$500 german shepherd puppies

But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one bathroom break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cozy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last potty stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy potty training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialization is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialization exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Yard The yard is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the apartment side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Sorry, I'm fully aware this has probably been asked times before but just after some general toilet training advice. We have a crate, which he seems perfectly happy with happily climbed in as soon as we got home and settled down, has been shut in since and at night with no issue - just luck I think as his breeder didn't use crates. We've designated a corner of the garden for him to use as his toilet. On his first day home, we were doing really well Monday. I managed to intercept a couple of times and get him outside where he finished doing his thing, and on a few other occasions just managed to be outside at the right time. Tuesday I thought I was beginning to get his pattern down. Every wee I caught was straight after a nap, so as soon as he woke in his crate, I took him out and he went for a 1. It seemed as though he was going 3 hourly which to me seemed a long time but hey ho, not going to complain! His first was 30 mins after dinner on Monday night. Second, 30 mins after waking on Tuesday and third, 30 mins after lunch. So come dinner, I'm expecting a 2 after dinner but nothing. In fact, he hadn't weed since around 2pm in the afternoon. Couldn't get him to go at all outside. Any time I tried, he whined in his toileting area and just tried to leave it. My husband kept putting him in his crate for 15 min intervals come the evening then taking him back outside. But it got to the stage where he had been in his crate for a good couple of hours when I felt he should really be having some play time to wind down for bed. Let him out. The one thing I'm concerned with now is that on Tuesday, we fenced off his toilet area as he kept trying to wander to other parts of the garden. Now, whenever I put him in it, he just whines and jumps trying to escape. Could this be hindering the training? Is it possible he's now getting a negative association with the toilet area as he's "shut in". Took him out this morning upon waking for a wee when previously he would reliably empty his bladder. Same thing. Came in and 5 mins later, weed on the floor. I've been cleaning the areas that he uses indoors with an enzyme cleaner to try and remove the temptation to use the same spot. He does just seem to go wherever though. Potentially, just letting him wander the garden will yield better results but I was really hoping to confine the poop to one area!! I really don't want to use puppy pads!!! If you would like one of these wonderful dogs for your family, please take the time to fill out our owner application. Application Form Care and Training Trainers agree that most pet problems which dog owners experience have to do with the training they receive and the excess freedom they are given in the home. Your Labradoodle puppy is a sweet, intuitive, intelligent dog and capable of being a pleasing companion. Labradoodles enjoy training, playtime, and direction. If you take the time to establish your loving authority early on, you will reap the benefits for years to come. Train your pup to be a good canine citizen and a welcome addition to your neighbourhood. I have listed common mistakes which owners make, and a way for you to prevent those hardships. Click on the links below to read the tip, click on the link again to close them. Mistake 1: Not being puppy-educated. Attend a puppy kindergarten class if possible, and read several training books before your new pup arrives. Do role-playing with your children on sit, stay, and come commands, with you being the puppy and your child being the trainer. You will need to teach your children firmness in voice commands. Mistake 2: Idealistic expectations. Dogs are expensive. Dogs are trouble. Dogs are frustrating. Dogs are noisy. Dogs are messy. Be prepared for the bumps in the road a chewed shoe , and the valleys an emergency trip to the vet when an army man gets swallowed. You will be a much happier owner if you have realistic expectations. Mistake 3: Lack of communication with children or adult owners. What are your expectations for your children? Do you want your new pup to teach them responsibility? Be reasonable about how you expect your children to fit into the life of your new pet. A good way to begin your puppy adventure is with a contract between you and your children which states the needs of the puppy with clear plans for who will meet these needs. An example follows: By having a contract in advance, if your child balks at taking your dog on a walk, you may remind them of the agreement they signed. Mistake 4: Not being prepared to sacrifice. My husband and I often laugh about our experience bringing home our first child. We had spent weeks attending classes and breathing, reading books and breathing, visiting delivery rooms and more breathing. Then the delivery occurred. Days later, we brought home this squirmy, screeching, sleepless boy with no idea what to do with him. Be prepared for the worst, and then reality will be a cupcake. Exercise your pup well before your bedtime. Do not offer water within a few hours of your bedtime. At bedtime, put your puppy in the crate with his comfort toys which the breeder sent along with him. Expect whining for a good long bit, but do not cave in and let your puppy sleep with you. Coo and comfort your new pup; pet him through the crate. You have the wisdom and you are in charge. You can train your pup to sleep through the night. Your goal is the get the little sweetheart through the night with only two potty outings, perhaps around AM and AM, but never wake a sleeping puppy — let him wake you. During potty outings, do not cuddle or comfort your pup, although you will always carry your pup to the door in the beginning weeks of housebreaking, rather than have him walk. While on this nighttime potty outing, communicate to him that this is strictly business. Take him to his designated potty place and set him down. Then go back to bed, settling him into his crate. This should only last a few nights, and he will soon surprise you by stretching a few more hours between potty outings. Always check his crate with your hand for a mistake. There is no need to scold mistakes at this stage. Simply remove his bedding and replace with dry bedding. Then, after he becomes fond of his crate in a few days, you may return to your bed. He will feel secure, and you will feel your sacrifice has been worthwhile. Mistake 5: Expecting housebreaking too soon. Many authors and even some trainers tout methods of housebreaking guaranteeing results in eight weeks. Most trainers would say that this is not a reasonable for all puppies. While some puppies may possibly be housebroken at that age, it is rare. For a puppy to be reliably housebroken, it must first meet a physiological developmental milestone in control. While most puppies will be housebroken before that, it is wise to have reasonable expectations. Mistake 6: Too much freedom too soon. Your puppy will naturally want to keep his crate clean, provided it is only small enough for him to turn around in. Instead, begin immediately with crate training, which is the most humane and natural living quarters for your pup. By nature he wants a safe den to cuddle in remember his wolf ancestry. Your pup will be very sleepy in the beginning weeks, so take advantage of this. After each potty outing will be your play time, cuddle time, and training time. Afterwards, you will return him to his crate for a nap. The playtime may be done in a small area 6-foot by 6-foot which you designate as his romper room. This area, as well as the crate, should be in a part of the home the family gathers in, such as the kitchen. A flexible gate system is a terrific option. This system will keep your pup safe from the myriad of choking hazards throughout your home. The flexible gate and crate combination prevents those unwanted accidents — in short, it will keep your stress level low. My mistake with this system was in allowing my pups freedom beyond the gate before they were tried and true. Be quite sure your pup is housebroken reliably before extending his boundaries. When you do choose to extend the boundaries beyond the pen, do it gradually, adding a room at a time. Wait several weeks or a month of no accidents before you expand boundaries again. It is wise to have agreement early on as to which rooms will eventually be opened to your pet and which will not. If you plan for your puppy to never enter the study, for example, then make that known ahead of time. Most trainers suggest that your trained dog should sleep on a dog bed beside your bed, but not on the bed. This prevents them from thinking that they are on your level of authority in the pack of your family. We routinely break this rule. Do as the trainers say, not as we do. Praise him cheerfully. This takes commitment, and your pup should only be out of the pen when you are willing to pay attention and do training. Mistake 7: Using too many words. Your Labradoodle will be trained faster if everyone in your home uses the same terminology during training. Mistake 8: Grazing and over-treating. We hope you will feed your Labradoodle with excellent health as your goal. At eight weeks, your puppy will need to eat three times a day on a regular schedule. The last feeding should be before PM. No treats or water after dinner is best to help your dog achieve housebreaking. Feedings should be in the crate. Take your puppy out for potty immediately after a meal. After the meal has been offered for fifteen minutes, the food is removed. Keep track of how much your pup eats during the first months, as your vet may find this helpful. The reason that continual feeding or grazing is not best is twofold: It solidifies your role as the alpha, provider of the meal, and it also prevents your dog from becoming obese. Obesity in dogs is never healthy and may be an environmental factor contributing toward hip dysplasia. Treats should be given only for performing a command. It is expensive and does not provide the pure nutrients your growing pup requires. Instead of junk treats, fill your treat jar with a premium-quality dry dog food which you do not currently use. For example, if you currently use Innova chicken, try a salmon-based food for treats. On the subject of food, not all dog food is equal. Most grocery store brands of kibble contain a high percentage of fillers. The fillers themselves may have been in contact with pesticides or other chemicals. Never will you see a particular cut of beef listed, which means your dog food choice could be filled with parts you and I do not want to discuss. There are commercial dog foods available which use human-grade standards, rather than animal standards. Ask in a premium pet store about human standards. You will pay much more for human-standard food, but your dog will eat considerably less, since it is packed with the nutrients his body craves. Most dog enthusiasts believe that chicken- or fish-based foods are digested more easily. Fish oils have been known to be beneficial to prevent scratching in dogs who experience dry skin due to environment, weather or allergies. Potty Training tips from Perfect Paws. Confinement to a small area such as a bathroom or an enclosed exercise pen in combination with confinement to a crate works best. This method is the most effective and flexible. When and how to use confinement is described in detail below. Read more about potty training from Perfect Paws. Puppy Patch Labradoodles Email: click to email About our Puppies Our Australian Labradoodles are allergy and asthma friendly with low to non-shedding coats. A cross between a labrador and a poodle and multi-generational, our puppies are thoroughly socialized. Please browse our site to see the latest puppy litters and our breeder policies. Recent News. At bedtime, he will be put inside his crate and settled down for the night. Your puppy will benefit from lots of socialisation and handling with people and other Australian Labradoodle puppies and dogs. The vet bed, blanket, toys and bowls he uses will be his to take home and the familiarity of these items will aid with the transition period. After completion of this programme and a brief transition period, you can expect your puppy to rapidly achieve crate and toilet training in your home. This will allow you to start building on his early training as smoothly as possible. Then, your puppy will spend either 2, 4 or 6 weeks with one of our trainers in their home. Your puppy will gradually get used to spending a little more time alone so that he will be ready to adjust to busy family life when you will need to leave him home-alone for a few hours. He will commence lead walking training and will learn to come when called. Your puppy will experience lots of short car journeys and will become increasingly comfortable with car travel. The longer he is enrolled in puppy school for, the more he will achieve and the more reliable each element of his training will be, particularly in distracting environments. This will allow you build on and reinforce his training. Popular Links. About The Breed Training Your Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent animals, but that doesn't mean that they don't need to be trained! The good news though, is that they are incredibly trainable and are always top of the class at puppy training classes. Training your puppy properly at an early age will pay dividends in the long run. A well-trained dog is a happy dog. We Set Our Puppies Up For Success When you collect your puppy from Lomond Hills, he will not have received any training as such virtually impossible with a whole litter of young puppies , but we do employ particular protocols and utilise some smart methods to set your puppy up for success. A couple of examples: 1. When we are feeding, playing or doing something else that is a fun or positive experience from puppy's perspective, we call them to come to us. When we are going to worm them, clip their toenails or do something similarly neutral or negative from puppy's perspective, we don't call them — we just go and pick them up. This helps them to learn that when they get called, good things happen. It is amazing the difference this makes when it comes to you training your dog to come back to you when he has been off-lead. When our puppies are young and only nursing with mum, they stay in one warm cosy room and mum cleans up after them. When they start eating solids and pooping more, we open up the doggy door and they have access to an indoor toileting area where we use paper bedding. This area is fully drained and is disinfected regularly, so it is a clean and safe environment for our puppies, but is realistic and really gives them a head-start on toilet training. They very quickly learn to follow their mum through the doggy door when they need to go to the toilet! It is amazing the difference this will make when you take puppy home — you will have him toilet-trained in no time! It is important that every member of the household follows these consistently. Consistency trains dogs. Training must start the very second that your puppy arrives in his new home. The younger he is, the faster he will learn. That means that humans should walk through doors before he does and humans should eat their meal before he eats his. The youngest children or smallest human in the house need to be able to exert authority over him — an easy one for children is for them to be involved in controlling the supply of food, under adult supervision of course. It so happens that ignoring your Australian Labradoodle is just about the most effective punishment since they are such people-focused dogs. You have just rewarded undesirable behaviour. This way, he learns that jumping up your leg achieves nothing. When you spot him sitting on the floor looking up at you angelically, make a point of going over to him, speaking to him, giving him a cuddle and lots of attention. This way, he learns that polite, desirable behaviour earns the reward he wants. When puppy is in his crate and is barking because he wants to be let out, ignore him and do not make eye contact with him. If you give him what he wants and let him out now, he will learn that when he barks, he gets what he wants and you will have encouraged him to display undesirable behaviour. Instead, wait for him to stop barking before you let him out. If this is not possible due to his persistence, grab your 30 second opportunity if need be, but the former is better! This way, you have taught him that quiet, polite, desirable behaviour gets rewarded. You can extrapolate this method across all aspects of his behaviour management and training. He must display desirable behaviour to get what he wants. Undesirable behaviour gets ignored. It's really simple — just get inside his head and think from his perspective. Read More Mouthing Puppies love putting things in their mouths and this usually includes human fingers. You need to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on mouthing, right from the very beginning. If he nibbles at your fingers, squeal like a puppy and he should stop. If need be, remove them from his mouth and distract him with a toy or something that he is allowed to chew on. Make a fist so that he cannot physically get your fingers into his mouth. If he remains determined to nibble your fingers, end play time with him, ignore him, stop making eye contact. This way, he learns that nibbling fingers is not allowed and you will ignore him if he persists. Puppies love putting things in their mouths and this usually includes human fingers. There is a little game you can play to encourage him to stop mouthing in a positive way. Warning: this should only be undertaken by adults with a reasonably high pain threshold! Take a little piece of cooked sausage, chicken or something else equally tasty. Place it in the palm of your hand and make a fist around it. Go and sit on the floor next to puppy, presenting the closed fist to him. He will nibble and mouth at your fist to try and get the treat. Grin and bear it. As soon as he does this, open up your fist and present the treat to him on the palm of your hand. This way, he learns that mouthing your hand achieves nothing, sitting looking up at you politely does! Instead, what we have found works best quickest and most efficient is to take your puppy outside into your garden at frequent, specific times. The final time of the day that you should take him out to the toilet is last thing before bed. Stay with him and watch what he is doing. As soon as he has done the toilet, go over to him and make a big fuss of him, praise him to the hilt. Then take five minutes or so just to play with him before returning inside. Providing you follow this procedure religiously, there is little reason why it should take you any longer than a week to have him house trained. Overnight is slightly different.Go to the crate, pick him up and pop him outside. Use your chosen phrase e. Once he's finished, praise him and bring him back to the crate. Say goodnight but don't make too much of a fuss or play with him, then go back to bed yourself. You want him to know that he has to toilet outside and not have accidents in his crate, but you don't want him to think that if he cries in the middle of the night that he gets playtime. If you are consistent with this routine then after a couple of weeks he shouldn't need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night as he will have learned to hold it. Read More Crate training The best way to introduce your puppy to his crate is to feed him in it. Pop his bowl of food in the crate, guide him towards it and if necessary, pick him up and put him inside. Ask your puppy to 'sit' and then serve him the food. Whilst he is busy eating, gently close the door so that he gets used to the feeling of being enclosed. It is important that the crate is a very positive place for your puppy to be, and the food really helps to fix the association. The crate should never be used as a place of punishment.The best way to introduce your puppy to his crate is to feed him in it. He will notice the food straight away and start eating. The crate should never be used as a place of punishment… ever! Just before you go to bed, pop him inside his crate and close the door whilst speaking to him in a positive, but calm and soothing voice. When you wake up in the morning, go back to his crate, open up the door and take him outside to the toilet. You will find that he will likely have done the toilet on the paper in his crate overnight. This is absolutely normal and to be fully expected. The frequency of this occurring will decrease as time goes on and as he learns what time you go and let him out every morning. A consistent time helps a lot! On each occasion that he has a clean and dry night, give him lots of praise first thing in the morning before taking him outside. Eventually, he will be clean and dry overnight, every night, and it is at this stage that you can remove the newspaper and cover the entire floor area with a nice soft blanket or bed. Read More Training to sit This element of training should be started from the very moment you bring your puppy home. The best time to conduct this training is at meal times. Prepare the bowl of food as you usually would and approach your puppy holding the bowl in one hand. Bend over keeping the bowl high enough that your puppy cannot get his nose into it! Remember to say 'sit' while you are doing this. Once he is in the sitting position reward him with his food and lots of praise. This element of training should be started from the very moment you bring your puppy home. Read More Lead training your puppy Best way to start off — train your puppy to walk by your side, without a lead. Introducing the lead before he is trained to walk by your side can be disastrous, as he will try to resist the lead, pull against you and try to slip out of it — a negative experience for everyone. So, start off in your back garden, just you, your puppy and some tasty treats. Best way to start off — train your puppy to walk by your side, without a lead. He will follow the treat and after a few paces, stop, ask him to sit and let him have the treat. Give him lots of praise. Then take out another treat and repeat the process. Each time you repeat, try to walk a few extra steps before letting him have his treat. Only spend about 5 minutes doing this at a time, as puppies have quite a short attention span. It is a good idea to do this about 3 — 4 times per day though, especially when you are starting out. This way he will remember the previous time and will know exactly what he has to do in order to get the treat. Do this for about a week. Once you have reached this stage, it is time to introduce the lead. Start off by using a very lightweight collar and lead — the little canvas puppy collar and lead sets are great. Clip on his lead, and then repeat the process of walking a few steps and giving a treat, just as you have done previously, but with the lead on. You have trained him to walk beside you, to heel. The lead is there as a back-up in case he sees something he wants to chase. The best place to practise this is in the back garden so that you have enough space, but are in a safe and enclosed area. Firstly, ask him to sit, using the verbal command and hand signal as described above. If he starts to follow, you need to start again by asking him to sit. Initially, just take three or four steps back before stopping, bending down and calling him by his name in an encouraging tone, e. Repeat the process several times; increasing the number of backward steps you take each time. Just as with the lead training, little and often is the key to achieving this. To make the transition from on lead to off lead, it is a good idea to practise the recall in a wide-open space, but using an extension lead. This allows you to ask him to stay and walk quite a distance away before calling for him to come to you. Once this is well established, the next step is to let him off the lead but it is very important that you call him back to you nice and often to make sure that he is listening to you and paying attention. It is worth carrying some treats initially to reward him every time he comes back to you when asked. If for whatever reason, you struggle to get him back to you, do not lose patience and get angry with him as this will only make matters worse. Read More Dealing with scary situations If you take your puppy to a new place or embark on a new activity, there is the potential for him to be nervous or scared of something. In order to prevent this from happening, or to overcome a particular thing he is frightened of there are a two things you need to do. You need to be a cool, calm and confident pack leader that is scared of nothing. You cannot show fear or distress in new situations and you cannot make a big deal about them. If you take your puppy to a new place or embark on a new activity, there is the potential for him to be nervous or scared of something. You must behave as if everything is normal, mundane and boring. If you show negative emotion, you are reinforcing his belief that there is something to be scared of — if the pack leader is scared, everyone should be! If you repeatedly show negative emotion such as fear or distress in situations such as this, he might start to think that the role of pack leader is vacant since you are not behaving as a pack leader should. If he thinks that role is vacant, you are in for trouble — he will try to fill it! If you avoid the experiences he is scared of, he will be scared of these for life. You need to get him comfortable with the things he is scared of by repeatedly doing them over and over again in a short space of time, whilst he is young. This will help in your efforts to create a happy, relaxed dog that is a pleasure to take everywhere with you and join in with all of your family activities. Training is never finished or complete, it is ongoing and requires regular reinforcement. The hard work is at the start, but if you want it to last, you need to be willing to refresh his training on a regular basis. Popular Links. Please call to discuss your dog and your training objectives. We work extensively with the owner at the kennels to make sure that they understand the commands and can take control of their dog following the training. I have to carry him up and down and he now weighs 20kg! We had one session with Kyle who was really lovely in his attitude towards Moose. Really patient. Thanks Kyle Tracy earle 15 Apr I have a border collie and struggled with finishing the training due to dog stopped listening. Ruth came out and helped me with some useful tips and recommended equipment to help me get my dog to listen. Thankyou so much Corrie Rose 07 Nov Firstly before we go to the advice, welcoming Ruth to our home was great - she was friendly, kind, non-judgemental and wanted to know how she could help our lives with our girls, rather than making us fit into the dogs lives. We did not feel rushed by her time and she was happy to help both indoors and out on a walk. We cannot believe the difference a week makes. .Ruth came to see us a week ago, she gave us brilliant advice which we have followed and in just one week the difference is incredible! We have been out for a drink with two quiet daxies this was never possible!! Walks are now a delight without our little one barking at every moving object - people we meet regularly as we walk cannot believe the difference in her! If you are wondering whether or not to use Ruth - DO IT - you will find it money well spent and your life with your gorgeous doggies transformed. Anita Pilley 07 Nov Ruth was very helpful and professional throughout. She gave really good advice and very much took onboard what we wanted to gain from the time with her. We will definitely be using Ruth again and would highly recommend. Thank you again! Ruth really knows what she is doing and is extremely knowledgeable and so helpful in giving us advice on how to deal with our dogs play biting and how to stop her pulling on the lead when wanting to meet and greet everything she sees on walks! Ruth was very kind and caring to our dog and we would definitely recommend her to anyone. We have been keeping on with the training and our dog is getting much better and calming down now. Thanks Ruth! Helen Parry-Jones 06 Oct Ruth spent 90minutes at our home and local village with our dog, Nell and was completely brilliant and giving us digestible, effective and reproducible advice and tips to have a happy and obedient dog. We would thoroughly recommend York Dog School and Ruth! Thank you! Nick and Jess and Nell. Nick Knight 27 Sep Ruth is very skilled and we would highly recommend. Ruth came for one session with our very young puppy and we were amazed just how quickly the puppy grasped the commands. We have carried on with the training and have a very obedient young puppy. Well spent money and wouldn't go anywhere else. Amanda Jenkinson 08 Sep We have a Rumanian rescue dog who has settled in brilliantly except she has absolutely refused to have a lead on and therefore we could not go out for a walk. We sourced someone to help and Ruth came to the rescue. Within an hour Ruth had her walking, and now 48 hrs on she walks and walks. Thanks Ruth, you were fantastic, and would recommend her highly John Rawson 04 Sep The session was excellent. I have a new, loving and obedient dog that requires no stress, shouting and chasing by us. You stopped all the bad behaviour straight away and left us with all the tools we need to start her on a life of success. Thanks so much. Gareth Thomas 02 Sep Ruth came to help train me to train my dog for reacting to other dogs!! She was marvellous - could make my chihuahua do anything- we did loads of exercises with him and he was totally responsive to their training methods!! I would highly recommend this dog school Annie Wheeldon 31 Aug Ruth was amazing. We only had 1 session and the value I got from the time spent with her was unbelievable. Buddy is now off the lead most of the time and is recall is amazing even when seeing other dogs which was our real big issue. Cherie Carter 16 Aug This session was really helpful, Ruth knew exactly what she was talking about and proved it with the respond from our dog! We decided to get Ruth in to help with our 12 month old Cocker Spaniel who has always pulled on the lead and extremely food focused, within the first 5 minutes we honestly could not believe the change in Oscar and how quickly he was responding to her training! We really felt at ease with the training steps and we are definitely seeing results from the practice and tips Ruth taught us. Very happy with the results so far! Georgina Owen 09 Aug Excellent session. I am an experienced dog owner but still found this of value! Ruth is lovely. Very calm and authoritative with training and listens carefully to any concerns around the puppy! Great service and highly recommend?? Maxine Grayshon 20 Jul Ruth was absolutely fantastic! We decided to look into getting some training sessions for Ollie, our 7month old Golden Irish puppy to work on jumping up, walking on the lead and recall. We were a bit apprehensive as we were worried we would be made to feel like we had been training him wrong however it was the complete opposite. Ruth was lovely, calm and very professional. She really put us at ease and went through each training step in a way that was easy to follow and was very patient when we were practicing. She uses a correction and reward technique that really works! The session was very personal and we all including Ollie really enjoyed it. We have been practicing all that Ruth taught us and it is working really well.

If so please share them here. I have a young pup from that kennel and while I love him to death and so far, believe him to be of sound health, I have some serious concerns with the actual breeder, her claims, her behavior after the sale and her lack of follow through on keeping her own word and adhereing to her own contract. I have since been in contact with other owners who have similar and in some cases, far more serious issues with her breeding practices and her kennel. One TN based owner has already filed suit. Another owner directed me to a link showing that there were very serious allegations made by numerous owners against this kennel while it operated in Canada. The breeder is currently marketing "Appleridge" puppies born in Canada on her website even though she is living and operating her breeding program via Appleridge Kennels right here in the States. When I first met with her at her home, she told me that ALL of her breeding stock and pups are home bred and hand raised by her and her family only. So how is she currently marketing a litter that is in Canada? My personal goal is not to tarnish or trash this breeder but rather, to ferret out the truth and see to it that she provides official documents to back her marketing claims and that she adhere to her own contract. Anything less is unacceptable. Thank you. Maybe she has family that lives in Canada.What exactly are you hoping to gain with this post? Maybe a bunch of gripjng cockaroach 's to crawl out of the woodwork.If you like your healthy puppy.WHY this post? In case you made your research prior to buying you should know where you bought. But, then the more I thought about it the more I feel I should warn others. I wish someone had warned me. This is by far one of the worst breedesr I have ever come across. I can only share my experience. I have been on the forum long enough to know people will jump in and defend the breeder. Sometimes it's warranted. This time it is not. I am posting now as I feel we all have to look out for each other. People may read this forum and if I can warn one person and stop them from going through what I went through than it is worth it. Pup arrived afraid of her own shadow. Calls that were instantly returned during the sale process got ignored once the purchase made. I mean this "show" puppy cowered at everything, urinated on herself, was the most timid, fearful dog I have ever seen. I tried to work with her. I even got professional assistance. Then, I can't remember the exact month but I want to say 7 months or so she started being stiff upon rising. Then, would preceed to limp. She started dragging a hind leg and bunny hopping. I had x-rays done and she had severe hip problems. After weeks and weeks of hundreds of calls, breeder finally offered a replacement pup with a repeat breeding. Why would I want the same breeding? I feel that hips notwisthstanding even the best breeders can end up with a pup with hip problems selling me such a poor tempered dog as a breeding and showdog was not ethical. I asked for a refund. To everyone that will jump on here to say it was diet or whatever. .I did everything right. I have had dogs before. .Now, I know stuff happens but this breeder sold me a pup as a showdog with severe temperament and health issues. Then, stopped taking my calls. Like i said.To me. .It's what happens after the discovery that counts. I did return the pup. I'm sorry to all who want to bash me for that but it was the right decision for me. I didn't want too as she was my first registerded GSD that I had waited my whole life for. I paid to ship her back but did not return the papers as I had her registered in my name. I wanted her to admit that she sold me a "lemon" as a showdog and did so on purpose. I want to say the pup was 12 weeks when she first arrived. I later saw my girl pop up on the internet with her offering the pup for sale. No mention of any hip problems. She had renamed her and magically the dog somehow now had papers. I never saw a penny or was offered any different breeding.Just like that. Now, this was the 2nd horrendous experience I had trying to purchase a pup from a breeder. I researched Appleridge but as a GSD newbie did not know enough.Later, I found out all the horror stories about appleridge and that she had fled from canada and why. I'm sorry. Normally, I try to keep all bad comments to a PM. But, I just dont want anyone to go through what i went through.Like a lot of people, I learned my lessons the hard way. My third purchase I knew better. I hope to breed her this year as well. I know people will critize my decison to post this information. You all know me.I have been on for 4 years. I have posted my full name and address and phone before. I have nothing to hide. I'm just a nobody with 1 dog who is trying to learn and compete with my first registered GSD not including the appleridge pup. I was attracted to Appleridge for the "old style" advertising she did showcasing straight backed dogs and versatility. I now know that these "old style dogs" exist all over our breed and in particular where my dog's genetics lie.Anyways, sorry again but I don't want to just PM on this as we all need to support each other. I wish people had been open with me. Like the original poster, people came out of the woodwork after my ordeal and shared their bad experiences. The OP is right to be weary as this breeder will not follow through with her contract and will absolutely break her promises made. Just not ethical. To OP.I am sure you are getting nervous at the lack of response from her when you try to contact her. I have been there. I am not going to blame you. Its not your fault. A newbie can do all the research but if you dont know what you are researching than it is fruitless. I understand your need to vent. People here probably cannot comprehend the amount you have probably contacted her and to no avil. I wish you the best of luck with your dog. I hope everything works out for you. I truly, truly do. Sarah by Ekana on 18 February - Wow, I have read the incoming responses and am saddened to find out that so far, my red flag moments and suspicions about this breeder are dead on accurate. Aside from the first two comments by Kitkat and Susie, who either have NO clue about business tranasactions, contracts and doing business in good faith.What was once viewed by me as accommodating behavior on her part, has since turned into difficult, hedgy and shady. By her own claims, she has decades of experience as a top quality GSD breeder. How can that be? Anyone with a pulse can spot a female dog in heat a mile away, and at least days before she is even fertile yet Annette's dogs are getting knocked up accidentally and by untested males? And it has happened on far more than one occasion? She has yet to provide me with a single vet receipt or record. That is just plain wrong. I even offered to contact her vet directly so she wouldn't have to do it. All she needed to do is sign a release, authorizing me to access my pups vet records. To date, she refuses to do this too. There are no such guarantee's as even NN rated dogs have been known to develop Degenarative Myelopathy! I advised her of this yet she still advertises the guarantee. How is that ethical when not all of her pups even come from parents who have been tested? He is one of her most popular stud dogs too. My pup's sister has an inverted vulva, a defect easily diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian yet her owners were never told about this defect until after their pup developed uti's. It took their vet mere seconds to notice and diagnose the birth defect. They too, have yet to receive vet records and other vital documents from the breeder. So you see, and as was stated in my original post, my concerns about her demeanor and business practices after the point of sale, are concerns that have now caused me to question her credibility too. This has absolutely nothing to do with how much I love my pup. While he does appear to be healthy, he's still far too young to know for sure. This is where the test results that she has promised but has yet to provide! While I do have many years of firsthand experience with this breed, I am not a veterinarian. Nor is this breeder. Only as my pup ages and has certain tests of his own, will I know for sure if he is developing okay and without any issues. In the meantime, when it comes to purchasing a pup? Until or unless she follows through by delivering what she has promised and is contractually obligated to deliver, my advice would be for you to find another breeder. And you will NEVER find me defending an unethical breeder, in fact I will be first one to say this is the kind of information that needs to be shared to help stop this type of breeder. You are more than encouraged smiley, to share "facts"of your experience with this kennel. This is the only way this type of breeder can be stopped from doing this to others. You don t just start a thread by saying you have a healthy pup from a breeder, BUT.Melody L. After my first Shepard died my children bought me a second from Appleridge. It amazes me that they predicted so accurately the type of dog he would be. Large yes lbs laid back this dog is the most easy going beautiful dog I have ever had. He is friendlier then a Golden retriever yet impressive enough that he doesn't need to growl to be protective. When I sneeze he climbs up on the couch and puts his big head on my lap, he is beautiful inside and out and I obviously love him. Alec c. What a magnificent experience. Ive attached the pictures of Shyloh with Shimmer and Boss. Its amazing to see how tall Shyloh is compared to her Mom and Dad. Shyloh looks so much like her Dad but has the softness of her Moms face. Im still impressed that you were able to look at a 4 week old puppy and know that she would look like her dad. We feel so fortunate to be a part of the Appleridge family and cant express how much joy and love that Shyloh brings into our lives every day. Wishing you all the Best! We loved her from the moment we seen her. She is an amazing girl. Thank you for listening to our need of a puppy with a calm temperament. She is doing wonderfully with my older dog "Sugar". Sugar lets her know if she wants to be left alone and Georgia listens. That is exactly what we needed for Sugar. She is definitely one of a kind.She is beautiful! Thank you again. RUTH H. He is the star of the class! This pup is amazing. He takes In everything he is taught like a sponge. Thanks for the great start you gave him. He's close to 50 lbs and his colors are awesome. Thank you so much! Dave Ps he is getting a headband for Halloween and going to be axel rose. Website: appleridgegsd. They have been deeply committed to the breed for over a couple of years, and they are one of the only breeders in the state to have both AKC and SV German Shepherd Dog Club of America breeding permits. They are a small, family-run kennel that breeds German Shepherds for companionship or working purposes. They breed German Shepherd dogs that are versatile, stable, loving, loyal, extremely smart, and trainable from the best West German lines in the world. Their breeding stock is all OFA certified for hips, elbows, heart, and diabetes. Their breeding stock is also VWD-free, so their puppies will not contract the disease. They strive to breed German Shepherds that are healthy, happy and have good temperaments. They also have a small number of retired adults who are looking for loving homes! Please contact them if you are interested in adopting one of these pets. You are guaranteed lifetime support and coaching! Provided at no additional cost. Emial: mechezarreta yahoo. They breed German Shepherds and provide a stud service, drawing on the best genetics acquired from Germany to achieve their success. Their puppies come with a health guarantee, which makes them one of the few breeders who do so. If you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from them, they can assist you with the full process of bringing your new pet into the country in order to make it as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones. A hereditary hip and elbow guarantee, current vaccinations and deworming, a microchip, and AKC registration papers are all included with every puppy purchased from Puppy Heaven. The puppies are available in two sizes: small and medium. According to their owners, a number of championships, including Best In Show, have been won by their Shepherds at both the regional and national levels. If you are looking for a reputable and reliable breeder of German Shepherds in Florida, then these 11 breeders should be at the top of your list. Each of them has a long history of breeding healthy, happy, and beautiful puppies that make excellent family pets or working dogs. We hope this list will help you decide which of these kennels are best for your family and pets. Do any of them sound like a good fit? What other factors do you think should be considered before making this decision? Remember, this is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, so take some time to research these breeders before contacting them. The German Shepherd makes a wonderful companion dog, as well as a guard dog if trained properly. The breed has been used in many roles throughout history, including therapy and search-and-rescue. If you have any questions about the breed or their temperament then feel free to contact your local German Shepherd rescue for more information on how this amazing dog can enrich your life. Are there any other Florida German shepherd breeders that should be on this list? Please let us know by leaving a comment below. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community. We offer lifetime guarantees on health and temperament. Our bloodlines started out of the top 2 bloodlines in the world, Vom Arlett and Bad-Boll. As I continue this blog I will help you learn how to assure you are picking a healthy and happy pup for your next family companion. Recent Posts.

These dogs can be broadly categorized by having a heavy bone set, naturally hanging pendent ears, a rather short and well-muscled neck, and a short broad muzzle. The compact muzzle places the Boxer in the Brachycephalic group, though to a lesser degree than other short-nosed breeds. The tail is naturally long, with only about half of Boxers in the U. The ears are naturally pendant, of moderate size, with very few in the United States being cropped to create shorter, erect ears. He is considered a medium to large breed in the Working Dogs category, with a short, tightly-packed coat. Puppies have a roundish, soft appearance and adults are well-muscled. Expected Appearance Per Breed Standards The breed standard serves two main purposes; it is a guideline for breeders in their efforts to produce dogs that fit close to the ideal to work towards the 'betterment of the breed' and it is used as a guideline for judges when evaluating dogs in the show ring. So, to first understand Boxer dog appearance, let's take a quick look at some excerpts from both the AKC and FCI Boxer dog standards: AKC: The ideal Boxer is a medium -sized, square - built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well - developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin.His expression is alert.The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp. It must be in correct proportion to the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinctive feature, and great value is placed upon its being of proper form and balance with the skull.Substance — Sturdy, with balanced musculature. Males larger boned than females. FCI: The Boxer is a medium sized, smooth coated, sturdy dog of compact, square build and strong bone. His muscles are taut, strongly developed and moulded in appearance.The Boxer must be neither cumbersome nor heavy, nor light or lacking in body substance. In addition, the measurement from the top of the withers shoulder blades to the floor is about equal as from the middle of the chest to the rear of the upper thigh. Size Though there are guidelines in regard to how tall a Boxer 'should' be and what his adult weight 'should' be, many Boxers do fall below or above this. In regard to height, per AKC standards, males are to be inches .In regard to weight, the AKC does not list any certain weight. However, most adult male Boxers will fall in the pound range and females will be slightly smaller, often between pounds. You do need to keep an eye out to make sure that a Boxer is at a healthy weight as being overweight brings along quite a few health issues; however, most large Boxer dogs simply have large bone structure. Modifications - Ears The US is one of the few countries in which ear cropping is legal; and in show, ears may be cropped or natural. More often than not, those who believe that a Boxer may do well in the show ring lean towards cropping the ears many judges do prefer this, independent of the standard's non-bias verbiage. Photo courtesy of Terry Faircloth Modifications - Tail Similar to ear cropping, tail docking is illegal in many countries; however, the United States does allow this and it is actually expected in the show ring. Since this is done within just days of a Boxer pup being born, it is the breeder who decides on this. Many will go by what they know puppy buyers prefer and most if they do not oppose docking will ask the intended owners in advance, if someone has a deposit on a pup. What we see more often than not, is that with a docked tail, the ears are rarely cropped. So, it is uncommon, at least in the U. Once a Boxer is close to the 1 year mark and up to the 2 year mark, he can sometimes be growing so fast in height, that he can't keep up in weight. We refer to this as the Boxer dog skinny phase and it typically only lasts a short while. Young Boxer pups are just power-houses waiting to mature. They are rounded and muscles are not yet fully developed. Just look at how big this pup's paws are; he'll be at full adult size by about the 2 year mark. Atticus, at 9 weeks old Photo courtesy of Anthony Klintworth Nearing the 1 year mark, Boxers have grown exponentially in height. They are, of course, gaining weight as well. This is a transitional phase before full adult form takes place. As the Boxer matures, his chest fills out, widening and really becoming a focal point. Flanks are lean and legs are relatively long, which gives him a great profile. Due to the short, packed coat, muscles are often quite visible, which lends to a sleek, strong appearance. Boxers were used extensively in WWII but both American forces and the British army; not only can they look intimidating, they do very well in regard to training for guard, security, surveillance and as messengers. Today's Boxer is a family dog, yet good breeding gives us super confident looking dogs that are great watchdogs, not only just by their appearance, but also loyalty to protect their family. Stella, at 5 years old Photo courtesy of Kendall Foy Coloring There are only 3 basic colors for the Boxer dog: Fawn, brindle and white. Fawn and brindle are standard and white is an alternate color. Though white is not accepted in the show right, white Boxers can, of course, be registered. Of these, the majority are unilaterally deaf one ear , as opposed to bilaterally both ears. In regard to fawn and brindle, this does not mean that all Boxers look alike; far from it! Color is, perhaps, the one feature that causes Boxers to have such varied appearances. Fawn can range from a very light tan to a reddish fawn. And brindle which is a pattern of striping can range from light to super dark. In fact, some very heavy brindled Boxer dogs may appear to be a solid dark color. A few even may appear to be black, though this is genetically impossible. This often appears on the chest. It may also be on the legs anywhere from just the paws - referred to as mittens - to almost the entire leg. And if he is almost all white with just a bit of fawn or brindle, he is 'extra flashy'. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. With a distinct build and highly recognizable face, the breed is a hard one to forget. Even though many people fall in love with Boxers for their wrinkly faces and droopy jowls, their personalities make it nearly impossible not to be impressed by a Boxer dog. Playful and clever, Boxers are patient with children and protective of their loved ones, making them a popular choice for families. Breed History Bred for hunting and working, the Boxer is a distinct breed that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. These characteristics were most likely seen in the now extinct breed known as Bullenbeissers, which were used to bring down large game and to keep an eye on the livestock. The Boxer breed that we are most familiar with began with a man named George Alt. Living in Munich, Alt imported a Bullenbeisser from France. The breed name, Boxer, has two possible origins. While no definitive history of the name exists, the former, while not as fun, is more likely than the latter explanation. Attributes While the breed is barrel-chested and athletic looking, perhaps the most distinguishing feature is the shape of their head. With a snout about half the length of the skull, coupled with some wrinkly jowls, the head of the Boxer served them well when hunting — mainly to breathe while holding on to prey until their owners arrived. Boxers have a sturdy build and muscular body, weighing anywhere from pounds and standing inches tall, with the female members of the breed being significantly smaller than their male counterparts. Boxers come in several colors, including brindle, tan, black, and even white. However, like most white-coated animals, white Boxers do run a higher risk for deafness. There are no indications, other than the increased risk of deafness, that white Boxers are more prone to other types of health concerns or temperament issues. Giving a Boxer the exercise and energy outlets they need can go a long way toward having a well-behaved pooch. Conversely, a Boxer with high energy but no outlet can go from clownish to destructive. This, of course, can be avoided with plenty of stimulation and activity — which are also great ways to form a bond with these playful pups. Boxers, like most dogs, also need regular nail trims, teeth brushing , and an occasional ear cleaning. Your veterinarian can recommend an ear cleaning solution. And, remember: use a cotton ball to wipe the ear clean and never go down deeper than your first knuckle. Also, avoid using cotton swabs. They can actually push dirt and debris further down into the ear. And those wrinkles — make sure to clean them out with a damp towel to help avoid any possible infections. Have you been thinking about getting health coverage for your pet? Our stock photo library contains a vast collection of images featuring these adorable canines. Our collection boasts everything from playful puppies to majestic adult dogs, and they come in a range of styles, including black and white, color, and more. When selecting an image, it's important to consider the purpose of your project. For example, if you're creating a website or social media platform aimed at promoting boxer dog fitness, you may want to use images of active dogs running or playing. Alternatively, if you're creating a blog post or article about the breed's history, an image of a statue or painting could be a good fit. No matter what the purpose of your project, our boxer dog images are sure to fit your needs. All of our images are available in high-quality JPG, AI, and EPS formats, meaning they can be used for print or digital marketing initiatives, social media posts, websites, and more. Suitable for Every Project Our boxer dog images are not just limited to pet-focused projects. These furry companions are versatile and flexible, and their images can be used across a range of industries. If you're in the pet industry, images of boxer dogs could help you attract more customers, as the breed is incredibly popular. Alternatively, you could use these images for non-pet related projects like book or album covers, greeting cards, or calendars. Make your Project Stand Out In a world of digital noise, it's essential to make your projects stand out. One of the best ways to do that is by incorporating high-quality images, and our boxer dog images will surely do the trick. They're not just cute and lovable; they're also expressive and full of character, making them perfect for a wide range of projects. Take your project to the next level with our boxer dog images, and you'll definitely make a lasting impression. Nothing Beats Authenticity When choosing the perfect photo for your project, you want to make sure that it's authentic and reflects the desired tone and mood. Our boxer dog images are real photographs of these lovable dogs, meaning you can trust that they are genuine and free of any awkward or stiff poses that sometimes come with posed photoshoots. With our boxer dog images, you'll get pictures that genuinely reflect the breed's personality, making them ideal for projects that require authentic, natural-looking visuals. Conclusion Our boxer dog images offer endless possibilities, designed to suit projects of all kinds. With high-quality images available in various formats and styles, our collection is an ideal selection for web and print design, social media, and other projects that can benefit from their irresistible charm. Selecting the right images for your project can seem daunting, but with our straightforward and vast stock photo library, you can choose the perfect image for your project in no time. Get your hands on these fantastic boxer dog images for your project and watch it come to life with the perfect visuals.

What is the White color? There are a total of 6 color variations with white that are recognized by the AKC. Frenchies with pure-white coats will cost more than those with spots of other colors such as black throughout their coat. What White Frenchies look like While you may think that all White Frenchies look the same— this is not the case. As mentioned earlier, there are a few different variations of White French Bulldogs, with some having colors such as Fawn or Black throughout their coat. The Role of Color in Hearing You may be wondering how the color of the coat could affect hearing. A lack of pigment cells The reason for this is that these genes are associated with a lack of pigment cells which give the appearance of their coats. This affects the small hairs in the ear There are small hairs in the inner ear that are called cilia, and when there is an extreme lack of pigment cells, the cilia may not develop properly, resulting in deafness. Hearing tests can rule out deafness If you are interested in a predominantly white French Bulldog or are just concerned about the possibility of your new puppy being deaf, be sure to ask your breeder about performing a BAER test. Test for Health Issues. White merle Not all white Frenchies are albino, though this can be the case. White French Bulldogs should be bought from an experienced breeder who understands exactly how to breed healthy white French Bulldogs. White French Bulldog health problems White dogs are often thought to have inherent problems but, contrary to popular belief, not all white French Bulldogs are plagued with health issues. All Frenchies are susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome because of their short nasal passages and there are a number of other known health conditions that can afflict any purebred French Bulldog of any color. If a French Bulldog is white because of albinism — a genetic disorder characterized by a complete or partial lack of the pigment melanin in the eyes, skin, and hair — it will have a pinkish tinge to its skin and eyes. Deafness in White French Bulldogs It is often thought that albino white French Bulldogs are deaf, but there is no evidence specifically linking albinism and deafness. Hearing problems can occur in the trademark bat ears any color of French Bulldog and have various causes. A study of congenital deafness deafness at birth concluded that deafness at birth can occur in French Bulldogs but the presence of white fur seems to increase the likelihood of it occurring. There are high chances of health implications for such a Frenchie including deafness, blindness, or both. This is the main reason why two Merle Frenchies should not be bred and a responsible breeder will avoid this. White French Bulldogs Skin problems Just as fair skin people can burn more easily in the sun, so can white French Bulldogs. This means it is imperative to limit the amount of time they spend in direct sunlight to prevent sunburn and the possibility of skin cancer developing. Eye conditions in White French Bulldogs French Bulldogs, those with white coats included, can develop a number of eye conditions. These include cataracts, cherry eye, dry eye, and corneal ulcers. It is thought that white French Bulldogs are more prone to this condition. The range of white French Bulldog coat patterns and markings French Bulldogs can have white fur in their coats for three reasons: When only their skin cells do not produce any pigment. When they have albinism which causes a lack of pigmentation in all cells including fur and eyes. When they have a genetic disorder known as Leucism which causes a lack of pigmentation everywhere except the eyes. Some Frenchies are totally white and some have patterns that include white. There are also several Frenchie colors that have a white chest blaze. If a Frenchie is white because it has Leucism, it will look like an albino but will have colored eyes. A non-albino white French Bulldog usually has brown eyes. If it has no other colors, patterns, or markings, it is classed as solid white. It is very rare to see such a white Frenchie without a black mask but occasionally this may be a lot paler. White Pied French Bulldog Pied, also known as piebald is a term that simply means having two or more colors. With a Frenchie, Brindle typically appears as black stripes on a fawn background. A White Brindle French Bulldog is predominantly white with patches of brindled fur across its face, neck, and body. It effectively dilutes the intended color. Occasionally white Merle French bulldogs develop this color because they have inherited two dominant Merle genes, one from each parent. White French Bulldogs with the double merle genes are often deaf, blind, or both. There is also a chance of them having far worse physical conditions at birth. How much is a white French Bulldog? It is always difficult to state an exact price for a French Bulldog because they fluctuate all the time and depend upon many variables including fashion, availability, color, bloodlines, and demand. The French Bulldog is a popular dog and demand keeps rising. White French Bulldogs are expensive compared to other purebred dogs because they are not easy to breed. Also if someone specifically wants a white Frenchie, and a breeder notices a rise in demand for this color, this will lead to an artificially high price. If you spot a white French Bulldog for sale, ensure you are given proof of its health before you buy in light of the inherent health problems that can occur with certain types of white coats. Occasionally their eyes are light brown and sometimes they almost look black. Non-standard eye colors are blue or green. As white French Bulldog blue eyes are often linked to albinism or double merle, it is wise to have a sight test carried out on such a dog to ensure it has good vision. Are White French Bulldogs rare? White is one of the most common French Bulldog Colors. A French Bulldog often has white in its coat with other patterns and markings but it is quite rare to see a solid white Frenchie. Some breeders might attempt to breed a white litter but should never do this by mating two Merle dogs because of the health implications. Reputable breeders concentrate on producing healthy Frenchies as opposed to specific colors, so healthy white Frenchies should occur by chance only. Other useful White French Bulldog facts Lifespan The life expectancy of a healthy white French bulldog is 10 to 12 years, the same as any other color. However, Frenchie owners need to keep a close watch for problems, especially with hearing and sight. Annual vaccinations and health checks are essential as are a healthy diet and the right level of exercise. Air travel is not recommended for dogs with short nasal passages because of associated breathing difficulties. Also, white Frenchies and any other color cannot swim for very long because of their weight distribution, large head, and short muzzles so should be kept away from water or always wear a doggie life jacket. Size Like other colors, white French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 lbs and reach a height of 11 to 13 inches. Frenchies are prone to excessive weight gain so ensure you feed yours the right amount to prevent it from developing weight-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Characteristics A white French Bulldog has a square head, a short muzzle, a wrinkly face, and bat ears. Its body is compact and muscular. In general, Frenchies have smooth, short coats that are easy to care for and require minimum grooming. Because of its short nasal passages, this breed tends to be a mouth breather and consequently drools more than the average dog! Frenchies can also be a bit smelly but there are ways to manage this. Temperament A white French bulldog has the same gentle, friendly temperament as those with other coat colors. They are great dogs to have around children because of their playful , outgoing natures. Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie prefers someone to be around most of the time and does not like to be left alone. Ideal for A white Frenchie can fit into many lifestyles. White French Bulldog names When you own a white French Bulldog, it just has to have a befitting name. Here are a few perfect names: Pure White. Are white French Bulldogs all unhealthy? The Genetics The genes that carry color instructions have specific locations loci on the canine chromosomes. Different dog breeds have different color genes. Which is why some colors only happen in some dog breeds. There are just two basic pigments in the canine genome. The first pigment is eumelanin. It is black, but can be diluted or modified when other genes act on it. The second pigment is phaeomelanin. Which expresses in a range of reds from very light cream all the way to deep red. As you might imagine, color genetics can get quite a bit more complicated from here. White vs Albino French Bulldogs There are a number of genetic factors that can contribute to the appearance of a white coat in a French Bulldog. The C series of genes, sometimes called the albino locus, can restrict pigment expression to certain areas. It can also lighten existing pigment. This can result in an all-white French Bulldog with the characteristic pinkish skin, nose and eyes. However, to date, canine researchers have only located the gene responsible for albinism in the Doberman dog breed. No albino gene has yet been found in French Bulldogs A pure true albino French Bulldog would lack pigment in all areas where pigment is normally present. The eyes would look pinkish, blue or amber, depending on how light passes through the iris. The skin would also appear pinkish because the blood vessels show through. A partial albino French Bulldog lacks pigment in only parts of the body. He may display a white single color or other color in the non-affected areas. Leucism looks a lot like albinism. But it is caused by different genes that prevent the pigment cells from doing their job properly. Partial leucism is actually the genetic mechanism behind common canine markings such as the popular piebald color pattern. Or a predominantly white coat with a small percentage of markings of other colors. If those markings are sufficiently light or dilute, this gives the appearance of an all-white, single color coat. Here are some examples from the official French Bulldog Breed Standard of white-coated Frenchies with coat color patterns present: White and brindle Cream ranges from light ivory-white to a more yellow cream Fawn ranges from a very light yellow to a more reddish gold White and fawn Fawn, brindle and white Double Merle Genes There is one more way that a white French Bulldog has a predominantly white coat. One way is for a French Bulldog to inherit the merle color pattern gene from one or both parents. A French Bulldog with one merle gene is called a single merle. This happens when only one parent contributes the merle gene. A double merle occurs when two French Bulldogs carrying the gene for the merle coat color pattern are bred together. This will produce a dog known as a double merle or false white, that can be predominantly white-coated. However, this type of breeding will never be done by reputable breeders. It can create very serious lifelong health issues for the puppies. These include organs and nervous system development, as well as vision and hearing. In fawn or cream coat colors, this can create the appearance of a pure white coat. Piebald Spotting with White Coat A coat that is at least 80 percent white but includes 20 percent other colors on the body is called a piebald spotting. This means each parent dog must contribute these genes in order for them to take effect. The spotting color areas of pigment ranges from breed standard-accepted colors ex. Spotting typically occurs on the face, along the back, rump or around the shoulders. For very light colors like fawn or cream at the light end of each spectrum, the coat may appear to be a single solid or self color. In the extreme white fawn or cream, the visual appearance is often of a single self or solid white coat. These Frenchies may lack pigment in the eyes, nose and mouth. White French Bulldog Health Canine researchers discovered the white coat color is associated with certain health issues. This is typically true across dog breeds because the responsible genes are linked to pigment rather than breed. Deafness Dogs that have all-white or predominantly white coats can inherit hearing loss or deafness in one or both ears. This is called pigment-associated hereditary deafness. It could be cause by a lack of pigment in the inner ear canal. This can occur with the following dogs: White albino dogs White solid self dogs Dogs with the piebald or merle gene that are predominantly white-coated One limited study predicted that white French bulldog puppies have a 25 percent chance of bilateral deafness hearing impaired in both ears. They also have a .Skin Sensitivity Just as light-skinned people tend to be more apt to get sunburned, the same holds true for very light-skinned dogs. With increased incidences of sunburn comes a higher risk for eventual skin cancer. Including skin lesions and tumors. Eye Defects and Blindness Eye defects and disorders can occur with some white French Bulldog coat types. This includes: the possibility for missing eyes smaller-than-normal eyes malformed eyes non-functioning eyes. These defects can occur individually or together in one or both eyes. The merle and double merle gene expressions present the most risk for eye health issues. Developmental Issues The merle and double merle gene expressions can influence the development of major organs and the nervous system. In some cases, French Bulldog puppies are born with severely life-limiting health issues that they do not survive. French Bulldogs shed somewhat all year long but most noticeably during the changing of the seasons. When brushing and grooming your white French Bulldog, know that sometimes white-coated dogs have more sensitive skin. Choose a brush with rounded tips and gentle bristles. They have hardly any markings and if they do they are rarely visible, located around the rump area or on the head. This is an extreme piebald French Bulldog. Notice how there is a small amount of black markings on the head. What Does Piebald Coloring Mean? Are Pied French Bulldogs Rare? Pied French Bulldogs are relatively rare. Pied Frenchies can be AKC registered if the coat is white with brindle, cream, fawn or black patches which suggests that it is an acceptable coat to breed which makes it less rare. No, not all white French Bulldogs are albino. In fact majority of white French Bulldogs are not albino, they just have a white colored coat. In contrast, albino French bulldogs have a complete lack of pigmentation in their skin, hair and eyes making their skin a pinkish shade and their eyes pink or pale blue. Often French Bulldogs with white coats with dark eyes and noses are thought to be albino but they are not. Albino Frenchies need to have pink noses and pink skin around their eyes. An Albino French Bulldog has a fully white coat due to a lack of pigmentation as there is reduced production of melanin in the hair, skin and eyes. It is a result of a genetic mutation called tyrosinase full albino or tyrosinase-positive partial albino. An albino French Bulldog will have eyes that appear pink due to the lack of pigmentation that results in a pink hue around their eyes and noses. A dog that has a pink hue around its nose but not their eyes may not be albino. Albinism is the least common cause of a white coat for French Bulldogs. Leucistic French Bulldogs Leucism is a skin condition in dogs such as Frenchies that causes white or pale skin and hair. There are defects in pigment cell differentiation or migration from the neural crest to skin or hair during development which results in having a lack of cells that can produce pigment. In contrast to albinism, leucism does not affect the eyes. Most French Bulldogs who have leucism will not have pinkish hue eyes like albinos. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a French Bulldog with leucism and one with albinism so genetic testing can be performed to be certain about it. A cream French Bulldog is relatively rare as it is a recessive dilute from the fawn color coat. Generally this type of French Bulldog has an off-white coat. It is hardly ever pure white. Double merle French Bulldogs have created a lot of controversy in the dog world with many official bodies refusing to register dogs that are a product of merle-to-merle breeding. This is because they are a result of bad breeding practices and are affected by ocular defeats and deafness.

However, prices may vary depending on the breeder and the availability of puppies. This number may vary depending on the popularity of the breed and the number of breeders in a given year. The adoption fee covers mandatory wellness checks and vaccinations by a veterinarian. These organizations only recommend the most reputable breeders who have signed an agreement to abide by their Code of Ethics. German Shepherd Breed clubs are made up of volunteers who love their dogs and work hard to maintain the integrity of the breed. When looking for a breeder, you should always look for one that is recommended by your local German Shepherd club. Visiting this individual is an important part of buying your new best friend, as it will give you a chance to see their home and facilities where the puppies are bred and raised. A clean environment is very important when breeding pets, as it will ensure that your new puppy is free of any illness or parasites. You should also ask to see the parents of your prospective puppies. The adults should be well-behaved and healthy, just like their offspring. The adult dogs should be friendly and come up to meet you when you enter the facility. Most breeders will have one of the parent dogs on site. Make sure that all of the animals appear to be well taken care of and are in good health. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Arkansas Your German shepherd breeder in Arkansas should also be able to provide you with references from other people who have purchased puppies. These references can help give you peace of mind, as they are made up of former customers who have purchased a pet from the breeder. Be Prepared to Wait When buying a German shepherd puppy, be prepared to wait. Most reputable breeders have a waiting list for people who are interested in purchasing one of their puppies. This is because the breeders only want to place their puppies in the right homes. Advertising their puppies for sale too early can result in negative consequences, as it can cause potential buyers to look elsewhere. This may mean that you will have to wait several weeks or even months before you are able to adopt your new pet. You also run the risk of missing out on your first choice if you place a deposit on a pup and then back out later. Ask Your Arkansas German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Another great way to get an idea of what it would be like to purchase a puppy from your Arkansas German shepherd breeder is to ask if you can meet some of their past customers. This will give you the opportunity to ask them questions about their experience with the breeder, and whether they were happy with the final product. Most breeders are more than happy to connect you with their previous customers, as they want to ensure that their puppies go to the best home possible. Meeting past customers is a great way to get an idea of what to expect if you decide to purchase a pup from your breeder. Consider it a red flag if any breeder cannot or will not provide you with any of the information listed above. It is important to do your research before choosing a breeder, as it will help to ensure that you are getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Another good indicator of the quality of your breeder is whether they have a veterinarian that they use regularly. This can be one of the most important questions to ask, as it will let you know if there are any existing health concerns with their dogs and puppies. If your breeder is unable or unwilling to give you the names of their veterinarian, then it may be time to rethink buying one of their puppies. A good breeder will have a close relationship with their local veterinarians, as it helps them ensure that all of their dogs are healthy and happy. On the other hand, a good breeder will have an open relationship with their veterinarian and should be able to freely provide you with their information. Get Your Puppy Checked by a Veterinarian You should also consider getting your puppy checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible after taking them home. This is because it can help you to address any potential health concerns before they become an issue. Some of the most common signs include: The breeder does not health test their dogs prior to breeding them The breeder does not screen potential buyers before selling them a puppy The puppies are being sold at a young age Price is the only factor you are considered If any of these red flags seem to be present, it may not be a good idea to purchase one of their puppies. When searching for your new puppy, always do your research to avoid getting caught up with an unethical breeder in Arkansas. By following this advice, you will be able to find a reputable breeder that will offer you a healthy and happy puppy. They should also be willing to provide you with copies of the results from any health tests that have been conducted on the parents of the puppies. If a breeder is unwilling to answer any of your questions, or if they refuse to provide you with any health records, then it may be time to reconsider purchasing one of their pups. Consider it a major red flag if your breeder is unable to provide you with any health records. This is a mistake because it can cause a lot of stress at such an otherwise exciting time. By following some simple steps, you can ensure that your new puppy is able to settle into its new home as easily as possible: Start by getting all of the supplies that you will need such as food bowls and toys. Next, you should set up a place for them to take care of their needs. This can be as simple as an indoor puppy potty or as complex as a specially designed kennel run. Finally, you should think about what you will do with them while you are at work or school. If they come into contact with other dogs during the day, consider getting your puppy their own set of tags and collar so they can be easily identified as yours. Make sure to use common sense when preparing your home for a new German shepherd in Arkansas. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy in Arkansas One of the most important things to remember when potty training your new German shepherd puppy is that it will take some time and patience. Do not get discouraged if they have an accident in the house, as this is perfectly normal for puppies. To make the process easier on both you and your puppy, try to stick to a routine as much as possible. This means taking them outside to go to the bathroom at the same time each day. Make sure to praise them when they do relieve themselves in the right spot, and be sure to provide them with plenty of treats as a reward. If you are consistent with your potty training efforts, your German shepherd puppy will be fully trained in no time. Just like with humans, their diet plays a crucial role in how healthy they are. There are many different brands and types of food that you can try. Take your time when looking for a German shepherd breeder in Arkansas. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. These impressive dog breeds are known for their large size, their impressive temperament, and overall trainability. They are not just great family dogs known to get along well with children and adults, but they also make great search and rescue dogs, protection dogs, show dogs, and even service or therapy dogs. They are an all-purpose dog breed. With the high popularity of the German Shepherd in the United States, it is no wonder certain states like Arkansas report a high number of German Shepherd breeders. You, however, have to be careful when working with or patronizing any of these breeders as not all these breeders are reputable enough to produce high-quality German Shepherd puppies with impressive health, temperament, and sound structure. This is where we come in. In this article, we make your search for a German Shepherd puppy in Arkansas easy. We have provided a list of some of the best German Shepherd breeders we can find in Arkansas. These breeders were selected based on their overall breed program and their focus on the socialization and training of their German Shepherd puppies. The contact details for each breeder is also provided to further make it easy for you to research them. Remember to only view this list as a guide and nothing more. They are breeders of fine working-line German Shepherd dogs and are located in Combs, Arkansas. Dusty Beckum, a well-experienced breeder and the owner of the breeding program is focused on making through military standard German Shepherd dogs that are suitable for police work, protection, IPO, search and rescue, and a lot more. They achieve this by focusing on the nerves, health, athleticism, intelligence, and drive of the breed. Their chosen sires and dams are all imports obtained from some of the best European lines there are, with a lot of them having impressive titles in their pedigrees. They are also selected for their temperament and of course for their health. Mandatory Genetic health testing is done with all potential sires and dams to help ensure that they are in good genetic health which they passed and they are also certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA to show they have a sound structure. Every puppy is raised and trained on a property with state-of-the-art facilities available. The puppies also get to experience proper socialization by interacting with the environment each day. They are vaccinated and dewormed and each comes with a written health guarantee to show that they are indeed confident in their breed program. All their dogs are microchipped to ensure you do not lose your German Shepherd puppy. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arkansas? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arkansas cost? The price of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arkansas all depends on whether you want a German Shepherd for sale in Arkansas with long hair, black hair, white hair, or any other color they come in! If you want a female German Shepherd Arkansas you will always pay more due to her breeding potential. Breeder experience and location also come into play when it comes to price, as well as whether or not the pup has had its shots! Can I only connect with breeders in Arkansas? How are the German Shepherd breeders screened? Our team is hard at work every day sifting through all the applicants we have wanting to be part of our network. We look at all these Arkansas German Shepherd breeders, businesses and companies, and allow less than a tenth through. Our Breeder Pledge will tell you everything we look for! Why is using Uptown Puppies such a unique experience? We want your experience of having a new family dog to be a happy one! What is a Arkansas puppy mill like? A puppy mill is a place that harbors many German Shepherds in Arkansas for the sake of breeding them to make money off their German Shepherd puppies Arkansas. Many of these puppies get sick throughout their lives, and often pass away at a young age. German Shepherds are so popular that there is such an array out there, whatever you want, will be yours. Start your search today! Is it easy to use Uptown Puppies? Just take a look at all the German Shepherds for sale Arkansas puppies, find the one that catches your eye and heart , and connect with its breeder or business. Simply make travel arrangements and voila! Can Uptown Puppies be trusted? We bridge the gap between wonderful families and wonderful breeders and businesses. We make sure that you always get to take home the most wonderful German Shepherds for sale in Arkansas from the best there is out there! Which celebrities own German Shepherds? Celebrities also love their German Shepherds Arkansas. Which Hollywood blockbusters have I seen German Shepherds in? German Shepherds in Arkansas have starred in many big movies.

By Chris Poodles are a fantastic breed of dog — they are intelligent, loyal, and adorable. These dogs are some of the most popular species in America for a good reason. How many puppies can a Poodle have? There are two parts to the question of how many puppies a poodle can have. The first is how many puppies are in a poodle litter. This answer varies, depending on the size, health, and age of your dog. Poodle litters can be anywhere from a single puppy to upwards of ten—these dogs have been known to surprise breeders with their litters! With the number of litters in mind, a standard poodle can generally have anywhere from twenty to thirty puppies in her lifetime. A miniature poodle will have twelve to twenty puppies throughout her breeding career, and a toy poodle can birth four to ten puppies total. These numbers vary, of course, but they are accurate estimates. There are different shades of black coat. How Many Puppies are in a Poodle Litter? As a general rule, the smaller the dog, the fewer puppies she will have. Toy poodles tend to have between one and three puppies per litter, rarely going above three. Most toy poodles give birth to one puppy at a time and are more prone to health issues after breeding. Miniature poodles can have three to five puppies in a litter. Miniature poodles are pretty sturdy breeding dogs. Of course, full-size poodles can have larger litters. These poodles have the largest litter size and have been known to birth from two to fourteen puppies. More than five litters can hurt a dog and increase their chances of post-birth injury and unhealthy puppies. However, if your dog is healthy and well cared for, it will be able to breed up to five times with ease. This rule is especially true for smaller dogs, whose bodies are more fragile and sensitive to pregnancy. Factors That Affect Litter Count Of course, many factors affect how many puppies are born in each litter. These are generally related to the genetics of both parent dogs and the atmosphere surrounding the pregnancy. A healthier, happier dog is more likely to give birth to more puppies because she is surrounded by love and peace. While these factors affect each litter individually, they are only guidelines for taking the best care of your breeder dog. However, it will improve the overall health and happiness of both mothers and babies. Choosing the best dog food for Poodles is tricky — got to look after that coat! Breeder Which breeder you choose can increase the health of your dog. A reputable breeder will have all the information you need to make a decision. You need to be able to trust the breeder with these things. The healthier and happier a mother dog is, the greater her odds of delivering large and healthy litters. Most dog breeds go into heat about twice a year, and it lasts for a week or more. The process can affect how many puppies are in the litter. Does a dog have to be in heat to get pregnant? Yes, but it is a little more complicated than you might think — see our article on dog heat that explains everything you need to know. Some breeders will couple the dogs a few times over these days to ensure that the result is successful. After two heats, a poodle will be fully grown and ready to give birth. The ideal age for a mother is between two and four years old. Dogs become less able to have puppies as they grow older, much like humans. It can also affect how many puppies are in each litter and how many litters the breed dog can have. A healthier sire will decrease risks in pregnancy and birth. The healthier a dog is, the more puppies she could potentially have. A professional breeder knows this and pairs sires and dams based on mutual age, health, genetics, and sometimes even personality. A Miniature gray Poodle enjoying the outdoors. Some breeders can also run tests for potential fur color and ancestry. Good genetics will not only increase the health of the puppies but could also increase the litter size. Healthier poodle mamas will be able to have more puppies and more litters without risking their health. Time of Year Believe it or not, the time of the year that the puppies are born can impact the size of the litter. This phenomenon is one of the great mysteries of breeding dogs, but the trend continues year after year. If your dog is going into heat for a winter litter, be aware that it may be smaller than her spring or summer heat. Plus you will need to consider a heated whelping pad. Final Thoughts Poodles, depending on their size, can birth up to ten puppies in a litter. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Submit to Stumbleupon Opens in new window Crystal the standard poodle had 16 puppies in her first litter, a number owner Kelli Hewitt of Lancaster, Minn. The puppies shown here are 9 weeks old and are healthy. The Hewitts believe the birth has tied a record for the largest standard poodle litter. Another poodle named Charlie from British Columbia previously gave birth to 16 puppies in , with the owner, Deborah Bridgman, saying she was up for 23 hours helping with delivery, according to a report from The Province, a newspaper based in British Columbia. The record for the largest litter for any dog breed goes to Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff who had 24 puppies in by Cesarean section, according to Guinness World Records. The owners, Damian Ward of the United Kingdom and Anne Kellegher of Ireland, said the dog gave birth to nine female and 15 male puppies. Forum News Service photo submitted by Kelli Hewitt Though Tia lost four puppies, all of the Hewitt puppies from Crystal survived the natural birth and are healthy, Hewitt said. The mother is doing fine as well. The family watched over the poodle as she gave birth over a hour period, doing everything they could to make the puppies comfortable, making sure they were properly fed and ensuring they survived. The Hewitts, who started breeding dogs five years ago under the name Rockadoodles, are used to having a lot of puppies running around since they are licensed through the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, but they have never had this many in one batch. Crystal was bred via artificial insemination to a miniature poodle named Rusty of Rockadoodles, making their offspring moyen, or medium, poodles. The Hewitts also cross poodles with sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, golden retrievers and other breeds. Not only that, but they have a big family of their own. Hewitt and her husband, James, have 10 biological children and 18 adopted children — 15 from Haiti, one from Ethiopia, one from China and another from Ukraine. Twelve are adults with some in college, Hewitt said, and an 11th grandchild is on the way. The children help with the business, Hewitt said, adding they put a lot of love and care into the operation. The puppies get a lot of attention and playtime with our kids. They would tie strings around the pups to tell which ones were on which schedule, she said. Some of the dogs they previously raised have gone to homes as therapy animals for traumatized children and those with special needs. Final Thoughts How many puppies can a miniature poodle have? Expect 5 to 7 puppies for a Miniature Poodle. Toy Poodles are the tiniest of the Poodle breeds, with the fewest number of pups in one litter. Expect about 3 — although singleton litters meaning a litter with only one puppy occur quite often. How many puppies can a miniature poodle have in a litter? A typically standard Poodle litter may contain up to seven puppies, whereas a Miniature Poodle litter will average around five, and a Toy Poodle litter will have about three. Factors That Affect Litter Count Several factors can affect litter size in miniature poodles, including the health and genetics of the parents, as well as nutrition and environmental conditions. Litters of six to eight puppies are considered average, but some litters may have as many as twelve puppies or as few as one. How long is a poodle in labor? A pregnant dog will typically go into labor within a few days of her due date. However, some dogs will not go into labor until they are a few days overdue. Once a dog begins to show signs of labor, the process will typically last for 12 to 24 hours. How long does it take for a small dog to have puppies? Small dogs tend to have shorter pregnancies than larger dogs, so they typically go into labor sooner. Most small dogs will give birth within 12 to 24 hours of showing signs of labor. How many times can a toy poodle give birth? Toy Poodles are the tiniest of the Poodle breeds, and they typically have the fewest number of pups in one litter. However, it is not unusual for them to have three or four puppies. Some Toy Poodles have as many as six puppies, but this is rare. Toy Poodles can give birth multiple times, but the average is two to three litters. Does the male or female dog determine the size of the puppies? The gender of the dog does not determine the size of the puppies. It is the genetics of the parents that determines how many puppies a dog will have. Some dogs may have a larger litter if they have a genetic disposition for it. However, the average litter size for tiny dogs is four to six puppies regardless of the gender of the parents. Expect about three puppies from a Toy Poodle litter. Miniature Poodles will have an average of five to seven puppies, while Standard Poodles typically have six to seven puppies in a litter. Some dogs may only have one or two puppies if they suffer from dwarfism. In general, the size of the litter is determined by the genetics of the parents and not by their gender. How long is the gestation period for a poodle? The gestation period for a poodle is typically around 63 days. An ultra sound is inconclusive until around 30 days and a x-ray will not show anything till around 45 days when the calcium in the puppies bones solidifies. This leaves very little time to get prepared. So let's discuss some important Poodle pregnancy facts. This is Curly, who is 19 months old and 51 days pregnant. Let's first clear up some myths and look at some Poodle pregnancy facts. A female Poodle may become pregnant: Any time after her 1st heat, no matter how young she is At any age, no matter how old she is, as long as she is still entering heat.Starting at about week 2 it will become firm. By week 4 it will be noticeably swollen. Her mammary glands will become enlarged Some inverted nipples that you may not have even noticed will "pop out" She will clean herself more thoroughly than usual Nesting behavior may begin. Some dogs will gather toys and other articles from around the house, showing maternal instincts toward them. She may also drag pillows, blankets and other soft materials to a quiet corner of a room to build a 'nest'. Her appetite should increase There may be minor to moderate clear discharge. This usually begins by week 4 or 5. Litter Size The average size litter for a Toy Poodle is: 3 pups The average size litter for a Miniature Poodle is: 5 pups The average size litter for a Standard Poodle is: 6 pups Do keep in mind that these are averages. It is common for a Toy Poodle to have just 1 puppy and while it is rare, she may have up to 5. The largest Poodle litter ever recorded is.Charlie named for Charlie's Angels was in labor for 23 hours, giving birth to 10 female puppies and 6 males. And believe it or not, this was an unplanned breeding. The sire, Magnum another standard Poodle broke through 2 wooden fences to get to Charlie when she was in heat. Caring for a Pregnant Poodle Once you suspect that your Poodle may be pregnant, you will want to have this confirmed. There are several ways that the veterinarian can do this, at different stages: A blood test can test for pregnancy and will be most reliable by day .An ultrasound can pick up fetal heartbeats by day day .An x-ray should be performed to determine exactly how many fetus are growing so that you will know how many to expect. This is not done until late in the pregnancy, usually after day 45, since bones are not sufficiently calcified until this time. Moderate daily exercise should continue throughout the pregnancy while excluding any more intense activity. Walking will allow the dam to maintain muscle mass and keep her body in top shape in preparation for labor. Her appetite will increase by week 2 or 3 and by week 5 nutritional needs nearly double. While food should not be denied, the focus should be on offering a well-balanced, healthy diet. Adding an egg once per day as well as a scoop or two of cottage cheese is a good way to offer a bit more protein. Pregnant dogs should not be given any extra calcium via supplements as this can predispose a dam to the dangerous health condition of eclampsia a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that can happen when the dam is nursing. The home environment should be as stress free as possible and the pregnant Poodle should be allowed to retreat and rest as she pleases. You may wonder how much weight a pregnant Poodle gains. For example, a toy Poodle that was 8 lbs. A standard Poodle that was 55 lbs .While the majority of delivers are without complications, you will want to be prepared for any situation. You will need: 1. A thermometer 2. Sheets, towels or clean newspapers 3. Floss or thread 4. A whelping box - This can be a cardboard box, lined child's wading pool for standards or even a canine bed Perla beds work quite nicely 6. Heating pad 7. Having an assistant be there with you is always a good idea. How to Know it is Time All dog breeds carry the puppies on average for 63 days; however a Poodle pregnancy can last anywhere from 59 to 65 days and still be considered normal. You will know that labor is to begin in approximately 24 hours when your dog's internal body temperature drops. For this reason, at least one week before the due date, start taking your Poodle's temperature twice per day. While some digital thermometers will beep, if you are using a standard type, leave it in for 3 minutes. At this time, you should be prepared to remain with your Poodle, set her up in the whelping area and separate any males dogs in the house so that they cannot reach her. If your Poodle does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below F, you will want to alert the veterinarian. Stages of Labor There are 3 main stages of canine labor. Stage 1 During the first stage of labor the cervix will dilate and contractions will begin. This element of Poodle labor can be painful and a dog may express this by: Acting restless. Final Thoughts Does Size Matter? Although toy, miniature, and standard Poodles are all the same breed, they have some differences. There are also mixed breeds and non-official Poodle classifications, such as Goldendoodles. On average, larger breeds tend to have more puppies than small breeds. Depending on the official breed, here are how many puppies a Poodle can have. A brown Mini Poodle sitting on a lap. Poodles are one of the greatest lap dogs. Standard Poodles Standard Poodles are the largest recognized breed. On average, standards will weigh pounds and reach an average height of inches. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! See Poodle Puppies Available Generally speaking, large dog breeds tend to have more puppies than smaller breeds. Standards will have an average of seven puppies per litter. Although standard poodles can have more per litter, they have a shorter life expectancy, roughly years. Pregnancy can be demanding of dogs, especially later in life, so they may not give birth to as many litters as smaller breeds. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles are one size smaller than standard poodles. They weigh an average of pounds and typically weigh between pounds. These small or medium-sized dogs will have fewer pups per litter than the Standard Poodle but more than a toy poodle. Usually, you can expect a Miniature Poodle to have five puppies. Because Miniature Poodles are smaller, they have a greater life expectancy of about years. The curly black coat of a Poodle at the beach. These small dogs will only reach about pounds and will be under a foot tall. As with Miniature Poodles, Toy Poodles will live an average life span of years. Unlike Miniatures, Toys will have around three puppies in each litter. Because the litters are much smaller than other Poodle breeds , they are rare and more in demand. As a Poodle gets older, its litter size will get smaller. Even if the mom is in her prime years, her health will play an essential role in litter size and health. If the female Poodle is unhealthy prior to pregnancy or once she is pregnant, there tend to be fewer puppies. Poodle owners need to ensure the mom is healthy. Poodles should always get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation through play, and nutritious foods for optimal health. Overweight or unhealthy poodles will yield smaller litters. After a male Poodle reaches five years old, his sperm count starts to decrease. Ideally, the Poodle dad will be at least one and half years old and under five years old. Not only does this give the mom a greater probability of a big litter, but a better chance of having puppies at all. Additionally, the health of the male dog may affect its sperm count. A male dog may struggle with infertility if it has diseases such as arthritis. Cavapoo dog resting in the sun at the park. A female Poodle will usually go into heat for the first time within the first year, sometimes as young as six months old. Once she enters heat , she will be able to get pregnant. However, it would be best if you waited until the Poodle is two years or older to breed for her safety. You may have heard that a female dog should give birth at least once in her life. At most, breed one female Poodle three times. There are a couple of methods Poodle breeders use. Some breeders will breed every other heat, while others will breed twice in a row before giving her a break. Additionally, you should not breed a female Poodle after she is years old. Although she can get pregnant, it will be harder on her older body. Make sure they are ethical, and put importance on the health of their dogs. A young Veterinarian doctor listens to the heartbeat of a happy gray Poodle Frequently Asked Questions Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding how many puppies a Poodle can have. What is the largest known Poodle litter? Despite the average Poodle litter being puppies, one Standard Poodle gave birth to a whopping 16 puppies. Charlie, the female dog who gave birth to the large litter, was very healthy at a prime age. The healthier the pup, the better the chance of a large litter. How long is a Poodle pregnant? Dogs will be pregnant for an average of 63 days, which is similar to that of a Poodle. She may have a pregnancy that lasts as little as 59 days or as much as 65 days, both of which are normal. Get ready; a decreased body temperature signals that she will likely be in labor within the next 24 hours. How often do Poodles go into heat? On average, toys and Miniatures will go into heat times per year. Standard Poodles will likely go into heat once or twice each year. How do you know if your Poodle is pregnant? At what age do Poodles calm down? Dogs have similar pregnancy symptoms to that humans. You may notice that your Poodle is taking more naps or seems tired more than usual. Exhaustion is one of the first signs your Poodle is pregnant. Depending on where she is at in her pregnancy, she may have a smaller appetite or even vomit. Throwing up is similar to morning sickness that human mothers experience. Note that human pregnancy tests do NOT work for Poodle or any dogs. They measure HCG which is a hormone that dogs do not produce. On the other hand, she may be hungrier and show a desire for more food. As her hormones fluctuate, her appetite will likely fluctuate. A pregnant Poodle may have some behavioral changes. She may want to snuggle up to you more often, or she may want more time alone. If you notice weight gain, this is a signal to take her to the vet. You may notice her gather blankets, pillows, or other bedding to create a nest-like area. You may need to give her some space and keep her away from any children until she gives birth. Larger dogs have larger litters, while small-sized dogs will have smaller litters. Poodles are a highly sought-after dog, so breeders hope for a large litter. Healthy poodles between 1. Similar Posts. Whether this is your first litter of puppies or you have been breeding dogs for decades, every litter is a unique and wonderful experience. Today we will look at everything related to Poodle conception, pregnancy and birth. Table of Contents Do female Poodles have periods? Poodles — and all female dogs — do not have periods that are comparable to human cycles. During this heat cycle your Poodle will have discharge, probably be irritable and, of course — be able to get pregnant! If a dog is spayed, she will have her uterus and ovaries removed and as a result not go into heat anymore. How long do Poodles stay in heat? A regular heat is about weeks long. Your Poodle is not fertile during the entire time however. During the first days your dog is not fertile, only after 1. The heat goes along with the much-dreaded discharge. Many Poodle owners opt for doggy diapers when their Poodle is in season to keep their floors and furniture clean. How do I find a good baby daddy? Depending on your breeding goals, you will be searching for the perfect match for your Poodle. If you are planning to breed a pure-bred Poodle litter like Parti Poodles , choose a registered and health-tested Poodle as the sire. The American Kennel Club will help you get in touch with other Poodle owners. If you are planning to have a Doodle litter, the choice of dad might for example be: a Schnauzer for Schnoodle puppies a Bernese Mountain Dog for Bernedoodle pups a Golden Retriever for Goldendoodle , Mini Goldendoodle or F1b Mini Goldendoodle offspring an Old English Sheepdog for Sheepadoodle pups You should always make sure that both parents have passed breed-specific health tests so that the babies can have the best possible start into a long and healthy life! How can I tell if my Poodle is pregnant? If you hope that your Poodle to be pregnant, she has probably been in season and has been around an intact male. Whether you chose a purebred Poodle daddy or a different breed to create adorable Doodle babies, you probably cannot wait to know if the pregnancy took! If you want to know for sure, visit a vet on days from the probable day of conception. Your vet will be able to do an ultrasound on your Poodle just like on a human momma-to-be! If you do not want to take your dog to the vet, there is no way to accurately tell until about 5 weeks after conception, at which point pregnant Poodles start to visible gain weight and might show nesting behaviors. How many days are Poodles pregnant? This might vary by a couple days however. Smaller dogs tend to give birth a bit earlier than larger breeds If you are breeding Miniature or Toy Poodles, or crosses such as a Mini Goldendoodle or F1b Mini Goldendoodle , your dog may already give birth after days. He can take an x-ray to determine how many pups she is carrying. This will help make a better plan for the whelping. How many puppies will my Poodle have? The number of pups you can expect will depend on the size of the parents. As a general rule, large breeds have litters with higher numbers of pups than small breeds. Standard Poodle If the mom of your litter is a Standard Poodle, expect around 7 puppies. Fun fact: in , a Standard Poodle named Crystal made history when she gave birth to 16 puppies! Miniature Poodle For Miniature Poodles expect around 5 puppies. Toy Poodles Toy Poodles are the smallest type of Poodle and will have the smallest number of puppies in one litter. Plan for around 3 — though also singelton litters meaning a litter with only one single puppy happen regularly. Are Poodles good mothers? Most Poodles are good mother dogs. How well prepared you are You need to set the mom up for success and make puppy raising easy for her. Get her a spacious and soft whelping box. Clip the hair on her stomach so that the pups can nurse easily. Ensure that she is healthy and had prenatal veterinary care. How safe mom feels Being pregnant with, birthing and caring for a litter of puppies is a big task! Your Poodle mom needs to feel safe and cared for in order to be a great mom. If you have any other dogs, they should not be allowed to access the whelping box or disturb the female. She needs a lot of peace and quiet. Your support Prepare to spend a lot of time and effort supporting your Poodle as she is raising her pups. She will need a lot of specialized nutrition , especially as she is nursing. You are responsible for making sure nobody disturbs her — this also applies to small kids in the household! How often should I breed my female? First of all, it is a myth that every female dog needs to have at least one litter. Do not breed your Poodle just because you think this is required. Female dogs can live a long and healthy life without ever having puppies. Only if you are ready to raise a litter responsibly and with a lot of time and effort you should breed. If you decide to do this, three times should be the maximum amount of litters your female has. Every pregnancy and whelping will wear on your Poodle. While Poodles have a long lifespan , you should not breed a dog over the age of 8 or 9 years old. Even though your female could still get pregnant, this is too old to have puppies. Some owners breed their females 5 or 6 times. Do not do this! It is not fair to the momma dog and borders on puppy mill practice. It is a much better approach to have few litters, but to make them the best they can be. The Bottom Line Supporting your Poodle through pregnancy, birth and puppy raising can be a wonderful experience. Only commit to it if you are ready to spend time, money and effort though. Always make sure that the parents of any litter have passed breed-specific health test and never breed more than 3 litter off of one female! 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.

Read on for detailed tips on when you should expect your Labradoodle to be trained and milestone ages. Did you know that back in , Labradoodles were bred by an Australian breeder Wally Conron for a blind woman whose husband had a dog allergy? Since then, Labradoodles have only grown in popularity. The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is around 10 to 14 years , and they come in three different sizes — miniature or toy, medium, and standard. Their sizes can also affect how they behave. Your Labradoodle will undergo various changes through every stage in their lives. Their five different life stages include: Puppyhood — 1 to 5 months Adolescence — 6 to 18 months Adulthood — until three years of age Middle Age — until seven years of age Old Age — the last stage; until 12 to 14 years of age. At every stage, your Labradoodle will depict different behaviors, and you will have to modify how you train them accordingly. Can Labradoodles smile? The correct training approach is to start coaching your Labradoodles from the first day when you bring them home. Compared to adult dogs, puppies are easier to train. You will have a much easier and fun time training them when and where to pee, how to socialize, how not to put everything in their mouth, how to stay away from chewing the new sofa set, etc. First 30 Days with a Labradoodle The first 30 days are an exciting time with new Labradoodles. With a crossbreed, you often have no idea what surprises are about to unfold. Your furry friend will obviously go on to explore every nook and cranny of your house. While you might feel like spending every second cuddling and playing around with them, this is the time when you should start training your dog. The sooner you begin, the more adaptable the routine becomes to the dog. When they are young, it is recommended that you initiate the process of Early Scent Introduction to amplify their senses. This will allow them to quickly identify and react to particular smells. A helpful activity is putting a leash on your Labradoodle while it walks around the house and sniffs different household objects. You can also include a few more games and habits into their routine to make them put their senses to good use. You will often find them jumping around the house and licking everyone. All their sensory organs will be heightened, so behaviors like wagging their tails and play-biting people will be common. If their erratic behavior changes are not kept in check, you might even find them baring teeth at anyone who attempts to touch their belongings or fiddle with the safe environment they are used to. Potty Training This is the age to establish a potty schedule for your puppy. Include multiple potty breaks throughout the day so that the dog knows where to go to release themselves. Train them to hold their pee in until they reach their designated point. Every time they successfully pee outside , make sure to reward them with a treat. Leash Training Leashes are going to be a life-long friend of your dogs. Make sure you introduce them to the concept of a leash right from the very beginning. It will help your Labradoodle get accustomed to the feeling of having a leash around them every time they are taken for a walk. When at home, put the leash on the dog, and let them walk around freely without pulling on it. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. The puppyhood phase is about to end, and the new adulthood chapter is about to commence. By this time, they should have mastered most of the training commands and techniques so you can move on to teaching them more advanced training options. Loose leash training, clicker, and positive reinforcement training all become possible now. We must keep a strict eye on reinforcing positive behavior and obedience and redirect unwanted behavior with just as much consistency as when they were a young puppy. By this time, your dog should also be vaccinated, so they can go to a nearby park and play with other dogs. Command Training This is the stage when you start teaching your Labradoodle some basic commands. The best way to introduce it is during their mealtime. You can hold the food in your hands and use it to lure them. Identify a definite marker that you can use to communicate to your Labradoodle if they perform a particular command correctly or incorrectly. Sit with your Labradoodle on the floor and play around to try to communicate with them. Make them comfortable with your touch and sound. Find other puppies that your Labradoodle can spend time with. It is a good idea to begin socializing your puppy to help them become more comfortable with humans as well as other dogs. This will also reduce the risk of anxiety and fear, help them listen to others better, and ensure that they live a fulfilling and happy life. Regardless of what training routine you establish for your dog, make sure you only do it through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a reward-based training option. So, if your dog successfully performs a task or follows a command, you praise them or reward them with treats. You can use a favorite treat or a toy to encourage them to follow the command again. Avoid punishing your dog at all costs as it would instill life-long fear in them. Use puzzle toys and different mentally stimulating exercises to improve their physical and mental capabilities even simple food toys like frozen Kongs or slow feeder bowls do the trick. Our best Labradoodle name ideas. I am sure you have been planning the arrival of your Labradoodle and are excited for all the joy and happiness they are about to bring into your life. I got a puppy a few months back too, and there are a few tips I wish someone had told me about before: Have two separate bowls ready for your Labradoodle — one for food and one for water. Feed them with food specific to their breed, and make sure to replace their bowl with fresh water every day. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are part and parcel of a good puppy training routine. You can also treat them with a toy every time they follow the commands you teach them. Invest in a comfortable dog bed. Although bedding can be expensive, your Labradoodle needs a decent place to relax. Make sure the size of the bed is appropriate, neither too big nor too small. Puppy-proof your house before the new member settles in. Keeping the electrical cords out of reach, properly latching the doors and windows to avoid risking your puppy wandering off, and designating a specific bathroom area for the puppy are some of the vital precautions you must take. It not only keeps them clean and smelling fresh but also eliminates the risk of illnesses and diseases in your dog. But they still need to be regularly groomed to avoid matting. To do this, however, you need to train your Labradoodles to be comfortable with the different grooming tools and sit still for some time. Here are a few tips on how you can do that successfully: Sensitize your Labradoodle to the sounds of different grooming equipment like nail trimmers, scissors, combs, brushes, etc. Play with their paws and make them feel comfortable. You should massage their feet and touch their nails to make them feel at ease with your touch. The more you delay grooming your dog regularly, the more complex and painful the procedure will get. Brushing becomes easy, pain-free, and you will be surprised to see your Labradoodle eventually starting to look forward to it. While doing facial trims, your dog needs to remain calm and still. To do a facial trim, gently hold their head in one hand and rest their chin on another. There are high chances your dog will be placed in a crate when attending grooming sessions at a salon. So make them accustomed to being placed inside a crate at home. You can keep their favorite toys and treats inside to make them feel more comfortable. Most of the advanced Labradoodle training options and methods are built on basic training methods. If your Labradoodle has successfully mastered basic training skills, the advanced training period will be relatively easy. If you want your dog to behave even better and learn new tricks, or get them registered as a service dog or a guide dog, or make them participate in an upcoming dog event, you can consider enrolling them in professional advanced training courses. Labradoodles, as the name suggests, are a cross between Poodles and Labradors, combining the best characteristics of both breeds. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and loving and they are very easy to train. In terms of background, if the breeder or adoption service you got your pup from did not start any training, then you will have to start slow and be patient. A Labradoodle that has been trained and brought up well can serve as the perfect service dog, guide dog, or therapy dog. Are Labradoodles Easy To Train? Labradoodles are great companions that can fit in as easily in a large family as they can in a small one. They are easy to train, friendly, social, and intelligent. If they are trained consistently, they develop a friendly temperament and bond well with their owners. Do Labradoodles Bark Excessively? As with any other breed of dog, Labradoodles are at high risk of barking excessively if they are not adequately trained or if their day-to-day requirements are not met. A Labradoodle has a lot of energy. If the energy is not channeled in the right place through coaching, exercising, and proper stimulation, they might get stressed and anxious and bark unreasonably. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Final Words The happiness that comes with having a Labradoodle as your companion and raising them is unmatched. However, as with any other dog, training them involves hard work and discipline. I hope this guide makes Labradoodle training easy for you. The biggest hurdle you may face when training your dog is a lack of motivation and consistency. Luckily, Labradoodles are inclined to learn from their owners quicker than other breeds. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Challenge Their Mind Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs, so prevent boredom. Most dog owners know that a new puppy requires proper nutrition and daily exercise, but they often forget to challenge them mentally. This is a problem that can lead to a lot of behavior issues, from aggression and, biting to full-on destructive behavior. But perfect and precise practice is by far the best road to success. If you have to choose between making a specific exercise easier or lowering your expectations of the final result, always go for the first option. Always start at the point where your Labradoodle is able to do the exercise correctly, and then move ahead from there. Reactions towards humans, cars, other animals, and so on, aggressive behavior, growling being overly excited. The solution to all these problems starts with the ability to do nothing. Labradoodles, like humans, need to focus and use their attention to be able to learn new things. Small problems might seem just like that, small, but they have a tendency to grow larger over time. Most of the problems you might encounter during to daily walk or someplace else should be solved even before leaving your home. Perhaps your dog will eventually become tired and end up walking more slowly and what seems to be more well-mannered than you, but having a tired Labradoodle is not the same as a well-behaving Labradoodle. Have a Point of Restoration Labradoodles connect certain emotions with very specific areas. So if you are having problems with a specific behavior, and your dog ends up stressed or losing interest, try moving to a different area and training something that you know your dog is good at. This will give the Labradoodle a sense of accomplishment. Try finding a lower table or some other platform to exercise with instead. When your dog manages that, then you can return to the table that was too difficult, to begin with. It is then highly like that your dog will be able to jump onto the table, without even having to think much about it. You might have a dog that jumps onto visitors, or perhaps on your furniture. Now when opening the door, this will prevent your dog from jumping onto the visitor. Usually, it will quickly stop attempting to jump up, and then you tell it to sit down. Have your guest pet it for a short amount of time, and only as long as the dog keeps sitting. You can then start over and try this exercise several times. Labradoodles who jump on the furniture when told not to. Grab a hold on the end of the leash, and pull the dog down from the furniture. Again, start over and try multiple times until the message is clear to the dog. Put your dog on a long training leash and make sure that you have a firm grip on the other end before calling for your dog to return. When the dog returns, give it a treat or its favorite toy. Repeat this until you get a satisfactory outcome. This is also where most people start making mistakes with Labradoodle training. They are very enthusiastic about training and buying all the best products, but after the first week, they lose interest and end up letting the dog do pretty much what it wants. And if it takes you a month to get to the point where the dog returns to you even without you pulling on the leash, keep the leash on for the same amount of time before removing it, just to be sure. Make sure that you get the result you want every single time until it is certain your Labradoodle is done taking chances. Sometimes we end up training our Labradoodles for so long that they will eventually lose their motivation. And now your dog is tired and really in need of a good rest. Stop the exercise as soon as you know your dog understands the concept of what you are doing. In the Case of a Stressed Dog Go back to the point where your dog the last time felt perfectly comfortable. When a dog is stressed it will usually go back to instinctive and unwanted behavior, so it is not a good idea to only train your dog in surroundings where it is totally calm. You have to work with situations where your dog usually has a strong reaction. And then you have to work through those situations. The only way to train your Labradoodle to overcome these situations is by getting them to a point where they master it. Try doing that in a controlled environment, after you have thought your dog the most basic training. If you are hesitant at putting your dog in these situations because you fear what reaction it might show, work with it in less stressful surroundings before moving forward. Taking One Step Backwards To be able to take two steps forward. Try looking back at rule number 6. The rule applies to every single time you and your dog find yourself in a new situation. This is especially important when training your dog in that phase where it has learned something, but now it needs to be able to do it every single time without any hassle. So put the leash on until you are certain that your Labradoodle also has this new situation under control, before continuing with your exercises. As mentioned earlier your is most likely a gambler or at the very least an opportunist. Putting your dog on a leash makes it easier for you to follow through on your command, and think very carefully before commanding your Labradoodle to do anything. Never Test Your Dog Tests and exams are fine with kids going to school. But instead, be sure that you are there to lead and guide your dog as much as necessary. This is extremely important to remember. And that makes all the difference in the world to a Labradoodle just trying to find its place in this human world. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. If you put in the effort early on, then you will be rewarded with a well-mannered dog who will be a joy to spend time with for years to come. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and playful, but if you let your youngster do whatever he wants and allow him to think that he is the boss, then you may well end up with a naughty, attention-seeking adult. Lack of training usually plays a big part in why the dog develops some unwanted behavior traits. If you want a dog that you can take anywhere and who will be a perfect companion, rather than a pain in the neck, then spend time early on teaching him some manners and your ground rules. You may consider seeking the help of a professional trainer, but that option may not be practical or within the budget. This way, your puppy will get to learn and socialize with other dogs at the same time. You could also watch some Labradoodle training videos on YouTube, but it should not replace training with other dogs. If you decide to train your Doodle yourself, then remember the golden rule: training should always be based on rewards and not punishment. It should be a positive learning experience for both of you. Labradoodles can be sensitive little critters, and bawling at the top of your voice or smacking should not play any part in training. Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? Labradoodles are very intelligent and generally regarded as easy to train due to their easy-going temperaments and desire to connect with and please their humans. They have curious minds, and most will thrive on training if they get the chance to exercise their grey matter with some fun. Some Labradoodles are professionally trained to a very high standard to become guide or therapy dogs. Over the years, Labradoodles, especially Australian Labradoodles , have been bred with a specific easy-going temperament in mind. Early Labradoodles were often headstrong and hyper-active, but well-bred Aussie Doodles these days usually have great personalities and fit well into family life. Like most dogs, Labradoodles are pack animals and hierarchical. They respect the pecking order and are happy when they know and are comfortable with their place in it. They need to learn their place in the pack and accept you as a pack leader. You cannot force this on a dog by shouting and hitting. It has to be established by the natural order of things like mutual consent and brought about by proper training. If your puppy is not made aware of his place in the household and the rules to abide by, then he will end up ruling you and your family. Be firm, but never aggressive with your dog. If you do it wrong then, you will either frighten him or teach him to be aggressive. Keep training short and fun, especially at the beginning. If you have adopted an older dog, you can still train him, but it is a lot harder for them to unlearn bad habits. Training Tip 2: Your voice is your most important training tool Your dog has to learn to understand your language. The tone of your voice is very important. You should command in a calm, authoritative voice without shouting. Praise the puppy in a cheerful, encouraging voice, followed by a stroke or a pat. If your dog has done something wrong, use a firm, stern voice, not a harsh scream. This rule still applies even if your Labradoodle is unresponsive at the beginning. Training Tip 3: Only give command that you can enforce Labradoodles are intelligent dogs. Training Tip 4: Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive and motivational methods to teach your puppy. Keep training sessions upbeat, so the whole experience is enjoyable for both of you. Training Tip 5: Begin your training from home How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior away from home as well. Training Tip 6: One command equals one response Give your dog only one command — twice maximum — then gently enforce it. Repeating commands or nagging will make your Labradoodle tune out. It also tells him that the first few commands are a bluff. But a relationship based on fear is not a good one, and it will undermine your relationship with him. He should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word that your Doodle responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If he gets lots of attention when he jumps up on you, his bad behavior gets reinforced. Training Tip Timing is critical When your puppy does something right, praise him immediately. Similarly, when he does something wrong, correct him straight away. This technique works surprisingly well. Training Tip Give your dog attention when YOU want Labradoodles are sociable creatures, and they love being with you and involved with the family. While you are training him, it is good to give your puppy lots of positive attention when he is good. But if he starts jumping up, nudging you constantly or barking for your attention, then ignore him. If you give in to his every demand, then he will begin to think that he is the boss and become more demanding. Wait a while and pat him when you want, and when he has stopped demanding your attention. Training Tip Be Consistent In terms of rules and training, treat your fluffy little Doodle pup as a grown-up. Make him abide by the rules you want him to live by as an adult. You may want to put your pup on a leash to hold his attention in the beginning. Stand facing each other and hold a treat a few inches above his head. Stroke and praise him for as long as he stays in the sitting position. Practice it in short sessions until he does it every time. After a while, he should do it just from command, without moving the treat over him. When he does, give him a treat anyway. If he jumps up on his back legs and paws while you are moving the treat, be patient, and start all over again. Another method is to put one hand on his chest and with your other hand, gently push down on his rear end until he is sitting. Give him a treat and praise, even though you have made him do it. For example, when you are putting his leash on, while you are preparing his meal, when he fetches the ball, or when he is demanding attention or getting over-excited. They do it all the time with their siblings in the litter. It is a game for them. But when they arrive at your home, they have to be taught that human body parts are not for biting. Try not to encourage play-biting. As a puppy grows and feels more confident in his surroundings, and he may become slightly more aggressive. His bites may hurt someone, especially if you have children or older people at home. Make sure to have a soft toy nearby every time you have a play session with your puppy. When he starts to chew your hand or feet, clench your fingers or toes to make it more difficult and distract him with the soft toy in your other hand. Keep the game interesting by moving the toy around or rolling it around in front of him. He may continue to chew you, but will eventually realize that the toy is far more exciting and livelier than your body parts. If he becomes over-excited or too aggressive with the toy and starts growling a lot, then stop playing with him, and walk away. If your pup is more persistent and tries to bite your legs as you walk away, thinking this is another fantastic game, stand still and ignore him. Your puppy may well jump back in amazement, surprised that he has hurt you. Train a Labradoodle Not to Jump The reason why a labradoodle jumps up onto humans is that they want to get your attention and say hello. As you are taller than him, he has to jump to get your attention. Sadly, it might not be enjoyable for your guests or other people having an unknown dog jumping on them. As a dog owner, you must stop your dog from bothering other people. You can try the below techniques to train your labradoodle not to jump: When your dog starts jumping, follow training tip 9. Do not look into his eyes and stand straight up with your arms crossed. When his paws touch the ground, pat him. Repeat the exercise until he stops jumping. If your dog is jumping on a guest, then ask your guest to turn around and ignore him. Labradoodle Crate Training Crate training is the process of teaching your pup how to behave and enjoy spending time in a crate. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their particular spot. This place is a Safe Haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. Crates are not for every Labradoodle, and you should NEVER use them to imprison the dog while you are out of the house all day. Doodles are not like hamsters or pet mice, which can adapt to life in a cage. But, used correctly, a crate can help to: Housetrain your dog Keep your dog safe when traveling Create a doggy bedroom or place where your Labradoodle feels safe. If you use a crate, then remember that it is NOT a prison to restrain the dog. It should only be used humanely, and time should be spent to make the puppy feel like the crate is his safe little haven. Place the crate in the corner of a room, away from cold draughts or too much heat. Labradoodles like to be near their pack so, leave him where he can hear you. Crate Training Here are some techniques that you can follow to make your puppy to accept a crate and then to want to spend time in there. He might not be very happy about going in at first, but he will be a lot easier to crate train than an adult dog Drop a few tasty treats around and then inside the crate. Keep the door open. Do not close the crate door yet. Place a chew or treat inside the crate and close the door while your pup is outside the crate. He will be desperate to get in. Open the door to let him in and praises him. Fasten a long-lasting chew inside the crate and leave the door open. Let your puppy go inside and spend some time eating the chew. After a while, close the crate door and feed him some treats through the mesh. At first, do it for a few seconds at a time, then gradually increase the time. If you do it too fast, he will become distressed. Slowly build up the amount of time he is in the crate. For the first few days, stay in the room, then gradually leave the room for a short time, first one minute, then three, then 10, 30 minutes, and so on. The next points are very important to make the crate training successful: Do not let the dog immediately out of the crate while he is barking, or he will think that barking is the key to opening the door to the crate. Wait until the barking or whining has stopped for at least 10 seconds before letting him out. If you do decide to use a crate, remember that a dog is NOT a caged animal. Use the crate for limited periods and only if your dog is comfortable in there. NEVER force a dog to go in and then lock him in for hours on end. From about the age of three weeks, a puppy will leave his sleeping area to go to the toilet. Therefore, you need to teach him that it is unacceptable to make a mess anywhere inside the home. It depends on how quickly your puppy learns and how persistent and patient you are. Follow these steps to speed up the potty-training process: Constant supervision is essential for the first few weeks if you want to house train your puppy quickly. This is why it is necessary to book the week off work when you bring a new puppy home. Making sure you are there to take him outside regularly. If nobody is there, he will learn to urinate or poop inside the house. Take your puppy outside to the same place every time. Dogs naturally develop a preference for going in the same spot or on the same surface -often grass. Take him to the same patch every time, so he learns this is his toilet — preferably an area in a far corner of your garden or yard. No pressure — be patient. You must allow your Doodle pup to wander around and have a good sniff before he does his duties. Stay around a short distance away instead of leaving him. Sadly, puppies are not known for their powers of concentration. They may become easily distracted, and it may take a while for them to select that perfect spot to wee pee on! Share the responsibility. Just make sure you stick to the same routines and patch of ground. Take your pup outside at the following times: As soon as he wakes — every time Shortly after each feed. Over 6 Months Old 8 week old Labradoodle Puppy Training At 8 weeks old your puppy has only just arrived home, so your main focus will be on helping them to settle in, bonding and starting that all important potty training process. Potty Training Your brand new puppy will need to have the opportunity to pee as much as every twenty minutes for the first few days. They will also need to pee or poop after every meal, and every big drink. Socialization Have four different sets of visitors to the house, and go to at least four busy places with the puppy in your arms. Sweet Goodbyes Puppies find it hard to be left alone, so we like to sweeten up those goodbyes with treats! Every time you need to briefly leave the room, drop a handful of kibble behind you to make it seem like a good thing for your pup. Follow me Puppies are naturally inclined to follow you at 8 weeks old, and you want to encourage that instinct. When outdoors in the backyard change direction lots, and give lots of treats and cuddles in exchange for them coming after you. Recall Blow your recall whistle we use five short pips when your puppy is running full pelt towards you. They will have started to understand that outdoors is the place to pee, and have gained a tiny bit of bladder control. But they will still need a lot of help! Socialization should still be in full swing this week, and your increasingly confident puppy will need help remembering to keep her teeth to herself. Potty Training Your puppy will still need lots of opportunity to pee outdoors in order to reduce accidents. Socialization Meeting people is really important this week. Take your puppy to four new places, and have four sets of visitors. Carry them while you are outdoors. Rewarding Eye Contact Whenever your puppy looks up at your face, pop a treat in between her paws or into her mouth. This will start to encourage her to look up at you more often, in the hopes of something scrummy. We close our treat laden palm when the puppy approaches, open it again as they back oiff and feed the treats to them with the other hand. This helps them to start learning that staying calm and keeping a little distance will get you treats quicker than biting and snatching at them. This week you might start to see those teeth come into action. Remember to remove attention from the puppy when they bite hard on your skin. At just under 3 months old your puppy will have lots of confidence, and be accidentally getting themselves into all sorts of jams unless you are really careful. The window for socialization is closing soon, so make the most of those last couple of weeks to build up their knowledge of people and the world around them. Potty Training At 10 to 12 weeks your puppy will be able to hold its bladder for maybe as long as two and a half hours during the day. If you get an accident in the house, reduce that time down again. And make a note of when your puppy pees so as not to lose track. Over these weeks try to go to two new busy places and two new sets of visitors each week. Rewarding calm behavior Now is the time to help your dog learn to relax. Every time you catch your Labradoodle puppy relaxing, pop a treat between their paws. This will encourage her to chill out even more! Introduce off leash heel position You can start to teach your dog to walk nicely next to you at this point. We begin this process by reinforcing them for standing next to you with the clicker and treats. Recall To work on your recall, whistle your puppy for running towards you as you run away. Give them lots of treats as a reward when they arrive. You can also whistle when giving meals to build up strong positive associations with this cue. Bite inhibition Labradoodle puppy biting can really ramp up at this age. Remember to remove attention when your puppy bites hard. Either standing up, or even leaving the room or popping them in their crate or playpen temporarily while they calm down. This is your final chance for socialization, and it needs to be carried out in a more relaxed way. But at least you can pop your pup on the ground now! Recall Whistle your puppy for running towards you as you walk away, rewarding them with lots of treats when they arrive. Stand with your puppy on the leash, and carry them between locations so as not to upset future heelwork progress. Introduce sit We introduce the sit at this stage, but in a very relaxed informal way. We do so indoors only, when there are no distractions. This is begun without a cue or command, by capturing the position. Potty training should be pretty established. Your goal is to encourage your dog to focus on you and to become a well mannered member of the family. Your puppy should still be given the chance to pee at least every two to three hours. As well as after meals! Changing directions Puppies are more confident at this age, so you need to keep them keen to stay near you. When outdoors in the backyard or at the dog park, keep changing direction regularly. Be unpredictable, and when they follow you back it up with lots of fuss and treats. Off leash heelwork Off leash heelwork training moves from establishing the position to taking a few steps forwards at this stage. Make sure you use lots of praise, and only practice in a familiar, boring area. And one with no distractions! Go slowly, and make sure your pup stays focussed on you. Introduce down We also introduce the down position at this age. This is done without a cue like the sit was the previous month, by capturing the position. Advancing the sit The sit advances further at this stage. Once that is well established, you can begin to very slightly increase duration and distance one by one. Adding distance, duration or distractions to things they already know. Where you get your dog used to doing as you ask them, in different locations or with distractions. Or for longer! Adding distance, duration or distractions We do this step by step, only increasing one thing at a time. So if you want your dog to sit for longer, you will do it somewhere they already happily sit and with no one else around. And thinking of adding a distraction like another dog? Then do it somewhere they are familiar with, and with that dog a long way away to begin with. On leash heelwork We love teaching heelwork off leash. It helps your dog to walk nicely next to you, without ever having the opportunity to pull. A dog that has never wandered ahead is less likely to try to do so even with a leash. Training Methods I cannot recommend positive reinforcement training enough. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, by giving them something they like. Food is usually the best thing to motivate your dog with, but toys work well for some dogs too. When you use positive methods you can start training your puppy from the very first day they arrive in your home. And logical to know how far you expect a puppy to be able to have come at different developmental stages. Labradoodles are clever and focussed, but they also have a fairly high prey drive. Training is a marathon, not a sprint, and every dog takes their own time. Just remember to only move on to more challenging training situations for them when they have totally mastered the stage before. 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That means they can have an unpredictable mix of traits from each parent — and even two puppies in a litter might be different from one another. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog first bred in Scotland in the s. They were bred to work alongside their humans as a water retriever. It has a beautiful, long golden coat, which is where it gets its name. Males are about 24 inches at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 22 inches. Males are proportionally heavier than females, weighing about pounds. Females weigh pounds. They have soft, drop ears, dark eyes, and a well-balanced body with a deep chest. Goldens are trustworthy, smart, friendly, and eager-to-please their people. Pitbull terriers, technically known as American Staffordshire Terriers according to the AKC, is a smaller dog than the golden. They reach inches at the shoulder for males and inches for females. Males weigh anywhere from pounds, and females weigh anywhere from pounds. A smiling Pitbull dog These dogs were bred in England out of bulldogs in Great Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were popularized in the U. Pitbulls have short hair that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, bronze, liver, red, seal, white, brindle or a mix of these colors. They have naturally floppy ears, though many breeders crop them in the U. They have a characteristically wide head and mouth A well-bred pittie lovable, highly-trainable, courageous, alert, agile, and graceful. The puppies from these two dogs can have a range of these characteristics. Wondering what this unique pup looks like? They can be any color that a Golden or Pitbull comes in, or any combination — including a mix of three colors! The coat can be long, medium or short, wavy, straight and can even have curls. It can help to head to Instagram and look for pictures of Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes to see what you could be in for if you decide to bring one home. Full-grown, these dogs are about 18 to 24 inches 46 to 61 cm at the shoulder and 30 to 75 pounds 14 to 34 kg. It can help to look at the parents of the puppy to get an idea about size and potential color, but even then, you can never be sure. Get the know the personality of this friendly mix Just as these dogs can vary in appearance, a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix can have a varied personality, as well. In general, this is a loyal, devoted, and family friendly dog who is happy watching and playing with the kids. Some are wary of strangers, but most are super friendly and social. Imagine how a Golden approaches the world ready to meet and mingle. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes are usually similar. This can lead to digging, chewing, barking. The best way to do this is to leave calmly and give them a treat before you head out. This teaches them that leaving is a good thing. Be careful not to establish bad habits like begging unintentionally. Golden Retriever Pitbull mix have high energy and love to go hiking, walking, running, and swimming. This video shows a 5 month old having some playtime with their human. While they love their people, they can be independent. They may decide to ignore you and do what they want — so long as they can keep an eye on you. You need to keep them mentally stimulated, or watch out! They are aware of their surroundings at all times and will keep an eye out for intruders. That said, their personalities can be unpredictable and may have aggression issues. Especially if you get one from an irresponsible breeder who is just looking to make a buck. They have a high prey drive, so be careful if you plan to have them around cats, gerbils, or birds. That said, they do make good hunters and the squirrels in your neighborhood will need to keep an eye out. How to care for your Golden retriever pitbull mix Grooming will largely depend on the type of coat that your dog inherits. Long haired and double-coated dogs require more grooming than short or medium, or single coated dogs. The first should be brushed daily, while you can wait every days for shorter or medium, or single-coated dogs. That is, unless they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo to prevent irritating their skin. Trim their nails every few weeks using a clipper or grinder. Be careful not to cut the quick. Brush their teeth every few days using a doggie-specific toothpaste and either a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger or a dog toothbrush. Clean their ears whenever you bathe them using an ear cleaning solution. This is especially true if your dog has Golden-like drop ears. TGolden Retriever Pitbull mixes need about 1, calories a day divided between two meals. Look for a high-quality kibble with meat as the first ingredient. Puppies should eat a large breed puppy food four times a day. The trick with making sure your dog has all the best traits and not the bad ones is training. This includes early socialization when your pup is young. Just keep it all positive. This means introducing them to new people and animals, and giving them treats or praise when they behave well. Repeat this with different noises, smells, and situations, like walking over a metal grate or being around an umbrella opening. You need to teach them to respect your space, your furniture, and your authority. Praise them when they behave well. You should also teach them to accept it when you leave to avoid separation anxiety, as we discussed above. Positive reinforcement starting right when they come to your home for the first time is key. This can include playing fetch, running, hiking, swimming, or anything else that they like to do. You can also mix in some mental stimulation in the form of puzzle games or treat toys like Kong stuffing treats. Is a pitbull golden retriever mix healthy? They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Watch out for: Hip dysplasia. Temperament: Rambunctious, devoted and sociable. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance There is no official standard for this hard to find hybrid, but its accepted that the breed should embody the positive traits of both parents. These dogs can come out looking like either one of the parent breeds, or a perfect mix of both. Their appearance is variable and will depend on gene expression. They should be large and well-built dogs that stand up to 24 inches tall. You will find they can be thin and lean or have a wider, more muscular build. Lab Pitbull mixes can come out with any possible combination of these appearances, but careful selective breeding can create a more predictable appearance. Height and Weight Males stand anywhere between inches tall with females standing inches tall. You can expect them to weigh anywhere between pounds. Coat and Colors This is certainly a dog of many colors. They can be the solid gold colors of a Golden Retriever, or a mix of darker colors against a white base. Your mix may be a solid, bi colored or even tri colored. This breed can be single or double coated, with fur of just about any length. A short coat is typically thin and fine furred, while a long coat may be shaggy or wavy. Some may even have an attractive curl to them. Short to medium coated dogs will shed mildly and only need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs are frequent shedders with daily brushing and grooming requirements. The breed is not currently recognized by any organization, and there are no breed clubs or rescues. The Golden Retriever has history as a hunting partner used to retrieve waterfowl. This breed has no true name, but they are sometimes referred to as Retriever Pits. This name also applies to the more common Labrador Pitbull mix. Their unpredictability can make them difficult to train and to manage. One thing you can be certain about is their fun loving and active nature. A mix of a sporting dog and a terrier is a recipe for boundless energy. Their energy must be let out in bursts through the day. Your dog will certainly let you know when they need something to do. Pitbull Lab mixes social butterflies have an inborn desire to make new friends. They cannot tolerate boredom and hate to be by themselves. If you expect them to keep themselves entertained, they will do so by trashing your house. A high prey drive means that it will take some time for them to get along with your other pets. It is nearly impossible to pinpoint which specific behaviors your pup will inherit. But no matter what, you can expect them to be a loyal devoted friend to you and your family. This breed comes from two excellent family dogs, making it one of the best dogs for a family. They are known for extreme loyalty to their families, who they will view as their pack. Caring for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Exercise Requirements Any dog in the sporting group needs more exercise than your average pooch. Taking your dog for long walks and runs will help both you and your dog stay fit. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes need at least an hour of exercise every day. The best way to do this is to take them out for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood and dedicate the rest of the time to play. They also love to jump, and will catch a Frisbee or a ball right out of the air. You can tune in to their wild sides by giving them toys to hunt. This is the perfect pooch for taking along with you on your own daily activities. They make excellent hiking partners and will enjoy a trip out into nature just as much as you will. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Grooming and Shedding If you have a short coated dog, grooming will be much less intensive than it would be for a mix with a longer coat. Short and medium coated dogs need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs will need brushing every day, and may need special brushes and combs for shed control. Do not be tempted to run to the bathtub every time your pooch gets a little dirty. You can give your dog a full bath every 3 months, but daily dirt and grime should be wiped away. Feeding and Diet These large active dogs need plenty of healthy food to fuel their daily work and play. This breed benefits from including raw foods in their diet. Even if you feed them kibble, you should find ways to add raw meat to the menu. You can replace one of their cups of kibble with some cuts of raw pork or poultry. Muscular breeds like this will need more protein than others. Fruits and vegetables make a great healthy treat for your dog. These are packed full of vitamins and minerals, but should only be given every once in a while. Hip dysplasia is very common for all large dog breeds. This is a malformation of the hip joints that causes pain and eventual arthritis. Having pet insurance could save you from potential headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! You should expect your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to live for 10 to 15 years. This is a very little known breed with no official organization, so finding a breeder will be very difficult. However you will still need to focus on the four key areas: obedience, housebreaking, socialization and behavior. You will need to start tackling each one of these as soon as you bring your pup home. One of the first steps is to create a safe space for your dog to relax in while you are away. This is done through crate training. The crate will become your dogs den in the house, where they can feel safe and secure while they wait for you to come back home. When dealing with a bully breed, many assume that physical punishment should be used when training them. They could not be any more wrong. In reality the use of harsh correction and physical discipline will create aggression rather than eliminate it. Instead take advantage of your Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes loyalty. They will do anything to make you happy, so let them know how proud of them you are. If they misbehave just ignore it and they will catch on very fast. As a result of their size, they need to be on an excellent regular diet and fitness activities. The retriever and Pit Retriever has the potential of gaining weight without you noticing, and it can produce health complications. Keeping your Golden Retriever Pitbull at its ideal weight is easy, and you need to remember the following: Dedicate an active exercise regimen for them Give them plenty of walks Give them playtime to keep them engaged and fit There are many possibilities with what your Golden Retriever Pitbull might end up looking like, but you can expect that the build of your pup will take on the retriever, and the head from the Pit Bull. The Pitbull Retriever has a beautiful and unique coat, especially if the Pit Bull has a darker shade like black. There may be some instance when your pup can have a long black shaggy coat. If your Retriever and Pitbull takes on a long shaggy coat, then you need to be ready with giving them regular brushing and expect excessive shedding. You have nothing to worry about the temperament of Pitbull and Retriever Mix because they are generally well natured and friendly creatures. There may be several instances when the breed exhibits a rather odd trait, but this can all be corrected at a young age through the following: Train them at a young age; Give them exposure with other people and animals; Reward them for their excellent behavior. Do a bit of research to find out where your pups came from and whether they were successfully bred. You want to make sure that both the parents of the puppy are healthy. Doing your homework can help you avoid the following complications: Health complications. Development of negative personality traits. Shorter than average lifespan. Ask for documents to know the fitness of your puppies. A good and reliable breeder always have documents to show you the competence of the parents of the pups, as well as their health records. You can check whether they are updated with their vaccines and health records, and know what pre-existing conditions they might have. Most importantly, you want a breeder who already gave your pups some preventive vaccines. Crossbreeds can get very expensive, depending on the situation and where you get them. In most cases, the price is an excellent factor in determining the history of your pups. Here are some possible implications: Being charged a higher rate is average for the circumstance where the puppy shows a particular or rare trait. This can include different colors for the coat or eyes. Low charges can sometimes mean that the puppies were overbred, and overbreeding can often cause unhealthy litters. If your puppy takes after the coat of the Pitbull, a short, manageable coat, your job is relatively easy. Get their nails regularly trimmed, mainly because they are hyper dogs. Brush them regularly to eliminate loose furs. If your pup takes on the coat of golden retrievers, longer shaggy goats, then you need to give their grooming more attention. At times their grooming can be challenging especially because of their long shaggy coats. Be mindful, however, not to over bathe them since it might cause their skin to be dry. Your dog looks beautiful at all times. Regular brushing is an excellent place to start. All dogs have the propensity of developing genetic health problems, and some breeds are more prone than others. The Golden Retriever-Pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, depending on their health. The combination is also likely to the following health problems: bloat, hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and cancer. Bloat is a medical emergency which is life-threatening to dogs. Bloat is among the leading cause of deaths for many large and giant dogs, which is why you need to watch out for the following symptoms: Swollen hard belly; Drooling; Signs of distress, pain and restless. Some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia include: Reduce activity and inability to jump and run properly. Having a hard time walking and exhibiting signs of pain. Although the Pitbull Golden Retriever mix is a large breed, you need to regulate their diet. Unlike the worst dry dog food, the best dry dog food contains all the nutrients dogs need. Avoid processed foods and choose ingredients rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Adding food boosters such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can also be convenient. Unlike humans, dogs are better off with eating raw meat than cooked ones. Mind their size. Petite pooches have different dietary needs when compared to their larger cousins. Choose wisely between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food according to the size of the pooch. Keep in mind their age. Age dictates the amount of needed nutrients, and best puppy food brands are not appropriate for older dogs, just as whelps will not make the most of the best senior dry dog food. Golden Retriever Pitbull Exercise Requirements Retriever Pitbull are highly energetic dogs, and they need a lot of exercises and to be with a playmate. A dog such as this retriever mix is excellent for someone who lives an active lifestyle, and who enjoys long walks, hikes, and the like. Take them on runs or when you want to exercise. Since Golden Pitbull is independent, training them can be hard because they can become stubborn. Let them know that you are in control and that they should respect your authority. A definite and firm hand lets them know of their place. Give your dogs some positive reinforcement especially when they do your commands right. Praising them for their excellent behavior helps encourage them to do your commandments. Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix and Families There are a lot of reasons to fall in love with Pit Bull retriever, and they are perfect for every family. The breed may not be so familiar, but keeping one as a family dog is worth it. They are sweeter, friendlier than most dogs, considering how both parent dogs exhibit great personality traits. The breed is perfect for families who can give the right time and attention in training and caring. Taking care of the kind requires a lot of love and attention from the family. The video was shared on TikTok earlier in March by the dog's owner, under the username Kopperkinodaily. In it, the fluffy dog, named Kopper, can be seen enjoying his owner's cuddles and giving her his paw as he winks at her. The viral post came with a caption that read: "What a half pitbull half golden retriever looks like. A crossbreed dog who is half a golden retriever and half a pit bull has melted hearts all over the internet. Veronica Garibey According to Alpha Paw, golden retriever-pit bull mix-breeds make great family dogs, and are undoubtedly friendly. The website states: "If you want a dog who can be your forever companion, this is for you. Golden retrievers are known for being one of the gentlest and softest dogs around, especially around children. They get along with anyone and are very patient. Pit bulls also share the same personality trait as retrievers, and they are very gentle and sweet dogs especially if you give them [the] right training. Christine Barton, veterinarian at The Vets, told Newsweek that mixing dog breeds can have potential complications in many ways, especially anatomy e. She said: "This can also include congenital, as well as genetic, disorders. These two breeds in particular are known for having sensitive skin and joint issues. Pit bulls are more likely to have cancers such as mast cell tumors than retrievers, who are more likely to have lymphoma. She said: "My neighbor had a blue female pit bull and a neighborhood stray that resembled a reddish-golden retriever got her pregnant. I got him entirely for free! All the pups were mutts but he was the only one that came out fluffy. His absolute favorite game ever is fetch with the tennis ball. He is all retriever when it comes to the tennis ball," she said. The video quickly went viral, attracting animal lovers from across the platform. It has so far received over 4. Being a large and active breed, your doggo will need around 1, calories per day divided into two meals. Keep in mind that this is just a general estimate! Your dog may need more or less food depending on their age, activity levels, and any health problems. Golden retriever pit bull puppies should have four small, evenly spaced meals a day and eat high-quality puppy food designed for large breed dogs. After the first month or so, you can slowly transition your puppy to the formula of your choice. Long-haired golden pits, on the other hand, shed profusely and have to be brushed every day. The frequency of bathing will depend on how dirty and active your dog is. For most pups, once every three months will do the trick and help keep your mix looking and smelling great. However, you can always bathe your dog more often if they get extremely dirty or smelly from playing in the backyard or on outings. This grooming regimen should involve regular nail trimming, teeth brushing , and ear cleaning. To get your mix on board with their new grooming routine , start doing everything while they are still a puppy. The golden retriever pit bull mix is a wonderful dog that is deeply devoted to its owners and is fond of children. Friendly and loyal by nature, these dogs get along with other pets and people and tend to greet everyone with a wagging tail. While some golden pits may be wary of strangers, early socialization can help these pups to become friendlier and more accepting of new people. How much is a golden retriever pit bull mix? How big do pit bull retrievers get? The golden retriever pit bull mix is generally a large breed, but since there are no set breed standards, some dogs may be smaller. Male dogs are usually between 18 and 24 inches tall at the withers, while females are typically around 17 to 22 inches tall. Golden pit bulls usually weigh from 50 to 75 pounds, with males often being heavier than female dogs. Are pit bull golden retriever mix dogs aggressive? When properly socialized and trained from a young age, these dogs are no more dangerous than any other properly raised dog. Although pit bull mixes and bully breeds are often deemed as aggressive, golden retriever pit bulls are friendly, loyal, mild-mannered, and intelligent. Do pit bull golden retriever mixes shed? If you have a long-haired golden pit, invest in a de-shedding brush and a sturdy slicker brush that can go deep in the coat and remove as much loose hair as possible. Conclusion The golden retriever pit bull mix is still not as popular as other retriever mixes, but it is bound to attract the attention of dog lovers thanks to its loyal and friendly nature. Besides being extremely gentle with children and an ideal family dog, this mix is very easy to train and a great option for first-time owners. Do you own a pit bull golden retriever mix? What do you like most about your dog? Share your experience owning this mixed-breed with us and our readers in the comment section below! You May Also Like. Cons The Golden Retriever is known for its friendly and outgoing personality and love for people and children. They are highly trainable and make great family pets. On the other hand, Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous. However, with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can make loyal and loving pets. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix will likely have a friendly and outgoing personality and be good with children and other pets. However, it is important to remember that every dog is unique and may not necessarily exhibit the exact traits of its parent breeds. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance and Personality Traits A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a wide range of physical characteristics, as they are a crossbreed and can inherit traits from either parent breed. They typically have a medium to large build with a strong, muscular body. The coat can vary in color and texture, depending on which parent breed they take after more. In terms of personality, a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix will likely have a friendly and outgoing personality, as both parent breeds are known for being friendly and affectionate with people. They may be highly trainable and eager to please, making them a great option for first-time dog owners. They may also be good with children and other pets, as both parent breeds are known for being good with families. It is crucial to provide proper training and socialization for any breed of dog to ensure they have the best chance of becoming well-behaved, confident, and well-adjusted companions. Additionally, it is important to research and educate oneself on the breed and its characteristics before bringing a dog home. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is a medium to large-sized dog, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Golden Retriever mixed pitbulls are a larger breed, typically weighing between pounds and standing between inches tall at the shoulder. Pitbulls are medium-sized, typically weighing between 30 and 60 pounds and standing between 17 and 21 inches tall at the shoulder. A Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can inherit a wide range of size characteristics from its parent breeds. Some may be closer to the size of a Golden Retriever, weigh between pounds, and stand inches tall at the shoulder. Others may be closer to the size of a Pitbull, weigh between pounds, and stand between inches tall at the shoulder. In general, both the Pitbull and Golden Retriever mix are known for being friendly and outgoing, so a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull will likely have a friendly and sociable temperament. They may be affectionate with their family and enjoy spending time with their owners. Golden Retrievers are known for being highly trainable and eager to please, so a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix may also be easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. They may be a good option for first-time dog owners or families with children. Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous, but with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can make loyal and loving pets. It is important to provide proper training and socialization for a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix to ensure they have the best chance of becoming well-behaved, confident, and well-adjusted companions. Supervising them with children or other animals is also essential, especially if they need to be socialized properly. Advertisements Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix Health Issues Like any crossbreed dog, a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can have various health issues depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer. Pitbulls are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. A Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix may be at risk for these health issues, but they will not be guaranteed to develop them. Additionally, providing your dog with a healthy diet and regular exercise is important to help prevent or mitigate health issues. Life Expectancy The life expectancy of a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of years, while Pitbulls have a life expectancy of years. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a life expectancy that falls within this range, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Proper care and regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure that your Golden Pitbull Retriever Mix lives a long and healthy life. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help promote a long and healthy life. Food and Diet Requirements The food and diet requirements for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on their size, activity level, and any specific health issues they may have. In general, a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull will need a diet high in protein that provides all the necessary nutrients for its growth and development. Puppies need a diet high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. Adult dogs need a diet formulated to maintain their weight and provide them with the necessary energy to sustain their daily activities. You should monitor their weight and adjust their diet to maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. As they are active dogs, they will require high-quality protein to help build and maintain muscle mass. Considering any health problems your Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix might encounter is significant; therefore, talking with a vet to determine the top nutrition plan for your pet. They may require a diet low in nutrients or specially formulated for specific health conditions. Maintaining a constant availability of clean water and attentively monitoring their food intake are necessary conditions for keeping your canine healthy. Overfeeding, underfeeding, and irregular feeding schedules can lead to health problems such as obesity and digestive issues. Exercise Requirements A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls are known for being active and energetic, so a Retriever Golden Pitbull Mix will likely have a similar exercise requirement. They will enjoy going for walks , runs, or hikes and playing fetch and other interactive games. They will also enjoy agility training, obedience training, and other mental and physical stimulation forms. These activities can help to improve their physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall behavior. Some may be more active and require more exercise, while others may be more laid-back and require less exercise. Remember that exercise should be provided in a safe and controlled environment, and always supervise your dog during their sessions. Additionally, you should provide them with a good quality diet to support their energy needs. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Grooming and Shedding The grooming requirements for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a thick, wavy coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed moderately throughout the year and more heavily during shedding season. They will require weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Pitbulls have a short, smooth coat that is relatively low maintenance. They shed minimally throughout the year. They will require occasional brushing and occasional bathing. A Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull can inherit a wide range of coat characteristics from its parent breeds. Some may have a thicker, wavier coat that will require regular grooming, while others may have a shorter, smoother coat that will require less grooming. Additionally, regular grooming and brushing can help to reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. In addition, regular grooming will help reduce shedding and keep your home clean. Advertisements Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix Training Training a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can be a rewarding experience, as both parent breeds are known for being highly trainable and eager to please. Positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane way to train a dog. This method involves rewarding your dog with treats , praise, or other forms of positive reinforcement for good behavior. Puppies are more receptive to training and are more likely to learn new behaviors quickly. Basic obedience training such as sit, stay, come, and heel should be taught as early as possible. Socialization is also an essential aspect of training. Exposing your dog to different people, places, and animals from a young age is vital to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and consistent with your commands. Be patient and to understand that training takes time and patience. Consultation with a professional trainer and behaviorist may be necessary to achieve the best outcome. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can make a great family dog, as both parent breeds are known for being friendly and sociable with people. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them good with children and other pets, as both parent breeds are known for being good with families. Golden Retriever Pit is known for being highly trainable and eager to please, so a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix may also be easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. A Golden Retriever pit Mix can make a great family dog with proper training, socialization, and care. Expose them to different people, places, and animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Training: Start training your puppy from a young age using positive reinforcement training methods. Diet: Provide your Pitbull Golden Retriever mix puppy with a high-quality, age-appropriate diet formulated for their size and activity level. Monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to maintain a healthy weight. However, never overdo it, as puppies are still growing and need rest to develop properly. Grooming: Regular grooming is important for a puppy, as it helps to keep Finding a Breeder: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Price Finding a reputable breeder for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is challenging, as they are less common than some other breeds. These breeders may have different standards of care and may not provide health clearances or genetic testing. They may also charge less, but the puppies may not be healthy or well-socialized. Regarding cost, Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix puppies can vary in price depending on the breeder, location, and the specific puppy. Adoption fees are generally lower than buying from a breeder, and adoption costs include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Pros Friendly and outgoing personality: Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbull mix puppies are known for being friendly and sociable with people, making a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix puppy a great companion for families. Highly trainable: Golden Retrievers are known for being highly trainable and eager to please, making a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. Good with children and other pets: Both parent breeds are known for being good with families, making a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix a great choice for families with children or other pets. Active and energetic: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will enjoy going for walks, runs, or hikes and playing interactive games. Cons Size: Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull can be a medium to large-sized dog, challenging for people with small living spaces or limited mobility. Exercise requirements: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy, which can be challenging for people with busy lifestyles or limited mobility. Potential health issues: Both parent breeds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer, which can be a concern for people who want a healthy and long-lived companion. Our website is all about Pitbull dogs. Please navigate to Mixed Breeds on the menu to find them all. Mandy Connelly Mandy has lived with pitbulls her whole life, and she has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge about these magnificent animals. Having had the pleasure of owning and caring for numerous pitbulls over the years, she has come to understand their unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Read more.

They have distinctive physical features characterized by a wrinkled face and a compact square body. These companion dogs have been around since BC. Over the years, they have grown to become a fashionable breed. Below is a detailed look at everything you need to know about pugs. History Pugs are one of the oldest breeds. They are originally from China and date back to the Han Dynasty. Some historians believe they were related to the Tibetian Mastiff. Pugs were highly valued by ancient Chinese emperors. Such that, they had luxurious accommodations and were even guarded by soldiers. They were also popular in Tibet and Japan. In fact, they were welcome in Buddhist monasteries for companionship. The first pug entered Europe in the early s, as trade between China and Europe began to open up. The short-nosed animals quickly became a favorite among the royals. Over the years, they spread worldwide and have become a popular pet breed in the modern world. Pugs are a part of the American Kennel Club. Pug Life Expectancy On average, pugs have an year life expectancy, with females having a longer lifespan than males. Their lifespan can be cut short by accidents, diseases, or lack of care. However, with proper care, they can outlive their estimated life span. Physical Features Pugs have a square, compact, and square body with well-developed muscles. Their chest is relatively wide. They have a fine, smooth, and glossy fur coat, and their tail is curled upwards over the hips. Some are black, while others are different shades of brown, ranging from light brown, tan, silver fawn to apricot fawn. A pug dog has a distinctive face. It is wrinkly and short. Their ears are small and circular, while their deep brown eyes bulge out. Their ears either have a button or rose shape. Most of those bred in the US have button-style ears. Another distinctive feature is that their teeth have an underbite — the lower teeth protrude outwards more than the upper teeth. Their legs are short and strong, and they sit well under the rest of the body. The ankles are also strong and provide adequate support for the body. They have small feet and toes. The toes are well split-up, and they have black nails. Generally, they are small animals classified under the toy group. Adults weigh no more than 20 pounds, with males heavier than females. On average, they weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and grow to a height of 10 to 11 inches. Personality Pugs have an outgoing, loving disposition. They do well with kids, adults, and other pets. However, they can be strong-willed at times but not aggressive. They are fond of children and often play with them. Pugs thrive on human companionship and require lots of quality time. They like to follow you around or sit on your lap. They respond to your mood by either being docile and quiet or playful and teasing. With that said, some pugs are shy and a little aggressive. You may come across one that likes to hide in the corner or bite his littermates. Growth and Development of Pugs Pug pregnancies are on average 63 days long, with pugs per litter. However, a range of pug puppies per litter is considered normal. Newborn pugs, like other dog breeds, do not have any senses and cannot move their legs. They are completely blind and fully reliant on their mothers in the first two weeks. Due to the natural makeup of their face, they may have difficulty breathing. Within weeks, they gain their senses and can move around. Pugs are considered puppies in the first year only. They portray curious and mischievous behavior at this age as they are excited and eager to explore the world. They may present some puppy behaviors in the second year, but their personality tends to be a bit mellow. The age for a senior pug starts at years when they become less excitable and may develop mobility and breathing difficulties. While it is still important to ensure they exercise at this age, only provide moderate exercise. Finding the Perfect Pug There are several ways of becoming a pug owner, including buying one from a breeder or adopting from a rescue center. Whichever option you choose, you want to vet the pug to ensure it is healthy and has favorable genetics. Ask the pug breeder or rescue center for a health history, vaccination records, and history of the pet. Keep in mind that, unlike a reputable breeder who will have a detailed record and history of the pug puppy, a rescue center or puppy mill will not have that much information. Do not buy pugs over the internet without meeting the breeder and seeing the dog in person. They require specialized vet care to prevent or catch the diseases in the early stages for effective treatment. They also need to stay up to date with the various vaccines. Below is a look at some of the most common pug diseases. Common Pug Diseases and Health Problems While some pug health problems are due to their anatomical structure, others are unexplainable. For instance, the protruding nature of their eyes predisposes them to dryness and a myriad of eye infections, such as proptosis, distichiasis, and pigmentary keratitis. Similarly, the folds on their face are susceptible to infections such as skin fold dermatitis due to the accumulation of moisture and dirt. These flat-faced dogs are short-snouted with elongated palates. These features can restrict airflow when breathing. They are prone to respiratory health issues such as brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BAOS and pharyngeal gag reflex. These conditions cause laborious breathing, and in some cases, the dog may pass out due to blocked airways. It is an inflammation of the brain common in other small dog breeds, such as the Maltese, Yorkshire terrier, and chihuahua. The disease has no cure, and although it is linked to genetics, scientists have not yet established its exact cause. Other common diseases in pugs include: Obesity. November 19, iStock. Just look at them! These little dogs have wrinkly, happy faces and delightful personalities. Instantly recognizable for their smushed-in faces, expressive bug eyes and curlicue tails, the Pug dog breed can be traced back more than 2, years when they were the highly regarded pets of Chinese emperors. While Pugs undoubtedly are adorable and popular dogs, knowing a bit about the breed before bringing one home is essential to ensure that the pup will be a good fit for you and your family. While cute, their face shape requires some maintenance and are responsible for some of the health issues that Pugs tend to face. Pugs also are known to be prolific shedders, so managing their coats takes a little extra work. Invest in a good de-shedding dog brush and consider bathing your Pug with shed-control shampoo, like the Shed-X dog shampoo. Pugs Can Suffer From Breathing Problems Pugs can suffer from breathing issues associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this syndrome have shorter noses than most dogs, and while this gives Pugs their adorable smushy-faced appearance, it also means that they must work harder to breathe than their longer-snouted brethren. Brachycephalic issues can include shortened airways, a narrowed trachea and nasal passages, as well as issues with the soft palate and voice box. Wylie says. Wylie also recommends walking Pugs on a dog harness to limit pressure placed on the upper airways and trachea. If a Pug sounds like the right fit for your family, Dr. Wylie recommends establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early on to see if your dog may need surgery related to brachycephalic syndrome. Pugs Are Prone to Weight Gain Pugs are hearty, muscular little guys, and they are prone to weight gain. There are foods, like the Royal Canin Pug dog food, specially formulated for Pugs to help them maintain a healthy weight. Wylie adds. By Kate Hughes. I adopted Wilma quite quickly as I had the opportunity to save her from an undesirable situation. I instantly fell in love, but with little experience in owning such a breed there were a few surprises in store. Taking on a pug is a hella' lot of responsibility. It is particularly unfair to leave this breed home alone for long periods, so have a think about how much time you can offer, or if you can rely on anyone for regular doggy-sitting duties. Your clothes will never be the same again Fawn pugs have a double coat, and therefore malt. A lot. The days of stepping outside in a hair-less outfit are a distant memory. They eat like there's no tomorrow For such a small breed you wouldn't think they have a lot of room for food, but they damn sure MAKE room. Aaaand it goes straight to their waistline. Don't give in to their pleading little eyes. They know how to play you.These cute little wrinkles can harbour some pretty gruesome bugs, especially as pugs submerge their entire face into the food bowl at dinner time. Their ears need a clean too, I use doggy ear wipes. Dry it out thoroughly afterwards with a clean tissue. Conclude the session with a treat. They find it difficult to breathe Yes there are some health issues than come with the breed. Because of their shortened snout, their airways are obstructed. Most brachycephalic breeds flat-faced are not as healthy as their long-nosed peers. This is a big thing to consider as pugs will most likely need BOAS surgery nostrils widened and elongated soft palette cut back in order for them to live a more comfortable life. Always use a harness, and get a comfortable necktie so they can still wear their ID tag at all times. Pugs Are Royalty In ancient times, pugs were bred as companions for Chinese emperors. Later, they lived with ruling families in the Netherlands. Get a Lint Roller Pugs shed… a lot! Some pugs even come with double coats, meaning they have both an undercoat and topcoat of fur. Make sure you stock up on lint rollers, and invest in a good vacuum cleaner. See here to learn how to deal with a shedding pug. On your lap, in your bed, even at your feet while you use the bathroom. Get used to never being alone again, and forget about your personal space. Feeling Hot Hot Hot Like all flat-faced breeds, pugs sometimes have breathing issues. They do best in moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Here are some tips on how to help them stay cool. Their big eyes can lead to corneal ulcers or dry eye, their smushed face can lead to breathing issues, and their wrinkles must be cleaned. Trips to the vet for general check-ups are a must, along with regular grooming nail trims, wrinkle wipes, and ear cleanings. They live to eat, and are prone to obesity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are super important, as is watching their weight. Always use positive reinforcement when training them, but definitely expect some push back. Learn to Love the Pug Symphony Pugs wheeze, snort, sneeze, and snore. These creatures will keep you laughing, and put a smile on your face every single day. They give unconditional love, and make great family dogs. Their size, temperament, and great personalities make them the perfect pet. Photo by Pets by Petra Do you have a pug? If so, what makes them great? The Ultimate Guide to Pets Share Sure, pugs are adorable, but they also have some unique characteristics. Here are some things to consider before you adopt one. When I first saw Rosie, I knew we were soul mates. She came bounding into the kitchen, tongue lolling and eyes bulging, and gave me a big wet pug kiss on my nose. I was hooked. Fast forward two days and I learned what a lot of new pug owners discover quickly: she never leaves my side. A few months later, I learned the breed has some other unique traits. So, before you decide to go pug wild here are 10 things you should know. They will follow you around everywhere. If you're someone who would get irritated by lap dog behaviour, think twice about getting a pug. Whether I'm taking a quick jaunt to the kitchen or a trip to the bathroom, Rosie is right by my side, curly tail wagging. And then when I sit down, she wants to be right up on my lap. They're prone to health problems. Pugs aren't health nightmares but "they can have a variety of health issues, which, if you're not familiar with, can lead to devastating results," says Blanche Axton, president of the board at Pugalug Pug Rescue in Toronto. Things to be watch for include: - eye scratches - a higher-than-normal tendency to react to vaccines - eye- and nose-fold care - breathing problems In short, pugs can be high-maintenance canines. Get familiar with their health issues and research their breeder before you adopt Fido. They need a lot of attention. Any dog needs your time and attention to be a happy pet, but many pugs require more face time than other dogs. They're not couch potatoes mostly. While they do enjoy naps, pugs thrive on activity, including regular playtime and walks. So if you work hour days, find a dog walker because a pug can't hold its small bladder for that long. They shed—a lot. Need proof? Come to my home and take a look at the carpet, couch, chairs, kitchen, clothes and bed…. They can be intrusive. Pugs are what I like to call "space invaders. They're smart. Just because they haven't been bred to be work dogs, doesn't mean pugs are stupid. Pugs can be trained just as easily as other dogs, including agility, scent detection, tracking and working with seniors. Axton recounts that she had a pug named Pete who, "ended up being a palliative dog, working with people who were at the end stages of their life. They can take time to house train. Pugs aren't fond of inclement weather, so you may have to deal with a dog that refuses to go to the bathroom during a snowstorm. Take the time to reinforce outdoor pottying, no matter how much they resist going outside Sticking to a schedule will help your pug learn what he or she should be doing. Remember, pugs respond to positive reinforcement, not punishment. Pugs are motivated by food, so give yours a treat and lots of praise when he or she goes potty outside. They will eat almost anything. I've seen Rosie eat sticks, gum, doughnuts, pasta noodles and even lollipops wrapper included. Pugs are food driven and they won't give up their treat easily if you're trying to get them to drop it. To avoid a trip to the vet, make sure not to leave food lying around. They're total love bugs. Once you get a pug, he or she will be your bestie for life. They love belly rubs, head scratches, giving kisses and snuggling with their human, and they will gaze at you as if you're the best person in the world. Give them the love they deserve and they will love you forever. I've had Rosie for two and a half years and despite her quirks, I don't regret having her in my life for a second. You could say she has me wrapped around her little paw. If you're looking to adopt or buy any dog, research the breed to avoid heartaches and headaches. Head over to the Pug Club of Canada, recommends Axton. Come prepared with questions, such as what the dog's temperament is like, what kind of health testing they've done and if they've seen any health problems with the parents. Or if your cat is anxious? Our pet experts reveal what your pet's feeling. Black, silver, apricot or fawn, with black muzzle and ears Size Height: 25 cm — 30 cm Weight: 6. Originally bred to be a lap dog, these small but sturdy dogs are known for their large round heads, large, protruding eyes, short noses and deep and distinct face wrinkles. These wrinkled brows also result in very humanised facial expressions like happiness, curiosity and surprise. Pugs come in three colours, silver, apricot with a black muzzle and ears or all black. They also have high set, tightly curled tails and fine, smooth, glossy coats. Pugs are known for their stubborn personalities and are often difficult to train. They carry themselves with dignity and play well with others but are also happy being the only pooch in your family. These dogs are also incredibly adaptable and make a great house pet. They can be happy in the city or the countryside and make great companions for both children and older people because of their sturdy bodies and loving nature. Pugs may be playful, but as a typically sedentary dog, they are happy to just sit in your lap or receive a nice cuddle. It is typically easy for pugs to get along with your other pets, making them a great addition to your family. Pugs love their food and will overeat if you let them. The breed is prone to becoming overweight, so it is important to monitor their diet and exercise carefully. Mild climates are best for them, making the UK a perfect home for your new furry friend. Pugs have short fur, but they have what is called a double coat. This also means that pugs shed quite a lot and require a lot of grooming. Brushing their coat as regularly as every three days with a soft bristle comb can help this. Bath time with your pug Pugs should be bathed once every three to four weeks. You should however clean their ears , eyes, and in between their wrinkles multiple times a week. Their wrinkles, as adorable as they may be, are prone to yeast infections. How much exercise does a pug need? However, this is a lively and intelligent breed, so pugs do need both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and prone to heat sensitivity and should be observed for heatstroke during hot weather. Your pug should not be exercised during the hottest part of the day, so exercising either early morning or late evening time is advisable. How much does a pug cost? The big price range is largely due to differing demands depending on fur colour, size, and age. As puppies are more in demand, they are more expensive. This also applies to teacup pugs; these small dogs are highly sought after for their small frames. The apricot coloured pugs with black muzzles and ears are the most popular coat colour and as a result, breeders will typically charge more for them as well. For Pedigree dogs such as pugs, it is important to find a reputable breeder. This means your dog will have been bred ethically and for good health rather than trendy physical features. What health problems can a pug experience? This causes folds and wrinkles which obstructs the airways. They will breathe heavily and noisily. Pain when swallowing and regurgitating food can also be symptoms. Surgery to remove the excess tissue is the only way to treat BAOS. The problem can be managed by keeping the dog at a healthy weight. Hemivertebrae A hemivertebra is a deformed vertebra backbone , which is caused by the fusing of two or more vertebrae, or it develops unevenly. This causes a wedging effect that twists and compresses the spine. Signs of the condition include weakness of hind limbs, pain and incontinence. Some dogs can live with hemivertebrae and not experience any of these symptoms. Rest and anti-inflammatories can be helpful for mild cases. Severe cases will need surgery to relieve the compression on the spinal cord. Keratoconjunctivitis Dry eye This condition develops when there is a problem with the tear glands. A lack of tears causes dry eyes, which are sore and often become infected or damaged. Treatments vary but they all aim to prevent the eyes from drying out. If left untreated, scarring and pigmentation will occur, which can lead to blindness. Affected dogs will hop rather than use the affected leg and are prone to other knee-related injuries. In some cases, the problem is temporary, but usually surgery is needed to correct the alignment. Looking to buy a new Pug? Explore our Pug insurance policies today. Insurance for dogs Share this with your friends As with all insurances terms and conditions, monetary levels, excesses and exclusions apply. For full details of cover and exclusions please refer to the Policy Document. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Be first to know the latest deals.