribbons? Indi Lab Rescue is seeking donations to assist us in correction of her entropion eye. Your gift will mean the world to this sweet girl. Ribbons is fostered in Santa Barbara and will be available for adoption to a loving home once she has healed. When you donate to help our orphaned retrievers, you help save lives! Adoption fees never cover the cost of rescuing a dog. We can only do our good work with help from you. We supply the the foster homes, the driving, the housebreaking, the nuturning, and all the work. You can help too by contributing to help us with medical expenses, pull fees and other costs! Any little bit helps! Your donation is tax deductible and means so much!

The neck should be solid; shoulders should be well muscled and well defined. Elbows should be in line with the dog's shoulders and feet. The musculature is not extreme or bulging as to allow for agility, quickness and endurance. The coat is coarse with slight feathering on backs of hind legs. Black-only pigmentation and spotting is found on the skin, around the eyes, on the nose and lips and the genitalia. The head is square with noticeable or moderate stop. Supra-orbital arches pronounced with a center crease between the eyes to the back of the head. Bite: Scissor, reverse scissor to 1" under at most. The ears are rolled or flapped. The eyes can be any shade of brown, amber okay; blue is considered a fault in the breed. The feet are round and compact with noticeable webbing between toes. When the tail is not docked, it is thick at the base and feathered at the end. Temperament The White English Bulldog is a family and livestock protection dog. It is a controller and retriever of the roughest livestock, even in wetlands. It suffices as an all-around hunter from treeing squirrels to bears. A very old and extremely rare breed in its true form, the WEB is a medium to large dog bred as an all-around farm and stock dog, specifically for protection of such. It is loyal and fiercely protective of its master, the master's family, property, livestock and especially the children. As with all dogs, be sure you are this dog's true pack leader , and it will be submissive to its handlers. The WEB is not bred to be a hunting dog, though it suffices adequately. Height, Weight Height: Females 20 - 24 inches 51 - 70 cm Males 21 - 25 inches 53 - 63 cm Weight: Females: 55 - 85 pounds 25 - 39 kg Males 65 - pounds .Living Conditions Living conditions are described as those for a farm dog: large, open areas with free run. Most do not do well in kennels or indoors. These dogs need to work and perform their duties. Exercise Needs a job to do. If the dog is in between jobs, for example, between hunting seasons, it needs to be taken for at least a long daily walk. Life Expectancy. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Free Bulldog Puppy Starter Kit!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Commit to training your German Shepherd daily. Be prepared to train your German Shepherd for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day. You should practice basic obedience training, but also include fun training games to keep them interested in their training and engaged with you. Aim for five three-minute sessions daily in the beginning, as a minimum. But start with no more than a few minutes in a short session and gradually build onto each individual session longer times. During each session work on just one or two commands so that your dog learns the right way to perform the command. Ready to start using games during your German Shepherd training? How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on many factors, for example, if you have a puppy or adult. It takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to train a German Shepherd to learn basic obedience commands. Crate training will take about a week to introduce slowly and have your dog or puppy go into the crate on their own to relax. But if your dog has had a bad experience with the crate it could take months. Keep in mind that if you have an adult Shepherd who has already lived with another owner or many dog owners then you may have to undo improper training or behavior problems. This means that you have many months ahead of you of training. Some GSDs are aggressive or reactive and it may take years before they learn to relax around other dogs in a calm manner. While other German Shepherds have excellent dog social experiences from the start and can mix in with other dogs on a whim and quickly pick up their training basics. German Shepherd puppies are ready for simple training as young as 7 weeks old. Your puppy is capable and ready to learn at 6 to 7 weeks old many simple obedience commands. A 1 minutes session is long enough for a young puppy. After a couple of weeks, your German Shepherd puppy should know to sit, stay, and down, as well as its name. Although a reliable off-leash come recall usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks of proper dog training. It took me only about a day to train my German Shepherd to sit using lure and reward training. This means, I use one of the best, tasty treats to move her into the position I want, and then reward her with the food. My GSD took about 7 days to sit and wait at doors before barging out, but… She only takes a day to unlearn this behavior if I relax on it and let her out without waiting! Something complicated like staying in place with tons of distractions think cats or squirrels running by might take you at least 6 months to work up to. Keep in mind that German Shepherd training requires you to work in very small steps and build upon their success. You started with basic math, then geometry, algebra, and so on. German Shepherd Training: The Right Way How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on how consistent you are and how well you support your dog to understand. You must also consider your GSDs: age — are they an energetic puppy or more confident adult previous training — are they fresh to obedience or do they have some basics under their belt whether you are using the right training methods that are simple for your dog to understand The most effective and easy-to-understand system for German Shepherds to learn is called positive reward training. Using positive rewards allows you to mark the specific behaviors your German Shepherd performs right at nearly the exact moment they do them. Use a scientifically-based program to learn positive, reward-based training, like this Brain Training for Dogs official program. The Brain Training Program gives you step-by-step dog training to help you speed up your success rate and the time it takes you to train your GSD. Have you seen the price of in-person German Shepherd training these days? Harsh punishments and the wrong types of corrections can cause your dog to become fearful of you. Stick with positive dog training, or reward-based training, for a better bond with your special breed. Remember, any lack of training on your part is still considered training! You are the dog trainer and must learn the right ways to train a German Shepherd. Remember… Your dog is a brilliant breed, but you must give them the time and attention they need in order to see the most success. Vary up your training environments When you start your training sessions at home, you probably use a quiet room, turn off the TV, and maybe even close the door to your practice area so that you can pay attention to your training. Then, train your German Shepherd to become slowly used to following your command in those places. Train consistently Training skills will go quickly downhill without regular practice. Skills you once thought your dog knew can be unlearned without consistent repetition. If time goes by and you or your family let the training routine slip, an enthusiastic German Shepherd who likes to jump to greet visitors will resort back to their natural instincts to jump on people. Set aside time each day for specific command training, but also remember that every interaction with your German Shepherd is a training opportunity! Look for training opportunities during your day to get the most training benefits. Use high-quality rewards for high-quality learning Find out what treats really motivate your dog. Some German Shepherds will work for lower quality rewards, like their regular kibble, while others may need more motivation. Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, says that freeze-dried liver treats are the Ferrari of high-quality food rewards. But you can also choose other healthy treats for a German Shepherd if your dog prefers a different flavor. This will only set you back in your own German Shepherd training! Instead, build up in small steps by starting in a distraction-free area with your basic German Shepherd training commands. Even in the most desirable situations, your dog may struggle with particular commands. When you see your German Shepherd forget a command, go back to square one — the beginning of the command — and work on the training… again. Try using your phone to record you training your dog. Online training is easy and simple to follow, and the step-by-step directions guide you through the correct ways to train your German Shepherd with the best results. I use the Brain Training for Dogs program for the step-by-step online training from the comfort of home that has a done-for-you schedule. Instead, set up a daily training schedule to help you train them quickly. You can speed up training by using the right methods to train a German Shepherd… Which is positive, reward-based training. If you get tired of training, take a short break with these fun ways to make a German Shepherd happy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. More about 6 month old GSD puppy training. Months GS males reach their adulthood when they are 3 years old, while females become completely mature at the age of 2. However, the end of the second year of life is considered as the finish of puppyhood for both genders. You should continue to teach impulse control, develop obedience skills, and get to more concentrated activities, such as agility, nose work, tracking, herding, and protection. The intense training of these skills should continue throughout the entire period. You also have to arrange the transition of your youngster from puppy to adult food meant for large breeds. According to some experts, insufficient house training or housebreaking is one of the most common reasons that dogs are relinquished to shelters. This is not surprising, because while house training is not a complicated process when housebreaking fails, the results can be disgusting. Just as with children, dogs must be taught the proper place to eliminate. Strangely, though, some people believe that dogs automatically know that the potty is outside. Rather than simply hoping that your dog is one of the few who magically gets it right, there are a few simple steps that you can take to start your puppy training off on the right paw and keep your floors and furniture clean. If he could, he would probably just cut to the chase and ask where the restroom is. In fact, he probably did ask, but you missed it. House training failures can almost always be attributed to the lack of two simple ingredients: scheduling and supervision. While it helps if you have realistic expectations, a little patience, and a sense of humor, you can housebreak your German Shepherd puppy if all you do is keep him in sight and take him out at regular, predictable intervals. Simple, right? Unfortunately, what sounds simple often is not. We have jobs to attend, meals to cook, and movies to watch. Yes, he can, if you show him how. Schedule Potty Breaks While Puppy Training When a meeting is called at your place of work, you are typically given such information as where to meet, what the topic of the meeting will be, and when it will end. Armed with this knowledge, you can stop by the powder room on the way to the meeting, feeling confident that all is well. Obviously, there will be times when you need to take him out before the scheduled moment arrives, especially in the beginning, but when he can rely on you to take him out to go potty at certain times or after specific events, he will begin working at holding it until the appointed time. For example, always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, not after coffee, and not after checking your email or chatting with your friends on Facebook. Take him out first thing. Next, take him out after he eats. He also needs to go out after any period of time that he has been left home alone. If you are away from home at work, school, or shopping, take him out the moment you get back. Freedom is Overrated Until your German Shepherd puppy training is complete, and your puppy is reliably house trained, you will increase the speed of his success the more you decrease the number of accidents. You already know that you must provide him with a consistent schedule, but not every potty break can be dictated by the clock. When you observe your puppy sniffing the floor, circling, arching his back, lifting his tail, or just whining for no apparent reason, get him outside quickly. During those times when you cannot watch him, you must confine him. You must. You cannot leave him free to roam your house and use it as a bathroom. Furthermore, you can place him in a crate, lock him in a safe room, use a playpen, or whatever works for you, but you must confine him. Just do not give him free access to your home. Consistency Equals Success Most house training failures are not the fault of the dog. We get busy, we have unrealistic expectations, and we expect dogs to read our minds and know what we want without training. Really, though, it all comes down to scheduling and supervision. If you can remember these two simple things, you can housebreak your dog. All youngsters need training, whether they are puppies, ponies, or children. This is not news. We send our children to school for a good many years before we consider them trained. GSD puppy training itself is not difficult. Dogs are smart. German Shepherds are especially smart because we have bred them to be independent thinkers. They love a job, and they love puzzles. This means that training can either be easy or frustrating. It is frustrating if your dog seems to be smarter than you are, which he will indicate to you through his bored body language and lack of attention span. It is easy if you know the key to really successful training. When we think of puppy training, we envision teaching the dog things like sit, down, stay, walk on the leash, and fill in the blank. The secret that all great dog trainers have figured out is how to ignite that love of learning that dogs carry deep inside. Get ready to open up a whole new world of possibilities. From the outside, enlightened training looks like any other training in the beginning. Your puppy has to learn the concept first. You start with very simple steps and build from there. Get a handful of healthy treats that your puppy loves. In a quiet area with minimal distractions, approach your puppy and call his name. Do this five times in a row, several times a day for two days. If your puppy is a genius, and if he is a German Shepherd the chances are high that he is, do the exercise anyway several times per day as described. Eventually, you can transition from using treats to simply praising him when he gets it right, but for now, use treats. To clarify one point, your puppy is not born speaking English. You can use whatever word you choose to let him know when he has done what you are asking him to do. This is the marker you will use throughout his lifetime to let him know when he has performed on cue correctly. Be consistent. You do this initially by luring his eyes to your eyes with your hand that is holding the treats. Call his name, bring your treat hand up to your face, and the instant your puppy makes the slightest eye contact, reward him. Do this several times, then move your hand a few inches away from your face. Call his name, and when he looks at your hand for a treat, do not give it to him. He will become confused, and at some point, he will look you in the eye for clarification. Instantly reward him. Practice this several times a day for a few days, gradually moving your hand away from your face until eventually, it is in a normal relaxed position by your side while your puppy looks at your face when you call him. When you have mastered this exercise, you are ready to move on. First, you will lure him into position like you did when you brought his eyes to your face, then you will transition to having him sit when no treat is offered. With your puppy standing next to you, call his name. Praise him when he looks at you, but do not give him a treat. Instead, place your hand holding the treat in front of his nose and lift your hand directly over his head. Do not pull his head up with his leash, and definitely do not push his butt down to force him to sit. Let him work this out on his own. Step away, call him to you, and repeat. Faster than you expect, he will drop his butt to the floor on cue and proudly accept his reward. As soon as your puppy will reliably sit when you give him the cue and lift your hand over his head, give him the cue but keep your hand at his side. Wait for him to work it out. If he gets frustrated and loses interest, show him the treat and try again. Eventually, he will sit without needing you to guide him, at which point you will lavishly praise him and move on to the next lesson. Do not push him down, do not pull his front legs out from under him. Wait for him to lie down on his own. If he stands up to get the treat, have him sit again and start over. Eventually, he will lower his front end to the floor. Instantly praise him and give him the treat. Once your puppy will lie down consistently when you cue him and lure him with the treat, give him the cue and wait for him to lie down without showing him the treat. You may have to go back to luring him a time or two, but because you taught him how to learn on his own, eventually he will get it. The same techniques of puppy training can be applied to anything you want to teach your dog to do. German Shepherds are smart and hard-working dogs. They are highly intelligent and therefore rather easy to train. But, it requires clear objectives and loving guidance. When consistent supervision and routine are provided, German Shepherds are very simple to house train. When should you start training a German Shepherd puppy? However, it is not. It may sound too harsh, but training should begin as soon as a puppy enters your home. In fact, training will yield better results the younger your puppy is. How to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite? Your puppy has to learn that when he hears the click sound, he has acted improperly and should stop. To help the dog learn that he is responding correctly, the owner should reward him with a treat. Learn more about training your GSD not to bite. How to potty train a German Shepherd puppy? As soon as your German Shepherd puppy enters your home, you should begin potty training. For instance, it must be relieved after eating, sleeping, and waking up after a daytime nap. It might also need a potty after playing. Your puppy dog will pick up the rules fairly fast with the help of the routine. Learn more about GSD Puppy potty training. How to train German Shepherd puppy at home? Failures in house training can almost always be attributable to a lack of two basic components: scheduling and supervision. You can housebreak your German Shepherd puppy if all you do is keep him in sight and take him outside at regular, predictable intervals, though it helps if you have reasonable expectations, a little patience, and a sense of humor. Final Thoughts German Shepherds belong to the breed that benefits and thrives from continuous extensive training. Your puppy should know how to behave properly in different situations and in both outdoor and indoor environments. That is why it is so important to start German Shepherd puppy training as early as possible. Actually, you need to expose your little pup to some rules, exercises, and practices from the very first minutes in your home. As a result, you will get a loyal, obedient, protective, and intelligent friend and partner for all your further activities. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Check Price on Amazon 1. If the puppy is running towards you, for example, you can begin clapping. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. For the time being, you should avoid anchors that are excessively similar to one another. My German Shepherd Willow — 8 weeks old 2. As you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands, this helps eliminate a lot of the resistance. As a result, the initial step should be to persuade your German Shepherd to stick close to you. We all know that dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader, which means you! Needless to say, when training a 2-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you have to incentivize him to follow you. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your German Shepherd establish an association between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. You can start taking unexpected turns and training your puppy to follow you despite the direction changes after your puppy has become motivated to follow you for the reward. At a young age, you should take your puppy out and about and allow him to utilize his sociability potential. One method is to pay visits to friends and family. You might also look for a dog park and take him there. Keep in mind that your pet is still learning to walk with you and follow directions. Make sure your pup has a positive experience outdoors. It is worth noting that you should socialize and introduce him to new experiences as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training You should start potty training your German Shepherd puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. I cordoned off a small area and added some bark chippings. Even now, my GSD will not go on the sidewalk or hard surfaces! It has to be grass or somewhere soft. Next, you need a potty training schedule. Always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, hourly, and before retiring to bed. Deter Biting If you read my blog regularly, you know that I am opposed to punishment-based training. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can actually cause aggression. If someone recommends such negative approaches, you should approach a qualified trainer and learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite. Instead, you can wait until your GSD bites during a positive activity before stopping it. This will help to anchor the result better. For example, if your German Shepherd puppy fiercely takes a treat from your hand, you can withhold the second treat until he learns to take it gently. You should act upset and convey that what he has done has hurt you. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behavior by rewarding with a treat. Your German Shepherd will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with good things. Puppies must continue to learn bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the work their mother taught them and what they learned from their littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You have to use your best judgment and patience when training your dog. In general, by the tenth week, your German Shepherd will be mature enough to understand self-control. Teach the Heel Position While your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy will initially follow you, adjusting your pace will soon have him walking alongside you in the heel position, on your left side, without a leash, harness, or fear of punishment. To train your puppy to assume the natural heel position, use a clicker, whistle, or use your voice as a marker. Chances are, at first, your German Shepherd will also try to change his pace to walk behind you because of habit. You can avoid this problem by walking where your dog is used to. Assume Positions on Command — Sit, Down, Stand Your 3-months old German Shepherd puppy is now old enough to learn how to sit, stand, or hold a down position. You can teach him these new skills and assume a heel stance, which you have previously taught him. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! You used to whistle when your GSD approached you; now, you must whistle for him to start his run. This is the foundation of his recall training. While this allows the puppy to be more social when visitors arrive, an adult dog must learn to walk outside without behaving badly. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training, for example, teaching him to touch a target with a specific part of his body, such as his paw or nose. Remember that your German Shepherd may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. I recommend teaching your German Shepherd to use his nose to touch your hand. This is a fantastic bite substitute! Hand targeting is a fun way to train your dog to trust you while also getting him to use his brain! Begin by asking him to sit for a few seconds and gradually extend the time. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your German Shepherd to public parks and he has watched other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your GSD may not bring the toy back to you for a second time, but he will eventually figure it out. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually turn it into a game of fetch, rewarding your puppy with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of German Shepherd training, you will continue toilet training to a degree of independence. Maintain a regular schedule and match your walks with his natural cycle to coincide with when he needs to go. Teach Your German Shepherd to Walk on the Leash Learning to walk on a leash outside is an important element of dog training. Use it to control your German Shepherd and then test his ability to follow commands off-leash. Many dog owners will opt for a rear attached harness. How to Train a 5 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy You have adequately socialized and trained your dog to recognize and associate attention, toys, walks, and food as rewards. Your five-month-old German Shepherd puppy is now ready to be put to the test for general obedience and the capacity to deal with distractions. These could be other dogs, strangers, or animals like squirrels or birds. But, if you introduce distractions gradually, your five-month-old puppy can deal with them. You must be ready for your dog to run ahead of you now! Assume, however, that you have built a strong bond with your puppy and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay close to you and prove his loyalty by sticking by your side. The good news is that all of your past training will make it easier for your dog to obey your instructions. Conclude Potty Training Your German Shepherd has had months to learn how to tell you his need to go potty. He has also likely refined how to hold his bladder instead of peeing on the floor. As a result, if your dog makes a mess, you can express your displeasure through your body language. But, all dogs can still have the odd accident up to one year old. Besides, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened. This is known as either excitement or submissive urination. During this time, energy levels increase , especially in larger breed dogs. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old German Shepherd can exercise for one hour if you split his walks into two thirty-minute sessions. To train your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy, start with two commands that will be most useful. As previously stated, you will be exercising your German Shepherd much more frequently from now on. You can teach these commands or tricks in any order from six months onwards until your German Shepherd is a well-trained adult. This is an excellent skill to teach your GSD and is one of the commands taught to police and protection dogs. This is a difficult task, but your German Shepherd will eventually master it if you practice and keep consistent. The eighth month is the time for training your German Shepherd to go to different places upon hearing your command word. This could be for practical reasons or to maximize the intellect of your dog. Alternatively, you might spend the ninth month teaching him a fun party trick! Teach Your German Shepherd to Spin By dangling a tasty treat in front of your German Shepherd and moving it in a circle until he starts to spin, you prime him for a command anchor. After a week or so, you teach your German Shepherd to follow your finger without first using a treat. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he obeys the command. By the third week, you should be able to ask your dog to spin without using your finger to guide him. It might take an extra couple of weeks, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your dog to learn previous commands better. You can train him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now develop this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your one-year-old German Shepherd continues to learn at the same rate as he has since he was six months old. What will change is that your dog will interact with other people more frequently. You can train him to do additional tricks to give him a more appealing presence. This will deter him from merely barking for attention. You should also review previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. If anything, this is the period where you tailor his training to your convenience. But now is the time when your German Shepherd must learn to be harmonious with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your doggo to be compatible with modern adult life within reason. Do not be alarmed if you have an month-old German Shepherd who appears to have had no previous training! Start by establishing authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your new friend recognizes your authority and sees you as his leader, treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. You should train your German Shepherd puppy for short and frequent sessions, ideally minutes, several times a day. As your puppy grows and matures, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of the training sessions. What are the most important commands to teach my German Shepherd puppy? Come command helps to call your puppy back to you in case of an emergency or when you want to end a play session. Heel command teaches your puppy to walk calmly beside you on a leash, and Leave It command helps to prevent your puppy from eating something harmful or dangerous. German Shepherds are a highly trainable and intelligent breed. Your job as a trainer becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule in place and stick to your routine. My month-by-month German Shepherd puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and make him into the cherished companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. How to begin with training a puppy and get a running start. Everyone has to have their first puppy and, just like with having a first child, there is a lot of learning involved. What age should you start training a German Shepherd? Whether you have a puppy or an older German Shepherd. I have learned that starting as soon as you bring your puppy home. This will prevent behavior problems from developing. Some people start at 8: weeks to 12 weeks or four months to six months of age depending on how old the puppy was when they purchased. I put together a beginner mini-guide below- to help you get started with a new puppy. You want to get your puppy on the right training schedule. How to housebreak a German Shepherd puppy? It works. Morning The first thing that you should do is let your puppy out of its crate and take it directly outside to go potty. An eight-week-old puppy needs to eat three to four meals each day. Your puppy should be given a bowl of water with its meal and be permitted to drink as much as it wants. Give your puppy about ten minutes to relax after it has eaten and then go back outside for potty. Before its next meal, your puppy should be taken out every hour in order to prevent accidents and should be placed into its crate whenever it will not be directly supervised. Crates are great for everyday use as they keep your puppy out of danger when it is not by your side. Afternoon Your afternoon will mirror your morning almost exactly. Your puppy will need to be taken outside if it has been crated, fed its afternoon meal and then taken outside again. When not being supervised, your puppy should be gated off into a completely puppy-proofed room or crated. Your puppy will get a meal, go outside, and be placed in a safe room or crate when not supervised. Throughout the day, use your puppies name in connection with positive things. This will help your puppy learn his name more quickly. Having a puppy in the house is fun for everyone in the family. Your job is to make sure that the puppy is given a predictable, structured environment to grow up in. German Shepherd Puppy Training: Training a puppy at a young age will prevent bad behavior from developing into big-time behavior problems. Some of us start at eight weeks, others start at 10 to 12 weeks old. Laying out the groundwork for leash training a puppy. With step by step video training guide. Video one; Leash training your puppy will be one of the first things you and I will need to do with our new German Shepherd puppy! Learning can be a challenge for many of us. Today I like to share a video with my friend Tonny and his new puppy Named Nora at 10 weeks old. This her first leash training exercise. What I have learned from my own experience; I like to practice this exercise 2 or 3 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time every day- when training young pups at this age. Sometimes we as humans expect too much too fast and can forget what we learn from owning our last dog. We forgot puppyhood. I know I have made this mistake before. I have learned after training multiple German Shepherd puppies , how to spend a good enough amount of time working them by training shot training sessions to get the best results. Tony and his wife Shannon are teaching her how to walk on a leash in the street under real-world distractions. If you have never trained a puppy before learning these training skills will be challenging for anybody just learning. But done let it stop you from practicing. With just a little bit of time and patience, you and your puppy will come a long way together. I have learned this is the most important part of training our puppy and will build and strengthens our bond together for starting our new journey. Once your puppy is showing that they are understanding what the heel command means, now we can start to add in the sit-stay command. This is a command we will use every day with our puppy. Watch how Shannon works with her puppy in this video. Nora will get a little distracted when she is walking by me and her husband Tony. Dog training is all about doing things together as a team. Building trust and leadership with your new best friend. Always start off with your attention training and practicing around your home and in your yard. A little bit of practice goes a long way. I would love to hear about all your success. I will be sharing more training videos with you soon! Best of luck with your training. About the author: Dennis is the founder of German Shepherd Behavior. I have owned this breed for over 25 years and looking forward to sharing my German Shepherd journey with you.