black teacup poodle puppies for sale
Happy, Healthy Puppies We proudly strive to raise healthy, long-living Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles, with great dispositions and temperaments. Each puppy is dewormed three-time at 3, 5, and 7 weeks , vet checked at 7 weeks old where they get their first round of vaccinations including Parvo before they go to their new homes at 8 weeks old. As a family, we want to provide a loving home and help mold them into the best companions possible for their new homes. Each puppy is well socialized since birth with adults, children, and other animals. In addition, we expose our puppies to different sig Show More Our puppies are our life, we treat each of them as if they were part of our family. In addition, we expose our puppies to different sights, sounds, and textures so by the time they go home they are well acclimated to what life in their new homes will be like. This is to ensure our puppies have the fundamentals and confidence for any situation. Lastly, we do our best to litter train our puppies while they are with us to help aid their new family with house training. We have had previous owner's tell us this helped with potty training. We strive to breed our bernedoodle puppies for outstanding temperament, conformation, and of course, most important of all, health. By doing these health tests we believe it ensures that we are taking every step possible to produce the best bernedoodle puppies possible for our puppy homes. There's the solid color bernedoodle which may be black or brown or possibly other colors as well. There's the bicolor bernedoodle which may be black and tan, black and white, sable and white and possibly other colors as well. There's the tricolor bernedoodle which may be black, white and brown and considered a black tri bernedoodle, or sable, white and tan and referred to as a sable tri bernedoodle. Currently, HC Bernedoodles offers mini, standard and tiny bernedoodle puppies for sale. Read more about each below and click to the following links to read more on each, view current litters, past litters, pups for sale and more information on each. Do you ship your Bernedoodle Puppies? We have our own personal Air Nanny that will fly in person with puppy and she can deliver to your local airport and meet you there. The cost varies and we would need to get you a quote from Brenda if you are interested. At 25 to 45 pounds this is a fantastic size for an indoor pet, while also being a very convenient size for families who may enjoy traveling with their pet companions. Click the link below to read more about our mini bernedoodle breeding and view our current mini bernedoodle puppies for sale. This is the largest bernedoodle breed and is an excellent size for families whom enjoy a large breed with minimal shedding and the most likely to possess the affectionate Bernese Mountain Dog trait. More about our Standard Bernedoodle Puppies Micro Mini Bernedoodle Breeder The tiny or micro mini bernedoodle is the smallest size bred in bernedoodles. You will see a tiny bernedoodle being bred in an F1B cross. The Micro mini bernedoodle is the only cross that HC Bernedoodles recommends breeding in an F1B cross, due to being the only way possible to consistently breed for this extra small size. More about our Tiny Bernedoodle Puppies What To Look For in a Bernedoodle Breeder Purchasing a puppy can be a daunting task, not only because it is a big decision, but also because there are a lot of sketchy and dishonest dog breeders out there, and it can be hard to determine who is who. We especially saw a massive spike in this issue during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic, so we decided to provide people with a few helpful tips on what to look for in their search for a dog breeder - whether they choose to go with HC Bernedoodles or not. Read Article Contact Us If you are looking for a great new bernedoodle puppy addition to your family, please check out our upcoming litters , or get on our email list for a upcoming litter. Thanks for visiting! HC Bernedoodles. Breed Info Reservation Process of Missouri Bernedoodles When our clients fall in love with a small ball of fur that we call Bernedoodle, they often want to purchase a pup and take it home right away. And we get the feeling! Nobody can stand the cuteness of those pups. So, let us explain what our reservation process is and what to expect. The process is simple and much easier than the other Doodle breeders in Missouri. We start with getting to know you and your preferences. Before you reserve a pup, we help you choose the perfect fit for your family. This happens not only through the photos and videos we share with you but also by matching their traits and personality to blend in well with your daily life. Since Bernedadoodles need to spend the first weeks of their life with their mom, we kindly ask you to wait for them to mature a bit before separating the pup from its siblings. Why Choose Central Illinois Doodles? We are a premier Bernedoodle breeder raising high-quality first-generation and F1B Bernedoodle puppies for sale. Our puppies come in all incredible coat colors, sizes, and coat types to ensure that you will find one that is perfect for our amazing families. View our available puppies page to see some of our wonderful Bernedoodles. Central Illinois Doodles is, by all means, not a puppy mill. Breeding dogs ethically is what we believe in. Our Bernedoodles are raised in a loving and caring environment, and we prioritize their health and well-being above all else. We are committed to providing you with a happy and healthy puppy that will bring joy to your family for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our Bernedoodles and start the adoption process. Your new furry family member is waiting for you! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have 1 puppy available! She is not only beautiful, but has the best personality! If you would like to purchase the above puppy or get on our list for a future litter, please answer the questions below and email them to us and we will let you know if you are a good fit for one of our puppies. Where do you live? Will your dog be an inside pet or outside? Are you planning on breeding eventually or will always be a companion only? How much time, during the day, will you or your family have for a new puppy? Do you have any other pets? We live on a farm just a few miles outside of Maryville, MO. Our main priority is finding the perfect person or family for our gorgeous puppies. We are not a puppy mill or a kennel. We have one male and one female Mini Bernedoodle and my sister has one female at her home. Our puppies are raised in our house with our cat and our children who love on them every day. When our puppies go to their new homes, they are social and not timid around children or other dogs and cats. Email us at or text or call us at - Mackinzee Trixie - Megan Bailey Maryville, MO Every puppy and adult dog that you see on our website is ours. We use no pictures of puppies that do not belong to our adult dogs. Every picture that you will find on this site, either I took or our photographer took on our behalf. Excerpts and links may never be used by any other person or website. Josie at 4 months If you are interested in getting on the reservation list, please send us an email answering these questions. Where do you live? Do you have plenty of space for a large breed dog? Will your dog be an inside pet or outside? Are you planning on breeding eventually or will always be a companion only? How much time, during the day, will you or your family have for a new puppy? Do you have any other pets? We have done this with every litter and right away the puppies choose to potty outside instead of where they sleep and play. I've had several people tell me that they installed a doggy door and their puppy didn't have any accidents at all and was completely trained to the door when they brought them home. I make no guarantees on your puppy being potty trained by 8 weeks when you take them home but I do guarantee that they had a great start of pottying in the yard for weeks prior to going home. We do not ship puppies because when you get your puppy, we want to be there to hand him to you and make sure that your new baby is safe and in good hands the entire time. We can travel up to 70 miles to meet you with your new puppy. Proverbs A righteous man regards the life of his animal.If you would like to speak to us before placing a deposit you can call or text us at Email us at. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Bonne Terre Missouri and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.
This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.
Please enjoy our home on the web where you will find a parade of wonderful examples of the boxer breed! We take great pride in producing the best quality boxer puppies Europe has to offer right here in the United States! Strictly European Boxers where quality, health, and temperament matter. Why import when you can purchase the same quality right here in the United States with no worries of paperwork and health guarantee's that matter. We are very proud of our accomplishments and encourage you to take a look at our photos, health testing, reviews, and what is in store for us here at Euro-Dream. When we built our home back in I wanted to be sure I had plenty of room for my furry kids! We have an entire floor of our home dedicated to them. Please view our pictures and you will see just how life is here at our home where everyone sleeps at night and plays out side during the day. We are very fortunate to have lots of room in our home along with several acres for the dogs to run and play on. Our goal is to raise happy and healthy European boxers for American families to enjoy! I hope they will touch your lives just as ours have for us! I hope you enjoy our home on the web. We are a small kennel located in Southern California that breeds top quality full European Boxers with impressive bloodlines that are true to the European standards. As a boxer breeder, we pride ourselves in breeding the best quality boxers for you and your family. We hope you enjoy visiting our site and learning about us. All of our boxers are AKC registered and follow the boxer breed standards. We breed not only to better the European boxer breed in the states but also to provide you with and your family with a life long companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age. Boxers are medium-sized dogs. A male German boxer stands from 26 to 28 inches, weighing 65 to 90 pounds, while a female German boxer reaches anywhere from 24 to 26 inches and weighs 60 to 85 pounds. American boxers are slightly smaller, the males 23 to 25 inches tall and the females averaging at .European Boxers tend to have more robust appearance, larger bone structure, deeper chest, more slanted topline, and larger head, and a stouter shorter muzzle than the American Boxer. The lower jaw is slightly heavier than the upper jaw and protrudes slightly. They typically weigh more at maturity and have a greater muscle mass than American Boxers. The European Boxer is also a calmer and more focused dog. Many agree for this reason the Euro Boxer is easier to train. The American Boxer has a more balanced elegant look, finer bone structure, smaller chest and more solid hind quarters than the European Boxer. This dog's muzzle is longer and less substantial than the Euro Boxer. The American boxer has a less slanted topline. Many American Boxers have a lower mature weight and appear less muscular than European Boxers.
Written step-by-step video tutorial: For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin. Step 1: Draw two circles as guides for the first part of the golden retriever's body. First draw four small marks for the height and width of the circle, then connect the marks using curved lines. Sketch lightly at first so that it's easy to erase if you make a mistake. But the circles don't have to be perfect. They're just guides. If you do want perfect circles, trace the outer rim of a coin, a bottle cap or any other object with a circular edge. The circle on the right should be smaller than the one on the left, and their edges should touch. Place the circle on the right slightly higher so that the top edges of both circles are at the same level. Step 2: Draw another circle on the top, left side as a guide for the golden retriever's head. Draw this circle the same way. First draw four marks that indicate the height and width, then connect the marks using curved lines. The edges of the circles should touch. This circle should be a bit smaller than the body circle on the right. Step 3: Draw a curved horizontal line across the golden retriever's head. This is a construction line that will help you place the dog's facial features later. Add a curved vertical line on the top left side of the head for another construction line. Step 4: Draw a small circle on the lower left side of the head as a guide for the dog's muzzle. The top edge of this circle should touch the construction line, and the bottom edge should be outside of the head. The left edge of the circle should also be outside the head. Pay attention to the size of this circle in relation to the golden retriever's head. On the right side of the head, below the horizontal construciton line, draw a V-shaped line for the golden retriever's other ear. Add an extra line on the V-shaped line that attaches to the edge of the head. There are no open spots for this class. You can request another time or scroll down to find more classes like this. Students will learn techniques to draw a proportionate golden retriever puppy portrait head to chest using pencil. Students will also learn basic shading techniques and techniques for adding fur texture. I will demonstrate each step for students and have students complete that step along with me. My classroom is a calm, fun, and creative environment where discussion.Show More Learning Goals Students will learn techniques for drawing a proportionate golden retriever puppy portrait head to chest. Students will learn techniques for drawing with pencil e. Teacher Expertise I have been drawing animal portraits for nearly ten years. It is what I love to draw most of all! Homework Before class, please print out the picture sent of the golden retriever puppy reference photo we will be drawing. This is sent in the welcome email. If your student does not finish their golden retriever puppy portrait in class, I encourage them to finish it outside of class. Please, no bigger than 9 x 12 inches. External Resources Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools. Progress Students will be assessed throughout class and at the end of class through questions and sharing of drawings. Time Commitment 1 hour 20 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class. Parental Guidance Please be aware that this course uses materials that may be harmful to your student if used inappropriately.
Bringing about a litter of English bulldogs requires artificial insemination of the female. While her gestation period is the same as other canines -- approximately two months -- the birth process is not. You must schedule a cesarean section with your vet. The bulldog puppy's large huge head makes it almost impossible to pass through the birth canal. English Bulldog Litters Bulldogs usually give birth to three or four puppies in a litter. Once you bring the bulldog and her litter home from the veterinary hospital, keep a close eye on her. She doesn't have much in the way of mothering instincts. It's not unusual for mother bulldogs to accidentally squish or smother their offspring. For safety's sake, it's a good idea to keep the litter in a separate, warmed box and only put them in with the mother for nursing. You must ensure that the mother dog licks the puppies to stimulate bowel and urinary functions. If she doesn't, you must gently rub the puppies after each meal so they will defecate and urinate. At three weeks, you can introduce the puppies to solid food. Because of their short noses, puppies might have difficulty chewing food. Ask your vet about special foods designed for bulldog puppies, aiding their ability to eat. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. Family Dog Expert Author Factors influencing a Bulldog litter size The size of a Bulldog puppy litter can be influenced by so many factors. The major factors include: Age of female Bulldog The age of the Bulldog bitch breeding plays a key part in litter size. The older the female Bulldog, the smaller the litter. Bulldog dams bred from years usually have the largest litters. Before that, they are considered to be immature and could end up with complications. Age of the stud Bulldog The age of the male Bulldog also plays a part in litter size. Diet of female Bulldog Nutrition plays a big part in determining the number of puppies in a litter. A high-quality diet rich in protein should be eaten all year to maximize litter size. The health of female Bulldog The Health of Bulldog plays a vital role in litter size. Both Bulldog parents need to be in excellent health to maximize their chance to have more puppies. Bulldogs that have genetic issues will tend to have a smaller puppy count. Method of mating Naturally mated Bulldog dams have significantly larger litters than those who had been Artificial Insemination, either fresh frozen. This is likely due to more sperm dying during the collection and insemination process. Waiting for a set season The American Kennel Club has noted that generally, dams give birth to larger litters in the spring and smaller litters in the summer. They can tell if the mother Bulldog has given birth to all puppies. It also identifies early signs of potential complications such as large puppies that may be hard to pass the birth canal. Ultrasound is a good way to determine the litter size in Bulldogs. It can be performed in around 25 days. Ultrasound is a great way to tell if the female Bulldog is pregnant and the pups are alive and moving. Often this method is not accurate for litter size as you are looking only at parts of the abdomen at a given time. The ideal way to assess Bulldog litter size is by radiography. This will make them visible on the x-ray. This mineralization process starts at around 45 days of gestation. In radiography, the skulls of puppies can be counted easily once the pregnant dam gets closer to whelping. How many litters can a Bulldog have? An average female Bulldog goes through heat about every seven months. However, a female Bulldog should not have a litter more than once a year. After a female Bulldog has had a litter, it will need at least a year to recover before having another. Frequent pregnancies might give all kinds of mental and physical struggles to the Bulldog mother. The uterus and surrounding muscles need time to regrow. Many female Bulldogs lose patches of fur during pregnancy. These fur patches need time to grow back as well. Putting a female Bulldog through too many pregnancies and c-sections is dangerous. How many puppies are usually in a first litter? The number of puppies your Bulldog can have varies in every litter. When a female Bulldog reaches sexual maturity and breeds for the first time, it is likely to have a smaller litter than normal. Despite the age of the dam, the first 2 litters will generally be smaller than the ones afterward. Bulldogs typically produce their largest litter the third or fourth time they get pregnant. After that, their litter size becomes smaller with every successful mating. When a Bulldog has a big litter, the risk of complications during pregnancy and at birth significantly increases. How long is a Bulldog pregnant? Like all breeds, Bulldogs have a pregnancy gestation period of around 2 months or around 63 days. This is the length of the pregnancy measured from when the fertilized egg embeds itself into the lining of the uterine horn. This may vary by a few days depending on several factors. A vet will be able to accurately determine how far along the pregnancy is and when the Bulldog dam will give birth. Can Bulldogs reproduce on their own? This includes both the actual mating and the birthing process. This makes it difficult for Bulldogs to give birth naturally through the birth canal. The Bulldog puppies are often too large for the birth canal. Usually, they require a correction and close medical supervision by a trained vet. Some Bulldogs can get pregnant naturally, however, most of them do not get pregnant easily when using natural methods. For most Bulldogs, the chest, shoulders and head are much larger than their hips. They usually are heavier in the front than they are in the back. Some Bulldog breeds do not require C-sections and can have a natural birth. Tips for Bulldog Breeding Bulldog breeding is not only a joy but also a huge responsibility. You need to prepare yourself and understand the commitment. Here are some useful tips: Check the female Bulldog over at the vet first. This will ensure that they are healthy enough to deal with the breeding process. Ensure you have enough money for all the vet treatments. Put the welfare of the mother Bulldog first. Never breed an unhealthy Bulldog. The goal of the breeding is to produce a healthy pup. Artificial insemination is a simple procedure that can be used for Bulldogs when natural breeding is impractical. Get the puppies registered from the kennel club and have the correct paperwork. Provide a safe, warm, and dry place for the puppies. Also, provide proper food and water for the female Bulldog. Give the mother Bulldog at least a year to recover after birth before the next pregnancy. Be alert for signs of labor Final thoughts It is always amazing to watch a Bulldog litter grow. Bulldog puppies have short noses and might have difficulty chewing food. Ask your vet about special foods designed for Bulldog puppies to facilitate their ability to eat. If you want to breed Bulldog puppies, this is not a task that should be taken lightly. Breeding Bulldogs is very high maintenance work and care. You need to research, consult your vet and have some money for medical expenses. Also, it should be done with the best of intentions and your whole heart. Family Dog Expert Author Hi there! My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. Welcome to Sirdoggie A blog crafted with love for all dog lovers and their families! During the summer, an average English bulldog can have up to four puppies. During the birth of English Dogs, they can also give birth to more than four puppies, which is potentially dangerous for the dogs if you own some English Dogs. A British bulldog tends not to live an easy life. Due to this, the delivery of a puppy is very difficult. A family in Coventry says a large litter of puppies has been born to an English Bulldog. It is crucial for English bulldogs to be bred for two or three times in their lifetime in order to ensure that they are in good health and well. This is an ideal breed of French Bulldog for those responsible for not breeding it more than three times a lifetime, and not one less than every two or three years. If that is exceeded, the dog will no longer be physically recovered, may even be mentally drained. Six months is a typical dog period for having a heat or estrus. When a baby turns six to eight months old, he or she is able to smell the heat for the first time. There is then a six-month cooling period followed by a two-year cooling period. Be very careful when pregnant with your Bulldog who may carry a virus while they are in the first year. Many dogs have been bred over many years to become bigger, causing their heads to expand so rapidly they cannot cessly through the pelvic canal. A canine with a squashed face known as a brachycephalic dog. There are probably more English bulldog puppies than you can imagine litters are possible. Puppies in a litter of three to four dingers commonly arrive. She does not have a lot of natural instincts when it comes to raising her children. A litter of 24 puppies holds the Guinness World Record for largest. Licking the puppies simulates their bowel and urinary functions. If you notice that the mother is not doing it, you should rub the puppies gently after meals so they will defecate and urinate. As they become three weeks old, you can feed your puppies solid food and stop feeding them milk. You must be confused about this whole thing about how many puppies do English bulldogs have and how to know if they can have more and so on. Let me give you some information that will be helpful to you in solving your confusion. When it comes to English bulldogs , to make sure they are in good health and well being, they must be bred for like three times in their entire lifetime. If, by any chance, your English bulldog is bred more than that, then there can be serious health and welfare issues. The English bulldogs have a shorter life span than other breeds. The bulldogs live for about eight to ten years only. English bulldogs become fertile when they are around six months old. It is the best time and is advisable to begin the breeding process and plan pregnancies of their lifetime. If you are a person who is looking for a dog that can have more puppies and can breed for a larger number of times, then I think this is not the right choice for you. English bulldogs are perfect in all other sorts when it comes to watching your children or playing with them. If you look at the scenario here, the English bulldogs are small in size, and hence their litter of puppies is also small. When we talk about bigger breeds such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds , they give birth to eight puppies at once. This is simply because of their build of the body. They have much wider hips and have a huge body. The dogs with larger bodies also have a larger womb that can accommodate almost eight puppies at once. The puppies can grow into the womb without having any risk to their development. Now, considering smaller breeds like English bulldogs and Yorkshire terriers, who birth three to four puppies at once. Their build is comparatively small, and so they have smaller hips, bodies, and wombs. They do not have the level of capacity like the larger canines tend to have. Their build helps them to nurture and birth a larger number of babies at once. All the dogs have their purposes. You cannot just let your English bulldog mate with the male English bulldog to make them pregnant. An English bulldog faces many difficulties while getting pregnant. The only way your English bulldog can become pregnant is with the process of artificial insemination. This process can be carried out at home, but the success rate is more if you take your dog to a vet. At the vet, your dog may find a comfortable and safe environment for this process. If you still think how many puppies do English bulldogs , then three to four are the number of puppies. Having even four puppies is difficult for the English bulldog. The English bulldogs have two months of the gestation period, just like all other dogs. At the same time, the female English bulldogs will experience a condition called Dystocia. Dystocia is the term used by vets to tell that there are difficulties in giving birth. The English bulldogs have this condition of Dystocia as a result of fetal-pelvic disproportion. The large size head of the English bulldog pups causes this issue in the English bulldogs. Dystocia is the major reason why it becomes difficult for English bulldogs to birth their pups naturally. The only way an English bulldog can deliver her puppies is by cesarean. The vets will opt for the same. Through this process, the puppies will be healthy and will survive the perilous times. Just like any other dog with a cesarean, your English bulldog needs to take the maximum amount of rest and care. It would be best if you took her for regular checkups to the vet to heal properly. It is the main reason why the vets recommend having a significant gap between their pregnancies. The English bulldogs are strictly advised to have longer gaps between pregnancies than other breeds. They need a year minimum to heal up from the former C-section procedure. You have to see whether she can go through everything or not. Once you get your English bulldog , you must be ready for their expenses. It would help if you had enough finance to go through all the processes. If your English bulldog is successful, do not keep thinking how many puppies do English bulldogs have. And wait for at least a year for another one. Do not opt for a natural birth process to save money. It may result in some dangerous situations as it could kill the mother as well as the puppies. Care for the puppies once they come into this world too. The mother and the puppies require your care before and after birth. The English bulldog mothers are not like other mothers. There are chances they could make their little ones. You may be searching for how many puppies do English bulldogs have, and there will be many more options if you want more. You must be mentally and financially ready to go through all the processes with your English bulldog. It is a very crucial time for them, and they need your affection a lot. You are one who has to take care of anything that is going on with them. Every dog breed has a different experience with pregnancy, and English Bulldogs are not different. English Bulldog puppies are probably one of the most expensive kinds of puppies to purchase, and although some breeders may consider the financial benefits worth it in the end, the difficulties associated with pregnancy and birth for English Bulldogs should not be overlooked. How many puppies can an English Bulldog have? The average English Bulldog litter size is 3 to 4 puppies. Some English Bulldogs can have more than 4 in a litter, but this can lead to serious health issues and they may not survive long outside of the womb. Generally, a normal litter size for any dog is between two and ten, and several factors such as the breed, size and nutrition of a dog can have an impact on their litter. English Bulldog litter sizes are smaller than the average. English Bulldogs can have up to 4 puppies in the average litter size. How many litters can an English Bulldog have? To ensure their health and wellbeing, an English Bulldog should only be bred around three times in their lifetime. If an English Bulldog has more than 3 litters it can present health and welfare issues. Their average lifespan is smaller than that of other breeds — they generally live for up to eight years. And, with them becoming fertile around the six-month mark, it is probably advisable to spread the breeding process and pregnancies out throughout their lifetime. Did You Know? An English Bulldog will be pregnant for 63 days on average. If you think yours could be expecting, here are the pregnancy signs to look out for. Why do English Bulldogs have such small litters? To put it simply, the smaller the dogs, the smaller the litter. Bigger breeds such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers typically have litters of eight, and this is because they usually have much wider hips and a larger body. Now, consider smaller breeds like Yorkshire Terriers who, on average, have a litter of 3 puppies and English Bulldogs. Their substantially smaller hips, bodies and wombs mean that they have nowhere near the same level of capacity than their larger canine counterparts to carry and allow for the healthy development of a such a large litter. Can English Bulldogs get pregnant naturally? The only way that an English Bulldog can get pregnant is through artificial insemination. Although this can be done at home, the success rate will be higher and the environment safer if you arrange for your vet to do this. Can English Bulldogs give birth naturally? Although English Bulldogs have the same gestation period 2 months as other dogs, all female English Bulldogs will experience something called dystocia — which is a term used by vets to describe difficulties in giving birth. Specifically, English Bulldogs have a condition known as dystocia due to foetal-pelvic disproportion. In general terms, what this means is that the birth canal of the mother dog is a lot smaller than the puppies they are expected to birth. When it comes to English Bulldog pups, it is the abnormally large size of their head that is usually the issue. The consequence of this dystocia is that it is impossible for an English Bulldog to give birth naturally. The only way for an English Bulldog to have healthy puppies and survive themselves is through a caesarean section procedure at the vets. As with anybody with a caesarean section, it is crucial that your English Bulldog has plenty of care, rest and regular check-ups following the procedure to ensure that they heal up properly. This is why the recommended gap between pregnancies is longer for English Bulldogs than it may be for other breeds; at least a year is needed for them to recover from the previous C-section procedure. Why are English Bulldog puppies so expensive? Evidently, the entire pregnancy progress from conception to birth requires a lot of trips and procedures at the vets, which makes the resultant puppies a lot more expensive in order to make up for the bill racked up by breeders in order to bring them into the world. The fact that English Bulldogs cannot conceive or give birth naturally also means that puppies of the same breed are exceptionally rare, which gives them a much higher value as a result. Overall, both time and rarity contribute to the price of English Bulldog puppies. Handy Hint: If you are thinking about getting this breed please read my top things to know before you buy an English Bulldog which includes questions to ask the breeder. Ensure you have enough money for all the vet treatments as well as a little extra in case there is an emergency. Put the welfare of the mother dog first. Get the correct paperwork from Kennel Club. Give the mother dog at least a year to recover after birth before breeding her again. Ignore advice from your vet. Leave your English Bulldog alone with the puppies — they naturally have no motherly instincts and could end up harming them. Put your breeding business above the welfare of the mother dog. How can I tell if a breeder is not reputable? Breeders such as this can be difficult to spot, but if you get a strange gut feeling about something, it is better to be safe than sorry. The puppies seem too young under six weeks. The puppies seem abnormally small, weak or otherwise deformed. The prices are too good to be true. It is best to not let them know you know because then they might move away and risk capture. Stay calm, keep a cool head and call the RSPCA or the animal welfare charity that serves your country as soon as you leave. Handy Hint: Know when your English Bulldog is due her heat cycle is key to planning wanted or un-wanted pregnancies. Read my guide to the heat cycle of this breed, how long it takes, and what signs to look out for. Conclusion Thanks for reading my guide to how many puppies English Bulldogs have. Now you have an idea on what the average English Bulldog litter size is, it should give you an idea on why they can be so expensive to buy. English Bulldogs are a wonderful breed, but their journey into the world is far from simple. If you want to breed English Bulldog puppies, this is not a task that should be undertaken lightly. You need to research, consult your vet and have plenty of money for medical expenses. You might also like… If you already own this breed, here are some other help articles you might find of interest:. They often rank in the top 5 to 10 spots! Bulldogs are brachycephalic, not thanks to their short snouts. They are therefore more likely to snore, snort, grunt, drool, breathe loudly, and have excessive gas. No prizes for guessing who farted! English Bulldogs are frequently quite laid-back and easygoing. They do require some exercise, but a quick stroll will suffice. An English Bulldog gives birth to an average of 3 or 4 puppies in a single litter. Although there are some instances when they give birth to 4 or more, this is really rare and can actually pose a danger to the dogs. English Bulldog births are often quite difficult due to their small birth canal and will require human intervention in the form of Caesarean section in most cases. Although they are a medium-sized breed, they are known to have smaller litters than others in the same category such as Dalmatians and Huskies. Fun fact: the largest English Bulldog litter is shockingly 16, and that accolade belongs to Gucci, who lives in Coventry, England. Her breeder Jay Dhaliwal had to enlist the help of his family to help with this epic delivery! The size of a litter can be influenced by the breeding lines; some lines tend to have larger litter than others. English Bulldog owners who are considering breeding their dogs should talk to a veterinarian or breeder about the size of the anticipated litter. Many other variables, which I go into more detail about in the sections below, will also affect how many puppies there are in a litter. An English Bulldog puppy weighs between 10 to 14 ounces less than a pound! They put on weight quickly though and can be expected to reach 35 pounds by the time they are 6 months old only. The breed standard for an adult English Bulldog is between 40 to 50 pounds females tend to be smaller and the weight can vary slightly depending on genetics, diet, and activity level. All dogs, including English Bulldogs, do not go through menopause and can conceive puppies all the way into their older years. In general, their heat cycle lasts six to seven months or roughly twice a year. However, you should not take it to mean that just because they are in heat, they should be breeding. This is to give them a chance to recover properly. Your dog will experience a lot of stress due to overbreeding, which can result in heart disease, arthritis, and infertility, among other health issues. Stopping early also allows a breeder to spay their dog while they are still quite young and let them enjoy a quality life in their retirement. You should realize the significance of not overbreeding once you take into account that in some countries it is against the law to breed a dog more than four to six times during its lifetime. In the US, the American Kennel Club AKC does not accept registrations for dams that are bred over the age of 12 and under 8 months, and sires that are over the age of 12 and under 7 months. Age of the dam It should not be surprising that as the dam ages, the size of the litter decreases. After your English Bulldog breeds again after the first two times, you would probably see your dam having an extra puppy or two. Interestingly enough, the first two litters are typically smaller than the following ones, likely yielding only 2 or 3 puppies. Try to get your dog spayed long before that time to ensure their general health. Avoid breeding older dogs if possible. Health of the mom Only healthy mothers can give birth to healthy puppies, and that is the truth. Additionally, nutrition has a big impact on how many puppies are born in a litter. All year round, high-quality, protein-rich food should be provided to increase the possibility of producing a larger litter. Mothers who receive inadequate nutrition, especially those who are overweight, frequently have smaller litters. Size of dog In general, dogs within the same breed can differ quite widely in size. This is due to larger body frames in some dogs, just like us humans. Because of that, it also plays a part in the number of puppies an English Bulldog can have. Larger dams typically have a higher likelihood of having a larger litter. On the other hand, if your girl was born in a small litter herself, you can typically expect that she will have a small first litter. Type of breeding It might be preferable to save this topic for a later post given how quickly it could become complex. Just keep in mind that the type of breeding might significantly affect both the number and quality of the puppies. For instance, severe inbreeding will lower the quality of a litter. These difficulties are more likely to occur with two dogs that are closely related. Linebreeding , on the other hand, aims to maintain sufficient genetic diversity while preserving the best genes from a bloodline, making it frequently a safer method of dog breeding. Time of breeding It is said that a dam is more likely to have a larger litter size the closer she is to ovulation. This is defined as the period after the estrogen period when the Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any studies supporting this theory, so at this point, I would say this factor is probably not that significant. When an English Bulldog reaches its first heat cycle, it can start breeding, but this should never be done. They normally have their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 8 months, which is far too young for them to begin breeding. If you want to allow your dog enough time to grow sexually and acquire weight and size, wait until she is at least in her second or third heat cycle. Most ethical and responsible breeders will wait till an English Bulldog is at least 2 years old before breeding them. This would give them sufficient time to complete all the necessary medical checks which can identify potential for inherited diseases or conditions. Most female Bulldogs go through their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 8 months. A useful rule of thumb is that it will go into heat at about the same age that its mother did. Numerous symptoms, including bloody discharge, receptivity to male dogs, restless behavior, and others, can indicate that a dog is in heat. How Many Litters can a Bulldog have a Year? How many litters can a Bulldog have a year? Also, how many times can a Bulldog go through a c section? Are they a good dog to breed? A female should not have a litter more than once and year due to the stress of the c-section which they have to have , and should not be bred more than 3 times in their lives. Bulldogs have to be artificially inseminated and have to have c-sections, and they usually do not have more than puppies. It is also hard to find good breed stock to start with. Answer by concerned Are you asking about an English Bulldog or a French Bulldog maybe some other bully breed? Some dogs come in season twice a year but somehow I doubt many English Bulls do. I would not recommend breeding back to back but there are recent differing medical opinions on that. If you're really interested in breeding, do your research and start out with something nice and as health clear as possible. But also go to Pet-Law, a yahoo group, just look it up. Read the achieves, the Animal Rightists are trying to end all home breeding and in fact pets, so it might be a good idea to have an understanding of what could happen in the near future before you begin. It might be nice if everyone understood what was going on and started to protect our ability to keep pets and show dogs too. Answer by grr. If you plan on forcing any dog through that, you are cruel and don't deserve to take care of a dog. Don't force her into having 7 litters of puppies, be happy with your own dog and encourage others to adopt homeless dogs and puppies. You are an enormous jerk for trying to make money off a dog's suffering while hundreds of other dogs are being killed every day. So give your dog the love she deserves and don't be an idiot. There are usually 3 to 4 puppies in an English Bulldog litter. Some English Bulldog breeds can have more than four puppies in a litter, but this will result in serious health issues and the puppies may not survive outside the womb. In general, English Bulldogs have smaller litters and shorter lifespans than the average dog for its size. There is a difference between the average and English Bulldog litter size. More than three litters in an English Bulldog can present health and welfare problems. Dogs generally live up to eight years on average, which is shorter than other breeds. Due to their fertile status beginning at around six months, it would probably be best to spread out the breeding process and pregnancies throughout their lives. Litters are smaller when the dogs are smaller. According to the American Kennel Club, the average litter size is puppies. Take into consideration smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and English Bulldogs, which have litters on average of three puppies. The significantly smaller hips, bodies, and wombs of these animals mean they cannot carry and support large litters to the same extent as their larger canine counterparts. The best way to find out if your bulldog is pregnant is to get an ultrasound. You should request an ultrasound 25 days after mating. English Bulldog ultrasound scanning is the quickest way to determine if your mating and conception plan worked. If you can wait at least 25 days after mating or artificial insemination, veterinarians recommend you do a pregnancy test as soon as 21 days after mating or artificial insemination. Timid dogs may find ultrasounds frightening, as they are noninvasive and painless. The noise may stress her out a bit. You will be able to see if any puppies are growing inside and how many puppies to expect. You can also come up with a prenatal plan for your dog once you know she is pregnant. When delivering a bulldog, the window for a c-section can range from 60 days to 63 days, depending on the gestation period. Puppies can be born early, but veterinarians often perform x-rays or sonograms to track their development. Early detection of a problem is typical if it exists. The rectal temperature of your dog during the final week of her pregnancy indicates when the puppies will be born. Drop-In Body Temperature The temperature of your dog should be between and degrees Fahrenheit if the dog is healthy. After the second reading of a low temperature, labor should commence within 24 hours. Milk Production Similar to humans, females provide milk to their pups shortly after birth. Their bodies prepare themselves for birth before even giving birth. In addition to swollen breasts, your dog may have swollen nipples and even some redness around the area. Panting When dogs exert themselves physically, they often pant. When dogs exert themselves physically, they tend to pant. It is common to see dogs pant excessively during active labor, with many short breaths that are followed by small pauses. Lethargy Your dog may need to rest a great deal as she gets ready to give birth as labor is a draining process. Your dog may be reaching the end of her pregnancy if she seems more sluggish than usual. Nesting Behavior It is easy to tell when pregnant dogs are nesting by the behavior they exhibit. To create a safe space for giving birth, your dog may begin digging through pillows, blankets, and any other comfortable items. By familiarizing your dog with a nesting box before this happens, it will be easier for you to provide a haven for her. Be sure to give your dog plenty of water if she starts vomiting before or during labor. This will prevent dehydration. You must be available to your dog during the birthing process for the simple fact that she may instinctively cling to your side. It depends on where you live and who you go to for a c-section whether it will cost you more or less. The information below will help you understand everything you need to know about c-sections and bulldogs, including how they can be performed safely and comfortably and why it is necessary. In bulldogs, natural birth can pose severe risks to their mothers and puppies. It is usually impossible for puppies to descend properly into the birth canal due to their size and shape. When they get into the canal, they will probably get stuck. Even though it is technically not necessary for you to assist your dog during delivery, it is always a good idea to be prepared in case of an emergency. The umbilical cord can be cut, the membrane can be removed, a towel can be used to rub the baby, and the baby can be kept warm. In addition, your female dog may require assistance walking and urinating after giving birth. When Can Bulldogs Be Bred? Bulldogs often begin going into heat between six and eight months of age. The first estrus is not a good time to breed your Bulldog. To ensure that she is physically and mentally prepared for a litter of puppies, we recommend waiting until her third estrus. A watchful eye should be kept on her when she is in active heat to prevent unplanned breeding. A healthy and happy English bulldog requires at least three breedings throughout its lifetime to stay in good health. English bulldogs may have serious health and welfare problems, even if they have been living with the same family for years. As for males, they usually reach full sexual maturity between the ages of 12 and 15 months after becoming fertile. It is not technically necessary for you to assist your dog is giving birth to her puppies, but you should be on hand in case a veterinarian is required in an emergency. The umbilical cord may be cut, the membrane may be removed, a towel could be rubbed over them, and they may be kept warm. In addition to urinating and walking, your female dog may need assistance after giving birth. You will also like:.
Choosing a Miniature Poodle For centuries, the poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world and a symbol of elegance and opulent luxury. The poodle is associated with France, but many countries have laid claim to the breed. Available in three different sizes and many different colors, there is a poodle for every taste. Click here for the complete story on Top Dog Breeds of the Year .History and Origin Paintings representing the poodle date as far back as the 13th century. The exact country of origin is not known, but many people feel the breed may have come from Germany. Soon after development in Germany, the poodle quickly became very popular in France and was known as the caniche, or duck dog. The breed is considered their national dog. The poodle comes in three different varieties; standard, miniature and toy; however, the only difference is the size. The miniature poodle is classified in the non-sporting group by the American Kennel Club. The standard poodle is the oldest of the three sizes and was originally used to retrieve ducks in cold water. Soon after, the miniature and toy were developed. The toy poodle, the smallest variety, was well established in England by the 18th century and was commonly used in circuses and floor shows as dancing dogs. The miniature and toy poodle were also used for hunting and digging for truffles in French forests. Appearance Although they come in different sizes, the shape and appearance of the breed is the same. The poodle has a long head and muzzle with long, flat and wide hanging ears. The chest is deep and the tail is set high. Typically, the tail is docked when young. The hair coat of the poodle is curly and dense with a fine woolly texture and requires daily grooming. There are four common hair clips for the poodle. Size The miniature poodle stands 10 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 20 pounds. Personality The poodle is a pleasant dog that loves constant company. This dog hates to be alone and prefers the company of people instead of other dogs. They make excellent pets for children as well as the elderly and can adapt to a variety of environments. Training The poodle is an excellent swimmer and also does well on land. The breed is very intelligent and thought by many to be the most intelligent of all breeds. They learn quickly and readily, although some dogs tend to enjoy pleasing people by doing tricks instead of learning commands. Poodles have been trained successfully in obedience, hunting and even as guard dogs. Special Concerns The hair coat of the poodle requires daily care and grooming. The intelligent nature of the dog leads some to mischief if left alone for an extended period of time. Health Concerns Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis. Progressive retinal degeneration PRD is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder which develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years. Cataracts are opacities within the lens of the eye that affect vision. Hyperadrenocorticism is a disorder affecting the adrenal glands. When overactive, the adrenal glands secrete excessive cortisol, resulting in illness. Glaucoma is a painful and serious condition that causes pressure within the eye to increase which can cause blindness. Intervertebral disk disease IVDD is a disorder that affects the spinal disks resulting in pain, difficulty walking and possibly paralysis. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur. Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition that results in a large, thin walled heart muscle. Anal sac disease is an abnormality of the anal glands that can be caused by inflammation, impaction, infection or tumors. Medial patella luxation MPL is a condition in which the patella knee-cap no longer glides within its natural groove in the femur. Lameness can vary from an occasional hitch of the leg, like an intermittent skipping, to a persistent weight bearing lameness. Tracheal collapse is a weakening of the rings of the windpipe which can cause irritation and coughing. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head is a progressive deterioration and collapse of the femoral head. Patent ductus arteriosis PDA a congenital birth defect caused by a blood vessel that normally closes after birth but remains open resulting in the passage of extra volumes of blood into the lungs. Chronic valvular disease is a progressive deterioration of the valves of the heart, which can lead to heart murmurs and heart failure. Subcutaneous injections may cause local hair loss in this breed. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis HGE is a disease syndrome seen in dogs, characterized by the acute sudden onset of bloody diarrhea. Hypoglycemia is a disorder associated with dangerously low blood sugar levels. Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis GME is a sporadic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Ectopic ureter is an abnormality present at birth in which one or both of the ureters that bring urine from the kidneys to the bladder fail to open into the bladder in the normal way. The affected animal is born with this problem and the resulting urinary incontinence usually begins at birth. Life Span The life span of the miniature is 15 to 18 years. We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only. We often say it to children, besotted with the idea of a fluffy companion, not with the routine of walking, cleaning, and looking after their pet. Choosing a dog is more than just selecting an animal. They call poodles the 2nd most intelligent dogs for a reason. It still pays to be prudent when purchasing a new dog — poodle or not. Selecting the right breeder First, before you even see a poodle puppy, you need to research a responsible breeder. The result: around 15 per cent of such puppies experience illness, vet treatments, and even worse, death in their first six months. So, take your time! But taking the time and consideration to do a little background research goes a long way. What to do: Good breeders will happily spend time chatting with you on the phone. In short: a good breeder is honest, open, and wants the best for their pups. Especially if you choose from one of the prestigious — and albeit more expensive — Kennel Club Assured Breeders. However, there are a few legal protections for which to look. First, ask to see their Local Authority license, which is a legal requirement for breeding and selling pets for money. You may also want to use a Puppy Contract. What is the Puppy Contract? A Puppy Contract is a tool designed to provide puppy buyers with all the relevant information to make an informed decision before purchasing a puppy. It guides prospective buyers through the process. For more information on the Puppy Contract, check out their website. Warning signs of a bad breeder Most breeders are fantastic and passionate. But unfortunately, some only want to make money — at any cost. Such breeders place profit before puppies, sacrificing their health and their standards in the process. Here are the warning signs to look out for: Delivers the puppy in a strange or unusual location, such as a car park. Poor breeders will be reluctant to show you their premises and the conditions in which the puppies were raised. If you receive such an offer, red lights should begin to flash in your mind. You should never purchase a puppy without seeing the mother. If a breeder tries to fob you off with their Kennel Club registration or such similar validation in place of actual vaccination and health records, do not be drawn in. This is a clever but deceitful trick. There can be no substitute for genuine, accurate veterinary records. Pressures you into spending money. Passes off health complaints as normal. Sure, there are certain conditions associated with certain breeds of dogs. However, puppies should always be in the best state of health when born. Still, they will weed out the cons from the genuine, passionate breeders. However, before you get too excited, remember our mantra: a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas. That means you have a lifetime of health risks with which to contend. Therefore, selecting the healthiest pup you can is essential. But how do you know? Look for food and water near the pups in clean dishes. All these may seem like basics, but they help determine the outcomes of a pup in their first few months. Puppies raised in squalor never do as well as their well-cared-for kin. Pedigree vs. Crossbreeds Most of us are familiar with the genetic problems inherent to certain breeds. Poodles are no different. These can be avoided if the breeder has done genetic tests to select the healthiest mums and dads. Ask to see their records. Theoretically, crossbreeds should remove some of these problems. Except, in the worst-case scenario, a pup can inherit problems from both parents. That way, you remove any doubt from the equation. This slow-digestion causes pressure to build up 20 per cent mortality rate. Thyroid problems: Either low or high thyroid conditions can occur in poodles. Symptoms are notoriously difficult to identify, however. Hip dysplasia: Here, the ligaments holding the hip ball-and-socket joint together are weak or underdeveloped, leading to a dislocation or relocation—the risk increases as the poodle ages. Epilepsy: A neurological disease in which the dog will be prone to seizures. Vaccinations are typically conducted by twelve weeks or older. They occur in two stages, and at the time of purchase, the puppy should have received both. You can guarantee this by checking the serial numbers and certification of the vaccines. Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog? Where can you buy or adopt a Miniature Poodle? Mini Poodles are very common in the United States. Out of breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and is least popular, Poodles rank 7th. Now, that statistic combines all Poodle sizes Toy, Miniature, and Standard , but that's okay because all three sizes are common. Mini Poodles may be turned over to Rescue because they need more grooming or daily companionship than the owner is willing or able to provide. Sometimes there are health issues, or shyness or anxiety issues. Other Poodles are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all. Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies Miniature Poodles are sometimes found here, but Poodle Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. If a Miniature Poodle turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog. Buying From a Dog Breeder You can buy a Miniature Poodle from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. But I recommend that you avoid breeders who ONLY show their dogs in the conformation appearance ring. Some of these dogs only seem to have half a brain. It's okay if a breeder shows in conformation if he ALSO emphasizes high trainability. You can also buy a Miniature Poodle from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter. Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people. If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Miniature Poodle ends up blind, and lame from bad joints. Poodles of all sizes are frequently found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop! Which puppy? Registered name of the sire of this litter: Registered name of the dam of this litter: Do the parents of the litter have any titles are the parents champions or do they have performance titles in such areas as agility or obedience? What do the letters before and after their names mean? How long have you been involved in this breed? Preferably an individual should be involved in the breed several years before breeding a litter. They should have a thorough knowledge of genetics, animal husbandry, nutrition, the breed standard and animal behavior. How many litters do you have each year? The American Kennel Club AKC considers anyone who breeds 7 or more litters a year to be a high volume breeder subject to AKC inspections for record keeping and care and conditions. Raising a litter of puppies is a lot of work! Breeders who have puppies all the time or who raise a lot of puppies, may not be properly raising and socializing each individual pup. Responsible breeders do not have litters "for the money. How old are the sire and dam of this litter? It is strongly recommended in many breeds that no dog be bred before it is two years old. This is especially true of the larger breeds. Large dogs are slow to reach physical and mental maturity. Also, many orthopedic and genetic health problems may not surface until a dog is near or over two years of age. Breeders that care about the health of their dogs are not in a rush to breed them. Miniature sires and dams occasionally are used the first time when under the age of two, but all health testing should still be done before this first breeding. What health problems does this breed have? If a breeder claims that the breed has no inherited health problems, or that she isn't aware of any inherited health problems, politely end the conversation. All breeds have genetic health problems—some more than others. Every breeder should be knowledgeable about these problems and willing to share this information. This CHIC number shows that the breeder had recommended testing done and is willing to make the results of that testing public. Designation with a CHIC number does not show that the dog actually passed the testing, only that the tests were administered. Look at the test results for yourself. Have the parents' hips been x-rayed for evidence of hip dysplasia? Hip dysplasia does occur in smaller breeds. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative, often painful and crippling, hereditary disorder that can be treated in some cases by expensive surgery. OFA evaluates x-rays and diagnoses whether a dog is dysplastic or has normal hips. OFA certifies normal hips at 24 months. PennHIP also uses radiographic technology and is accurate in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age. No Miniature Poodle should be bred unless it has been x-rayed and its hips have been certified normal. If the answer to this question is yes, ask for the ratings. OFA ratings of excellent, good or fair are all considered normal. PennHIP ratings are a percentage; they show the proportion of dogs with better and worse hips. If the answer is no, decline to buy a puppy. Are they certified unaffected by OFA? LCP is a disorder of hip joint conformation occurring in both humans and dogs. In dogs, it is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds between the ages of 4 months to a year. Although the mode of inheritance is currently unknown, no dog affected by LCP should be bred. If the answer to this question is yes, ask for your copy of the testing. If the answer is no and there is no normal hip certification, decline to buy a puppy. This is an optional test for Miniature Poodles, however, please keep in mind the hip certification is not optional. Have the dam and sire had their stifles screened by a veterinarian for patellar luxation? Are they certified normal by OFA? Were the grandparents screened and certified? Patellar luxation is often, but not always, a hereditary condition. The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint knee. When the kneecap luxates, the kneecap slips or pops out of joint either to the inside or the outside of the knee. Surgery may be required to fix this problem. Patellar luxation may be evident as soon as the puppy begins walking. Other forms manifest as late as 8 years old and all forms vary in severity. Veterinarians can do an evaluation to diagnose patellar luxation. OFA certification can be done at 12 months. If the answer is no, and the dog does not have a normal patella certification, decline to buy a puppy. Have the parents been x-rayed for elbow dysplasia? OFA evaluates x-rays and diagnoses whether a dog is dysplastic or has normal elbows. OFA certifies normal elbows at 24 months. If the answer is no, be aware that there have been Miniature Poodles which have been diagnosed as having dysplastic elbows and this condition may be hereditary. This is an optional test for Miniature Poodles. Have the dam and sire had their eyes checked and certified to be free of eye diseases, some of which are presumed to be hereditary, within the past 12 months by a veterinary ophthalmologist? Dogs must be examined annually for evidence of eye disorders. Poodles can be affected by cataracts, microphthalmia, micropapilla, optic nerve hypoplasia, glaucoma, and many other serious eye disorders some of which cause blindness. No dog that is affected with an eye disorder which is presumed to be inherited should be bred. A puppy carrying two genes for PRA will be affected with the disease. Dogs with prcd-PRA often become blind, and always have serious vision problems. There is no cure for PRA, but this condition is easily avoidable with proper testing and breeding. At least one parent must be clear to guarantee your puppy does not have the prcd form of PRA. A Poodle may also be deemed "clear by parentage" without needing to be tested itself. If the Optigen DNA testing was not recorded, ask to see the Optigen certificates and the registrations on the sire and dam along with grandsires and granddams and compare the names of the sire and dam with the Optigen certificates very carefully to ascertain that all of the grandparents are clear for the sire and dam of the puppies. Has there been any occurrence of seizures, epilepsy, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, Cushing's disease or Addison's disease in relatives of the sire or dam? Has either parent experienced any other major health problems? At the time of this writing, there are genetic health problems for which there is no screening or DNA test available. Unless you ask the breeder if the sire and dam have had a seizure or other health issue, or if any of the other listed diseases have occurred in any relatives, they may not volunteer this information. These problems may be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some families of dogs. Will you provide written copies of the results of all tests done on the sire and dam of this litter for hereditary health problems? Written reports are provided to the breeder whenever she has a dog tested for a genetic health problem. Reputable breeders are always happy to provide copies to prospective puppy buyers. Is all testing discussed above listed on the OFA website? If the answer to this question is yes, you will want to verify this for yourself. How do you socialize your puppies? At what age do you sell your puppies? No puppy should be separated from its mother and littermates before it is seven weeks old. Puppies who are separated before that age may not have learned to interact properly with their littermates. They may become dog aggressive as they get older. The best age to purchase a Miniature Poodle puppy is when it is between 8 and 12 weeks old. Puppies are neurologically complete at 7 weeks and their personalities are set by 12 weeks. It is illegal in many areas to sell a puppy under the age of 8 weeks. Will the puppies be checked by a veterinarian before they are sold? All puppies should be vet checked before leaving the breeder. Only a veterinarian can detect things such as heart murmurs. At eight weeks of age, the veterinarian can do an early check for any patella problem. Many breeders provide a certificate from the veterinarian certifying the health of the puppy. Which vaccinations will the puppy have when I purchase it? Every puppy should have at least one vaccination before it leaves the breeder's home. The vaccine will include distemper and parvovirus, and may also include hepatitis, parainfluenza or adenovirus. The type of vaccine depends on the breed and the schedule the breeder or veterinarian chooses to follow. Will the puppy be wormed before it is sold? Many puppies have roundworms when they are born. Puppies may need to be wormed several times, which can begin as early as three weeks of age. The breeder should provide a schedule of the dates on which the pup was wormed, and the medication and dosage administered. If the breeder does not automatically worm her puppies, she should have done a fecal examination to establish they are free of worms. If the breeder has a positive fecal result, she should disclose the type of worms present and the course of treatment used. Although the pup may have been wormed several times before it is sold, it is always wise to take a fecal sample to your vet at the time of the pup's first visit. Will the puppy be groomed before it's sold? How many times and how often has the puppy been groomed? All puppies should be bathed before they are sold. Their toenails should be trimmed and their ears cleaned. Poodle puppies should have their face, feet, and tail clipped as well. Poodles will be groomed regularly over the course of their lives. Breeders should recognize this and should socialize the puppies to being groomed regularly. Puppies who have been groomed on a regular basis accept this process with less stress. What will I receive along with the puppy? Many other registries will register any dog for a fee, but they offer no guarantee of parentage, nor do they provide titling events to test conformation or trainability of the dogs they register. In some cases, the breeder may withhold the registration paperwork until the buyer has fulfilled certain contractual agreements, such as having the puppy altered by a specified age; this is an acceptable practice. Many breeders also provide a "puppy manual" which includes information on a variety of topics which may include housebreaking, training, nutrition, and recommended books. If they do not provide such a manual, you may obtain your own puppy manual from VIP. What is the price of the puppy? Prices may vary depending on quality, sex, color, and area of the country. There is usually an acceptable range within which breeders charge for puppies of each breed. A significant deviation from that range either much higher or much lower should send up a red flag to the buyer. Do not look for "bargains" or "sale prices. A price that is much higher than what other reputable breeders are charging in the same area may mean this particular breeder has an over inflated sense of value about her own dogs. Paying a much higher price from what other breeders in the same area are charging does not necessarily mean the dog is better. You may, however, pay more if you are buying from a reputable breeder who does obtain titles on breeding stock and does the recommended testing as she has more money invested in her breeding stock. These are marketing tools. Can I pick the puppy I want from the litter to be sure I get the temperament and type of dog I'm looking for in a companion? The breeder should ask you many questions about your family and your lifestyle. The breeder will want to know what your expectations are for this puppy. Do you want a bigger dog? Are you looking for one that will bark when someone comes to the door? In most cases, the breeder will select a puppy that she feels will meet your needs. In every litter, there will be a variation of personalities. Some puppies will be more outgoing than others. Some will be quieter than their littermates. Every puppy needs a home, and it's up to the breeder to match each puppy with a prospective buyer. Many books advise that a prospective buyer select the puppy that immediately comes right up to them. That puppy may be the dominant puppy in a litter. Not every buyer will want, or should have, the most dominant puppy in a litter! The same rule applies to a quiet or shy puppy. That puppy does not belong in a family with four young children! Breeders study the litter from the time the litter is born. They know the personalities of each puppy, and they are the best person to make the decision about which puppy goes to which family. However, if the puppy the breeder selects for you does not fulfill your expectations, be sure to let the breeder know right away that you are not satisfied and make arrangements to return the puppy. The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the Miniature Poodle as a quality breed. Are you willing to help me with questions and concerns I may have about the puppy for its entire life? Breeders do have a responsibility to the animal's welfare even after the puppy is sold. Responsible breeders want to make sure that their dogs are always in good, safe, loving homes for the life of the dog. Responsible breeders will also be interested in knowing how the dog is doing throughout its lifetime. Be prepared for a clause in the contract that says the breeder will want the puppy back if you cannot keep the puppy at anytime during its life. Additional Information to Request from the Breeder Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. If the breeder cannot provide three references from puppy buyers, ask for a reference from her mentor or other person who can vouch for her. Name, phone number, e-mail address: 1. June 2, by Scarlet's Fancy Poodles Choosing a puppy is an exciting part of adding a dog to your family. There are many things to consider when picking out your poodle. Following this logic will assure that you get the most active and playful puppy which is fun right now. But will an active puppy suit you in the long term? Keep in mind the following points when you go to pick up your new family member: Health Before you even consider any other details about your puppy, make sure you are going to a reputable breeder with a great reputation for healthy puppies. The breeder should have had each puppy pre-checked by the vet and have printed documentation of the visit. The paperwork will describe if the puppy has any abnormalities such as heart murmur, hernia, cleft palate, or luxating patellas. Male or Female? Does the sex of your puppy matter to you? There a many obvious differences between male and female dogs, but they can also vary in personality. Overall, male poodles tend to be laid back in nature while female poodles tend to be the leaders. Size Poodles come in a variety of sizes. Decide which size will work best for you. Toy Poodles are itty bitty and max out their growth at ten inches tall from the shoulder down. Toy poodles are ideal if you are planning on toting your puppy around with you regularly. Small children can make them nervous and so it might be more difficult for toy poodles to adjust to families with small children. Miniature Poodles will grow to be 15 inches or smaller. They require a bit more space to play than a smaller variety, but they adapt well with children. Moyen Poodles are a popular size choice in European Countries. A Moyen Poodle will weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Because of their larger size, the Moyen Poodle is more ideal for families with children that are looking to add a poodle to their household. Personality Personality is the most important thing to consider when choosing your puppy. They are rated the 1 most trainable dog of all the breeds, which makes them a top choice for many pet owners. They are also playful and love to be around people. Are you partial to a calm dog, or are you looking for somebody playful? Make a list of qualities that your dream dog will possess and share it with your breeder. They will be able to point you in the direction of the puppy that matches up best with your needs. As the breeder, we spend lots of time getting to know each puppy so we can help when it comes time to make the decision. Show Dog, or Pet? Depending on your plans for your puppy, you will want to discuss your options with your breeder. They can point you in the direction of a puppy that will make a successful show dog. The only problem is where to start. I would like to know the differences between toy and miniature poodles. Is it true toy poodles are fragile and cannot climb stairs? Is it true that a black poodle with the cute white spot under its chin eventually will turn silver? How do I pick a healthy puppy? A--The only real difference between toy and miniature poodles is the size. Occasionally a toy poodle will be born oversize and actually can qualify as being a miniature. For example, a toy poodle would be likely to be more seriously injured if stepped on than its larger counterpart. I would not by any means consider a toy an extremely fragile dog. More than anything else, your choice comes down to personal preference. In terms of personality and health, a good toy and a good miniature are practically identical. Advertisement Breeders say there is no foolproof way of knowing for certain that a black poodle puppy will not become silvery. The safest way you can get a dog that will stay black is to purchase it from a breeder you know and trust and who will attest that the lines have been black with never a glint of silver. In this manner, you can be assured of getting a black puppy that will stay black. Looking at a pedigree that has the colors listed probably would be your best assurance. How to pick a healthy puppy out of a litter? First pick a healthy litter. Make certain the litter is kept in a clean area, that all the puppies are chubby, or at least not skinny, that they have well-kept coats not matted with either food or fecal material. The puppies should be perky, alert and responsive. If a litter of pups has two that fit that description well, but the others do not, hesitate to take any pup from that litter. If some of the puppies have parasite problems or the beginning of some viral disease, the chances are good that all members of this litter will become afflicted. Also get a good impression about the home environment. Picking out the individual puppy from this healthy litter comes down to choosing one whose personality you like best. And you should do this within 24, at the latest 48, hours after your purchase. Make this part of your purchase agreement: If something negative shows up at such an examination that is a problem, the puppy can be returned. Q--My husband and I recently became senior citizens. We are concerned about our dog, who is also a senior citizen. Can Herman, half German shepherd and half Doberman, transmit multiple sclerosis? A--The virus that causes canine distemper and the virus that causes human measles are very closely related. However, people never get distemper and dogs never get measles. This triggered the belief that there may be a connection between those two. This assumption that old dogs lose their immunity and, therefore, transmit the disease to people is absolutely without foundation. For that reason, maintaining their vaccination status and giving them more frequent physical exams is very important to keep them healthy. Q--Recently I read an article in which many useful purposes were given for vinegar, as outlined by the Vinegar Institute of Atlanta. One use was a teaspoon of vinegar for each quart of drinking water to help keep your pet free of fleas and ticks. Have you ever heard of this? I would like to try it, but our dog has a condition that requires frequent pH testing and has to be on 1, milligrams of DL Methionine daily. I am wondering if this amount of vinegar would affect the pH balance unfavorably. A--Vinegar has no effect on fleas. Advertisement The diet your dog is on already tends to increase the acidity lower the pH of her fluids, even though the Methionine was given for another reason. Flea control requires three-way treatment: directed at the home, at the yard and at the pet. Anything done merely to the animal will not suffice, and I think that the most important thing you can do is to discuss flea control with your vet. Huntington welcomes questions from readers. Although she cannot reply to them individually, she will answer those of general interest in this column. Write to Dr. Michigan Ave. Urinary stones Intervertebral disk degeneration Other issues that you might run into with a miniature poodle are ear infections, runny eyes, skin allergies, heart disease, and premature graying of the coat. Having a DNA test to check for progressive retinal atrophy is also a good idea for miniature poodles. Diet and Nutrition for Miniature Poodles Miniature poodles do not typically have dietary issues and are fairly easy-going with food. They are not as picky of eaters as some other dog breeds of similar sizes. Choose dry dog foods that have high-quality grains and proteins. Sweet potatoes and brown rice are good ingredients to look for in miniature poodle foods. As a general rule, feed your miniature poodle about one cup of dry dog food per day. You can reduce this amount slightly if your dog is not very active. Otherwise, you will be putting your miniature poodle at risk for obesity. Most pet parents feed miniature poodles twice per day, in the morning and again in the evening. Feeding your dog in two eating sessions rather than leaving food out all day is another effective way to prevent obesity in your miniature poodle. Miniature poodle puppies tend to be in high demand in the U. The Poodle Club of America is a parent club for the breed and nonprofit organization that offers resources for reputable breeders and general information about these types of dogs. Alternatively, you may be able to adopt a miniature poodle who is in need of a loving home from a rescue group. There are also local and regional rescue groups that are devoted to miniature poodles in various parts of the country. Related Breeds Miniature poodles are very unique dogs, but there are other similar types of dogs that you might be interested in as well if you love the poodle breed. Here are some additional dogs to learn about before you decide to purchase or adopt a miniature poodle: Irish water spaniel.
They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They make great family pets and are usually very easy to train. Puppies that are bought from a reputable breeder usually have a lower price tag. The price can vary depending on the reputation of the breeder and the location of the puppy. It is important to do your research before buying a French Bulldog puppy so you can ensure you are getting the best care possible for your investment. It is important to find a reputable breeder who will take good care of your French Bulldog and ensure they have the best life possible. Be sure to research the breed before purchasing a French Bulldog, as there are a lot of reputable breeders out there. Feed your French Bulldog a high-quality food to ensure they have the best life possible. French Bulldogs are a loving breed and will require daily exercise. Make sure to provide a safe and suitable environment for them to play in. Be careful of puppies that seem too good to be true or have a price that is too high. French Bulldogs are high in demand, so breeders must spend a lot to get them. French Bulldogs are a popular breed, so there are more people who are willing to pay for them. French Bulldogs are often considered a luxury breed, so they are more expensive than other breeds. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the best dog breeds, so they are in high demand. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so they are in high demand. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most affectionate dog breeds, so they are in high demand. This makes these French bulldogs rare and some breeders consider them to be the true lilac. This color is usually the most expensive due to their unique looks and the variety of rare coats they can have. They are small, but sturdy and have a lot of energy. They make great pets for people who have smaller homes or who are just not ready for a bigger dog. They are typically very loyal to their owners, and get along well with other animals. They are also very playful and have a lot of energy, which can be a bit of a nuisance if not supervised. However, French Bulldogs are considered one of the most affectionate and loving dog breeds. Is There a Mini French Bulldog When a French Bulldog is bred, the goal is to create a well-rounded dog that is strong, agile, and has a good temperament. Breeding a French Bulldog to a Miniature Frenchie will create a smaller dog that is still able to do all of the things that a regular French Bulldog can do. These dogs can be good for families with children that are smaller than the average French Bulldog, as they are usually less aggressive and will not require as much attention. They will also be less likely to damage furniture or other items in the home. When looking for a Miniature Frenchie, it is important to make sure that you are selecting a dog that is healthy and has been bred for the purpose of being a miniature dog. There are many dogs that are advertised as Miniature Frenchie dogs that are not actually miniature dogs. These dogs may have been bred to have a small size, but may not actually be a miniature dog. It is important to do your research before selecting a Miniature Frenchie dog, as there are many that are in need of homes. They are known for their high energy and playful personalities. While this breed may be easier to train and housebreak than male French Bulldogs, they are just as loving and affectionate. Female French Bulldogs are also known for their gentle nature and strong affectionate bonds with their owners. They are great family dogs and make great companions. Overall, the French Bulldog is a great breed for anyone looking for a loving and playful pet. They are known for their loving companionship and intelligence. They are also considered to be one of the most active breeds of dog. French Bulldogs are easy to train, and they will respond well to positive reinforcement. They are not ideal for those who are looking for a dog that will perform obedience tasks or compete in agility competitions, but some French Bulldogs have proven themselves to be capable of doing both. French Bulldogs are considered to be one of the most loving breeds of dog, and they are known to be very friendly and social. They are also relatively easy to care for, and they will not require a lot of exercise. French Bulldogs are a good choice for those who are looking for a loving and loyal companion. French Bulldogs can have any color except for black. French Bulldogs are considered rare because there is a limited gene pool of these dogs. French Bulldogs with any other color than black are very rare. French Bulldogs with black are the most rare. When they cry, they are usually feeling anxious or scared. This is why it is important for you to give them plenty of love and attention when they cry, so that they know they are loved and cared for. They come in a variety of colors and textures, but the rarest of all is the white French Bulldog. French Bulldogs with white fur are caused by a number of different genes, such as Albinism, Leucism, Brindle, and Merle. Regardless of their color, all French Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and friendly. They make great family pets and are excellent watchdogs. How Much Is a Blue Frenchie A blue Frenchie costs more than a standard Frenchie because they are bred for their looks, not their working abilities. Blue Frenchie puppies are not as common as other colors, so they can be more expensive. Some people think that blue Frenchie puppies are cute, and others think that they are more elegant than other colors. One variation is the blue Frenchie. Blue French Bulldogs are just like any other Frenchie, but they have a blue coat. They are small dogs, and they are excellent as house pets or apartment-dwellers because they are so small. They make great companions because they are so loving and friendly. A Warning for Pet Owners! They are known for their loving personalities, playful nature, and large size. French Bulldogs are usually 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. They have a lifespan of years. This is because they are a rare breed, and so the demand for them is high. Additionally, French Bulldogs are quite cute. Are Frenchies High Maintenance French bulldogs are high maintenance and are likely to cost more in vet visits than other dog breeds. French bulldogs often incur spinal disorders, heart defects, joint disease and eye problems. To keep a French bulldog healthy and happy, owners must frequently take them to the veterinarian for checkups and preventive care. Additionally, French bulldogs need a lot of exercise and may require a large yard to run in. Because of their high maintenance requirements, French bulldogs may not be the best choice for people who have trouble with taking care of large, active animals. Many French Bulldogs do not bark excessively, making them excellent apartment dogs. However, it is important to always supervise young children and dogs when they are together. French Bulldogs are companion dogs and thrive when they have human contact. You must set a schedule and stick to it. If you are not consistent, your puppy will be harder to train. In a nutshell A French Bulldog in Australia is an expensive pet. Post Views: .Families with older children What to feed a French Bulldog? The reason for this is diet plays a significant part in the health of Bulldogs, and a good diet should prevent many of the health conditions they can suffer from. French Bulldogs sometimes have problems absorbing nutrients from food, which can lead to a special sometimes costly diet or supplements. Firstly, I highly recommend avoiding any dry dog food containing wheat or cereals especially those with by-products of those grains. All Bulldogs tend to be affected more by bad diet, medications, and antibiotics than other breeds. Related: Recommended dog foods. This gets me to my next point. Supplements are well worth considering for this breed, especially when your budget prevents you buying an expensive premium dog food. Probiotics are a great idea as these will help your Bulldog digest their food far more effectively. Read the full guide on probiotics which will fill you in completely and give you recommendations. Health Concerns French Bulldogs are prone to a number of health conditions. This disorder is caused by one or more anatomical misformations including small nostrils, narrow trachea, everted laryngeal saccules air sacs , and an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the airway. This disorder often gets worse during hot weather and makes Frenchies much more susceptible to heat stroke. Reproductive Problems Reproductive problems are more common than not in this breed. Breeding after five years of age is severely discouraged. Genetic Spinal Deformities Frenchies are prone to genetic spinal deformities such as hemivertebrae, a painful condition where the spinal cord is constricted by misformed vertebrae. Surgery to correct these deformities is expensive, forcing some owners to euthanise. Untreated hemivertebrae can result in paralysis, incontinence, and excruciating pain for the canine. Pulmonic Stenosis Pulmonic Stenosis or narrowing of the pulmonary artery is somewhat common with this breed and can lead to fatigue or collapse during vigorous exercise or in severe cases Congestive Heart Failure. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is common in active Frenchies and can cause limping, pain, and immobility of the back legs. This disorder can be corrected with periacetabular osteotomy surgery or made more manageable with medication Retinal Dysplasia Retinal Dysplasia is a hereditary condition characterised by the malformation of the retina. This disorder causes vision impairment, though it is not progressive or life-threatening. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism also known as under-active thyroid usually presents itself in affected dogs around four years of age. This is usually not life-threatening but it can cause hair loss, weight gain, dull coats, and may require medication. Atopic Dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis also known as eczema is prevalent in this breed. Using hypoallergenic shampoos and bathing less frequently can help control the symptoms. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is extremely common with this breed, because of this French Bulldogs should never be left outside for extended periods during hot or humid weather. The steep prices are due to reproductive difficulties in the breed, causing most breeders to resort to artificial insemination. Natural birth is extremely dangerous for Frenchies, so C-sections are required, which makes breeding quite costly. Furthermore, there is a very small window of opportunity for the females, since it is unsafe for them to give birth after five years of age. This balm uses natural botanicals including organic grapeseed oil, hemp-seed oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E to ease the pain and moisturise affected areas. Often French Bulldogs will develop tear stains; a gentle sodium hydroxide-based stain remover product will work to diminish discoloration, while not agitating the skin. We like the Petpost Tear-Stain Remover products, just make sure you rinse any remaining product with water after cleansing. Frenchies require shampoos with a super-gentle formula to so as to not trigger skin issues, Earthbath Ultra Mild Puppy Shampoo is a top pick for breeders plus it smells like cherries! What do owners have to say about their Frenchie? These groups are also great for finding a reputable breeder highly recommended. If you have a Frenchie yourself, please tell us all about him in the comments section below! This breed can be pricey. Do not look for the cheapest Frenchie to buy. It will more than likely be poorly bred with the many issues listed above. Also, you cannot go cheap on their dog food. She grows tired super quick when out and about, sadly. Tegan loves coming across other dogs, but other dogs look at her sideways since she makes some weird dog noises. Those thinking of buying or adopting a Frenchie should make sure they can accommodate their physical limitations and are prepared to deal with the health risks associated with this breed. Be prepared to feed a good diet which is meat-based and avoid cheap grain-based kibbles. If you do take home a Frenchie, then make sure you stock up on designer mugs, sweaters, and everything you can think of with a Bulldog on it! Calling Aussie pet lovers — join the mailing list! Leave this field empty if you're human: Or join me on:. Research shows that dog owners are more active, have lower blood pressure, experience lower levels of stress and have a greater sense of emotional well being. But owners of our French Bulldogs already know that! Having the best bred dog is something that you and your family deserve. All our special little puppies are microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and have a copy of their breeding papers prepared before they leave us for their new homes. We also include a puppy pack to help you provide a good start for your new family member. Who we are? We are a small in-home registered breeder dedicated to breeding high quality and exotic coloured French Bulldogs. We strive to ensure our dogs are healthy and with good structure, taking great care with our bloodlines and breeding program. We are very proud to be the home of the first Isabella French Bulldogs born in Australia. All our puppies are raised amongst our own family members, and are well socialized with both children and other pets. This helps our puppies transition more easily into their new homes. Socialising you new puppy to vital to helping create a well-adjusted adult dog who can go anywhere, is relaxed with other people and is generally fun to be with. Our set of services in the industry We are not a puppy farm! When you come to our home to visit your potential new puppy, you will also get to see how we live with our beautiful Frenchies. They were sired with imported semen from America. The Testable Chocolate gene has only recently been introduced into French Bulldog lines in Australia and we are thrilled to be the first successful breeder! Why choose us One of the reasons we love our French Buldogs so much is their even-tempered and playful nature. Frenchies are also real charmers and smarmers who just love attention, making them ideal for life with singles, couple or families. As a responsible dog breeder we really encourage all our prospective owners to visit us in our home and meet our puppies and their parents. Ask us about this is you feel a mature French bull dog may be more suitable for your home than a playful puppy. For more information contact us on .The French Bulldog is a cross between the bulldog ancestors from England and the local ratters in France. Behaviour-wise, this dog is adaptable, playful and smart. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Lovely Frenchies ready for a new home, super lively, fun and energetic. All six puppies are adored. They are all vet-check, microchipped and wormed. Now just ready to join a family. Have been toilet trained on astro puppy pee mats and are doing great with it. Our babies are raised in our home as part of our family. Each puppy comes with; Registered papers - are from 5 panel DNA clear families - a puppy pack - are Vaccinated - microchipped - wormed - health checked. These puppies are a beautiful representation of the breed and won't be seen at these prices again. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about these little wonders. Registration number .He has an absolutely beautiful nature, loves people, very devoted. She is so sweet , loves everyone, especially kids. The puppies are raised in a loving family home. They have their own lounge room and access outside to the garden and massive yard. They have had structured play time with the children which they love. Toilet training is going well. Puppies available this weekend or can be viewed prior. Will be have their first vaccination and are wormed regularly. Melissa French bulldog puppies for sale Born 18th August .Two boys and two girls. Taking deposits NOW. We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of our highly anticipated litter of French bulldog puppies, to be born to a magnificent blue Merle father and an enchanting blue dam. Both parents exude elegance and grace with their athletic build, turning heads wherever they go. The father's striking blue Merle coat is adorned with mesmerizing patterns, while the mother's luxurious blue color is simply captivating. Beyond their captivating appearances, both parents possess exceptional temperaments, exhibiting intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their human companions. They have been lovingly raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring that they pass on their wonderful traits to their offspring. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to maintaining the utmost care for the health and well-being of our dogs. Both the father and mother have undergone thorough health screenings, with no history of health issues. As a result, we are confident that their offspring will inherit their robust health and vitality. For those truly seeking a lifelong companion of exceptional quality, we warmly invite you to view both parents in person. Witnessing their captivating personalities and impeccable manners will leave no doubt that their progeny will be nothing short of extraordinary. These highly coveted puppies are sure to attract a lot of attention, and thus we respectfully request only serious and committed individuals or families to inquire. The puppies are expected to be ready to go to their loving homes around mid October , so the journey of unconditional love and joy can begin. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information or to arrange a viewing. We eagerly await the opportunity to introduce you to these precious little ones and ensure they find the most loving and responsible forever homes. The puppies have - [ ] Worming schedules completed to current age. Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies have been hand reared and love cuddles and attention. They will be microchipped, vaccinated and wormed regularly before leaving. Parents are healthy, clear of hereditary disease and have good breathing. Parents are fed a high quality diet including raw food. Each puppy will go to their new home with a puppy pack and registration papers from the ANKC. They are raised on premium nutrition and kept in optimal health. Puppies come with comprehensive health contract, LIFETIME breeder support and impressive puppy pack including food, treats, toys, owner gifts, supplies and so much more. Puppies are hand raised in a kennel free, indoor family friendly environment with THE most care. All our animals are owned by our own family and they are family pets and loved ones first and foremost. We can provide real customer feedback of our healthy animals and impeccable service. We are registered breeders and provide pure breed registration papers with our pooches from Master Dog Breeders and Associates. Our member number is .We start toilet training and placing babies on strict routines as soon as possible to ensure take home is simple and dogs are top quality. We also spread breed education, responsible breeding practices awareness and support local shelters and animal fundraising. Please enquire about mains options. Prices are as a pet only. They are very friendly and playful. Bred in our home in a family environment. Our puppies come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed fortnightly and pedigree registered with MDBA. We will also send our puppies to their new homes with a comprehensive puppy pack with all the essentials to get you started. We are looking for a family to love her as much as we do. She is currently the only dog and I have 2 primary aged children who she is great with. We have had her since a puppy and she is very easy going. She is used to being home alone while we are at work and school during the week and mixes with other dogs well once a week at doggy day care. She is toilet trained. Microchipped and registered Pure bred with papers from a registered breeder Healthy and Happy with no health issues. Born 13th September Nicole Maddison is a sweet and beautiful 2 year old frenchie. We find her very affectionate and loyal. She is toilet trained, desexed, walks well and up to date on all shots and treatments. Justin Sadly due to my partners allergies to dogs we cannot have her anymore. She is roughly 2 years old. She is in good condition and has been well taken care of. Anne French Bulldog French Bulldog, male ,Blue pied, DOB Geoffery is a very well bred boy with a loving nature, His genetic testing shows he has no health concerns, I would like him to placed into a loving home with a single or older couple. They are vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. They're full of quirky and playful energy. The litter includes 4 pure bred Females and 1 pure bred Male. They are fully microchipped and vaccinated If you wants the pups DNA papers that will be at an extra cost But if your just happy seeing mum an dad DNA papers we have that already Pm me for price an can be negotiated Ruby girl Dialga girl Zippy boy Bluey girl this one has the blue eyes Spotty Evan French bulldog Selling my frenchie as I'm now doing night shift work and don't have the time for her that she needs she's good with kids and other dogs and cats pls msg me for more info she's 11 months old and toilet trained she's an inside dog Donna French Bulldogs Pedigree with Papers DNA and pedigree papers of parents available to see. All pups will come Wormed Vaccinated Microchipped Vet checked With a puppy pack containing puppy food and toy bedding and more. I am happy for Personal meetings to see mum and dad and puppies. I am MDBA registered SnuggleMeadows Exclusive puppies for sale Two adorable boys,with an unusual and rare color, are looking for a new loving home! Boys from purebred parents with excellent DNA. No breathing problems and excellent health. Grown with love and care. Wormed treated - 2, 4, 6 weeks. Please message for Main papers welcome for extra. Alla This is George. Selling due to overseas relocation Greg Fluffy French Bulldog Puppy — Jumanji We have a beautiful frenchie named Jumanji looking for her forever loving home. He has been brought up in a loving home and socialized with our kids and now hes ready to join his new family for many cuddles and lots of kisses. Frenchies, as they're commonly known, are all eyes and ears with a large almost square head. The ear shape is unique in the dog world, and without the bat ear shape and set, you don't have a Frenchie. The other important breed characteristic is the short, undocked tail. French Bulldog temperament French Bulldogs are described as intelligent and courageous, however their wilful, stubborn nature can make them challenging to train. They require patience, repetition, and early socialization. They are playful and affectionate and their loyal, loving nature makes them a wonderful companion dog. They thrive on human companionship and are ideal for people that have time to devote to them. Their compact size and calm nature also makes them great indoor pets. Frenchies can easily live with other breeds provided the proper introductions are done. They are good watchdogs, apparently barking for good reason and not 'yappy' like some of the other smaller breeds. The breed is considered very reliable with, and protective of children. How much space and exercise does a French Bulldog need? Frenchies can live happily in a flat and have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require daily walks, even short ones of around 15 minutes, to keep their weight down. French Bulldogs can't swim because of their stocky physique so care must be taken near swimming areas. French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors and precautions must be taken when exercising during hot or humid weather as they are prone to heat stress. French Bulldogs and grooming needs The French bulldog has only a single short coat that does not shed excessively and only needs occasional brushing. Ears should be cleaned regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton ball around the edge of the canal. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly to prevent splitting and tearing. How much can you expect to pay for a French Bulldog from a reputable, registered breeder? According to the ANKC, these breeders tend to exploit the premise of 'Exotic' and 'Rare Colours' by disregarding the breed standard and falsifying colour. When colour is the main and at times only reason for producing a litter, health can and is at times compromised. Does a higher price mean a better quality puppy? Quality to an owner should relate to the health and soundness of the puppy, whether for a pet or a show dog and proof of health testing should always be provided. How well you can talk to and relate to the breeder, both before and after purchasing the puppy, is also of high importance. Potential health issues in French Bulldogs Reputable breeders will ensure that their dogs and puppies are free of issues that french bulldogs can face so be sure to ask for proof that testing has been done for the potential health problems listed below. It should be noted that NONE of these tests are compulsory, but ethical breeders will do whatever tests are available to them to ensure they are breeding healthy, quality animals. The condition is associated with their face shape long soft palate and narrowing of the nostrils , everted saccules and an underdeveloped trachea. Dogs suffering from BOAS should never be used for breeding. Good breeders aim to reduce these traits by selectively breeding for good palates and open nostrils. Breeding with fully tested specimens who exhibit both phenotypical what we see and genotypical genetic makeup healthy traits, helps to ensure that the offspring inherit desirable healthy traits - including good breathing. Hemivertebrae — The French Bulldog has an average of hemivertebrae. These are misshapen vertebrae that can occasionally cause severe instability of the spinal cord. Testing is recommended to reduce the incidence of this occurring. French Bulldogs can also suffer from Hip Dysplasia which can also be tested for to reduce the incidence of unstable hips. French Bulldogs can also suffer from luxating or slipping patellas dislocating kneecaps. This usually requires surgical intervention to give the dog relief. Again, dogs with this condition should not be bred from. Heart conditions - Cardiomyopathy, heart murmurs and pulmonic stenosis are some of the conditions that can occur. Unfortunately, heart conditions are on the rise within the French Bulldog due to irresponsible breeders - for more information see Heart Health, The French Bulldog Club of Qld for more information. Hereditary Cataracts Called "juvenile cataracts" to differentiate them from cataracts associated with old age or degeneration. Juvenile cataracts appear at an early age and because they are usually inherited, can be picked up with DNA testing. Cystinuria Type 3 is a genetic defect in the kidney tubules that causes bladder stones in male French Bulldogs. Neutering is curative in dogs that are affected, but both males and females can be carriers and should be tested. Cystinuria is thought to have arrived in Australia recently via dogs and semen imported from Europe. Increasing numbers of Australian breeders are testing for cystinuria. It should be noted that a specific test is required to detect type 3 Cystinuria - the French Bulldog version of the defect. Standard DNA testing is not sufficient. French Bulldog general facts The French Bulldog is a small to medium domestic dog, around 30cm high at its shoulders, weighing roughly 11 female —.French Bulldog colour variations The only correct colours for the breed Brindle, Fawn, Pied are illustrated in the images provided in the gallery. Fawn — with or without a black mask, ideally fawn should be clean and clear. Brindle — a mixture of black and fawn hairs creating brindle patterning striping. Pied Pattern — White base with either brindle or fawn patches. Ideally, the white base should be clean and clear of ticking or spotting. For Profit breeders are asking very high prices for so called "rare" colours like blue, lilac, black and tan. When colour is the main and at times only reason for producing a litter, health can be compromised. Breed clubs world-wide are united in their concern about the irresponsible and reckless exploitation of French Bulldogs, particularly by those breeders who aim to produce rare colours. If you choose to buy a French Bulldog puppy for colour - ensure that prior to purchase you have proof of the correct and complete health testing of parents and the puppy - including certified radiographs of the spines and hips and DNA testing for all hereditary conditions. Check our listings for Puppies for sale here and click on the links to our breeders below to go to their profile page. You can also click here to search for Registered French Bulldog Breeders by location.
Life Expectancy Breed Facts Poodles were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs who worked with their owners in retrieving waterfowl. The Poodle is widely known to be the most intelligent dog breed in the world. They train with ease and enjoy one on one engagement with their human best friend. There are three types of Poodles that the American Kennel Club recognizes. The most common and well-known is the standard Poodle, followed by the Miniature Poodle, and then the Toy Poodle. Poodles are social and outgoing dogs that tend to have a warm demeanor. They are mentally alert and very observant of their surroundings. Poodles have a very eager-to-please personality and enjoy the praise they receive after mastering a new trick. This breed is an exceptional family dog and gets along well with children and other animals in the home. They also easily adjust to apartment-style or conventional-style homes. It comes in nearly one dozen colors which include white, black, apricot, cream, and brown to name just a few. This makes routine grooming very important. Using a pin brush, gently brush its fur and work out any knots. A bi-weekly bath is also suggested, which will keep him looking and feeling his very best. Poodles younger than four months in age should be provided with four meals a day. When they reach five months in age, they do best with three meals per day. At six months old, they should have two meals per day spaced apart in twelve-hour intervals. Poodles also require thorough and routine teeth cleaning. It is suggested that they have their teeth brushed at least three times every week. The largest Poodle is the Standard Poodle who stands between fifteen and twenty-two inches tall. The Standard Poodle weighs forty-five to seventy pounds. The mid-sized Poodle, also known as a Miniature Poodle, tends to stand eleven to fifteen inches tall. The Miniature Poodle weighs between fifteen and twenty pounds. The third type of Poodle, known as the Toy Poodle, generally grows to about ten inches tall. The Toy Poodle weighs a mere six to nine pounds. Each of these Poodles has an average life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. Fact: Poodles were originally bred in Germany, not France, as many believe. Fact: This breed is considered to be the most intelligent breed of dog in the world. Fact: Poodles are excellent swimmers. Frequently Asked Questions Is it appropriate to neuter my Poodle? It is okay to neuter a poodle. However, it is only appropriate to neuter mature dogs Are Poodles affectionate? Yes, poodles are affectionate and loving, good with family, but they can be aggressive to outsiders. I own a Toy Poodle; can it be neutered too? Its all about maturity, male toy poodles can take 6 to 7 weeks while females 7 to 12 months to reach the age for neutering. How do I get my Poodle's hair to become curly? After washing, leaving the dog to dry out naturally will return its hair to its natural curly structure How much grooming does a Poodle need? Poodles require professional grooming every 3weeks. Therefore, grooming a poodle requires careful and judicious effort. At what age should Poodles be adopted? This is dependent on you; poodles can be adopted from 8weeks if you can care well enough for them. Do Poodle puppies shed? All dogs shed hair. However, the poodle sheds less than most breeds. Its shedding is not enough to trigger any allergies Is it okay to keep Poodles with the children? Poodles are loving. This ability goes for all types of poodle. Do Poodles like water? Yes, the poodle loves to swim. They were originally bred as water retrievers in France and Germany Do Poodles bark a lot? Poodles are observant; easily alert to whatever goes on around them. They are also energetic and intelligent. The poodle is a good dog breed that is beautiful and strong. They are good companion dogs but require a great deal of grooming. Are you interested in purchasing a Poodle? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. We have answers. You're not restricted by distance when you adopt a puppy through Uptown Puppies. Top breeders in our network are total pros at puppy transportation and can have your new pup flown to the airport nearest you. Or, if you prefer, ground transportation is also an option - with the added bonus of a chaperone to travel with your puppy and make sure everything goes smoothly. Either way, finding the perfect pup has never been easier! What makes Uptown Puppies so different from other puppy finders? Repeat after me.San Antonio Poodles for sale. San Antonio, TX. Uptown Puppies is the best place to find your new furry friend. We work exclusively with ethical breeders who are committed to providing healthy, happy puppies. Plus, we make it easy to meet your pup in person — all of our Poodle breeders in San Antonio, TX can arrange travel for your new puppy. San Antonio Poodle puppies for sale in San Antonio! TX, your dream dog has arrived. Are there any Poodle puppies online that I can adopt right now? Looking for a Poodle puppy to adopt? You've come to the right place! We have loads of Poodle puppies available for adoption right now. But act fast — these puppies are popular and get scooped up quickly! If you see the dog of your dreams, reserve them immediately! Poodle puppies for sale. How do I know these breeders are trustworthy? First and foremost, you'll want to make sure that the breeder is reputable and has a good track record. Secondly, you'll want to inquire about their health guarantee. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with a comprehensive health guarantee for your new puppy. Looking for a Poodle? San Antonio, TX has loads. How do I groom my Poodle? Give them regular baths - This will help keep their coat clean and free of tangles. Make sure to use a dog-specific shampoo so you don't strip away their natural oils. Brush their coat regularly - This will help distribute the natural oils evenly throughout their coat, and help prevent matting and tangles. Trim their nails regularly - Overgrown nails can be painful for your dog, so it's important to keep them trimmed on a regular basis. You can either do this yourself at home, or take them to a professional groomer. There is no definitive answer to the question of how big Poodles are, as they come in a range of sizes. Some people are very passionate about Poodles and love having them in different sizes! So, Poodle puppies. San Antonio, TX has 'em! Are Poodles healthy dogs? Get the cutest Poodle for sale in San Antonio. Poodles are often considered to be healthy dogs, but there are some health concerns to be aware of. Some Poodles may suffer from epilepsy or bloat, two of the most common issues in dogs. That's why it's so important to choose a humane breeder- one who can help minimize your dog's risk of health issues. Wow, it's a San Antonio Poodle for sale. San Antonio has loads of cute Poodles! How does transportation to San Antonio International Airport work? There are many things to consider when you are getting a new puppy. How will you transport them? If you are getting them from a breeder, most families choose to have their pooch transported rather than picking them up directly. Ground and air transport are both available and there are pros and cons to each method. Where do Poodles come from? Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, but where do they come from? Germans and French both claim the Poodle as their own, but the true origins of this breed are a bit of a mystery. Whether you call them Pudels, Caniches, or Poodles, these dogs have been around for centuries and show no signs of slowing down in popularity. Maybe Poodles don't come from any one place.Are Poodles smart? Poodles are some of the smartest dogs around. They excel at obedience and agility trials, and make great service and therapy dogs. Some Poodles can even be trained to hunt truffles! If you're looking for an intelligent, versatile breed, a Poodle may be the perfect fit for you. How much exercise do Poodles need? Should I take mine to Brackenridge Park? So how do you make sure your poodle gets enough exercise? One great way is to take them to a dog park. This is a great way for them to get socialization and playtime with other dogs. You can also take them on walks, hikes, runs, or even play some games in the backyard with them. Just remember that an hour is the minimum amount of exercise they need each day. What kind of food do Poodles eat? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to find out what your new puppy has been eating before you adopt them. You can work with your veterinarian to create a personalized diet plan that meets all of your dog's needs. Remember, your pup's nutritional requirements will change as they grow from a puppy into an adult dog.
black teacup poodle puppies for sale - By Chris The striking Poodle needs no introduction. Even people unfamiliar with dog breeds can easily identify one. But aside from their striking good looks, Poodles have many desirable traits, like their loyalty, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. The typical cost of a purebred Poodle ranges from USD. Smaller Toy and Mini Poodles typically cost towards the higher range. Papered show Poodles or genetically strong breeding dogs can fetch far higher prices. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. How Much Are Poodles? First things first: Poodles are expensive dogs. The reason? Poodles cost a lot to breed and maintain. A reputable breeder puts a lot of blood, sweat, and tears—and money—to ensure that their dogs are healthy and well-maintained. Where you get your Poodle also affects how much you pay for it. There are three types, which differ based on size: Standard: the largest of the three types Miniature: a medium-size Poodle Toy: the smallest of the three types A guilty looking two color Poodle Reputable Poodle Breeder Anyone who wants a purebred Poodle should find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is someone with a specific breeding business whose job is to produce the best dogs. As I mentioned above, the cost varies depending on the Poodle type you choose. Accidental Breeder An accidental breeder is exactly what it sounds like—someone who is not in the business of breeding but has a pregnant dog. In most cases, people who run puppy mills do not prioritize the health and safety of their pups. They have lots of dogs, usually more than they can take care of, to make the greatest profit possible. Getting a dog from a puppy mill is risky; you may get a dog with long-term health problems, a shorter life span, or genetic issues. So how do you avoid puppy mills? Online forums are an excellent place to look, especially ones specific to your area. Be sure to also check out breeder reviews. Rescue Finally, you have rescue shelters, which are excellent places to obtain a Poodle for cheap. The big downside in going this route is that finding the dog you want is a matter of luck. The main advantage of shelter dogs is the price. Additionally, most of the time, the shelter ensures that the dog already has all its shots before it goes home with you, saving you some of the healthcare costs. However, if knowing that is not important to you, you can find a fantastic dog for cheap. In addition to the initial fee to take the dog home, you should be aware of the other many Poodle costs. Some are one-time, while others are recurring. You already know that you have to feed the dog throughout its life. Choosing between a Cockapoo vs Poodle can be tricky — they are both super cute, hypoallergenic , and can be non-shedding! Vaccinations Vaccinations are essential to keep dogs healthy. Some are free, while others are not. Health Care Just as you would take a child to the pediatrician for regular checkups, you should take your Poodle to the Vet for an six monthly visit. Your vet may also advise certain medications to keep your dog healthy, like deworming meds. A super cute Poodle sitting on its owners lap Training Training is critical to ensure that your dog is well-behaved. You may feel confident training your dog yourself, but most people choose to send their Poodles to puppy school. You can start Poodle training with potty training at home. There are milestones that Poodles should meet at different ages. Grooming All dogs need to be groomed to some degree to keep their fur and skin healthy. Poodles are no exception, but if you compare them to other breeds, their grooming requirements are much higher. Depending on your preferences, your dog should visit the groomer every month or two. While this breed makes a loving and intelligent family dog , the high cost of having a Poodle—both to purchase it and to maintain it—is not for everyone. Adopting a Poodle? 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. If you want to get a show dog from champion bloodlines, expect to spend more. Purchasing the purebred Miniature or Toy type of Poodle is pricier than buying other dog breeds from a backyard dog breeder. The Standard Poodles are typically less expensive than Toy Poodles since they deliver more purebred puppies per litter. The price of a Standard Poodle, as well as Miniature and Toy Poodles, does not often change between male and female dogs, but larger dogs are associated with a higher maintenance cost compared to smaller Poodles. A premium price tag also usually means you have a high-quality Poodle puppy from purebred breeders which could save you a lot of money in the long run. Female Poodle: Which Is Better? Factors Affecting the Cost of a Poodle Puppy Many people find Poodles expensive, but what is it about Poodles that makes them so costly? Well, there are many reasons why these fluffy dogs cost thousands of dollars. The size, age, health, lineage, and AKC registration of a Poodle puppy are essential considerations when determining puppy prices. Here are other factors affecting the price of a purebred Poodle: Age: Younger purebred Poodle puppies are far more costly than older puppies on average. This is due to the high demand for young pups. Meanwhile, purchasing an adult Poodle could save you at the very least a few hundred dollars. Appearance: Purebred Poodles that sport rare Poodles coats color are priced higher than others. Purebred Poodle breeders dedicate years to learning how to breed high-quality puppies. Those that gained recognition for their hard work often put higher price tags on their Poodles than others. Bloodline: Since they are bred for exhibition, champion Poodles will be the priciest. These are the canines that compete in athletics and breed representation. Health Screenings: Purebred Poodles are at risk of health issues, such as seizures. This means Poodle breeders must take measures to ensure the health of their pups. As a result, they will have to invest additional money to nurture proper Poodle health. Registration Papers: Your Poodle must have the required registration papers to be registered with a kennel club. This list contains the significant factors that influence the price of a Poodle. When purchasing a Standard Poodle puppy, keep them in mind and any additional fees that may be associated with it. A purebred backyard breeder might ask you for things like reservation charges, pet delivery, vaccines, and pup accessories that are not included in the Standard Poodle price range. Poodle costs of adoption will vary depending on where you get your dog. If you choose a senior or special needs adult Standard Poodle, the fee is significantly reduced or even free entirely in these cases. Poodle puppies can be found in abundance in local shelters. If you decide to adopt a Poodle, you can be assured that you will get a dog that has been well-cared for, unlike the ones found in a puppy mill. Here is the list of the essential things that people who love Poodles must prepare for: Food and Treats: Poodles can be picky eaters. Hence, it is important to invest in the right kind of high-quality food upfront. Poodles will need a diet high in fats and proteins. Bed: Because the Poodles are active dogs, it will require a nice bed. The size of your Poodle will determine which mattress is appropriate. Crate: A crate is a must-have for required vet visits or crate-training your Poodle properly. This is a must-have item for Poodles that enjoy running and playing. Toys: Teething is unavoidable for young pups, and restlessness can lead to destructive behavior. These toys are a great approach to alleviating these concerns while keeping your dog happy. A slick brush to clear unkempt hair and knots, a metallic greyhound comb to remove tangles and separate hair strands, a blow dryer, grooming clippers, nail clippers, and a toothbrush to maintain proper oral hygiene are all you need. Furthermore, deworming is a crucial step in keeping healthy pups. Initial Vaccine Shots: If you opt to purchase an unvaccinated Poodle puppy, you will be responsible for the expense of their first round of vaccinations. This is also another way of keeping your Poodle healthy. Neutering and Spaying: If you purchase Standard Poodle puppies, most likely, it is still intact. It is suggested that the puppy be spayed or neutered between six and nine months. Microchip: A microchip, about the size of a rice grain, should be implanted on your Poodle. This can be scanned by vets or other canine specialists for your contact info, health records, and health problems. Miscellaneous Supplies: Useful goods such as poop scoopers, cleaning materials, and urine pads could make Poodle care much more manageable. January 20, Written by Sydney Heupel Poodles are one of the most beloved dog breeds out there, with their adorable curly fur and friendly personalities. But how much does it cost to take home a poodle? From purebred puppies to adult rescue pooches, the price of poodles can vary widely depending on breeders, age and other factors. Read on to find out all you need to know about poodle prices! The cost of a Poodle can vary greatly depending on the size, pedigree and breeder. Average Poodle Cost The average cost of a Poodle will depend on various factors such as the type of Poodle, its age and size. Prices may vary based on geographic location and quality of breeding for each individual pooch. It is important to also factor in additional costs when considering purchasing a poodle puppy. Factors Affecting Poodle Price When considering the price of a poodle, there are several factors that come into play. The most significant factor is the size and type of poodle you choose. Standard and miniature poodles cost more than toy or teacup varieties. The other major factor in setting the cost of a poodle is where it was bred and raised. Cost of Teacup, Toy, and Standard Sized Poodles The cost of poodles can vary greatly depending on their size and type. Teacup or toy poodles are particularly small, often weighing less than 4 pounds, while standard-sized poodles generally weigh between pounds. This difference in size results in a significant price discrepancy between the two types of dogs. It is important to note that aside from the purchase price itself, there will also be ongoing costs associated with owning any kind of pet such as food, veterinarian visits, grooming supplies — these are all things you should consider when budgeting how much it will cost to own an adorable puppy! Adoption vs Buying a Puppy Poodle Adoption vs Buying a Puppy Poodle is an important debate when it comes to choosing the right pet for your family. Adopting a poodle can be less expensive than buying one, but there are pros and cons to both options. Adoption is often the most cost-effective way of getting a poodle as many shelters have fixed fees or even waived adoption fees during special events. On the other hand, purchasing a puppy from a breeder means you will know exactly what type of parentage your pup has and its specific breed characteristics — this can be especially beneficial if you plan on entering your pup into shows or competitions later down the line. Some breeders also provide guarantees regarding the health of their puppies so you can rest assured knowing that if any issues arise within certain timelines then replacements might be available too. Show quality poodles require significant investment in both time and money. In addition to this initial fee, other costs should be taken into consideration including health testing fees for breeding stock such as eye exams and vet checkups prior to making any purchase decisions. Additionally, training classes may also be needed if you plan on showing your dog — often these classes are structured over an extended period of time which can add up quickly in terms of both cost and commitment. Investing in a show quality poodle is not something that should be taken lightly — with proper research and due diligence however it can be incredibly rewarding! After you initially purchase the pup, ongoing expenses are necessary to keep the dog healthy and happy throughout its life. Veterinary care is an essential cost for any pet owner and should not be overlooked when considering owning a poodle. Routine checkups, immunizations, parasite prevention treatments, medications and other veterinary services will need to be purchased from time to time in order to keep your pup safe and healthy. Food is another major expense when it comes to owning a poodle. Quality food should be provided in order for them to have proper nutrition throughout their life. Grooming costs must also be factored into the overall price of ownership as well since regular brushing, bathing and trimming of nails is required for this breed in particular due its long locks of fur which tend to tangle easily if not treated properly on occasion. .Professional grooming services might come with some additional fees but they offer convenience since all tasks are usually completed during one appointment instead of having multiple visits per session like what would happen doing it yourself or hiring someone privately on an hourly basis outside of these shops specialized in caring for these furry pals specifically. Before taking the plunge, one of my main concerns was the cost. So, after doing some research, I came up with several ways that I could save money on the cost of a poodle. The first thing I did was look into adoption centers in my area. Plus, adopting an animal not only helps you save money but also saves lives! Next, I talked to friends and family who already owned poodles or similar breeds. They were able to provide me with valuable advice on things like food type, veterinary care tips and even grooming requirements — all without costing me anything extra! Finally and perhaps most importantly , before making any big purchases for my new pup food bowls or toys… , I shopped around online for discounts or sales. This way, instead of paying full price at the pet store down the street, I saved quite a bit by looking around different stores and websites until finding just what we needed at an unbeatable deal. In conclusion, there are lots of easy ways to save money on the cost of owning a poodle if you know where to look and who to talk too. By following these simple steps myself and researching beforehand ,I found that not only did having one fit within our budget but ultimately enabled us both more quality time together as well! Related posts:. Other sources of entertainment for your dog may include activities, such as agility. You can also purchase items to create brain games for your dog, like puzzles and Kong toys. Different diets, toys, supplies, and groomers all can vary significantly in cost. Additional Costs to Factor In Other costs you should be prepared for include pet sitters, trainers, and emergency expenses. Trainers usually charge by the session, but some offer packages to help limit expense. Setting money aside every month for any emergency or unexpected expenses will help you be prepared if anything comes up. You can also rotate through toys and supplies to keep things interesting and prevent items from wearing out quickly. Even on a budget, you should plan for the monthly expenses associated with food and medical care. These are expenses that cannot be skipped, regardless of budget. Coming up with creative ways to budget and stretch the use of items longer can go a long way in helping you to save money. Image Credit: susanne, Pixabay Saving Money on Poodle Care You can save money on a professional groomer if you take time to brush your dog well every day to ensure they are not getting mats and to monitor their skin health. You can also save money on grooming expenses if you are comfortable shaving or grooming your Poodle yourself. Another great way to save money on the care and maintenance of your Poodle is to watch online and brick-and-mortar shops for sales and coupons. These can be used to save a significant amount on foods, toys, treats, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, and more. Conclusion: Poodle Price Owning a Poodle can be attainable, regardless of your budget. Poodles of all sizes and types are fantastic dogs with fun personalities. They are not low-maintenance dogs, though. This means you may experience higher costs associated with grooming and basic care than you would with a lower-maintenance dog. Set aside money every month as a backup option in case unexpected expenses arise or you find yourself in an emergency situation. Rescue Generally, adoption fees will always cost less than buying a dog from a breeder. If you prefer not to spend a lot of money upfront, getting a Poodle from a Poodle rescue organization might appeal to you. A small adoption fee means you can put that money towards initial veterinary care. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! Buying a dog from a breeder may help you prepare for potential health issues. Dogs that come from breeders also tend to have a more predictable temperament. The Up-Front Costs of a New Poodle Aside from emergencies, the initial costs of bringing a new poodle into your home will always be the highest. The first expense will be the price of your new puppy or dog. The price of a puppy can vary greatly depending on where you get your new Poodle and what kind of Poodle you get. The typical route of getting a Poodle is to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Because of the rich history of Poodles, breeders have taken care to manage bloodlines and ensure that quality animals come from each generation. When you buy from a good breeder, you usually receive certifications and health histories for your animal. Your single Standard Poodle puppy costs less than a Miniature or Toy Poodle partly because they produce more puppies per year. Additionally, larger breeds are in less demand than small and Toy breeds. As a more affordable and convenient breed in the long term, some would rather pay more upfront. The popularity of Miniature Poodles makes for a higher price. Toy Poodles These little cuties come in as the most expensive type of Poodle. Irresistible in appearance and unmatched in temperament, Toy Poodles are the most desired of Poodle breeds. Their small size comes with careful, specific breeding to reduce disease and enhance desirable traits. There are several benefits to having such a tiny dog, from the cost of food to ease of travel. Finally, Toy Poodles have a lower yearly birth rate than their larger Poodle counterparts. Therefore, each puppy is all the more precious for this reason. A brown Poodle actually enjoying a Vet visit Initial Veterinary Costs of Getting a Poodle Veterinary costs will vary depending on the age of your new Poodle and whether you get it from a breeder versus a rescue organization. However, any dog can encounter health issues at any time in its life. Although these veterinary costs are estimates for healthy animals, emergencies can run in the tens of thousands. Is Puppy Care More Expensive? Puppies cost more than an already grown Poodle. Puppies also need vaccinations in their first year that can add up but are a critical part of care. Young Veterinarian doctor listens to the heart beat of a happy gray Poodle Pet Insurance and Preventative Care An additional medical cost to consider is insurance to protect yourself financially. Some pet insurance companies also cover routine veterinary care. Too often have I heard of unprepared people getting slammed with a massive veterinary bill. On top of the stress of an emergency vet visit, a cost can cause even more anxiety. Less - The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized , squarely built dog with a distinctive harsh curly coat that may be presented in any of several traditional Poodle clips or corded. The ears are long, drop, and densely feathered. The tail is normally docked, set high, and carried erect. The length of body sternum to point of buttocks is equal to the height withers to ground. The Standard Poodle carries himself with an air of dignity and pride. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. The breed is noted for its high intelligence, trainability and sense of humor. Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog.
Similar services:
black teacup poodle puppies for sale - His owner, Lindsay Condefer, fed Lentil through a tube every three hours around the clock until he was large enough for surgery in May to repair his palate. Now Lentil is raising awareness for other pets with this condition as well as kids with similar facial differences. Through his work Lentil has inspired many potential pet owners to consider taking in a dog with a cleft palate. According to Dr. When food and water go into the nose, they can be inhaled into the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia [inflammation and infection of the lungs], which is very serious and could lead to death. The serious nature of a cleft palate should not put you off from adopting a dog with the condition, but you should be prepared for the care that will be required. Everyday care can be elaborate for dogs with severe defects, so you may want to consider adoption only if you have experience with rescues or caring for animals with special needs. You should also consult your veterinarian before adopting a dog with the condition. Everyday Care Your first step as the owner of a dog with a cleft palate is to take your new pet to a veterinarian. The vet can check the severity of the palate defect and see whether it is causing any adverse side effects. This can take up to three months of nursing at home, according to Dr. Surgery Once the puppy has grown enough, he can undergo surgery to repair the palate. Reiter says. Owners will want to make sure the puppy avoids anything that might prove difficult for him to chew, including treats. Usually puppies are able to return to normal life after this healing period. In some cases, however, additional surgery may be necessary, such as when the vet is unable to repair the defect completely the first time, the puppy plays with his sutures and causes them to come out too early, or the vet discovers additional issues with the hard or soft palate. Reiter recommends having your vet check for other possible defects in your puppy just in case, once the cleft palate is repaired, he says your puppy will most likely be able to live out his days as a normal dog. Causes of Cleft Palate Cleft Lip — Cleft puppies Studies have shown that cleft palate is most often caused by a genetic malformation. It is also believed that the palate may be formed in an abnormal way due to nutritional deficiencies, drugs, viruses or poisons to which the mother may have been exposed when pregnant. These are also frequently paired with other defects such as hydrocephalus. What Is Cleft Palate in Dogs? A cleft palate is an opening along the middle of the palate. This opening can range from small a few millimeters to severe the entire length of the hard and soft palate. This results in a lack of tissue connection between the mouth and nasal passages, creating problems for the dog that include eating, difficulty nursing, and poor growth. Oftentimes, part of the lip will be missing or misshapen. Sometimes, one or both nostrils appear to connect directly to the mouth. Symptoms Signs are not always obvious, especially if the defect is minor. An abnormal appearance to the lip may be visible, or you may not even see any problems because they are so far back in the mouth. Animals with severe defects where the mouth connects to the nose may have nasal discharge. If food material gets lodged in the nasal passage way, nasal discharge may be green or mucus-like. These symptoms can include: Difficulty nursing: Puppies with a cleft palate are unable to create enough suction when nursing because the oral cavity is open to the nasal cavity. The milk or food the dog does manage to get travels from the mouth to the nose, causing sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal irritation, regurgitation, and aspiration. Poor growth: Without the ability to nurse and eat normally, many puppies and dogs with cleft palate do not get proper nutrition and can be lethargic, with a poor rate of growth. They will always need to be tube fed until no longer nursing on mom. They will need to be monitored while eating. Aspiration pneumonia: Breathing in food and water can cause an infection of the lungs. Facial deformity: Occasionally, dogs with cleft palate will also have a facial deformity, such as cleft lip. Like the cleft palate, the lip will be split. It can be small or it can be large, running up into the nasal cavity, causing even more problems. Other issues: Though they are not always apparent at first, and depend on the cause of the cleft palate, problems with the inner ear, middle ear, swallowing apparatus, nasal septum, sinuses, and teeth may develop. There are two types of cleft palate in dogs: Congenital cleft palate is present at birth if the palate fails to fuse properly during days of gestation. This can occur for a variety of reasons: Genes: Most congenital cleft palates are genetic. Therefore, dogs with any level of cleft palate should be spayed or neutered and not used for breeding purposes. Oxy Mate Meat Treats are an amazing supplement to give to your breeding bitches once the breeding is complete. Make sure mom and puppies receive everything they need to thrive and grow into perfect puppies! Medications: Most notably, steroids, aspirin, griseofulvin, and some anti-seizure medications during pregnancy can cause cleft palate in puppies. Viruses: If the mother is exposed to certain viruses at a specific time during pregnancy, her puppies may be born with cleft palate. Acquired Cleft Palate: is caused by things like cancer and trauma. French Bulldog Dog Breeds That Are Prone to Cleft Palate Purebred dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds dogs that have short muzzles and flat faces , are more likely to have a cleft palate. Some common brachycephalic breeds predisposed to cleft palates include Boston terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, and Bulldogs. While there may be a genetic link in some of these breeds, there are other causes, and cleft palate can happen to both purebred and non-purebred dogs. There is no genetic test to screen your breeding stock. How Veterinarians Diagnose Cleft Palate in Dogs Most commonly, veterinarians diagnose a cleft palate based on a physical exam, especially in newborn puppies. In older puppies and adult dogs: Other abnormalities will be evaluated at this point, paying special attention to the lungs for signs of pneumonia or infection. Your vet may use radiographs to check for abnormalities of the skull, nasal sinuses, membranes, and oral and nasal cavities, as well problems with the inner and middle ear and the teeth. Treatment of Cleft Palate in Dogs Some cases of congenital and acquired cleft palate require surgical correction by board-certified veterinary dentists and surgeons. Some dogs with cleft palate will require numerous surgeries, but the first is the most important because scar tissue can affect future surgeries. There are a variety of techniques surgeons use depending on the size, location hard vs. The goal of surgery is to re-establish separate oral and nasal cavities and to reconstruct the nasal cavity floor. This is most commonly done using a flap technique, which involves relocating existing, healthy tissue in the mouth to cover the deformity. Tube for Tube Feeding Puppies Management of Cleft Palate in Dogs Newborn puppies with cleft palate commonly require tube-feeding before they are old enough for surgery, usually past weeks. Cleft Nipples fit for Dr. Browns Bottles Special Nipples have also been made for cleft palate puppies. Message us to order. This will decrease the chance of aspiration pneumonia and ensure that the puppy receives adequate nutrition. Older dogs should eat small, meatball-sized dog food to decrease the chances of aspiration pneumonia. Surgery Complications Dehiscence, the surgical site breaking down, is a common post-surgical complication. Many surgical sites break open due to tension at the surgery site, lack of space in the mouth, trauma during surgery, and trauma after surgery from eating or chewing. Hard food and chew toys must be avoided for a few weeks after surgery to allow proper wound healing. Dogs should be fed a diet with a thick liquid consistency during this time. Postoperative rechecks should be scheduled with the surgeon, typically at 2 — 4 week intervals. Dogs that suffer from chronic rhinitis may still have flare-ups and require medications to manage the condition, even after surgery. However, with a successful surgery and a healed palate, the prognosis for these dogs is positive. She was also in the minority five percent of puppies born with a cleft palate, or a hole in the roof of the mouth. Cleft palate is even more common among brachycephalic breeds, which includes Charlie, who is a French bulldog. Charlie at just 10 days old. Jessica Cox Cleft palate is a condition that results when the two halves of the roof of the mouth do not grow together completely, leaving a hole that leads directly to the nasal passages. Eating and swallowing are difficult, because risk of aspiration — when food or fluid is breathed into the airways — is high. Naomi Hoyer, a board-certified veterinary dentist and the Dentistry and Oral Surgery service coordinator at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Katie Doyon happened to be working in the critical care unit the day Charlie was born via emergency C-section. When Charlie was in recovery among the rest of the litter, Doyon learned she was going to be euthanized because of her cleft palate. Hoyer was optimistic. Kellen Bakovich Bringing two halves together Reconstructive surgery involves lifting the oral tissue up off the bone on the roof of the mouth and suturing it together in the middle to cover up the hole. Soft tissue inside the mouth is limited, but as puppies grow, their soft tissue does, too. Waiting several weeks for Charlie to grow provided more material for Hoyer to work with, ensuring a higher chance of surgical success. Getting Charlie to that point, though, was no easy task. Puppies with cleft palate can struggle with failure to grow normally and are particularly susceptible to aspiration pneumonia. Charlie needed around-the-clock nursing care and hourly feedings via a feeding tube. During her first few weeks of life she experienced close calls with a skin infection and aspiration pneumonia. Kellen Bakovich At 12 weeks old, Charlie had surgery to repair her cleft palate. While much of the defect can be seen with the naked eye, a CT scan on the day of surgery showed how extensive the lesion was in the bone. Proper anesthesia is crucial to surgical success, especially for patients as small as Charlie. Anesthesiologist Dr. Gregg Griffenhagen developed a comprehensive anesthesiology plan and Holly Ellis, an anesthetist, was with Charlie every step of the way, monitoring her vitals to ensure her safety throughout surgery and postoperative recovery. Naomi Hoyer performs Charlie's cleft palate repair surgery. But after spending five months taking care of and falling in love with her, Doyon was faced with making a tough decision. Cleft palate is only one of several medical complications that more commonly occur in brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs. Oftentimes these animals are bred without concern for the risk of these complications and the subsequent medical costs incurred, leading to euthanasia when owners or breeders cannot afford the price of emergency care. Not every Frenchie is so fortunate. Charlie is one of the lucky ones. Tags assigned to this story. Difficulty eating Labored breathing after light activity A pet parent of a French bulldog may take one look at these symptoms and shrug — many of these are typical Frenchie behaviors, after all. Diagnosing a soft palate defect may require anesthesia, as the examination is uncomfortable for dogs. Other medical conditions that affect breathing, like pneumonia or an upper respiratory infection, will be ruled out as well. Lentil was born with a cleft lip and palate, but successfully underwent surgery and is now a global ambassador. A minor cleft lip is primarily a cosmetic issue, but cases of secondary cleft palate in Frenchies often cause recurring respiratory infections. Corrective surgery can be risky in younger pets, who are already malnourished and have issues breathing as a result of the defect. Pets with smaller clefts have a good prognosis; antibiotics, soft foods, and are typically prescribed an E-collar as part of post-operative care. French Bulldogs and Heatstroke Small size and an adorably flat face make Frenchies extra susceptible to developing heatstroke , even in moderate temperatures. This condition is known as brachycephalic airway syndrome BAS , the result of centuries of breeding that created short yet compact nasal bones, coupled with an extended soft palate that blocks airflow to the trachea. Some airlines even ban bulldogs in cargo holds because a few have died in transit. Patty Khuly , VMD. Frenchies are extra prone to developing heat stroke, so keep walks short in summer! Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting and drooling, reddened gums, confusion, bloody vomit or diarrhea , and rapid heart rate. In severe cases, fainting, seizures, coma and death can result. Your dog will require treatment or even hospitalization if suffering from heatstroke. Prevent heatstroke in Frenchies by avoiding outdoor activity during peak temperatures, never leaving your dog in a car, or on the sidewalk. Pets who have experienced one episode of heatstroke are more likely to have another, so take extra precautions and always have water and some shade handy. Intervertebral Disc Disease Diagnosis Sudden lethargy or inability to lift the head can be a sign of intervertebral disc disease in French Bulldogs. IVDD can also occur as a result of traumatic or repetitive injury, like a fall, jumping off furniture or climbing up or down stairs. Pets can have intervertebral disc disease without suffering from symptoms, but many eventually develop pain in the neck or back. Pain manifests differently in dogs than humans; it may take some detective work to figure out what exactly hurts. Reluctance or inability to lift or turn the head and loss of interest in food are common signs of neck pain in dogs. Back pain may be signified by a reluctance to jump and vocalization or aggression when picked up. In severe cases of IVDD where the spinal cord is affected, neurological symptoms may arise — hunched body posture, odd walking gait, weakness, and even paralysis. Any physical movement can worsen an untreated case of intervertebral disc disease in French bulldogs. Diagnosis of IVDD is most common between ages four and eight but dogs as young as two have shown symptoms. The vet may take an x-ray to visualize the spine, looking for the location of a calcified disc. Most of the time, however, an MRI or CT is recommended in lieu of x-ray for better visualization of the spinal cord and discs. Surgery is the only way to solve the problem of a slipped disc, but in some mild cases where surgery is not elected by the pet parent, strict bed rest and anti-inflammatory medications will be required for the body to attempt to heal itself. Ear infections Ear infections in French Bulldogs are common. There are three main types of canine ear infections: otitis externa infection of the external ear , otitis media infection of the middle ear , and otitis interna infection of the inner ear. Bacteria, yeast or allergies can cause ear infections. Ear infections can be uncomfortable and even painful for your dog. Sometimes, the condition may just turn up periodically and then return to its normal position under the eyelid. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the front part of the eyeball and lines the eyelids. Symptoms include squinting or blinking, redness in the eye, discharge and swelling. If it is a bacterial infection, your veterinarian will probably prescribe an antibiotic ointment. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove an obstruction in a duct. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options. She is actively working to increase access to veterinary care, to develop more effective communication strategies to bridge the gap between veterinarian knowledge and pet parent understanding and build happy and sustainable veterinary teams. After graduation, Dr. Wallace started working with Just Food for Dogs, an innovative pet food startup out of southern California advocating fresh, whole-food diets for dogs. She also completed a small animal rotating internship at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists - receiving one-on-one training with San Francisco's top veterinarians in internal medicine, neurology, dermatology, oncology and surgery. After working in clinical practice, Dr. Wallace joined the field of telehealth. Wallace writes and reviews blog content for Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.