f1b medium goldendoodle puppies for sale

Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet. Home Delivery Select a variant to view product availability Royal Canin knows what makes your Golden Retriever puppy magnificent is in the details. Golden puppies are lovable, large breed pups prized for their playful personalities, trainability, and soft, gorgeous coats. They can benefit from the right growth formula to help provide immune system support, maintain a healthy skin and coat, and aid digestion as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Golden Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed Golden Retriever puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Golden Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Nutrients reinforce the skin barrier to protect skin and maintain a beautiful golden, long coat. Once your Golden puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years.

A mix between the confident Airedale Terrier and the regal Standard Poodle , this newer cross is sure to keep turning heads for years to come. The Airedale Terrier is sometimes known as the King of the Terriers. They are a unique-looking sporting breed with a long snout and curly hair. Their distinguished face also makes them easily recognizable. People often unfairly dismiss the Poodle as a prissy show dog. In reality, they are just as capable of being driven sporting or working dogs. They boast an incredible intelligence. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the Airedoodle. Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. We highly recommend doing your research and looking up as many breeders as you can find before you purchase your Airedoodle. You will likely find that each breeder is unique and has something unique to offer. If your heart is set on adopting a dog, you can ask your local shelter if there are dog mixes that resemble the Airedoodle. You might be lucky enough to find an Airedoodle, but it might be rare. Smarty pant parents The Poodle parent of the Airedoodle is the second smartest dog breed, beaten only by the Border Collie. They love to play games like fetch, and also like to go on long walks. They get along well with other pets, and they are curious, so they make great watchdogs. They are very loyal and like to stay close to family members. They also want to learn and enjoy training exercises that bring them praise and treats. They are extremely intelligent and quickly learn tricks and can solve most puzzles presented to them. They are also crafty and will find ways to communicate with you to let you know what they want. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Plenty of early socialization will help them get along better with pets and children, but they rarely have any problems in most situations. They are not much for barking, so they are great for apartments and cities. If you socialize them early, they will get along with other pets even better and will have no problem making friends on walks or when traveling. Occasional treats are ok , but you should always try to get your dog to do some mental or physical exercise before they receive a treat. Avoid using grain-free dog foods until you talk to your vet, as you should before switching to any brand of specialty food. They love to walk and games of fetch , so you will need to put aside at least a half-hour each day to devote to exercising with your pet. This half-hour will likely be enough on some days, but on other days, you may find your dog eager for a few more minutes of play. Often, you will need to spend and additional minutes with your pet to keep them happy. They learn very quickly, and after they catch on to a trick or two, you might find yourself teaching them multiple tricks at once. After a few tries, they will complete tricks on the first command, and they are also capable of complex multistep tricks. To teach your Airedoodle how to do a new trick stand in front of them repeating a phrase like sit, stay, or paw. When your pet figures out what you are asking of it and completes the trick, let them have a treat. Repeat this training session one or two more times, and then try it a few times the next day and each day after until your pet learns the trick and does it on the first command. Your Airedoodle is going to require regular trimmings , as well as brushing and shampooing to keep their hair looking the best. It can also improve their well-being as knotted hair can pull on the skin and become painful. You will also be required to trim the nail and brush the teeth of your Airedoodle regularly to promote dental health. Minor Conditions Cataracts Dogs can get cataracts the same as humans do. A change in the water balance of your eye lens is the primary cause, and it results in a cloudy lens. The cloud prevents light from hitting the retina, which makes it harder to see and can cause blindness. Symptoms include a cloudy or foggy looking eye, and you should take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice this symptom Bloat Bloat is a common condition in dogs that requires immediate medical attention. It can reduce blood flow to the heart and tear the stomach. Symptoms can come on very quickly and include drooling, restlessness, pacing, and failed attempts to vomit. Serious Conditions Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a disease that resembles arthritis in dogs that can affect any breed but is especially prevalent in larger dogs. Early symptoms include lethargy, difficulty getting up or sitting down, and even whimpering. If you experience your pet displaying any of these symptoms, we recommend getting them to the vet immediately. Obesity Another major condition affecting all breeds of dogs is obesity. A medical condition can cause obesity, but often its caused by improper diet paired with little or no exercise. Obesity is especially prevalent in larger, more active breeds that struggle to get the large amounts of exercise that they require to stay healthy and stave off obesity. Other than the slight size difference, there is very little to tell the males from the female Airedoodles. You can be one of the first to own this unique and intelligent breed. We hope that you have enjoyed reading about the Airedoodle and we have enticed you to investigate them further. If you have found nit helpful, please share this in-depth guide to the Airedoodle on Facebook and Twitter. See also:. An Airedale Poodle mix is a Doodle designer breed that has gained popularity in recent years. As a result, although the breed is still quite young, it has built a loyal following all around the world. The Airedoodle is also the large boy that is also well-muscled. So, they are often very active and playful. Their wide and long muzzle is very unique, which also compliments their intelligent look. Also, like their Poodle parent, they have low-shedding, curly coat. Airedale Terrier Airedale The Airedale Terrier is a big dog that originated from England, known for its guarding capabilities. A unique fact about the Airedale is that they are the largest among the Terriers. Because of this, they are often kept to guard farms and houses. They are very active and hard-working and needs plenty of exercise. They tend to be very protective and great at interacting with kids. However, they still need early training and socialization. Another unique quality of the Airedale Terrier is the two layers of coat. The top layer is dense and curly, and the undercoat is soft and short. They do not shed heavily, but they do shed certain times of the year. There are two main reasons why Poodle is now very popular in the hybrid designer dog world. First, they are intelligent with excellent temperaments. Second, is their low to non-shedding quality. The Poodle has an exceptional temperament, very good-natured and loyal. Also, they are good with children and very friendly. Famous for being very easy to train. The Poodle contributes both of these qualities in Airedoodles, as we will learn below. So, we should not leave them alone for too long. No wonder the Aredale Poodle mix is also known for the same quality. The Airedoodle is a very friendly breed, and great with kids. However, due to their very large size, they might not be the best breed for little toddlers. So, they are relatively calm, lovable, and very caring for their families. Yet, the Airedoodle might be a little mischievous from time to time. This can be annoying, especially when paired with the fact that they are very active. Also, they prefer not to be alone for a long time and might start to dig or chew your things and furniture. They want to be the center of attention, and it can backfire since the Airedoodle can be destructive when they lack attention, Invest in a large enough dog training collar to train the Airedoodle as early as possible. They do shed from time to time, but the Airedale is not a heavy shedder whatsoever. On the other hand, Poodle is well known for being the closest breed from being truly non-shedding and hypoallergenic. As a result, the Airedale Poodle mix typically has a low to moderate shedding coat. Most Airedoodle will require a brush down every week or two, so get a good grooming kit. However, this will depend on which toat type it inherits. Also, since Airedoodle has pendulous ears, check their ears regularly for signs of wax buildups and infections. Brush their teeth regularly to ensure their oral health and prevent periodontal disease. In general, we can say the Airedoodle has moderate grooming requirements. As a result, the Airedale Poodle mix is mostly healthy. Yet, as with most crossbreed dogs, the Airedoodle is susceptible to potential health conditions. The condition can make movements very painful and challenging. Dermatitis: especially happens to Airedoodle with a wiry coat. You can identify dermatitis when the dog excessively licks its fur. Bloat: since the Airedoodle is tall and deep-chested, they are more prone to bloat. Bloat can be life-threatening when left for too long, and so quick treatment is essential. Take the dog to the nearest vet immediately if you see any signs of bloat. Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap of the dog is dislocated. Airedoodles are prone to this condition due to their large build and dense muscles. The knee will appear swollen and may cause abnormal movements. Take the Airedoodle to the vet immediately when you see this symptom. In general, make sure the Airedoodle is on a healthy, protein-rich diet, take them to the vet regularly, and provide enough supplements and vitamins. Pros and cons of Airedoodle: Food and Diet Since Airedoodle is a very large and energetic dog compared to other Doodle breeds, they need a higher amount of nutritious dry food. High-quality dry dog food is also essential to maintain their dental and oral health. Give them two and a half cups to three cups of high-quality kibbles regularly, twice a day. A minimal amount of human food is okay, but the diet must include mostly dry food. They have a very high appetite, so they are prone to overfeeding and obesity. All dogs are different, and your Airedoodle might have its unique dietary needs. Pros and cons of Airedoodle: Lifetime Expectancy Let us first discuss the average lifespan of the Airedoodle ancestors. Therefore, the average life expectancy of the Airedale Terrier is relatively similar, also 10 to 12 years. So, the average lifespan of the Airedoodle is similar to the two, around years, but some have reported that they can reach 14 to 15 years. Higher life expectancy is expected if the dog is on a healthy diet and with enough supplements. Pros and cons of Airedoodle: Size and Weight The Airedodole can grow up to 22 to 24 inches in height. Also, they can weigh 40 to 65 lbs while being very muscular. So, the Airedoodle is a big boy, which can either be a plus or minus value depending on your likings. However, if you live in a big enough house and like a big, huggable dog in general, the Airedoodle might be for you. Pros and cons of Airedoodle: Exercise Requirements Being a large and active dog, the Airedoodle requires daily walks to keep them happy and energetic, and they can walk for fairly long. The owner must be able to handle their weight and large body, which might not be for everyone. Early leash training is crucial, so invest in a strong leash that can handle their weight. Again, this also means that Saint Bernedoodle is not a good fit for small apartments or smaller houses. Since they are friendly with other pets, you can take them to dog parks so they can socialize freely if possible, off-leash. So, remember that the Airedoodle needs enough rest and is not your cycling buddy. Sharing is caring! Airedoodle puppies and breeders Airedales and Poodles are both very intelligent dogs, so the Airedoodle is going to be a smart cookie. They are also hard working breeds, with high prey drives and a strong bond to their owners. Although sometimes disinterested in or wary of strangers, these dogs are very loyal to their families and make loving pets in the right homes. Where Do Airedoodles Come From? When we look back at some of the most famous canine movie stars, what we see is a lineup of mixed breed dogs — in short, mutts! The Airedoodle is a really interesting hybrid mix! From each purebred parent dog line, the Airedoodle inherits some amazing traits and qualities, including nobility, smarts, athletic talent, and a tremendous work ethic. This is the largest purebred terrier. The Irish Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, English Black and Tan Terrier, Otterhound, and certain other retriever and setter breeds are thought to have contributed to the breed now called the Airedale Terrier. The latter two lines are more recent, however. These dogs are not only one of the smartest canine breeds on the planet, but they come from a noble hunting and working dog lineage. Airedoodle Appearance With any hybrid dog, and especially with first generation litters F1 from two different purebred parent dogs, it is not easy to predict exactly what a given puppy may be like. This inherent unpredictability comes from not knowing how the genes from each parent dog will interact in a given puppy. This is because starting in the second generation, you may see parent dog pairings where both parent dogs are Airedoodles. One parent dog is an Airedoodle and the other parent dog is a Poodle, or one parent dog is an Airedoodle and the other parent dog is an Airedale Terrier. The first combination will be the most stable in terms of predicting what puppies will be like. The more removed from the first generation pairing you get, the more stable the traits of the puppies are likely to become. For this reason, we focus here on first generation F1 puppies and take a look at each purebred parent dog. This will give you a big picture perspective on what an F1 Airedoodle dog may be like! Airedoodle Size, Weight and Height Airedoodles can be anywhere from 13 — 23 inches in height and weigh between 15 — 70lbs! The Poodle is bred in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The miniature Poodle stands 10 to 15 inches and weighs 10 to 15 pounds. The toy Poodle stands less than 10 inches and weighs 4 to 6 pounds. The Airedale Terrier is bred in one size. The adult dog will stand 23 inches high and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Here, you can see there may be great size variety even within a litter of Airedoodle puppies! This dog is often recommended for people who have pet allergies because of the low shedding. Weekly brushing is often sufficient to keep the coat healthy. Are Airedoodles Hypoallergenic? Poodles can need more frequent brushing with longer clips. What this means is that any Airedoodle puppy is likely to inherit a low-shedding coat from either parent dog. Airedale Personality and Temperament Airedoodle dogs are one of the hybrid dog breeds where each parent dog shares some wonderful traits common with each other! Both the Airedale Terrier and the Poodle come from a strong working and hunting dog background. And since both have a great work ethic, a strong people-pleasing personality, natural intelligence, and athleticism, you can reasonably expect to see these same attributes in your Airedoodle puppy. So the most important part of training Airedoodles is twofold: you should always use positive training methods and provide consistent training. You can expect that your Airedoodle puppy will thrive with early and ongoing training and socialization with family, new people, and other dogs. The Airedoodle can make a great athlete and will likely enjoy and excel in agility, rally, show, K-9, and service and therapy dog training. Airedoodle Health One of the big unknowns in hybrid dogs today is health. This is because you are taking the individual health history of two long-standing purebred dog lines and combining those genes together in the puppies. So you need to invest the time up front to learn everything you can about potential health issues that your Airedoodle puppy may inherit from either parent dog line. Health testing for Airedale Poodle cross dogs We recommend testing the Airedale parent dogs for: Hip dysplasia. See on Amazon In essence, the ideal owners for Airedoodle dogs are those who can provide an active and engaging lifestyle, commit to training and socialization, and offer the necessary care and attention to meet the breed's physical and mental needs. By aligning with these qualities, owners can forge a strong and rewarding bond with their Airedoodle companions. Airedoodle Life Expectancy What is the average lifespan of Airedoodle dog? Airedoodle dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years provided that proper care is given. The life expectancy of an Airedoodle, a crossbreed between an Airedale Terrier and a Poodle, generally falls within the range of ten to fifteen years. However, individual lifespans can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and the quality of care provided. Airedoodles inherit genetic traits from both parent breeds, which can impact their susceptibility to certain health conditions. Ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their age, size, and activity level, along with regular exercise and mental stimulation, contributes to their overall well-being and longevity. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection of potential health issues play a pivotal role in extending their lifespan. By providing comprehensive care and attending to their specific needs, Airedoodle owners can increase the chances of their beloved pets enjoying a full and healthy life. Airedoodle Size Airedoodle dogs vary in size depending on which type of Poodle was bred into the mix. Since Miniature Poodle is much smaller in size than Standard Poodle, the Miniature Airedoodles are typically smaller in size than Standard Airedoodle dogs. A full grown Standard Airedoodle dog can reach a height of 22 to 26 inches tall when mature and a weight of 40 to 60 pounds. Airedoodle appearance The Airedoodle boasts a distinctive and charming appearance that reflects its crossbreed lineage. As a cross between the Airedale Terrier and Poodle, this hybrid dog exhibits a combination of characteristics from both parent breeds. Their coat type and color, as well as their overall build, contribute to their unique and captivating appearance. One notable feature of the Airedoodle's appearance is its coat, which can vary in texture and color. Drawing from the Poodle lineage, some Airedoodles may have a curly or wavy coat that is hypoallergenic, making them a favorable choice for individuals with allergies. Coat colors can range from solid hues to combinations of various shades, including black, brown, cream, gray, and more. In terms of build, Airedoodles often inherit the strong and athletic physique of the Airedale Terrier parent. They tend to have a well-proportioned body, muscular limbs, and a square-shaped head. Their facial expression is characterized by expressive eyes and a black nose. Additionally, their ears may be set high and fold over, resembling those of both parent breeds. Overall, the Airedoodle's appearance is a harmonious blend of the distinctive traits of Airedale Terriers and Poodles. Their coat's texture and colors, along with their sturdy build and endearing facial features, contribute to their appealing and eye-catching presence. At the sight of an Airedoodle, you will spot typically a long snout and a wiry coat. His ears are floppy and the head is round. The dog is strong and has a sturdy appearance. He has a dense medium length that can be curly, wavy, soft or coarse. Airedoodle dog is a moderate shedder which only means regular brushing. The shedding amount will, however, depend on whether the dog is more of an Airedale or a poodle. If it's more of a poodle, then the activity will include shampooing, brushing and trimming. On the other hand, if it's more of an Airedale Terrier the activity will include just brushing twice in a week or some shaping. In order to ensure long term dental health care, the Airedoodle will require his teeth to be brushed more often. His nails should be trimmed regularly too. If you are wondering what time you should trim them check him when he is pacing the room, be keen to observe a clicking sound on the floor. Airedoodles colors are dictated by their parents the combination of An Airedale Terrier and a Poodle, they include: black and brown, black, black and white, golden white, white markings, black and tan, cream, gray, apricot. The texture of an Airedoodle will depend on who he favors ranging from soft to coarse. Origin of Airedale dog Airedoodle is a mixture of very interesting hybrid dogs. From the purebred parent dogs, Airedoodle picks the best character traits from each, which includes smarts, nobility, tremendous work ethic as well as athletic talents. The Airedale terrier has a nickname of "King of terriers" which makes it the biggest purebred terrier. It was first bred by crossing a mixture of various different purebred dogs together, which included Belington terrier, Irish terrier, tan terrier, English black and otterhound. Its birthplace was in the Aire valley region which is miles south of Scotland, Northern England. This sporting dog was used mainly for hunting in the midth century. The poodle dog is bred in three sizes, which are the miniature, standard and toy. The poodle dogs have fine curly springy hair that is eye-catching for everyone who sees it. However, it can mask this dog's athleticism, intelligence courage as well as their versatility. They come from a working lineage and are noble hunters hence explaining their smart canines. This dog first originated in Germany where he was used as a working dog in the military. Records trace it back to the 17th century. Airedoodle pedigree The Airedoodle is a mixture of two hybrids that is the Standard poodle and the Airedale Terrier. However, its parents qualified to be registered and have been members of the club for a long time. The Airedale terrier was registered by the club back in the year while the Standard poodle got registered in the year .The Airedale is described to be very courageous, clever and friendly it falls under the terrier group within the AKC. On the other hand, the standard poodle is described to be proud, smart and very active, it falls under the category of sporting dogs within the AKC ranks. Airedoodle Diet What is the best dog food for Airedoodles? Selecting a high-quality commercial dog food tailored to your Airedoodle's life stage puppy, adult, senior is the cornerstone of their nutritional regimen. When scanning ingredient lists, prioritize options where a protein source, such as meat or fish, takes the lead, while avoiding foods riddled with artificial additives and fillers. For active and vibrant Airedoodles, protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and vitality. Complex carbohydrates are an energy source and contribute to digestive health. Nutrient-rich grains like brown rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes can be included in their diet, while it's advisable to minimize foods containing excessive corn or soy content. Essential fatty acids from sources like chicken fat or fish oil support their skin's health and coat's shine. Introducing a variety of fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, carrots, spinach, and pumpkin into their diet provides an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to their overall well-being. Nom Nom dog food Portion control is critical when feeding Airedoodle, as obesity can pose a concern for any breed. Consult your veterinarian to determine appropriate portion sizes based on their age, size, and activity level. Equally vital is ensuring they have consistent access to clean and fresh water for proper hydration. While establishing a regular feeding schedule of meals a day for adults and more frequent meals for puppies is recommended, the avoidance of toxic human foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic is crucial to their safety. Customized dietary needs may arise due to allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions. Hypoallergenic dog food Airedoodle Puppies Finding an Airedoodle puppy may not be an easy task due to the fact that it's an uncommon hybrid. Once you bring your puppy home ensure to have a game plan ready for training him. Be keen to introduce obedience training since the new puppy may get overly hyper due to the high energy levels they contain. New airedoodle owner's guide Are Airedoodle good dogs for families with kids? Airedoodles are affectionate dogs with big hearts since they love human companionship you do not have to worry about their interaction with kids. However, you will need to be extra careful when it comes to socializing with your toddlers, owing to their high energy levels this dog may bump into your young one without meaning any harm, which may not be a good experience for your baby. Teach your kids proper ways of approaching and playing with the dog. Airedoodle Exercise Needs The parents of the Airedoodle have high energy levels, so expect the Airedoodle to be very active as well. The dog requires going for regular walks for at least half an hour on a daily basis. Other benefits will be gained from visiting dog parks where the dog can have a couple of activities in the yard. Having this adorable pooch is an added advantage to homeowners who adore running, jogging or cycling since this dog can make a great companion while you enjoy these activities. It's advisable for potential owners to have time slotted in their schedules to accommodate such activities since this will aid the Airedoodle to thrive mentally as well. How to groom an Airedoodle dog? The Airedoodle dog is most likely to have a low shedding coat since its parents shed low coats. In order to take care of this dog's coat, it's highly recommendable for potential owners to do weekly brushes as well as professional grooming every two to three months. In addition, it's advisable to also take care of the Airedoodles ears, nails and teeth. The professional grooms can take care of this easily. However, the potential owner is required to take care of it by themselves in between the professional and the grooming sessions at home. In times when the nails grow too long the movement of an Airedoodle can become very painful, and are prone to cracking which at the same time increases the risk of getting caught in things. It's advisable to trim the nails of an Airedoodle on a monthly basis to keep the nails short. In case the Airedoodles nails are not wearing down between trims, then it's advisable to often file them. Airedoodles ears also need regular check-ups while carefully cleaning them up to avoid ear-related infections. Too much moisture, wax buildup, debris, and dirt may cause severe damage or potential infections. Frequent checkups on your dog's ears to ensure they are dry, free of debris and clean may help identify problems in case anything is going on. One of the leading common health issues in dogs is dental related. However, most potential dog owners normally overlook it. Just as it's essential for us humans to brush our teeth, so it is for your dog and on a daily basis. This aids in preventing tartar from building up which eventually leads to tooth decay, tooth loss or gum diseases. It's recommended to use a toothpaste meant for dogs while brushing their teeth or enhance the toothpaste with some enzyme. Better still, the dog vet can offer ways to supplement dental care for the dog such as feeding the dog with special formulated dental care diet or dental hygiene chews. Airedoodle training The Airedoodle dog has high intelligence and is very keen to please its owner, making it very easy to train him. The Airedoodle is physically strong and so you will require both socialization and behavioral training in order to bring out the best of him. They love human interaction and also thrive on mental stimulation. This only means that they can pick up commands easily after just a few cycles of repetition. Since the dog is very talented, he will do good in competitive obedience, guarding, hunting and also tracking such activities will keep him mentally stimulated and physically active. Potential owners of this dog will love to go out of their ways to keep him healthy, active and happy. Tips for training an Airdoodle dog Find an effective way to aid your Airedoodle to burn off excess energy This specific breed is very active and has high energy levels therefore learn to take the dog for long walk sessions every day or play with it outside for a longer period. This ensures that your dog does not become hyperactive or defiant during training, which leads to a slow command pick up series. Use positive reinforcement skills to train Airedale dog Since it's easy to train an Airedoodle dog you will not find it difficult to make it obey your commands. The dog will easily follow the commands without any trouble, rewarding it makes it more eager to obey the commands. Rewards may include food, walks or toys. Start training Airdoodle pup as early as you can When the Airedoodle is still very tender start giving simple instructions before moving onto the harder ones. It's at this stage that pet learns at its very best and often prevents aggressive behavior while developing. Be relaxed and confident during the training Airedoodles are very sensitive while it comes to sensing your emotions, so its good to be relaxed and calm during the training so that your dog can do the same. If at any time you become angry or firm during the session, your dog may not listen to you. It's advisable to stay confident and within your dog's abilities, this will make it easier for your dog to pick up commands. Potty Training Airdoodle puppy Potty training is among the most important tasks that need to be performed as soon as you get your Airedoodle pup home. If your dog is trained early enough, it will definitely not give you a hard time to train. Being an intelligent hybrid dog, this dog will absolutely not give you hard time to potty train him. Stay positive and be patient, while you avoid punishing your dog when it messes in your house. Below are tips to observe while potty training: Watch out: Be keen to watch your dog, he will tell you when its time through subtle clues such as the following: Sniffing at the floor, turning around in circles, scratching at the door, pawing the ground, barking or whining. Watch closely so as to identify these signs once its time. It's preferred that you keep your dog in the same room or area to able to carry out the observation. Observe bathroom breaks: A non-mature dog may need to relieve himself more often than a full-grown dog. Depending on the age a puppy may need between 3 to 4 hours break to facilitate the need and less likely to have accidents. As the Airedale Poodle mix dog grows older the timings are bound to change so take them out after meals play sessions or naps. Now, I own a Doodle dog of my own. This gives me a unique perspective on the Airedoodle breed. Plus, a soft spot in my heart for both parent breeds. They were wonderful dogs. Full of energy, stubbornness, and love for our entire family. Airedales are not very common. The breed becomes a part of nostalgia that mixes childhood and family memories into one. An old picture of my two Airedales: Max bottom and Kyle top. I adored both Kyle and Max. Kyle was tall, lanky, and gentle. As a kid, I would lay on him and read a book or bury my head into his. Max on the other hand was built like a bull. He was stubborn, energetic, and a free soul. Both Max and Kyle were great watchdogs. They were great with my sister and me when we were small children. For that, I will always love Airedales! This adorable video below about a family adopting an Airedale puppy just hits too close to home. After I graduated college, I was dead set on getting a dog of my own. I was obsessed with Bernedoodles. Eventually, I was able to adopt Murphy and the rest is history. She is a wild child. I love every minute of it. But all the other times of fun and sweetness make up for it. Bernedoodles are a Poodle mix. Living with Murph for over 3 years has convinced me that Poodle mixes, or better known as Doodles, are the ideal dog mix. I could be biased but the Airedale-Poodle mix sounds like the perfect dog. What is an Airedoodle? It is a relatively new Doodle breed that has risen in popularity in recent years. It is a medium to a large-sized dog with an athletic build. They are smart, loyal, and gentle. Airedoodles can also be called Poodales or Airepoos. Like many Doodle breeds , it has no documented history. The two breeds that make up the Airedoodle, on the other hand, have a long history. Airedale Terrier Airedale Terrier holding a toy. The Airedale Terrier is commonly referred to as an Airedale. They are also known as the Bingley Terrier and the Waterside Terrier. Airedales have influenced other dog breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier. This breed was created as a versatile hunting and all-around working farm dog and has also served as a battle dog, guide dog, and police dog in the United Kingdom. Terriers from the River Aire in South Yorkshire were bred with Otterhounds in the mid-nineteenth century to improve their ability to hunt near water and boost their scenting abilities. The Airedale was the name given to the breed after the place where it originally appeared. Poodle Poodle running around outside. Officially, the Poodle is said to have originated in Germany in the midth century. Their heritage reaches further back to an Asian dog breed that had curly hair. Originally a water dog, the Poodle was used in Germany for its superb waterfowl-hunting ability. The breed has excelled as a guide dog, protection dog, service dog, and performance dog. Origin of the Airedoodle The origin of the Airedoodle is a mystery. The Airedale Terrier-Poodle mix combines the histories of both parent breeds into one. As previously stated, there are no official records on when or where the first Airedoodle was born. This is not uncommon in the Doodle dog world. The skull of an Airedoodle is round, and the ears are floppy. They have a square-shaped construction and a powerful, solid look. Mellow, an adorable Airedoodle puppy, hanging out on the floor image: mellowaire. The Poodle has a curly, long coat. The combination of the two gives the Airedoodle a curly, wiry coat that will need attention often. It should be professionally groomed frequently, or it will mat and tangle. This will be uncomfortable for your pup. It also means he will be dragging dirt and dander wherever he goes. Poodles only have one coat while an Airedale has two. The undercoat is softer than the outer coat. The outer coat is rough, wiry, and rigid. This level of grooming may be required for your Poodale. Also, be sure to brush their teeth at least every other day to prevent plaque buildup and periodontal disease. Coat Colors According to the Airedale breed standard, the proper coat color is either a black saddle with a tan head, ears, and legs or a dark grizzle saddle black mixed with gray and white [3] www. The finest and toughest coats are grizzles, which have a mix of red hair, typically located on the back before the tail. The Poodle has many more possible color variations for their coats. Some of these colors are black, white, brown, apricot, silver, beige, red, blue, and grey. This implies that the Airedoodle can have a variety of coat colors. Oftentimes, Airedales are crossed with the Standard Poodle. For a smaller Airedoodle, the Airedale can be crossed with a Miniature Poodle. The female Airedoodle is somewhat smaller than the male Airedoodle, but not by much. Aside from a tiny size variation, the male and female Airedoodles are virtually indistinguishable. The categories are scored using the average rating of both parent breeds. The parent breed data was acquired from the American Kennel Club. Health Problems Fortunately, the Airedoodle, like many hybrids, is less prone to genetic diseases. However, as previously said, the breeder determines the quality of your Airedoodle puppy. Dermatitis Dermatitis can occur in any dog. It is mainly the inflammation of the skin [4] firstvet. Dermatitis can arise from a food allergy or a flea bite. It can also manifest through a hereditary disease called canine atopic dermatitis. Terrier breeds can be predisposed to canine atopic dermatitis [5] firstvet. Due to the Airedale parent, this is a health issue to be aware of in your Airedoodle. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is widespread in medium-sized to big dogs, such as the Airedoodle. Obesity Like most dogs, obesity can pose a problem for Airedoodles. Cataracts Cataracts may develop in the Airedoodle. This condition is caused by water imbalances in the lens of the eye, which results in a clouded lens [7] petkeen. Bloat Bloat can be a problem in large dogs. It is an issue to keep an eye out for at all times since it requires immediate medical intervention. Drooling, restlessness, pacing, and failed efforts to vomit are just a few of the symptoms that might appear suddenly. She was showing the common signs so I took her to the vet immediately. Luckily, a veterinarian was able to identify that it was not bloat. I still keep an eye out for it though! Food And Diet Because the Airedoodle is such a huge and active dog, it needs a lot of high-quality dry food to flourish. According to experts, they should be fed between two and a half and three cups of food every day, split into two meals. When assessing dog food, ensure the protein source is identified on the label. Even grain-free food, such as beans, peas, and lentils, sometimes contain high quantities of starchy carbohydrates. Giving this to a dog puts their system under stress, generating physiologically demanding insulin, glucagon, and cortisol surges throughout the day and inflammation and stress on important organs, which can lead to a variety of major health problems. As far as possible, it would be best if you tried to avoid foods labeled as containing byproducts; while they are less expensive, they are of poor quality. Price Due to the scarcity of Airedale Terriers, Airedoodles are rare designer dog breeds today. As a result, this breed is quite expensive. Are Airedoodles easy to train? Airedoodles respond well to obedience training. Even though certain breed members might be obstinate, most breed members are eager to please. Their intellect, paired with this, makes them valuable training partners. They can accomplish stunts on the first instruction after a few trials and even do intricate multistep tricks. As a puppy, work on basic commands like sit, remain, or paw. Repeat this training session one or two more times, then attempt it a couple more times every day until your pet has mastered the trick and can perform it on demand. They must be taught their position in the family and etiquette from a young age since they are huge and strong dogs. While jumping up may be cute when the Airedoodle puppy is three months old, it is much less charming when they are three years old and capable of knocking a youngster down! Are Airedoodles good family pets? Children adore the Airedoodle dog because it enjoys giving and getting attention. Training is vital to educate the youngsters to respect the dog, which will minimize unintentional nips from rough play. This breed will get along better with dogs and children with plenty of early socialization, but they seldom have any issues in most scenarios. Are Airedoodles good with other pets? The Airedoodle likes being around other pets and frequently engages in horseplay and games. They will get along with other pets even better if you socialize them early, and they will have no trouble making pals on walks or when traveling. However, you should socialize this dog as soon as possible to ensure that it has no trouble establishing friends. Regardless, it would not be the smartest move to keep this dog around rodents due to its Airedale Terrier heritage. How much exercise does an Airedoodle need? The Airedoodle, like the Airedale Terrier and Poodle, is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of stimulating exercises to be in good physical and mental shape. Your dog will need daily activity in the shape of a lengthy walk, jog, or trek. Mental stimulation is important for Airedoodles. In addition to his training and walks, the Airedoodle ideally needs a home with a fenced-in yard where he can burn off some energy. You can tame those high energy levels in any living situation so long as you dedicate time to play and activities. Are Airedoodles good guard dogs? The Airedoodle is one of the most outstanding watchdogs on the earth because of its vigilant attitude. They will scare away any prospective intruder with their loud bark and towering size. They are always on the lookout and can tell whether or not a visitor is welcome. Are Airedoodles good with kids? Airedoodles are great with children. Their sweet and gentle nature makes them the big, furry best friend that every kid wants. They are patient and non-aggressive which gives young children the opportunity to bond and learn how to care for an animal. Related Posts Interested in learning more about Doodles? Check out the complete Doodle breed guide. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message. Their Airedoodle offspring can inherit either one of these or even a unique mix of the two. Because of that, Airedoodles will either have curly, wavy, or straight coats. The type of hair your fur-baby ends up with will dictate what grooming issues to expect and how much time you will need to either spend brushing them yourself or how often you will be heading off to the groomers. Poodles have curly, soft, single-layered coats that are much in demand for their so-called hypoallergenic properties. In fact, these are low-shed rather than no-shed dogs, and that comes with problems of its own. You will also need to take them more often for a trim. Airedale Terriers, in contrast, have short, wiry double-layered coats that do indeed shed. Your pal will likely lose their short, dense undercoat with the changing of the temperature and many days in between. This can be a real problem for some pet parents. You just might need to take care of the longer hair that can grow around their face, legs, and rear end. Finally, the third coat type is a wavy mix of the two — it can be long or short, soft, or wiry…pretty much anywhere on the scale between the two parents. This means you are really going to have to judge for yourself how often it will need brushing, washing, trimming, etc. However, they can be pretty tough to get hold of, being that they are not one of the most well-known or popular Doodle types. For this reason, you will likely need to hunt around for quite a bit to track down a breeder that specializes in Airedoodles. The good news is that they are far less likely to be the focus of scammers, backyard breeders, and puppy mills — all of whom should be avoided like the plague. Scammers will take your money without even having dogs, and the latter two will provide puppies that are in poor condition. See Also: Click the image With just a little research, you should be able to dig out a responsible breeder where you can purchase a super healthy puppy with excellent bloodlines. This will make all the difference in the long run. Start by checking out breeder directories from trusted expert dogs sites and reading plenty of online reviews from third-party sites to find the best facilities in your area. While there is really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, as people are sensitive to proteins found in the skin and saliva, a dog that sheds less is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This is because there will consequently be less skin and saliva about the place. The amount your Airedoodle puppy sheds will depend on whether they end up with a Poodle coat or a Terrier one. This is very difficult to predict at present. Are Airedoodles good family dogs? Airedoodles, like most Doodles, make excellent family dogs for the right kind of situation. Airedoodles are often big and kind of bouncy, which older kids and teens will likely love. They will be able to play fetch and other active games for hours. However, they could be a little tough to take for smaller or quieter children with their boisterous, happy natures. These dogs do well with confident, active families who spend a lot of time outdoors. How big does an Airedoodle get? Depending on whether you have opted for a Standard or Mini Airedoodle, you are going to end up with a dog that is somewhere between 20 to 40 pounds with a height to the withers of 12 to 26 inches. Your Airedoodle will likely be on the larger side, though, as most breeders will probably choose to mate the similarly-sized Airedale Terrier and Standard Poodle — this is a far easier combination. Final Thoughts If you have come across the active Airedoodle and are intrigued by these distinguished dogs, then you might be wondering if they are the right kind of Doodle for you. If you have plenty of energy and time to take your new pup on long walks and care for their lovely coat, this could be a match made in heaven. However, if you spend most of your day out of the house, one of these loving, loyal dogs may not be for you. Only you can know what will work best in your home. Hopefully, though, the details provided here can help you make the right decision for both you and your potential future pet. You Might Also Like. Life Span Did You Know? The Airedoodle is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between an Airedale Terrier and a Standard Poodle. The Airedoodle is meant to inherit the best characteristics of both the parent breeds, but they could have any combination of characteristics from either or both of the parent breeds. Airedoodles tend to be friendly, intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs with a big personality. Because the Airedoodle is a mixed dog breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. With any mixed dog breed, the puppies can inherit any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Airedoodles tend to be intelligent, friendly, and filled with personality. They tend to get along well with children as well as other dogs and sometimes other pets. They can have a stubborn streak and may have a high prey drive, but early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies. Overall, Airedoodles tend to make excellent family pets and watchdogs. Airedoodles are larger sized dogs with a high energy level, which makes them a moderately adaptable dog breed. Because of this, they are best suited to larger homes with fenced-in yards where they can run. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Although they can have an independent streak if they take more after their Airedale Terrier parent, they still thrive on being with their families. They are also highly intelligent and can be easily bored, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. For the Airedoodle, potential health conditions can include skin issues, hip dysplasia, and bloat. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential health concerns. Both of the Airedoodle parent breeds are highly intelligent. This means they tend to pick up on training quickly. If an Airedoodle takes after its Poodle parent, they will be highly trainable and a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. If an Airedoodle takes after its Airedale Terrier parent, they can have a stubborn streak that may be an obstacle for first-time dog owners. Puppy training and obedience classes are recommended for novice dog owners to ensure training is effective and consistent. The Airedoodle is likely to have a low-shedding coat as both of its parent breeds have low-shedding coats. Professional grooming can help you take care of some of this, but you will need to take care of these grooming tasks as needed between professional grooming sessions. Nails that are too long can make movement painful, are more likely to split and crack, and increase the risk of getting caught on things. Dental care for dogs is another essential grooming task. Unfortunately, it is also often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Just as you need to brush your teeth every day, the same is true for your dog. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that leads to dental disease like gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss. Daily walks plus some time to run and play are usually sufficient for this dog. A fully-grown Airedoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. An Airedoodle generally lives years. This hybrid dog breed is most commonly called an Airedoodle, but it is sometimes also referred to as an Airedalepoo. Featured Airedoodle Article.

Golden Retrievers and the outdoors are our specialty Experienced Breeders We love nothing more than to tend to our puppies. All our dogs and puppies are fed high quality food including home cooked meals and as much fresh and raw foods as possible. The dogs all live with us in our home. The pups are examined by a vet for health and conformation before they are sent home. All vaccinations and parasite checks are also completed. Ethical dog breeding at its best! Happy Families Our priority is to make sure our families and puppies are happy in every way. This means that we spend a great amount of time interacting with our puppies to learn their personalities. As well, we like to take time finding out the needs of our families so they are paired with the perfect pup. From the time our pups are born they are exposed to stimulating activities according to their age. They are held by people of all ages and gender. As they get older they are exposed to different noises, other animals, water, different textures and other safe outdoor activities. A well socialized pup is one of the most important things to ensure a happy forever home!! Breed Standard Improvement We are a small farm in rural Fowlerville Michigan specializing in ethical breeding, raising, and placing AKC English style Golden Retriever puppies with their forever families. Our goal is to better the breed and produce beautiful, healthy, intelligent English Golden Retrievers with a sound temperament, bred according to the original standard. We are dedicated to the improvement and advancement of the English Golden Retrievers in America. This is the most beautiful of breeds and nothing compares to the lovely dark eyes of a true English Golden. Like you, we have a love for Golden Retrievers and consider them part of our family. English Creams are amazing dogs and belong to one of America's favorite breeds. As part of the Golden Retriever family, they are widely known for being loyal, fun-loving, intelligent, gentle, extremely trainable, and are often called "the perfect family dog. We have been breeding golden retrievers since .We were previously located in Tucson, Arizona. Our puppies are raised in our home in a healthy, loving environment. Our dogs have been genetically tested and are clear for the most common golden retriever health issues. A Furever Friend Happy, Healthy Bloodline A Furever Friend It is our goal to breed healthy and confident golden retrievers and we strive to provide enrichment and socialization programs for our puppies so that they will make a wonderful addition to any family. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters and availability. Golden retrievers come in a variety of different shades and colors; however, all goldens come from the same original bloodline. The biggest difference between the American and English variation is the coat color. American Goldens can range in color from golden to deep red, while English creams have a pale platinum coat. English cream golden retrievers have a stockier build and a slightly larger head. They also have thicker and stronger necks, slightly wider muzzles and a stronger jaw. Their eyes are also rounder and closer together and the ears are at the same level as the eyes. All golden retrievers are friendly affectionate and have a devoted nature, which is what makes them such amazing family members. English cream retrievers are generally calmer and more sensible than American Goldens. They are rarely hyperactive and rowdy but they are still playful and active. Goldens are highly intelligent and are eager to please. English cream golden retriever puppies can have different shades of gold and cream in the same litter and can darken in color as they grow. Photo Gallery. They were absolutely amazing from the first phone call down to the pick up. The love they have for their Golden's shows from the instant you talk with them. They spend an enormous amount of time with their adult Golden's as well as their pups and it definitely shows! My pup was well on her way to being potty trained. She is also crate trained and if whimpers at all when I put her in there, it is only for a couple of minutes. She is amazing! I am so happy that I found Elite White Goldens in my search. I would definitely recommend Selena and Jeff to anyone searching for a Golden Retriever, you will not be disappointed! She is so easy, happy and healthy. Jeff and Selena are not just great breeders but wonderful individuals. The love they show for their dogs and puppies is remarkable. I always tell them I would never buy another retriever from anyone but them! I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for healthy, happy, easily trained retriever to add to your family. Selena and Jeff made the whole experience easy and welcoming, as if we were an extension to their family. They spent a nice amount of time talking with us and giving great suggestions on raising Teddy. I'm so thankful that my bad experience with a different adoption-turned-scam led me to meeting Selena and Jeff, and coming home with our sweet, loving puppy. If you're looking for a breeder who cares so much about their animals, look no further! Elite White Goldens. We researched and interviewed breeders for over month before deciding to go with Selena, despite being furthest from our home 4. She is a responsible breeder who cares deeply for the quality and well being of the dogs and is also a great communicator and easy to work with. A lot of high end breeders can be a bit kookie, but Selena and Jeff are level headed and normal people. We love our new fur baby and will be back for our next pooch! Selena clearly cares very deeply about her dogs and puppies. She shared lots of information and advice which was extremely helpful for us. She had great communication and made the process very smooth. We feel very lucky to have found such a caring breeder. Our puppy is beautiful, comfortable around people and other dogs, and very loving. We love her so very much! Thank you Selena! Selena was so responsive, kind, knowledgeable, and thorough. We adopted the sweetest puppy, who adjusted to our family so well, especially with my two kids who absolutely love her. We are forever thankful to her for helping us find our newest family member! She clearly cares about what is best for her puppies, screens new puppy parents and ensured that all pups had great care and training before going to their forever homes. We are thrilled with our new baby, she is sweet, sassy and smart and loves her big brothers! Thank you! These exceptional dogs are the foundation of our high-quality breeding program, selected for their excellent health, temperament, and pedigrees. By getting to know our adult dogs, you'll gain a glimpse into the remarkable traits and personalities that our puppies inherit. We are a small hobby breeder and our dogs are our pets. We have been caring for the health of animals for decades and are excited to be raising show quality dogs that will have amazing health and conformation. You cannot ask for a better temperament, outstanding athletic ability, and beauty, than in the golden retriever. Owner and operator, Sandi Klempner, got her veterinary degree in from Michigan State University. Golden retrievers have been part of our lives for well over 30 years and we have been taking care of people's pets for decades. We are committed to breeding outstanding dogs with classic golden retriever temperaments and top notch health. Our dogs are very calm and loving in nature and have the beautiful english white coat. We have the ability to screen for and select only the dogs with superior genetics and health clearances. Our males and females will be OFA elbow, hip, heart, and eye certified. Outstanding genetics! If you are looking to add a healthy , amazing English Cream to your family, you need to check out our Goldens. All By Grace Goldens is committed to the welfare and standards of this breed. They have been a special part of our life and we want to continue to give back to the breed. We are very particular about which animals we use in our breeding program. Let us choose the best breeding pair so you can be guaranteed the most amazing puppy for your family. We have years of experience with animal behavior and begin the critical imprinting process with the pups at 3 weeks of age. Whether you are looking for a field dog, a family pet, or an emotional support dog, the temperament and health of these English Creams will far surpass you expectations. We just love her to pieces!!!!! So, thank you so much.She can sit, stay, and knows her name.Calmest and smartest pup any of us have ever seen" - Tara Crake.

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. 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:. German Shepherds are very intelligent, loyal, and obedient. Originally bred for herding, modern-day German Shepherds work with police and search and rescue units across the world because they are task-oriented, curious, and creative. Like all dog breeds, German Shepherds are uniquely vulnerable to certain diseases. German Shepherds are more likely than dogs of other breeds to suffer from degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Over time, the weakness will get even worse. Your dog might struggle to get up, and, as the disease progresses, and your dog could lose bowel and urinary control. The dog might also struggle to get up because the disease causes muscles to atrophy. Dogs with degenerative myelopathy can become paralyzed by the disease. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. But if your dog has the disease, you can take a few steps to reduce their suffering. Kinesiology tape has been used successfully to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy. And, because your German Shepherd will be spending more time sitting and lying down, they are at greater risk for bedsores. Clean and trim them often. German Shepherds that become partially paralyzed by degenerative myelopathy are good candidates for wheelchairs. Custom made dog wheelchairs by K9 Carts can help your dog stay mobile and preserve their quality of life. If your German Shepherd suffers from hip dysplasia, they will eventually develop joint pain, damaged cartilage, and arthritis. Hip dysplasia starts when your dog is a puppy, but it might not be noticeable until the dog is well into maturity. Dogs with hip dysplasia will show a reluctance to exercise, move slowly, and might favor one leg over another. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms. Hip dysplasia in German Shepherds can be treated and managed. Your dog can experience better quality of life through physical therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs if their case is not severe. They could require surgery. In extreme cases, the dog may need a wheelchair. Dilated Cardiomyopathy in German Shepherds German Shepherds, like other large dog breeds, are vulnerable to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart disease. A heart affected by dilated cardiomyopathy is inefficient at pumping blood, and oxygenated blood is not adequately distributed through the body. The heart becomes enlarged, and its ventricular walls get thinner. In some cases, changes in heart rhythm will also be a result of the thinned chamber walls. Also, dilated cardiomyopathy can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. If your dog has dilated cardiomyopathy, they might tire easily, have trouble breathing, cough often, struggle to exercise, or suffer fainting spells. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be fatal. It can be mitigated with certain drugs, like ACE inhibitors, but it is a chronic disease. However, if dilated cardiomyopathy is detected early, and the dog is medicated and managed property, it can still live for some time with a good quality of life. It does give you an idea of diseases you may not have heard of that could develop. And remember—if your dog has any of these diseases, they should be treated by a veterinarian. 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:. It seems that the more highly bred a dog is, the more likely they are to come down with DM. Diseases like this normally are self-destructive, that is to say either it will not breed true, or kills its recipient, before it can be passed on. Degenerative Myelopathy unfortunately appears to breed true, and can be seen to have infected German Shepherds, and then passed across the breeds to other large dogs. This is only my theory, but I cannot see how any other diagnosis fits all the known facts. Breeders know of this genetic fault and even though genetic testing is available, they have not failed to stop it being passed on. Irresponsible breeders will deny any knowledge of the disease. And even though DM is becoming more prevalent, some vets do not appear to be interested, although some have even had their own dogs come down with it. If you want to see just how massive this infection is, just run a search using either the full name or the initials Degenerative Myelopathy and see what results you get. Support Groups are thriving all over the Web, all offering advice, but none being of any constructive help. If humans were dying this fast, it would be considered a catastrophe, but each owner, living in their own little piece of hell, believes that their pet is just another casualty, and are unable or unwilling to see the greater picture. First Signs of Degenerative Myelopathy The best thing you can do as a pet parent is educate yourself so you can advocate for your dog and make sure they get the treatment they need. Hind Leg Cross Over: where the nerves scramble the signals to the rear legs, and the dog thinks that he is moving one leg when he is actually moving the opposite leg. Tripping: when one leg catches behind the other as the dog walks. Toe Down: where the foot or feet are curled under, and the dog rests his weight on the top of that foot. An easy test is to manually curl the foot under and place the upper surface on the ground. If the dog resets that foot, to immediately place it down correctly, no current problem. However, if it remains standing, just as you placed the foot, without resetting; then Degenerative Myelopathy is entering its obstructive phase. This led me on a search around the world, via the Web, to try and gain some understanding of exactly what he had and why. We first noticed changes in his gait about 2 years previously, when I noticed that he was scraping his rear legs every now and again. I thought that it was only his laziness, and now wished to God that it had been just that. He started getting grazes on his back feet, and we would treat each scrape and cure it, but as soon as we removed his sock s he would reinjure his paws. He was still able to leap into the car, up on the bed, pretty much wherever he wanted. As it happened, even if we had managed to get an earlier diagnosis, it would not have mattered or helped one iota. A year and a half later, Shane starting to drag his right rear leg, not badly, but sufficiently to catch the top of his foot and break the skin. We took him to our local vet, who had looked after him since he was a puppy. He did x-rays, found lesions on his spine, between his ribs and his pelvis. Just a small white mark around his lower spine. His diagnosis was Degenerative Myelopathy. Here I must say that Shane was the nicest natured dog we had ever had. He had no vices, was friends with everybody and as clean as you could ever want. When once he was caught out in the office and had to go, he even cleaned it all up, and of course was ill for a week afterwards. I tell you this, so that you will have some idea how this wicked disease affected him. Improving Mobility for a German Shepherd with DM His walks that he loved, became shorter and shorter as he tired quickly, and dragged his back feet more and more. We should have thought of a dog wheelchair sooner, but the progression of the disease caught us off guard. He suffered no pain from DM, and only yelped one time when he had overstrained his chest muscles, trying to pull himself along on his front legs. A short course of mg coated aspirin two night and morning for a couple of days fixed the pain, until it went away naturally. By now, being a really intelligent dog, he worked out that inside it was easier to stick his nearly useless back legs out sideways, and slide along on his butt, pulling himself with his front legs. To get up onto his daybed our couch he would move himself, as above, and then wait for someone to raise him onto his rear legs. After he put his front feet onto the couch, he would wait for me to lift his back end, as he moved forward to lay on his blanket. To go out, I bought a sling that went under his stomach, and he walked on his front legs with us lifting the back ones off the ground. At first when he reached his preferred spot, we could remove the sling and he would do his own thing, sometimes with my wife guiding him with his magnificent, but now almost useless tail. Finally, as winter approached, we had to support him with this tail, as the sling he being a male dog would be in the way. Dog Wheelchairs and Degenerative Myelopathy My wife and I had decided months before, that as long as his insides continued to be under his control, and he was happy being with us, we would continue to do everything we could to assist him in living. To this point he continued to have that control, and so we looked for a dog wheelchair to give him the exercise he lacked. The dog wheelchair arrived, and I assembled it. This part was easy, but the minor adjustments, to fit him comfortably took a week or so. We found that making small adjustments was the way to go, as some made things worse, and had to be immediately undone. Having finally found the correct height, length etc. In the end we found that we had to strike a happy medium. Even when correctly adjusted, pooping had to be accomplished by holding the top rear rail, and pulling back slightly, so as to draw his rear legs forward, and allow his rear end to face slightly downwards. Finally putting his tail over that rear bar, allowed him to poop cleanly and not soil himself. At first we found that the saddle tended to rub the inside of his crotch, but adding a piece of soft cotton sheeting, over the saddle and securing it in place by catching the four corners and pinning them together below, seemed to work fine. Any red spots could then be treated with talc and diaper cream, so allowing him to go for exercise every other day. I adjusted the dog wheelchair to place his rear feet flat on the ground, fitted them with boots to stop any damage from dragging. At first, each time it would take him a couple of steps before the rear legs started to work again, but once started they continued to do so for each walk period. I can still see him from behind galloping at full tilt, with his tail moving in circles. Stopping was another thing, but he managed to do so, by ceasing all leg movement and coming to a grinding halt. Not once did he manage to turn the dog wheelchair over, and had to be told when it was time to go home. Nothing was quite long enough. For those of you that are wondering about a dog wheelchair, I can tell you with no reservations that it was worth the price, even if only for a short while. The happiness that the wheelchair brought, far outweighed its cost. Normally, if allowed to continue to its final state, it moves forward to take either the front legs, lungs and heart to the brain. Most dogs or their owners do not let it proceed that far. And then came the day, he finally lost control of his bowels. We thought this over carefully and considered this an unfortunate mistake and moved on. However, we did note that when trying to poop, it became irregular, and that he would move forward whilst doing so. The Vet informed us that this was a sign that he could not feel how he was doing, and to expect a worsening in the coming weeks. Of course, it happened to him again, this time on his couch. Even though we reassured him, he looked depressed. Perhaps if he had been a less than sanitary dog, it might not have affected him that much. But my wife and I knew that finally he was really unhappy and prepared to make that decision. As I had done in the past, she remained with him, until he was finally asleep. My wife says she imagines them all running like the wind, through a field of long grass. Perhaps they will be there to meet us, finally when our time comes. We have decided that because of the prevalence of DM, we will not have any further dogs, Shepherds in particular but we are happily left with Sable II, an Australian Female Kelpie that came in from the cold, as a stray, almost 6 years ago. She did so because she fell in love with Shane, and has stayed with us ever since, but that again is a whole other story. This will gradually build their hind leg muscles. This forces your dog to put more strain on their back legs, helping to build muscle, and uneven surfaces help improve balance and exercise different muscles. This helps exercise their core muscles as well as their hind legs. This exercise helps to build hind leg muscles. Hydrotherapy is highly effective in building back leg muscles, and classes and facilities are available that specialize in this type of therapy for dogs with mobility issues. Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints and prevent injury. This popular joint supplement is often given to large dogs like German Shepherds. Green-Lipped Mussel: When combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, the green-lipped mussel can help reduce pain and maintain joint function in dogs with mobility issues. This supplement supports overall joint health and can help your German Shepherd feel more comfortable moving around. Fish Oil: Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Vitamin E: Vitamin E can help improve muscle strength and reduce muscle damage. Last fall, Jedi was in bad shape. The two-year-old German Shepherd's health had waxed and waned for months. His owners and local veterinarian saw that Jedi was in pain and suffering from hind limb ataxia, meaning he was losing balance and coordination in his back legs. Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, mobility harnesses, and slings can provide support and improve mobility for German Shepherds with weak back legs. Recognizing Symptoms of Weak Hind Legs in German Shepherds German Shepherds are prone to hind leg weakness, which can be caused by various factors such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and spinal cord issues. Limping Or Favoring One Leg: Your German Shepherd might limp or put more weight on one leg to compensate for the weakness in the other leg. Difficulty Standing Or Sitting: Struggling to stand up or sit down can indicate discomfort or weakness in the hind legs. Decreased Activity Levels: A decrease in interest in playing, going for walks, or heading outside may signify discomfort or weakness in the back legs. Swelling Or Pain In Joints: Swollen hips, stiffness in joints and legs, or signs of pain in the back legs can be indicators of an underlying issue affecting hind leg strength. Here are some common causes: 1. Arthritis: This degenerative joint disease can affect German Shepherds as they age. It can cause pain and stiffness in the hind legs, making it difficult for them to move around. This genetic condition can cause the hip joints to develop abnormally, leading to arthritis and hind leg weakness. It can be diagnosed through X-rays. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: This progressive neurological disease affects the spinal cord and can cause hind leg weakness and paralysis. It is usually seen in older dogs. Diabetes: Diabetes can affect the nerves in the hind legs, leading to weakness and loss of coordination. Fibrocartilaginous Embolism: This spinal cord injury can occur when a piece of cartilage breaks off and blocks blood flow to the spinal cord. It can cause hind leg weakness and paralysis. Limited Mobility: Dogs that are overweight, have poor muscle tone, or have been inactive for an extended period of time may experience hind leg weakness due to limited mobility. To maintain them, provide proper nutrition, exercise, weight management, joint supplements, physiotherapy, injury prevention, and care, and consider alternative therapies or assistive devices if necessary. Common causes of hind leg weakness are arthritis, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, diabetes, fibrocartilaginous embolism, and limited mobility. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect hind leg weakness. Some German Shepherds may begin showing signs of hip dysplasia as young as four months old, while others develop osteoarthritis as they age. However, in many cases, the signs of hip dysplasia become apparent once the dog is around two years old. To reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in offspring, ensure that only German Shepherds with healthy hips are bred. If you notice your German Shepherd whining when walking , limping, hesitating or showing reluctance when moving its back legs, it may have hip dysplasia. The first sign of pain in young dogs may appear as difficulty climbing stairs, jumping into a car, or exercising freely. If you suspect hip dysplasia, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Yes, a German Shepherd can recover from hind leg weakness with proper treatment, exercise, and diet. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, and it is best to speak to a veterinarian for a plan of action. Justin Author Justin is a protection dog enthusiast. He has years of experience teaching and training dogs. Read More. Their back legs have much more of a bend to them. This puts a little extra on the back and a lot more than the usual strain on the back legs. As a result, many years down the line, the strain on the back legs can develop into more serious issues. Studies have shown, in fact, that one side-effect of this is that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop hip dysplasia than many of the other large breeds, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. If you have an older dog, the leg weakness is likely something that has progressed over the years, but there may be other causes, such as diabetes. Your vet can run some tests to give you a conclusive diagnosis. Symptoms of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds As there are different causes for back leg weakness in German Shepherds, there are a number of different symptoms to consider. If you see one of the symptoms which we have listed below, a vet checkup is a good idea so that the root cause may be determined and treatment initiated as soon as possible. Lethargy Lethargy is a common first symptom, as your dog knows that their back legs are weaker and simply prefers to stay sitting or laying down. Watch to see if this occurs with a reluctance to rise or a wobbly gait — however brief — to see if this energy loss may be an early sign of back leg weakness. Poor Coordination Poor coordination is a definite red flag that your dog may be suffering from back leg weakness. Veterinarian Tammy Hunter, DVM, advises that dogs in this condition are prone to fall over easily when gently pushed from the side. Slipping on the floor quite often is another common way that this manifests and a definite warning sign. Decreased Motion Range Another early warning sign, a decreased range of motion may be indicative of developing back leg weakness, though this will sometimes manifest as well if your dog has simply strained their back muscles while playing frisbee or other games where they must jump and twist. Urinary and Bowel issues In the later stages of degenerative myelopathy, leg paralysis often occurs along with a loss of control of urination and the bowels. While this is more common in Shepherds over the age of 8, it can occasionally occur in younger Shepherds as well. Reduced Muscle mass Reduced muscle mass is a common symptom, which may be degenerative myelopathy or Osteoarthritis. It is a slow process and sometimes manageable by means of a harness or an exercise regimen which may be proscribed by your vet. They may walk a little more slowly or simply creep along with their bodies closer to the ground so that they have better control over their legs and where they are going. Leg Paralysis Leg paralysis is common towards the end of degenerative myelopathy and may possibly occur within 6 months to 2 years following a diagnosis of this condition. Shepherds were bred to have a degree bend in their back legs, and while this provides agility enhancement, it also makes them more vulnerable to certain conditions. The most common causes of back leg weakness have been listed below. Genetics Shepherds are prone to a number of medical conditions such as degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Due to this, many prospective owners will ask their breeder for copies of the health history of the dam and the sire, along with X-rays of the hips and elbows of the parents and the puppy to determine the likelihood of certain conditions. Hip Dysplasia With hip dysplasia, the ball portion of the upper thighbone is not fully covered by the hip socket. This means that the hip joint may occasionally become dislocated either partially or, in some cases, completely, and as the ball of the hip joint meets the socket, it causes pain for the dog when moving. While this sometimes affects smaller dogs, it is much more common in larger breeds such as the German Shepherd. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neural condition which some German Shepherds are prone to, and it manifests as the dog slowly losing control of their hind legs. Of note, veterinarians Ernest Ward and Tammy Hunter advise that a genetic mutation known as SOD-1 has been identified to be a major risk factor in developing Degenerative Myelopathy, but research is still continuing on this condition. As it is very hard to detect, Shepherd owners are advised to have regular vet checkups in order to increase the chances of detecting and managing conditions such as this early on. Subluxation Subluxation is a condition where one or more of the vertebrae in the spine have become misaligned. This often results in pain, along with a reduced range of motion, a wobbly gait, and similar conditions. While this is not genetic, some dogs are going to be more likely to develop this than others simply because the bone structure is inherited from the parents. Lumbosacral Stenosis Lumbosacral stenosis is a disease that sometimes afflicts German Shepherds, and it affects both the spinal cord and the nerves which are present where the pelvis and the spinal column meet. This is something that a dog may be born with, or it may develop, and it manifests with symptoms such as hind leg and tail weakness, incontinence, and pain. Treatment is available, typically in the form of medication or in more severe cases, in corrective surgery, Diabetes Diabetes is another common culprit when it comes to back leg weakness in many dogs, and one of the symptoms is weakened leg joints. Diagnosis of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds If you have noticed symptoms such as lethargy, weakness of the back limbs, or a poor lack of coordination, then you will want to make a list of the symptoms which you are seeing in your German Shepherd and schedule a vet appointment right away. Once you arrive, your vet is going to run a series of tests, both physical and neurological, to assess the root cause of the issue. Finally, imaging technology is employed to see if methods such as ultrasound or X-rays can locate any telltale abnormalities. At this point, your vet should have a full diagnosis so that treatment may be proscribed. Treatment of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds There are various treatments for back leg weakness in German Shepherds, depending on the root cause of the issue. The most common treatments for back leg weakness in German Shepherds are listed below. Chiropractic Care Chiropractic care may help to improve the quality of your Shepherds life and is often used in conjunction with medications for pain, along with joint supplements and other condition-specific pharmaceuticals designed to treat the root cause of the back leg weakness. Insulin In cases where the back leg weakness is caused by diabetes, then insulin may be administered to help to get diabetes in control, while medications are provided to help in pain management, and an exercise regimen is followed to return muscle mass and control to the hind legs of the dog. In this case, the dog has a very good chance of regaining full control of their hind legs, but your vet will be able to best advise what you should expect. Support Harness Along with pain management and chiropractic care, a support harness is commonly proscribed for German Shepherds suffering from back leg weakness to give them better control of their mobility and help exercise the atrophied muscles if their specific condition is conducive to this. In severe cases where full paralysis of the back legs occurs, then a wheelchair may be used in place of the support harness to allow the dog limited mobility when exercise and a support harness is not an option. Cold Laser Therapy With conditions such as subluxation, newer treatments such as cold laser therapy may be an option. In a specific case, a 7-year-old German Shepherd suffering from subluxation was able to have the condition corrected through a combination of regular chiropractic care used in conjunction with cold laser therapy. Many veterinary clinics have started to offer this innovative treatment, but you will need to check with your vet to see if this is a viable option based on the root cause of the back leg weakness. To this effect, a veterinarian can customize a pain regimen that can help your dog remain more comfortable if further treatment is simply not an option. Surgery Some conditions, such as Lumbosacral Stenosis, may be treated by means of corrective surgery, but this is one specific condition where corrective surgery may be an option. Most commonly, this type of surgery is only going to be employed in the most difficult cases where medication is an insufficient means of managing the issue. As this condition is severe, in either case, the dog will need to be confined for periods of 4 to 10 weeks for monitoring and treatment. Recovery of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds Recovery options for a German Shepherd showing signs of back leg weakness will vary, but generally, they will include pain management along with treatments such as chiropractic care, use of a support harness to help to rebuild atrophied muscles, or with diabetes, it could be insulin and a custom exercise regimen designed to rebuild muscle mass. In cases like degenerative myelopathy, a cure is not an option, and treatment will be more geared towards making your dog more comfortable as the condition worsens. Not all back leg weakness will be DM, however, and conditions such as lumbosacral stenosis are treatable with medication and surgery during an isolation period of 4 to 10 weeks. With conditions like Osteoarthritis, joint supplements and pain medication can help your dog live a more normal life with their condition. New treatments such as cold laser therapy are also available and may be proscribed. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! Website such as veterinary network TPLO advises that regular walks, in addition to a healthy diet and joint supplements, can help in the treatment and prevention of back leg weakness in older dogs. A large part of this is genetic, as Shepherds were bred to have a more pronounced bend in their back legs, and over time, this leads to additional strain on the back and the legs. Shepherds are prone to conditions such as degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, Osteoarthritis, and more, so it is vital that you ensure that your Shepherd has a healthy diet, along with plenty of exercise and joint supplements are also a good idea. Finally, be sure to bring your dog in for regular checkups, as conditions like Osteoarthritis can be difficult to spot without veterinary assistance — early diagnosis is always best and offers the best chances of treatment and proper management. Related Posts:. 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.

Kristina began raising puppies before we were married and loved it so much that she kept doing so after we were married. Now we all help with the puppies and the kids love playing with the pups every day. This makes for friendly puppies who like people and are good with kids. We are now a five-star classified breeder who has served many happy puppy parents. We hope you can become one of them! She will always answer your calls and answer all of your questions so well and patiently. We purchased our gorgeous cavapoo Henry … More Mr. Ian 2 weeks ago and we could not be happier. He is the first puppy that I have ever met who slept in the crate on the very first night without crying. He sleeps through the night for hours and has not had one accident in his crate. He is calm and lovable and extremely social. Clinton and Kristina did an amazing job at socializing him. He is the sweetest little cavapoo boy! His addition to my life has been such an amazing experience. My vet gave him a good bill of health upon arrival. Any questions I had while working together, they were very helpful and patient. Overall, it was a wonderful experience to get Archie to his forever home. I have zero regrets about my decision, and who would have know that a puppy could really help improve my daily life. I would recommend anyone to purchase their pup from hopeful dreams. We brought home our sweet cockapoo puppy last week and are amazed at how well behaved she is. It is clear that the … More Martin family takes great care of their puppies. Already planning on getting a second puppy from them in the future! Check out some of our favorite Mini Goldendoodle Puppies ready and waiting for their new forever home…. However, it can be riddled with many questions and obstacles along the way. You can also start here at Doodle Doods in search of breeder reviews. See Also: Click the image One of the most important things to look for is rigorous health testing for genetic conditions. An ethical breeder ensures that all parent pups are tested for various hereditary diseases that Goldendoodles are prone to. Health testing should include OFA for hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, heart, eyes, and thyroid. For hip and elbow dysplasia, breeders can also provide PennHip testing. Equally important is that a breeder provides at least a two-year health guarantee that covers any tested genetic conditions. A good breeder has no problem showing you the health records and walking you through everything you might want to know about. Additionally, a good breeder has a great track-record in terms of past adoptions and litters. Look for online reviews, testimonials, or you can even ask the breeder if a previous customer would be happy to share their experience with you. All of the breeders in this article are highly-rated, follow ethical practices like rigorous health testing, and are recommended by many happy Goldendoodle owners. View all New York Goldendoodle breeders listed in our extensive Doodle breeder directory! This exceptional breeder specializes in Multigenerational Goldendoodles due to their higher non-shed success rate. In fact, all of their lines originate from AKC registered purebred parents. Fox Creek Farm follows the best, most current enrichment protocols. They raise their puppies with the Puppy Culture program , Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , and even introduce the pups to doggie door training, crate training, and basic commands. What Makes This Breeder Unique? At Fox Creek Farm, all of their parent dogs have been extensively tested and cleared for numerous genetic health conditions, including the hips, elbows, patella, eyes, heart, and many others. Waitlist: Yes, but be sure to contact them for current availability — who knows, you might get lucky! Goldendoodle Breeder Contact Details:. As I type this she just climbed up to sit in my lap and fell immediately to sleep. We only wish she came into our lives sooner! Every day we marvel at how quickly she learns and matures. She is totally my shadow — following me around the apartment from morning to night and jumping with absolute joy when my husband gets home from work at the end of the day. It's hard to have a bad day when Rooster is around. Thanks for everything! She is happy all the time. We love and have raised Golden Retrievers for the past 27 years but wanted a smaller, golden-type dog with less shedding. Winnie is everything we were looking for in a dog - smart, adorable personality, 30 lbs, loving, easily trained and so friendly to people. She gets compliments wherever we go. It was a pleasure working with you Janelle. Thank you for Winnie - she is a wonderful addition to our family. We highly recommend Bella Mini Doodles and already have several times. Justin Chapman Feb From day 1 Penny has been an absolute joy! It ended up being quite the opposite! Kara Gauvin Jan We decided to get 2 mini golden doodles, a brother and sister - Cab and Margaux! Janelle was so helpful in the process, answering our numerous questions right up until pick up day : These 2 puppies have essentially been our "therapy dogs" and have brought so much fun and enjoyment into our lives! Thank you so much!

About Us When Tom and I were dating, I owned a miniature poodle, who always managed a way to squeeze between us wherever we were sitting. I took one and, yes, Tom took the other. They went everywhere with us, and we grew to love the poodle breed. Tom and I have been married now for over 40 years and have three wonderful children and nine grandchildren. We are both retired school teachers. Tom taught high school art and retired to producing art full time, and I taught special education for 35 years. A few years after our children had graduated from high school and were almost out of college, we purchased our first standard poodle, and she brought great joy into our lives. Jazz was a beautiful apricot color with hints of red. She loved people, loved the outdoors, loved to swim, and loved to go wherever we went, especially hiking and kayaking. I also took her through two classes of agility for fun, and she did very well. Her intelligence made her very easy to train, and she was the perfect companion for us. Full of spring and a fun loving spirit, Jazz lived her life here in our home on seven acres outside of Middle Point, Ohio. She was free to run around the grounds and play in the pond as much as she wanted, and she was the perfect mother of many fabulous puppies bringing love and joy to many families today. In February of , we purchased our own sire, Max. He was a beautiful, and very affectionate, dark red boy who kept that dark red color his whole life. We also kept a red female out of Jazz's first litter, not sired by Max , and named her Cedar, and then in we added a red female, Gracie, to our breeding program. From Jazz's last litter, we kept a little clone of her and named her Sophie. Jesse came to our family in to be an additional sire and perfect match for Ellie Mae, and we kept one of their offspring, Reba. We also kept Zala out of Sophia and Max. Our last update is the addition of River, who came to us through Minaretts. Our beloved Jazz , Max and Gracie have since passed away, and we miss them so very much. Jazz was the start of our breeding program and Max was our main sire. Cedar, Sophia and Ellie are all reitred from breeding and live with us still. The others are all actively involved in our breeding program, bringing beautiful red and apricot RW puppies into the world for seekers to enjoy. We believe in testing and matching our males with our females according to strengths and weaknesses in order to continue improving confirmation, color , points and personality. We do not mix breed, and all of our puppies are AKC registerable. Our poodles and puppies get the best of care and attention in order to provide healthy, socialized puppies to loving forever homes. The day we purchased Jazz! My beloved Jazz and me! Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! Poodle Exercise Requirements Overview Exercise plays a crucial role in a dog's overall health and can even extend a dog's life span. Offering proper exercise goes way beyond taking a Poodle out for a walk now and again. This section will make sure that you know how to find the right balance of activity for a Poodle of each variety Toy, Miniature and Standard and of any age. We will go over: How your Poodle will benefit from scheduled activity What type of exercise is best for this breed, for each size variety Exercise requirements for all stages of a Poodle's life How to overcome the most common reasons for not exercising your dog Alternative activities you can do with your puppy or dog 6 Top Exercise Tips Why Exercise is So Important When a Poodle receives enough proper exercise, the benefits are enormous. Can help slow the development of arthritis Can increase life span, as diet, exercise, dental care and living conditions are the top 4 elements that affect how long a dog lives. In many cases, just sticking to a walking schedule can combat some of the most difficult behavioral problems. For each of these elements, it is simply a matter of allowing a Poodle to release built-up energy and frustration in a healthy way. If exercise is done randomly and without structure, you won't see much improvement. Destructive behavior - Without regular release of energy via healthy, purposeful activity, a Poodle of any age may instead focus his energy on chewing, digging, scratching or other destructive behaviors. Barking - One of the main causes of excessive barking is frustration and exercise can help eliminate this element. Attention seeking behavior - Dogs that miss out on regular one-on-one time with their owners can end up constantly seeking attention. However, when this need is met, the dog can relax at home, knowing that another session is due to happen soon. It can also lead improvements in: Sleep - Dogs that routinely exercise sleep better at night, both in how long they sleep and how much REM deep sleep they receive. Just a slight case of sleep deprivation that snowballs as the days and weeks pass by can cause all sorts of behavioral issues. This can be resolved with proper exercise. Overall mood - With tension and frustration released in a healthy way, half the battle is done. The other part is mental stimulation.Dogs are happier when they routinely can 'be dogs'; they are happiest when they can smell scents and see sights other than what is inside the house. This creates more of a calm, relaxed mood when indoors. Social Health - An often overlooked yet important part of a Poodle having the right amount of exercise is how it will improve his ability to be well-socialized. When done correctly, regular exercise will: Teach socialization- One of the most crucial aspects of raising a dog to be tolerable of other animals, people and situations is to expose him to the outside world on a regular basis. Many owners of Poodles that act hyper toward cars, dogs and people will avoid taking the Poodle out for a walk; yet this is the very thing that will lead to the Poodle learning to behave more ahead. In time, regular outdoor activity will allow a dog to gain the experience needed to have self-confidence while out and about. This is particularly true when you use this time to work on Heeling techniques. Regular walks with you gives your Poodle a 'job' and taking this on as a team each day can greatly improve the relationship between owner and dog. Just as you make sure that your Poodle eats super healthy foods, you puppy proof the house to keep him safe, you brush his teeth to prevent tooth decay and you work hard to keep him well-groomed… exercise should be a non-negotiable element of caring for your Poodle. The Best Exercise for a Poodle While quick bouts of energy filled activity like playing fetch does have its place, for daily exercise, walking your Poodle is the way to go. This holds true for tiny toy Poodles, medium sized Minis and large Standards. It is the best type of exercise for this breed for several reasons: 1 It is low impact. When your Poodle will be performing an action daily and essentially forever, you want that activity to offer all of the benefits without putting undue stress on the body. Repeated strenuous exercise puts stress on the joints, overtaxes muscles and can cause injury. Once you fall into a routine of walking your Poodle often enough and for long enough periods of time more ahead , his cardiovascular health, stamina and muscle strength will gradually improve… as this happens, walking speed can be incrementally increased so that your Poodle receives the same amount of body conditioning. The only things that you will need is a leash and harness more ahead and some patience if your Poodle needs some practice to keep his behavior in line more ahead. Also, with few exceptions, you can walk a dog during any season we will discuss winter, rain, heat, etc. In other words, while you may be walking very slowly, if your toy Poodle is trotting along beside you at a moderate pace, your dog will be receiving moderately challenging exercise in comparison to your stroll. Scarlett, 2 years old Photo courtesy of Dorothy How Much Exercise a Poodle Needs Puppies - For toys and miniatures under 1 year old and standards under 18 months old, owners must carefully schedule exercise times. Offering quick bouts of outdoor walking is a great way to for the puppy to discharge their abundant energy. That being said, greatly exceeding exercise limits for puppies can be detrimental to their growth. During the first year for toys and miniature Poodles and until about 18 months old for standard Poodles , the bones are still forming and growing. At the end of all major bones are growth plates; these are soft areas that contain rapidly dividing cells that are instrumental in allowing the bones to develop and grow longer as the Poodle pup matures from puppy to adult. Once a Poodle is done with puberty and is officially an adult dog that is done growing, the plates harden and calcify. Until that time, over-exercise can cause injury to this soft bone tissue and interfere with normal bone growth. So, you'll want to find a balance of enough walks, for the proper duration, to allow the pup to release energy and start becoming socialized to the world, yet be careful to not exercise your Poodle puppy to such an extent that it could possibly harm those growth plates. Do keep in mind that normal play in the house, etc. Over-exercise relates to repetitive actions such as running, walking briskly, etc. You just never want to push a young puppy into activity that puts stress on the body and raises the heartbeat if he is not up to it. In looking at these guidelines, we must remember that the duration is the same, no matter the size of the dog. This is because it is the pace at which the dog moves that equates a state of exercise. Toys will trot and standard Poodles will trot, and it is the owner that will need to adjust the pace at which they walk to keep the dog going briskly. A good rule of thumb is: 5 minutes per day, for each month of age. Toys and minis will at this point, move ahead to adult exercise requirements. You'll want to go at a moderate pace that is not overwhelming. Young puppies are only starting to learn about how to walk on leash and it can take some time for them to focus on proper heeling. Ahead, we'll dive into tips to making walking a more pleasant experience coming up. Adults - An adult Poodle in his prime, 1 year old toys or 2 years old standards to 7 years old, should have 60 minutes of exercise per day. Do keep in mind that no matter how active a dog appears while inside the home, this does not decrease the amount of time that the dog should be walked. There will be days that your schedule simply does not allow this or days when weather is so severe that you'll need to offer alternatives; however those should be the exceptions. Most Poodles do best with those 60 minutes split up into two 30 minute or three 20 minute sessions. We recommend: Morning - If you will be leaving for the day, it's a good idea to exercise your Poodle before you leave. Early evening - When you arrive back home, the two most important things to do will be to bring your Poodle to the bathroom area outside and then take him for a walk to release the built up tension that developed while the dog was home alone. Two hours later - Once dinner has been served, some household chores have been done and you are thinking about possibly relaxing for the night, this can be a great time to go for the 3rd and last walk of the day, should you decide to do 3 walks per day instead of 2. While you won't want to exercise your Poodle right before bedtime, heading out for a quick jaunt about 2 hours before the expected sleep time can help your dog calm down and relax as the family settles in for the night. Scotland, 10 months old Photo courtesy of Marlyn Seniors - Do not make the mistake of assuming that an older dog doesn't need exercise. Unless a senior Poodle has health conditions that prohibit him from exercising, you'll want to continue with daily walks. Some owners feel that a senior Poodle is more than content resting around the house. And while seniors are often complacent…they've seen it all and have done it all… and not much may excite them… Being out in the fresh air and stretching their legs can put a little pep in another wise ho-hum step. Regular light exercise can relieve joint discomfort that is common with older dogs, helps the senior dog maintain muscle mass and offers all of the benefits that it does with a senior dog's younger counterparts. Osteoarthritis is not uncommon for senior Poodle; though light exercise can often help alleviate symptoms and this will be something that you'll want to speak with the vet about. You'll want to monitor the older dog to see how he deals with duration, cutting back as needed or slowing down the pace. Health Exceptions - There are some health conditions , of course, that will necessitate a cease in exercise and others that require certain exercise as part of the treatment program. A good example of this is luxating patella slipped kneecap. During recovery, strict bed rest is often prescribed along with medications to reduce swelling and help with pain. However, afterward many vets will suggest strengthening exercises, most notably walking the dog uphill, to help build muscles that surround the knees. Always check with your Poodle's vet during and after any health issue for exercise restrictions and instructions. Pregnancy - In general, healthy pregnant Poodles should be taken for walks and exercised as normal up until the last week of pregnancy. Easy yet consistent exercise during pregnancy helps a female dog stay well-toned which is believed to help with labor and delivery. In most cases, exercise can gradually resume 2 to 3 weeks after giving birth. Depending on the age and size of your Poodle, this may simply be a casual stroll for you. With toy Poodles, do not expect to get in your cardio while walking the dog however, the fresh air, sunshine and movement will be beneficial to you as well… studies show that time NOT spent sitting is as important as exercising and that walking slow is much better than being sedentary. Take note of how your dog's legs are moving… He should be at a trot, with a short stride. Overcoming Reasons for Not Walking Your Poodle There are quite a few reasons why owners may be reluctant to take their Poodle out for regular exercise. Here we will discuss some of these concerns and how to deal with them. However, avoiding walks will not help resolve the issue. Many dogs will bark madly at anything that's within their line of sight… people, other dogs, cars, birds, squirrels, etc. The key to all of this is that a dog reacts that way when the element is intriguing or if it gives the dog concern. And both of those attitudes will fade more and more as the dog is exposed to the elements. If you've ever seen a dog barking like mad when being walked, if you could fast forward 6 months and the owner consistently kept taking the dog out along the same route that whole time , you'd see a very different dog. That dog would be socialized to every aspect of the outside world and those perceived threats would no longer cause alarm. The best thing to do is to ignore the barking and your neighbors that are giving you funny looks and with your Poodle safely on a harness not a collar and the leash kept short, keep walking at the set pace. Walk with determination and without pause, no matter how hyper your dog acts.Any time that the barking stops for even just a count of 5 if it is severe , give enthusiastic praise while simultaneously reaching into your pocket to dispense a small treat as you continue on the path. Exercising in hot, humid weather is certainly a concern for this breed and for all dogs. However, with some planning, you can continue to make sure that your Poodle stays active enough during the summertime. Here are some tips: Protect the paws from hot pavement. Far too many dogs have their paws scalded by hot pavement and this can easily be fixed by either using a super high quality paw wax that will create a layer of protection or by placing comfortable doggie shoes on your Poodle. Protect the nose from sunburn this can happen within 20 minutes with direct sun which can lead to peeling. Use a quality nose balm. Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day. Even on exceedingly hot days, early morning and then again right before sunset, the temperature can often be in the 70's or low 80's which is tolerable. Not to mention, the sun's rays will not be as strong. Bring along water and plan one break. At just about the halfway point, take a break preferably in the shade. During the break, offer a good amount of cool water to your Poodle a canine travel water container works well… the cover works as a bowl and you can place a couple of ice cubes in the insulated thermos to keep the water cold. Do always use caution; if you feel it is just too hot out to safely walk your Poodle, look to alternative activities more ahead. While there are exceptions, walks during the winter can be doable if you plan ahead. For 'normal' winter days, here are some tips: Protect the paws from winter elements. Use a quality paw wax or slip on no-skid canine booties. Dress appropriately. This is important advice for both you and your Poodle. When an owner is freezing and miserable, they will be much more likely to rush the walk, take a short cut or skip it all together by rushing back inside after the dog goes to the bathroom. If you bundle up we're talking hat, scarf, thick winter coat, gloves and durable water-proof boots , you'll be much more apt to stick with your Poodle's exercise program. Likewise, particular for toy Poodles, owners often need to take steps to help the dog stay warm. A thick lined vest, hoodie, coat or sweater will help your toy Poodle keep his core body temperature warm and toasty. Sophie, 9 months old Photo courtesy of June Nelligan Protect the nose - Cold air and whipping chilly winds can quickly cause a chapped nose. Be pro-active in protecting your Poodle's nose before chapping happens. Use a dab of quality nose butter. Depending on the weather, and the safety of the road conditions, you may need to take a shorter route or limit the time spent outdoors. Of course, during blizzards or a severe weather event, staying inside is the safe option. While some dogs are super active in the house, most do need to have scheduled walks. When veterinarians suggest exercise guidelines, this is taking into account that a dog is going to be moving about the house. By heading outside, you will accomplish many things: You'll know that your dog is meeting the requirements of up to an hour of exercise per day. It is also an opportunity to socialize your dog, work on heeling and spend quality time together. Alternative Activities Maybe it is pouring cats and dogs outside, a blizzard is blowing in, or it's degrees out… no matter what may be the case, you may be looking for ways to keep your Poodle active if a walk is out of the question. Here are some tips: 1 Summer Tips: If it is the summer heat that is getting in the way, setting up a kiddie pool in a shaded area of the yard can be just the trick to get a dog moving. As with most activities, your enthusiasm will play a role in how much fun your Poodle has. Another great option is to set up a sprinkler. Most dogs love the thrill of chasing after osculating water and this can be a great way to offer a bit of cardio in the summer. Lastly, swimming is a great exercise that puts very limited stress on the body… However, do keep in mind that not all Poodles automatically know how to swim well. While the Poodle was bred to be a water dog, retrieving fowl from lakes and ponds, that was quite a while ago and today's modern Poodle may need practice to feel comfortable in water. Stay super close to your dog … and using a canine life vest is always a good idea. After swimming, be sure to shampoo and rinse the coat well, as any chlorine residue can cause excessive dryness as well as discoloration of the coat. Make it more challenging as your Poodle catches on, following him about the house to keep him on track and keep him moving. For fetch, all you need is a long hallway and a ball. As we mentioned above, your attitude and level of eagerness will play a huge role in how receptive your Poodle is and how much energy the dog puts into playing. Top 6 Exercise Tips 1 Make a schedule. Life can be exceedingly busy and there will be times that you come home exhausted and see your Poodle is perfectly content cuddling on the sofa with you while you watch TV. However, when you have times blocked off for taking your Poodle out for walks, it's easier to stick with the program. Maybe your Poodle behaves just fine no pent-up energy and is more than happy to hang around the house… so why bother? Exercise is important for 'now' and for 'later'. Every session works toward building a stronger, healthier dog. These short bouts of activity can be training times as well. Whether it is to get your Poodle so used to other dogs that he learns to calm down… or you want to gradually get him to no longer fear traffic… or you want to teach the "Heel' command until your Poodle marches like a little trooper by your side… Make each walk have more meaning by working toward a goal together. Teaka, 4 years old Photo courtesy of Rolande and Dan 4 Assess and adjust. Throughout your Poodle's life, his exercise requirements will change. As he builds endurance, you may need to pick up the pace. If the weather is hotter than you expected, you may need to cut the walk short and schedule it for later in the day. As a senior, he may need 3 shorter walks as opposed to two longer ones. Always be mindful of how your dog is handling the activity and make adjustments as needed. It cannot be overstated how vital it is to have your Poodle wearing a harness any time that he is on leash. If a leash is connected to the collar, this places stress on the neck which can cause injury, including collapsed trachea. This is especially true for toy Poodles, though it does apply for miniatures and standards as well. Not only do you have the weight of the leash, there is the element that if the puppy or dog jumps to the side, runs ahead, gets wounded up in the leash, etc. You will also find that it is much easier to control a Poodle when he is wearing a harness, which makes walking a more pleasant experience. Particularly relevant when house training , it's never a good idea to let a Poodle pee and poo along the way when you could have had the dog use the designated bathroom area first. When you return home, allow your Poodle another opportunity to pee and poo in the bathroom area before being brought back into the house. A: As long as you bring your Poodle for regular walks and are making sure that he meets the exercise requirements for this breed, there is nothing wrong at all with having your dog in a stroller. Just like a car seat or a bicycle basket, strollers or slings are another form of safety and in this case, you are the mode of transportation. Q: I really wanted to start teaching my Poodle puppy how to navigate obstacles and weave poles, but I've heard that puppies shouldn't be exercised too much. Would this be harmful? A: It is true that too much exercise is not good for puppies; however this has gotten really exaggerated by some sources. Puppies are naturally very active and this is a good thing! Being sedentary is not advantageous for any dog, of any age. The only type of over-exercise that interferes with growth plates is severe exertion that would cause the puppy to pant and really struggle to keep up…. Exercise that taxes the body and puts strain on the dog. And this would have to occur on a regular basis to cause a problem. Normally playing and running about the house is expected and helps a puppy grow up healthy. Just do not push the pup to do more than he shows enthusiasm for, taking breaks or calling 'time' after 20 minutes or so. By the way, teaching weave pole obstacles is a great idea and can be super fun for both of you. What do you think about canine treadmills for exercise? A: These are, mostly, used for physical therapy and some large breed dogs may do well with treadmills, especially if they are overweight and need some vet-directed additional exercise. However, these can be very expensive and are not a good substitute for one-on-one play with your Poodle. And if you must stay indoors on many days, playing fetch or other games that offers your dog interaction with you will be much better for his mood than walking on the machine. As a final note, if this were to be used, we'd suggest extreme close supervision as injury would be a top concern. Q: What, exactly, should my reaction and my action be when my Poodle barks like a madman at other dogs when we're out for a walk? A: The first thing to keep in mind is why a dog does this. Imagine that you spent your days surrounded with only dogs… no humans at all, just canines. Then as a brief respite, each day for 20 minutes, you are let out into the world to exercise and during that time you actually get to see other people. BUT, you are not allowed to interact with them. You are instructed to keep walking and ignore them. Would you go a bit nuts after a while? So, the point of this that many owners need to remember, is that a dog will bark at other dogs out of frustration. Many times, this is not an aggressive maneuver at all and it does not mean that the barking dog is misbehaving. It can often be resolved by just allowing your dog to meet the other dog. If your Poodle did nip, that would then be another topic. But you'll never know how he does with other dogs, unless you give him chances with a variety of dogs and allow him to learn to socialize while out for his daily walk. We'd suggest calling out to the other owner with a friendly, "Hi, do you mind if my dog says hello to your dog? At that point, allow the dogs to be dogs. Without interference, they should be allowed to sniff each other. Yes, it will be the rear ends. That is where their scent glands are located and this relays information back and forth regarding: health status, mood and gender. In some cases, the dogs will then back away, which is your cue to thank that owner and continue on your way…. As long as the other person doesn't mind, a short bout of playing is just fine and will allow your Poodle an opportunity to learn canine socializing. Do always keep a close eye on your dog, with the leash in hand, ready to pull him toward you should the other dog get too rough another reason why a harness is the better choice over a collar when on leash. You will also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about - we always look to Member suggestions. All rights reserved. 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. Share Us. Feb 18, Feb 18, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Now you may be wondering how big do toy poodles get when full grown? A toy poodle may be a maximum of 10 inches in height at the shoulder to be considered a toy poodle and not a miniature poodle. Whether they stand at 10, 15, or 20 inches in height, the poodle is an intelligent dog that needs time everyday to exercise and stretch its legs. Toy poodles were bred to be the clever companions of city dwellers with condos in the s. Although they look demure, they have the heart of a hunting dog that is always raring to go. However, the toy poodle is not the ideal dog for everyone, as they can be fairly demanding in terms of how much time and money you need to spend on their needs every day. Read on to find out if your home is the right one for a toy poodle to take over! Poodles were originally bred in France starting in the s. Early standard poodles in the s and s would accompany hunters on their hunts for waterfowl and retrieve the birds from the icy cold bodies of water. The standard poodle was highly intelligent, athletic, and well-loved. A smaller version was sought after by truffle hunters and circus owners. As a result, the miniature poodle was developed for its agility and slightly smaller size. By the s, the even-smaller toy poodle we know today was developed. According to the breed standard, an adult poodle is considered a toy if it is a maximum of 10 inches in height at the shoulder. Miniature poodles stand at a maximum of 15 inches in height, and the standard poodle stands anywhere over 15 inches in height. The height restrictions are enforced strictly, especially if the dog is being entered into competitions. Whether they are standard, miniature, or toy, the poodle is well-loved and ranks as the seventh most popular dog breed by the American Kennel Club. Toy Poodles At Birth At birth, toy poodles are miniscule and typically weigh in at under a pound! Toy poodle puppies are very fragile during this time. Toy Poodles At 3 Months At three months old, most toy poodles will have grown to a little over two pounds and will be tottering around on the tiniest of paws. They will begin putting on weight more quickly following this growth stage. Toy Poodles At 6 Months At six months old, most toy poodles will have gained a fair amount of weight and will be nearing the height they will end up being as an adult. By this time, they will be very active and giving you a good run for your money! Toy Poodles At 9 Months At nine months old, your toy poodle will likely be nearly fully grown. Some toy poodles may bulk up slightly and put on an additional half of a pound or so by the month mark. While the toy poodle is an adorable fluff ball, it is not the ideal dog for everyone or for every home. It takes a special kind of person to care for a toy poodle so the dog can live a full, healthy, and happy life. Here are the big questions to think about if you are considering a toy poodle based on their size and breed. Toy poodles are insanely intelligent. They require as much mental stimulation as a standard poodle twice or three times their size. This means they need to be trained properly to follow a variety of commands as well as receive daily mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is key to preventing your toy poodle from becoming bored and destroying anything in its reach or from becoming sad and moody. You can mentally stimulate your toy poodle by giving it puzzles , lick mats , and snuffle blankets. Even though toy poodles are tiny compared to standard poodles, they need the same amount of exercise time. One to two hours of daily physical exercise will help keep your toy poodle active, healthy, and sufficiently worn out. A toy poodle that is brimming with energy from being cooped up in an apartment or condo all day will suffer from anxiety issues, behavioral problems, and start to take their frustration out on their surroundings by chewing on your valuables and yapping the day away. Daily hikes, walks, obstacle courses, or runs around town will keep your poodle happy and healthy. Toy poodles are a fraction of the size of standard poodles. However, they require the same amount of grooming. Poodles do not shed their hair as frequently as many other dog breeds, which has led many people to incorrectly calling them hypoallergenic. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, as all dogs shed their hair and dead skin cells. Still, poodles are as close as you could come to having a hypoallergenic dog. That being said, they need to have their coats brushed once a day—not to remove loose hair, but to prevent knots from forming in their thick curly coats. Every six to eight months, your toy poodle will also need to go for a haircut to prevent their coat from getting too long and matting. Finally, poodles are excellent swimmers, and the toy poodle is no different. However, if their coat gets wet, they need to be dried and brushed immediately to prevent their coat from cording. Toy poodles are not large enough dogs to withstand the attention of small children. Toy poodles fare best in homes with no children or older children who are responsible enough to handle such a small dog with care. Yes, the size of your poodle will actually affect its lifespan. The smaller your poodle is such as the toy , the longer their lifespan will be. Standard poodles live for 10 to 12 years on average, miniature poodles live for 12 to 15 years on average, and the toy poodle lives for 15 to 18 years on average. Is there a difference between the size of male and female toy poodles? Male toy poodles are slightly larger than female toy poodles as is common in almost all dog breeds. However, because the breed is so small, the difference comes down to just a few pounds. Males typically weigh 7 to 10 pounds, whereas female toy poodles weigh 6 to 9 pounds. Is there a difference between toy and teacup poodles? Toy poodles are a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club separate from the standard and miniature poodles, whereas the teacup poodle is not. A teacup poodle is considered to be just a very small toy poodle. Can you get toy varieties of poodle crossbreeds? If a breed is successfully crossed with a standard poodle, it can be crossed with a toy poodle to get a smaller variety. Obviously, logistics and safety must play a role as a giant breed, such as the Great Dane, will produce a puppy that would be too large for a toy poodle to carry or safely give birth to. There are many varieties of poodle crosses that can produce adorable toy versions such as the corgipoo , the Aussiedoodle , goldendoodle , and the Whoodle. A toy poodle can be a maximum of 10 inches at the shoulder to be considered a toy poodle and not a miniature poodle. Toy poodles are every bit as intelligent, agile, and needy as their larger counterparts. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Jazz and Max watch as we pass some ducks. Lou, and his best friend, Nellie! Cedar loved this boat ride; a great way to end this exciting day! No, this is not a poodle! Cute little Sukie might have been out-numbered, but she could hide in or get through places that those big poodles could not! This year, Ruben was the perfect host again, taking his guests on a ride in his motorcycle and side car. Cooling off on this hot August day! The poodles swim to the rafts, where they can rest for a few minutes. Gracie Lou's Nellie spent lots of time retrieving. She is so good at it and fast as well! Time for Lisa's delicious liver brownies! A deck full of wet poodles! Nellie doing her "walk like a bear" trick! Good girl, Nellie! Time for a ride on the pontoon. Again a relaxing end to a fun filled day! She so loves the water, that is for sure! What a great way to end another great day at the Friedman's! Thank you so much for your hospitality! Scot really knows how to grill hamburgers! Thanks, Scot! Lou and his amazing Nellie! Max enjoys the ride stretched out on the back seat. Poodles and their families started arriving around .Leo and Ruben getting to know each other again. Charlie's first time at the party at 8 months of age. Nellie jumps to retrieve her frisbee! She is so good at retrieving in the water! Treat time! Jan and Lisa both had hand made doggie treats for the poodles to reward them for such a good job swimming and getting along! Everyone brought delicious dishes to share and Lisa and Scot grilled their juicy, all grass-fed beef hamburgers. After dinner, most were able to stay for the boat ride. The dogs love this part of the day, and so do we! Katie, Ruskin, and Dave Jazz watches a boat go by and tries to jump after it! Cedar enjoys riding on the back and feeling the wind in her face. Tom thought Ruben was thirsty, but Lisa informed him that he just wants to play with the bottle! Plastic bottles make fun and noisy toys! Max, Lisa and Cedar Tom and Ruben seem to be watching the same thing. It was a fun day! Thanks again to Scot and Lisa for sharing their lake property with us all! Max is a good swimmer, although he would rather not. My girls and me! Pippa is swimming to Phil! Lou forgot Nellie's water toys this year, so she is retrieving his shoe! Cedar is an excellent swimming companion! Amos is a fabulous water retriever as well! Hoosier and Toews after swimming waiting for a treat, "Did we do well? Handsome Ruskin probably looking for Mazie who I don't seem to have a picture of. Leo is the tallest poodle we have produced, standing 29 inches at the shoulder and looking just like his mama, Jazz, who was dearly missed this year. .Hoosier and Gus.

Wyoming Pug Rescue Be patient! It might take months to find the perfect pug for you. Be patient with the process. Do your research. Before agreeing to work with a rescue, read their reviews, their policies, and check their c 3 status. You can do a search for their records here. The adoption process can take anywhere from days, to weeks, to months. Does the rescue adopt out of state? What is the adoption fee? Is the application open or do you have to apply for a specific dog? Are you allowed to meet available dogs before adopting? Be Kind Pug rescues are run by dedicated volunteers who spend their free time helping needy pugs. Always be kind and respectful. They work hard so that you can bring home your new pup. Common Pug Rescue Questions Are there pug puppies for adoption? Pug puppies are incredibly popular, so getting your hands on one available for adoption might be difficult. The best way to have a chance at adopting a pug puppy is to turn in an adoption application and become approved for adoption early, if possible. Then wait for a puppy to become available. Is there a pug shelter? Are there black pugs for adoption? Pug rescues rescue pugs of all sizes, ages, mixes, and colors. There tend to be more fawn pugs available, but there are also black pugs, apricot pugs, and more. No pug rescue in your area? Use Petfinder to locate an adoptable pug near you. Vocality level 5 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament ACA delightful blend of dignity and comedy, the Pug is an amiable, playful, and confident companion. They can be stubborn and headstrong, but they are pleasant and generally willing to please. They love to cavort and show off. Upkeep The Pug needs daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk. They do not do well in heat and humidity. They needs minimal coat care but daily cleaning of facial wrinkles. Their smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs; however, the wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections. The Pug may often wheeze and snore. Health Major concerns: Pug dog encephalitis, CHD, brachycephalic syndrome Minor concerns: elongated palate, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes, entropion, KCS, skin infections, hemivertebra Occasionally seen: seizures, nerve degeneration, distichiasis, allergies, demodicosis Suggested tests: eye, hip, knee, DNA Pug dog encephalitis Life span: 12—15 years Note: The Pug cannot tolerate heat and is sensitive to anesthesia. They are prone to corneal abrasion and obesity. The Pug is somewhat of an exception in the Toy Group because they are perhaps the only one to be descended from mastiff forebears. Although their exact ancestry has been lost in antiquity, the Pug retains many mastiff characteristics. The Pug is an ancient breed, one of several miniaturized in the Orient, where they were a favorite pet of Buddhist monasteries in Tibet many centuries ago. Here they became quite popular and were recognized as the official dog of the House of Orange after one saved the life of Prince William by sounding an alarm at the approach of Spanish soldiers in .Pugs were first brought to England during Victorian times and became incredibly popular with the wealthy, displacing the King Charles Spaniel as the favored royal breed. Several Pugs were brought to England from China in .A year earlier, the breed had been recognized by the AKC. Since that time, they have remained popular a pet. Related Content. Adopt A Pug Due to the extremely low number of pugs in our rescue and the high number of applications we have been receiving from within the state, we are only considering in-state applications at this time. Hopefully, this low number of pugs being relinquished is a good sign for pugs in general. Utah residents can try Pugpals. In Wyoming, check with Wyoming Pug Rescue. Thank you for considering the adoption of a Pug! Responsible pet ownership requires a commitment to provide care and companionship for the life of the animal. The decision to adopt a pet is an important one. CPR will also provide care for acute conditions, even those which may require surgery. Because the Rescue does not pass these costs along to either the foster home or the adopting home, please consider making a donation to CPR to help us continue this important work. A home visit with a CPR volunteer is required for all adoptive families. Why do we do this? We want a perfect match for you! An adoption contract will be completed at the time of adoption, and CPR does not refund adoption fees. If after adoption, there is a need to re-home your pug, simply return the Pug to the Rescue for re-adoption into a new home. Adoption Fees: Our standard adoption fees are listed below. Some pugs will have a reduced adoption fee, please check the adoptable pugs page for more information. Please take a few moments to carefully read and complete this application. Help for Welby After spending much of his ten months of life in pain, Welby the pug puppy has received surgery for his defective knee. Please help us replenish our veterinary care fund so we are ready for the next dog who needs our help. Donate Here Merchandise! The donations cost them nothing. A portion of the total transaction amount for every linked card is donated to us. For sign up information, please visit www. To participate, please sign up and select us here. Upcoming Events.

This discrepancy is most likely caused by the strong impact that certain topics have on public health and the fact that the medical consequences in companion animals are still poorly investigated and underestimated. Therefore, it turns out that the role of all practitioners is crucial so that they can advise owners on the best preventive and corrective behaviors to implement in indoor environments. Secondhand smoke and dogs In humans, the danger of active and passive smoking considered to be responsible for respiratory, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases is well established. What happens to animals who share living spaces with smoking owners? Those who inhale tobacco inhale only 15 percent of the smoke; the remainder is dispersed into the environment. In the particulate matter that is released there are 4, chemical compounds 40 of which are recognized by the international scientific community as mutagens and carcinogens, among them hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Each individual compound has its own weight and, as a result, is progressively stratified within the air column, from the lightest at the top to the heaviest toward the bottom. Dogs and cats, for obvious reasons of size, breathe at a lower height than their owners, it follows that they too face risks ranging from chronic respiratory diseases to neoplasms. Studies on dogs A study conducted by Vasco De Gama University in Brazil on 30 Yorkshire-breed dogs, half of which came from homes with at least one consumer of 20 cigarettes per day, showed following a simple tracheobronchial wash that macrophages, cells deputed to defense, showed signs of anthracosis within them, that is, the deposition of charcoal particles and material directly from secondhand smoke inhalation. Further confirmation of the penetration of these compounds into the bodies of dogs was obtained by finding in the urine of dogs with smoking owners, a compound, cotinine, which results from the processing of inhaled nicotine. Simple smoke inhalation can increase by 2. Not just secondhand smoke In the home. There are two additional tobacco-related dangers that creep into both the home environment and daily walks. Many dogs, particularly young individuals and especially Labradors are wont to ingest what they find on the ground without making a big selection. In smokers' homes, this translates into some products that are carelessly left unattended such as: chewing tobacco, cigarette butts, and more. The nicotine in them is a toxic compound, and the systemic spread that follows ingestion can cause actual poisoning with symptoms that vary depending on the product and dose taken. While in smokers the bodily absorption of nicotine is lower because only a small part of it penetrates by the respiratory route, more care must be taken in pets. Case histories among dogs show that puppies, due to curiosity, are the most affected individuals. Nevertheless, such poisoning, which can in some borderline cases put or risk even the life of the affected person, is not common since many products possess a strong, sour and unappetizing taste. The acidic pH of the stomach also does not facilitate its systemic absorption as well as vomiting, an often common symptom, promotes its elimination after ingestion. During walks, an additional pitfall is butts thrown on the ground, which also often accumulate due to the long degradation time of one to two years. Within these residues is in fact the filter that collects and concentrates within it most of the chemical compounds present in a cigarette. Despite the fact that the toxic capacity of butts has long been well known in aquatic animals, a first extensive U. The symptomatology observed can be highly variable and include vomiting, lethargy, tremors, hypersalivation, and requires prompt veterinary attention. A surprising result The owner's strong emotional bond with his dog can also serve as an important stimulus to improve personal lifestyle and prompt the smoker to reflect on his behaviors. March 28, .We are glad you stopped in for a visit. We are located in Berks County in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Raising, training and hunting Labrador Retrievers is a major part of our lives. Our own dogs are well socialized and share time in our house as part of the family. Our labs are carefully selected for temperament, intelligence, drive and great looks. A lot of thought, careful planning, and research goes into each breeding. We do everything possible to ensure that our litters will produce puppies that are genetically sound. Our pups are born and raised in our home and they are socialized by children, young adults, and adults alike. Pups are exposed to various sights and sounds and have plenty of play time in our outside turf area. Our pups come with a month guarantee that covers hips and eyes. Pups have dewclaws removed by our vet, are wormed 3 times, receive 6-week vaccination, and are vet checked at 7 weeks of age. Pups are fed a quality large breed puppy food. Contact us for the details. We do not ship puppies at this time. Puppies cannot leave our kennel until they are 8 weeks old. I began shooting around him just recently and from the very beginning he was fearless. He just looks straight ahead waiting to be released. As far as family is concerned he is a wonderful new addition. He is such a lover and truly enjoys being with his people. I also have to admit that he might be a bit spoiled, but we enjoy having him know that he is loved. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. I will continue to train him and develop him into a great hunt dog. All of the foundations are there, we just need continued reinforcement as any good hunt dog does. Woody is a superb dog trainer and teacher about retriever training. Twin Lakes is an extraordinary facility. All will have clean genetic pedigrees. Most importantly, Woody is an honest, straightforward man who will tell you both the strengths and weaknesses of any dog he sells or you wish to have evaluated. I would stake my own reputation on this. Scanlon MD. The world has lost a man of great sensitivity, wisdom and spirit. He was wonderful friend. During that time I got to meet many professional retriever dog trainers all across the United States. Woody Thurman, whom I have known for more than 20 years, was and is my favorite. He is an extremely intelligent, honest, hard working and trustworthy man. In addition, he has a unique natural gift in knowing how read and train a dog that I have seen only a few possess. He is a truly outstanding professional dog trainer and, supported by his wife Judy, has devoted his life to his trade. All that I can tell you is that from my years of personal experience in the Hunt Test program as both a participant and Judge, Woody was the man that I instinctively went to twice for what proved to be magnificent Labrador Retrievers. He helped train both of them and, me too. I highly recommend him, without qualification, to anyone looking for a retriever or to have one trained and cared for properly. He will get the most out of your retriever while treating and training it as if it were his own. Not only have they played a feature role in this period of our lives; in many ways their presence defined it. Three of their dogs became our dogs. The love, devotion, and superior training Woody and Judi provided for their dogs—which then became our dogs—has impacted us daily. Woody is brilliant. All of them have such awesome form and style. His dogs know it, show it and prove it with one incomprehensible feat after another. To see Woody and his dogs work is nothing short of captivating. Their dogs—our dogs—certainly ended up owning us. Every second owner will tell you the same: the dogs always belong to Woody and Judi. They deserve the credit, God deserves the glory and our cup runneth over. Because of Woody and Judi our dogs had the ability to deliver moments and days and years of treasured time together. Yes, indeed, their presence defined us. Rush James, St. I am no rookie to this process. This would be my fifth hunting dog and I wanted a male which could do it all—pheasant, ducks, and geese. When Woody interviewed me, I told him I had trained two of my own dogs, so I had a good idea what I wanted. He showed me a two and half year old Labrador Retriever named Chase and that was that for the next eleven years! Did I mention I also needed a dog who would be part of the family? He was the greatest hunter I have ever seen on all birds and a great friend. He is honest, has an undeniable sense about dogs, and above all, knows what you need in a dog. I bought my second dog from Woody three years ago, the most dominant female I have ever experienced. But again, she is an outstanding hunter, great with people including our grand daughter. Trust is the core value of a team; good judgment is also a key ingredient for success in any situation. Woody and his wife, Judi, are the Best. We are blessed to have them as teamster! Iaquinta, M. He loves his wife and family; he loves music; he loves literature and he loves his Labrador Retrievers. His character and integrity come through in the Labs he so lovingly trains. You will not go wrong choosing a Labrador Retriever for the hunt or for the home from this man. I wanted to say thank you, again, for putting up with me during the puppy process! You all were so sweet to send pictures and answer my questions, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with you. You were also right about how smart she would be! April and her family are loving Guage, their new Lab. Here are a few pics of him. We hope that you are all doing well and thank you, once again, for our amazing dog. Thanks, again, for breeding the best dog in the world as far as I am concerned! Smoke is really shaping up to be every ducks worse nightmare. By the way, Smoke went 17 for 18 in the last 2 days. He is a natural with amazing drive. Thanks, again. Twin Lakes Kennel is the number 1 resource for Labrador Retriever puppies. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our Labs, both puppies and adults, are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. The end results are the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retrievers possible, making them a most desirable family pet. More than eight thousand 8, Labrador Retrievers have been bred and trained during those thirty-five years. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. Our Labrador Retriever puppies are the culmination of a 30 year search for the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retriever possible. Our puppies begin a structured socialization program in the litter box and are introduced to birds at six weeks. All our Labrador Retriever Puppies carry a guarantee against hereditary defects and to have basic retrieving instincts. Parents of all our Labrador Retriever puppies are physically sound with certified hips and eyes. They are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. We guarantee all our Labrador Retriever puppies to be free from hereditary defects. Call Woody and Judi at for more information. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! He must have been thinking of a Lab! Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog in the USA year after year since .For good reasons considering they make gentle friends, are great with children, have outgoing personalities, are very intelligent, eager to learn, easy to train with a high natural retrieving instinct, and are excellent hunting companions. Here at Southern Flight Retrievers we raise and focus on working retrievers. They are bred and built for endurance, speed, and agility in the field. While most of the puppies we raise go to Field Trial , Hunt Test, and Hunting homes, we also have sold and continue to sell pups for the other useful work Labs are quite capable of doing. Labs are becoming increasingly popular for the use of Guide Dog services for the physically handicapped or for Search and Rescue dogs. Their excellent sense of smell makes them highly effective in Detection work as well. All in all, it is hard to go wrong with choosing a working Labrador Retriever. We look forward to helping you find the perfect lab puppy to fit your need and situation. American Labs are typically bred to compete and hunt. They tend to be taller and more athletic with muscular body conformation. American labs are preferred for better mobility in marshes, waterways, and muddy fields. A true British Labrador is short and stocky. They would typically be found in show rings. If a person sees American and British Labradors side by side, there is a noticeable difference. For a good idea of what a puppy from us will look like grown up please visit our Client Gallery under the Photo Gallery tab.