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Goldendoodles, which are a mix between golden retrievers and poodles , are high-energy, playful, friendly, and highly intelligent dogs. They are ideal for families that go on a lot of walks and hikes and enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also get your dog toys to challenge him mentally. Here are the best dog toys for goldendoodles that will make playtime much more fun. Squeaky Toys Photo via dublyndoodle Goldendoodles, on average, weigh 50 to 70 pounds. A squeaky toy will be sure to entice him and tap into his natural hunting instincts. A stuffed toy like a teddy bear for dogs could provide some fun. This hide-and-seek toy was designed to eliminate boredom and encourage positive play. This plush toy features different squirrels with squeakers that you can hide inside of a tree. Then, your dog has to find them. You can reward your pup by simply letting him play with the squirrel, or give him some peanut butter as well to encourage him to keep playing with the toy. It will provide physical and mental stimulation as well as hours of fun. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide the mental stimulation your Goldendoodle needs. As one of the smartest dog breeds, goldendoodles enjoy flexing their intelligence… especially when it involves getting their favorite treats or dog food at the same time. A food puzzle or snuffle mat are great outlets to do this. If your goldendoodle masters this one, you can move up to difficulty level three to see if he can conquer that one as well. Flip lid compartments open up to reveal the first compartment and can also slides to reveal a hidden second compartment…. Wholesale 6 Best Dog Toys for Goldendoodles and Labradoodles Growing in popularity throughout the world, the Goldendoodle is a lovable, energetic bundle of fluff that brings happiness to every home. These adorable teddy bear like dogs are also destructive chewers. In need of a Holiday gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our goldendoodle gift guide. From dog toy giftboxes to mugs, we have everything you need for the dood in your life. These toys are especially fabulous because each toy includes a secret squeaky ball inside so you really get 2 for 1. It comes in sizes perfect for small and large dogs and adorable designs like koalas, cactus and pigs. Our raving fans give this toy a 1 paws up! The Bob-A-Lot is designed to store dog food and kibble but the small openings make it challenging for your dog to retrieve them. The Bob-A-Lot is made of durable, non-toxic materials and is also dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. Click here to purchase from Amazon. Goughnuts Ring Toy The 1 sturdiest dog toy on the planet hands down. This GoughNuts Ring bounces, rolls and even floats, so it can stand up to extreme games of fetch and all types of outdoor play. Click here for more details. West Paw Hurley Bone This classic bone is a safer alternative to wood sticks and is best for dogs who love to gnaw and play fetch especially in water. Hurley's classic design makes it easy for dogs to carry in their mouthes while its bright colors, make Hurley easy to spot indoors or out. Made in the USA, it floats and its non-toxic. Click here for details. Benebone Chew Toys One of the leading dog chew brands, Benebone is certainly a fan fave. Their chews are all made in the USA and come in yummy favors your pup will love like chicken, mint, peanut butter and bacon! The company is also fully committed to the welfare of dogs through product donations and community involvement. They are sold via amazon or at your local high end retailers. Sodapup Coffee Treat Dispensing Toy Sodapup is one of our absolute favorite toy companies for heavy chewer dog toys. Their toys are made in the USA, are extremely durable for tough chewers and the owners of the company are fantastic. Click here to learn more about their treat dispensing dog toys. If you're still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your dog, our adorable and trendy plush dog toys are always a great gift. If you need a gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our Holiday Gift Guide For Goldendoodle Lovers Brought to you by Patchwork Pet- a leading plush dog toy company based in sunny southern California. Here are our top recommended toys with links to where to purchase them. Have a bit more time? Check out the full reviews below. Pick 1: BetterBone Tough. This eco-friendly and hypoallergenic chew bone is the perfect pick for pups that destroy their chew toys and bones after a few chewing sessions. A fab, fun and engaging chase toy that doubles as a great way of dispensing kibble dinners to prevent dogs from simply gobbling it down. Pick 3: Kong Classic Dog Toy. This plastic puzzle ball provides clever pups with hours of enjoyment as they chase it about the house or garden trying to figure out how to get at the treats inside. Pick 6: Chuckit! A classic for fetch, this durable rubber ball is nicely light and extremely bouncy making it perfectly suited for games in the park or down at the beach. So, for these dogs, mental stimulation is every bit as important as exercise. Not only does it stop them from getting bored and engaging in unwanted behaviors such as barking, digging, and chewing, it also can help to keep them from piling on the pounds. Most owners recommend having an assortment of toys about the house. Gone are the days of a dog bone and a teddy bear. These days dogs have nearly as many play choices as children do. To stop your Goldendoodle getting bored, you might look into getting some of these: Chew Toys Perfect for pups who are a fan of a good old chew and who usually zero in on the last thing in the house that you actually want them to chomp down on, naturally. Chew toys are a perfect distraction from your clothes, shoes, and furniture. BetterBone Tough from The Kind Pet From a health perspective, these toys are great for keeping teeth clean and debris-free. They also make useful tools for teething puppies — this generally begins somewhere in the vicinity of four months. A few products have even been specifically designed for this purpose. Puzzle Toys With their working dog ancestors, Goldendoodles benefit from toys that can help keep them happily engaged for long periods. This is where puzzle toys come into play. These self-amusement devices often dispense treats to keep dogs going for even longer than they otherwise might as they try to solve the puzzle to get at the reward. Of course, the downside of this is while they may be exercising, they will still be eating. To get around this, you might consider serving them up their meal-time kibble using one of these instead of additional snacks. Rope Toys Specially constructed rope, usually twisted and knotted at both ends, is great as both an active and distraction toy. It gives chewing pups the chance to work their jaws on something a little softer and with a bit more give than bone. A word of caution, though, on this type of toy. If you do choose to buy one for your dog, take care that it is carefully constructed for dogs and inspect it frequently for wear and tear. Thin strands of rope can be extremely harmful if swallowed. Fetch toys Excellent for Doodles as they tend to have a ton of energy; fetch toys can really help your dog get the very best from their time spent outdoors. Moreover, they provide the perfect way for you to spend some quality time with your pooch and develop a close and loving bond with them. The most well-known of fetch toys is the ball, and these are great for most dogs. However, fetch toys now come in an array of shapes and sizes that make them travel further when thrown, easier for dogs to grip and run with, or perfect for playing games of tug with either their owner or their doggy friends. Plush toys Soft toys are great for helping your dog feel comforted when you are away from the house. They will quite often enjoy having these around while they sleep. How fit for purpose is it? How is it likely to keep your dog interested? Some pups can be incredibly picky with their toys, as they are with their food. They may perhaps just need a little time to figure it out, is all. Quality Goldendoodles can get a little rough with their toys, chewing on them and shaking them about — especially when they are on the young side. This is one of the reasons why only dog toys will do. Toys designed for children are not likely to be as durable. Pay close attention to manufacturer recommendations for how well it will hold up to teeth and claws, and never buy something just because it looks good. Cost Luckily many options keep the cost of dog toys reasonable. You can pick up some great items at relatively affordable prices. Just be careful about the quality of the product in question. Twitter Pinterest Searching for the best toys for Goldendoodles that will make your pupper over-the-moon happy? Then welcome to our pack! Best toys for Goldendoodles In a hurry? Here are our top choices. This is especially helpful for those Doodles who are finicky eaters. Peanut butter xylitol-free is a popular choice for many pet parents. I like to use a peanut butter-filled Kong toy as a happy distraction when brushing and grooming my Goldendoodle. Since most Goldendoodles are energetic and many are natural retrievers, this ball is ideal for all those endless rounds of fetch you can play together. The thick nylon tassels combined with the round body think of an octopus give dogs plenty of tugging action. Why is it a winner for Goldendoodles? The squeaker, of course. All the toys included in this list have been played with, loved on, and generally enjoyed by one very happy, inquisitive, chewy, and smart adult Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles, a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle breeds, are typically very intelligent dogs. Our Goldendoodle loves having to work for her food and I love that it stimulates her mind. Why we both like it: I like using this interactive puzzle toy at mealtime as a substitution for a regular dog bowl. First, I ask her to sit and stay. Then I say, Get it! For dogs who gobble their food, the slots and sliders slow mealtime down. It makes a great boredom buster. The material is surprisingly durable and the construction is solid. What could be better: This puzzle has a difficulty level of two. If your Goldendoodle has solved food puzzles before and needs more challenge, you may want to go up a difficulty level. In full transparency, we purchased two interactive puzzle toys from the Nina Ottosson brand. The one in the photo above was hands down our favorite—the quality of the material was much more durable. Best classic dog toy What it is: A wobbly toy you can fill with treats. My favorite way to use this toy is as a happy distraction during Goldendoodle grooming or at-home dog nail trims. I have several Kong toys that I partially fill with peanut butter and pop in the freezer. BTW…check the ingredient list on your peanut butter before giving it to your dog. Freezing makes licking all the yummy treats inside the Kong toy extra challenging for my dog. Why we both like it: The wobbly shape makes it more challenging for my Doodle to get to the yummy treats inside. The rubber material is durable yet easy on the teeth. What could be better: If you do wash it by hand, I find it hard to get all the ridges clean. Breathe Right Fetch Ball Best fetch ball for physical enrichment What it is: A fetch ball that is hollow, flexible, and designed so dogs can breathe easier when the ball is in the mouth. Even as a Goldendoodle puppy , she was a natural retriever. Would it really hold up? Turns out…YES! At last count, I think we have four Chuckit! Breathe Right Fetch Balls. Since the ball is super lightweight, I know all those airborne catches will be gentle on her mouth. A tired dog is a happy dog! For us, these balls have stood the test of time and given us many joyful games of endless fetch. The ball comes in four sizes. My dog, a medium Goldendoodle , plays with the medium-sized balls. Some reviews mention dogs chewing and destroying this ball. Why we like it: It gives energetic Doodles plenty of physical exercise. It feels a bit heavier than the average frisbee, so you may have to adjust the amount of fling you put into your toss. Worth mentioning, we also have a Kong flying disc that our Goldendoodle plays with too. We use both frisbees and rotate them just to keep it interesting for her. As with any toy, supervise during play. You know your dogs best—whether they can play nicely together and whether they are toy aggressive. They like to play chase games as well as play tug with each other. What could be better: No toy is indestructible. Eventually the tassels on this toy frayed from play and they started to pull away from the body. At this point, I put the toy up. However, I was satisfied that it lasted for many puppy playdates. My dog gets so excited over the squeak. BPA free. For a complete list of dog toys and other products we have used and recommend please visit our Goldendoodle Supplies store. What makes a good dog toy for Goldendoodles Wondering what makes a good toy for a Goldendoodle? Here are three ways I evaluate which types of toys make it into our home. These are both standards that I first learned from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby. Dogs can easily break a tooth chewing on a hard toy. Does the dog toy provide plenty of canine enrichment? I try to keep a variety of dog toys around our home for physical, cognitive, and social play. How safe is it? If the strings from a rope toy are ingested, they can cause intestinal blockage. Be careful out there, Doods. Finally, while these dog toys make my Goldendoodle happy, every Doodle dog is different. As with all toys, please supervise your dog when playing. Better yet, play along with him or her! And if your dog starts to pick or chew or pull a toy apart, quickly remove it. Safety first and happiness will follow! Play happy. Play together. Thank you for checking out our list! But, not just any toys, chew toys. They go through a teething phase like our human babies. During this time, it seems like everything is a chew toy. So, if you want to save your furniture and shoes, we recommend chewing toys. Keep reading to find the best chew toys for a Goldendoodle puppy and the worst. Ensuring Safety Before we start talking about the best chew toys for a Goldendoodle puppy, we need to talk about safety. Every year hundreds of dogs are rushed to the emergency clinics for toy-related accidents. Too small of a chew toy could be a choking hazard. Every chew toy has various sizes intended for different weights. It is best to keep within the products recommended size chart. No Loose Parts- Any toy that you give your puppy should not have any loose or dangling parts. That means no ribbons, buttons, or moveable pieces. Puppies are compulsive chewers and will chew these pieces off and eat them. Loose parts are not only a choking hazard, but can also become lodged in the intestines. Inspection- You should be checking toys every day. Any toy that is compromised is a hazard to your dog. Always look for chipped pieces, cracks, and all parts are functioning. They could also pose as an intestinal blockage if accidentally swallowed. Avoid Stuffing- If your dog is being left alone with toys, it is best to avoid stuffing. Puppies destroy toys in the blink of an eye. Stuffing poses a choking hazard and blockage potential. Getting unstuffed toys for when you are gone is safer. Avoid Batteries- If you have toys that are battery operated, it is best to leave them for supervised playtimes only. If your puppy chews into the battery, they could get severe burns and poisoning. Know Your Dog- If your dog is an aggressive chewer, it is best not to choose soft toys. And vice versa. For teething puppies, you want to choose something softer. As your puppy ages and gets adult teeth , they can handle tougher chews. Supervision- The most critical part is always to supervise your puppy with any toy. All toys break and can pose a danger, and nothing is indestructible. If you follow all of these safety rules, then your puppy should have no problem with most toys. These chew toys can be dangerous and pose risks that most people do not understand. Nylabone Plaque Attacker Nylabone is one of the first branded chew toys. They make some wonderful edible chew toys. But, toys such as the Nylabone Plaque Attacker poses a real danger to puppies. This toy, and many like it, have small sharp pieces meant to stimulate and clean the gums. But these pieces easily fall off, and your puppy will likely swallow it. Rawhides Rawhides are strips of leather that are chemically processed with formaldehyde and arsenic. Not only are these chemicals harmful to your puppy, but the rawhide itself is a choking hazard. Hundreds of dogs a year are hospitalized after ingesting pieces of rawhide that get lodged in the intestines. The only way to remove them is with surgery. Even with supervision, it is best to stay away from the rawhide bones, rolls, and strips. Soft Rubber Stay away from soft rubber chew toys. These toys fall apart, and your puppy is more likely to eat the pieces. These small pieces can come off slowly at first but can make the entire toy crumble with aggressive chewing. Cow Hooves And Antlers These chew toys can be used with constant supervision, but you should be warned. These hooves and antlers can cause significant damage to aggressive chewers. Puppies have cracked teeth and even break their jaw on these bones because of their durability. If your dog is a soft chewer, it is safe to use with supervision. Cooked Bones Cooked bones of all kinds splinter and can cause the same issues as cow hooves. Bones that you typically get from pet stores are all cooked, and therefore should be avoided. You can, however, go to your local butcher and ask for raw cow knuckles for your puppy to chew. They will love the flavor and nutrition. This will eliminate trips to the vet and any safety issues that you might have with other chew toys. Below is our list of the best chew toys for a Goldendoodle puppy. If your Goldendoodle loves sticks, then they will love these natural Dogwood flavored chews. This toy is durable and tastes excellent. They are also safer and come in a variety of sizes. These sticks come in several sizes to match your pup the best. These natural rings are easy to digest and full of flavor. Your puppy will love the shape of these rings. You will enjoy the long-lasting durability without compromising safety. They have a great smell and robust flavor. The Soup Bone is nutritious and completely edible. They even come in regular and mini sizes for smaller puppies. They not only help your puppy teeth but they also safely clean teeth and gums. These sticks start hard, and as your puppy chews, they become soft and pliable. They are easily digestible, durable, and tasty. Homemade Jerky Chews If you own a dehydrator, you might be interested in making your own jerky chews. Here are a couple of our favorite easy recipes. This homemade jerky has an easy step by step instructions. They even give you instructions on using your oven as a dehydrator. With so many protein options, this is a great place to start. These recipes are perfectly marinaded and keep your puppy coming back for more. Here is another great dehydrated sweet potato recipe that is sure to be a hit. Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be a great teething toy for your Goldendoodle puppy. The only thing we would not recommend about this toy is attaching it to a rope. The rope could break with chewing and become a choking hazard. In the first few days, they seem excited and love their new toys. But then the novelty wears off. How do you prevent this? With puppies, less can sometimes mean more. They can get overwhelmed with so many options that they choose nothing at all. To keep your puppy engaged, there are a few things you can do. Toy Rotation— Have enough toys that you can switch them out every few days. Every time you bring out an old box, it will be like new all over again. Variety— In this rotation, make sure that you have a variety of different chew types, flavors, textures, interactive, and unstuffed toys. The mixture will keep your puppy interested. It will also help you learn what he likes or dislikes. Work Rotation— Have a different rotation for when you are gone to work. This might sound like a lot of toys, but it is a sure-fire way to keep your puppy engaged in his toys. It will keep your puppy happy, and your property safe from puppy teeth. In Conclusion While your dog grows and you get a sense of what they enjoy, you can add even more variety to their chew toys. Hopefully, you can get through the teething years without too much damage to your furniture and shoes. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! You can also purchase a few different toys for your Goldendoodle, as they each provide your dog with a different type of activity, so it is a good idea to mix up their toys every week to help prevent them from getting bored. These are the main factors to consider when looking for a toy for your Goldendoodle: Safety You want to ensure that the toy you choose for your Goldendoodle is made of safe materials that will not harm them if they are chewed. Some poor-quality chew toys can release toxic chemicals which are not good for your dog. Always make sure that you choose a well-known brand of dog toy that has no known risks. Get into the habit of checking his toys daily. Durability Another factor to consider when purchasing a toy for your Goldendoodle is the durability of the material. Some toys are not designed for certain activities and can break easily if they are misused. Toys such as rubber balls or sticks should not be chewed profusely because they can break easily—these toys are rather designed to be thrown outdoors where your dog can fetch them. Some toys are not strong enough to withstand the tough jaws of your Goldendoodle, so it is important to ensure your Goldendoodle is always supervised when playing with a toy that looks like it can be chewed to pieces. These could be accidentally swallowed and put your beloved canine at risk of choking or an internal blockage. Size Dog toys that are made for small-sized dog breeds will not be a good option for the medium-sized Goldendoodle. These small toys are not designed to last long with larger dogs who have much larger mouths and stronger jaws. The small design of the toy can also be a choking hazard, especially if it is a ball that can get lodged in their mouth if the sizing is not right. The Different Types Of Toys for Goldendoodles Goldendoodles can play with most toys that are marketed toward medium to large-sized dog breeds. The Goldendoodle is an active dog breed that enjoys playing with toys, especially if it involves water or games such as fetch or tug of war. Various toys are suitable for Goldendoodles, such as rope toys, balls, squeaky toys, treat dispenser balls, and items such as fake sticks or balls that can make for a great game of fetch. Some Goldendoodles will even enjoy playing with dispensing toys that release treats or pieces of their food while others will prefer toys that they can lay down and chew. There are various toys to consider when purchasing the right one for your Goldendoodle, and the type of toy you choose will depend on their life stage puppy , adult, or senior , their health status, and the durability of the toy. Since Goldendoodles are active and enjoy playing games like fetch , it is a good option to consider a toy that can be thrown around, as this will entice them to fetch it and bring it back to you and can form part of the bonding experience between dog and owner. Conclusion Of the Goldendoodle toys we have reviewed in this article, we have chosen two as our favorite picks for what they have to offer your dog in terms of safety, durability, and stimulation. Our first top pick is the Benebone Bacon-Flavored Dog Chew because it is medium in size, affordable, and a great toy for your dog to chew on to help prevent boredom. Our second top pick is the Kong Squeezz Ball Dog Toy because your dog can chase this ball and it uses both mental and physical stimulation to encourage your dog to stay active and enjoy their playtime. We hope our reviews have helped you find the perfect toy for your Goldendoodle! She is currently interested in veterinary science and ichthyology, which she wants to study alongside her main passion: pet content writing. Sarah has over 60 fish including: goldfish, tropicals, shrimp, and snails. She also keeps hamsters and a tarantula. Sarah wishes to provide quality content for readers and allow others to learn from her knowledge and experience. Sarah has much experience in all aspects of pet care. Providing the world with the knowledge on ethical pet ownership is her lifelong dream.Read more Advertisement. Check Price This toy is a textured hard rubber ball that looks like a glorified tennis ball. It is intended for heavy chewers, which makes it perfect for Goldendoodles. This toy has a 4. They also make a squeaker ball that is on the top of many dog toy lists. It is constructed of soft rubber and durable multilayer nylon, this is the perfect solution for fitness, exercise and training. Best Tug of War Toys For Goldendoodles The trouble with most ropes or other tug-of-war toys is that they are not very durable. While aggressive chewers can be hard to satisfy, we found a couple of toys that are made for large dogs. The toy comes in two sizes, and the handles are plenty big to let your Golden puppy clamp down and pull. This toy stretches and recoils and is completely indestructible. Unlike most ropes that last about a day. Goughnuts Maxx Check Price This durable toy looks like a figure eight where your dog latches onto one end, and you hang on the other. It stretches, recoils, and will provide a lot of wonderful play time for your Goldendoodle. The trick about this toy is its width. A dog cannot complete their bite if the toy sticks out the sides of its mouth, so your dog will keep trying to readjust its bite around the toy. This toy comes in two sizes, so depending on how grown your Goldendoodle is, you can purchase the appropriate-sized tug toy. Conclusion When searching for the best toy for your Goldendoodle or any breed it is best to keep in mind the activity and intelligence level of your dog. Some breeds like the Goldendoodles need the proper amount of care by providing appropriate mental and physical activities found in toys meant for these purposes. Mental challenges will help your dog learn and keep his brain active, just remember you should always supervise your dog while playing with their toys. As pointed out, dog toys can satisfy different purposes; puzzle toys for mental ability, fetch toys for exercise, and chew toys to stave off boredom, with the added benefit of improving dental care. When it comes to dog chew toys, new studies have shown that certain unsafe dog toys usually Chinese expose dogs to many harmful substances, for example, dog chews containing rawhide can possibly contain Salmonella or E. Further, digestion issues can occur in some dogs, therefore, it is best to avoid these types of toys including pig ears and cow knuckles. We only recommend products we have tried and are using for our own dogs! Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and active dogs. In my work as a dog trainer I see a lot of bored Goldendoodles that go on to be destructive or even develop behavioral problems. Having the right toys for them to challenge their mind and give them a task is key! I recommend the toys in this article to all my clients with high-energy Doodle breeds. Let me show you my favorite toys for Goldendoodle puppies and adults! You fill it with kibble or small treats and you dog has to roll it around to get those treats out. The ball has different inserts that you can add to gradually increase the difficulty of the task. The better your Doodle gets, the more challenging you can make it! For especially high energy Goldendoodles you can feed every meal out of this ball. It will keep your dog entertained and challenged. When he is done playing, he will be tired and ready for a nap. I use this for my own dogs every day - they love it, and so will yours. Check the current price here! The cool thing about this toy is that it is a ball and a treat dispenser in one. We all know how much our Goldendoodles love to play with balls — and love to eat! As a professional dog trainer, I can guarantee you that more than half of all behavioral issues stem from dogs being bored and not mentally stimulated enough. If you are ready to stock up on more toys, we got a selection below for any kind of Goldendoodle. Whenever you get a toy for your pup, make sure that he cannot choke on or swallow parts of it and supervise him while playing. Goldendoodles can be strong chewers and might crack or break toys if left unsupervised with them. Who are we kidding.This 2-in-1 toy is prepared for your dog's attempts at ripping it apart and actually contains a second toy inside! It is soft, it squeaks and it can be torn apart - what else does a Goldendoodle want. I have this one for my own dogs and they love it. Consuela the Cactus is the toy that all dogs want to play with at the same time, so if you have more than one Doodle, maybe get two of these! The unusual shapes makes this egg's movement completely unpredictable. Your dog will think it's moving one way but it will roll to the other, continually surprising and entertaining him. Many puppies are worn out by just minutes of wild play with this toy, a godsend for energetic Doodle pups! The hard plastic makes this a great toy to leave outside in the yard. Your pup might get too wound up playing with it inside, so make this an outdoor toy. Brain puzzles like these show that dogs can in fact learn to pull, pull, twist or move objects to get to the treats hidden inside - and grow their intelligence every day while doing so. Simply put your dog's food or favorite treat inside this puzzle and watch those brain cells go! This is a great game for dogs that are easily bored with simple toys. If your Doodle needs more calm in his life, this snuffle mat is a great option to make him sniff and relax. Already a few minutes of sniffing lower your dog's heart rate by 10 BPM. Sniffing is the canine equivalent of meditation or deep breathing for humans. Take your dog's kibble or treat and spread them in the snuffle mat for him to find. You can feed your dog's entire meals out of these mats. This is especially helpful if your pup is wound up and had a hard time settling down, such as at night or after a wild game of fetch.

Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers have always been a popular breed of dog! Due to their loving attitude, eagerness to please, and friendly demeanor, Goldens will forever be one of the most commonly owned dogs. If you are in the market for Golden Retriever puppies in the Pennsylvania area, check out our list below! We have gathered a list of the top 10 best PA Golden Retriever breeders for you! As always, we encourage you to do your own research on these breeders as well as pricing and contact information may be subject to change. Best Golden Retrievers Breeders in Pennsylvania 1. Brenda Davidson is the owner and she has specially picked each member of her breeding stock to ensure the best temperament. Brenda performs the first set of vaccinations for each puppy at 7 weeks of age and requires that anyone purchasing puppy schedules to finish vaccinations series with their veterinarian. All puppies will also be dewormed multiple times prior to picking up. Their webpage has a link to contact them. If after contacting them, there is a spot available on their waitlist, you will be required to secure a deposit before being added to the list. After the puppies are born, clients begin picking their puppy at around 6 weeks of age. Puppies will be available for pickup around 8 weeks of age. There will be a pet agreement that needs to be finished prior to picking up your puppy. Prices are subject to change. Name of owner. We are in-home breeders with long-term, ethical breeding practices. We partner with each other to serve the United States with excellent, low-tempered, family dogs that are blocky and stunningly beautiful. Our Breeding Program We are not a puppy mill. We are a family business. Bill and Rita live outside Pittsburgh, PA and are retired couple who enjoy our acre hobby farm and go to great lengths to ensure that our parent dogs and puppies are treated with the best care. We are small, professional hobby breeders and always strive to protect and improve the breed. Our interview process ensures that families are able to provide a good home and environment for our puppies. We stand behind our puppies and offer a 2 year health guarantee and have many happy customers that have ongoing relationships with us. They are carefully socialized every day with the ENS Super Dog Protocol , along with lots of love and kisses from all ages of children and adults. We feed the highest quality food, and our doggies enjoy being in a home where they are cared for all day long. Our dogs are family dogs that sleep in our home. They all are highly trained, groomed, exercised, and socialized. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens. His championship linage traces back to "Dew Mist Kennels" in Sweden. Reservations now being accepted from qualified families for our upcoming Breeding. If you like the look of the parents, you will love their pups. Plan Ahead! Read what owners have to say about our Golden Retriever puppies. See Pepper and Maximus's past puppies. Originally bred for hunting, the Golden Retriever has a great reputation for their skill and proficiency as hunters, family pets, and magnificent looking dogs. The roots of the this particular breed can be definitively traced back to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks who was also known as Lord Tweedmouth, for the specific goal of trying to create a breed of dog that would be skilled in the hunt for waterfowl, and worthy of an aristocrat. Lord Tweedmouth was a wealthy land developer who resided in Guisachan, an estate in the Scottish Highlands of Glen Affric near Inverness-shire where hunting game was both sport and a means of putting food on the table. Lord Tweedmouth was a very proficient breeder who was able to successfully foster a number of animals such as Scottish ponies and cattle, and most notably the Golden Retriever. Nous was the only retriever pup of yellow color in an otherwise black litter that he purchased from a cobbler in Brighton, bred by Lord Chichester. Without a deeper examination of the history of each of these dogs, we cannot say with complete accuracy as to their ancestry. With the mating of Belle and Nous in , three females and a male, Ada, Crocus, Primrose and Cowslip, made up the first litter. The male pup, Crocus, was given to the second Lord Tweedmouth. The dogs that were bred include an Irish setter, the St. This created the perfect dog for hunting as well as imbuing characteristics such as gentleness, the ability to navigate water, and exceptional trainability. It was clearly established which dogs were bred to create the Golden Retriever, and why Lord Tweedmouth chose to mix these dogs. Lord Tweedmouth was a sporting gentleman who very much enjoyed the hunt for waterfowl on his estate with his countrymen. Recent innovations in weaponry of the period allowed shotguns to shoot at greater distances; therefore, it was necessary to have a keen dog capable of waterfowl retrievals in rough terrain. The innovations in saw new developments in hunting guns such as the center fire, breech loading, and hammerless shotguns. The type of breeding incorporated, along with new gun technology, showed how proficient retrievers were in the field. Most breed dogs today have been widely taken out of the workforce and become show dogs or family pets. This likely began when retrievers were introduced in the early 20th century for show. Lord Tweedmouth kept the yellow retriever away from the public eye until one of his prized dogs won the first field trial for retrievers in .Consequently this is when retrievers, Golden and Yellow, were first classified and showed prominence by placing first in Bench Competition. In , the Golden was given a separate breed class and became the Golden Retriever; henceforth, the Golden Retriever Club was founded that same year. In , the first Golden Retriever was documented in the United States and from here we can assume America fell in love with this dog. In addition, Canada registered a Golden Retriever in and played a significant role in developing the Golden Retriever of today. The Golden Retriever Club of America was founded in , and is closely related to the AKC for which the present day standard is followed. Furthermore, as a part of Golden Retriever lineage, a sire, Speedwell Pluto was born in England in , and had a global impact on the breed. Lord Tweedmouth died in , but managed to leave behind a very profound legacy. We can look at the characteristics of a modern Golden Retriever and discern what temperament and abilities Lord Tweedmouth was looking for. However, there are some distinct differences between the American Golden Retriever and the British line. The English Golden Retriever is wider, shorter, and more muscular, with a forehead that is a bit more block like. In addition, their chest is deeper, with shorter legs and a shorter tale. They are also heavier and have a height of 56 - 61cm, 22 - 24 inches at the withers, the tallest point behind the neck at the shoulders. Females are slightly shorter at 51 - 56cm or 20 - 21inches with narrower heads. The eyes are a bit darker and rounder as opposed to a more triangular and slanted shape of the American breed. However, these are not the most important qualities if you use the retriever in the field. The Golden Retriever, used in the field, needs all of distinct abilities that were originally bred into it. They are known as non-slip retrievers, which are dogs who are able to sit quietly in hunting blinds until they are ordered to retrieve game, both on land and water as well as walk without making any sound at heel. In addition, they need to be biddable, which is the ability to take direction from owners and handlers. In order to be proficient bird dogs, retrievers must have soft mouths so that they do not destroy game. Besides being a hunter, the golden retriever is an excellent companion for any homeowner who is willing to provide the kind of environment they need in order to thrive. As in most high caliber breed dogs, plenty of exercise is paramount to their happiness and success as a family pet. These dogs are not bred to exist in all family situations. One of the down sides, if any, of owning and taking care of a Golden Retriever is health related issues that may arise due to their breeding history. Depending on the breeder you buy from the average lifespan is anywhere from 10 to 12 years and they are susceptible to a wide array of medical problems. Some of these problems include cancer, cataracts, hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, heart problems, Von Will brand's disease, skin disorders and they gain weight quite easily so one should be careful not overfeed this breed of dog. However, this should not dissuade the serious dog owner from having a companion that loves children, is extremely loyal, friendly, intelligent, and overall very good natured, not to mention great hunters. Grooming a Golden Retriever as an essential part of any well maintained dog and this breed is no exception. You should dry shampoo on a regular basis, but only bathe when necessary. They are considered an average shedder which means that brushing and combing twice a week is a good way to remove wooly hair from their dense undercoats. The Golden Retriever is a fine breed of dog that will provide many years of companionship if kept active throughout its life. For instance, Gerald Ford owned a retriever named Liberty, author Dean Koontz is pictured on the back of his books with his golden retriever Trixie.

Crating Philosophy When considering the natural habitation of a canine, often its home is a den, cave, or similar close-quartered shelter. They used this space as their home, to sleep, escape from danger, and raise their young. Obviously, your bulldog would not appreciate roughing it out in the wild. However, they still find comfort resting in a similar space. On some days, it feels like our bulldogs have decided to claim the entire house as their den. But, we know they find comfort and in their crate as an escape from the clamor of a busy house. Certainly, the crate can be a great tool and outlet for your bulldog IF used properly. As useful as crates can be they are often one of the most abused resources an adopter. There is much, unneeded controversy on using them that has stemmed from irresponsible dog owners abusing their purpose. As concerned bulldog breeders, we make sure to take the time to explain to our adopters the proper and improper uses of a crate. What a crate is to be used for… 1. For a further in-depth explanation of this process please read this previous article we wrote on the matter. We like to use the 4-hour rule at our house for an adult bulldog and the 2 hour limit for our puppies. Any time past these limits, we would seriously consider arranging someone dropping by the house to let them out and move around. Transporting your bully in the car A crate provides a safe place for your bully to travel with you in the car especially long trips. We have found they love to snooze in their crate when road-tripping with us. Sleeping Once your bully is completely potty trained it is ok to sleep outside the crate, but we have found they often prefer their crate as a place of comfort as they grow older. Escaping from too much commotion The crate should be a place that your bulldog voluntarily goes into; they should feel that the crate is their home! Crates are an escape haven for your bulldog when the house is busy and there is just too much commotion. Crate training will have many benefits for your bulldog, including protecting him from household hazards and reducing his separation anxiety. It should be either 24 x 30 inches 61 x 76 cm or 24 x 36 inches 61 x 91 cm for a French bulldog, and either 42 x 30 inches x 76 cm or 42 x 36 inches x 91 cm for an American bulldog. This will allow you to increase the crate space as your puppy grows into an adult. The crate should be a place of safety and comfort for your bulldog. Place his favorite blanket and toys in the crate. You can also place a quilt or sheet over the crate to make it feel like a cozy den. A bowl would preferable, since he wouldn't be able to pull it out of the crate very easily. Leave the door open during the early stages of crate training so he can explore the crate at his leisure. Once your bulldog is comfortable entering the crate on his own, work on closing its door behind him. Start with closing the door for only a few seconds and then letting him out. If he starts whining or crying, wait until he calms down before opening the door. When he can handle a few seconds, close the door, leave the room, and return after random lengths of time e. Remember that puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, so you should not leave your puppy bulldog in the crate for long time periods. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source When you are home, spend time with your bulldog while he is in the crate. Bulldogs are friendly and sociable dogs; interacting with your bulldog will keep him from getting lonely. Always remember that the crate is a place of safety and comfort, not punishment. Your bulldog should always have a positive association with the crate. Crate training a Bulldog is an easy task, this wonderful dog is known for being sweet, devoted, and easygoing. The crate training process should start as soon as the dog is home, and the younger the puppy the better, old dogs tend to have acquired old habits that need to be changed. Should bulldogs be crate trained? But before you put a leash on your bulldog and head to the pet store, there are a few important things you need to know to make the right choices. Choosing the right crate There are various types of crates that you can get, not all dogs are the same and each crate is made for a specific job. The most popular crates are plastic and wire crates, and there are also soft-sided and heavy-duty crates for extremely aggressive dogs. What size crate for a bulldog? Choosing a perfectly sized crate for your bulldog will make the crate training process easier, so what makes a crate the perfect size: The crate should be big enough for the dog to stand up, lay down and turn around comfortably with a few extra inches on each side. The crate should have a divider to adjust its size as the puppy grows not to change crates every couple of months. Most new dog owners think that crate training is cruel and try to compensate for that with the largest crate they can get their hands on. According to the AKC standards, bulldogs are inches in height and weigh around 50 pounds, for a dog this big the perfect crate is 36 inches. We strongly recommend the Midwest Ultima Pro Metal Crate check price at Amazon , it comes with a divider and has a double doors feature which makes exploring it easy for the dog in the early stages of the training. Preparing training treats Training treats are a very important tool that will make crate training easier and much faster, doing it without treats is very stressful but doable if you must. Treats are used as lures to get the dog in the crate and rewards to enforce good behavior, so you must get some ready before you introduce your dog to his crate. They are also prone to Cardiac and patella issues, so using just enough treats is safer for their health, read the Official Breed Club Health Statement. A dog that is low on energy and just had a good playtime is more willing to just relax in his crate. Dogs should only have access to interactive toys when you are there to play with them, they are the ultimate reward especially for a dog like a bulldog that is eager to please. So what makes a good crate placement? The crate should not be placed next to engines or heaters or anything that makes loud noises because it will disturb your dog. It should not be directly exposed to the sun, nor placed in a windy spot. The crate should not be in a dark spot that does not get some sunlight during the day. At night the crate should be close to your bedroom so you can hear your puppy if he needs to go for a potty break or is whining in there. We found that is very convenient to have two crates for your dog, one in the living area and another in the bedroom, or you can just use one and move it around from room to room. Following these steps will make the process easier for you, so make sure each step is valid and the dog is clearly on board before moving on to the next. Introducing your bulldog to his crate Crate training is basically creating a relationship between the dog and his crate, like any relationship the first impression is always important. Once your dog is in the crate you want to reward and praise him heavily to enforce being in the crate as good behavior that pleases you. Bulldogs are smart enough dogs and they also love treats, so your dog will soon figure out that being in the crate means having treats and will offer to get in on his own to get the treat. This is a great way to tell that your dog is getting used to his crate and is already associating it with some happy experiences with all the treats, the verbal praise, and the rubbing he gets in there. Make sure when the dog is getting into the crate that the doors are well secured to avoid any incidents that might scare the dog and set you back in training. Making the crate great At this point of the crate training process, your bulldog should be getting in the crate willingly and already has a good thing going on with the treats and praise, all you need to do is keep it going. Food will keep your dog distracted but you should not rush it, once your bulldog has finished his meal you can open the door and let him out if he wants. Interacting with your bulldog while in the crate is key to keeping him the longest inside, dogs generally associate happy memories with places, this will make the crate a great place for your dog. Once your dog is used to spending time in his crate after the meals, you can start to move away slowly from the crate, a few minutes at a time. The goal is for your bulldog to feel safe spending time alone in the crate with you not around, start slow and begin with simply moving around the room walking in and out of the room for a few minutes while gradually increasing the time. Home alone At this point, your dog should be able to spend time alone in the crate with no one around without any objections, which is what crate training is all about. Most people will make a scene out of leaving and say goodbye to their dog then leave, this is a bad idea and all it does is associate being left alone with the crate. Crate training a bulldog puppy at night Crate training a puppy at night can be intimidating especially the first night , most dogs will reject the crate and start whining, and young puppies will have to wake up for a potty break. However, if you prepare well for the night and do a good job with the introduction phase, your bulldog will be more willing to spend the night there. Make sure your dog feeds and goes for a walk just before he has to get into the crate for the night, this way you can limit the number of times you need to wake up to let him out for his business. The most important thing you should keep in mind is that you should not let the puppy out of the crate when he starts whining at night, try to distract him and get his attention by talking or gently tapping on the crate. How long can a bulldog stay in the crate? Younger puppies can not spend more than one hour in the crate at a time, but they can of course spend two to three sessions a day in the crate. Active breeds also have a hard time staying in the crate for too long especially if left alone with no distractions. A dog that has plenty of exercise and playtime before going in the crate is able to spend more time in there. Bulldogs are not very active dogs and do not need a lot of activities so adults can go for long periods at a time but at most four hours, but they can not go back for the rest of the day and should have a good walk and some attention after the crate time. Is it hard to crate train a bulldog puppy? Bulldogs are also known to be easygoing dogs that are eager to please their owner, so they are less likely to make a scene especially at night. All in all, bulldogs are one of the easier breeds to crate train, all you have to do is follow the steps and do not rush things up. Related Posts. Contact Us How to house train a English bulldog puppy the right way The easiest way to go about house training your new bulldog puppy is by utilizing a crate. Dogs are and always have been den and pack animals, they naturally and instinctively prefer the shelter of a den. Therefore most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crate, which is why it is such an invaluable tool for housebreaking. The first thing to understand, though, is the need for repetition and consistency. Begin by purchasing the appropriate size crate. Think den not condo! It should be small with just enough room for your bulldog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It is not an exercise pen. The use of too large a crate will encourage your bulldog puppy to use a small portion of it for a bed and the rest of it as a place to potty. We use the Midwest Life Stages crates. Leave the crate door open and allow your bulldog puppy to come and go as he pleases. Keep his favorite treats handy that you only use for the crate. It gives the puppy a nice reason to go in and creates a positive experience. At mealtimes, feed your bulldog in the crate with the door closed. At night, just before bedtime take your bulldog puppy out to potty. Put your puppy in his crate and shut the door. For the first 3 nights set your alarm for 3 hours. Set him down and wait. When he goes potty, praise him and put him back in his crate. Set your alarm for 3 more hours and repeat. After three days, if it has been successful and there have been no accidents, move to 4-hour intervals. After three more nights, you have hopefully taught your puppy that you will be there to take him outside when he has to go. If there have been no accidents you can then start going to bed and waiting until your puppy wakes you up to potty. It is important to respond and take him out immediately if he wakes during the night. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, immediately take your puppy out. By house time, I mean freedom to move about but always in the same room as you so that you can keep a constant eye on him. We use baby gates to block off access to other rooms. During the day repeat the above process and continue to take the puppy out every hour. If he does not do his business put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. NEVER let a bulldog puppy in training out of your site. Use the crate as you would a playpen for a human child. Even if you leave the room for a minute, either take the puppy with you or put him in the crate. If you turn your back for 60 seconds and your puppy has an accident, then you messed up and made a mistake and have missed the opportunity to make a correction and teach the puppy. Do not rub his nose in it and do not use any physical correction! When he goes outside give him lots of praise. Use an odor neutralizer. When an accident occurs it is important to completely remove the odor, otherwise your puppy will gravitate back to the area to relieve himself again. You can buy the neutralizers from most any pet store. Do not use household cleaners, most contain ammonia which will attract him back to the same spot. A Few Tips to Help You Succeed Puppies will need to go potty first thing in the morning, after every meal, as soon as they wake up from naps and just before bedtime. A few hours before bedtime take up his water, this will help buy you a litter more time between potty breaks at night. If you see him smelling a particular spot or circling around, pick him up and take him outside. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals. Puppies may not initially like the crate. Some will cry, whine, bark and drive you crazy the first couple of days. Doing so will teach your puppy that if he barks or whines long enough he will get rewarded and this will only encourage the behavior. Training an English bulldog puppy takes time, consistency and patience. Dogs function best with structure, routine, and clear expectations. Share this post. Buy Now on Amazon If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. If you have access to a backyard, pick out an area where you can take them. Always encourage them and support them when you house train; using passive-aggressive tactics on a dog can create fear and insecurities. What cues will puppies give that they have to go potty? Some begin to sniff the floor. A few spin around in a circle. Some whine, fidget or head for the corner or door in the room. Once you discover the signs or cues your puppy gives, the easier it will be to get him outside at the right time for a potty break. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to turn around in and lay comfortably but not large enough that they can eliminate. If your pup does eliminate itself in the crate, it may be too large. If you start with a larger dog crate, section it off. While potty training, I would simultaneously be crate training. If I were in the immediate vicinity of the puppy and able to be vigilant in watching him, he would be outside the crate. I would also crate train a puppy to sleep in the crate. As they grew and matured, they would go in and out of their crate at their will. Because dogs do not like to relieve themselves in their sleeping area, this made potty training very easy. For one, puppies have small bladders and cannot hold their urine for long, and two; it would be cruel to do so as puppies need socialization. When you bring the puppy out of his crate, take him immediately outside to relieve himself. Once he does, be sure to pour on the praise and positive reinforcement. Take the puppy outside for potty breaks every 2 hours. This has been the method I have used over the years and has been very effective. Start with picking out an area where you want your pup to relieve themselves. Make it a habit to take them to that area to potty every 2 — 3 hours to normalize this. If your English bulldog constantly pees in their bed before getting to the solution, we need to find out the reason behind it. For the most part, your bulldog will try not to pee in their bed. A few more common reasons are urinary tract infection, hormones, emotional issues, and marking territory, which is different from potty training. A UTI in an English bulldog will lead to constant urination, urgency, blood within the urine, and improper urination. Bulldogs are more vulnerable to a UTI than most other dog breeds. The female bulldog is even more at risk than its male counterpart, even though the male can still get them. Your bulldog might be fully house trained, but having a UTI makes it hard for your dog not to urinate when the urge is there, and potty accidents can occur. Hormone Responsive Urinary Incontinence Your bulldog might pee the bed while asleep or just relaxing. This happens more with middle-aged spayed female bulldogs. Getting your female bulldog spayed means her ovaries are removed, bringing down her estrogen production levels. Low estrogen levels make it difficult for your bulldog to control the muscle that allows them to hold its urine. Over time this becomes more prevalent with age. Emotional Issues If you notice your bulldog acting out of the ordinary, they could be experiencing stress, worry, or even anxiety. Even fear, if they are afraid of something or someone at home, they might decide to stay in their bed and not leave to go potty. Some things can make your bulldog insecure; this could be a new family member or another pet. Separation anxiety is another emotion they might be experiencing. If left at home alone for long periods of time, they can become distressed and begin to urinate and leave feces within your home. But if not, a vet visit to rule out medical problems or a consultation with a certified dog trainer might be in order. English bulldogs mark their spot around the house to keep outsiders away. Usually, they start doing this when someone other than the dog owner is brought into the home, maybe a new roommate or guest. This can also happen when a new puppy or adult dog is brought into the home. But be aware that this is not the same as your bulldog wetting the bed. Hardwood Floors and Tile If you have hard floors or tiles, use a strong absorbent cloth, paper towels, or a mop to absorb the urine. You can then clean the surface to remove any lingering smell. Carpet and Furniture Carpet and furniture can absorb the urine once it hits the surface. Once you notice this happening, get some paper towels to absorb what you can from the surface, then spray some water and a few drops of soap over the urine spot. Then get another set of paper towels or napkins to get the rest of the urine you can out. Be sure to spot-check first. Odor After cleaning up after your bulldog, you might still have the smell lingering. You want to remove the odor, or your bulldog will think the area is appropriate to potty again. Baking soda is a helpful product; just spread the baking soda over the area where the urine was located. Let it rest overnight, and then use a vacuum to get the baking soda out. A final tactic you can try is vinegar. If you mix vinegar with some baking soda and put it over where the urine was located, the mixture can neutralize the smell without fading the surface of the carpet or sofa. This is helpful in cleaning and maintaining your furniture. Again, remember to spot-check. You can also find products for this in pet stores or online. Popular Posts. By putting your English Bulldog or Miniature Bulldog in a crate, you are giving them a sense of safety and security and a place they can call their own. By putting your Miniature English Bulldog in a crate while you are gone, it will also give you the security of knowing that your bully baby is in a safe place, away from harm, and not doing any damage to your home or to themselves. Crate training is also a huge part of potty training. Make sure you put your English Bulldog on a regular schedule for potty breaks and use the crate when you are gone or need your Bully child to rest. They like to keep it clean and will hold it until you can take them outside. Remember to always praise your English Bulldog when he potties in the area outside that you want him to. Puppies have very small bladders so they cannot physically hold it for very long. For your English Bulldog Puppy, every two hours would be a good time frame to stick to. As your English Bulldog puppy gets older, naturally he will gain more bladder control and be able to hold it longer. Eventually, the time he should be able to hold it should increase to 8 hours or more. Another thing to consider when purchasing a crate is to make sure that you buy a crate big enough to accommodate the full growth of your Miniature English Bulldog. When your Bulldog is a puppy and you are crate training, make sure that the crate has a divider panel. This will make your English Bulldog feel comfortable and cozy. In this situation you English Bulldog will not want to go in his little home and will keep the area clean. If you give your Bulldog puppy the full area of the crate it may be too large, then your Mini Bulldog will make one area of the crate his potty area and the other his sleeping area. Adjust the divider panel so that your English Bulldog has enough area to get up and stretch but not enough room to potty. It will give you the security and peace of mind of knowing that Bully baby is not getting into trouble or danger while you are gone. We recommend the Midwest Life Stages crate, as it folds flat for travel and is adjustable size-wise are your bulldog puppy grows. Also, see House Training.

Categories Dog Fun , Dog Training French Bulldogs are excellent companions for millions of households around the world. French Bulldogs cannot swim well. This makes it difficult for Frenchies to tilt their heads upward in water, thus making it harder to breathe while swimming. And considering their dense yet muscular bodies and short legs, Frenchies may struggle with swimming for long periods of time. Continue reading to learn why Frenchies have a hard time swimming, and tips to get them started. However, Frenchies are climbing an uphill battle when it comes to swimming. Brachycephaly makes it difficult to breathe while swimming Simply put, Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs refers to a shortened head. This leads to changes in the anatomy of the soft tissue structures. After witnessing my frenchie fall into the pool, and sink straight to the bottom, without so much an attempt at a doggie paddle, we keep him far away from any bodies of water! Thus making it even more difficult to breath and stay afloat simultaneously. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle in getting your French Bulldog to safely swim. Some owners have reported that their Frenchies immediately go vertical and sink like a stone. Frenchies are heavy and compact dogs The French Bulldog is undeniably a muscular dog breed. Comparatively, Frenchies are small dogs. A full adult-sized dog will stand between 11 to 12 inches at the shoulder. However, they weigh anywhere between 16 to 28 lbs, depending on factors like gender and genetics. Frenchies weigh so much because muscle is heavy. Just like Frenchies. French Bulldogs have short legs French Bulldogs are one of the few true dwarf dog breeds. In fact, they actually have the dwarfism gene, as seen in several popular dog breeds. As a result, the dog will develop abnormally short legs. Osteochondrodysplasia, or Osteo for short, is a condition where the dog sees abnormal growth and development of bones and cartilages. The result from Achondroplasia can be abnormally short limbs, which is called Dwarfism. This is what French Bulldogs have, and it can be a huge disadvantage for swimming. But why would it be, you ask? After all, not all dog breeds are instinctual swimmers, such as the Poodles. Remember that swimming can be a scary activity for your Frenchie. It can be overwhelming for most dogs. That being said, you should never force your Frenchie into the water. This process will take some time, so patience is necessary. Get a dog life jacket The first step to teaching your Frenchie how to swim is to buy the right equipment. And by equipment, I only mean a dog life vest. Frenchie or not, this is something I recommend to all owners when beginning the training. This advice is something even the American Kennel Club recommends. There are a few reasons why we love this. The bright color options are great for swimming in natural bodies of water. Plus, rescue handles are perfect in case you need to pull them up quickly. Introduce the French Bulldog to water The next step may be the most crucial: introducing your French Bulldog to water. You want to gradually introduce them to water. Chances are, your Frenchie already understands what water is. You can start with the bath tub or a small kiddie pool. In this early stage, you just want to get their feet wet — literally. But make sure some parts of the body are submerged. After getting the dog adjusted for some time, move on to larger bodies of water, such as the lake or a pool. And if possible, try to go somewhere with warm water. Or at the least, not freezing cold. The best way to do this is to go into the water yourself. Because dogs have trust in their owners, this simple action will give them confidence. Try to throw their favorite toys into the water. If this little trick works, try throwing the toy deeper into the body of water. Similarly, you can move deeper in and bribe them with treats. With a little patience, your French Bulldog will be swimming in no time! Going through obedience with dog and owner means that a trusting relationship has likely been built. Dogs learn best by modeling the behaviors of other dogs. The same can be said if familiar people are swimming. Radar swims without a life jacket but only because he chases other dogs into the ocean at the beach and has no choice when the waves come in. Swimming can be very energy-draining. And while French Bulldogs do have a lot of energy, this activity can be mentally exhausting for first-time canine swimmers. And finally, never force your Frenchie into the water. They may not feel like going into the water on some days. The most important thing is that they feel comfortable and secure. All it takes is one bad experience to ruin swimming for them forever. Swim Health Benefits for Frenchies Swimming is a healthy activity for all dogs, including their owners! As such, there are a ton of great health benefits for your French Bulldog when it comes to swimming. Frenchies are active dogs and need a decent amount of exercise. In fact, they need around 1 hour of exercise each day. This is the bare minimum. But the reason why swimming is so great is because one minute of swimming equates to four minutes of running. Naturally, more time swimming leads to various health benefits, such as better heart and lungs, increasing metabolism and reducing inflammation. In addition, Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common health issues with French Bulldogs. According to the AKC , Frenchies are prone to obesity. Being overweight leads to all kinds of other health issues. But fortunately, swimming is the best exercise for obese dogs. They are able to burn a lot of calories without much risk of injury! Do Frenchies Like Water? Not all individual dogs are the same, even within the same breed. Like humans, they each have their own personalities and quirks. Some Frenchies will love water, but many will not. To better understand whether French Bulldogs will enjoy swimming or not, we surveyed the popular Frenchie Subreddit and other dog forums to ask this question. However, the only way to know is to try for yourself. Real Owner Answers: 1. He loves having a little pool and is obsessed with the sprinklers. His new favorite activity is surprise bursting into the shower with me any chance he gets. It is a mixture of horrifying and terrifying. Carrot hates the water! I got a vest for Bambi and put her in the pool one time. She was terrified and hated it. She despises getting wet. We even have trouble getting him out for potty when it is raining. He hates baths and will escape any chance he gets! My parents have a pool but he heads straight for the stairs and hops out. And if you have any helpful tips, leave a comment for the other Frenchie owners! Posts you may like:. What do you need to know about this issue before you allow your dog to play in or around the pool? So, Can French Bulldogs Swim? Most French Bulldogs are not able to swim. You may have seen some videos of other French Bulldogs swimming with no issues but most cannot. I have seen him try and fail badly. Even with a life jacket on my French Bulldog is not a fan of the water. Most French Bulldogs will sink under the water if you leave them unattended. Definitely do not leave your French Bulldog around water unattended. French Bulldogs are not able to swim to the surface once they get fatigued and they start going under. French Bulldog Drowning Risk This dog breed is one that should never be left unattended around water. Frenchies have a somewhat top-heavy build that makes them sink fairly quickly. Another hazard that awaits is in the form of a short snout that cannot reach above water easily. Should one of these dogs slip underwater, you will need to act quickly to get them to safety. These dogs lack the physical power to get back up to the surface that quickly on their own, which puts them in danger when unsupervised Supervision is Necessary Although some dogs of this breed may swim as far as 10 or 15 feet, the risk of allowing one of these dogs in the water is excellent. French Bulldog pet parents would do well to only allow supervised swimming with a life jacket or safer alternatives. Before deciding how to allow your French Bulldog to enjoy water-related activities, you would benefit from finding out more about why these dogs are ill-suited to the water. French Bulldogs and Their Builds Frenchies are compact dogs, yet have a powerful build for their size. A Build That Does Not Work French bulldog swimming is made difficult because their muscular, yet stout build leaves them without much buoyancy. Other, somewhat larger dogs have the ability to swim more effectively because of better weight distribution. These dogs are heavier in the front part of their bodies, which complicates swimming straight ahead or attempting to turn while in the water. For a dog to be able to swim with minimal difficulties, they need to swim straight ahead and turn without problems. Leg Length Makes a Difference Another thing that works against these dogs in the water is their short leg length. With paddling being an essential part of how dogs make their way through the water, their legs must be powerful enough to keep them moving along. These cuties are very susceptible to a condition known as obstructive airway syndrome. Getting Enough Oxygen is Crucial Oxygen deprivation is a genuine concern for these dogs. Since activities like swimming require a fair amount of physical exertion, exhaustion to the point of a drowning risk is a real threat that could test the limits of your dog CPR skills. Although there are signs you can watch for that predict your dog is having difficulties, oxygen loss can come on quite quickly. Preventing an incident of this kind is always preferable in any case. Facial Shape Makes a Difference Another unfortunate side effect of brachycephaly, the term for the flat face and short snout, is that the dog must keep their head tilted up for more natural breathing. With getting enough air being a possible problem when your dog swims, erring on the side of caution might be your best choice. The good thing to know is that your dog will still enjoy options that minimize their drowning or exhaustion risk. Pain-Related Conditions Some of the more common Frenchie health problems also include arthritis and rheumatism. Both of these conditions can make swimming difficult. When a dog of any size is in the water, having control over their movements, is essential. Since dogs have a high pain tolerance level and can easily hide their pain level, owners might not notice any problems until the dog is having a lot of trouble. For example, a dog might fall into the shallow end of a pool with enough force to cause serious injury. In a rocky beach, river, or lake setting, your dog could get hurt falling up against rocks. You may need to carefully consider what types of settings where you take your dog to swim, if at all. For example, you may want to consider calmer areas, including pools. Avoiding situations where waves bump your dog up against hard surfaces is always good. Some of the safer alternatives for your furry friend include: Swimming With a Life Jacket Either life jacket or life vest will help keep your dog safe around water. One of these jackets or vests provides greater buoyancy for your dog. Making sure the jacket fits properly and fastens easily is essential. Another feature that you will want to look for is a handle. A flotation device with a handle helps you grab your dog quickly, much more easily, if necessary. The size that you would use for a baby or toddler should be sufficient for the needs of a dog that size of a Frenchie. Another option is a small stock tank that is about the size of a small wading pool. If you decide to use this option, consider a small ramp or set of steps to make it easier for the dog to get into the tank. Letting Your Frenchie Play Under a Sprinkler One fun way to play it safe, especially if you have children that you prefer not to let in the water, is to allow sprinkler play. You might need to sensitize your dog to being around the sprinkler first. Once your dog has had the chance to get used to the sprinkler, they are likely to have a great time playing near it. Going on Boating Trips My parents live on a Lake so my Frenchie has been out for boat rides on their party barge on many occasions. If you go boating regularly, taking your French Bulldog along can be a lot of fun for both of you. These little dogs are naturally curious and will take an interest in whatever is going on around them. Regardless of what type of watercraft you use, use a life jacket or vest as a precaution. Regardless of how you choose to allow your dog to get out and enjoy the water, proper supervision is essential. Although it might be disheartening to find that swimming may not be safe for your Frenchie, the good news is that the alternatives allow you to have plenty of fun. With the right precautions, your pooch can have a lot of fun with everyone outside this summer. Looking for other ways to keep your Frenchie cool on hot Summer days? Check out this article on the best dog cooling vests. Share on facebook. After all, they overheat easily, especially in the summer and the water is a great place to cool down. Due to their compact size, short legs, and lack of snout, these dogs were just not made for the water. Most will sink like a rock if left unattended. Unlike other dog breeds such as Labradors, Frenchies are unable to swim to the surface once they start going under. Do French Bulldogs like water? The sad part is, yes, they absolutely LOVE the water. So, despite being unable to swim unattended, if given the opportunity, Frenchies will want to go into a pool. Do French Bulldogs float? The simple answer is NO. Basically, they have more muscle than fat and are typically top-heavy which makes it physically impossible for them to float. Can Frenchies still enjoy the water? With that being said, and while you should never let your French Bulldog swim unattended, here are a few ways they can still enjoy the water and cool off while having fun! There are life jackets that have been specially made to fit your little dog and give them enough extra buoyancy to keep their head above water. In many ways, these life jackets serve as inflatable flotation sleeves do for small children. The ocean with its many waves and unpredictable tides is not a good place for a Frenchie. Also, you should be very strict when ensuring your Frenchie only ever enters the water with their life jacket on. This is critical. Treats are always a great training tool and are especially useful when it comes to the prescribed post-swimming ritual. This is when you should rinse and dry your dog off ensuring they know the proper way to exit the pool on their own. Kiddie Pools A great, safer option to help your Frenchie cool off in the summer is to fill a kiddie pool with chest-deep water. While your dog should still be supervised, this will allow them to stay cool while making it much easier for their heads to stay above water. There are even collapsible kiddie pools for traveling! Final Word French bulldogs absolutely cannot swim, and should never be allowed in the water unaided and unsupervised. Having said that, your little dog can still enjoy pool days with the family through the use of special life jackets and proper training. You can even get them a little pool of their own where they can safely splash around and stay cool. Watch your dog just like you would watch a child. Frenchies are not designed for swimming. Whilst you might see those cute videos of them swimming with vests on, without a life jacket they can sink like a stone. Yes, there are some French Bulldogs I have seen swimming on social media without a life jacket see which life vests I recommend , but this is rare and an exception, particularly as they get older and heavier. It is possible to teach one to swim but I would never take the risk unless they are wearing a flotation device. But my Frenchie loves the water! He will get close to the edge of the paddling pool, bark and go crazy — our son will encourage that with splashing and water play. French Bulldogs like water, they just cannot swim in it without a jacket in most cases. You can see an example of that in the photo below. Do French Bulldogs like water though? Our French Bulldog loves water. On a hot day he will lay down in it, roll in it, and cool himself down. He also loves to be squirted with a water pistol and is used to having baths and showers. Handy Hint: Click here to watch our video and step by step guide on how to give a French Bulldog a bath or shower. For example, with our paddling pool, the water is no more than coming up to his shoulders, and even then, we will keep a constant eye on him. If you love swimming too and have a pool, make sure that you keep watch on your Frenchie at all times. It can only take a few seconds for your Frenchie to sink to the bottom. Our scary French Bulldog swimming moment We found this out the hard way when we went down to the sea one day. My son he was only 5 threw a stick into the water and Claude ran after it. He quickly got out of his depth, and we saw his head disappear under the water. His head popped back up for a couple of seconds and then went under again. He was struggling to keep afloat. I had sheer panic so ran into the waves and dragged him out. The water was only one inch higher than his head. That was enough to make him nearly drown. This was the same day that Claude nearly drowned in the sea. It was a scary time. I also wondered if it was possible to teach a Frenchie to swim or if there are any products available that could help them stay safer in the water? With those short snouts, cute faces that we love so much, wide skulls, little legs, and body proportions, they are just not cut out for swimming. This is a common problem for dogs of a similar breed and size. Because their snouts are so short, they have to tilt their heads up to keep their noses out of the water. There legs are also really short, and they have heavy bodies. All these physical characteristics combined makes it harder for them to keep afloat. All brachycephalic dogs get exhausted very quickly and can drown in no time at all. If you have a swimming pool at your home, keep your Frenchie away from it. We will often take Claude out into the forest near our house. There are large ponds out there which he loves to get into in order to cool off. Claude is fine in ponds, but you never know how deep these pools in the forest could be. French Bulldog swimming videos YouTube is amazing for finding funny Frenchie videos. We even have our own channel now which you can see and subscribe to by clicking the French Bulldog Owner YouTube Channel. French Bulldog loves the swimming pool This guy can actually swim without a life jacket. Juanita the swimming Frenchie This is more common, a Frenchie wearing a dog life jacket and paddling in the water. You can teach a French Bulldog to swim with the help of a tiny life jacket that has been designed specifically for dogs. Most French Bulldogs will sink without a floatation device, and even if yours can swim for a short while, without a life jacket, they will soon begin to sink due to exhaustion and their physical constraints. Help them hold their heads up out of the water and keep encouraging them! Step 3: Start playing tug of war with the stick Grab your stick and start playing with your Frenchie in the shallow water. Step 4: Put the stick a little out of his reach Next, take the stick from him, and place it a couple of feet into deeper water, just out of his reach. The stick is the bait, and you want him to walk out to it. Be with him at all times though. The point here is that if you want to teach your French Bulldog to swim, you need to offer positive reinforcement and treats. When teaching them swim with a life jacket in a swimming pool, see if they can paddle to the edge and climb out. I would never want anyone to experience the loss of a beloved pet due to accidental drowning. Always be vigilant! You can see the full step by step process of a French Bulldog learning how to swim in this video. Cooling off in water is a great way for them to regulate their body temperature, as they are prone to overheating. So, how can you help your best friend enjoy the water in a safe way? Claude loves playing with water on hot summer days, particularly when the water pistols and padding pool is out! You can even buy small pools that are designed for dogs to play in. These little pools are safe for your dog to relax in and cool off. Your pooch can run through the light spray and enjoy the water in a safe way. A few years ago, my brother had the most gorgeous Basset Hound puppy. He went on vacation and left his dog in the caring hands of his friend. His friends forgot to put the pool net on, and the Basset Hound fell in the swimming pool. Thankfully they saw what was happening quick enough and managed to save the dog. They have dense bones like Frenchies, long bodies and short legs. If you own one of the dog breeds listed below to keep them away from swimming pools. Never leave them unattended around water. Basset Hounds: they have heavy bones, short legs and long bodies. These gorgeous animals were not bred for the water but rather as hunting dogs. Pugs: they have the same squashed faces as French Bulldogs. With really short legs they are also prone to exhaustion when swimming. Dachshunds: these sausage dogs are renowned for their comical look, but they were bred to burrow and capture small animals, not swim. They are also a brachycephalic breed and just like a Frenchie, are designed for swimming. Which dogs are good swimmers? So, what dog breed would suit your aquatic lifestyle? Labrador Retrievers: they actually have webbed feet, thick coats and long legs. They love the water and were bred to retrieve critters from out of the water, like ducks. Golden Retrievers: these wonderful dogs really enjoy the water. There are so many pictures on the internet of them running into the water to fetch sticks or toys and swimming very well. Newfoundlands: whilst they might look massive, these fab pooches are incredible swimmers. They have double-thick coats which help protect them against freezing water, plus webbed feet which help them to paddle freely through the water. Irish Setters: they are also great swimmers. Once you get them in the water you might struggle to get them out! They were bred to retrieve things such as ducks and pigeons. But, with a little patience, it is possible to teach a French Bulldog to swim with a jacket, as they do tend to really love water. You might also like…. They appear to have a problem keeping their heads above water, literally. Why do they need extra support when you put them in the water? Do they not love swimming? This breed has bulky torsos, flat snouts, thick muscles, and heavy bones, which means they are not built to float in the water for a long time. Like other bulldog varieties, the French bulldogs have Brachycephaly, which means they possess a short, wide skull, giving them their trademark squashed face. This facial characteristic that many find irresistibly cute, unfortunately, causes many health problems for these canines, including having short nasal passages, snoring, snorting, partial airway obstruction and other respiratory issues. To add to the challenge, their heavy torsos and short legs are regarded as not particularly helpful when trying to swim. Even slim and younger ones can only float for a short period. Exhaustion and humidity can also affect their ability to swim. Of course, these charming doggies also want to cool down, so here are some tips to help them stay safe and enjoy being in the water. Put them in shallow pools or creeks. Get a high-quality canine life vest. To ensure your Frenchie is comfortable using it, let them wear the vest before going in the water. Reward them for being cooperative and exhibiting calm behaviour. Keep an eye on your dog at all times. Consult with a professional dog swimming trainer to get the best advice on how your French furball can be introduced to water play or even be taught full-on swimming skills. To avoid risks of your dog drowning, make sure you always follow safety precautions. Please speak with your vet about any health concerns regarding your French bulldog taking their big plunge.

Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! 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. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! Well, there are a few different possible explanations. Causes can vary from age-related to genetic and medical issues. All puppies are born with soft, floppy ears. This is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears have not developed yet. Although some breeds, like Spaniels and Poodles, always have floppy ears, others, like most Shepherd breeds , almost always have pointy, pricked, upright ones. In such breeds, their ears should start to stand up between weeks of age as the bones and muscles in their bodies develop and strengthen. Are they both floppy — or is only one of them drooping whilst the other stands up normally? Teething Several young puppies experience floppy ears during teething. Teething is a period that all infant mammals go through, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. It starts at around three weeks old and ends at months of age, although it can take longer. So, their bodies may draw calcium out of other areas, such as the ears, weakening their skeletal structure and making them flop. You may even notice that their ears look different every day during this period. They might be up-right one day, then floppy the next, or even change throughout the day depending on their mood. Their ears will return back to their original shape as soon as their hormones calm down. Although most German Shepherds have up-right ears, some can have floppy or semi-pricked ones. Judges of dog shows and competitions also often look for large ears in the breed. Poor nutrition during puppyhood As mentioned above, calcium is needed to develop and strengthen the cartilage in the ears in order for them to stand up. Vitamin D is also needed to keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially common in rescue dogs that come from puppy farms, homelessness, and neglectful backgrounds. Always buy from reputable breeders! Other symptoms of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies include muscle spasms and joint issues. If severe, nutrient deficiencies can be deadly. Both conditions require urgent veterinary attention, and treatments will likely include special diets and supplements. Similar to malnutrition, this is common in dogs that come from a background of neglect or homelessness. A build-up of wax, debris, or dirt can make the ears heavy and cause them to droop. Poor hygiene As we mentioned above, poor ear hygiene can lead to drooping of the ears. It can also lead to smelliness and infection. All dogs have self-cleaning mechanisms in their ears. However, allergies and hormone imbalances can cause disruptions to the mechanisms, meaning they require some extra care. Dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaning products, and foods like wheat and dairy. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, and stomach upsets. Each has different symptoms, but they often include drastic changes in energy, coat, thirst, appetite, and weight. German Shepherds are also particularly prone to experiencing hormonal disorders. Ear mites Another cause of ear drooping in German Shepherds is ear mites. Ear mites can be picked up outdoors, or from coming into contact with another animal with the condition. The inflammation from the infestation can cause droopiness in the affected ear. Other symptoms include excessive itchiness, and redness, bleeding, and swelling from the constant scratching. If left untreated, the infestation can cause disease, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Infection Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they can affect both the inner or outer ear. They are most often picked up after exposure to water, and the inflammation can cause the affected ear to droop. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, irritation, discharge, and excessive head shaking or scratching at the ear. Vets can treat ear infections with antibacterial or antifungal medications, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause permanent damage. Trauma Physical trauma to the ears can also cause them to droop. The most common trauma that causes changes to the shape of the ears in German Shepherds are bites from fighting with other dogs. If your dog has a visible injury to their ear, you should take them to see their vet to check it over and dress any wounds to prevent infection. Make sure to brush your GSD regularly, also around the head and ears — these dogs shed heavily! You can get these over-the-counter at your vet, online, or in a pet store. You can also use a few drops of olive oil for wax build-up, but not too much. To administer, get a towel and ask your dog to lie down in a comfortable place in the home. Then, massage the mase of their ears for around 30 seconds to help it loosen any wax or dirt. Finally, allow your dog to shake their head and use the towel to catch what comes out. That said, if they have particularly problem ears, you should ask your vet and do it however often they suggest, which could be weekly or monthly. However, this is very controversial. It is not yet illegal in the USA, but it is also not something that we would recommend outside of medical necessity, as it can be unnecessarily stressful and painful for dogs. The method known as taping is done by placing something, usually tape, inside the ear to make it stand up straight and grow into that position permanently. It can be effective when done during puppyhood and usually takes weeks to work. As we mentioned above, nutritional deficiencies can cause the ears to flop. Puppies should eat nutritionally complete and balanced food that is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for healthy bone and brain development, as well as high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish for strong muscles, and tasty, fiber-rich fruits and veggies. All puppies should have a handful of strong, hardy chew toys to avoid being destroyed during teething, but they can also help the ears to stand up. This is because the ears are connected to the jaw. So, strong jaw muscles means stronger ears, too! Finally, you should avoid playing too rough with your pup and interacting with boisterous dogs to prevent accidents and traumas, which, as we mentioned above, could damage or change the shape of their ears. Dogs communicate with us owners in many ways; they bark, they growl, and they use their bodies. Body language is a key part of understanding how your dog is feeling. Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate; including their tails, their eyes, and their ears! This often happens when a suspicious stranger or an unknown or unfriendly dog is approaching, or when there is a strange noise inside the home. When their ears go back or downwards, it could simply mean that they are listening, or it could indicate either excitement or anxiety. Excited dogs may whine, wag their tails very quickly, and run towards what they are excited about. This happens a lot when dogs are greeting a loved one. An anxious dog, on the other hand, may lower their head and cower their bodies away from what is causing their anxiety. If they are frightened, they may also tremble and whine, and if they are feeling angry or threatened, they may show their teeth and growl. This can happen when a dog is exposed to a phobia or an aggressive dog. It can be difficult to determine exactly how a mixed dog will look. Different pups from the same litter can also present with different traits from their siblings. That said, certain traits, like short hair, for example, are genetically dominant and therefore will be passed on over others, like long hair, which is genetically recessive. Dominant traits are those that require only one copy of a specific gene for the trait to be passed down to a pup. Recessive traits, on the other hand, need two copies; one from each parent. So, which is dominant; pricked or floppy ears? The answer is — floppy ears! Floppy ears are genetically dominant to pricked ears in dogs. That said, different ear shapes in dogs does tend to reflect their original working purpose. For example, the Spaniel, a gun dog, has floppy ears that gather and hold scent particles. This helped them track down what they were looking for much faster back in the day. German Shepherds, on the other hand, along with other wolf-like breeds, such as the Siberian Husky , have pricked, pointed ears. This is thought to aid their hearing during guard work, keep their body temperature under control during strenuous hunts, and give them an alert look to ward off predators. This may be why people are statistically more likely to perceive dogs with pricked ears as more threatening, according to research conducted by James Madison University, USA, in .This is not necessarily true, however, as any dog lover will know. It is likely down to something old and instinctual, as they also discovered that people perceived coat colors differently, too. The type of ears that a dog has can affect their hearing. Whether a dog has pricked ears or floppy ears, they have 18 different muscles that control them to funnel sounds from all different directions. A healthy-hearing dog of any kind can still hear from 40 to 60, hertz, which is more than double what human ears can hear! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Currency Dogger Blog Learn tricks of the grooming trade and how to get the most out of grooming and deshedding your doggo pal. Have you tried getting them into the tub or even keeping them still in the garden with the hose pointed at them or a bucket of water by their side? They will most likely want to run away. Before you try to wrangle them for a bath, read these tips first, or you may end up getting wetter than them! German Shepherds have a double coat - the topcoat and the undercoat. The topcoat protects them from sun exposure, dust and other particles. The undercoat protects them from the harsh, cold weather during winter, and the heat from the summer. Their double coat has natural oils, and bathing too frequently will only strip away these oils. And which may cause their skin to get dry and irritated. Nevertheless, during flea season, you can bathe your German Shepherd more often to control any pests. In addition, if your dog has a bit of a pungent scent during the summer, you can bathe him every 2 months. And if your German Shepherd plays out in the open and gets dirty, you may consider bathing more often. Brushing is another factor that would determine how often you bathe your German Shepherd. Brushing also makes their coat shinier and healthier. Start from the neck working your way towards the tail and use enough water to reach the undercoat. Scrub in circular motions with your finger so that the shampoo reaches the undercoat. You can also do long strokes like a massage that your German Shepherd will surely enjoy. Thoroughly wash off your German Shepherd, and you may want to repeat this step to ensure that all the suds are removed from the undercoat and any crevices. If a residue is left and it dries up, this can cause skin irritation. This is the part where you get wet, as they shake off all the excess water. Rub him with a towel to dry off faster. Brush their coat well to make it shiny. And blow dry in the direction of hair growth, otherwise, blowing back and forth can lead to matting. German shepherds don't really need haircuts but if your dogs coat is getting out of hand then a light trim of their coat could help them in the warmer months. As puppies, they can start bathing as young as three weeks. An organic shampoo, or at the very least, a gentle shampoo will do. Harsher shampoos can strip their natural oils, or make their skin dry. Final Note Diet plays a big role too, in their physical appearance and health. Feeding your German Shepherd the proper foods and keeping them away from harmful ones will prevent them from getting any skin problems. Now you are better equipped to bathe your German Shepherd Treat bathing as a bonding moment between you and your dog, and he will love you for it. German Shepherd coat care procedures German Shepherds have a beautiful thick coat, requiring regular and thorough care. In the first place, it involves the correct selection of a full-fledged diet and various hygienic procedures. The owner of such a dog should know exactly what and when to do to ensure that the coat of the pet is properly cared for. Often German Shepherds tolerate water procedures and love to bathe if they were accustomed to it from an early age. Later on, an adult kept in an apartment should be bathed with special products two to four times a year: in autumn, spring and summer. In winter, the coat is sometimes cleaned with snow outside. Water procedures performed in winter can cause the dog to fall ill. If there is an urgent need to bathe the pet during this period, the room allocated for bathing should be well prepared and warmed up. If your dog gets dirty on a walk, wash him under the shower or use a wet towel to wipe his coat. If your pet is clearly attracted to water procedures in summer, you can shower him after walks. When keeping a Shepherd Dog in an apartment, you should wash it during the following periods: after shedding; 7 days before the treatment against parasites ticks, fleas, and others ; before the dog shows. If the pet is kept in an aviary, bathing is performed no more than three times a year. Small puppies should not be bathed several days before vaccination and during the day quarantine after vaccination. The first vaccinations are given quite early, at 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Bathing a puppy at 1 or 2 months is still too early. Try to communicate with the puppy calmly and gently, not frighten him with harsh motions. Allow him to settle in by sniffing and looking around in the bathtub. After that, you can start bathing your German Shepherd puppy. What you need for bathing at home Prepare in advance everything you may need for the procedure: First, provide the bottom of the tub with a non-slip surface — a cloth or rubber mat — to prevent your dog from slipping. Wear clothing suitable for this kind of procedure a waterproof apron. Do not use soap on your Shepherd. Prepare a bathing towel. Remember to take your pet for a proper walk outside before bathing. Otherwise, he will want to go for a walk again afterward and may get dirty or catch a cold. Prepare carefully and anticipate everything beforehand. Make sure the water temperature does not exceed degrees Celsius. Using a special shampoo and sponge, thoroughly soap his entire body, including his paws, belly, and neck. Rinse off the foam with your shower. Repeat if necessary. Wrap your puppy in a towel and get him out of the tub. If the coat is still partially wet, let the puppy shake it off and dry himself by running around the house. If the puppy is not afraid of loud noises, try drying the coat with a hairdryer. After bathing, Shepherd fur dries for about 3 hours. Try to bathe your pet in 10 minutes. Exclude the possibility of draughts in the room to avoid the risk of catching a cold. After washing, walks are allowed only after 3 hours. How to bathe a German Shepherd outdoors In the summer heat, you can bathe your German Shepherd puppy in an open pond every day, starting at the age of 4 months. If you take your pet to a river or lake, pay attention to the state of the body of water and the shore before bathing. Are there any sharp objects, shards of glass, or other trash visible? Such precautions will help avoid unwanted injuries and poisoning of your pet. After examining the area, let your dog off the leash and allow him to get acclimated to his new surroundings. German Shepherds are not timid, but each animal has its own personality traits. Swimming in a body of water is good for strengthening muscles and joints. Start by stepping into the water and calling out to your dog. Due to their high degree of trust in their owner, Shepherds are then eager to follow. Allow him to dry naturally, play and run with him. After sickness, it is better to wait about ten days after the pet has recovered before bathing. If the coat falls out or it is dull and broken, it indicates a disease or lack of vitamins in the animal. German Shepherds are divided into long-haired and short-haired according to the fur coat. Their coats need daily brushing. While brushing, dirt, dust, and dander are removed from the coat and skin. At the same time, skin diseases are effectively prevented, and blood circulation and metabolism in the pet are stimulated. The following tools are necessary for taking care of the coat: A frequent brush for the massage effect for long-haired — with long teeth, for short-haired — with short teeth. Metal comb: used to detangle fleece hair. Scrubbing brush: used during the seasonal shedding of the pet and for detangling the tangles. In brushing, it is necessary to release the brush from the clogged hair and dirt periodically. If your pet is calm, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment. After dry brushing, wet-clean the coat with a special mop, then dry the coat with a dry towel, and do not forget to wipe the eyes and ears with a wet cloth. There are special complex procedures designed to care for the fur and skin of animals, the so-called grooming. A bath should be a good thing, right? After all, baths keep humans away from dirt and bad odor, so you may think the same logic applies to dogs. However, you should not bathe your German Shepherd more often than necessary. German Shepherds have a double coat with natural oils that keep their skin healthy. This could lead to skin issues such as allergic reactions or dryness. Dogs with thick double coats and heavy shedders like the German Shepherd can be bathed every 3 months. This is because when they shed , the coat naturally removes dead skin cells and harmful bacteria. While bathing your German Shepherd is an essential part of their grooming and care, you should only do it to remove dirt and unpleasant odors. You should only bathe your German Shepherd every two to three months or as necessary. They should be bathed when they have accumulated mud or dirt on their skin or coat or the dog smells unpleasant. Regular bathing is unnecessary if your German Shepherd has a clean, shiny, and healthy coat. There are a few other factors that can affect how often you should bathe your GSD: 1. A monthly bath may be necessary if your GSD is extra active and often gets full of dirt. Some dogs are known for rolling around in fox poop; if this is your dog, then more frequent bathing will be on your list of doggy chores. Others like to jump in muddy puddles whenever they see one on a walk, like Willow, my German Shepherd. She likes to cool off in swampy areas or sludgy puddles, as shown in the photo below. My German Shepherd taking a mud bath! Your German Shepherd Has a Skin Condition You may need to bathe your dog regularly if they have a skin condition that requires treatment with a special shampoo. One antibiotic-controlled study found that bath therapy twice weekly with a chlorhexidine shampoo and spray was as effective as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in treating dog pyoderma. Although these pests are a threat to doggos all year round, they are most active during the warmer months. In such cases, he may need even fewer baths than the recommended once every months. Nonetheless, many enjoy a paddle in a river or shallow lake or other water activities. Willow is not keen on swimming — I think her heavy double coat weighs her down. But she loves being in the river and finds it fun sticking her head in the water to find pebbles. My German Shepherd hunting for river pebbles! Your GSD Has a Skin Allergy German Shepherds with skin allergies typically have issues with their skin barrier epidermis , meaning their skin dries up more easily. Regularly bathing a dog with skin allergies using harsh shampoos can worsen the already compromised layer of skin, further aggravating the allergy. If you do need to keep your German Shepherd clean and spiffy, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Brush your GSD twice or thrice every week. Removing loose fur also takes away old skin oils and prevents dog odor. Do you want to know the grooming tools I swear by? Get your German Shepherd tired. If you use the treatment that you rub between the shoulders, you should wait 48 hours before bathing. For example, you can consult your vet on how often you should bathe your dog. After all, your vet is likely knowledgeable about dog skin types and any skin issues your dog may have. The oatmeal and aloe mixture works well with sensitive skin. Additionally, the shampoo is manufactured in U. German Shepherd puppies should not be bathed with shampoo until they are at least 3 months old. Before then, just use warm water and a cloth or wash rag. At 3 months, you should use a good quality shampoo and conditioner made for dogs and pH balanced to avoid skin irritation. Do German Shepherds Like Baths? Most German Shepherds do not enjoy baths. They find being confined and scrubbed in the bathtub an entirely different experience from splashing around in a river which they enjoy. Some dogs are nervous around water, so reassure your pet, use a calm voice and offer high-quality treats. Long-haired German Shepherds should be bathed 3 or 4 times per year. Their bathing frequency is no different from the short coat variety. Too many baths will remove the natural oils that are present in their coat which can result in their skin becoming dry and inflamed. Final Thoughts How often you should bathe your German Shepherd depends on a few factors. In general, you should bathe your GSD whenever they get dirty or smelly. If you must have a regular bathing routine for your dog and they have healthy skin, you can bathe them once every two to three months. If you doubt how often you should bathe your GSD, ask your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend that you bathe your dog more or less than the recommended once every two to three months. Related Posts You May Like:. Health As a German Shepherd owner, you probably know all of the joys of having one of these amazing dogs. In order to keep your dog happy and healthy, there are some things involved that may not be as fun as playing fetch with Fido. Grooming your German Shepherd could be one of those things depending on how cooperative your GSD is during the process. In this short guide, we will give you advice on how often you should bathe a German Shepherd as well as other grooming tips. Bathing your dog is not like bathing your child. This is the ideal amount of bathing for your dog, but there are other factors that can come into play. Personally, I bathe Allie once every weeks. Of course, if your dog goes outside often and gets really dirty, you may want to bathe him before he can track that dirt all over your home. If your German Shepherd stinks, you definitely want to give your dog a bath. You should brush your German Shepherd a couple of times a week. The difficulty of bathing your German Shepherd will largely depend on whether your dog is cooperative or not. Some dogs may not like baths at first so you will be busy trying to keep them still or trying to keep them from running away from the bath. The good news is that if you are patient and reassuring, your dog will eventually get used to it. I found that getting Allie used to baths as a puppy helped tremendously so now I am not fighting with 70 pounds of Shepherd for every bath. You will want to do the head last. Apply shampoo and begin to lather your GSD all over starting from their neck and working your way down. You can either use your fingers or use a sponge if you want to really rub the shampoo in. I just use my fingers. Once you are finished, dry your dog thoroughly with the towels. Is Dog Teeth Cleaning Necessary? You may have to work with your dog to get them comfortable with getting their teeth cleaned. Make sure you use toothpaste for dogs, not toothpaste for humans. Try putting a tiny amount of toothpaste on each tooth before you start brushing just to relax your dog. Once your dog is relaxed, brush the teeth in a circular motion, making sure you brush near the gum lines. Try and be thorough but be gentle. This is one of the things I wish I did more when Allie was a puppy. Normally, her mouth is wide open, but when the toothbrush comes out her mouth closes up like a clam. Handle any broken or split nails immediately. You will want to use a dog nail clipper not human nail clippers. You can buy special ear wax drops from your vet. Your dog will shake out the remaining liquid by shaking its head. Final Thoughts Keeping your German Shepherd properly groomed goes a long way in keeping your dog healthy. A healthy dog is a happy dog! If you are ever in doubt about grooming your dog, you can seek out professional help. There are many great dog groomers available and your vet can also give you good tips. The rest of the time, proper grooming can keep them clean and healthy. Shedding For The Season Dogs have two different types of coats. Some have hair that continually grows. Others have fur that sheds. German Shepherd Dogs have a double coat of fur. According to Dog. The top layer also known as the primary layer serves to protect the dog from light injury and add additional insulation from temperature. Throughout the year, some of this fur detaches from the body sheds , in order for new growth to come in. German Shepherd Dogs go through two big shedding cycles every year to adapt to the coming season. You will also notice that there is more fur around the house than normal. The best way to keep up with their shedding is daily brushing with a de-shedding brush or comb. You will want to make sure you are getting both the top layer and undercoat when doing this. Use positive techniques and stay consistent with this daily routine. After some time, this can become a great bonding experience. Global K9 Protection Services , a company that specializes in training Shepherds, recommends not bathing GSDs too often to avoid drying out their skin. Dry skin can lead to itchiness, redness, and hot spots that they can start chewing. If they walk on pavement or gravel often, their nails may get ground down from those surfaces. The goal is to cut the nails down without hitting the nerve in the nail. This can lead to foot and joint issues later on. When clipping their nails, high praise in a calm environment will give you the best results for them to get through it in the most positive way. They need it but do not want you to put anything in there. The best way to do this is to clean the outer ear and use ear drops designed for dogs. As they shake their heads, it will remove the excess ear wax and dirt. Speak to your veterinarian about which product to choose. Some dog treats have plaque removing properties to them. Another way is to brush their teeth around three times a week. Make sure you use toothpaste made for dogs. The toothpaste made for humans can be toxic to dogs. Remember, if it goes in their mouth, they will swallow it. Let them get used to the warm water. The water level should not be more than elbow high for them. Work from their bottom and move forward, saving their head for last. They are very sensitive to having their faces handled. When scrubbing them, use circular motions with your fingers to get through the undercoat. You can also use long strokes in a massage-like way. These two methods can calm them down. Who does not like a massage? Make sure you rinse often and repeatedly to make sure that all of the soap has been cleaned off. Dried residue can create irritation on their skin. Have at least towels ready to dry them off. If you are going to use a hairdryer, do not focus on one spot for too long, to avoid making one spot too hot for them. Use products that are designed specifically for dogs. Avoid products that use artificial chemicals. Products that use natural ingredients and have simple formulas are just as effective. Going With The Pros Using a professional dog groomer has advantages. They have the proper equipment, products, and skills to groom your German Shepherd Dog. Before you go online and choose the first one you see, both PetMD and the AKC have a few recommendations on how to choose the right groomer. Grooming program , that can assure you the groomer is of the highest quality. You will also want to make sure they are caring for your dog well with their kennels and that their staff is trained for any emergencies. Finally, make sure you understand all the costs that come with their services. Your dog may never look forward to it, but when it is time to take a bath, using positive training techniques can be the best approach to make it a choreless event. Make sure you use the proper shampoos and keep up with their grooming requirements. If you do need further advice, see the help of a certified trainer in your area. In such cases, you will have to bathe the dog more frequently than usual, using an antibacterial and antifungal dog shampoo. They target the effects of different skin conditions and help clear them up so your German Shepherd can be free from symptoms like itching or hotspots and get their shiny coat back.

Breeds The link has been copied! Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for a good reason. They make wonderful family pets due to their friendly personalities, endless loyalty, and high intelligence. However, before bringing one into your home, it is essential to consider the costs associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In this article, we'll explore the question, "How much does a Golden Retriever cost? The overall price of a Golden Retriever can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the dog's age, lineage, and location. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that buying a puppy is just the beginning of the expenses associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In addition to the initial price, routine vet visits and vaccinations are necessary to keep your Golden Retriever healthy and prevent illnesses. These costs can add up quickly, especially in the first year of your dog's life when they require more frequent check-ups and vaccines. Your dog will typically require annual check-ups and routine vaccinations throughout their life. You can also choose to microchip your pet for additional security measures. Another ongoing expense associated with owning a Golden Retriever is grooming. While Golden Retrievers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and occasional baths. So, you will need to set aside adequate funds for this care. A Golden Retriever puppy cost can vary. The overall price will depend on whether you choose to purchase from a breeder or adopt from a rescue organization. However, it is essential to note that some breeders will charge more for puppies that have exceptional bloodlines or rare coat colors. If you choose to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy from a rescue organization, the adoption fee is usually much lower than the purchase price from a breeder. It is important to note that adoption fees will usually cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and shelter for the puppy while in the rescue organization's care. Often if you choose to adopt from a rescue or dog shelter, the pet will come into your family already spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. Color One of the most significant factors is the color of the puppy. Golden Retrievers typically come in shades of gold, but some may have a slightly darker or lighter coat, which can create variations in their price. For instance, puppies with lighter-colored coats may be more expensive than those with darker coats. Bloodline Puppies with a pedigree from a well-known champion bloodline are often more expensive than those without a proven lineage. This cost difference is because they are likely to have a superior appearance, temperament, and overall health characteristics. Often dogs from such lineage come with documentation and official paperwork to verify their background. A quality breeder who has invested time and resources in breeding and raising quality Golden Retrievers may charge a higher price for their puppies. This reason is that they are more likely to provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Estimated Size Finally, the estimated size of the puppy can impact the cost. Typically, male Golden Retrievers are larger than females, and puppies from larger litters may be smaller than those from smaller litters. Owing to that, puppies from a smaller litter may be more expensive as they tend to be in higher demand. Overall, it is essential to consider all of these factors when looking to purchase a Golden Retriever to ensure that you get the best value for your money. As we've discussed, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Golden Retriever can quickly add up. However, investing in a GPS-tracking dog collar is one way to protect your investment in your furry friend. A GPS-tracking dog collar can help make sure that your Golden Retriever doesn't wander too far from home or get lost. This feature is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of traffic or wildlife, where your dog could be at risk of injury or getting into dangerous situations. A GPS tracking dog collar can help you quickly locate your dog if they do manage to escape, allowing you to bring them home safely and quickly. No doubt a GPS-tracking dog collar is an additional expense, but it can provide peace of mind and protection for your furry friend, making it a worthwhile investment for any Golden Retriever owner. It can give you the confidence to let your dog explore and play freely while still being able to keep an eye on their location and well-being. Incorporating the Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar into your Golden Retriever's routine can help ensure their safety and security while enjoying all the joys of owning this beloved breed. The collar has a long battery life and is water-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The collar also offers activity tracking, which can help you monitor your dog's exercise habits and ensure they are getting enough physical activity to stay healthy. Golden Retriever Breed Guide The Golden Retriever is a popular breed known for being friendly and having an affectionate personality. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. They are typically very patient with children and get along well with other animals, making them an ideal companion for families with kids or other pets. Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large breed in terms of size and weight. Males typically weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand in inches between 23 to .Alternatively, females weigh between 55 pounds to 65 pounds and stand in inches between .Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 14 years. Golden Retrievers are an active breed. They frequently require multiple sessions of daily exercise to stay in peak shape. They enjoy many types of outdoor activities, including swimming, fetch, and hiking. These dogs make great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, they can also adopt a more laid-back lifestyle if they don't receive regular exercise. The lifetime care costs of a Golden Retriever will often depend on factors such as their health, age, and lifestyle. Budgeting for these costs and planning accordingly to ensure that your furry friend receives the care they need throughout their lifetime is essential. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Golden Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog can be significantly less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder, and it also helps to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. Another way to save money is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may have already gone through the training process, which can save on the cost of obedience classes and training supplies. They may also be less demanding in terms of exercise and may already be house-trained, which can save on cleaning and flooring expenses. When buying a Golden Retriever puppy, it's crucial to find a breeder who will always prioritize the health and life quality of their dogs. A breeder should be able to provide you with health guarantees, documentation of the puppy's lineage, and proof of vaccinations and other necessary medical treatments. Moreover, it's also a good idea to visit the breeder's facility and meet the puppy's parents, if possible, to get a sense of the breeding environment and the temperament of the puppies. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option when buying a Golden Retriever, doing so can lead to additional expenses down the line if the puppy develops health problems that require expensive medical treatment. A reputable breeder may have higher upfront costs but is more likely to produce healthy puppies with fewer genetic health issues. This initial extra cost can ultimately save you money and heartache in the long run. By taking the time to research breeders and consider all options carefully, you can save on the initial cost of owning a Golden Retriever while still providing a loving home for a furry companion. Conclusion: The Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever In conclusion, owning a Golden Retriever can be a fulfilling experience, but it is crucial to consider the upfront and ongoing costs that are commonly associated with owning one. By understanding the factors that impact the price tag of a Golden Retriever and exploring ways to reduce those costs, you can ensure that you are providing the best care for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Lastly, you will want to consider how to protect your newest family member and the investment that comes with them. The Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar is a cutting-edge style of technology that offers dog owners an extra layer of protection for their furry friends. The collar uses GPS technology to track your dog's location in real time and sends alerts to your phone if your dog leaves a designated safe zone. This feature can be beneficial in the event that your Golden Retriever ever goes missing or wanders off, giving you the ability to quickly and easily locate them. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots, and you will likely have a stronger drive to purchase your new puppy lots of toys. As the dog gets older, vet visits will drop off dramatically, and it will have plenty of toys, so you will only need to purchase food and treats, bringing the cost down considerably. Some shots are highly recommended but still optional, while the rabies shot is a legal requirement in the United States. You will also need to purchase a monthly flea and tick medication like Frontline to keep your dog free of parasites, especially if it spends a lot of time outside. Foods with corn listed as the first ingredient will be less expensive, but they are primarily empty calories that will cause your dog to gain weight and feel hungry again more quickly. You can keep up with your pet using inexpensive brushes and combs to keep the coat looking nice and reduce shedding. A thorough brushing every few days should be enough. We also recommend brushing the teeth of your Golden Retriever as often as possible with a pet-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease, and you may need to trim the nails on occasion if you hear them clicking on the floor. A professional groomer can help you keep the dog looking nice and is usually not that expensive. Most Golden Retrievers will only need their monthly dose of flea and tick medication that will also help protect them from heartworm. Some people try to avoid this medication, but the cost of eliminating a flea infestation and Lyme disease medication can be much more expensive. When you need it, you will be glad you have it. There is no need for litter boxes, aquariums, heat lamps, humidity concerns, etc. Your dog will be happy by your side in any weather. Monthly washing of the bed liner and any towels it uses frequently is all that is required. Products like the Bark Box can be a great way to keep your dog entertained at a relatively low cost. However, there is a high likelihood you can find one at a local animal shelter for significantly less. Saving Money on Golden Retriever Care The best way to reduce your healthcare costs when owning a Golden Retriever is to pay close attention to the recommended portion size on your food package. You should also avoid giving too many treats, or your dog will become overweight, which can lead to several health problems that will increase your costs. Monthly expenses can be quite low compared to other pets that require you to maintain habitat temperatures and humidity. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. At this time we do not have any new litter please check back next spring! We breed fawn and brindle babies. Our dams and sires have been health tested. We provide a unique experience with your puppy! All future puppy parents are encouraged to come visit before purchasing. We do not ship our dogs. Rare exotic colors. Akc traditional color Pugs. Akc Stud Available. Short cobby body. Flat face. Also, Pink stud Available We currently have 1 pink male left. Beautiful wrinkles, Great quality. Serious inquires only please. Our Planned Litters are Healthy and Happy! Raised in the sunroom of our house where lots of spoiling and attention results in personable pups. I have been breeding pugs for over 18 years. My goal is to breed only the best in health, temperament and beauty. Pugs are the most loveable pet that you will ever own. The Pug House. New litter expected in a few weeks. Mother is xraying July 14 th for puppy count and wellness check. We have 3 beautiful fawn girls born May 22nd. Puppies come with CKC registration, first shots, micro-chipped and 1 yr health guarantee. Visit our site for more info. Too Cute Pugs.

As we combine two different purebred dogs, there are so many possible variations and outcomes! Of course, a Bernedoodle puppy will inherit its traits and characteristics from its lineage. The traditional Bernese Mountain Dog coat features a solid jet black base color with white and rust or tan markings. The tan and rust markings are usually present above the eyes, on the cheeks, on each side of the chest, on the legs, and under the tail. The white markings are found on the muzzle, between the eyes, on the chest, neck, and paws. Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Colors Poodles, on the other hand, most commonly come in a variety of solid colors, such as black, blue, gray, silver, brown, red, apricot, cream, cafe au lait, silver beige, and white. In addition to that, Poodles can also come with different color combinations like black and brown, black and tan, black and apricot, black and cream, brown and apricot, brown and white, and other combinations of the more common solid colors. As you might guess, black and white Bernedoodles have a black solid dominant color and white markings on the face, neck, and chest. Merle Bernedoodle One of the rarest, but most beautiful Bernedoodle colors is the merle pattern. Merle Bernedoodles have a solid base color with speckled patches of diluted colors throughout the coat. The merle coat gene is not as common in either Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs, but it can be passed onto the Bernedoodles when one of the parents is carrying the merle gene. A higher chance of achieving a merle Bernedoodle pup is by crossing a Poodle with a merle Bernedoodle. However, ethical breeders will never cross two merle Bernedoodles, as this increases the risk of serious health issues like blindness and deafness. Red and White Bernedoodle Red and white Bernedoodle is another rare color combination that features a mixture of reds and whites. The more traditional red and white Bernedoodle color has a solid red base on most of the body, while the chest, face, paws, and legs have white hair. Additionally, there are parti red and white Bernedoodles, where the base color is white throughout the body. In contrast, the red markings are found on the face, ears, and sometimes on the back as well. Black Bernedoodle A solid black Bernedoodle is more of a rare find compared to the black and white Bernedoodle and tri-color Bernedoodles. If the goal is to achieve a black Bernedoodle, both parent pups should carry the same recessive gene. The Bernedoodle tri-color pattern features three different colors on the coat. There can be various tri-color patterns with colors like black, brown, tan, rust, apricot, red, white, and cream. The dominant base color is usually darker and white markings are found on the face, chest, feet, and paws. Sable Bernedoodle Another popular choice is the sable Bernedoodle color. Sable Bernedoodles have a solid base color, but the hairs have black tips. Of course, the overall look depends on how much of the hair lengths are colored black from the ends. Phantom Bernedoodle Phantom Bernedoodles are somewhat similar to tri-colored Bernedoodles, but they have less white markings and more brown hues in their coats. The most common phantom combination is black and tan. These pups usually have dominant black color all across the body with tan markings on the face, chest, legs, and paws. This is again a more rare Bernedoodle color out there, but it sure does look beautiful! Chocolate Bernedoodle Chocolate Bernedoodles can come in a variety of patterns. Rare Bernedoodle Colors Of course, in addition to all of the Bernedoodle colors and color combinations we listed above, there are countless other colors and patterns that the puppies can come in. Many of them surprising even the breeders. It all comes down to their genetics and which dominant and recessive genes are present. Additionally, keep in mind that not all puppies in the same litter inherit the same coat colors. As with any Doodle, combining two different breeds gives us endless possibilities. Like many other Doodles, Bernedoodles often carry the fading gene , which is usually inherited from the Poodle side of their lineage. This typically occurs anywhere from 6 to 10 months of age. The fading, also called clearing, is most noticeable in darker colored Bernedoodles who have blacks and browns in their coat. Black Bernedoodles with the fading gene often change into silver, gray, or bluish tones. Chocolate or brown Bernedoodles can turn silver, cream, or silver beige over time. However, merle Bernedoodles might be at a slightly higher risk of certain health problems, such as deafness or blindness. To be fair, it all comes down to your preferences and which colors you like. However, we do recommend you choose your new family member based on their health and temperament, not for their looks only. Black Bernedoodles can fade into gray or silver tones, and chocolate Bernedoodles might fade into silver, silver beige, and beige tones. The only way to accurately predict the color of your puppy is by DNA testing, which you can arrange at an additional cost with your breeder. The rarest variations are bi-color black and white Bernedoodle, sable, phantom, and merle patterns, solid black, and solid white. In conclusion, choosing the color of your Bernedoodle puppy is one of the more difficult decisions that you face. They all look beautiful in their own way, but one thing is for sure — all Bernedoodles have amazing personalities, regardless of their coat color. We hope this guide has given you a good idea about all the different Bernedoodle colors and patterns that are available out there. What is your favorite Bernedoodle color? Let us know in the comments below! Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bernedoodles are a very mellow, friendly, and loyal breed. Most Bernedoodles tend to shed very little if any at all straighter coats can be prone to more shedding. An F1B or higher generation Bernedoodle is recommended for those with mild pet allergies. A Bernedoodle's coat is different than a double coated dog and can be shaved without damaging the hair. We recommend daily brushing and professional grooming every weeks to avoid tangles and matting. We focus mainly on Phantom and Tri colors. Phantom Bernedoodles are Black with copper trim along their face, legs, chest, and above the eyes. Females tend to be smaller than males. They are a gentle giant who generally do great with kids of all ages. They are social and love being around their humans. Training: Bernedoodles are intelligent and training must be done with rewards, firmness, patience and consistency. Basic training should start as soon as you take your Bernedoodle puppy home. They will require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destruction in the home. They have a low to medium energy level and are perfect for those who like to get outdoors but also enjoy lounging around the house. Bernedoodle Colors and Patterns Bernedoodles come in many colors and patterns. To see the coordinating waitlist, visit this page! Please see this page for more examples of what bernedoodles look like! Here are the most common colors and patterns! Traditional Tri-Colored Bernedoodles have the same pattern and coloring as a berner but with non-shedding hair! The fathers producing traditional tri colored bernedoodles regularly are Sargent Pepper, BB King and Ringo Next, we have the Traditional Tri-Sable which is mostly brown with white berner markings and black or brown points. Up next is the Merle Category! The most important aspect of breeding with the Merle gene involved is making sure only one parent is a Merle gene carrier. This speaks to the importance of finding a great breeder who does genetic testing. Traditional Blue Merle coat color! Jacob, Zeppelin and Jerry are the dads for these beauties! All are non-shedding. Blue Merle only when Jacob is the dad does this color come out shown below. The Phantom color refers to a bi-colored black and white or brown and white bernedoodle without the white berner markings. Also gorgeous! The Brindle Bernedoodle is stunning! This color and pattern combination is one of my all time favorites! Finally, here we have the solid white, black or brown Bernedoodles! Seen mainly in our F1b Mini and micro Bernedoodle litters! Share this:. Let us introduce you to the Tri-Color Bernedoodle, a delightful mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, with a stunning coat that sets it apart from other breeds. Join us as we explore the secrets behind this wonderful breed and learn why a Tri-Color Bernedoodle may be the perfect companion for you and your family. Short Summary Tri-Color Bernedoodles are a hybrid breed composed of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, with beautiful coats featuring black, rust, and white colors. Breeding desirable Bernedoodles is complex yet rewarding, combining the artistry of careful parent selection with the science of genetics and DNA testing. Learn more about their charming appearance and affectionate personalities. How to research reputable Tri-color Bernedoodle breeders with high breeding standards Tricolor Bernedoodle Puppy About Tri Color Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are a captivating hybrid breed, resulting from the cross between the gentle and loyal Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent and affectionate Poodle. This wonderful breed has quickly gained popularity among dog owners, thanks to their wonderful temperaments and low to non-shedding coats, making them perfect family pets. Among the various color patterns available, the Tri-Color Bernedoodle stands out as the most sought after and enchanting of them all. Origin and Parent Breeds The Bernedoodle is a perfect blend of its parent breeds, inheriting the best traits from both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog boasts a classic coat, with a solid jet black base complemented by white markings and either tan or rust accents. On the other hand, although Poodles were originally single-colored, multi-colored Poodles have become more common over time thanks to breeding expertise and the desire for more variety in coat colors. This mix not only brings together their striking appearance, but also combines their gentle, loving personalities and intelligence, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Color Variations Tri-Color Bernedoodles have a special and eye-catching appearance with their black, rust, and white coloring, which can come in different patterns, making each dog look unique. These colors make them stand out from other Bernedoodle types because they inherit the rust markings from Bernese Mountain Dogs and the diverse coat patterns from Poodles. The most popular color combination for Tri-Color Bernedoodles is black, white, and tan or brown. However, you can also find Bernedoodles in other colors like; black and white, sable, phantom, apricot, red, cream, parti or even solid black with limited white. This wide range of beautiful tri colors makes them visually appealing and adds to their charm, captivating the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. The Allure of Tri Color Bernedoodles Amazing Personalities Tri-Color Bernedoodles are highly sought after by dog owners for two main reasons: their charming personalities and undeniable cuteness. The delightful temperament of a Bernedoodle wins the hearts of everyone they meet. They are friendly, loving, and loyal companions who form strong bonds with their owners. On top of that, their cute looks with expressive eyes, soft fur, and floppy ears make them irresistibly adorable. This makes them an immensely popular choice among those who desire a remarkable and visually appealing Bernedoodle coats. Unique Appearance The attractive appearance of Tri-Color Bernedoodles sets them apart from other Bernedoodle varieties. Their coats typically feature a striking combination of black, rust, and white colors, which can appear in a multitude of patterns. This unique blend of colors not only makes them visually captivating, but also highlights their rarity. In addition to their eye-catching coat colors, Bernedoodles are also known for their loving and affectionate personalities. These gentle dogs make excellent family pets and are well-suited for households with children and other animals. Their beauty and delightful temperament make Bernedoodles truly special and a joy to have as a companion. Knowledge of genetic factors and breeding techniques is essential for creating these captivating canines with their stunning coat patterns. It can be quite challenging to determine the exact color mix of a litter of Tri-Color Bernedoodle puppies, even when considering the colors of the parents and conducting genetic tests. In order to successfully breed the phantom Tri Color Bernedoodle, breeders must have extensive experience and an in-depth understanding of DNA testing. This fascinating blend of science and artistry is what sets apart reputable Bernedoodle breeders. Genetic Factors The captivating coat patterns of Bernedoodles are a result of complex genetic factors inherited from both parents. Understanding these genetic factors is crucial for breeders who aim to create Tri-Color Bernedoodles with specific coat patterns and color combinations. By carefully selecting parent breeds and understanding the genetic makeup of each adult, breeders can skillfully create these enchanting and unique canines. Breeding Techniques Breeding Bernedoodles is a complex process that requires expert knowledge of genetics and breeding techniques. Tricolor Bernedoodle puppies are typically created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle, resulting in a variety of stunning coat patterns that can include tri-color phantom, tri-color sable, merle or a combination of black, white, and tan. However, it is important to note that nature can sometimes surprise even the most experienced breeders with the final appearance of a litter of Tri-Color Bernedoodles. Despite careful planning and expertise in breeding techniques, the resulting puppies may not always have the exact same color patterns expected. Finding Your Perfect Tri-Color Bernedoodle Finding the perfect litter of Tri-Color Bernedoodle puppies requires researching breeders and understanding the genetic factors involved in creating these captivating canines. As you embark on your journey to find the ideal Tri-Color Bernedoodle, remember that each dog is unique and offers distinctive charm and personality. Researching Breeders When searching for reputable Bernedoodle breeders, it is important to conduct thorough research and look for any potential red flags. Additionally, it is essential to contact the breeder to ensure they follow responsible breeding practices and ethical guidelines. By taking the time to research breeders and understand the complexities of the breed, you can find the perfect Bernedoodle puppy that will capture your heart and make a wonderful addition to your home. Family of Bernedoodle Breeders Summary Throughout this exploration of the captivating world of Tri-Color Bernedoodles, we have discovered the unique characteristics and qualities that set them apart from other doodle breeds. With careful research and understanding, you can find a high-quality breeder who has an absolutely adorable litter of Tri color Bernedoodle puppies, that will capture your heart and become a cherished member of your family. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles.