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The French Bulldog, or "Frenchie" as fans often call them, is short, sporty, and unmistakably sweet. It is no surprise for new owners to learn these dogs are the fourth most popular American Kennel Club AKC registered purebred dog breed in the United States! But out of all the adorably cute things French Bulldogs are known for around the world, poop eating isn't one of them. In fact, this is one of the behaviors that most stress out Frenchie owners. Why do French Bulldogs eat poop? Is this a normal behavior or is something medically wrong? Is there anything you can do to keep your Frenchie from eating poop — their own or the poop of other animals? Let's discover the answers to these questions now. If you ask your dog's veterinarian about this behavior, they will tell you it is common enough to have earned its own medical term — coprophagia "caw-pruh-fay-gee-uh". Coprophagia describes "feeding on dung. So if your French bulldog eats their own poop and if your Frenchie eats your pet cat's poop or the dog next door's poop, it is still the same behavior. But why on earth would your beloved French Bulldog do this when you lavish them with the best food and tastiest treats? It is just so gross! Just in case you need more proof that you are not alone in dealing with this issue although by now we highly doubt you do you can always check out this super-gross YouTube video made by a French Bulldog owner. But remember — we warned you! So why in the world does your French Bulldog eat poop — their own or the poop of other animals? Let's ask a veterinarian for more information. According to noted veterinarian Dr. Becker , there isn't actually just one reason why your French Bulldog may start eating poop. There can be a number of different reasons. In the world of canine biology, there are only two reasons when poop eating in companion animals may be considered "normal. A mother French bulldog eats the feces of her young as part of cleaning them If you have never bred your Frenchie, you may not realize that the mama dog has to help her newborn puppies learn to poop. She even has to remind them to poop! She does this by licking their private areas with her tongue. This teaches the young puppies to poop after they have nursed. Sometimes the mama dog will end up eating the poop as well, either to protect the puppies by eliminating odor that predators might pick up or simply because it comes out while she licks them. A French Bulldog is trying to glean extra nutrition missing from their diet The only other biological reason why a Frenchie may start eating poop here again, their own or that of other animals is due to a nutritional deficiency. For example, let's say the food you are feeding your French bulldog isn't delivering the right amount of certain key nutrients. Your dog may start eating poop to try to supplement their diet and add back important digestive enzymes, digestive fiber prebiotics , gut bacteria probiotics , vitamins, minerals, and other trace elements. This is quite common in many species of wild animals, and particularly those that are considered foraging species who may struggle to simply find enough food to survive. For some species like guinea pigs for example , poop eating is so vital they will die if they are not able to have access to their own feces. But it is not either necessary or common in companion canines unless the captive diet is deficient. Other Less Normal Reasons Why Your French Bulldog May Eat Poop In addition to these "normal" biological reasons why your French Bulldog might suddenly start to eat poop, there are other less-normal reasons that can trigger coprophagia. As your French Bulldog's doting owner, you may not be able to think of a single reason why you would ever eat poop — like, EVER — your dog can find lots of good reasons for coprophagia. Dogs Naturally Magazine outlines the most common reasons dogs eat poop that fall outside the two biological reasons we talked about here earlier. These reasons for poop eating range from the medical to the behavioral and are each common enough to have plenty of evidence behind them. Your Frenchie has a parasite or medical condition Frenchies are petite pups and active enough to use up the nutrients they get at mealtimes. But when you add a worm or a parasite that is now living off your dog's food, your pup may need to eat more to sustain them both. When this happens, your dog may still be hungry even if you are giving them ample portions at mealtimes. Eating poop maybe your dog's way to tell you there is something wrong. Your French Bulldog is bored Frenchies that get bored may start biting or eating inappropriate things, including the couch cushions, their toys, your clothes, and poop. Your dog isn't getting enough food at mealtimes If your French Bulldog is hungry, you can bet they will pop poop in their mouth as a way to fill up. Your Frenchie is still a puppy and will mouth anything and we mean anything French bulldog puppies that are going through teething are likely to mouth, bite and swallow just about anything, including poop. Your French Bulldog thinks poop smells amazing and must taste even better! It's hard to argue with such a super-sensitive sniffer! Your Frenchie has gotten stressed out for some reason French Bulldogs are very smart, and often smart dogs are more emotionally sensitive to change and disruption to their normal routine. A move, the addition of a new pet or person, even a change of food may trigger poop eating. Your French bulldog is from a puppy mill and this is a learned behavior Dogs that have been rescued from puppy mills are more likely to exhibit coprophagia because they were not given enough food heartbreakingly sad but oh-so-true. Your Frenchie has learned this behavior from their mom or another dog South Boston Animal Hospital explains some dogs learn this by watching their mom. Your Frenchie has learned that eating poop gets your attention Let's be honest. French Bulldogs are incredibly smart! If your Frenchie has noticed that eating poop always grabs your attention, you can absolutely expect this behavior to be added to their list of tricks to keep your eyes on them…and only them. How to Stop Your French Bulldog from Eating Poop From the moment you first noticed your French Bulldog chowing down on poop, you probably wanted just one thing: to make it stop. This is totally normal! But first, you have to find out exactly why it is happening. You may need to enlist the help of your dog's veterinarian to discover which of the reasons you just read about may be contributing to your dog's poop habit. Once you know the reason, it becomes a lot easier to take steps to make eating poop seem a lot less appealing. Here are some tips to try right away even while you may be waiting for veterinary test results to come back : Give your dog more activity, exercise, and playtime. Consider switching to a new food. Keep your lawn well-maintained and poop-free. Use a short leash to discourage free-range poop eating while out on walks. Don't let your dog out in the back yard unsupervised. Add calming aids for when you have to be away and your Frenchie gets anxious. Be sure you are keeping your French bulldog's daily routine very predictable. Try a poop additive sprinkling something unpleasant tasting on top of poop. Refresh your Frenchie's training lessons on "drop it" and "leave it. Do you have any great tips to share about what you did to solve the problem? We are all about finding new creative ways to keep dogs and poop apart. Drop us a comment to share your tips. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Especially if they give you licks with that mouth. This is a very common habit that most Frenchies pick up. This is because young Frenchies are known to copy the things they see their mother do. This likely has you wondering why the mother French Bulldog was eating the poop. You see, the mother is removing the poop from the habitat. As an act to keep her puppies safe, she will eat the poo to remove the smell. Digestion Problems If your Frenchie has a digestion problem, the food it eats could pass through its system too quickly. When the dog has a bowel movement, the food in it will smell almost identical to how it did when the dog consumed it. This can make it tempting for the Frenchie to eat the poo. Additionally, this can also happen if you are feeding the dog low-quality food. When a dog has a parasite, it will feast on everything the dog eats. Even though you may be providing all the right nutrients to your Frenchie, the parasite is absorbing them all. This leaves the Frenchie feeling very hungry and on the lookout for something to eat. Medical Issue One of the downfalls of Frenchies is that they are prone to diabetes and thyroid problems. Some French Bulldogs will have difficulties eating, whereas others will eat everything in sight. This habit has been noticed by dog owners who leave their Frenchie alone for long periods. Since Frenchies are companion dogs, they get bored if they are left alone for too long. This can lead to some bad habits, with poop eating being one of them. Medication With Steroids Many Frenchies are prone to allergies. For dogs with severe allergies, steroid treatment may be recommended by the vet. One of the side effects of steroids is an increased appetite. This will have your Frenchie eating everything edible insight, including poop. While there are many reasons why your Frenchie is eating poop, the good news is that there are also several ways you can get them to stop. Below are some of our top tips for stopping this dirty habit. Nutrition is key to good health. In many cases, a Frenchie will eat the poop because it smells of food in it. For this reason, you may need to reconsider what you are feeding the dog. When you buy good quality food, it will keep the dog full for longer. Be positive with your training methods so the dog responds well and you will have more success. Make a Poo Spray When all else fails, you need to make that poop unappetizing. Common choices include: Spices. Close share Copy link Everybody loves puppies and their cute antics. French bulldogs are no exception. However, they often get a bad reputation for eating their poop. This is not fair on the dog as they are not doing it to deliberately be disgusting, they are just trying to survive. This blog will look at why they eat their poop and how you can stop it. There are many reasons why your French bulldog would do this but some of the common reasons are Coprophagia Most dog owners will tell you that their pet dogs eat poop because they are not aware of what they're ingesting. That may be true for some French bulldogs, but all dog breeds have their unique tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. For example, French Bulldogs will oftentimes enjoy eating fecal matter or other types of foods that you probably don't even know they have a taste for. And this is referred to as coprophagia. Following Mother Instinct Frenchie puppies start eating their poop they are with their littermates. They learn this behavior from their mother, who will naturally tidy up the "nest. Puppies will emulate their mother's behavior and may begin to ingest feces. Parasites Dogs with parasite infections tend to obsessively eat certain foods. This is because the parasites consume all of the dog's food, so there's nothing left to eat. In the end, they will start eating their own feces. The best way to deal with a dog in this condition is to examine their poop regularly and take them to the vet for treatment as soon as possible. Over Use Of Steroids Allergies in French bulldogs can result in a variety of issues, from skin sensitivity to behavioral problems. In some cases, it might lead to serious itching which can be treated with steroids, but these medications tend to affect chronically ill French bulldogs. They also increase hunger, so your dog may not eat for hours and then gorge on its poop. Again, this is another common occurrence reported by many Frenchie owners. Medical Issues French bulldogs are not immune to diabetes and unfortunately, this incurable condition brings bad things. Some dogs refuse to eat while others get an increased appetite. This can be rather unappetizing to a puppy, but they will take it as an attractive option and start eating their poop. Anxiety When your French bulldog suffers from anxiety, they may have a few undesirable habits that stem outward. For example, your dog may begin to start eating his poop in stress. And can you stop from them eating it? Why does my French Bulldog eat poop? French Bulldogs eating poop is very common, particularly with puppies. It can be due to a number of reasons in adult dogs including boredom and health issues. Frenchie puppies will eat poop due to digestion issues, hunger, and evolutionary behaviour. Why a French Bulldog puppy keeps eating poop? Firstly, you should not be concerned to see a Frenchie puppy eating poop. They will often start doing this whilst in the litter. She will do this as an evolutionary trait, as animals will clean poop away from youngsters to stop predators being attracted by the smell. Puppies will naturally mimic their mother and can start to eat faeces. However, some French Bulldog puppies will continue to keep eating poop until they grow older. They will be naturally attracted to the smell and are curious to taste and test things out. Even at this age, the sight of a freshly laid poop can be very enticing to a young Frenchie puppy. Just like a human baby naturally puts things in their mouth to try them out, puppies are no different — even if that is the stools and faeces of another dog! Aside from the evolutionary behaviour already spoken about which they should grow out of here are more reasons why your French Bulldog could still be eating his poop as a puppy. Because he has poor digestion and low nutrient food If your Frenchie puppy is having difficulty in digesting his food, he may continue to eat poop for a few months as a youngster. It will smell and taste almost exactly the same — this is very tempting for a puppy! Because he is hungry Frenchie puppies are very prone to picking up intestinal parasites and worms, particularly if they have continued to eat poop outside of the litter. Have a read of that and stick to it — your Frenchie puppy needs to be fed well three times a day, and if you skip this, the hunger can lead to poop eating. Because he wants attention All French Bulldog puppies want attention, and plenty of it! Any attention is good attention to a Frenchie puppy. Because he is bored This is weird but true. Some French Bulldog puppies will eat poop if they are bored. This is really common with Frenchie owners who have left their puppies alone for long periods of time. Frenchies are a very sociable breed, so leave them alone at your own peril. If you find your French Bulldog puppy eating his own poop, perhaps you need to spend a bit more time with him. Because he is stressed French Bulldogs eating poop, particularly adult ones, will often be a sign that they are depressed and stressed. It does affect puppies too though. Stress can manifest itself in many different ways, with destructive and anti-social behaviour being high on the list. Your puppy could be feeling this way due to a sudden change in his environment such as a home move, a new animal being introduced, or a big scare. If you are unsure about whether your dog is happy or not, and how to tell, read this blog post I wrote about the signs of Frenchie happiness to look out for. An unhappy Frenchie can eat their own poop — how happy is yours? He fell into the trap of telling his puppy off every time he defecated on the kitchen floor. He should not have done this for a number of reasons, but one major consequence was the puppy would eat his poop each time he did it. The reason why? Should you be concerned about poop eating? Most will grow out of it in time. By reacting badly, you could make the situation worse. Below I will take you through some methods on how to stop a French Bulldog eating his own poop, so please read that. But, should you be worried about health risks from your Frenchie eating faeces? However, if your Frenchie is eating the poop of another dog or animal regularly, then this could lead to a health issue. They can also end up digesting medication or other foreign bodies that are designed for their digestive system. Signs that your French Bulldog might have a health problem from eating poop include: Gastroenteritis: is your Frenchie sick, hot, dry heaving, or depressed? Vomiting and diarrhoea: this is easy to spot here are more reasons for vomiting Decreased appetite: has your Frenchie gone off his food? Tiredness: is your French Bulldog less active than usual and lethargic? Intestinal parasites: can you see worms in their faeces? If your French Bulldog puppy keeps eating poop or adult dog and you see any of the warning signs above, please consult a professional vet immediately for proper advice. How to stop your French Bulldog from eating its poop So, how do you prevent your French Bulldog from eating poop? Here are the best tips for preventing poop eating. Feed your Frenchie a well-balanced and nutritional diet French Bulldogs who have a well-balanced diet with plenty of nutrient-rich food should not really be eating poop. Make sure you have your puppy on good quality food, so he gets all the goodness he needs including protein, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients. Look out for signs of bad digestion As already discussed, poor digestion can lead your Frenchie to this unsettling habit. If your dog is eating faeces more than what might be considered normal, then look out for signs of a digestive problem including: Slowed growth and development. Increased vomiting and throwing up. Watery and liquid type stools. Large lumps of undigested food in the stools. Give your Frenchie lots of attention and exercise A bored Frenchie leads to a multitude of problems, including the dreading poop eating. Always clean up immediately after your puppy has done his business. You are taking his opportunity away to examine the stool and taste it. Some owners say that this works wonders as it can make their poop taste foul and will help to quickly break the habit. As well as pineapple, some online vets have said that you can add other elements to their diet such as meat tenderizer, digestive enzymes, or natural additives. They share the same yard and garden space. Here you can see Claude sniffing out some interesting cow dung in our local forest. The first time Claude had a bite on a spicy cat poop, he soon stopped. If you have a poop-eater, keep them leashed at all times until they grow out of the disgusting habit. We live near a large forest where there are roaming animals such as cows and horses and Claude loved their dung. We kept him on his lead for a few months to stop from eating it all. Discourage your Frenchie from doing it with a distraction. This could be a ball or a treat, but anything to get them away from the faeces. Positive reinforcement works wonders with French Bulldog puppies… After time, they should break the habit and you will be able to give them more freedom to explore as they get older. What if none of this works? If your French Bulldog continues to eat poop despite all your best efforts using the tips listed above, you will need to consult a professional. Your vet will be able to give advice, or possibly an animal behaviourist which I am not. What other Frenchie owners say? Give your Frenchie some pineapple as when it comes out the other end it stinks worse than normal. I saw this on TV when they said it makes the poop very acidic and they typically stay away. Maybe it works for some Frenchies but not my two girls. My last resort is using a hot a spicy chili sauce on the poop and this has worked well so far. But I do have to go out into the yard first. So on advice from the vet , we left her poop we try and collect it as soon as possible and then added some Tobasco sauce to it. This helped to break the habit with our Frenchie and he no longer sees it as a valuable prize. Do it for a couple of weeks and see how you get on. It worked very well for us, and it stopped the eating. Try to give them a supplement to counteract any vitamin or mineral deficiencies they may have. Also, this poop eating is unfortunately a way for pups to contract coccidia which is an intestinal parasite. Treatment will be something called Albon oral medicine. So yes, crushed pineapple is the best way to stop your Frenchie eating poop, at least for us. I am glad it worked, as whilst I was researching this guide, I found some worrying information about toxoplasmosis. If your French Bulldog eats cat poop, he could get infected with toxoplasmosis. It can be very dangerous, and I recommend reading this guide on the PetMd. Conclusion Poop eating known as coprophagy is very common in Frenchies, particularly puppies, so should not really be worried about unless it continues regularly into adulthood. We walk him in the local forest frequently where there is an abundance of horse, rabbit, fox, and cow dung. Not only does he occasionally try to eat it but will also roll in it… disgusting! Faeces can be very enticing to dogs. You might also like…. What should I do if my French Bulldog eats poop? Home » What should I do if my French Bulldog eats poop? It is common enough to have its own name called coprophagy. Not all Frenchies will do this but some will. Medical Reasons Your French Bulldog eats poop. Enzyme Deficiency: Wild dogs were depending on eating whole prey for food which would provide them with additional digestive enzymes that just the ones they produce. Think pancreas. Digestive enzymes help break down nutrients in a way that they can be digested. If they are not getting enough nutrients they could turn around and eat their poo. Parasites Your Frenchie could have parasites. Parasites need food too to stay alive and may cause your French Bulldog to not be able to absorb nutrients. Increased appetite from conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or taking steroids may make your little one feel hungry 3. He may then turn to finding those nutrients in his feces. If your French Bulldog is losing weight he may not be getting enough nutrients from his food. A hungry dog will look for other sources of food. Learned behavior from mother. One of the reasons they might is they learn it from their mother. Some of their little ones just might catch on and make it a habit. Exploration Most puppies put everything in their mouths to learn more about their environment…including poop. Fortunately, I have noticed most Frenchies who do tend to grow out of it in a few weeks, months, and at the latest around one year old. Dogs are natural scavengers and unlike us it smells great to them. Some dogs eat their own poo to relieve stress. Attention seeking It may seem weird but some may think bad attention is better than no attention. They may do it for attention. Some dogs are concerned with being punished so they eat it to hide the evidence. How to stop your French Bulldog from eating poop. Keep it clean. Go outside with your Frenchie and pick up the poop as soon as he goes. Develop Play. Make sure they are safe and always supervise when playing with toys. See Frenchie toys! Add a good quality multivitamin with minerals. For a hydrochloric acid deficiency consider adding apple cider vinegar in their water or mixed with food at 1 tsp per 25lbs body weight. Check for parasites. Call your vet and ask for him to do a fecal sample. Deworm your Frenchie regularly as well. Keep your French Bulldogs digestive tract in consideration when eating poo. He may be deficient in something. I will tell you that each of mine has outgrown it. French Bulldog Puppies 3. You can also try probiotics or one of the several products which are designed to stop or restrict poop eating and help them digest food easier. Train Your Frenchie Training is key to addressing unwanted behaviors, and poop eating is no exception. In each and every case, it is vital to communicate with your Frenchie that this behavior is unacceptable. These will come in handy when you catch them eyeing that pile of poop. It would catch her off guard and she would move away. I did that every time so she would associate the sound with the eating of the poop. She no longer eats her poop outside, but if she occasionally poops in her crate, she may, but she does not do it all the time. Positive reinforcement is also very effective in reinforcing a desired behavior, so if your Frenchie stays away from their poop, give a reward such as treats and praise. With poop eating this is especially true, as the health of your furry friend is at stake: regular poop eating can lead to diarrhea and other issues. In addition to poop, your Frenchie might also find all sorts of dangerous things outside which could even be fatal when ingested. Wait for the moment they want to eat it and step in! If they leave the food right away, praise them and show how happy you are. So, keeping your Frenchie mentally and physically stimulated can help redirect their energy and prevent them from resorting to poop-eating. Provide your puppy with interactive toys, play with them regularly, and take them for daily walks to keep their minds engaged and their bodies active. Read our article on how much exercise French Bulldogs need to learn everything about the topic! Your vet or a certified dog behaviorist can provide further guidance and develop a tailored plan to address the issue. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to success. With your love, care, and a proactive approach, you can help your French Bulldog kick the poop-eating habit and lead a healthier, happier life. Frenchie puppies may eat their poop because of natural instincts, nutritional deficiencies, boredom or some kind of underlying health issue. How to get my French Bulldog to stop eating poop? The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!
Breathing rapidly when sl.Breathing rapidly when sleeping - when should you be concerned? This article will discuss when it is normal and when you should call your vet. Are you concerned about your pet? Meet a vet online! We can only imagine what they are dreaming about probably chasing squirrels and rabbits but this increased rate of breathing is often accompanied by rapid eyelid flickering, foot twitching and sometimes noises such as yelping and even growling. This normally only lasts for a minute or two and is more common in puppies as their brain processes all the exciting things they have done that day. If the breathing change is not associated with the other signs of dreaming and it does not settle after a while then it may be sensible to contact your vet. A video of the episodes is very useful for your vet to see. Exertion and heat After a dog has been exercising their breathing rate naturally increases and this increased rate will be carried on for a short while after they have finished exercise. Many puppies choose to have a nap straight away after playing even mid play! It is only a concern if the breathing doesn't settle within a few minutes. Warm summer evenings may mean that your dog breathes more rapidly as they are dropping off to sleep and may have looked for a sleeping place under an open window. Be aware that if your dog has been playing very vigorously in the hot weather they may lay down and rest with their eyes closed but breathe very heavily and rapidly for a lot longer and may be at risk of heatstroke. Breathing that has not slowed after ten minutes especially if it is associated with a bright red tongue and gums, drooling, trembling and whining, is not normal and you should cool your dog and contact your vet as soon as possible. Heart disease Whilst this is more often a worry in older dogs an undiagnosed heart condition can occur at any age. In this situation owners commonly notice that their dog may be more tired than normal and may also have developed a cough. As the heart begins to fail, fluid can build up in the lungs and collect on the side they are lying down on and this makes breathing uncomfortable. Your sleeping dog will initially breathe faster and with more effort but after a short while will wake up, move around and then settle in a different position. A tired dog in the day that is unsettled and coughing during the night should be seen by your vet. What can you do to check everything is ok A few simple checks of your dog can reassure you that everything is ok: Time how long the rapid breathing is lasting - Rapid breathing during sleep should only last a few minutes - longer than this may be a concern. Time how many breaths in 60 seconds - A pup will breathe between times a minute and an adult between times a minute when asleep. Check their body temperature -It is not advisable to do this with a thermometer when they're sleeping, but hovering your hand above them may give you an indication of whether they feel hotter than normal. You can do this accurately with a thermometer if you have woken them. Check their tummy is not swollen or hard - Stomach pain or bloating can cause extra pressure on the lungs and cause an increase in the breathing rate It can be upsetting to your dog to wake them when they're dreaming they may be disoriented and possibly snap at you , but if the increased rate of breathing is worrying you and there are no signs of dreaming, you can wake them carefully by gently calling their name and checking that all is well. When to call your vet Rapid breathing not settling after 10 minutes Tired in the day and coughing Noisy breathing Rapid breathing in the day time as well as at night Further reading. But what does it mean if you notice your dog breathing fast while sleeping? A respiratory rate from 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest is normal, depending on your dog. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Of course, this can be accompanied by fast breathing. Maybe your dog is dreaming of chasing a squirrel or some other exciting activity. Take note of whether your dog shows the other signs of dreaming while breathing quickly in their sleep. If so, this is likely the cause of the high respiratory rate. Small dogs and puppies have quicker dreams more often , while larger dogs have longer dreams with more time between episodes. Respiratory Issues Because of Breed Another possibility is linked to the breed of your dog. If your dog is a brachycephalic breed , which refers to breeds with more flattened faces and shorter snouts, then he or she has a greater disposition for breathing-related issues. If you have a brachycephalic breed and notice faster than normal breathing during their sleep, you should consult your vet to determine if one of these pressing issues is the root cause. More Serious Underlying Issues Although it can simply indicate dreaming, fast breathing during sleep can be a sign of a serious underlying problem that requires immediate attention. Overall, fast breathing while sleeping, if not related to dreaming, simply means that your dog is having a harder time getting air. Anything from asthma, collapsing trachea, respiratory infections, or pressure on the windpipe can cause a faster respiratory rate while sleeping. Even more serious still, lung cancer, pneumonia, fluid on the lungs due to heart disease , and a hernia are also possible causes. Be sure to pay attention to other signs of more severe illness, for example lethargy, panting during the day, pale gums, poor appetite and wheezing. If you suspect a stuffy nose to be the reason your dog is breathing fast, try out a humidifier in the room they sleep in. In the moment, it can be hard to differentiate between a serious problem and an unconcerned, passing event. If you notice your dog breathing fast while sleeping, the first thing to do is to check their respiratory rate. If you notice other symptoms along with the fast breathing that alarm you, make an appointment with your vet. Since graduation, she has worked in general practice, on telehealth platforms, and in animal rehabilitation. She has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in the field of canine nutrition through numerous certifications and coursework, and plans to pursue her Masters in Animal Nutrition. In this article:. Side Effects of Medication Watching their beloved pup sleeping is one of the sweetest things in the world for many owners. Our pups are gorgeous, but when they sleep, especially in a funny position, we just can not resist them. Looking after our paw friends during sleep is not only quite normal, but it can also be very helpful, as we can recognize any breathing issues that may be present. However, the normal breathing rate for each pup is individual, that is why you may want to consult a veterinarian for accurate information about your paw friend. After 30 seconds you can just multiply the number by two, to determine the breathing rate of your paw friend. Why Do Pups Breathe Fast As mentioned above pups have higher breathing rates than adult dogs, which applies even more to hyper pups, who are eager to play and explore. In general, we could say that there are three types of reasons for faster breathing in pups: 1. Physical-related causes they are quite normal, and you should not worry ; 2. Psychological causes; 3. Underlying medical issues. Psychological causes might be related to stress triggers, that may cause anxiety and lead to increased breathing rate. The third group includes underlying health conditions like heart failure, respiratory problems, Cushing's disease a. In this case you need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important that the area is not draughty as, as your puppy may get sick. You should always keep in mind that heatstroke is dangerous not only for humans, but also for dogs. During this stage the eyes move fast behind closed eyelids , the heart rate increases and the breathing gets irregular. However, from a medical point of view, there is nothing to worry about. Stress triggers can usually be a rapid environmental change, i. Your Pup Is Breathing Fast During Sleep - When Should You Consult a Veterinarian If you notice that your paw friend is breathing rapidly even when they are resting, or they are panting with a closed or not fully opened mouth, you should contact a veterinarian. Coughing, retching, wheezing as well as producing other sounds , having blue or pale gums, are other signs of underlying health conditions, that require a veterinarian check. This condition can cause permanent lung damage. Coughing occurs as a response of the body in order to help the airways clear the excess mucus. Bronchitis can be acute and chronic. While acute bronchitis is usually caused by infection viral or bacterial and is a temporary condition, if its symptoms remain more than 2 months, it is deemed chronic. Trachea Problems The trachea is a part of the airway system, supported by cartilaginous rings that open to let air in and out. This is a progressive disease, most common in toy breeds like the Pug, the Yorkshire Terrier , the Miniature and the Toy Poodle, the Chihuahua. Tracheal collapse is perceived as an extension of chronic bronchitis. The treatment of trachea problems may feature both medication and preventative care. Dyspnea Dyspnea or the so-called shortness of breath is a condition that prevents the lungs from expanding. As a result, they can not get enough oxygen into the bloodstream which leads to breathing problems. Initial treatment may feature: providing oxygen, taking out fluid from the chest cavity, doing tracheal intubation, inhalation, keeping the pup hydrated, treating any bacterial infections if present. Heart Problems Fast breathing can be a sign of congestive heart failure. Accompanying symptoms can be panting, experiencing fatigue, having difficulties breathing or breathing very rapidly, coughing, and having blue gums. Medication to correct the heartbeat or prevent fluids from build-up may be prescribed. Also, surgery may be administered. Certain types of food such as chocolate, garlic, onion, chives, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol, corn on the cob can be harmful for your paw friend. We always recommend that you keep human food which is potentially dangerous for your dog locked and always supervise your paw friend while outdoor. Side Effects of Medication Sedatives and pain relievers can lead to breathing problems in your paw friend. In most cases these medications do not lead to labored breathing when used properly , however, if your dog has an allergic reaction, heart issues, anemia or internal bleeding, breathing problems may occur. Last Name We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time. Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only. Customer reply: Thank you Dr. Whishing the best Iris Search for similar questions: Popular questions.Head tremor in a cat. Dear Dr. Marie, My cat Wildwood has been lethargic for the past 2 days, along with.For quite sometime now she has been experiencing something that is irritating her.I got my dog Clyde on June 25, .He is a 4 year-old Lhasa. His previous owners.Molly the mixbreed started acting strange about a week ago. I bought the excel enteric coated aspirin 81mg each for my 85lb husky. I don't know.I have had my cat for approximately. She has been sick and has lost a lot of.Hello, My cat Paisley is 10 months old and her eye is foggy, her ears and nose are.Hello Dr. Marie, My question is about a vet bill that I got yesterday and I.Do you wonder why my puppy breathes fast than your adult dogs? As mentioned above, puppies require more oxygen for healthy development. Set the timer for 30 seconds. Multiply the resulting number by 2 and the number you get is the number of breaths per minute of your puppy. The normal breathing rate for puppies is 15 to 40 breaths per minute. In some cases though, the breathing rate can be as high as breaths per minute. Is this still normal? Save Big On Dog Essentials! Why do Puppies Breathe Fast? My Puppy Breathes Fast while Sleeping! Should I be worried? If the fast breathing is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, disinterest in playing, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, swollen stomach, and breathing difficulty, then those are the signs that puppies require immediate veterinary attention. Otherwise, it can be a cause for concern. The gums should be moist and pink, not pale or any other color. Yes, a puppy breathing fast is normal. But, the story is different if it comes with other symptoms such as loss of appetite and coughing. As a fur parent, you must observe your pup if there are obvious signs that warrant a trip to the vet clinic. The best gauge is to determine if your puppy is actively interacting with you and other pets. If it is within the normal range, then, you have nothing to worry about because a puppy breathing fast is normal. Yes, puppies do breathe faster than dogs. Having said that, do not panic right away if you notice that my puppy is breathing fast compared with your adult dogs. As you have learned earlier, having a dream or being in the REM stage is one of many reasons why is my puppy breathing fast while sleeping. There is no need to run to the veterinary clinic right away because this is pretty normal. Remember when we said that it is also through fast breathing that their bodies get the right amount of oxygen for proper growth? This is because smaller dog breeds and those belonging to the brachycephalic dog breeds tend to breathe faster even in adulthood. On the one hand, if there are other concerning signs like lack of appetite as to why does my puppy breath so fast when sleeping, then that is the time to have your puppy examined by a vet doctor. Are Puppies supposed to Breathe Fast? To answer the question, should puppies breathe fast while sleeping? Yes, puppies need a higher level of oxygen intake for proper muscle, bone, organs, and brain development. However, if the puppies are breathing fast in situations that do not involve sleeping, playing, or cooling down after physical exertions, it is best to schedule an appointment with a vet doctor immediately. How fast should a Puppy Breath while Sleeping? The respiratory rate of puppies during sleep does not remain constant. It could increase or decrease during their sleeping cycle. At its slowest, it ranges from 15 to 40 breaths per minute, and around breaths per minute at its fastest. Rapid respiratory rate should only last for a few minutes and anything lasting more than 10 minutes should be checked by a vet. Make sure they are breathing through their nose and not through their mouth, as if they are panting. With a stopwatch at hand, count the number of times their chest inhales and exhales air for 30 seconds with one in-and-out movement counted as one. Next is to multiply the result by two. That would give you the result of their breaths per minute. If you suspect that their breathing is not normal, you can check their temperature by gently touching their body to feel if they are warmer than usual. The color of their gums is also a good indicator if there is something of concern. If they are pink and moist, then it should be fine. If it is very pale or rosy, have your pup checked by a vet. A swollen or hard stomach can also be a sign that there is pressure on the lungs to exert more effort. Other concerning signs include coughing, tiredness, and noisy breathing. Puppy Breathing breaths per minute While Sleeping A puppy breathing breaths per minute sleeping may not necessarily mean that you need to immediately drive him or her to the vet clinic. If a puppy breathes this fast, it can be classified as panting. But, should you worry right away? Panting helps puppies regulate their body temperatures, especially after playing. A puppy who just had some playtime may suddenly decide to rest and sleep and its breathing may not return to normal immediately. It should only be of concern when their rapid breathing is prolonged and accompanied by other unusual manifestations, like lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. Why is my 4 week old Puppy Breathing Fast? Puppies naturally breathe faster than older dogs. At four weeks of age, they are starting to walk, run, and play with their littermates and this increased activity makes their heart rates increase, thus, increasing oxygen intake. Fast breathing during their sleep is normal and nothing to worry about. Only when it is labored and showing signs of distress that they need to be checked. New stimulation can bring about stress which can also contribute to faster breathing during sleep. This is because heavy panting while sleeping is normal for puppies at 8 weeks of age, for as long as there are no signs like appetite loss or fever. Puppies usually breathe more heavily from 8 weeks to 24 weeks of age. A 2 month old puppy breathing fast while sleeping could be that his or her body is going through a growth spurt. This is all part of the growing process of a healthy puppy. It is possible for them to dream about their new escapades making them breathe fast while sleeping. Crate training is also introduced to most puppies around this age and this could cause stress. When exposed to uncomfortable situations, puppies could exhibit signs of rapid breathing while sleeping. They are usually lively during the morning and evening and would suddenly take a nap to rest. Heavy breathing could be exhibited while they are taking a snooze right after strenuous activity and would usually return to normal in a few minutes. Residual excitement can bring about rapid breathing while sleeping. Obsession over chewing and gnawing at random things is commonplace. They are also reaching half their adult full weight during this month. It is normal for them to toss and turn a lot during sleep with brisk breathing through the nose. It is also possible at this age for some diseases they inherit from their parents to start to appear. It is still normal for them intermittently to breathe fast while asleep, but any prolonged panting behavior during rest should be checked by a vet. Yes, stress can also be one reason your puppy is breathing rapidly during sleep. Stress or fear can take many forms. Separation anxiety, new environments, and even exposure to other pets can bring about anxiety. Signs you should look for are excessive drooling and barking, changes in posture, shaking, constant pacing, tucked ears, showing the white of their eyes, and panting. When you see a sign of stress in your puppy, gradually remove her from that situation and place her in a quiet place where she can re-group. Exercise, like walking or a game of frisbee , is another good way to release tension not only physically but also mentally. Yes, for some puppies, the fast breathing while sleeping is due to an underlying health condition such as the following: 1. If for some reason, the trachea collapses, one of the first symptoms that will manifest is rapid breathing. In most cases, tracheal collapse is hereditary. Another respiratory issue that can causes rapid breathing while sleeping is asthma. This occurs when the windpipe gets swollen or inflamed due to irritants. Lung disease There are a number of lung diseases or conditions due to certain bacteria or viruses that can affect a puppy, like pneumonia, kennel cough, and influenza. Kennel Cough Kennel Cough, or canine infectious respiratory disease CIRD , is infectious bronchitis that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. It brings about inflammation in the trachea resulting in a dry, hacking cough, especially during the night. As we can see, this is a respiratory infection that constricts the upper airways resulting in fast breathing. If it is accompanied by fever, it is most likely the highly contagious kennel cough. Pneumonia Pneumonia is a disease that causes the microscopic air sacs in the lungs to be inflamed. The common culprit is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract, but bacteria such as Streptococcus and Bordetella bronchiseptica can also cause the disease. Influenza Canine influenza virus CIV or dog flu is caused by either the H3N8 or H3N2 strain that brings about symptoms of cough, runny nose, and fever. It is typically spread through contaminated objects and respiratory secretions from infected dogs. Diaphragmatic hernia A form of diaphragmatic hernia found in puppies is called a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia PPDH. Puppies with this condition present with labored breathing and an irregular heartbeat, and the only solution to ease the difficulty is through surgery. Pain Dogs are good at concealing pain. It was a survival tactic that their ancestors employed against their enemies in the wild so as not to be seen as the weaker species. One of the typical signs of puppy pain is breathing fast while sleeping and during waking hours. Exposure to pain activates the stress hormone known as cortisol which plays a role in numbing pain. Increased cortisol also results in increased heart rate and faster breathing in puppies. If you suspect that your puppy is in pain, do not attempt to give pain medicines. Instead, head out to the veterinary clinic right away. The veterinarian will conduct a series of physical examinations to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. Blood tests, ultrasounds, and radiography may also be necessary especially if the vet suspects that it is a case of juvenile hip dysplasia. Though hip dysplasia is more common among older dogs, there are cases of puppies that are seen to be suffering from this problem as early as 5 months. Genes play a major role but obesity and poor diet can also be the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, the common pain medicines prescribed for puppies in pain are non-steroidal medicines. Supplements may also be given such as glucosamine to bring down swelling. Food Poisoning Puppies are notorious for eating just about anything. If fur parents failed to remove toxic food and substances around the house, puppies will naturally devour these. Fast breathing is one of the symptoms of food poisoning. Three of the human foods that can result in food poisoning in dogs are chocolate, garlic, and onions. Chocolates also have minimal traces of caffeine. While theobromine and caffeine can be processed by humans, our dogs take a longer time to break down and excrete these two which results in chocolate toxicity. The signs of chocolate poisoning can be seen 22 to 24 hours after intake and some of the symptoms are rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Garlic and Onions toxicity Garlic and onions can cause food poisoning in our dogs because of the compound N-propyl disulfide. This is a compound that damages the red blood cells of dogs and causes hemolysis and anemia. Aside from increased heart rate and faster breathing, the signs include pale gums and lack of coordination. The Dangerous Truth! March 25, 90K It can be a bit unnerving when your dog breathes fast while sleeping. Here are a few common reasons your dog breathes fast while sleeping: Your dog is a dreamer Just like us, our dogs dream. This might also be accompanied by twitching of the muscles or eyelids, and even soft little whimpers or barks. This allows them to dream without actually moving around. So, if your dog is breathing as though their favourite Dog Walker is taking them for their daily walkie, they might just be dreaming about that very moment! The amount of time your dog spends in REM will vary, but most only stay in this phase for about five to 20 more minutes. It is possible for a dog to have an abnormally intense REM cycle, in which they are much more active than you might expect. This could be a sign of REM sleep behaviour disorder , a bit like sleepwalking in humans. Because this sleeping disorder can be dangerous, with dogs running into furniture or walls, many vets will prescribe a medication to help the dog sleep more peacefully. Your dog is a puppy Exactly why dogs dream is about as elusive as why we humans do. Dogs who spend their day playing with their Owner, exploring the neighbourhood with their trusted Pet Sitter , and meeting new friends at the dog park will likely have dreams to match their exciting daytime activities. And, this also explains why age is such a big factor in why your dog breathes fast while sleeping. Puppies, probably because they are processing so many new experiences, are likely to spend more time in REM than adult dogs. As a result of their shortened airways, these dogs tend to pant, wheeze and snore in their sleep. That said, it is important to be able to tell the difference between normal brachy breed breathing and Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. If their breathing troubles seem to keep them from being able to sleep, make sure to talk to your vet. Aside from the brachy breeds, large dogs and small dogs may have different breathing patterns. In general, small dogs breathe faster than big ones, and they have a shorter and more intense REM cycle. When to be concerned that your dog breathes fast while sleeping Unfortunately, there are a few other reasons why your dog might be breathing rapidly during sleep, and some of them are concerning. Keep in mind that the majority of the time, when a dog breathes fast while sleeping, the cause is something benign. But, it is worth taking note of the following possible medical reasons: Congenital heart failure. Dogs with congenital heart disease may experience rapid breathing while sleeping as the heart struggles to function normally. Coughing is another common symptom of heart failure, as well as extreme fatigue and fainting. Sleep disordered breathing. A dog suffering from sleep apnea may experience an episode of breathing obstruction followed by rapid breathing. All dogs can develop sleep apnea, but it is especially prevalent in brachy breeds and obese dogs. At home breathing test To get a better understanding of whether your dog is breathing normally or not, there is a pretty easy test that you can conduct right at home. You can do this by watching the rise and fall of their rib cage over the course of a minute. Typically, anything over 30 breaths per minute could be cause for concern. But, remember, fast breathing could be a sign of normal REM sleep. If your dog breathes fast while sleeping, should you wake them up? For dogs who are experiencing a normal REM cycle, the general consensus is not to wake them up. Dogs in REM are getting some much needed rest, and disrupting them could have negative consequences for their overall health. How can you make sure your furry friend gets a good night of sleep? Our doggos need rest to be able to rebuild their muscles, commit their training to memory, and build up energy for another wonderful day with their favourite human! Any puppy owner knows that the first few months with a new puppy are a scary time. During this time, puppies are also extremely fragile and receptive to everything. Taking care of a young dog is obviously going to stir up some emotions and bring out your natural instincts of care and constant worry. So, is it normal for puppies to breathe fast? What if your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping? To determine whether or not your puppy is breathing too fast, we first need to understand what the normal breath rate is. For puppies, anything from 15 to 40 breaths per minute is considered normal. In contrast, adult dogs tend to take less breaths per minute, usually between 10 and .REM stands for rapid eye movement and this is also the time when both dogs and humans dream. Although puppies generally breathe faster than adult dogs, there are a few other reasons why your puppy may be breathing faster than usual. Fortunately, for the majority of the time, puppies breathe faster because of normal causes. On the other hand, some common causes can also become dangerous, if left untreated. Just like we dream in our sleep, so do puppies and dogs. More often than not, puppies breathe fast while sleeping because they dream about something exciting or even scary. Sometimes the fast breathing is also accompanied by whining and paw movements in sleep. After all, puppies need up to 20 hours of sleep a day! For example, when they arrive at their new home, away from their mama, littermates, and familiar surroundings. They might breathe faster, but also experience other respiratory issues, including struggling to effectively regulate their body temperature. In addition to that, smaller dogs often breathe faster compared to large-sized Doods. Your puppy may be breathing fast, or they might even be panting to cool down more effectively. Keep in mind that excessive heat can be extremely dangerous and even fatal for puppies and adult dogs. Also, make sure your pup has free access to clean drinking water at all times. Bonus points for air conditioning. Most commonly, we notice this in dogs and puppies who are in the middle of a vigorous playtime. So, breathing fast helps your puppy restore its oxygen levels to transport out all the excess carbon dioxide. For instance, small-sized breeds tend to get tired much faster, so do puppies. Likewise, brachycephalic dogs are at an especially high risk of overheating from hot weather or strenuous exercise. For this reason, you should never push your puppy or dog to train too hard. Is your puppy breathing fast while sleeping or did they just finish their playtime? But when is it time to consult with a veterinarian about the problem? If it becomes a persistent issue, you should contact your vet as soon as possible, as it may indicate that your puppy is struggling with an underlying medical issue. Other serious symptoms to keep an eye out for are changes in behavior, appetite loss, lethargy, difficulty moving, excessive drooling, visibly using stomach muscles to help with breathing, and making unusual sounds when breathing. When it comes to more serious cases, there are various reasons why your puppy may be breathing too fast. These include lung diseases and respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, kennel cough, lungworm, viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses, and pneumonia. Heart diseases, parasites, heatstroke, anemia, hernia, and pain can also contribute to fast breathing. Both external parasites like fleas and ticks , as well as internal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and heartworms can cause a puppy to breathe faster than usual. Although some parasite infestations are completely asymptomatic, others can come with symptoms like coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, and abdominal pain, to name a few. Either way, parasite infestations can be extremely dangerous for your little pup, some of them even potentially lethal. Parvovirus Parvovirus is a very dangerous and highly contagious infection that spreads unbelievably easily via other dogs or by coming in contact with contaminated objects, people, or surfaces. It comes in two different forms — intestinal and cardiac — both of which can be fatal. The best way to prevent parvovirus is to have your puppy regularly vaccinated against parvo and other infections as instructed by your veterinarian. Lung Diseases If your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping, lung diseases are something that you should consider. One of the most common, yet serious lung conditions in puppies and dogs is kennel cough. Although kennel cough is treatable, it can be very dangerous for young puppies. Heart Diseases Although it might seem like heart diseases are something that only elderly dogs have to deal with, some unlucky puppies are born with genetic or congenital heart defects. Even though the heart and lungs are two very separate organs, the heart actually pumps blood into the lungs. To compensate, the lungs will try to work over time, causing a puppy to breathe faster than normal. Numerous conditions can cause anemia in dogs, including parvo, parasite infestations, cancer and tumors, autoimmune diseases, and blood loss. The most common signs of anemia include pale gums, lethargy and weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and, of course, faster heart rate and faster breathing. Excessive exercise, not drinking enough water, and hot temperatures can all contribute to heatstroke, which can be fatal for both puppies and even adult dogs. A helpful trick is to never overexert your puppy with exercise, especially in warm weather. Also, make sure that your puppy always has access to clean drinking water, a cool and shaded area, and you can also help them cool down with a cooling mat. You can also use pet gates to keep your pup away from dangerous items around the house. As we mentioned earlier, puppies tend to breathe faster than adult dogs. The normal breath rate for puppies is 15 to 40 breaths per minute. Anything above or below that is considered worrisome. By comparison, adult dogs take about 10 to 30 breaths per minute. Moreover, as dogs age, their respiratory rate tends to slow down. Nevertheless, each puppy and dog is unique, and only a veterinarian can help determine whether or not your puppy breathing fast is something to investigate further. One breath equals one inhale and one exhale, paired together. For example, if you counted 10 inhale-exhale movements, your puppy takes 20 breaths per minute. There are numerous reasons why your puppy might be breathing fast, most of them being completely normal and safe. Puppies usually breathe faster than adult dogs. Additionally, as 8 weeks is typically the time when puppies get to go to their forever homes, it might indicate that your puppy is feeling a bit stressed. Being taken to a new environment, with new people, and away from their mama and littermates, can prove to be quite a challenge for many puppies. The easiest way to know whether your puppy is breathing too fast is by counting how many breaths they take per minute. Typically, puppies take 15 to 40 breaths per minute. Use your phone timer and count how many times your puppy inhales and exhales this is one breath in 30 seconds, and then double the result. Like us humans, puppies dream while they sleep. For the majority of the time, yes. However, your puppy should only be breathing faster for short periods of time. For example, when they exercise, or when they cool down after spending time in heat. To learn more about the joys and challenges of puppyhood, be sure to check out our other guides on all things puppy-related. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like.
Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. Gerberian Shepsky puppies For active families with older kids or a childfree lifestyle, this pup can be an incredible companion. The Husky German Shepherd mix is quite a recent combination. But its two parents have fascinating and fairly long histories. They are both hard working, intelligent and co-operative breeds. German Shepherds have worked as guard dogs, police dogs, service dogs and herding dogs. Huskies have been sled dogs and companions for generations. When two different pedigrees are mated, their puppies can inherit the physical traits of either breed. Sometimes this means puppies from litter to litter, or even within a litter, have very different looks. Compared to some of the more mismatched doggy parents these days, German Shepherds and Huskies have quite complementary appearances. They both have erect ears and dignified expressions. They look well built and athletic. Both breeds have double coat, which looks deep and cuddly. They weigh lb. More males are at the top end of the range, and more females at the bottom. From the ground to the shoulders they stand at inches tall. German Shepherds are larger. They weigh lb, and stand inches from floor to shoulder. Again, males are usually larger than females. When a Husky German Shepherd mix puppy grows up it will be anywhere between the smallest Husky, and the biggest German Shepherd. Coats and Colors The most striking Husky German Shepherd mix dogs inherit the dark coat of their German Shepherd parent, and the bright blue eyes of their Husky parent. Siberian Huskies can be red, or even white too. They have thick double coats to protect them from the elements, which will need brushing at least twice a week to keep it in tip-top condition. Perhaps more often if the German Shepherd parent had a long coat. Or during molting season. But also be pretty chilled out about dog hair immediately settling everywhere in between vacuums. Temperament Huskies are loyal, fun, friendly, gentle and alert. GSDs are brave, clever and calm. There are some clear similarities there. This mix is guaranteed to be intelligent. Huskies, whilst fantastically smart, are often stubborn and free-willed. This has earned them a reputation for being hard to train. German Shepherds on the other hand are prized for their capacity to learn complex tasks and commands quickly and accurately. They welcome strangers as happily as family members. There have been some less friendly genes bred in by unscrupulous breeders. But generally they are gentle dogs at heart. German Shepherds meanwhile are more reserved with strangers. They need more socialization whilst young to become confident around new people. How to Get the Best Temperament So, whilst the physical appearance of a Husky German Shepherd is relatively predictable, their temperament can be far more variable. Remind yourself that your puppy could inherit any of the personality traits of either parent. Take them to lots of places where they will meet new people. And make sure you have lots of guests around for the first few weeks. After all, you will have a new puppy for them to play with! Their friendly dispositions and unswerving loyalty are likely to make German Shepherd Husky mix dogs a happy fit with older children and teens. But they will need lots of socialization when young to avoid the potential guarding issues German Shepherds can have Training Is Essential Bored or cooped-up Shepskies are more likely to show unwanted behaviors. Chewing, digging and trying to escape can all be a problem. The stimulation your German Shepherd x Husky needs will depend on their temperament. And on what motivates them. And may show less interest in learning games. But if their personality more resembles a German Shepherd, they might enjoy advanced obedience classes. Or scent work activities. Either of which will help to give them a satisfying sense of purpose. German Shepherd training is something you will need to keep up with for their lifetime. And their mix is likely to be no different. Whichever breed they take after most closely, they will need lots of socialization from a young age. We are talking of at least two hours exercise a day as adults. Together with ongoing training sessions through the dogs life. Exercise If you and your family love to spend lots of time outdoors, and want a companion who can keep up, the athleticism of Husky Shepherd mix dogs will fit in with your lifestyle. Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds are two of our most popular and lovable dog breeds. Their puppies can be smart, devoted companions who love adventures and exploring. First time dog owners or people who are out of the house all day may not suit this mix. This is due to the widening out of their gene pool. But what conditions could Husky German Shepherd mix puppies get from their parents? In particular German Shepherds are prone to: Elbow and hip dysplasia — incorrect formation of the joints, which often develops into painful arthritis. Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — a degenerative condition of the nerves which control the hind legs. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — bloating in the stomach of deep chested dogs which causes the stomach to twist around itself. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency — failure to produce enough of the enzymes needed to digest meals. Anal furunculosis — painful infections of the anus. Panosteitis — an inflammatory bone disease. Eye disease, allergies, and epilepsy are other possible issues. German Shepherds are also prone to posture and back problems that cause them to walk on their hocks. Compared with German Shepherds, Huskies have low rates of joint dysplasia for a breed of their size. But, there is some indication this has been getting worse rather than better. They are also prone to some degenerative eye conditions, cataracts. As a breed they seem more prone to some skin conditions. Are Mixed Breed Dogs Healthier? A German Shepherd and Husky mix is an opportunity to give their offspring a healthier combination of genes. And perhaps protect them from some of the problems associated with German Shepherds. In particular, ask to see hip scores for both parents and to see evidence of eye tests. These are common problem areas for both breeds. You can also help your pup have the best start in life by giving them the best diet. The popularity of both breeds means their puppies are often advertized nationwide. There are some important principles to follow to give the best chance of bringing home a healthy, happy new pet. But the cost of their combined offspring varies. Be cautious of any puppy which seems too cheap to be true. Breeding a healthy litter of pups from healthy parents costs money. Health screening, veterinary care, vaccinations and flea and worming treatments all add up.
They are so helpful, knowledgeable people and particular with their breeding program. Their dogs are beautiful, intelligent, solid, and very healthy. They train dogs and offer many training classes from beginning to advanced. Best place to go when looking for the best German Shepherd dogs or where to train your dog of any breed. I Highly recommend Vom Haus Audax. Masters of their craft. And are exceptionally organized in how they run the business, breeding, board and train etc. Very clear upfront cost, transparent process, and a emphasis on great communication. You get all of this when doing business with them. Our journey: We got our little gsd boy Mamba from Kim and Jason. And the process was nothing short of amazing. Still is amazing. Yes, we loved it from a process stand point and we have learned a TON from Kim and Jason, but we have also come to feel like part of their pack. Part of the family. And we have appreciated that as new puppy owners. They truly care about every puppy they breed and every home those pups go to. If you are looking for a puppy, and get a dog from them that they bred, you are getting the highest pedigree of a GSD. Every part of the journey has been so refreshing and makes us feel like adding our new member to the family was the best decision ever. And we KNOW, we will always have a great support system. Overall: So if you are looking to add a gsd to the family Kim and Jason are your people. You will not regret it. These are the folks you want in your corner. So glad we met them, they are family now to us. Temperament, health, and of course handsomeness was paramount in choosing a puppy - all of our criteria was met. Our puppy enrolled in puppy class then later he graduated to obedience training. Under the thorough, knowledgeable, and patient instruction of Kim and Jason, our dog blossomed into a fine family pet. Everyday our wonderful dog brings us immeasurable joy. We cannot thank Kim and Jason enough. They go above and beyond in all they do and truly understand dogs and their unique behaviors. We have answers. Not all German Shepherds are the same, and many factors can influence the final price of a pup you see listed online. Dogs bred by more experienced breeders, dogs of higher pedigree, and puppies with rare coat colors or uncommon sizes will tend to be more expensive, and vice versa. What is the Breeder Pledge? All businesses and German Shepherd breeders near Washington DC who join the Uptown network promise to uphold our Breeder Pledge, which protects you and your pooch from ever having to deal with a puppy mill or unethical breeder. Pet stores and puppy mills are often one in the same, with unethical breeding operations accounting for many of the cute little dogs you see in the pet shop window. The sad truth is that dogs bred at puppy mills can cost owners thousands in extra vet bills, and often suffer from debilitating genetic diseases as a result of poor breeding standards. Odds are pretty good that your dream dog is already out there waiting for you. To begin your search, all you have to do is start your MatchMaker questionnaire below. MatchMaker is an amazing little tool that we use to connect the right families with the right pets. Can I trust puppies being sold online? There are countless online puppy scams at the moment, and laws stopping unethical dog breeding are slow to pass. We want to give families a safe place to search for puppies—a place with zero scams, where breeders and businesses love dogs as much as you do. If you want to see the difference that humane breeding can make, just head on over to our Puppy Alumni! I personally travel to Germany and select most of my breeding dogs. I select dogs that not only have beautiful confirmation, sound hips and elbows but have wonderful temperaments for families. Most of my German Shepherds are the traditional black and red colors. I do not take deposits until the puppies are born. The puppies are selected by the age of 6 weeks of age, and allowed to go into new homes at 8 weeks of age. All of our puppies are current on vaccinations and dewormings. Each puppy come with a complete care package which includes their AKC papers, pedigrees, photos of parents, and their written health guarantee. Puppies are shown by appointment ONLY…. .Please contact Joyce Via E-mail at Germanshepherds mistyridge. We prefer email over phone call to ensure a quicker response. Please inquire early for information about the new litters. If you wait until they are eight weeks old, it may be too late to get a puppy from that particular litter. Each puppy will be excellent for show, any type of obedience, herding, agility or Schutzhund competition. With each Misty Ridge puppy purchase, Joyce provides a picture of both the sire and dam, a complete pedigree for both, a health certificate for the puppy, and an American Kennel Club registration form to register the puppy in your name as a pure bred German Shepherd. Joyce also provides a written guarantee against hip dysplasia and any congenital defects or diseases. Please call or email us for additional information. Contact Us.
Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. The English Bulldog — Quite a Chap! The English Bulldog can be expected to have certain traits: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Quiet—not much of a barker Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions Outgoing and friendly personality You may also these characteristics in your bully buddy: Can be gassy and drool a lot Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and she may snore Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy Sensitive, matures slowly Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance She is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership , she is a social and cheerful addition to any family. The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull-baiting in .The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your English Bulldog looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Bulldogs Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Bulldogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! When Bulldog puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your English Bulldog. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Spinal Deformities Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Unfortunately, Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Bulldogs. The tear glands no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, which results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Symptoms include a thick discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry appearance of the eye. This is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs. Dogs have a third eyelid that contains a gland that produces about one-third of the fluid that bathes the eye. If the gland is sore or swollen, it looks like a red blob in the corner of the eye. This condition is called cherry eye, and it can occur very suddenly in one or both eyes. If this happens to him, we may treat it with ointment first, but surgery is often the best option. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Reproductive Difficulties Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. If you are interested in breeding your English Bulldog, speak with us first. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Heart Disease Bulldogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Multiple Skin Problems Your English Bulldog is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Laryngeal Paralysis Older Bulldogs may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. Watch for noisy breathing, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather. In severe cases a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing. Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your English Bulldog will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Dental Abnormalities Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Bulldog. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Yes, dogs can get braces! Taking Care of Your Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your English Bulldog live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Her deep wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult she can have a tendency to be lazy, so you must ensure she receives adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. She is sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Bulldog needs help. How to care for your English bulldog puppy Posted on by Kiran English bulldogs are one of the exclusive dog breeds known for their cuteness and sturdiness at the same time. This bulldog breed is one of the ideal choices to have as a pet. Belonging to the brachycephalic dog breeds, English bulldog puppies often requires additional care. As a pet lover who owns an English bulldog puppy, there are certain factors you need to consider to ensure optimum health of your pooch, continue reading to get an insight about some of the important factors. Diet schedule As puppies require additional nutrient supplement when compared to the adult bulldogs, you can start feeding your puppy thrice a day, at least for the first four months. From the fifth month, you can cut back to feeding him twice a day and once he is a year old, you are good to feed him only once a day. Even though, he will happily accept all the anything edible item that you give him, it can be dangerous to his system. Always restrain your dog from ingesting the following food items, which can be toxic to his system. Chocolate: can have adverse affect on his heart and nervous system Avocado : can cause diarrhea or vomiting Alcohol: can cause intoxication Walnuts: known to affect the nervous system of English bulldog puppies and even cause muscle damage Caffeine: can induce diarrhea and vomiting Monitoring health Once you have bought your English bulldog puppy home, it is crucial to have a close eye on him for the first couple of weeks. It is during this period, he will be experiencing several changes from diet to medications. Keep him hydrated by giving him plenty of fresh water; the strategy can also help you to prevent him from eating a lot than necessary. Health checkup and treatment against pests Your new guest can easily fall prey to different pests like ticks, fleas, lice etc. Closely monitor your puppy, scan his skin for any irritations caused by excessive scratching and also look for redness in skin. If you find any abnormal skin issues, you need to take him to a local veterinarian. While you are at the veterinary clinic, you can subject your puppy for a complete checkup to sort out any issues pertaining to ear, heart, lung etc. It is important to get the ear of your bulldog inspected by the veterinarian; pests like tick and mites can easily find their way through to his ears to make a living out of the dirt and debris. Therefore, while you are at home with him, always give special attention if he seems to scratch his ears or shake his head excessively. English bulldog puppies are always an ideal choice as pets, as a caring pet owner, it is your duty to spend some time with your pooch, train and let him socialize at a very young age. Blog Posts.
Pointerdor owners say these sturdy dogs are softies at heart and love to please their people. Bred from Labrador Retrievers and German Shorthaired Pointers, these puppies are one of the most sought-after breed mixes. Their history goes back long before the term designer dog was coined. Lab Pointer mix origins — why breed a hybrid? Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new and has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as hunting companions and family pets. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. These breeds are both athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily. For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play and who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners. They do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females Shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predictable with a GSP cross as both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat. The GSP coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups do not shed like a lab and their coats are often sleek and shiny. Exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointers have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited dogs healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. One of the advantages of buying a cross breed puppy is that the known reduced health risks are reflected in lower pet insurance premiums. Lab Pointer Puppies Video History Though not much is known about its origination, this new breed has obtained recognition by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as a few other clubs that recognize designer breeds. Temperament These energetic, sweet-tempered dogs have a pleasant and courteous disposition. Being fond of playing, they can get highly possessive as far as their toys are concerned. Though gentle and loving, they have an independent nature, not requiring too much attention, unlike other breeds. Moreover, separation from their owners for some time will not have a great impact on them. Having a loyal nature, they are extremely devoted to their masters, trying all means to please them. The Lab-Pointer behaves calmly with other canine breeds, also being friendly with children provided they are not rough with it. Another interesting trait this breed has inherited from the Pointer is its brilliant sense of smell that makes it alert on sniffing something unusual or encountering any unfamiliar face. Care Exercise It is essential to make them exercise regularly to maintain a good physical and mental health. To channelize its high energy levels in a positive way, owners should take their pets out on a walk two times in a day or make them run daily. Lab-Pointer puppies are more active compared to the older dogs as the latter tend to calm down with age, preferring to be indoors. Grooming Requiring less grooming, their short or medium-length coat should be brushed once or twice a week to keep off dead hairs. Bathe the dog when dirty to prevent them from getting too smelly. Cleaning their ears will minimize chances of infection. Health Problems This hardy breed has no known health problems as such. However, it might be prone to certain common ailments suffered by its parents like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataract, cherry eyes and allergies of Pointer as well as dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary myopathy and deafness of Labrador. It may even suffer from some of the common dog diseases. Training The English pointer-lab mix is convenient to train though it sometimes becomes a mammoth task to obtain their attention. Therefore, they need a firm and tactful trainer who will handle them in a patient, thoughtful and gentle way, tempting them to follow his commands through rewards and incentives. Socialization and obedience training are also to be imparted to help them come out of their timid nature and mingle well with strangers, children as well as other pets. If kept as only pets and not for hunting then owners should make a conscious effort to keep their chasing instinct under control. Feeding Give your dog between 1. Moreover, they should also be provided a nutritious diet to meet their protein and mineral requirement. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Pointer parents. The most common colors of coat for a Lab Pointer are creamy white, brown, and black. Exercise and outdoor time is vital to the Lab Pointer. Lab Pointers can have a higher than usual prey drive, so make sure not to leave them unsupervised. Lab Pointer dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds and become playmates, but early training and socialization is very important. Lab Pointer History The Lab Pointer is one of the newest mixed dog breeds around, with most estimates saying it came on the scene some time in the last decade. These days, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. The Pointer hails from England, where they were bred for tracking and pointing purposes. The Lab Pointer has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 35 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches. The mixed breed likes to be around humans and will want to take part in most of your daily activities. To that end, the dog does not do well left alone for long periods of time. So if you have a large and busy family, the Lab Pointer will fit in well with your schedule. Although, be warned. In general, Lab Pointers are loyal but not especially suited to being guard dogs. If you have kids, all the better. Lab Pointer Health Lab Pointers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Pointer face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. The Lab Pointer needs a very high amount of exercise. If you come across water on your hike, the breed will love to go swimming. Weekly teeth brushing sessions should be implemented with a Lab Pointer. Your vet can help advise you about which brand of toothpaste is appropriate for your dog. Bathing your Lab Pointer only needs to be done if it comes back in a dirty state after an outdoor adventure. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Make sure to check their ears for debris and pests, especially after spending time outdoors, and clean their ears regularly. Your vet can give you advice on how to do this at home. Lab Pointer Feeding An ideal Lab Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. In general, the Lab Pointer is an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a suitable dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor sessions the mixed breed loves so much. Luckily, the Lab Pointer is a mixed breed that is relatively easy to train. Even with a well-trained dog, you should always supervise play time between kids and dogs so that neither party accidentally harms the other. Make sure to properly introduce your Lab Pointer to any other pets and set boundaries right from the start. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Lab Pointer for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Lab Pointer Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Lab Pointers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Pointer breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Most popular and common variety today More manageable Versatile What does a Lab Pointer mix look like? A Lab Pointer mix will typically be a medium-sized dog with a long muscular body with a slight slope at the shoulders. These dogs carry themselves proudly with a powerful stance, especially in the chest and long legs which are built for strength and speed. The muzzle is of medium length with a stubby end, while the ears of the Pointador are wide and hang down to the upper jaw, sitting on a broadhead. The Lab Pointer mix will typically have almond-shaped eyes which can vary in color, some Pointadors even have very light eyes. The Lab Pointer mix is typically a medium to large size dog with the males being larger than females. This crossbreed pooch will stand around 22 to 28 inches 55 to 71 cm tall and weigh in at between 35 and 80 pounds 16 to 36 kg. As a large athletic breed, the Pointer Lab mix will require a fair amount of space and thus is better suited to rural areas and a house with a large outdoor space than apartment-style living. Color of your Labrador Pointer mix Pointers are found in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow and brown to black. Most Pointers will also have distinctive markings in white on their face and chest. Labradors, on the other hand, are typically found in three colors, namely chocolate, black and yellow. The Lab Pointer mix dog therefore can have a mix of all of the above colors with one litter of Pointadors often having a variety of different colored puppies. The most common colors for a Pointer Lab mix puppy are white, brown, or black. As both Labradors and Pointers have short to medium-length fur, the Lab Pointer mix pup will also have short fur which is normally quite thick and straight. These loyal dogs will form strong bonds with their family members and will want to be around you and take part in all of your activities. They may be a sturdy, energetic breed but the Pointador is a big softy at heart that is easy to please and gets along well with everybody, including children. Due to their desire to be included in all goings-on, they can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. While they are very loyal, their gentle and loving nature means that the Lab Pointer mix does not make a good guard dog. As they are smart and easy to train they are well suited for new or inexperienced dog owners. However, due to their history as hunting dogs, the Pointador can have a strong prey drive so start socialization early. This breed does well in a range of environments and climates however if you live in a particularly frosty area you may want to invest in a doggie jersey for those chilly days. Exercising the Pointer Lab mix Exercise and mental stimulation are necessary to keep your Lab Pointer mix happy and healthy. This retriever crossbreed may also love to go for a swim! In addition to a half an hour or hour walk every day, your Pointer Lab mix will also love interactive toys that keep their prey drive and intelligent nature satisfied. Just be sure to provide your pooch with a shady area and plenty of fresh water when exercising, particularly in hotter months. The Pointer Labrador mix is a moderate shedder, however, during hotter times of the year this dog will tend to shed more. Typically a quick brush two or three times a week will be sufficient while the use of a de-shedding tool can help to thin the coat. Pointer Lab mix food The Labrador Pointer mix will need to be fed between one and a half and two and a half cups of kibble every day. This food should be top-quality and specifically formulated for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Look for food that has meat as the first or main ingredient as the glucosamine in this type of diet is good for protecting the joints of this breed. The Labrador parent can cause your mix-breed pup to be prone to obesity and overeating and so free-feeding is discouraged. Also, be wary of unnecessary fillers like grains and carbohydrates. As a medium to large breed, the Lab Pointer mix is susceptible to bloat so be sure not to exercise your dog straight after mealtimes. How long do Lab Pointers live? Lab Pointer mix dogs tend to live longer than their pedigree parents, typically living between 10 and 15 years. This crossbreed is considered to be a generally healthy breed. In addition, both Pointers and Labradors can suffer from eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy and so these degenerative eye disorders could also affect your Lab Pointer mix. You can try and search for a puppy at hunting dog sites or organizations. Here are some places to start your search for a Lab Pointer mix: Hybrid Retrievers Roland Ranch Lab Pointer mix for adoption You may be lucky to find a Lab Pointer mix in a shelter or you can try Labrador or Pointer adoption centers as many breed-specific rescues also care for crossbreeds. Here are a few to set you off: PointerRescue. Org, Inc. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Created by crossing the Labrador and pointer breeds, the Lab pointer mix is one of the latest designer dog breeds. Smart, devoted, and full of energy, these doggos inherited some of the best traits of their parent breeds. Pointerdors are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of space to stay active and explore. As a result, these dogs make poor apartment and urban dwellers and are more suited to suburban or country living. Other than that, they are easy to train, relatively low-maintenance dogs, which makes them a good option for newbie dog parents. Pointerdors also love children and make ideal playmates to youngsters and are great pets to families with children of all ages. If you believe a Pointerdor will make a perfect addition to your family, keep on reading! Pointerdor Overview: Size: 22 to 28 inches tall, weighs between 35 to 80 pounds Coat: Short double coat, color varies Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedding Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Temperament: Athletic, intelligent, affectionate, and friendly Trainable: Highly trainable, responds well to positive reinforcement training Activity: Highly energetic needs up to two hours of exercise every day Best For: Active families and singles, first-time dog owners, homes with fenced backyards What Is A Lab Pointer? As the name hints, the pointer Lab mix is a mixed-breed dog developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred pointer. However, they are recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club Dog Registry of America, Inc Lab Pointer Mix Appearance While there is no way of predicting the exact appearance of any mixed breed, the typical Pointerdor will inherit certain traits from both its parent breeds. Having said that, Lab pointers are typically medium-sized dogs with long and muscular bodies. This mix has a deep chest, a powerful stance, and long, strong legs made for running. They have broad heads, medium-length muzzles, and wide, floppy ears that hang down to the upper jaw. Their almond-shaped eyes are usually brown, but they can also come in a lighter color. Size Since the Lab pointer is a new designer breed, there are no set standards when it comes to size. As a cross between a pointer and a Labrador retriever, you can expect this mix to be a medium-sized dog. Pointerdors are usually from 22 to 28 inches tall at the withers and can weigh anywhere from 35 to 80 pounds. Coat Color This mix can inherit the coat color from either of its parent breeds or sport a mix of colors. Since both pointers and Labs come in a variety of different colors, there are many color possibilities for their mixed-breed offspring. In most cases, though, the average Lab pointer mix is either white, brown, or black in color. Coat Texture The Lab pointer has a short, dense, and waterproof double coat that is relatively easy to maintain. As a double-coated breed, these dogs tend to shed moderately all year round and go through a heavier shed during spring and fall. If you or any of your family members are allergic to dogs, research the so-called hypoallergenic breeds and low-shedding dogs like the labradoodle , as they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers. Luckily, in this case, both the pointer and the Lab are members of the sporting dog group and share certain character traits. There are two sides to every pointer Lab — a devoted family companion and an athletic gundog. The loving and friendly Pointerdor forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for large and bustling families that will include their dog in all indoor and outdoor activities. As an offspring of two sporting breeds, the pointer Labrador retriever mix is a highly athletic and energetic dog that needs plenty of space to roam around and explore. If not allowed adequate space to run and play, this mix will quickly become bored, frustrated, and destructively chew everything in sight, beginning with your shoes and progressing to furniture and other belongings. These friendly and sweet-tempered dogs get along with everyone, including children of all ages. Not only are these pooches gentle and patient with kids, but they also love to play and will quickly become best friends with any child capable of matching their energy levels. Activity Level As an offspring of two sporting dog breeds, the Lab pointer mix is a very athletic and energetic dog that needs a lot of activity, more specifically at least 1 to 2 hours each day. When not provided with the intense exercise it needs, this mix will soon become restless and destructive. Caring For A Pointerdor Like any other dog, a pointer Labrador mix will thrive and stay happy when properly taken care of from a young age. To keep your dog happy and healthy, be sure to come up with a consistent care routine as soon as you bring them home and stick to it for the rest of their life. Exercise As mentioned before, Lab pointers are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Ideally, this mix needs up to two hours of intense activity every day to release all their pent-up energy and stay in excellent shape. Activities such as running, jogging, swimming, agility exercises, and games like fetch are all good ways to keep your dog exercised. Intellectual Stimulation Lab pointers are intelligent dogs that can easily become bored and frustrated if not exercised or mentally stimulated every single day. Like their Labrador parents, these dogs tend to be mouthy and will chew everything they can sink their teeth in when bored and under-stimulated. To avoid getting your belongings chewed, invest in tough and durable chew toys , and keep your mix stimulated with interactive and puzzle toys. Companionship Loving and loyal, Lab pointers form strong bonds with their owners and make affectionate family companions. They like to spend time interacting with their people and are the happiest when they are involved in all family activities. Grooming Despite being moderate-to-heavy shedders, Pointerdors are fairly easy to groom. Their short double coats have to be brushed two or three times a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe your mix once every two to three months or every time they return dirty from an outdoor adventure. Check their ears for waxy buildup and dirt once a week, and clean them as necessary to prevent painful ear infections. Diet An ideal diet for a pointer Lab mix should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with high energy. Their food needs to have high levels of protein, fat, and carbs, combined with all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. To prevent obesity and all health problems associated with it, avoid free-feeding your dog and stick to a regular and consistent meal schedule. Known Health Problems Pointer Lab mixes are generally healthy, but they can be affected by the same health problems that are often seen in their parent breeds. The most common health issues they experience are: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Lab Pointer mix puppies Thanks to their spirited nature, Lab Pointer mix dogs need a lot of exercise, and space. A big back yard is best — somewhere fenced in where they can run and explore. Alert and intelligent, the gun dog breeds and breed mixes are usually a joy to train. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as working companions and family pets. Often with a second dog backing the first in an identical position. Setters and Pointers perform the same function and were very popular before breech loading guns were invented. They gave the hunter a chance to load their weapon and get close enough to the game to take a shot, before the bird was flushed. These dogs were bred to gallop over huge areas of moorland and open countryside, searching for tiny traces of scent in areas where game birds are few and far between. This required a big powerful deep chested dog capable of quartering large areas independently, with a hunter following — on foot or on horseback These are the true Pointers — sometimes called English Pointers. However, what many people mean when they talk about Pointers is a very different dog. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. And for the most part, that is a good thing! These breeds are both are athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play. And who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. Lab Pointer mix origins — why create a hybrid? To understand the origins of a Lab x Pointer mix, we can begin by going back a few decades. The early crosses were often promoted as having the best attributes of both parents. Claims were made that Labradoodles for example would all be hypoallergenic or at least low shedding like their poodle parent. When we cross two very different dog breeds, which attributes each puppy will get from each parent is to some extent a lottery. The puppy could get the best attributes of both parents, or the worst. Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. HPRs have probably long been included in the occasional Labrador breeding programme, albeit illicitly, in order to incorporate the pointing instinct into certain lines of retrievers. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new. And has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years Lab Pointer mix size Both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers are among the larger of the medium-sized dogs. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females A Lab crossed with a true Pointer however, is likely to be a taller dog altogether. The true Pointer reaches up to 28 inches in height, and some of his cross-bred puppies may well do the same. Labrador Pointer mix colors There are just three coat colors for Labrador Retrievers — black, yellow and chocolate. Pointers, on the other hand, can be found in 8 different colors. Including liver, lemon, black or orange. And in combinations of these colors with white. They often have distinctive and beautiful markings with usually a white muzzle with dark ears and eyes. German Pointers come in all kinds of pretty variations of the color liver a rich dark brown either solid or mixed with white spots or ticking. In the UK, the GSP is also found in all those variations but with a black base color rather than liver. Within any hybrid litter, you can expect a lot of variation. A German Shorthaired Pointer black Lab mix might not necessarily be black. If it favors its Pointer parent, it could be a mix of colors. Even experienced breeders sometimes have a hard time predicting what their new Pointer Labrador pups will look like! Labrador Pointer cross shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predicable with a GSP or Pointer cross as both Labs, Pointers, and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat, The GSP and Pointer coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups may take after either. The German Wirehaired Pointer has a broken or rough coat which is low maintenance A quick once over with a body brush two or three times a week, and the use of a de-shedding tool when necessary should be sufficient to cover the grooming needs of your Lab Pointer Mix pup. Lab Pointer mix temperament There are two sides to a Labrador x Pointer mix. The sweet-natured family pet, versus the energetic working gun dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners, so can be prone to separation anxiety. And they do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. While it might seem like this headstrong mutt needs a lot of exercise and attention, just like either of their parent breeds, they will repay you over and over with their affectionate, loving nature. It is worth noting that the pointing breeds, which traditionally had to work much more independently and over greater distances than the retriever breeds, tend to be more independent in nature. Labrador versus Pointer temperament The Labrador Retriever is one of the most co-operative dog breeds on the planet. That is why they are so widely used as service and therapy dogs. When you mix a Labrador with a German Short Haired Pointer, you are likely to lose some of this intense desire to co-operate with people, that is the hallmark of the Lab. You may gain some pointing skills, and you may have a dog with better genetic health. But that pure Lab temperament is hard to beat from a training point of view. When you mix a Labrador with a true Pointer, the resulting puppies can be very different indeed in temperament from a Retriever puppy The Pointer is a more independent and less biddable dog that the Labrador. So its important to take this into account Labrador Pointer exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointer mixes have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. A Labrador or GSP needs at least an hour and a half walking each day. A true Pointer needs far more and many are ideally suited to being exercised on horseback. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited mutts healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Lab and Pointer mix health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. When it comes to Lab Pointers, the ones to watch out for are elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. It can affect both Labs and Pointers. Labs and Pointers are also prone to the degenerative eye disorder, PRA. However, this disease, like many others can be screened for and eliminated from the gene pool. They should screen for diseases such as PRA as standard. They can also carry a genetic form of hemophilia known as von Willebrands Disease which prevents blood from clotting. Again, these are diseases that your breeder should screen for with every litter. What next? Sadly the growing popularity of hybrid dogs has led a lot of unscrupulous dog breeders to enter the market. A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions, and let you look around their kennel to meet some Pointer Lab puppies. It can be very rewarding to open your home, and your heart, to a rescue dog. Breed rescues can be found in most regions and often have cross bred dogs and puppies looking for new homes. They will offer a supportive and knowledgeable adoption service. We have provided a list of dog rescues in North America and the UK. And from registering your puppies should you decide you want to breed from your dog Potential owners should be aware that adopting an unknown dog always carries some risk. Black, orange, liver, lemon, yellow, chocolate Suitable for: Active families, homes with room for play Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets when socialized These animals are gentle, loving, and extremely loyal to their owners and families. If you are considering bringing one of these amazing dogs into your home, prepare for a lifetime of love and commitment. Read on below for more information on the Lab Pointer mix so you can make your home and heart ready for this adorable pooch. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Is the breed energetic? Are they easy to train? Their overall health is good for mixed-breed dogs, as they take on inherent health concerns of their parent breeds. This means they enjoy the stimulation and need attention. Once they are used to their surroundings and family, these dogs will show their gentle, loving, and loyal sides. If your family is searching for the perfect companion dog for both the adults and children in the family, these dogs may be your perfect solution. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their high energy levels make them the perfect companions for kids who love to run and play. They are also gentle enough to play without hurting smaller children. Yes, the Lab Pointer mix does well with other animals, when socialized properly and from a young age. Due to the fact both parent breeds were bred for hunting, it is important to introduce your new puppy to any small animals or other dogs you have in the home while they are young. Due to their intelligence, this breed can learn easily and can make other animals part of their family. In most cases, 2 to 2. This food can be divided to offer your pup morning and evening feeding. When caring for puppies, remember they often need more food throughout the day to ensure they grow up strong and healthy. Due to their energetic natures, long walks, playtime throughout the day, and other ways of keeping them stimulated should be done quite often. This will help avoid weight issues and boredom. Using treats and positive reinforcement are great tools to implement when going through the training process. Remember, however, that Lab Pointer mixes are known for being stubborn. Their trainer needs to be firm during this process. While this is a part of life when it comes to owning a dog, brushing their coats at least twice a week will help reduce the amount of hair you find around your home. Ear cleaning is very important for this breed of dog. Due to their floppy ears, infections are possible. With routine cleanings, you can help your dog avoid the pain these infections cause. When brushing your dog, take the time to clean their ears and check for any visible issues. Always use pet-friendly toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush during this process to help make the experience less frightening for your dog. Long nails can chip and break causing your dog unnecessary pain. Only clip the tip of the nail and avoid cutting into the quick, which is where the blood vessels are located. This can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort. Minor Conditions. Any of these colors mixed with white. They can have ticked markings or points. This parent breed can grow from 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder, weighing between 45 and 75 pounds. So, a Lab Pointer mix will likely have a short coat, floppy ears, and a straight tail. Their colors will vary depending on the colors of the parents. Lab Pointer Mix Temperament Because both the Lab and Pointer parent breeds are sporting dogs, they have relatively similar temperaments. But, just like their appearance, the mixed breed temperament can lean more towards either parent. Generally, Labradors are friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to please. They are also energetic and intelligent. Pointers are also very energetic, alert, and hardworking. They are very loyal to their owners, intelligent, and even-tempered. You can expect a mixed puppy to be loyal, intelligent, and very energetic. But, this intelligence and energy means they can easily become bored if not stimulated properly. A bored Lab Pointer mix may show destructive behaviors like digging, barking, and more. The Need for Socialization Lab and Pointer mix puppies need to be socialized well from a young age. Both breeds are generally known for being friendly and loyal, but they both originate as hunting breeds. So, they may have a natural instinct to chase small animals, or even running children. A dog that is well socialized will be confident in new situations, and more likely to be friendly towards others. Socializing a Lab Pointer puppy well from a young age will ensure you get the best possible temperament. Just remember that your puppy can take after either parent. Take a look at the specific dogs being used to breed for a good idea of what your puppy might be like. Basic obedience training is a must. But, thanks to their intelligence and likely boundless energy, these dogs will benefit from and enjoy further training. As well as stimulating their minds, training can also offer your puppy some much-needed exercise. Stick to positive reward methods for the best results with this breed. They are eager to please, and these methods will encourage a strong bond between you. Lab Pointer Mix Exercise Needs As we already know, both parent breeds for this mix are very energetic. But, they will need more than this. A Labrador Pointer mix will need exercise every day. They will likely enjoy swimming, retrieving, or the chance to run in a safe open space. Make sure you have a strong recall, so that they will always return to you. This hybrid may enjoy canine sports like rally, obedience, agility, and more. But be wary of exercising your puppy too much when they are young. Doing so may damage their joints. But, there are still a number of problems they can pass down to their puppies. Choosing a reputable breeder can minimise the risk of this. Make sure you see evidence of health tests and check the mother dog is healthy and friendly. Labrador Health The most common health problems that Labs can suffer from include: Hip dysplasia.
You may like: Pomerania great dane mix. The Pomeranian is a breed of Spitz dog named for the Pomerania region in northwest Poland and northeast Germany. Classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size, the Pomeranian is descended from larger Spitz-type dogs, specifically the German Spitz. The direct ancestors of the Pomeranian dog were larger dogs, and the smaller Pomeranian variety developed due to selective breeding for size reduction. It is frequently stated that Queen Victoria owned a small red Pomeranian and that her enthusiasm for the breed popularized it. The American Kennel Club recognizes the Pomeranian dog breed. They were originally categorized as part of the Non-Sporting Group, but in were moved to the Toy Group. French Bulldog. The French Bulldog is a small breed of domestic dog. They are popular pets, known for their companionship and the affection they show their owners. The French Bulldog is a small, muscular dog with a heavy bone structure and a smooth coat. Also, they are strong for their size, with well-defined musculature, and are built low to the ground. The breed is known for its alertness and bat-like ears. They are gentle by nature and make good companion dogs. In , they ranked 6th out of breeds in popularity, up from 9th place the previous year. According to the American Kennel Club, they are the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States as of .The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is a friendly and affectionate dog who loves to be around people. The French bulldog Pomeranian mix dog is not naturally well-tempered; they also need proper training, socialization, and crate training. Also, this mixed breed is a friendly disposition and likes nothing more than to be the centre of attention in the family. Also, the French Pomerdog inherits the best qualities from both of his parent breeds, making him an ideal family pet. The French Pomerdog first appeared in the United States in the early s. You may like: Pomeranian rottweiler mix. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is a generally healthy dog breed, but like all dogs, he can be prone to some health problems. However, Some of the health problems that this French Pomerdog mixed breed may suffer from include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Size and height. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is a small to medium-sized dog. However, He typically stands between 8 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 10 and 25 pounds. Coat and color. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix has short hair and a dense coat that can be either straight or slightly wavy. Moreover His coat is available in many colors, including black, brindle, fawn, white and cream. Also, the Pomeranian Frenche mix is an average shedder who requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair from his coat. You may like: Pomeranian samoyed mix. Exercise needs. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is an active breed that needs plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. However, a daily walk or play session will help to keep him fit and mentally stimulated. Training needs. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is an intelligent breed eager to please its owner, making him easy to train. Also, early socialization and obedience training will help him to become a well-mannered dog. You may like: Schipperke pomeranian mix. Grooming needs. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is an average shedder who requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair from his coat. He also needs his nails trimmed regularly, and his ears cleaned to prevent infection. However, brush them at least four times a week to prevent mats. It would be best if you bathed them whenever they need. The Pomeranian French Bulldog mix typically lives between 10 and 12 years. Are they good with children and other pets? The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is a friendly and affectionate breed that loves to be around people. He is also good with children and other pets, making him an ideal family pet. You may like: Pomeranian rat terrier mix. Do they make good guard dogs? Yes, the French Bulldog Pomeranian mix makes an excellent watchdog. His alert nature and protective instincts make him quick to sound the alarm at any strange noise or activity. However, his small size means that he is not suite to being a guard dog. The French bulldog Pomeranian mix is an adorable dog for your family. Moreover, these designer dog breeds are friendly and loyal, and love spending quality time with them. They can get along with children but need work to get along with other pets. Also, this designer dog is a poor choice as a watchdog because they tend to bark at every living being. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. You should feed your adult dog twice a day, and the recommended daily amount is 1 to 1. Make sure to never overfeed your French bulldog Pomeranian mix because they are prone to obesity. If they are more like the French bulldog, they are going to shed less because they have a single coat and short hair but if they are more like the Pomeranian they are going to shed more because they are double-coated with long hair. However, you should brush them at least 4 times a week to keep their coat fresh and detangled and to prevent mats, you should bathe them whenever they need a bath to keep their coat fresh, clean, and smelling good, just make sure to use good shampoo and conditioner. Brush their teeth every day if you can to prevent gum diseases, bacteria, and tartar build-up, and to keep their breaths smelling fresh and nice. After every bath, use a cotton ball to clean their ears from dirt, debris, and to prevent infections. Exercise Needs The French bulldog Pomeranian is a low energy-dog but they still need a daily walk and at least 30 minutes of any exercise per day. You can take them hiking, swimming, or even play tug-of-war, hide and seek, or frisbee with them. They are playful and like family activities and love to be included in them so make sure to make a schedule for them and include one-on-one time with them so you can bond better with your pup. Training The French bulldog Pomeranian mix is intelligent and can be easily trained but they can be a bit stubborn and make training them challenging. You have to be patient with them and try to train them as early as possible because the older they get the harder it gets to train them. You should also crate train them when they are puppies because the French bulldog Pomeranian mix can be destructive when you leave them alone for long periods. As Family Dogs The French bulldog Pomeranian mix is a great family dog because they are a friendly breed that can get along with everyone, however, they may prefer one family member over the rest but they still love to hang out with each person individually. They can get along with kids as well and can make a great play companion but their playtime should always be supervised, but the mixed breed is not great with toddlers because the toddlers tend to grab whatever is in front of them and can harm the pup unintentionally. They are also not better with babies because if they are more like their pomeranian parents, they are probably going to bark a lot and naturally will keep the baby awake. As Guard Dogs The French bulldog Pomeranian can do terribly as a guard dog, I mean, they are so small, how are they supposed to protect anything from anyone. They are also a poor choice as watchdogs because they tend to bark on every living being so how are you going to notice the difference when there is an actual threat. So if you want a guard dog, perhaps, you should consider another breed such as a husky, a german shepherd, or an Irish wolfhound. Where to find them? You can find the French bulldog pomeranian mix in your local shelter or you can check the rescue groups of the french bulldogs and Pomeranians and you may find one that needs a home there. They are an intelligent, confident, and loyal breed. Yes, the French bulldog Pomeranian mix is a good Family dog. They are friendly, loyal, and love to spend quality time with their family. They can get along with children but need some work to get along with other pets, and they love to be the center of attention. Is the French bulldog pomeranian Mix easy to train? Yes, the French bulldog pomeranian mix is easy to train if you use the right methods with them, they are a bit stubborn which can make training them challenging, so you should be patient with them and never yell at them or punish them, always use positive reinforcement with them. Is the French bulldog pomeranian Mix good with kids? Yes, the French bulldog Pomeranian mix is good with kids, they are gentle, friendly, affectionate, and playful, so they are great with kids but not suitable for a household with toddlers or babies because they tend to bark a lot and toddlers can easily harm them due to their small size. How much is the French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix? Is the French bulldog Pomeranian Mix smart? Yes, the French bulldog Pomeranian mix is smart, but they are not the smartest dog breed, they have their moments and can be stubborn so they need to be trained and have a firm owner that they can respect and be obedient to. Helpful Resources Did you like the post? If so, please share it! Post navigation. Even though there is not much information about the crossbreed, the parents, the French Bulldog, and the Pomeranian have been around for a while. Below, you will find the histories of both parents, explaining how their popularity has grown to this day. Contrary to its name, the French Bulldog originated from England. It was created to be a toy version of the Bulldog and grew popular among lace workers. Initially, this dog was bred to be a domestic dog and was primarily famous in Nottingham and the neighboring cities. Lace workers migrated to France, bringing these toy Bulldogs with them. Over time, the popularity of these dogs grew in France, and breeding continued. Eventually, breeders created the French Bulldog, a crossbreed between the England Bulldog and local ratters in France. Today, the French Bulldog is kept as a canine companion, thanks to its affectionate, adaptable personality. This has contributed to its popularity worldwide, with the most significant number of them populating the United States. Pomeranian History As cute as it comes, the Pomeranian was initially bred to pull sleds and herd animals. They were bigger than the current standard and were trained to be working dogs in their earlier days. The dog came from a long line of Arctic dogs, discovered in regions today known as the Pomeranian regions of Poland and Northern Germany. The popularity of this dog grew in the 18th century with a firm establishment in England. English Pomeranians were kept as pets and became a favorite for the royal families across England. They became an interest of breeders, growing their numbers tremendously. Their heavily-furred bodies and small adorable faces make them some of the most sought-after dogs worldwide. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix takes the appearance of both parents, with some looking more like the French Bulldog and others presenting more like the Pomeranian. Due to the similarity between the parents, it can be challenging to determine what the mix will look like. There is not much difference between the mix and either parent. And, puppies in the mix will most probably appear similar. French Bulldog Pomeranian mixes that take after the French Bulldog will have ears and a coat of one, while those that take after the Pomeranian will have a shed-worthy coat. But the difference is minute; therefore, not an essential factor to keep in mind. The French Bulldog weighs up to 40 pounds, while the Pomeranian weighs up to 7 pounds. With this difference in weight between the parents, the mix will most likely be the average of both. However, some dogs in the same litter will lean more towards the size of one parent. The average weight of the dog can be between 10 to 30 pounds. Therefore, your French Bulldog Pomeranian may lean towards a toy dog or a little bigger to be considered a small dog. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix Height When it comes to height, there is not much difference between parents. French Bulldogs stand between 11 and 13 inches, while Pomeranians stand at 7 to 12 inches. Even though there is a considerable difference, it does not contribute much to the height of the mix. The height of the French Bulldog Pomeranian will be between 7 to 13 inches. Like other designer dogs, it can be hard to determine how tall it will grow as it could be as tall as the French Bulldog or as short as the Pomeranian. Coat Type and Colors The French Bulldog Pomeranian comes with a single coat or a double coat, depending on the dominant gene from the parents. You cannot predict the type of coat your mix will have as these purely rely on genetic buildup. The French Bulldog has a single coat, while the Pomeranian has a double coat. On this note, the shedding will also depend on the coat they will inherit. The combination can take the color of one of the parents or have a mix of both parents. The Temperament of the French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix Generally, the French Bulldog Pomeranian has a gentle, friendly personality, making it one of the best dogs for families. With proper socialization, toilet training, and crate training, this dog is easy to relate to within a home setup. Like other designer dogs, the French Bulldog Pomeranian mix presents a personality closer to the parents it inherits most from. For example, if your mix takes after the French Bulldog , they will behave more like one; they will be calm, friendly, and seamless to train. If they take after the Pomeranian personality, they will be intelligent, confident, and stubborn. The mix is a small dog with a big personality, as they do not let their small stature determine their behavior. They come across as confident and defensive, so they can easily provoke bigger dogs and get into trouble. This is why they are not the best to keep with much bigger dogs, as that would increase the risks of injury. The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix likes a lot of attention and is naturally a people pleaser. They love to be the center of attention and will look for it if it is not given adequately. This brings about tight attachments between the dog and the family members. While this is a positive personality trait, it can bring about separation anxiety if the dog is left alone for an extended period. Human interaction is essential for these dogs, and they need constant interaction to stay happy and active. The dog is wary of strangers and can be aggressive towards unfamiliar faces. They do not do well with new pets and need the training to cope with strange environments. But this is easy to manage with early socialization and continuous training. They can quickly become spoilt, thanks to their people-pleasing and stubborn personalities. Therefore, you should be careful not to put up with its mischievous behavior and reinforce training regularly. The best part about their personality is that they quickly adapt well to small spaces. Being small dogs, they can cope well in an apartment as long they have toys to play with and someone to interact with most of the time. The bare minimum is to provide a healthy diet, ensure regular exercise, and train and groom regularly. Nutrition The type of food that suits your dog will depend on the breed they are more like. Since this can be challenging to figure out, the best approach would be to talk to your vet. You should give the recommended amount twice a day to ensure your dog has adequate energy and gets all the essential nutrients for growth and development. Exercise The French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is a low-energy dog, but it needs regular exercise to stay healthy. Give your dog at least 30 minutes of active time, whether walking outside or playing indoors. You can also take the dog swimming, play tug-of-war, hide and seek or frisbee. The mix is playful and enjoys family activities. Make sure you include the dog in outdoor family games and include a one-on-one time to bond and feed their urge for constant attention. The dog is super intelligent and will need mental stimulation as much as physical stimulation. Provide puzzles to keep them engaged and intrigued. Schedule this to under 30 minutes to prevent wearing your furball out. Training Like other French Bulldog mixes, this mix is easy to train; however, it can be stubborn. This can lengthen the training process as you have to be patient and firm for them to catch on to commands and cues. The older they get, the more challenging they become to train, but that does not mean it is not doable. They will warm up to the training sessions and respond well to positive reinforcement. Use treats and plenty of praises to encourage them during training whenever they progress. Grooming The coat of the mix sheds moderately, thanks to the Pomenarian gene in the mix. Therefore, shedding depends on the dominant gene in the mix. The dog also needs a bath at least once a month to clean the coat and skin. You can bathe the dog more than once when it gets dirty. Make sure you use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep the coat soft and healthy and the skin moisturized. You can trim the nails as needed, but a guide on this is not to leave them too long to click on the floor. You can do this at home or visit the groomer for professional trimming. Brush the teeth at least once a day to prevent gum disease, bacteria, and tartar from building up. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix Health Issues This crossbreed is generally healthy, but it may be prone to health concerns like other dogs. Therefore, it is vital to understand what you may have to deal with, which is mainly health issues that both parents are prone to. Here are health issues the French Bulldog Pomeranian is prone to: Heart issues. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Daily training sessions that last minutes any longer can cause disinterest and backfire as far as creating progress are key to helping this breed retain good manners and stay on track. It may be a wise idea to also enroll this breed in puppy classes or general obedience training with a professional. The Pomerdog can be a good fit for a beginner dog parent. Without proper stimulation, the Pomerdog will grow bored and frustrated — regardless of how much love there is for them. Additionally, this breed can develop separation anxiety. Dog parents who are frequently home or able to bring pups to work are a good match for this breed, although not a requirement. These breeds can be prone to behaviors humans find frustrating, like excessive barking and chewing, when understimulated. They will make it endlessly clear they are bored. With that being said, both of their parent breeds have their own rich histories. The Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz group of dogs, which includes the Samoyed , Alaskan Malamute , and Norwegian Elkhound. While today Poms weigh pounds, they were originally closer to 30 pounds! In , the first Pom was entered in a dog show in New York. Today, Pomeranians rank 14th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. The French Bulldog originated in England, intended to be a toy-size version of the popular English Bulldog. Today, the two breeds look quite different. The breed was quite popular among lace workers in the city of Nottingham and when many lace workers emigrated to France for better opportunities, they naturally brought their bulldogs along with them. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and the little breed was then discovered by Americans as well. Pomerdog Size The Pomerdog is a small-sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors from either parent. Common colors for the breed are white, tan, and black, but they can occur in many color types. Training them consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life and yours as an adult. Pomerdog Health While Pomerdog originating from responsible breeders are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed. Hip Dysplasia. A mix like this one can have a great personality. You may want to start socializing them when they are puppies or it will be almost impossible to make them feel comfortable and safe with other peoples and other animals. You can do that by walking them to park or taking them to your relatives. They may not behave well if they are left home alone as they can easily get anxious with a loud noise. Frenchie Pomeranian Mix can be arrogant and bossy sometimes but you can easily manage them if they are trained effectively. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix is a demanding and intelligent dog with a docile and calm character. You can expect a unique behavior from them. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix can easily get anxious or can easily feel stressed. So, try to make them comfortable as much as possible. You can give their own space when the house is full. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix Health Mixes like this one can have the potential to develop some health issues. Talking about Pomeranian French Bulldog Mix health, you can expect to see some genetic health issues. French Bulldog and Pomeranian Mix, both are prone to health issues. You can adopt a puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid such things. The upside of adopting a French Bulldog and Pomeranian Mix from a reputable is that they will be true and honest, will open up about the health issues that can occur in such mix. Make sure to confirm that they offer health guarantee or insurance on puppies like these ones. This type of breeder is not trustworthy. You need to ensure that the puppy has been cleared in a particular condition with all health clearances needed. Note: joint dysplasia, Allergies, and skin problems are some genetic health issues that you can expect seeing in pomeranian mixes. Sadly, Pomeranian French Bulldog Mix can suffer from different health problems like renal issues, eye problems and many more. Contact: memeladysite gmail. You can still invest in quality Vaccum if you want to keep your floors clean. Talking about French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix bathing routine, you can give them baths only when needed. Avoid frequent bath to them can easily dry out their skin. Use a shampoo that can keep their natural oil retained. Here is our recommendation: Best Shampoo. But regardless of what nickname you decide you prefer, this hybrid dog breed is guaranteed to be percent cute! Whenever a new dog breed is being developed, there are some interesting variables that even experienced dog breeders with extensive genetic expertise may not be able to fully predict. This is why it is important as well as interesting to research the parent dog breeds in advance so you can decide if what each parent dog contributes may include traits you want in your next companion canine. And now read on to learn all about the precious, pint-sized pup with the huge personality — the French Bulldog Pomeranian mix. However, it is just as easy to think of the French Bulldog Pomeranian as a new potential purebred dog breed in progress. This is because nearly every registered purebred dog breed we know about today started out as a series of crosses between different purebred dog breeds. Watch a French Bulldog and a Pomeranian Playing This short, adorable video is a great introduction to the similarities and differences between the French Bulldog and the Pomeranian, both popular purebred dog breeds that are American Kennel Club AKC registered breeds. You can see that the coat types are quite different but in size, the two dog breeds are very similar. There are additional similarities and differences that are important to know about, which is what we will spend the rest of this article explores. The History of the French Bulldog and the Pomeranian Learning more about the history and background of each parent dog breed is a great way to gain insight into what makes your dog unique. Each dog breed has its own lineage to contribute to any hybrid dog breed in the making — the French Bulldog and Pomeranian are no exception here. French Bulldog history The French Bulldog is the fourth most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. These smaller dogs were bred down and crossed with Rat Terriers, potentially other terriers and Pugs to become the French Bulldog. Frenchies have a fighting background, but they are lovers at heart. These dogs are known to be very affectionate and some describe them as needy. This is because they have been specifically bred to be companion canines to people. Pomeranian history The Pomeranian is the 23rd most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. As you will learn in more detail here later, the Pomeranian comes from a long, ancient and noble line of spitz-type dogs — working dogs who are known for their incredible athleticism, courage, and endurance. As the smallest of these dog breeds, the Pom as this dog is so often called is really bred to sit in laps, not pull sleds. Pomeranians become famous worldwide when Queen Victoria saw them, fell in love, and decided to breed Poms back in England. Pomeranians have kept company with royals and celebrities for millennia and have the personality to prove it. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix: Personality and Temperament The one common thread that is easy to see here is that you have two small breed dogs that have been bred specifically to keep company with people. While both the French Bulldog and the Pomeranian have to work and fighting dogs in their ancestry, neither breed was created to work in any capacity. Their "work," if you will, is to accompany people through life. So your Pom Frenchie will not do well if left alone for long periods of time! You really need to make sure you will be able to include this dog in the center of your life in order to have a healthy, happy pup. French Bulldog personality and temperament The French Bulldog, like bulldogs in general, is known to be both smart and somewhat stubborn. Frenchies are particularly charming and intelligent and love nothing more than to be wherever you are and do whatever you are doing. Frenchies also love their food and they love their naps. You can expect your dog to sleep a lot even in youth, but when they are awake, they will want to be with you. Pomeranian personality and temperament Like French Bulldogs, Pomeranians are very intelligent and quite capable of learning tricks and entertaining a crowd. They live for the attention and crave being a part of their people's lives. Pomeranians can also be somewhat stubborn because they have a long history of being spoiled and pampered. But they also know how to charm and under it all, their one big need and desire is to be with you. French Bulldog Pomeranian personality and temperament From this overview of both parent dogs, you can see how you will be bringing home a companion dog that will need a lot of your time and attention. The French Pomerdog is going to be very intelligent and personable and eager to be at the center of your life. You may see some stubbornness here and there but these dogs are so charming it likely won't be a problem. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix: Size, Height and Weight Some aspiring dog owners have very specific needs or goals when it comes to the adult size or weight of the dog they choose. This can work both ways and it is important to look at all the angles before choosing your dog. For example, a toy or small size dog may not work well if you have other family pets or very young children who are too young to be trained on how to handle such a tiny dog. In the same way, some dogs may grow too large to be comfortable and happy in small spaces — although thankfully this won't apply to the French Bulldog Pomeranian mix , as you now know. French Bulldog size, height, and weight The French Bulldog breed standard specifies that Frenchies will weigh no more than 28 pounds, which means your Frenchie could also be much smaller. The best way to guesstimate your dog's adult weight is to meet both parent dogs. Frenchies typically stand 11 to 13 inches measured from paw pad base to shoulder top. They have broad heads and stocky chests and get thinner towards the hindquarters. Pomeranian size, height, and weight The Pomeranian typically weighs anywhere from three to seven pounds according to the official AKC breed standard. These dogs will stand 6 to 7 inches tall and are incredibly tiny without their long hair coat. They are much finer boned than French Bulldogs, with a thin skeletal structure and the long, narrow muzzle type of the spitz dog breed family. French Bulldog Pomeranian size, height, and weight With a weight range from three to 28 pounds, your Pom Frenchie may range in size from a true toy dog breed to a small dog breed. The same holds true for height. With a height range from six to 13 inches, it is hard to know how big to expect your adult dog to be. One of the best ways to more accurately predict the size, height, and weight of your hybrid French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is to choose to buy your puppy from a later generation hybrid dog breed. The earliest generations F1, F1b will be crosses between two purebred parent dogs, while the later generations F2 and later will be crosses between two hybrid parent dogs. The later hybrid crosses will become more and more uniform in every way within each litter of puppies, from size, height, and weight to personality and temperament, training and exercise needs, health and longevity, coat type, and shedding, and more. So if having a dog with very specific traits is important, look for a later-generation hybrid breeder who breeds French Bulldog Pomeranian puppies. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix: Training and Exercise Needs Another common question many aspiring dog owners have is about how much exercise their new dog will need and how easy their pup will be to train. Here again, with a hybrid dog breed, the best way to get an accurate sense in both areas is to look at the needs of each purebred parent dog. French Bulldog training and exercise needs The French Bulldog is a smart, sensitive dog with low to moderate exercise requirements. Training can be a challenge in puppyhood, especially when it comes to potty training. But these dogs easily learn tricks and respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods. Pomeranian training and exercise needs Like Frenchies, Poms can be challenging to potty train. This is because these dogs are so tiny they simply can't hold their waste as long as bigger dogs. Pomeranians are smart and very trainable and love to do tricks as long as they are trained using positive reinforcement only. French Bulldog Pomeranian training and exercise needs Your French Bulldog Pomeranian mix is likely going to take a bit longer to potty train because of this dog's small size. As long as your training methods make use of rewards praise, pats, treats, playtime your smart and people-centric dog will learn easily and happily repeat what they have learned. Your key to success will be patience, short training sessions, and positive reinforcement methods. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix: Shedding, Grooming and Coat Care Another very common question many aspiring dog owners often ask is about shedding, grooming, and coat care. Some people are very tolerant of shed dog hair while others are not. Some people don't mind investing in professional grooming for their pup while others want a dog that is "wash and wear. For these people, it is vitally important to choose a dog that produces less shed hair even though the protein allergen actually lives in the skin, urine, and saliva. So let's learn more about each parent dog and what to expect in terms of shedding, grooming, and overall coat care. French Bulldog shedding, grooming, and coat care The French Bulldog, with its short, neat, and distinguished fur coat, may not look like a dog that can produce a lot of dead, shed hair. But they can! These dogs actually shed quite a bit year-round and seasonally, surprising many new owners. The good news is that, unlike for the Pomeranian dog breed, your brushing and grooming duties overall will be minimal. Short-coated Frenchies only need casual brushing a few times per week to stay looking sharp. Pomeranian shedding, grooming, and coat care When most people see a Pomeranian for the first time, their initial impression is of a big fluff ball on legs. These dogs do seem to be all hair! While Pomeranians today are toy dogs that typically live their lives in somebody's lap, their ancient ancestors were some of the hardest-working and most athletic dogs on the planet: the spitz dogs of the Arctic. These dogs, with their thick double layer insulating and weather-resistant coats, are still famous today for pulling sled teams over hundreds and thousands of miles of difficult, icy terrain. The Pomeranian dog may never work a day in their life, but you would never know it from the coat. The under layer is thick and insulating and the outer layer is resilient and weather-resistant, just like their larger spitz cousins. These dogs will shed out seasonally to replenish their coats. However, the shed hair will likely get caught in the surrounding fur coat and you may not see much of it actually fall to the floor. This means they also need a lot of brushing — ideally daily — to keep that trapped hair from turning into dangerous tangles and mats that can irritate the skin and cause infection to form. Pomeranians typically also require professional grooming every six weeks or so. Alternately, you can learn to groom your Pomeranian and clip the coat at home. As Grooming Business Magazine points out, the teddy cut named because the dog tends to look like a teddy bear afterward is one of the easiest clips to learn and do at home and also one of the easiest to brush and maintain. French Bulldog Pomeranian shedding, grooming, and coat care The amount of shedding you will see can vary depending on which coat type your French Pomerdog inherits. On the one hand, you may have a lot of brushing and professional grooming to do. On the other hand, your duties here may be minimal or somewhere in between. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix: Longevity and Health Far too many dog lovers today are simply smitten by cuteness, only to face heartbreak later on when their new pup develops serious genetic health issues. This is why it is so vital to learn more about the genetic health history of each parent dog and to investigate breeders to pick a responsible, health-focused dog breeder to work with. In this section, we take a much closer look at the known genetic issues of each parent dog and what pre-screening tests are available to help make sure you choose a healthy puppy. We will also take a look at the life expectancy of each parent dog so you have a better idea of how long your new pup might be with you. French Bulldog longevity and health The French Bulldog has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, which is typical of smaller breed dogs. This data, in turn, is used to generate recommendations for pre-screening testing by breed. The goal is to identify parent dogs with undesirable genes and prevent those dogs from being bred and passing serious health issues along to their puppies. Reputable, responsible dog breeders will always share test results with interested customers upon request and often without even being asked. If any breeder you are considering purchasing a puppy from refuses to show test results or says they do not have them available, you should not buy your puppy from this breeder! For the French Bulldog , the OFA-CHIC database states that parent dogs should be tested for the following genetic issues before being bred: Hip dysplasia malformation of the ball and socket hip joint. Patellar luxation trick knee. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This will allow you to be more vigilant of the symptoms of the disease and prevent the illness from worsening. Listed below are the seven 7 health issues and the symptoms that your Pomeranian and Frenchie Mix can suffer from: 1. Tracheal Collapse A respiratory health issue, tracheal collapse is more common among small breeds like a French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix. The signs you have to watch out for are breathing difficulty and wheezing. Diarrhea Digestive issues are quite common among the French Bulldogs, thus, it is very possible that French Bulldog Pomeranian Mixes will get this problem, too. Conjunctivitis Again, due to the facial anatomy of French Bulldogs, they are also prone to have eye problems because of their protruding or bulging eyes. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the eye membrane. The signs to look out for are swelling of the eyelids and uncontrolled eye blinking. Unfortunately, your French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix can inherit this health issue, more so if she also has a flat face. The signs to watch out for are heavy panting and persistent coughing. Patella Luxation An orthopedic problem that can be inherited from a Pomeranian parent. This occurs when the kneecap shifts out from its normal position. One of the common signs is that the dog hops and skips instead of walking in a normal way. This makes the dog susceptible to kidney problems and diabetes. Hair loss and increased appetite are two of the signs to look for. Otitis Externa The facial anatomy of the French Bulldogs makes them susceptible to otitis externa or external ear infections. These dogs have smaller heads which also means a narrow ear canal. Bacteria and other organisms such as ear mites find these narrow places very favorable to propagate. The symptoms include ear redness and a foul smell coming from the ears. Pomeranian and French Bulldog Mix lifespan Given the proper nutrition, exercise, and medical needs, the life expectancy of a Pomeranian and French Bulldog Mix can be from 10 to 16 years. Want more information? French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix breeder We cannot stress enough the importance of dealing only with ethical dog breeders. These breeders put more importance on preserving the French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix breed than the financial gain or reward. This means that they take the time in choosing which parents to breed together to reduce the chances of the puppies inheriting the gene-specific diseases. That said, ethical breeders of the French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix will not hesitate to show proof of the health certificates of the parents. Furthermore, you would know if you can trust the breeder or not since trusted breeders will undoubtedly give you access to the breeding facility. A clean, hygienic, odor-free facility is what you want to see. As opposed to puppy mills where the pups are placed together in a small cage, barely able to walk. Some dog buyers are mistaken if they think that it does not matter if the puppies are sold at a much lower price. In time, puppies coming from puppy mills are unhealthy and prone to inherit many of the gene-specific diseases of the parents, which is not the case if you will get your French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix from an ethical breeder. French Bulldog Pomeranian puppies Puppies are fun to have in the house, they are adorable little fur balls that enjoy running and clowning around. Just like growing kids, puppies regardless of the breed should be handled with care because their bones and muscles are still developing. French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix puppies are small breeds of dogs and if they are mishandled, especially by kids, they are prone to bone fractures. Thus, always show young children the proper way how to carry or lift puppies safely. It is normal for pups to sleep a lot during the day. Growing French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix puppies need an average of 20 hours of sleep each day in order to grow healthy. This is why it is important that puppies have comfortable dog beds to sleep on and be placed in a quiet area. During this time, their gums can be painful and swollen. That said, it is normal for them to look for things that they can chew to relieve gum pain. You can purchase puppy teething toys to keep them away from chewing your shoes and other stuff around the house. Are you now prepared for a new pup in the house? You can now find French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix puppies from reputable breeders and from dog adoption or rescue centers. The more experienced and well-known the breeder is, the higher the price of the puppies is. Plus, you also need to factor in the location of the breeder, the size of the litter, and whether the puppies are female or male. Places to find French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix puppies for sale Getting a French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix puppy is a financial decision that you should think over and not take lightly. Buckeye Puppies buckeyepuppies. You can inquire if they have available French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix puppies. If none, you can ask them to contact you once the mixed breed of your choice is available. You may also want to try Lancaster Puppies lancasterpuppies. In case you cannot personally come and pick up your new fur baby, she can be delivered to your home by a flight nanny. Finding a healthy French Bulldog Pomeranian Mix for sale A lot of dog owners would rather choose an adult dog over a puppy. The main reason for this is that adult dogs already have established personalities, thus, no more guessing games if the dog has a calm personality or is overactive. Umpqua Valley Kennels frenchbulldog-puppies. In case they do not have the mixed breed you are hoping for, you can ask for referrals for Pomeranian French Bulldog Mix for sale. Take note that this puppy delivery service only applies to the continental USA. This crossbreed is way too cute and the only warning we have is to have self-control when visiting a litter as you will want to take them all home with you! What does a french bulldog pomeranian mix look like? The french bulldog pomeranian mix looks like a typical french bulldog with their snub nose and small size but because of the pomeranian genetics, they have a fluffier coat and extra hair around its pomeranian-style ears. The french bulldog pomeranian mix is between 6 and 12 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 28 pounds. The color variations of a french bulldog pomeranian mix are black, brown, gray, blue, tan, white, and cream. What is the personality of a french bulldog pomeranian mix like? Both the pomeranian and the french bulldog are super sweet, friendly pups that love to shadow their owner throughout the house and this is no different in the french bulldog pomeranian mix. If you have children then the french bulldog pomeranian mix can be a really good fit for your family. This crossbreed is super kind and friendly with everybody they meet and are more likely to be afraid of something than show aggressive behavior. From a training point of view, the french bulldog pomeranian mix is usually very smart but a little bit stubborn and cheeky which can be a great challenge for a first-time dog owner. They love to learn and they love being the center of attention so often thrive in an environment where they can enjoy regular training sessions with their owners. What health problems can a french bulldog pomeranian mix develop? The french bulldog pomeranian mix can develop quite a few health problems, which are mainly inherited, from the french bulldog genetics. The french bulldog pomeranian mix most frequently develops hip dysplasia, heart issues, patellar luxation, eye issues, autoimmune thyroiditis, Legg-calve-Perthes disease, and juvenile cataracts. Some of these health conditions are more serious than others so if you are intending on purchasing a french bulldog pomeranian mix then we definitely suggest looking into a decent pet insurance policy. These little dogs have a lifespan of between 10 and 16 years though and are one of the healthier cross breeds involving a french bulldog. How much does a french bulldog pomeranian mix cost? The price can go even higher if you find a breeder with an extremely good reputation. If you want to know more about french bulldogs then check out our dedicated article here! If Pomeranians are more your thing then here is our pomeranian article! Dog Pricing Welcome to Dog Pricing, your comprehensive source for all things canine! As the team behind this thriving hub, we're dedicated to researching and presenting the best and most reliable information to dog lovers everywhere. Our mission is simple: to help you become the best dog owner you can be. Surprisingly, this breed
Other Grooming Activities In addition to the grooming steps we mentioned above, you should also keep track of other activities like nail trimming , ear cleaning , and teeth brushing. They get along well with people of all ages, including young children. They come in multiple sizes, so you can adopt a pup according to your preference and living arrangement. Golden Labradoodles are generally healthy with a longer life expectancy when compared to purebred Retrievers. Cons Of Golden Labradoodles: Not all Golden Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, so you must carefully choose one based on their coat type. Getting a healthy and happy puppy is more than worth the investment! Neither of them is better than the other, as both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are wonderful companions with many amazing traits. Additionally, they both have the same requirements when it comes to grooming, training, and exercise. However, based on our survey results , some people note that the Labradoodle can be a bit more laid back compared to the slightly more hyper Goldendoodle. Golden Labradoodle: Final Thoughts We hope this in-depth guide about the Goldendoodle-Labradoodle mix has shed some light onto this wonderful Double Doodle. Just make sure to research the breeder carefully before committing so that you can be sure your puppy is coming from an ethical source. Take matters into your own hands and learn to give your Doodle the exact haircut YOU want with this valuable online course! Varies in texture and length, can be straight, wavy, or curly Color Golden or shades of gold, ranging from light cream to dark golden Eyes Usually medium-sized and expressive, can be brown or hazel Ears Medium to long in length, hanging close to the head Tail Long and set at or near the level of the back It is important to note that individual Golden Labradoodles may deviate from these averages, as they are a mix of two different breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. The size and appearance can also be influenced by the specific size of the Poodle parent used in breeding, whether it's a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. When considering the appearance and size of a Golden Labradoodle, it is essential to choose a reputable breeder who can provide information about the specific traits and characteristics of the puppies. Factors such as exercise, diet, and grooming can also play a role in maintaining the optimal appearance and size of your Golden Labradoodle. Coat and Grooming The coat of a Golden Labradoodle typically exhibits a wavy or curly texture and is soft and dense. Maintaining their coat's health requires regular grooming practices. This includes consistent brushing to prevent matting and to ensure the coat remains neat and tidy. Golden Labradoodles boast a double coat, featuring a water-resistant outer layer and a soft undercoat. Regular baths are essential to keep the coat clean and free from dirt and debris, with the coat's length varying from short to medium to long among individual dogs. To maintain their appearance, professional grooming is recommended every weeks, including trimming around the face, paws, and tail. Golden Labradoodles are known for shedding minimally or not at all, making them a suitable choice for individuals with allergies. Additionally, regular nail trimming is crucial to prevent discomfort caused by overly long nails. Routine brushing also helps distribute the coat's natural oils, promoting a healthy and glossy appearance. Ensuring ear cleanliness through regular cleaning and checking for signs of infection is essential for their overall health. Good dental hygiene is vital as well; brushing the dog's teeth regularly prevents tartar buildup and gum disease. While professional grooming can be costly, adopting a consistent maintenance routine at home can help control grooming expenses. Keep in mind that grooming requirements may vary based on the specific crossbreeding of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Furthermore, grooming sessions serve as an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog and reinforce positive behaviors. Temperament and Personality When it comes to the temperament and personality of a Golden Labradoodle, there are several traits that are commonly seen in this breed: Friendly: Golden Labradoodles are known for their friendly nature. They are typically outgoing and welcoming towards both strangers and other animals. Social: These dogs thrive on companionship and love being part of a family. They enjoy being around people and are usually good with children, making them a great choice for families. Intelligent: Golden Labradoodles have a temperament and personality that includes high intelligence. They are quick learners and are often eager to please their owners. This makes them relatively easy to train. Playful: These dogs have a playful and fun-loving nature. They enjoy engaging in various activities such as fetch or playing with toys. Their playful nature also makes them good companions for active individuals or families. Loyal: Golden Labradoodles are known for their loyalty. Once they form a bond with their owner, they are committed and devoted. They make excellent companions for those looking for a faithful and devoted pet. Trainability When it comes to the trainability of a Golden Labradoodle, there are some key factors to consider: Intelligence: Golden Labradoodles exhibit a remarkable level of trainability due to their inherent intelligence. They possess a quick learning ability and readily comprehend and execute commands. Positive Reinforcement: The most effective approach for training a Golden Labradoodle involves utilizing positive reinforcement techniques. Employing reward-based training methods such as treats, praise, and playtime yields highly favorable outcomes. Consistency: Consistency plays a pivotal role in the training process of Golden Labradoodles. These intelligent canines thrive on routine and exhibit superior responses when commands and expectations remain consistent. Socialization: The early socialization of Golden Labradoodles holds immense importance regarding their overall trainability. Introducing them to diverse individuals, animals, and environments aids in fostering confidence and adaptability in these dogs. Early Training: Initiating training at an early stage of a Golden Labradoodle's life is highly recommended. Due to their eager-to-please nature, they can commence learning basic commands and obedience training from a tender age. To enhance the trainability of your Golden Labradoodle, the following suggestions should be taken into consideration: Enroll in obedience classes: Professional training classes provide structure and guidance for both you and your dog. They offer an excellent opportunity to acquire effective training techniques and ensure that your Golden Labradoodle attains proper socialization. Exercise patience and maintain consistency: Training requires time and effort. It is crucial to remain consistent with your commands, rewards, and expectations. Patience is the key, as each dog learns at their own pace. Establish a positive and calm environment: Dogs respond most favorably to positive reinforcement and a serene training environment. Avoid punishments or negative reinforcement techniques, as these can impede progress and have adverse effects on their well-being. By considering these factors and implementing the aforementioned suggestions, you can cultivate the trainability of your Golden Labradoodle, thereby positioning them for success in their training journey. History and Origin of Golden Labradoodle The history and origin of the golden Labradoodle can be traced back to the s in Australia. The breed's history and origin are unique and not standardized, unlike purebred dogs. Each Labradoodle can have variations in appearance, temperament, and coat type, depending on the traits passed down from their parent breeds. This variability is what makes Labradoodles unique and endearing to many dog lovers. The golden Labradoodle is a hybrid breed obtained by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. Its history and origin lie in the purpose of developing a hypoallergenic guide dog for visually impaired individuals who also had allergies to dog hair and dander. This aim led to the combination of the intelligence, trainability, and friendliness of the Golden Retriever with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle. The result was a dog that not only had a hypoallergenic coat but also possessed the desirable qualities of both parent breeds. Due to its friendly and affectionate nature, intelligence, and adaptability to various lifestyles, the Labradoodle quickly gained popularity. It became a sought-after family pet, therapy dog, and service dog. Its popularity also extended internationally, and today, golden Labradoodles can be found in many countries around the world. An interesting fact about the golden Labradoodle is that the term "Labradoodle" was actually coined by Wally Conron, one of the breed's initial developers. The name was created by combining the names of the two parent breeds, Labrador Retriever and Poodle, resulting in the catchy and distinctive name we know today. Caring for a Golden Labradoodle If you've got a lively, bouncing golden labradoodle in your life, it's essential to understand how to properly care for them. Exercise Needs When it comes to the exercise needs of a Golden Labradoodle, it's important to provide them with regular physical activity to meet their exercise needs and keep them happy and healthy. Daily Walks: Taking your Golden Labradoodle for daily walks is essential for meeting their exercise needs. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of walking each day. Playtime: Engage in regular play sessions with your Golden Labradoodle to meet their mental and physical exercise needs. This can include playing fetch, tug of war, or interactive puzzle toys. Outdoor Activities: Golden Labradoodles love outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and running in an enclosed area. These activities provide them with an opportunity to burn off excess energy and meet their exercise needs. Training Exercises: Incorporate training exercises into your Golden Labradoodle's exercise routine. This not only helps them stay physically fit but also enhances their mental agility and fulfills their exercise needs. Dietary Requirements Golden Labradoodles Protein Golden Labradoodles require a diet that is rich in protein to support their active lifestyle and maintain healthy muscles. The diet should include high-quality sources of protein such as lean meats, fish, and eggs. Fat A moderate amount of healthy fats is essential for Golden Labradoodles. It provides them with energy and supports healthy skin and coat. Include sources of healthy fats like fish oil and flaxseed oil in their diet. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for Golden Labradoodles. Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables, which provide a steady release of energy and are rich in fiber. Vitamins and Minerals Golden Labradoodles need a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet to ensure they receive an adequate amount of essential nutrients. Water Water is crucial for Golden Labradoodles to stay hydrated and maintain proper bodily functions. Ensure fresh and clean water is always available for them to drink. Dietary Restrictions Some Golden Labradoodles may have specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities. It's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if any special dietary considerations are necessary, such as avoiding certain ingredients or following a specific diet plan. Health Considerations When it comes to the health considerations of owning a Golden Labradoodle, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure the overall well-being of your furry friend. It is recommended to schedule annual examinations, vaccinations, and screenings for common health issues such as hip dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and allergies. To address the health considerations, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and proper nutrition for your Golden Labradoodle. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and types of food that best meet their dietary requirements. In addition, regular exercise plays a vital role in keeping your Golden Labradoodle physically fit and mentally stimulated. Daily walks or playtime are necessary to prevent obesity and ensure their overall well-being. Grooming is another important aspect of their health. Regular brushing of their curly coat is essential to prevent matting and maintain their skin and coat in good condition. Don't forget to schedule regular bathing and grooming sessions to maintain their hygiene. It is important to be mindful of any changes in behavior or appearance and seek veterinary advice if any health concerns arise. Early detection and timely intervention can greatly contribute to the long-term health and happiness of your Golden Labradoodle. By incorporating these health considerations, you can help ensure that your Golden Labradoodle leads a healthy and fulfilling life. Training and Socialization for a Golden Labradoodle Ready to unleash the charm of your golden labradoodle? In this section, we'll dive into the key aspects of training and socialization. Discover the power of basic commands and obedience training, unlocking your dog's potential for good behavior. Basic Commands and Obedience Training Basic commands and obedience training are essential for a well-behaved and disciplined Golden Labradoodle. Here are some key aspects to consider: Start early: Begin training your Golden Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring them home. Puppies have a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, making it easier to teach them basic commands. Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and affection, to reward your dog when they obey commands correctly. This positive association encourages them to repeat the desired behavior. Consistency: Be consistent with your training methods and commands. Use the same verbal cues and hand signals each time to avoid confusion. Consistency helps your dog understand what is expected of them and speeds up the learning process. Focus on essential commands: Teach your Golden Labradoodle basic commands like sit, stay, come, lie down, and leave it. These commands provide the foundation for obedience and ensure your dog's safety and control in various situations. Short and frequent training sessions: Keep training sessions short, around minutes, to maintain your dog's attention and prevent boredom. Regular, frequent training sessions throughout the day will yield better results than longer, infrequent sessions. Gradual progression: Once your dog has mastered the basic commands, you can gradually move on to more advanced obedience training, including leash walking, heel, and off-leash training. Build on their previous knowledge to expand their skills. Persistence and patience: Training takes time and patience. Dogs have different learning abilities, so be patient and understanding if your Golden Labradoodle takes longer to grasp certain commands. Stay consistent with training and celebrate their progress. Professional help if needed: If you're unsure about training techniques or facing challenges, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer. They can provide guidance and tailor the training to suit your dog's specific needs. Remember, basic commands and obedience training are essential for a harmonious and well-behaved relationship with your Golden Labradoodle. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, your furry friend will become a well-mannered and obedient companion. Socializing with People and Other Animals When it comes to socializing with people and other animals, Golden Labradoodles thrive on interactions and companionship. Here are some important aspects to consider: Early socialization: It is crucial to start socializing your Golden Labradoodle from a young age. Expose them to various environments, people of different ages and backgrounds, as well as other animals. This helps them develop confidence, adaptability, and good behavior. Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your Golden Labradoodle for good behavior during social interactions. This can include treats, praise, or playtime. Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as it can hinder their socialization progress. Leash training: Ensure your Golden Labradoodle is comfortable and well-behaved on a leash. This will make it easier for them to interact with other dogs and people while on walks or in public spaces. Introduce gradually: When introducing your Golden Labradoodle to new people or animals, do it gradually and in a controlled environment. Start with calm and friendly individuals before progressing to more challenging or stimulating situations. Supervision: Always supervise your Golden Labradoodle's interactions with people and animals, especially in the beginning stages of socialization. This ensures their safety and allows you to intervene if any issues arise. Consistency: Be consistent in your socialization efforts. Regularly expose your Golden Labradoodle to different social situations, and reinforce positive behavior and manners consistently. Remember, every dog is unique, so individual temperaments and preferences may vary. Also, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if you encounter any challenges during the socialization process. Pros and Cons of Owning a Golden Labradoodle Considering the pros and cons of owning a golden Labradoodle, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you'll discover the perks of having a loving and sociable furry companion by your side. On the other hand, there are certain drawbacks that come with this unique breed. So, let's delve into the details and uncover what makes owning a golden Labradoodle such a mixed bag of blessings and challenges. Advantages Advantages of owning a Golden Labradoodle include their low-shedding coat. This is great for individuals who are allergic to pet dander or for those who prefer a cleaner living environment. You won't have to worry about constantly cleaning up fur around the house. Intelligent and trainable: Golden Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. They are quick learners and enjoy pleasing their owners, making them ideal for obedience training and learning various commands. Whether you want them to perform tricks or just follow basic obedience, they will quickly pick up on what you're teaching them. Gentle and friendly temperament: With their Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage, Golden Labradoodles are known for their gentle and friendly temperament. They are typically good-natured and get along well with people of all ages, including children. Their friendly nature makes them excellent family pets. Versatile companion: Golden Labradoodles make excellent companions for individuals or families. They are adaptable to different living situations, whether you live in an apartment or a house with a large yard. They are also great for outdoor adventures like hiking or going to the beach. Therapy and service dog potential: Due to their intelligence, temperament, and trainability, Golden Labradoodles have the potential to be excellent therapy or service dogs. They can provide emotional support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs. Disadvantages When considering owning a Golden Labradoodle, it's important to be aware of the potential disadvantages that come with this breed: High Energy Levels: Golden Labradoodles are known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored and may exhibit destructive behaviors. Grooming Requirements: The coat of a Golden Labradoodle is dense and curly, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This can be time-consuming and may require professional grooming services. Health Concerns: Like all dog breeds, Golden Labradoodles are susceptible to certain health issues. Some common health concerns in this breed include hip dysplasia, allergies, and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and health screenings are essential to ensure their well-being. Separation Anxiety: Golden Labradoodles are sociable and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. They can experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, which may lead to destructive behaviors or excessive barking. Finding and Choosing a Golden Labradoodle When it comes to finding and choosing a golden Labradoodle, there are a few key factors to consider. In this section, we'll explore how to find a reputable breeder, the importance of health testing and certifications, and the crucial steps in selecting the right puppy. Finding a Reputable Breeder When finding a reputable breeder for a Golden Labradoodle, it is important to consider several factors to ensure you are making the right choice: Reputation: Do your research and look for breeders with a good reputation. Read reviews, talk to other dog owners, and join online communities to gather information about reputable breeders. Breeding practices: A reputable breeder will follow ethical breeding practices. They will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs and will conduct health tests to ensure the puppies are healthy and free from genetic diseases. Transparency: A reputable breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding program. They will provide you with all the necessary information about the parents of the puppies, including their health records, pedigree, and temperament. Interaction with the puppies: A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the puppies and their parents. They will encourage you to spend time with them to assess their temperament and confirm that they are well-socialized. Contract and health guarantee: A reputable breeder will provide you with a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. They will also offer a health guarantee for the puppies, ensuring that they are free from any genetic or hereditary defects. By considering these factors, you can find a reputable breeder who will provide you with a healthy and well-socialized Golden Labradoodle. Health Testing and Certifications By conducting health tests and obtaining certifications, breeders can identify potential genetic health issues and prevent them from being passed on to future generations. This helps in maintaining the health and longevity of the breed. Health testing and certifications indicate that the breeder is committed to producing healthy and genetically sound puppies. They give assurance to potential owners that the puppy they are considering is less likely to develop hereditary health issues. One example of a crucial health test for Golden Labradoodles is the hip and elbow dysplasia evaluation. This test determines the structural soundness of the dog's hips and elbows, reducing the risk of joint problems. Selecting the Right Puppy When it comes to selecting the right puppy for your family, there are a few important factors to consider: Breeder reputation: It is crucial to find a reputable breeder who follows ethical practices and cares for the well-being of their dogs. Take the time to research breeders, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Health testing and certifications: Ensure that the breeder conducts necessary health tests on their adult dogs to identify any potential genetic health issues. Ask for certifications or documentation to verify the health of the puppy and its parents. Temperament assessment: Request information about the temperament of the puppy and its parents. A responsible breeder will provide insights into the puppy's behavioral tendencies and match you with a suitable companion based on your lifestyle and preferences. Observation and interaction: Spend time observing and interacting with the litter of puppies. Observe their behavior, social interactions, and how they respond to stimuli. This will give you an idea of their personalities and help you select a puppy that aligns with your expectations. Physical health: Examine the overall health of the puppies. Look for signs of alertness, cleanliness, and proper growth. Ensure that the puppy has received appropriate vaccinations and has been dewormed. Remember, selecting the right puppy is a decision that requires careful consideration. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate the breeder, assess the puppy's health and temperament, and trust your instincts. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of finding a happy and healthy Golden Labradoodle that will be a perfect fit for your family. The Golden Labradoodle is a popular pedigree dog breed due to its gorgeous appearance, intelligence, trainability, and gentle nature. It is known for being sweet, loyal, and excellent with families and children. What are the characteristics of a Labradoodle's coat? The Labradoodle's coat can be wavy or curly, and it is soft, silky, and low shedding. This makes it a great choice for individuals who prefer a dog with minimal shedding. How small can a Golden Labradoodle get? If you prefer a smaller companion dog, a Mini Golden Labradoodle may be more suitable. Mini Golden Labradoodles are created by using a Miniature Poodle in the mix and typically weigh less than 40 pounds. What are some favorite activities for Golden Labradoodles? Golden Labradoodles enjoy various activities such as agility competitions, playing with digging toys, and even participating in fun Tik Tok videos. They have natural dirt scraping behaviors and retrieving instincts, making them highly versatile and entertaining companions. What are the recommended dog toys for a Golden Labradoodle? For a Golden Labradoodle with a gentle nature, self-fetch dog toys and aesthetic dog beds are great options. Self-fetch toys allow dogs to play without the owner needing to do much, and aesthetic dog beds provide a comfortable and cozy den-like space for them to relax. The link has been copied! Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldendoodle Overview Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies. Goldendoodles have also done well in agility. The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was first developed in s. Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love. Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. The best way to avoid any destructive behavior is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy throughout the day. Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing , and many owners opt to have them clipped. They have become popular quickly, and their star is still rising. They make excellent family dogs and provide gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes. The Goldendoodle is the result of Poodle to Golden Retriever breedings. So far there are very few multigenerational breedings crosses between two Goldendoodles. The Goldendoodle is considered to be a non- to light shedder, but he requires regular grooming and clipping. If the coat is kept short, it should be clipped every six to eight weeks and brushed every few weeks. If the coat is kept in its natural state, it should be brushed once every week or two. He may not bark even if someone knocks on the door. He does much better in a home with a fenced yard. The Goldendoodle requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets. The Goldendoodle is a very social dog who should not live away from his family. The Goldendoodle can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods at a time. The Goldendoodle may make an excellent companion to people with allergies. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Breeding began in the s, after both the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle gained footholds. The fact that the Goldendoodle is still a fairly young cross means that most pups are the result of first-generation breeding. That is, most are Golden Retriever and Poodle mixes; as of yet, breeding rarely occurs between pairs of Goldendoodles. Despite the fact that the Goldendoodle has gained some popularity, especially in Australia, there is still no breed club or registry in existence. There are, however, several online communities for the Goldendoodle lover and owner. Goldendoodle Size Goldendoodles vary in size. These dogs tend to range in size from 13 to 20 inches in height and 15 to 35 pounds in weight. The average height for a Small Standard Goldendoodle is 17 to 20 inches; the weight is 40 to 50 pounds. The Large Standard Goldendoodle averages 20 to 24 inches in height and weighs 50 to 90 pounds. Goldendoodle Personality The Goldendoodle has not become popular for lack of good reason. His positive personality traits are numerous — he endears himself to everyone he meets with his friendly, intelligent, accepting nature. He is loyal and, with proper training, can be highly obedient. He does have a playful side and can be mischievous if the mood hits. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldendoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Ear Infections: These can be a problem for Goldendoodles because of their floppy ears, which trap moisture. Check and clean the ears regularly. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simpy develop arthritis, or he could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. An affected dog will have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping, and occasionally blood in the stool. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Goldendoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as large Goldendoodles. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. Goldendoodle Care The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. He should be trained with positive reinforcement, since harsh corrections could damage his confidence. Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity. The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the back yard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. Since the Goldendoodle may grow large, he does require room to move. Goldendoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 4 cups depending on adult size of high-quality dry food a day, divided into multiple meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Goldendoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. A Goldendoodle should also be fed several small meals per day instead of one large one, since the Golden Retriever can suffer from gastric torsion, or bloat , a trait that can be easily passed on to any Goldendoodle offspring. For more on feeding your Goldendoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldendoodle Coat Color And Grooming The Goldendoodle should have a wavy to curly coat of about two to three inches in length. He has longer hair on the tail, body, ears, and legs legs may be slightly feathered ; the hair on the head and muzzle tends to be shorter. The coat can be black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red, although golden seems to be the common coat color. Owners generally opt to clip the coat for easier maintenance; but if you choose to leave it in its natural state, expect to brush it about once every week or two. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldendoodle Rescue Groups Goldendoodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldendoodles in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Goldendoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. The famous Golden Labradoodle, which is one of the finest breeds of dogs, was created in Australia as a hypoallergenic pattern dog. The very first hybridization between a Labrador Retriever and a regular Poodle was done by a famous Australian breeder, Wally Conron, in .This man is also considered as accountable for the breeding plan at the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. Sultan, himself was a magnificent and intelligent creature and had a hypoallergenic sheet along with the abilities, intellect, and character to be a capable model dog. In Hawaii, Sultan got a lot of progress in his job by working along with a woman. After seeing such results, this ignited a new spark in the breeders, and many of them started discerning this astonishing dog and determined to start incorporating these two varieties. The popularity of Labradoodles swiftly expanded because of the Labrador Retrievers, and it has finished up as the most solicited after Doodle dogs. The Golden Labradoodle, which is a mixture of two different species, is generally created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. After that, multi-gen breeding got much adhesion to create an enduring and noticeable specie. To modify this fantastic creation to be identified as a thoroughbred race in the coming few years, both the Australian Labradoodle Association and The Australian Labradoodle Association of America are trying their best and taking all possible actions in this course. There has been an ongoing massive effort by these groups to let breeders come closer mutually and assist them in accomplishing a basic standard of Labradoodles with multi-gen breeding. Poodle Although the Poodle is recognized as a national symbol in France and it has been awarded the honor of national dog and the French are very much passionate about this dog, but, it does not mean that the poodle was originated in France. It is considered as one of the most pristine discovered breeds which, in the initial years, were formerly utilized for bird shooting in Germany. Because of this reason, the Poodle had this amazing and outstanding trait of running over the water, particularly. It is the place where it can run swiftly and with no trouble, and it also determines the bird hit by the hunter. The word poodle is an English that has been derived from the German term pudel or pudelin, which means to splatter in the water. It took a lot of time for this race to developed into its particular race in France. But, even in those days, there was this trend where Poodle-owners would tonsure the legs, collars, and tailpieces of their dogs in Germany just like we can see it nowadays. There is a practical reason behind: They would shave those parts that would reduce the weight of the dogs. They would leave the thick cover that would shield the dog throughout its limbs and organs towards the cool water. It was not until the recent 14th ages that breeders began to produce shorter versions of the Poodle. Even in the 14th century, the large poodles were still in use by the French, which is also recognized as the primary and approved Poodle for bird shooting. The ordinary Poodle takes jobs like exploring for truffles in the forests, and the smaller species of the Poodle was considered as a sign or element of decoration and was normally utilized as more of an embellishing dog by the wealthy people at that time. Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever was created on the island of Newfoundland outside the northeastern shore of Canada. Incipiently named St. Except for the fact that their legacy is anonymous, many people still consider that the St. John dogs fraternized with the Newfoundland race and other local wandering town dogs. The breed was facing the fear of being wiped out and facing the threat of extinction at one time. But it is believed that the Malmesbury class and some other English dog lovers and followers who were fond of this breed, they started preserving the remaining living dogs of this specie. That is why they are attributed with the credit of having kept the race in the s. The race gradually started to disperse from Newfoundland because of the restrictions and regulations established by the state and several tax authorities. Families were just permitted to have one dog at a time, and keeping a female dog would mean that the owner will have to pay a huge amount of tax. Hence, the female pups were mostly faced with killing or disposal at the time of birth. Nowadays, Labrador Retrievers are frequently operating in many different areas such as medicines and drugs, bomb detection, rescue and search operations, providing therapies to the injured dogs, and also working as hunter dogs. Not only this, but these intelligent dogs are also performing exceedingly well in other fields such as different competitions of dogs, fieldwork, exhibiting intelligence, and adapting accordingly, showing affection and obedience towards the trainer and owners. How Big do Golden Labradoodles Get The standard size of a Golden Labradoodle can vary quite a lot, seeing as Labradors Retrievers are bred with a Poodle that can have of all sorts of shapes and sizes. A miniature Golden Labradoodle is normally around 12 to 16 inches. And their weight is around 15 to 25 pounds. A medium Golden Labradoodle is typically around 16 to 20 inches, weighing in at 30 to 45 pounds. And a standard Golden Labradoodle usually is 20 to 24 inches with a weight of 55 to 65 pounds. Traits of Golden Labradoodles Since a Golden Labradoodle is a crossbred dog, there is only one fact about which you can be sure about, and that is its color. You can only be sure about its color that it will be golden. Otherwise, you cannot predict any other traits that a dog will possess. Everything from size, weight type of coat, and so on, will be impossible to predict. And even though Labradors and Poodles are somewhat similar when it comes to their temperamental trains, they are fairly different types of dogs otherwise. The Poodle is basically a hypoallergenic type of dog along with a coat that hardly sheds even the slightest bit. While, on the other hand, a Labrador is recognized for possessing a dense, and silky coat that has this tendency of shedding. Both races are categorized into three distinct colors. The Poodle can be found in various colors like apricot, black and rust-colored, and the Labrador is either Golden, chocolate, or yellowish in color. Poodle and Labrador, both are considered water dogs with strong and powerful structural built. As a likely expected master of Golden Labradoodle, one can assume this crossbreed to have a similar type of strongly built body, which also includes floppy ears, a tall tailpiece, and a pleasant and charming expression. Golden Labradoodles With Kids and Other Pets Golden Labradoodles are frequently wonderful with children because they are considered as friendly and caring partners. Although they are much more active dogs, they might beat over tinny little toddlers by collision, but this race will cherish your children wholeheartedly. As with each other dog race, you should also educate children on how to act nearby a dog, and you should perpetually have a keen eye on any cooperation between a dog and children to be assured that neither your dog nor children do anything that would agitate or beat the equivalent. You should clearly instruct your children nearby your dog that the dog must not be disturbed or irritated when it is feeding or resting, and also, they should not try to snatch the food of dogs. Most importantly, It does not matter how kind and loving your dog is; it should never be left with a child alone. This race is very friendly and is particularly great around other dogs in a house. But this woolly friend needs some coaching and socialization, like every other dog, to get the whole experience of being with other pets. Care and Grooming of the Golden Labradoodle The desire for supervision and grooming can diversify quite a little because it usually depends on the length and kind of cover in your dog. In general terms, you should develop a habit of brushing your Golden Labradoodle a few times per week, and trim or shave it at least once a month to keep the coat soft enough to manage easily. They should only be washed when it is necessary because a bad smell or odor is not really associated with these dogs generally. Dogs have this tendency to develop ear infections, and the Golden Labradoodle is also highly vulnerable to ear contaminations, so be sure that you pay immediate attention to take care of their ears. You must regularly wipe and brush them after you have finished bathing with them. You must inspect them for at least once in a week for any dust or heavy smell which will show contamination. You must wipe them with cotton paper once in a week while utilizing a moderate sort of ear detergent just to get rid of any possible threats of contamination. Brush the teeth of your dogs about times a week to kill bacteria. Regular brushing is much more useful if you want to be assured to bypass any critical breath. Cut the nails of your dogs once or twice in a period as your dogs cannot trim them directly by themselves. When you hear the sound of clicking made by the dog while walking on the floor, it means that its nails are growing too much and need to be trimmed immediately. It is a fact that there are blood vessels inside the nails of your dogs. So, if you cut them too much down, you may provoke bleeding, and hence your dog will presumably be not reliable for assistance the next time when you trim its nails. So, if you are not satisfied by cutting the nails of your Golden dog, you must see a vet and have him take the responsibility. You should begin teaching your dog to be cleaned and inspected when it is quite just a puppy. This is the reason that you must be assured that common concern will be an emphatic experience for the dog full of cheering and comments. It will be a lot simpler for you, but also for the conditions where the dog has to attend the vet or any other study when it is growing more timeless. When monitoring your dog, you should be assured to examine any bruising, redness, or symbols of viruses, like soreness or swellings on any part of the body. The eyes must be clear without any redness. Your accurate weekly analysis of your Golden Labradoodle will assist you in finding any possible health problems. Golden Labradoodle Life Expectancy The average life expectancy for a Golden Labradoodle is 12 to 15 years where heredity and lineage, and overall lifestyle decisions have a significant impact. The basic dilemma with standards is that they are just average. Any Golden Labradoodle can live a long life well if you are providing him with good food and exercise. Health Issues of the Golden Labradoodle The Golden Doodle is a strong race, but because of being in collaboration with other races, the Doodle is more jeopardized to develop several problems. Available in both the larger standard size and as a smaller miniature, goldendoodles are playful yet gentle dogs that crave human interaction. They do best with daily walks or outdoor play sessions to fill their physical fitness needs and, because both of their parent breeds are friendly and highly intelligent , goldendoodles are ideal for families with small children , first-time dog owners , and as emotional support animals. Appearance Because poodles range in size more than golden retrievers, a goldendoodle's height and weight depend largely on his poodle lineage. Specifically, a standard poodle will result in a full-size goldendoodle, while a miniature poodle parent likely reduces a pup's full-grown stature. Standard doodles can stand more than 21 inches tall and weigh up to pounds. Miniature goldendoodles typically weigh no more than 35 pounds and stand less than 14—17 inches tall. While golden retrievers have coats that stick to the wheat or golden range, a poodle can be one of many colors—this variation also shows up in goldendoodles. While the teddy bear gold hue might be the most popular, breeding can also result in black, white, brown, cream, and red goldendoodles. In very rare cases, a pup bred from multiple generations of doodles will have recessive color traits such as gray, blue, or even be multi-colored. The most common eye color for this breed is brown. As a descendant of the poodle—a popular option for dog owners with allergies—a goldendoodle doesn't shed much , which means they can be a good fit for people who tend to sneeze or itch around pups. For owners who want a big dog that doesn't shed, a doodle that's 75 percent standard poodle and 25 percent golden retriever known as an F1B goldendoodle is a good option. These inherit a curlier poodle coat that's better for those with dog allergies. A goldendoodle can have very curly, poodle-like locks or inherit a more wavy mane from their retriever parent. And despite their allergen-friendly fur, doodles have a double coat that consists of a dense undercoat of short hairs beneath a top coat of longer hairs, called guard hairs. Dogs with this layered fur need regular brushing. Temperament Goldendoodles get their gentle nature from their golden retriever side, making them a wonderful option for families with young children. They're naturally inclined to be careful with infants and toddlers, and will be patient companions for children as they grow up. However, as with any breed, you still need to supervise small kiddos and dogs, and make sure your children learn how to properly interact with pets. As extremely affectionate dogs, they love to socialize and rarely meet a human or fellow animal they don't like—even smaller critters like cats. Instead of wanting to chase, goldendoodles are laid-back and almost bashful. Both poodles and golden retrievers score in the top five of the smartest dog breeds, according to the Goldendoodle Association of North America. So while playful, these pups are obedient with the proper training. They can learn some fun tricks, too. Near the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Lynne Whitmire has been breeding goldendoodles for over 15 years. The GANA blue ribbon breeder believes the goldendoodle's temperament is one of the best things about them. With such an easygoing attitude, they'll flourish with additional playmates dogs and humans alike. Doodles are also known for loving water; swimming gives them another outlet to get their exercise. While outdoor time is still important, a miniature goldendoodle is more apt to enjoy apartment living than a standard-size doodle. And as long as your pup has been properly trained and socialized, neither the standard or miniature goldendoodles are excessive barkers , so you won't have to worry about any grumpy neighbors. Care Even with little to no shedding, goldendoodles, like all poodles and poodle hybrids, still need consistent grooming to keep their coat healthy. They'll need to see a professional groomer every 6—8 weeks, but won't need much bathing beyond that. Frequent baths can actually cause dry skin, so experts recommend only bathing doodles if they're smelly or dirty. The curlier the coat, the more often they'll need to be brushed. But in general, a goldendoodle needs daily brushing to avoid painful matting. However, if they have a straight coat or a very short hairdo, weekly brushing sessions will be sufficient. A fenced backyard makes exercise easy, but a brisk walk around the neighborhood will also do. Doodles love social interaction with humans and playdates with fellow pups, so they generally shouldn't be left home alone for long periods of time. A lonely or bored goldendoodle can develop separation anxiety and exhibit undesirable behaviors, including digging or barking. Proper socialization and attention should start early and continue throughout the dog's life to ensure good behaviors. Quick to learn and eager to please, these pooches are excellent for first-time dog owners. As with all breeds, they do best with positive reinforcement training and rewarding good behavior with treats. Even a young goldendoodle puppy can learn tricks and obedience through early training and socialization. Health Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 10—15 years, and in general they're very healthy dogs. But, as with all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Varying types of cancer can also be passed down from the golden retriever parent, so a health clearance is important to ensure a healthy pup. Consult your veterinarian about warning signs to look out for. Their floppy ears can trap moisture, so owners should clean their dog's ears soon after any water-related activities or bathtime. As with any new puppy, it's important to request a health clearance from the breeder. And all reputable breeders should conduct the appropriate health tests and provide documentation when you buy your goldendoodle puppy. Because this hybrid is so popular , you need to do your research before working with any breeder. As a general rule, avoid breeders who sell multiple mixed breeds, offer to ship puppies, are difficult to contact, or don't let you meet your puppy's parents. In fact, goldendoodles have many similar characteristics to that earlier hybrid. However, goldendoodle coats can be longer and wavier, thanks to their golden retriever genes. Labradoodles, on average, are also slightly larger. Although both types of doodles are very friendly, goldens are generally more enthusiastic about meeting new people. They inherit a social, happy-go-lucky attitude from the golden retriever that differentiates them slightly from their Lab-mix cousins. Labradoodles were created to be guide dogs, and goldendoodles are also commonly used as emotional support animals and therapy dogs. As goldendoodles gained popularity, breeders began taking requests for more variations. They introduced new sizes and traits to please all sorts of dog owners: petites and minis, unique colors, curlier or straighter coats. The goldendoodle may be one of the newest poodle mix crossbreeds, but the breed's popularity is still on the rise. We have Aussies to thank for the growing popularity and the cool name variation. The TV personality and cookbook author has a cream goldendoodle named Gus , who loves to eat her homemade peanut butter dog biscuits. Meet Samson the goldendoodle , who has more than 1 million followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Two of the most popular doodle crossbreeds are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, both of which make excellent additions to the family. The Labradoodle combines the traits of a Poodle with the playful temperament of the Labrador Retriever, while the Goldendoodle blends the qualities of a Poodle with the affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever. Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, which Doodle breed is best for you? Temperament Looking for a lovable companion? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are two poodle mixes that fit the bill as they inherit desirable characteristics from both parent breeds. Since the Labrador is often calm and affectionate, the Labradoodle has the same traits. As a pet, the Labradoodle is bound to make you smile with its extroverted personality and strong desire to spend time with human family members. Both breeds are highly intelligent making them great family dogs, but this also gives them the potential to be trained as service dogs or therapy dogs. Labradoodles also have a sixth sense about what is happening, making them well-suited for busy homes or homes that get a lot of visitors. The standard Poodle and Golden Retriever are among the most intelligent dog breeds, so the Goldendoodle is a smart pooch capable of figuring things out quickly. Due to its intelligence and extroversion, it is important to set boundaries for this breed early on; otherwise, the Goldendoodle may have difficulty reigning in its energy level and enthusiasm. Coat When comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, the most distinctive difference is the coat. Purebred poodles have tightly curled hair, which gives them their distinctive appearance. In contrast, the Labrador Retriever has a coarser, thicker hair follicle. Golden Retrievers have a thinner hair follicle, but more hair overall, so they tend to have a fluffier, wavy look. Golden Retrievers naturally have cream, caramel, gold, or red colored puppies, but Poodles come in all colors, so Goldendoodle puppies can be those colors plus black, chocolate, parti, brindle, merle, etc. Popularity Due to their attractive appearance and desirable personality traits, both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are extremely popular. They are especially popular among people with allergies, as with proper breeding, they should shed much less than other breeds. The lack of shedding means these dogs are far less likely to trigger allergic reactions or symptoms. Grooming Labradoodle Grooming Due to differences in their coats, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have different grooming requirements. Labradoodle puppies need to be brushed regularly, as their adult coats often do not grow in until they are approximately a year old. Labradoodles should be groomed in a specific way, especially if you want your dog to maintain its trademark Labradoodle appearance. For example, the groomer should use a long blade to trim the bulk of the coat. The Labradoodle is meant to have full-looking legs, so the groomer must be careful not to trim off too much hair. Goldendoodle Grooming Goldendoodles also need regular grooming. When trimming the coat, you have a few options when it comes to length. A short cut is also more comfortable during the dog days of summer. You could even give your Goldendoodle a layered look by cutting the hair so that it tapers down to the legs. Training Labradoodle Training Their high level of intelligence makes Labradoodles fairly easy to train, as a Labradoodle puppy is quick to learn new commands and has a strong desire to please its human companions. Initially, Labradoodle training should focus on building a positive relationship between you and your dog. Your Labradoodle needs to know that it can trust you, so avoid yelling or making gestures that could be interpreted by the dog as threatening. During the first training session, establish yourself as the leader of the pack. One way to establish yourself as the leader of the pack is to be careful not to give your dog too many treats. A treat should only be given when your Labradoodle follows a command. Otherwise, your dog will not understand its place in your family, and you may have trouble getting it to follow your rules. If you have children, make sure they know how to handle a puppy. Otherwise, your pup is likely to display undesirable behaviors as a response to stress. Setting expectations helps ease anxiety and ensures that your canine companion knows what to expect while living with you. When you start training your Labradoodle, one of the most important things you can teach it is to wait patiently. If you teach your dog to wait, you can avoid jumping and other undesirable behaviors in the future. The best way to accomplish this is to show the Labradoodle you have a treat and then ask it to sit and wait. If the dog runs toward you, paws at the treat or jumps on you, take the treat away. Only give your Labradoodle the treat if it sits and waits for you to take action. Otherwise, your dog will think it can get what it wants by displaying undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodle Training Due to the similarities in their personalities, the training methods for Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are fairly similar. To socialize your Goldendoodle, take it to a local dog park or look for a puppy playgroup in your area. In a pinch, you can also invite friends and family members to come to your house and meet the dog. Just make sure everyone you invite knows how to interact with a puppy without scaring it or coming off as overly aggressive. Once your dog is comfortable, start introducing it to new people and new circumstances. A hiker with a backpack, a person on a bicycle and someone wearing a hat are all people your dog should meet, as your puppy needs to get used to people who look and smell different from you. Like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles are usually quick to catch on when it comes to learning new commands and following the rules. Just be sure to establish that you are the pack leader or your Goldendoodle may decide that it would rather have fun than listen to you when you tell it to get off the couch or stop jumping on people. Goldendoodles need consistency and structure, so try to do a training session at the same time each day. Once your Goldendoodle has been socialized and learned basic training commands, try walking or hiking together to help the dog use up some of its energy. The size of a doodle depends on whether you have the standard, miniature or medium version. Standards typically range from 21 to 23 inches high for females and 22 to 24 inches high for males. Miniatures are tiny, as they are typically 14 to 16 inches high. Mediums are slightly smaller than the standard version, with females ranging from 17 to 19 inches high and males ranging from 18 to 20 inches high. The miniature version can weigh as little as 15 pounds or as much as 30 pounds, while the medium Labradoodle typically weighs anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. Follow the link to read our guide to learn how big do Goldendoodles get? Lifespan As a mix of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, a Labradoodle can have health problems that are common in either breed. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles often develop hip dysplasia. With proper care, the typical life span of a Labradoodle is 15 years, making this breed an excellent choice for a long-term companion. Our guide on the lifespan of a Goldendoodle will be really helpful to understand that breed. Since Goldendoodles are part Poodle, they may also develop hip dysplasia as they get older. Eye conditions and a narrowing of the aortic valve are also possible, as these conditions are associated with Golden Retrievers. Again, working with a reputable breeder can help you reduce the risk of these problems, as quality breeders are vigilant about using only the best dogs for breeding purposes. Goldendoodles have an expected life span of 10 to 15 years. Quality is important, as good breeding practices can help you avoid common health problems and ensure you get to enjoy many years with your new companion. This is why you should always work with a reputable breeder. Feel free to contact us today to learn more! This is a pretty great list of attributes. No wonder people love Labradoodles so much! What About Undesirable Traits? Be that the nervousness of some Poodles. Or the destructive chewing habit of some Labradors. But with so many positive traits, it makes sense that the Labradoodle was first bred to be a guide dog in service. In fact, Labradoodles continue to be in high demand as service dogs worldwide. This is because of their friendly, happy, intelligent, loving temperament. Does Coat Color Impact Temperament? The Labradoodle hybrid dog breed as a whole is still quite young and has not got a great deal of temperament or genetic history. They will try to take advantage of the demand. They do this by passing off poorly-bred or unverifiable puppies as true Labradoodles. Here, it truly will be up to you, the owner, to thoroughly research any Labradoodle breeder you want to work with. Or perhaps you want to adopt a Labradoodle from a rescue shelter or charity. Rescue golden Labradoodles may have none, some, or all of the characteristics of any dog who has been abandoned or given up for any number of reasons. In this case, taking the help of expert dog trainers can ease the transition for you both. Golden Labradoodle Health There is no evidence to date that suggests the golden Labradoodle coat color is directly associated with any breed-specific health issues. But, both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle dog breeds have known heritable genetic health issues. It is impossible to know in advance how two sets of genes will mix to influence a particular puppy in any litter. Reputable breeders will always ensure prospective parent dogs are health-tested for all known genetic diseases. This helps to avoid breeding puppies with genetic or other health defects. What are these Health Problems? Then you can ask your Labradoodle breeder for verification that both parent dogs have been cleared of all known genetic health issues. But, we will also look briefly at these problems here. Make sure your potential breeder does these health tests. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This condition is where the hip or elbow sockets form abnormally. It is a painful issue that can lead to difficulty walking, and arthritis. Labradors are prone to this, especially if they are overweight. Fortunately, breeders can carry out x-rays on potential parents to assess the quality of their joints. Testing for eye problems is important. Especially as PRA causes vision loss and eventually blindness. The severity of this can vary. But it involves muscle weakness and inability to move after intense periods of exercise. Cardiac Problems Heart issues are another common health problem in Labrador Retrievers that can be tested. Many larger breeds are prone to this. It is a fatal condition. The CHIC database for Standard Poodle dogs states that all breeding stock should be pre-tested for the following genetic health conditions. Hip Dysplasia We have looked at this briefly above. But Poodles are also prone to hip dysplasia and malformed joints. So, it is even more important that both parent breeds get tested for this problem. Hip scores are tested. So eye exams are another important test to ensure the healthiest puppies. This breed is also prone to eye issues like cataracts. There is no specific test for this. But eye examinations are still important. DNA tests are available for this. So, ensure your breeder tests for this disease. Epilepsy Another potential problem Standard Poodles can face is idiopathic epilepsy. Sebaceous Adenitis This is a skin disorder that has been seen in Poodles. There is no DNA test. So make sure parent dogs have no history of skin problems. Sebaceous Adenitis can cause blistering, itching, hair-loss, and infections. It is a hormone disorder that unfortunately has no DNA test. So, once again, breeders must know the family history of the dogs they want to breed. Not All Problems can be Tested For Not all genetic or idiopathic of unknown origin health issues can be tested for in advance. So, it is also important to learn as much as you can about the individual health and temperament history of each parent dog involved in breeding your puppy. If at all possible, arrange with the breeder to meet and interact with each parent dog. This will help you get a good idea of the temperament your Labradoodle puppy might inherit. Do this and also verify that all testable health issues have been performed on each parent dog. This will give you the best possible chance of bringing home a healthy, happy golden Labradoodle puppy. Golden Labradoodle Grooming All Labradoodle puppies will have a puppy coat for at least the first six months of their life. An adult Golden Labradoodle dog can have three different coat types: fleece, wool, or hair. You might wonder how this could be possible! But the answer boils down to the amount of genetic influence each purebred parent dog has over each puppy in a litter. And these two purebred dog breeds have very different coat types. It sheds seasonally and year-round, to hear most Lab owners tell it. Rather, it means that shed hair gets caught in the surrounding coat and must be brushed out manually. Dog Allergies If you have an allergy to dog dander, you will want to select a Labradoodle with a coat type more like the Standard Poodle parent. But, it can be hard to know in the first six months of life what coat type a given Labradoodle puppy may have inherited. So, if it is very important that your Labradoodle puppy grow up to have a non-shedding coat, ask the breeder about DNA coat testing. Golden Labradoodle with Fleece Coat This Labradoodle has fairly equal influence from each parent dog. It tends to arise most frequently in F1b litters one hybrid Labradoodle parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog or F2 and later litters both parent dogs are hybrid Labradoodles. If your puppy grows up to have a fleece coat type as an adult, the coat will be very soft to the touch. Just like angora goat fleece. The coat will either be wavy or have soft spiral curls. If your puppy grows up to have a wool coat type as an adult, the coat will look and feel much like a Standard Poodle coat. It will be wiry and dense with tight curls. The wool coat needs a lot of grooming to brush out shed, dead hair before it can turn into skin-damaging tangles and mats. Owners often take wool-coated Labradoodles for professional grooming and clipping every six weeks to keep coat growth manageable. Often puppies with hair coats come from F1 generation litters one purebred Labrador Retriever parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog. If your puppy grows up to have a hair coat type as an adult, the coat will look like a straight or wavy much longer and shaggier version of the Labrador Retriever coat. This hair coat type is fairly wash-and-wear. Plus lots of vacuuming to keep your home from being blanketed in dead, shed dog hair. And if you have dog dander allergies this is not the coat type for you! Your Golden Labradoodle We hope you have enjoyed learning more about all the factors that contribute to creating the most wonderful of hybrid dog breeds, the golden Labradoodle! Are you sharing your life with a golden Labradoodle now? Or are you thinking of adding a Doodle dog to your family? Please post a comment below to share your questions and experiences with the whole community! Take a look at a few of them below! If you are anything like us, the Golden Labradoodle might have recently caught your eye. But before bringing your little guy home, you might want to ask yourself a few questions. Maybe even make a list of the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle? That is the reason most people label Doodles as hypoallergenic. For example, if you have seasonal allergies, shedding dogs can set off sneezing fits. Hypoallergenic coats are also great for people with asthma and eczema. So which coats are the most hypoallergenic? Most Golden Labradoodles have either a curly, wavy, or straight hair type. But these types of coats can be the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle depending on how you view it. Temperament The Double Doodle is the best of everything you know about Doodles. They have the sweet and gentle spirits of the Goldendoodle, but they are also adventure-seeking like the Labradoodle. When you bring a Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix into your home, there will never be a dull moment. Your dog will love to cuddle and spend every waking moment with you. But these Doodles are also great for people who love to get out and be active. And when you combine this with their social natures, you will see that the Double Doodle lights up the room. Trainability Golden Labradoodles are some of the smartest dogs you will ever meet. They live to serve and make you happy, which means that your puppy is willing to do anything to make you proud. Anything from potty training to basic commands and tricks is a breeze. Colors You might think that Golden Labradoodles only come in golden colors. Sure, golds and creams are more popular, but they also come in blacks, chocolates, and tan. So if your ideal Doodle is black with curly hair, nothing will be in your way. These Minis are anything under 40 pounds and are perfect for those who want a medium-sized dog. Each breeder has an ideal weight that they aim for when mixing hybrids. Long Lifespans The Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix has a long and healthy lifespan. You will have anywhere between years with your family pet if they stay healthy. So what can you do to make sure that you get this, or even more? A great diet , exercise , and check-ups can do a world of wonders to keep your dog healthy. Their sweet characters and gentle spirits make them great family pets. You might even find that your dog understands how fragile younger children are. Your Doodle will stay calmer and act with caution to take care of your babies. The only times your dog will bark is when they get antsy for something. Whether they need a walk, food, or just entertainment, these Doodles will let you know what they need. But you will never see your Double Doodle barking aimlessly at small noises or things in the yard. But this is another one that can also be a con, depending on your optimism. Seeing all the good in a pet is the easy part. But in this next section, you will have to decide if each con is something you can live with. Grooming Are Golden Labradoodles high maintenance? If you are looking strictly at grooming needs, then yes. You will need to prepare for lots of brushing and grooming appointments with a Double Doodle. The curlier and silkier the hair is, the more it will need to be brushed. And curly and wavy coats need a trim every weeks. So you will spend a lot of time and money to keep up with the hypoallergenic coats. But they can inherit more characteristics of one breed over the other because genetics can be fickle. Your dog might act more like a Poodle but have the hair of a Lab. Activity Needs If you are an athletic person, the Golden Labradoodle will have no problems fitting into your schedule. They love to tag along on any outdoor activity you enjoy. Your Doodle will need to have at least an hour of exercise a day. You can rotate between intense play, dog parks, and walks to give your dog something to look forward to. Lots Of Attention With great intelligence in a dog comes great responsibility. Your Golden Labradoodle will need to have lots of attention and interaction to thrive. Unfortunately, that means that if you work long hours, this breed may not be for you. But there are a few ways to get around this. Hiring a dog walker for a midday stroll will help your Doodle feel loved and entertained. Another great option is Doggie Daycare , where your pup can also socialize with other dogs. Your dog will never feel alone and will have a home away from home. Health Most Golden Labradoodles are healthy and hearty dogs. But disease does not discriminate against breeds. Your Golden Labradoodle is more prone to: Joint problems.
boxer puppy red eyes - Black Pugs Overview Pugs are found in two basic colors, black and fawn, plus silver-fawn and apricot-fawn standard with clubs other than the AKC. Black is a very interesting coat color with the Pug; distinctive markings seen with fawns do not show on black Pugs, however, an all black Pug is extraordinarily beautiful. This article will dive into the details about black Pugs including popularity, variations, possible markings, photo examples, mistaking brindle for black, coat aspects, questions regarding behavior, and origin. Black Pugs in Kennel Club Breed Standards Though there are variances in regard to non-black Pugs with all major kennel clubs, there is agreement across the board regarding black Pugs. How Common Are Black Pugs If you've noticed that there are generally fewer photos of black Pugs than fawn Pugs or that you don't see black Pugs in person very often, this is because there really are fewer of them. To determine more precisely how many black Pugs there are, we presented the question of 'What color is your Pug? This polling suggests that a bit less than one-fourth of Pugs are black or in other words, 1 in 4 Pugs have black coats. Variations with Black Pugs In conformation show rings, all major kennel clubs expect black Pugs to be solid black. And, this is indeed what many black Pugs are, but there are some exceptions. Black Pugs can have small markings, sometimes referred to as a mismark, which can occasionally be seen with Pugs of all colors. If this occurs, it is often a small white or light patch on the chest. Aside from this, there can be larger markings, seen as faults in the show ring, which may include a larger area of white on the chest or a scattering of lighter hairs throughout the coat. This doesn't stop her from being active with her family, Jerry, Shelly and Taylor Koltz in Frisco, Texas Just like humans, dogs can develop gray hairs as they age. It does not happen to all Pugs, but to a majority of them to some extent. While this will not be very noticeable on fawn Pugs, gray hairs on black Pugs stand out quite a bit. In some cases, graying will only be seen around the face, but other seniors can grow gray hairs on any other areas of the body. The appearance of gray hairs with black Pugs may start as early as the 8-year mark, but is most commonly seen with those age 10 and up. Mistaking Brindle for Black Brindle is a pattern of interlocking striping colors and is not an accepted standard color for the Pug with any of the well-known kennel clubs. In fact, many wonder where this color came from or if it can even truly exist in the Pug bloodline. Other breeds were used to develop the Pug which is where the pattern most likely came from; however, since it is not a color called out for in breed standards, most breeders do not aim to produce this and it is only seen sporadically. As you can see with Luna here photo below who is a brindle, there is a lot of black in the coat. Yet, it is woven in with fawn as part of the brindle pattern. While she may have an overall appearance of a dark coat, this should not be confused with a true black coat. This may lead you to wonder why there are more fawn Pugs than black ones. The main reason is that breeders choose more often to produce fawns. If both colors were equally represented within all breeding programs, there would be many more litters of black Pug puppies than there currently are. Each pup's color is determined by a pair of color genes, one comes from the dam, the other from the sire. If both genes in the pair are black, the Pug will be black. If one gene is black and the other is fawn, the pup will be black since it is the dominant gene and overpowers the fawn. If both genes are fawn, the Pug will be fawn. Interestingly, despite their coloring, black Pugs carry the fawn gene, known as SS, though it is a recessive gene. The B gene produces the black coat color. Generally, it is not acceptable to breed a black Pug to a fawn. Crossing colors will not improve the coat or color of either type. Therefore, with no benefit to the pairing, most breeders will focus on one certain color. This said, due to recessive genes, a litter can consist of both fawn coats and black coats. In most cases, there will be more fawns, with a ratio. Size, body structure, ear set, bite set, tail shape , and eyes are all the same for all colors with this breed. While you may see black Pugs that are smaller than fawns, there are just as many that are larger. And while you may spot more fawns with double-curled tails, there are just as many black-coated Pugs with the double curl. Any physical differences that you may see are just a matter of those particular dogs. Non-black Pugs have black ears and a black mask black over the muzzle and around the eyes , and of course technically this is there with black Pugs but is part of the dog's overall coat. The toe nails on Pugs of all colors can be black or white, though black is preferred in conformation events. Differences - The one and only difference between the two colors is that some but not all black Pugs often have a single coat versus the double coat seen with most fawns. The double coat consists of both a soft and dense inner layer and a short, shiny outer layer. Black Pugs that have just the single layer will be missing the inner layer. While you may not notice much of a difference by eye, you can often feel the difference when petting a Pug and this does affect how much a Pug sheds. With double-coats, there will be more shedding since the inner layer rapidly cycles, especially in the fall and spring. There is generally more upkeep needed with grooming tools to remove the dead hairs. Personality Differences There is much debate on whether coat color determines a Pug's personality. Some may say that black Pugs are better behaved, are more relaxed, or are less vocal than fawns. Yet, just as many will say the opposite. The question of personality traits is one of nature versus nurture. Is behavior inbred or does a dog's environment and type of care received shape the personality? It has been our experience that while genetic traits regarding temperament can be passed down, it is how a Pug is raised, trained, and treated that will have the biggest impact on that dog's overall behavior. The Origin and Popularity Spread of Black Pugs Unlike many other breeds whose development was meticulously recorded and those documents are preserved as part of history, the Pug's early development is shrouded in mystery. General consensus is that the Pug originated in China thousands of year ago at least B. Chinese drawings, carvings, and statues depicted dogs that were, most likely, ancient ancestors of the Pug. But, unfortunately, documents covering the very early development of Pugs was essentially erased from history when some time around B. Yet, of course, moving further ahead in time, evidence and record-keeping started up again, including those connected to the appearance of black Pug dogs. Black Pugs are known to exist as early as the 's thanks to William Hogarth's painting of one in House of Cards .The artist was an owner of Pugs and portrayed many in his paintings so there is an exceptional visual record of this breed's appearance from over years ago. House of Cards, a painting by William Hogarth showing a small black Pug [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Note that this far back in the breed's development, the body was more slender and the face was not as flat. It was in that black Pugs first appeared in England which allowed them to eventually spread to other parts of the world including the United States. It is believed that Lady Annie Brassey, a Victorian author who traveled extensively, is responsible for this introduction. On one of her trips to China, she brought back a pair of black Pug puppies and decided to show them at the Maidstone Dog Show that was held that year. Due to her efforts, black Pugs where shown more and more and started gaining acceptance and popularity. Black Pugs actually became recognized as a separate variation of the Pug in by the Kennel Club in London. Do you have a Pug? This comprehensive care book guides you through every step of your Pug's life. Are you part of the PetPugDog family? Join us by becoming a free PetPugDog Member ; this will allow you to receive newsletters that announce new articles and help you stay up-to-date with care tips and other information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Perfect for first time pet parents, the Black Pug is a loving and easy to train dog that is known for being very affectionate and the perfect companion. These pups are classified as a Toy breed because of their tiny size, which means they are a great canine for those with smaller spaces who still want a furry friend to cuddle! Read on below to find out more about this interesting little dog. History Of The Black Pug The Black Pug is one of the oldest purebred dogs in history and they have, therefore, been recognized for a long time by many different kennel clubs. They were originally worshiped in Egypt and bred as companion dogs for Tibetan Buddhists. Then, around two thousand years ago, the Black Pug came to China and many Emperors believe that these dogs brought good luck and began to worship them. In the s, Dutch traders brought the Black Pug from China to England and Holland and these pups became a popular dog among aristocracy and royalty. After the Civil War they made their first appearance in the US. Characteristics The Black Pug falls under the Toy breed and they are known for being extremely cute. These dogs are normally born in litters of one to nine puppies, although four to six puppies is most common. Appearance By the time your Pug dog is 8 weeks old, they will be ready to leave their mother and come home with you. They will be roughly between 2 to 4 lb. By the time your Pug is one year old they will be fully-grown and considered an adult. They can weigh up to 20 lbs, but the breed standard suggests they should weigh between 13 to 18 pounds. Because the Pug is in the Toy category, they normally stand between 10 to 14 inches. Although they are small, they are quite stocky animals and are normally short legged with a symmetrical cobby body and a large apple shaped head. The face is one of the most distinctive features of a Pug. They should also have a corkscrew tail. Coat The Pug coat is short, straight and soft. Unlike fawn colored Pugs, Black Pugs have a single coat which does mean they will shed less than their fawn siblings. That being said, Black Pug dogs are still known to shed and will lose more hair in the warmer seasons, which means they are not a good pet to have in the house if you have allergies! We go into more detail about grooming your Pug later on. Color Of course, Black Pugs should be black all over! The brindle colorway that some Pugs may have should not be confused with the black coloring. Brindle is a a striped pattern that combines black and brown and this coloring is not accepted in the breed standard. Temperament Pugs are bred to be companion puppies and will love to spend their days by your side. All they want is to be loved, and they will give plenty of this love back to you! The perfect family dog, Pugs love both adults and children. These dogs are very energetic and love playtime. They especially love to play with their family and can go on for hours! However, once they are back home they will happily curl up next to you on the couch and relax too, making them the perfect best friend. Although these dogs are very active and will want to play, they are also very relaxed dogs, which is what makes them such good first time pets. However, this does not come off as aggressive, and instead shows more of their curious nature. Lifespan The Black Pug has an average life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. This is relatively long for a dog. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, like any dog, Pugs are known to have some health issues. Within this breed, the majority of their health problems are due to their flattened face. They are known as a brachycephalic breed which means they have a shortened airway due to their flattened face. Their face can be the cause of many breathing issues, especially whilst exercising or during high temperatures. Before buying a Pug you should do your research on brachycephalic breeds and learn about the risks and issues that are associated with this breed. The Pugs eyes can also be the cause of other health issues. Their skull structure means they have shallower eye sockets which gives them bulgy eyes. This can sometimes lead to cataracts and vision loss. Daily Life Now we know all about the temperament and characteristics of the Black Pug, it is time to take a look at what daily life is like with them. Read on below to find out about their food and diet, their exercise needs and what training a Pug is like. Food And Diet It is advised that a Toy dog of the Pug size should be eating around 40 calories per pound of their body weight everyday. This should be around calories a day for an adult Pug. Until they are 6 months old they will need to be fed three times a day, then twice a day from six months to one year, and then once a day when they hit their adult age. High-quality dry dog food with added water for moisture is advised for a Pug. Always make sure that it is a nutritious diet that hits all the food groups. They are a breed that can be known to gain weight, so try to stick to their diet and refrain from feeding them scraps. The more weight they gain, the more they will struggle with their breathing and may be prone to breathing problems. This food is also made with real chicken as the number on ingredient and ensures your Pug will be getting all the nutrients they need. Even better, because the Pug can be known to gain weight, this food helps with weight management and ensures they maintain lean muscles throughout the course of their life. Exercise The Pug only has little legs which means their exercise needs are not great. You should take them for two 20 minute walks everyday. Pugs are very sociable dogs, so taking them on different routes so you can introduce them to new sounds and smells is advisable. Black Pugs, because of their dark coat, are more prone to overheating in the sun, so if you live in a hot part of the world then walking them at night or early in the morning is advised. As we have mentioned before, Pugs love to play. Between walks you should ensure you make time to play games with them and keep them stimulated. Remember, they love spending time with you, so the more you do it, the happier they will be! Family Compatibility A Black Pug is a perfect family dog. First and foremost, these dogs love to be around people — both adults and children — and will be happiest when they are by your side, making them a true companion dog. Because they are a little dog, the Black Pug does not have great exercise needs which means they are great for those who live in small apartments or those who do not have a yard for them to run around in. That being said, they do love to play, so you should make sure you have time to put aside for bonding with your Pug. Training your Pug is simple too, and they get on well with other humans and animals. This includes other household pets such as cats and rabbits, and they will seek out humans for extra attention. Pugs also do not have high grooming needs — all you need to do is give them some love! Training and Socializing Pugs are a very intelligent dog, which makes training them easy. You should always use positive reinforcement and rewards in the form or verbal praise and treats to show them that they are doing a good job. They can be a little stubborn, but as long as you are consistent with them, then your Pug will learn. Never use harsh punishments with your Pug because this will upset them and you will not get any positive work from them. Socializing your Pug is also simple, because they love other people. You should try taking them to new places as often as you can so they can experience new sounds and smells, although it is known that Pugs react very well in many different situations. Remember, these dogs just want to be loved and to play, so as long as you incorporate that wherever you go, they will be happy. Grooming Because the Black Pug has a short and smooth coat, their grooming needs are not too high. However, as we mentioned above, these doggies can be known to shed so giving them a brush every week is a good idea to help minimize any shedding. You can bathe your Pug whenever you need to, although experts recommend that this should be done once a month. When bathing them you will need to ensure you clean the wrinkles on their face because bacteria and dirt can build up inside them and cause infection. Always ensure you take time to dry them properly, too. You can also used dental sticks if it is easier. Make sure you start grooming your Pug from a young age so they get used to the routine. This will allow them to see that there is nothing to worry about and they do not need to be scared. Black Pugs are not known for being aggressive dogs at all. The Pug is a loving and affectionate dog that makes the perfect companion. They love to be around humans, especially children, and other pets too. These dogs enjoy running and playing and will thrive in an environment where they can spend their day by your side. They also love to curl up next to you on the couch after a long day. Pugs have been known to be protective over their humans, but this comes from a place of curiosity instead of hostility. Many people say that Pugs are the pooch that just want to be loved so no, they are not aggressive! How much is a Black Pug? A Black Pug is one of the cheaper variations of the Pug breed and are not as expensive as their fawn colored siblings. Always remember to buy from a reputable breeder. If this is out of your price range, you can always check your local animal shelter and see if there are any Pugs there that need a home. There are many dogs in shelters who need loving and caring companions! Summary The Black Pug is an adorable and loving small breed of dog. Playful and energetic, this dog loves to play and will certainly keep you on your toes. These dogs are relatively low maintenance and do not have high grooming or exercise needs, and do well in small apartments. Perfect for first time dog owners, do you think a Black Pug could be for you? Search Dog Breeds. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.
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boxer puppy red eyes - Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Crash At what age do German Shepherds start having hip problems? There is no specific age for hip problems. The signs of hip issues can be seen as early as 4 months of age. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are often seen. The inflammatory signs of hip displacement are visible depending on the size, nutrition, and management of your dog. Hip dysplasia German Shepherd signs There are different signs and symptoms which can tell that German Shepherds have bad hips. They are listed as follows: Reduced movement Challenge or refusal to walk , climb stairs, etc. Idiocy at the back Grip the joint while moving Deterioration of bone mass of lower leg The shoulder muscles are noticeably enlarged by compensating for the back end Distress Tips to Make German Shepherd Back Legs Stronger 1. Proper weight management German Shepherds who are overweight are more prone to hip dysplasia. Weight management is the key tool to help avoid hip dysplasia. Being overweight results in overburdening of the hind legs resulting in displacement. Proper exercise Use the appropriate exercises to strengthen the hind legs. It also results in proper contraction and relaxation of muscles attached to the bone. It also helps in the management of weight. Proper diet plan Always provide a proper diet for your German Shepherd. A proper diet is required for the proper growth of bones. Always consult a veterinarian, a dietitian, or a nutritionist for the formulation of a diet plan. Always provide a high-quality feed. Supplementation Supplements are always useful in maintaining issues related to hip dysplasia. The injured joints can be helped with supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, and glucosamine. Physiotherapy Regular massage Massaging leg muscles is very helpful. Seek the help of a physiotherapist for regular massage. It helps in the reduction of pain and displacement issues related to the hip. Muscle strengthening and stability Adopt the techniques that are helpful in the stability and strengthening of muscles. Reduce injury chances Always monitor your German Shepherd while exercising. Exercise may result in injury. Always monitor and rush to the nearest vet if your German Shepherd undergoes some injury. Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is a good strategy to fight the issues of hip dysplasia. It involves swimming. It is a safe method of exercise and the chances of injury are less. Distinct cushion A specific type of cushion is available for the support of hip joint and leg joints. It provides help against the stiffness and rigidity of muscles. It also helps against knee hygroma issues. Acupuncture Acupuncture is the latest technique in healing to avoid hip dysplasia and other joint issues. Different techniques are employed at different pressure points of the body. Surgical Intervention Always visit your veterinarian for surgical manipulation in case of displacement or any issue like that. This is because German Shepherds are intentionally bred to have a steeper angulation to the hind legs. The AKC breed standards for the breed, require German Shepherds to have as close to a degree bend as possible in their hind legs. Unfortunately, this steep angle in the back leg makes German Shepherds more susceptible to back pain and hind leg problems. After years of wear and tear, this makes them prone to serious leg problems as they age. For instance, studies have shown that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop dysplasia as compared to Labradors, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. A brief overview of these medical conditions: Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy DM is a neurological disease that makes German Shepherds slowly lose control of their hind legs. In the end, the dog may lose control of the urinary and bowel functions, and paralysis is a serious possibility. DM typically occurs in older dogs of about eight years or older, although it may also occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. However, there are ways to reduce the suffering of your GSD because the condition progresses gradually. Therefore, treatment options for DM are geared towards ensuring a better quality of life rather than curing it. Most dogs with degenerative myelopathy will lose the function of their hind legs within six months to two years of diagnosis. Although there is no cure, regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality of life for dogs with DM. As a result, the ball of the hip joint causes pain as it glides roughly against the socket. Signs of hip dysplasia include a wobbly gait, lameness, limping, a decreased range of motion, and pain while walking. The most common causes of hip dysplasia include genetics, leg trauma, and environmental factors. In extreme cases of hip dysplasia, the dog may lose the function of their back legs and require a wheelchair. Arthritis may also occur due to the pressure exerted on the hip joint by hip dysplasia. Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent. Signs of arthritis in German Shepherds include lethargy, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, reluctance to run, jump, or go up a flight of stairs, and stiffness in the hind legs. Prevention of osteoarthritis through proper dieting, exercising, and joint supplements helps to reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Once osteoarthritis begins, the treatment is geared towards pain reduction, reducing inflammation, and improving the quality of life. Since osteoarthritis is difficult to detect in symptoms until the affected joints are badly affected, it is crucial to keep up with regular wellness visits with your vet. The best way to prevent these diseases is through genetic testing and following good breeding standards. This is possible by checking with your breeder for the hip score regarding hip dysplasia and proper parent matching to avoid degenerative myelopathy. Diet It works wonders for humans, and it will work for your best friend too. Since this breed is already a large-sized breed and the effects of breeding may be unpredictable, maintaining an optimal weight and observing a healthy, balanced diet is a wise precautionary measure. Some of the important dietary options to provide include ample proteins, vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You should also ensure that the dog food you buy for your German Shepherd is well-suited, with enough calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Your vet may also prescribe bone and joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and collagen if they are required. An obese or overweight will experience increased mobility challenges. Second, regular exercise, especially walking and swimming, is important. Lastly, consult your vet on supplements or medications that may slow down the progression of DM. In any case, for these medical conditions , keep an eye out for changes in movement and contact your vet if there are any concerns. Some common symptoms that your German Shepherd may show include a wobbly walk, slipping on the floor, sitting crooked, hips giving way, swelling, lesser muscle mass in the back legs, and having a shorter stride on the hind legs. Remember that most dogs will not express pain or discomfort at first, so it is up to you to spot the symptoms if they do appear — This is especially important for degenerative conditions because when it comes to treatment, the earlier, the better! Regular exercise Regular exercising does two important things for your German Shepherd. One, it strengthens the hind and front leg muscles, and two, it helps you spot changes in the performance of the hind legs. This is the sit-to-stand routine. In this routine, you start with your dog sitting in front of you. Then, you move back a bit and call the dog to you. When he follows, give a treat to keep his interest and, once again, sit him down. Repeat as many times as needed. Taking your dog on daily walks up and down a hill especially or having swimming sessions will also strengthen the leg muscles and help in managing the weight. Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for dogs dealing with mobility issues. Canine massage relieves fatigue and tension in the hind leg muscles and helps to spot any unrelated pain that may be a sign of something to watch out for. How to massage your dog: Compress the muscle against the bone with your flat hand using both your palms and fingers. Glide your hand along his spine, following the lay of the fur. Apply semi-circular strokes on the muscular areas of the back legs. Using a support harness Sometimes, it is crucial to moderate the pressure that your shepherd applies to the back legs when he moves about. This is where the support harness comes in. A harness helps to remove some of the stress that the dog may be feeling when taking walks, for instance, until the muscles of the back legs are strong enough to take it. The use of the harness reduces the pressure placed on the bad back legs and makes it easier for your dog to walk. Keep them at a healthy weight and ensure they get plenty of exercise. Even if your GSD is battling a degenerative illness affecting his mobility, you can explore treatment and supportive methods that will enable a good quality of life. German shepherds are known as a very resilient and strong breed. Your dog will match and appreciate any effort you put into ensuring his good quality of life. Related Articles:. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that can impact the spinal cord of a German Shepherd. The initial signs of the disease are similar to canine arthritis or hip dysplasia, so it is often written off as a joint disease at first. However, the disease will eventually progress to knuckling of the back legs, severe lameness, and complete paralysis of the hind end. There is no treatment available for dogs with degenerative myelopathy, but strengthening the muscles in the hind legs is proven to slow the progression of the disease over time. This is why it is so important to keep your pup active over the years. Maintain A Healthy Weight Keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight is likely the most effective way to promote strength in their back legs. The extra pressure can lead to significant joint deterioration over time, especially if they are already experiencing the effects of arthritis or hip dysplasia. Obesity can even exacerbate these issues in dogs that may not have developed joint disease otherwise. When their joints are healthy, their back legs will naturally be stronger and more agile. The better your dog feels each day due to optimal nutrition, the easier it is for them to remain active. Keep Them Active Keeping your dog active is a wonderful way to help them build strength in their back end. Not only is a regular fitness routine essential in maintaining joint and muscle strength, but certain activities are known to improve back leg strength itself. Start Joint Supplements At 1 Year Due to how prone German Shepherds are to painful joint conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, starting joint supplements at 1 year of age can be extremely beneficial. Joint supplements are often most effective when they are used as a preventative measure rather than after joint disease has already developed, as they can help to promote joint strength as the years go by. One of the many symptoms of joint disease is weakness in the hind limbs, so preventing these conditions can ultimately promote back leg strength in the future. Joint disease can lead to significant deterioration of the joints when it is left untreated, so you will want to start a joint management plan from the moment they develop symptoms. By monitoring your German Shepherd for any signs of discomfort, you can establish a joint care plan early in the disease process. By doing so, you can hopefully prevent so much joint damage from coming. Popular Articles:. Why does a German Shepherd drag his back legs? The condition is quote common among this breed of dog. One of the first warning signs is a German Shepherd that stands with his back paws together. This explains exactly why the German Shepherd I recently witnessed was struggling to get up. Although his paws were not dragging, he was dragging and still probably in the very early stages of DM. Dogs with DM may exhibit symptoms such as limping, dragging, and a loss of control in their back legs. Understanding these challenges can help owners provide appropriate care and support for their beloved German Shepherds. Challenges 1. Limping and Dragging Back Leg: One of the primary challenges seen in German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy is a noticeable limp in the back leg. As the disease progresses, the affected leg may drag while walking, causing difficulty in maintaining a normal gait. Loss of Mobility and Coordination: German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy may experience a gradual loss of mobility and coordination in their back legs. This can make it challenging for them to stand, walk, or perform daily activities that were once effortless. Crossed Paws and Inability to Unlock Limbs: An observable behavior in German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy is crossing their paws in the back when attempting to stand up. This occurs because they are unable to unlock their limbs properly, adding to the overall challenges they face. Development of Secondary Conditions: While degenerative myelopathy itself may not cause pain, it can lead to the development of secondary conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis can further contribute to discomfort, pain, and reduced mobility in the affected back leg of a German Shepherd. German Shepherds, being predisposed to degenerative myelopathy, are prone to experiencing various challenges related to their back legs. Owners may notice their German Shepherds limping or dragging one or both hind legs. This limping can be a clear indication of a problem in the affected leg, requiring attention and care. As degenerative myelopathy progresses, German Shepherds may suffer a loss of mobility and coordination in their back legs. Activities like walking, running, and climbing stairs may become increasingly difficult for them. In severe cases, complete paralysis of the back legs can occur. A distinctive behavior seen in German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy is crossing their paws in the back when attempting to stand up. This is due to the impaired ability to unlock their limbs properly. The crossed paws further contribute to the challenges faced by these dogs, affecting their stability and balance. Additionally, the progression of degenerative myelopathy can lead to the development of secondary conditions, such as arthritis, in the affected back leg of a German Shepherd. Arthritis can cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness, exacerbating the challenges already posed by the degenerative myelopathy. Understanding and recognizing these challenges is crucial for owners of German Shepherds with back leg problems. Seeking veterinary care and guidance, providing appropriate pain management, and considering supportive devices like harnesses or carts can help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by these dogs. Ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling life for German Shepherds with back leg problems requires attentive care and a proactive approach to their overall well-being. Knuckling in German Shepherds can be caused due to a variety of different factors, such as genetics, injury, or a neurological disorder. This condition can occur in both puppies and adult German Shepherds, however it is more commonly seen in puppies. If a German Shepherd puppy is born with their back legs close together and their feet turning out, this can be an indication of a genetic predisposition to knuckling. Injuries can also cause knuckling, such as a trauma to the spinal cord or a severe strain on the leg muscles. Lastly, neurological disorders can also be the cause of knuckling in German Shepherds. The symptoms of German Shepherds that drag their hind legs include the dragging of the hind legs behind the body and difficulty walking or running. The feet of the German Shepherd may also turn outwards, and the back legs may be held close together. Additionally, the German Shepherd may show signs of discomfort and pain when walking. If the knuckling is due to an injury, then rest and rehabilitation can help to reduce the symptoms. For neurological disorders, medication and physical therapy may be needed in order to reduce the discomfort associated with knuckling. If the knuckling is due to genetics, then surgery may be an option to correct the physical deformity. In conclusion, German Shepherds that drag their hind legs can be caused by a variety of different factors. If you notice your German Shepherd dragging their hind legs, it is important to seek veterinary advice in order to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. With the correct diagnosis and treatment plan, knuckling can often be managed effectively. What is degenerative myelopathy? A disease found in dogs, especially German Shepherds, that is very similar to ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Basically, there is a breakdown of Myelin a protective coat around the spinal cord. The prognosis for progression of degenerative myelopathy is approximately 6 months to 3 years, with no cure at this time. I have no doubt, being the owner of a dog who gets this diagnosis is undoubtedly heart-breaking. The disease will slowly or quickly progress. What causes degenerative myelopathy? At this time, the exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is not known. A gene mutation seems to be consistent in most cases, and tends to be specific to German Shepherds. Other breeds are effected too, including the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Chesapeake Bay retriever. According to Dr. There are several stages of degenerative myelopathy. Signs and symptoms can cross over each other through the different stages, but this table can be used as a general guide. Why is that? While your own GSD may not be a shining example of the breed, why does it seem as though the show dogs have such bent back legs? The simple answer is, of course, breeding. Sometimes it gets taken too far. The listing is fairly detailed, so we will just focus on the one portion that pertains to this article — the hindquarters. A typical kennel club breeding guideline for the modern-day German Shepherd Dog. Photo: Taiwan Kennel Association Health Problems There are other reasons for German Shepherds to have bent legs, and the health problems listed below may be contributing factors. Hip or Elbow Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease. While the actual leg length may not be affected, the gait of the dog is changed because it is difficult for him or her to climb stairs or perform much physical activity. Some warning signs of hip dysplasia include unwillingness to jump or stand on hind legs, not wanting to use stairs or steps, difficulty standing up or even seeming lame. This disease can present as early as 2 years old — so if you feel that something is not right, see your vet. Elbow dysplasia can be another contributing factor. Elbow dysplasia is a complex condition caused by abnormal bone growth of the elbow. While it does affect many places in the body, German Shepherds traditionally have hip weakness, and the hindquarters certainly are vulnerable to this disease. One of the biggest signs of myasthenia gravis is the rapid depletion of energy. Your pup will get up and start moving about but tire quickly. Arthritis Arthritis could cause inflammation in the hind legs as well. People get arthritis and so do pets, and just like in people the disease has varying degrees of impact on the body. Simple pain in the hips can cause your German Shepherd to change gait and walk lower, making the legs appear more bent. German Shepherds generally have a history of hip and hindquarter weakness and are susceptible to diseases prevalent to those areas. German Shepherds are highly resilient, wonderful dogs who can adapt to almost anything, so do remember that a diagnosis of disease is not often the tolling of the doom bell. As always, a little dedication and a lot of love go a long way. This pet health content was reviewed for accuracy by a veterinarian, Dr. It was last reviewed and updated Dec. If one breaks down the name of the disease it describes what happens with the disease. Degeneration refers to a breaking down or deterioration of something. In this case the spinal cord. Degenerative Myelopathy is a debilitating condition for which there is no cure but only the potential to slow down the progress. The occurs typically in older German Shepherd Dogs. The average age at which clinical signs start and progress is from 8 to 12 years of age. This is not a condition with rapid onset but instead is slowly progressive with clinical signs worsening with time. Degenerative myelopathy starts out as a very slowly progressive hind limb weakness and loss of function of the back legs called paresis. It is commonly confused with hip pain because the symptoms can mimic hip dysplasia, another debilitating condition with a high incidence in German Shepherds. The condition is the result of a demyelination loss of protective cover and nerve degeneration of the spinal cord in the region of the mid to hind back. This degeneration is something referred to as an ascending lesion meaning that it starts at the tail end of the spinal cord and works its way towards the head. The underlying cause of the disease is thought to be a genetic mutation change of the SOD1 gene. This gene is responsible for the protection of cells against certain particles that damage the DNA of cells. The name given to the damaging particles are free radicles. Under normal circumstances the SOD1 gene produces a free radicle scavenger i. The way in which the defect is inherited determines whether a particular dog is at a high risk of getting the disease or if they are a carrier of the genetic mutation without showing clinical signs. An individual dog has to carry 2 copies of the mutation in the genes of the cells of their bodies for it to cause the disease. There is no sex predilection, so male or female dogs may be affected equally. What is interesting about the disease is that even if an individual dog has both copies of the mutated gene and they are at very high risk of developing the disease, there are still other factors that influence whether or not they do contract the disease and to what extent they do. As mentioned previously this a slowly progressive condition that has a time frame of about 3 years before severe debilitating disease sets in. The clinical signs noticed in dogs include the following: After 6 to 12 months of contracting the disease, you will notice weakness and partial loss of function of the back legs. Your dog may seem weak and wobbly on the back legs and they may struggle to get up or be slower to get up that what they used to be. When they run, their back legs may sway abnormally. After 9 to 18 months on contracting the disease, the back legs start to get even weaker and collapse under the dog from time to time. If one assesses the reflexes in the back legs like the patella reflex, you will find that they are abnormal and weakened. After 12 to 24 months of contracting the disease, the front legs start to become affected and you may notice that your dog starts losing their normal co-ordination and function. By this point, the hind legs are very weak and your dog may struggle to stand and use their legs correctly. Unfortunately, the nerve degeneration also influences bladder and bowel control and they will start to urinate and defecate involuntarily. This is known as urine and faecal incontinence. After 24 to 36 month of contracting the disease, and if the dog was able to come this far and still cope with the disease, they develop tetraplegia or quadriplegia which is a paralysis that causes partial or total loss of use of all their limbs and body. The loss is usually sensory and motor, which means that both sensation and control are lost, or put a different way, the dog does not know where its legs are and even if they did, they do not have the ability to correct it. Clearly a very unhappy situation. The way in which this condition is diagnosed by the vet is through a number of tests as well as the typical clinical signs and also the breed of your dog. These, together with the thorough history of the condition, should provide the veterinarian with some very important clues to what is going on with your dog. The important diseases or differential diagnoses to rule out are spinal disc disease like a slipped disc and conditions affecting the lower part of the spine where the hips meet the spine, like hip dysplasia or joint disease. The biggest difference with degenerative myelopathy and the other conditions is that degenerative myelopathy is painless because it is the loss of sensation and function which underlies this disease. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment available. Certain supplements can be used in an attempt to slow down the condition, such as vitamin E and aminocaproic acid. The vitamin E is an essential vitamin which helps various systems in the body to protect it from these damaging free radicles. The aminocaproic acid is an agent used to prevent the breakdown of clots in the bloodstream. Antibodies in the bloodstream attach to the foreign material within the bloodstream forming complexes and these stimulate a response from the immune system. These complexes are usually removed by the liver and spleen. Sometimes they can stick to the walls of blood vessels, damage the walls and stimulate the formation of blood clots. The breakdown of these clots are associated with inflammation and this may result in damage to the surrounding tissues, so-called collateral damage. If this happens in the sensitive tissues of the spinal cord, the damage is devastating because the nervous tissue is not able to regenerate and repair itself. The thinking behind using aminocaproic acid is to inhibit clot breakdown in these delicate tissues. Lastly and most importantly, the most effective treatment for this condition and the only one proven to actually slow down the progress is the use of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Another key factor is, the sooner the dog is diagnosed and treatment started, the better the progress of the disease can be slowed, and the more time the vet can give you with your dog. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that eventually, the disease will lead to complete paralysis and eventually, in most cases, euthanasia. Genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy can only be prevented by not breeding with animals where there is a family history of the disease. Make sure if you buy a puppy, that you get references on a breeder before you buy.