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Pups4Sale helps dog lovers find their newest furry friend. We connect you with a responsible, verified dog-owner looking to share the joy of their newest litter, or a good-hearted soul looking to help a rescued dog find a loving home. Find the perfect companion for you and your family at Pups4Sale. Pups4Sale knows that you care that you are sourcing your new family member from a reliable source, so we guarantee that each and every advertisement posted on our site has been verified by one of our own staff. When you're opening your heart to a four-legged friend, you don't want to have to worry about scammers or fraudulent advertisements. Browse the range of dogs for sale from Pups4Sale with confidence and find someone to love today! English bulldogs are a loveable, loyal dog Bulldogs are one of the most iconic breeds in the world. With their distinctive stout build, wrinkled face and inset nose, they're instantly recognisable and are adored by breeders and families across the globe. Despite their outwardly rugged appearance, Bulldogs are known for their gentle temperament, making them a surprisingly good family pet. Bonding strongly with children, they'll be a constant companion to little ones and are known to easily get along with other dogs. When raised from a puppy, you can expect your bulldog to be fiercely loyal to your family, but this doesn't mean you should expect aggression. Good, consistent training and regular socialisation ensures that your bulldog will be eager to please and ready to play with both visiting humans and dogs. We've helped thousands of Australians welcome a new family member into their homes. Browse our listings or open an account today to create your own listings. If you have any questions about any of our listings, feel free to contact our team directly via email at admin pups4sale. These are a medium-sized breed with a muscular build and stocky legs. Their hallmark feature is the many folds that form around their faces and foreheads. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Full Chocolate Suit. Very rare. Fully vaccinations and chipped. Very good-natured and house-trained, but too excitable for my month-old daughter so we can't have her in the house much anymore. It's not fair on her so looking for a new home. Russell Gallagher Frank the handsome bulldog Frank is born on the .English Bulldogs temperaments are outgoing. They are a calm, people-oriented breed that's loyal, intelligent, and also great with children. Bulldogs are devoted to their families and make excellent watchdogs because of their courageous nature. Most English Bulldogs are friendly toward strangers and get along well with other pets. Like all dogs, the Bulldog should be properly socialized during puppy hood to ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded and easygoing. Training an English Bulldog isn't difficult. We can't wait to help you find the perfect addition to your home. They are very friendly and very happy babies! Puppies have be bought up on the best premium diets available to both mother and young. Serious enquiries only. D - Father of the puppies is a full UK import, with incredible bloodlines. His family tree is available to view and we have all the details of 5 generations. Mums family tree is also available and has 3 generations. Both parents are DNA clear. We are a boutique family run breeding program. We own mum and dad and you can meet them when you come to view puppies. All will be ANKC registered. Mains papers only considered for the correct candidates. We welcome you to come and visit the puppies. Puppies are ready to go to their forever homes on June 6th. Any questions welcomed. If interested please contact me. Victor Ollie just turned 1 in November,purebred British bulldog has desexed, he will sit and wait for his food until ordered to eat,living with young age baby, looking for genuine loving home. Both parents can be seen. No time wasters please. Puppy must be seen to be appreciated fully. Well socialised with young children and other dogs delivery can be arranged Jeremy Glaros bulldog pups pure breed All the pups are microchipped vet checked wormed and all have had first lot of needles all the pups weight about 9 kilos and above Johnson and Scott in the litter and ready to go to a new home Microchip numbers: Pet Exchange Register Source Number: MB Greg British Bulldog Puppies We have available 3 British Bulldog puppies 12 weeks old Vaccinated Vet check and microchipped, Worming all up to date. Mother and father are in a petite size range as adult size. Animal welfare source number: EE Microcip numbers: ,,,,, Zara Daneliuc Sweet Temperament British Bulldogs Awaiting 5star A lot of love, care and time has been invested in our dogs due to our passion for the breed. They are OUR family. We very much concentrate on breeding healthy lines and our litters are carefully thought. Our dogs are full breed profile health DNA tested reassuring our pups live a healthy long life. J British bulldog x British French bulldog PRICE FIRM RPBA Beautiful puppies 3 females 1 male ready to go 24 July mum is British bulldog dad British bulldog x French bulldog puppies have been wormed from two weeks old they are very beautiful please will only reply to calls or sms no time wasters parents are very spoil family pets very smart and friendly puppies will be ideal family Maria. Shedding The Bulldog is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Non-Sporting dog breed community. They are always excellent in a home setting or a flat. Bulldogs have a short-hair coat and shed some, but with regular brushing, the shedding will be less of a nuisance. Best Food Bulldog breeders should provide you with a written diet sheet telling you what types of food the puppy was served, how much, and how often. You will adopt this diet for a few days before weaning the puppy slowly onto the feed, which you want. It gives the puppy the best possible start in life, and your new puppy must be provided with the right diet. At this stage of his life, any errors can have severe and lasting consequences. A nutritious diet has to provide all of the nutrients the puppy needs for growth and healthy development, not just in the right quantities, but also in reasonable proportion to each other. Do not feed your puppy uncooked meat or food that might have gone bad. Young puppies require relatively large amounts of food to satisfy the demands and hectic lifestyles and fast-growing bodies. Nevertheless, they are still young at this point, and their stomachs can not contain much food. Bulldogs must be fed several small meals each day to meet their needs. Also, their diet has to deliver comparatively small quantities of all the necessary nutrients. Diets specially designed for puppy development remove all the guesswork one has to go through to have healthy puppies. The mixed feed contains and gives bulldogs a nutritious and easily digestible diet. The diet of your puppy is highly dependent on its age and individual characteristics. The best indicator of whether you feed the right amount is the condition of the puppy. A puppy should generally be allowed to eat for 15 to 20 minutes at each meal. Remove any leftover food after 15 minutes and serve a fresh meal for the next feeding time. While milk is useful as a nutrient source for young dogs, once the puppy is weaned, it is not an essential part of his diet. While bones offer chewing exercise, calcium, and phosphorus, they also can be dangerous if they split. Instead of bones, feed your British bulldog puppy with special design chewing treats from trustworthy pet stores. Make sure the puppy has its food and bowls kept clean. There should always be fresh water available. Facts Bulldogs Facts! Are Bulldogs Good with Kids? They are cautious, very compassionate, very gentle playful. Still, no child should be left unattended around bulldogs because they fail to understand the proper method of dealing with bulldog puppies. Is a Bulldog right for me? If you are going out running, just leave the dog at home. As an adult, the bulldog is not an active breed and can not withstand long hours of exercise. British bulldogs love watching t. Happily with family members at home. They love to go to the park or beach or anywhere else where only moderate workouts are required. Not If you mean British bulldogs will attack strangers entering the house. Their temperament will not allow them to act like a trained, aggressive dogs. They will, at times, bark but make no mistake to feel they will protect their family if they think it is not safe. They are commonly referred to as celebrity bulldogs. Now you understand what I mean being aggressive is not their type. How long does it take for the head and chest to grow? Others go through a long and lean stage and then begin to expand. Head and chest start to grow at about 8 to 9 months and this will continue until the age of three to four years. If you are one of those who crave originality in life, you have arrived at the right website. Even though color is the last trait characteristic when choosing studs for breeding. We put structural conformation, shape, and healthy weight bulldog traits first into account. We offer an array of designer patterns synchronized with elaborate custom colors. The majority of our Bulldog puppies are like one-of-a-kind Picasso paintings. We hope you enjoy your visit to our furry purry Facebook page. Adopt With Assurance We are home to some of the best-looking British Bulldog and french bulldog puppies in the world! One of our most important objectives is to make families like yours happy. Rest assured, you are not only in very experienced hands but also very knowledgeable ones, and we will be around LONG after the adoption is over to answer any questions you may have about your bulldog puppy. We always welcome emails and look forward to seeing pictures of what they all bloom into. Love Our other key ingredient is we LOVE what we do, despite the occasional heartaches of working with living beings and travel restrictions. We love providing emotional support felines to those seeking therapy pets to improve their quality of life through the bonding experience only a pet can provide. On many occasions, an ESA emotional support animal can mean the difference in independent living. To know we have been a part of that as well. Best in the Business Our wonderful color pallet is possible because of our dedicated family-operated business. We all fulfill certain roles so that this puppy ranch remains the best and we strive to provide families with their best human companion. Because we have been in the bulldog breeding business for so long, we have seen many bulldog breeders come and go like the seasons. Another puppy hand-delivered safely to Geelong, Vic. Happy customer. Just the way we like it. Thank you to Petnannies for keeping this baby safe along the way. Not only is he the cutest puppy ever but his temperament is also amazing. Super chill and calm just like you told us. Yet fearless and playful. Not nippy at all and just perfect in every way. I am so thankful and happy. Nicholas is so nice and helpful and you just know that he really cares about the breed. Bulldogs are so special and we need a breeder like Nicholas to make sure we get the healthiest dogs mentally and physically. I highly highly highly recommend you buy your next puppy here! Not yet anyway! Happy customers in Melbourne, Victoria! She has been such a joy in my life right now and I love her so much; she is my little 15 lb baby!! Thank you again, It was so perfect! Yeah, sure! If you are going out for running, just leave the dog at home. Bulldogs love children! Still, no child should be left unattended around bulldogs because they fail to understand the proper method of dealing with the bulldog puppies. How long is the lifespan of a bulldog? Bulldogs usually live about 8 to 10 years. Some do live for nearly 12 years with proper care.

People ask if the French bulldog and the Pug are related but the Frenchie originated in France way back in the s, from English ancestry, whilst the Pug comes from Chinese origins. Those cute ears! And other characteristics Around , the lace workers from Nottingham were forced out by the Industrial Revolution. They moved to France, taking along one such dog, the miniature bulldog. Americans also started importing French Bulldogs for a breeding program in .At a dog show, Mr. George Raper chose winners who had "rose ears". Rose ears were folded at the tip, as with the standard type Bulldogs. All the controversy around the ears sparked off the French Bulldog Club of America. But as he gets bigger, he is not afraid to alert his owners to danger. They are spunky too, cute the way they communicate with yips, gargles, howls , and yawning to get your attention. This all means that the Frenchie loves to be affectionate and playful. They are stressful little dogs, so CBD is a very good option for these cute little dogs. Their life expectancy is around years. Sold out Training Even though they are a small breed, they have a stubborn streak in them, making them a bit more difficult to train than other dog breeds. The main types of training for a French bulldog would be socialization training and also potty training. They are inclined to be a bit standoffish when it comes to meeting new people and they can even get a bit aggressive towards other dogs. Check out these training tips for your French bulldog. If he walks to the new person and seems happy and confident, give him treats, and also allow the new person to give him a treat. If your dog is fearful of a new person, allow him to calm down without any force — dogs know people far better than humans do! Sometimes the little Frenchie can be a bit destructive as they enjoy chewing. Be aware of this before you buy a Frenchie. They can get bored, using chewing as their way of exploration. If you want this type of dog, you need to know that all your personal belongings must be out of the way. Being small, they can get onto tables and reach things like your phone and remote controls, etc. Be warned. Provide him with his own toys , keeping the ones with squeakers away, because Frenchies can choke on those. The harness offers more support too and does not strain as much as a collar does. Swimming is not really for this little doggie. Take caution with the Frenchie near water because due to their short-snout respiratory issues and their thin, short little legs, they are more at risk of drowning. A Frenchie needs to have his toenails trimmed every couple of weeks or so. Remember to brush his teeth to keep them healthy and breath fresh. His ears need to be clean too, remembering the delicate wrinkles on his face. They can be pretty deep, these folds, and can be a breeding ground for bacteria- they will need cleaning around twice a week. Just use a damp cloth to wipe the folds out, making sure they are perfectly dry. Otherwise, though, generally washing once a month should be enough. Health issues Digestive issues Digestive issues can cause Frenchies to be constipated. That means you need to provide your dog with top quality foods. The spine The spine requires special attention. This breed often has abnormally developed vertebrae of the discs of the back and even IVDD. This can cause this special little dog to become disabled. Surgery and repair can cost thousands of dollars — also x-rays will need to be taken. It is common in the brachycephalic breeds such as a French bulldog. Eye problems A Frenchie can experience common eye problems and it is not uncommon for them to suffer from eye allergies that irritate their eyes. Why are they so expensive? Well, to begin with, these little dogs need to be artificially inseminated in most cases, and the little females usually have a C-section at birth as it is rather dangerous to give birth naturally. All these things cost a lot of money. Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs. Recommended Articles. Here are a quick overview and the 9 most important factors to keep in mind. After all, they are all bulldogs, right? Not exactly. So, what do you need to know before getting a French Bulldog puppy? What are the key characteristics that make French Bulldogs special? French Bulldogs share a lot of characteristics with their larger English Bulldog cousins. Like all other bulldogs, Frenchies are great with kids! Their short legs and front-heavy bodies make them the worst swimmers in the canine world! They grow up to 11 or 13 inches on average 28 to 33 cm and they rarely weigh more than 8 pounds 13 kg. They have adorably large bat-like ears — this is the signature trait of Frenchies, their hilarious ears. Fortunately, many American breeders insisted on continuing to breed Frenchies with their breed-defining bat-like ears. Longer lifespan. While, as a larger breed, English Bulldogs live up to 8 to 10 years on average, Frenchies live a bit more. On average, a French Bulldog can live up to 10 or 12 years. And, with good care and a bit of luck, they can live more than that too! As you can see, French Bulldogs are not just miniature versions of their larger English Bulldogs predecessors. So, what exactly do you need to know before getting a French Bulldog puppy? Here are the 9 most important points: 1. Many breeds require lots of outdoor time — walking, running, playing, etc. So, which group do French Bulldogs belong to? They fall right in the middle. They are usually fine with two quick walks outside per day and spending the rest of their time at home. Not only do Frenchies prefer to stay at home, but they also should never be allowed close to a swimming pool, river, lake, the sea, or even a full bath. So, even during your brief outdoor walks, make sure that you avoid large bodies of water. And if you have a swimming pool in your backyard — getting a French Bulldog might be a bad idea. Frenchies are incredibly affectionate dogs. French Bulldogs are very playful and active dogs which makes them great for young kids who also need frequent interactions and playtime. Simply put, if you have a Frenchie and a baby under the same roof, you can be sure that neither of them will be bored. Frenchies are downright adorable — their short snout and large bat-like years are traits most kids love with a passion! And they are happy to use their vocabulary every day too! Frenchies will still alert you whenever they perceive danger, of course. This makes Frenchies a fantastic breed for condo and apartment dwellers as the Frenchie is unlikely to bother your neighbors or landlord. There are multiple reasons for this: Frenchies have very short coats. Not to mention that the little time they need to spend outdoors is usually spent just running on the clean pavement instead of rolling in the mud like certain other breeds like to do. Frenchies shed their coats seasonally or only twice per year. French Bulldogs require nothing more than occasional grooming. Still, keep in mind that Frenchies are not hypoallergenic. Come up with new games and new toys from time to time — intelligent dogs can still love their old toys and games but they need new ones. However, all bulldogs were initially used for bull-baiting which was a complex and physically-demanding job that required lots of quick thinking. If you work out of the house and you have a Frenchie you absolutely have to give your dog extra attention before going out. Leaving a hyper-active and easily-bored dog alone for an extended period of time is a big No-No. Or, that he or she gets through them quickly and easily. Their rise in popularity began as far back as the mids when their ancestors, toy-sized English Bulldogs, gained prominence in England during the height of the English Industrial Revolution, according to the American Kennel Club AKC. From there, these dogs found their way to the French countryside where, over the next few decades, cross-breeding with other small dogs, most likely terriers and Pugs , led to the development of the breed as it exists today. Today, they are consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular dog breeds, as reported by the AKC. This trait does not makes them hard to train—far from it, she explains. In fact, starting early is essential in all aspects of Frenchie care. Wylie says. Because of these issues, brachycephalic dogs need to work harder to breathe than other dogs and have an easier time breathing through their mouth than their nose. Due to the potential for breathing problems, Dr. Wylie recommends pet parents use a harness, like the Puppia soft dog harness , when walking a Frenchie. Also, if you want a quiet sleeper, a French Bulldogs might not be your ideal pets. Their unique airways make them prolific snorers! Their lack of aquatic prowess is related to both their brachycephalic features, which make it difficult to keep their noses out of the water and breathe while dog paddling, as well as their overall barrel body shape, which is heavy and difficult for their small legs to support. Additionally, according to Crestojo, Frenchies are prone to becoming overweight. There are foods out there specially formulated for Frenchies, like Frenchies by Royal Canin , to help maintain a healthy weight while ensuring your dog has a balanced diet. Despite the challenges that come with a brachycephalic dog, Frenchies really are great pets. Learn more about Frenchies: Need a French name for your Frenchie? Browse our list of top French dog names. By Kate Hughes. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog.

Bishop hails from the streets of the south, where he was trying to make it on his own and chasing the wrong type of dames. However, his life took a turn when he ended up in a scary place called "The Shelter. Bishop weighs around 55 pounds, and he wants the ladies to know that it's all muscle. But don't let his muscles fool you, he's as sweet as sugar and listens better than most men. He has a mix of boxer, lab, and pitbull in him, but his handsome looks mostly come from his pitbull side. And yes, the ladies love his guns! Unfortunately, Bishop's previous foster home had cats, and they didn't get along well. So, he's currently back in boarding, where he enjoys the company of other dogs and a kind lady who takes him for walks and plays ball with him. Bishop absolutely loves his toys and chasing balls. He can get a bit "mouthy" when teased with toys, but he redirects nicely. He enjoys going for walks, but if he spots a bird, rabbit, or squirrel, he's off like Richard Simmons in a workout video. However, he responds well to correction. Bishop is a goofball who doesn't take much seriously, except for treats. Treats are serious business to him, and he'll do just about anything for one. He loves peanut butter in his kabobs but avoids rawhide to maintain his playboy figure. With his big smile and awesome personality, Bishop hopes to find his forever home. He's fully vetted, which means he's had his shots and is neutered. He is currently undergoing treatment for heartworms using a method called Slow Kill. Bishop is an easygoing, sweet, smart, happy, cuddly, and laid-back dude. He loves exercising, playing catch, and chasing balls, but he also enjoys relaxing and taking naps. He would be more than happy to lounge around in bed and watch TV with his humans. A perfect day for Bishop would involve the three C's: chasing balls , catch, and chill. He simply wants a best friend, someone to love him and give him the attention he deserves. A house would be preferable to an apartment, but he's open to trying out apartment life if it's a good fit. Bishop is currently in training now and is available for adoption or foster. To learn more about him and start the adoption process, reach outr to us. Wecan provide you with Bishop's portfolio and an application for his forever home. Bishop can't wait to give you wet kisses and steal all your blankets. We are accepting deposits on this and future litters due to the high demand for puppies from our gorgeous and health boxers. Please contact me with any questions or to reserve your puppy! We are breeders of Champion bloodline boxers with European lineage. We are a small breeding facility and all our puppies are raised inside our home. We offer a health guarantee, vet exam, puppy kit and gift bag with essentials. Our puppies tails are docked and dewclaws removed by a licensed veterinarian. We start house training at 5 weeks of age and socializing from birth. Our pups are socialized with children, cats, other dogs and tons of people. We welcome visitors to our facility and enjoy introducing them to our dogs and puppies. Our puppies are always up to date on shots and get frequent worming to keep them happy and healthy. We offer delivery to select areas for a fee. We would actually drive the puppy to you for the same fee in areas that driving is a feasible option. Our puppies come with full unlimited AKC registration so if you decided to breed or show your puppy you would have that option. Most breeders do not give unlimited registration with their puppies. They come from well socialized parents with excellent temperaments. Our puppies stay in our puppy house from birth with their Mom until they are placed in their new homes not in an outside kennel and are cared for by our Veterinarian medically. We have references available via phone from former customers for your convenience. Please feel free to ask any other questions or ask for more photos of our puppies. Thank you for your interest. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Britlyn Boxers.

Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale?

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts A 3 month old German Shepherd is still fluffy and cute, but it has changed a lot in comparison to its early days. It has become pretty tall, about one foot in height, with long paws and an extreme desire to chew something. Put away all your shoes, socks, or clothes because they may suffer badly from its teeth. Instead, buy entertaining chew toys and collect all your patience. You need to take proper care of your pup and keep its immense energy under control. So, you need to know how to train your German Shepherd for a happy and healthy future. This guide will help you learn more and let your ideal doggy live a long life full of positive experiences and adventures. If you have a boy, its height will be about inches cm. Girls are a bit lower at this age — they are about inches cm tall. You can also notice the increase in weight. The 3 month old German Shepherd weight can differ depending on several factors. Males can weigh pounds kg , while females weigh pounds kg. However, they can be even smaller if they belong to a working line. The gender difference becomes apparent at this age. The weight can also depend on the diet you feed your pup. The changes in appearance also include the teething stage. At this time, your pup has all its milk teeth, so adult teeth growth starts. It will last for a few months until all the puppy teeth will be replaced. You will notice one more dramatic change. It concerns the coat. Its fluffy and fuzzy nature will disappear because the adult fur starts growing. You will see a racing stripe on the back to show that the puppy coat has started to be replaced. Your pup still has floppy ears that can stand straight from time to time. Though, you need to understand that during this period, the ears will not stand up steadily because teething needs a lot of calcium, and the ear cartilage cannot harden properly. You will see a lot of improvements and a steadier ear position in a month or so. Remember not to pat your little one on the ears or head, or you may damage the cartilage. It will last until your puppy is 6 months old and is characterized by immense energy, curiosity, and getting into trouble here and there. That is why socialization and training are so important in this period. German Shepherd puppies at this age are very energetic. Though they look more grown-up than ever, their puppy nature always gets them into trouble, so you need to remain as patient as you can to train your little one the proper behavior. Your pup may jump at people and bite them. Praise it with a treat if it can abstain from doing that. Since your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy is full of energy, it needs a lot of exercise. Keep it busy all the time, but not make it do something heavy for a long time because it may have severe negative consequences on its health. Take it for walks as often as you can. A minute walk is enough. The distance your pup can walk is up to 6 miles 9. Moreover, your doggy needs a lot of other exercises. It can be a combination of playing fetch, running, and aerobic activities. You can make it play with a rubber toy or do some strength training. Once again, one-time sessions should not be very long. If you cannot take your pup outside for a walk because it is very cold, play with it inside. It can be playing with a puzzle toy or hiding something in the house and asking your dog to find it. If you have a car, you can take your puppy on a ride to provide it with more experience. Overexercising can lead to problems with joints, so you need to be very careful. The sleeping schedule of your puppy also changes a little at this age. It is approximately hours per day. It can also wake you up at night and require playing or going potty. It is normal at this age. The fastest sleep for it is before dawn. If you hesitate about how much your German Shepherd should sleep now, or whether it needs some sleep during the daytime, you can consult your vet. Health and Care Your 12 week old German Shepherd grows fast, and it looks healthy. However, you need to be aware of possible health issues at this age to be careful about. The first thing you have to keep in mind is weighing and measuring your doggy regularly. At this point, you should also provide it with the second set of vaccinations. It includes parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and distemper. Keep to a healthy and nutritious diet. If you have any doubts about the possibility of hereditary health conditions, get a DNA test. It is especially important if you want to prevent degenerative myelopathy. Even if your pup is healthy and merry, you need to take care of it regularly. Healthy diets, frequent walks, and enough exercise are all indisputable components of good puppy care. Remember to groom and brush your doggy just twice per week. Changing the coat to an adult one will lead to excessive shedding. Try to help your pet get rid of the fur that is not needed anymore. You can even develop a specific schedule for grooming or make an appointment with a professional if you are not sure how to do it properly. That can be a regular playdate with your dog-loving friends and their pets. Or you can help your pup meet new friends when you are walking with it in the park. Potty walks are an essential part of care. A 3 month old GSD can hold its bladder for an hour or so. That is why you need to keep an eye on it and let it eliminate whenever it is needed without unnecessary inside accidents. Your little one needs only healthy nutrition to grow strong and intelligent. Be attentive about treats. Obesity can cause other health problems with the heart, kidneys, and joints. Develop a feeding schedule and try to stick to it. If the puppy leaves some food in the bowl, take it away. Never leave the leftovers in the bowl, or your puppy will come back to them later, and it will be impossible to establish a feeding schedule. That will lead to potty accidents and digestion issues. The diet has to be rich in protein, but be sure that it does not contain too much fat. The food should also contain phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins. You can use vitamin supplements meant for German Shepherd puppies, but never opt for those that are for humans or adult dogs. The schedule is very important for your pet. If you establish it at three feeding times per day, try to keep to it. Distribute the amount of food evenly throughout all meals. Never feed your doggy immediately before going to bed. Provide it with enough water. Fresh water is essential for puppies, so the bowl full has to be around all the time. You do not need to take it away. It starts understanding what is going on around it. So, it needs proper training at this age. It should also learn how to interact with other animals and people. Obedience training is essential at this time. Your puppy may not master all of them at once because its attention span is rather short, so be patient enough to repeat them again and again. Only after you see that your pet is confident about these commands, you may continue with more complicated ones. Never punish or beat your puppy if something does not go well. Positive reinforcement is always your priority. Never forget to praise your little dog and give it treats if it has done something well. Your doggy should also know how to deal with other dogs. If you have a friend with a dog, invite them to your place or pay a visit to them with your pup. Your doggy will feel more confident if it knows how to build trust and socialize with other living beings. Training is very important during this period. So, if you have not started doing it yet, begin your training sessions immediately. Your doggy should see a leader of the pack in you, so be as persistent and confident as possible. If you have some difficulties, it is better to seek the help of an expert. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time training your pup. It may not be so easy at first, but it is certain to be rewarding. The height of your puppy changes very quickly because its intensive growth continues. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd weight? There may be an apparent increase in weight at this age. It depends on several factors, such as hereditary options, type of line, feeding schedule, etc. On average, boys weigh pounds .Puppies from the working line can weigh less. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd eat? Your pup should eat 2 cups of dry kibble or homemade food per day. How much does a 3 month old German Shepherd sleep? You will notice some changes in the sleep schedule of your pup. It needs less sleep, but the overall sleeping time is about hours per day, including day naps. The puppy can still wake you up at night for playing or potty. Though, this will happen more rarely. How far can a 3 month old German Shepherd walk? How much exercise should a 3 month old GSD get? The puppy needs a lot of exercise at this age. At least 30 minutes per session can help it grow smart, alert, and strong. Walking and running for about 15 minutes can be a part of this exercise. However, you can include playing games into the sessions. Final Thoughts The first thing you need to remember when you have decided that a German Shepherd is a good breed for you is to be ready for taking a huge responsibility. Be patient and positive. Never punish, shout at it, or beat it. However, you have to be consistent and demanding to let your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy feel that you are its leader, and it should follow and trust you. German Shepherds, if properly trained, socialized, and cared for, are great family dogs. That is why you need to keep the advice from this article in mind and always contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. While looking through the different stages of growth you can see the rough size of German Shepherd puppies at different stages of their life by comparing the ages to a German Shepherd growth chart. Important Note: Once a puppy has been weened off milk it is essential that the puppy is given a high quality puppy food to ensure proper development. A lack of proper nutrients can result in ears not rising, smaller than normal dogs and health complications in later life. In my opinion Blue Buffalo Puppy Food is the best available on the market. German Shepherd puppies, as with all other dog breeds, are born with their eyes and ears closed. At this stage the GSD puppies are completely dependent on their mothers for care, food and the like and the newborn puppies are relatively immobile. A small section of the umbilical cord will still be attached to the German Shepherd puppy - this will dry up and fall off on its own within a few days. The first 3 days are the most critical in a GSD puppies life. Birth is the beginning of the neonatal period in GSD development and it lasts roughly 2 weeks. Typically the puppies will curve into a comma type shape when picked up. This is because their nervous system at this time is still very immature. Additionally, they can't eliminate unless the mother, or caregiver, stimulates their anus or urethra by licking or gently rubbing the area. Gentle, frequent handling by humans is very helpful from this age onward. As their nervous system development continues they will now also now arch their backs when they are picked up and held rather than curving into a more comma shaped position as before. Around Day 7 German Shepherd puppies now begin to crawl more readily and more often during this phase of GSD development. Short periods of daily handling and exposure to some stimuli can also be very beneficial to stimulate weight gain in the puppy, earlier eye opening, hair growth and motor development in all members of the GSD litter. The German Shepherd puppies eyes will appear to be blue in color at first even though they can't focus right now. They will be able to see shapes after about 2 weeks of age during continued GSD development. Around Day 14 The German Shepherd pups eyes and ears should be fully open by now and many may have their first incisor teeth beginning to erupt. The puppies should also be crawling quite well by this time. This is the beginning of the transitional period of GSD development which typically lasts about a week or so. This is also a period of profound changes in the German Shepherd puppies growth and development. The German Shepherd puppy will begin to be more independent from it's mom during this time. During this time the German Shepherd puppies will begin to eliminate on their own and should start walking within 2- to 3 days by about day 16 or so - very shaky at first, but with practice growing legs will soon become less wobbly. You can observe tail wagging as well as the beginning of play fighting. German Shepherd puppies will also be eliminating on their own by this time. Around Day 21 Around this date the German Shepherd puppy will move from the transitional phase into the socialization period of GSD development. By this time GSD puppies should be able to walk pretty well, with a more adult-like gait. They will also begin a more active exploration of their environments and that of their GSD litter mates. This period is thought to last from about 2. This is an extremely important time for the emotional and social development of the German Shepherd puppy. This is also a period of dramatic changes in your German Shepherd puppies life. This is the period in GSD development when puppies can form bonds with species outside of its own such as human beings. This is also the time when the puppy can identify their own species as well as being able to identify future social partners. Oftentimes, the peak of sensitivity to the formation of social bonds is described to be between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is also called the fear period in GSD development! Around Week 4 By now social play becomes an important factor in GSD development and German Shepherd puppies learn how to interact with litter mates and adult animals of their species as well. They can also play with toys, play fight, play with humans and other animals and are beginning to eat other soft foods to supplement their mother's milk. Many times the GSD puppies are fearless during this time - exploring their environment and all that is about them. This is also a good time for continued exposure to new and novel things, to various people and other kinds of animals, all while the German Shepherd puppy continues to develop. The socialization stage is very important in the growth of GSD development, however it should be looked at within the context of the developing emotional system of the puppy. At around 3 - 5 weeks of age attraction responses in German Shepherd puppies are very strong. These kinds of responses begin to diminish between 5 - 7 weeks of age as fear responses begin to emerge. It is important to note that early socialization is tremendously important in the development of well-adjusted GSD puppies. During these few weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will also learn how to play and communicate with it's littermates, respond to humans it comes in contact with and how to get along safely in the adult dog world. Around Week 6 German Shepherd puppies begin exhibiting more adult like behaviors such as mounting of other litter mates and demonstrating dominance roles. Sniffing of tails and noses also becomes an important part of the greeting process among their canine peers. Between about 7 - 9 weeks of age the fear response may become so strong as to begin to overwhelm the attraction response. For other puppies the social motivation to make contact may very well overcome any wariness during this phase of GSD development. Around weeks 7 - 12 Among other things, this is an ideal age of socializing your German Shepherd puppy to humans, other animals and new surroundings and objects. It also a great time to learn such important skills as: leash training, housebreaking, crate training, accepting gentle handling and grooming and to accept human domination and control. The socialization period is absolutely critical in GSD development and acceptance of other animal species. If a GSD puppy is not exposed to horses, sheep, goats, other dogs, cats or small children before it reaches 12 weeks, it is likely it will never accept them. You may also observe that your German Shepherd pups ears are beginning to come up in some form or fashion. Don't be surprised by the wild and interesting shapes that they may take on as they mature. As the puppy goes through the teething process the ears will go up and down and will do all sorts of weird things - one up one down; one flopping to the left, the other to the right; both in the center, etc. This period is thought to occur from the end of the primary socialization period through sexual maturity. Motor skills are increasing for the GSD puppy. During this time the puppy is still refining both learning and social skills as well. While puppies in this phase can learn quite well, they are easily distracted and very hard to keep on task. This is an excellent time to start puppy kindergarten. This is also a good time to start being very aware of your GSD puppies ear carriage. Around 4 Months German Shepherd puppies will begin to lose their puppy teeth and will soon replace them with their adult teeth, generally starting with the incisors. Young German Shepherds will continue to learn about their environment and all the individuals in it throughout their social maturization process. This is often the time when older puppies are learning about their social relationships within the environment they live. Social maturity takes more time to achieve than sexual maturity. In the beginning of social maturity dogs will begin to display more mature, adult social behaviors. This time is thought to vary between breeds and from dog to dog and to occur anywhere from 12 - 36 months of age, especially in the larger breeds such as German Shepherds. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good place to start. If your German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing up by this time on their own it is a good time to consider taping them. Detailed directions for this process can be found here. Overall, most of the puppies internal body systems are nearly "adult" even though the skeleton is still growing and will for some time to come. In many respects your German Shepherd puppy is now a "small adult". The heart rate has decreased again to about 70 BPM and by the end of this month the GSD puppy should have a full set of adult teeth. Also an important milestone: German Shepherd females reach sexual maturity and have their first estrus heat period. If the GSD's ears are not up by this time you need to take action quickly to get them up before it is too late. Read the article on ear taping. Around 7 - 12 Months German Shepherd males reach sexual maturity and begin to hike their leg when urinating. It is important to be especially firm and consistent about setting limits and enforcing commands during this time since your older GSD puppy may challenge dominance of other dogs or humans during this stage. If the German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing on their own by this point, there is a good chance that they will never stand on their own. This is an ideal age in GSD development to start "Beginning" level classes of obedience training. Bonding to humans is now very firmly established and your German Shepherds vocal and body communications are now that of a more mature individual dog - and more easily understood, and well on their way to many years of happy companionship with you. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address.

You should bathe your puppy about no more than once a month unless necessary. Puppies and adult dogs have natural oils in their coat to prevent their fur from getting brittle or damaged and to keep it soft and silky. Bathing your dog too often can strip away those oils. How often to bathe a puppy will vary from breed to breed. A long-haired dog breed is likely to get tangled or matted fur if they go too long between baths. Frequency of baths may also change from one season to another. Puppies are playful, curious explorers. Puppies should not be bathed until around eight weeks old. A puppy less than eight weeks old might get overheated or too cold during the bathing process. Prior to them being old enough to bathe, try wiping them down with a warm, wet cloth when needed. You can bathe your puppy at home or take them to a groomer or a self-wash station. Groomers often have vaccine requirements as well. Puppy Bathing Checklist When the time comes to bathe your puppy for the first time, make sure you have everything you need on hand, including: Treats. Use puppy treats to reward them for good behavior and to help them associate bath time with things they love. A brush can help remove loose hair and address any tangles. Choose a shampoo made specifically for dogs, as human shampoo is not suitable for their fur. Hair dryer. Use with caution, as puppies can overheat if you hold the dryer too close or for too long. If the loud noise scares your puppy, try rewarding them with treats so it becomes a positive experience. Bathtub, sink or container. Whether you use bathtub, sink or kiddie pool, your puppy will probably splash around or shake water from their fur. So, make sure the surrounding area is suitable for getting wet. Gently brush out their coat. Before bathing them, start brushing your puppy slowly, as this can help them relax. Simple movements with an appropriate brush will also remove dirt and debris from their coat, and alleviate matting and knots. Pick a spot. Sinks are perfect for bathing small puppies. A hose or kiddie pool in the backyard can work for larger breeds in the summer months. Make sure the surface is non-slip with something like a rubber mat to help them feel more secure, then gather all your supplies pre-bath. Don't leave a wet puppy unattended, or you may end up mopping the whole house. Give plenty of praise and the occasional treat. Bath time should be an enjoyable experience for you and your puppy. A great way to make baths something they look forward to is to give them lots of praise and reward any good behavior with treats. Make it fun. Try tossing their favorite toy into the tub, or just give them lots of love and attention. Scrub gently. Gentle scrubbing will wash and massage your puppy while getting them used to being handled. This is also an excellent time to check their skin. Feel all over for lumps and rough areas and call your veterinarian if you find anything suspicious. Rinse well. Just like humans, leftover shampoo can cause dry, itchy, flaky skin. Try to avoid getting water in their ears or eyes. Prepare for the post-bath shake. Dogs dry themselves quite a bit by shaking. Unfortunately, that can mean your puppy is mostly dry, but everything else is soaked. You can try tossing a towel over them and rubbing them dry before they shake. Using a hair dryer on a warm or cool setting can also help speed up the process. Treat time. Reward your puppy for a successful bath by offering them a special treat or fun toy. In this case, using a hairdryer might be necessary. Sometimes, puppies can find hair dryers to be loud, confusing and even a little frightening, so reassure them and reward them for good behavior if they seem to tolerate it well. To get your puppy used to the hair dryer, introduce it from an early age, initially just using the dryer to make noise in the room, before moving towards your puppy while giving them calm and soothing encouragement. Find more valuable puppy health insights and tips from our experts on our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. Dog Whisperer Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo This puppy shampoo uses vitamin E and Pro-V B5, organic aloe vera, and rosemary leaf extract to create a gentle shampoo that also conditions young coats. It also comes with a waterless shampoo that you can use to freshen up your pup between washes if they do manage to get into some dirty trouble. Like with all things, you will need to train your dog in terms of what is expected of them at bath time. The best approach is to use positive reinforcement training. This means showing them what you want, and then rewarding them when they comply. Each time you bathe them they will have a better understanding of what you need from them. Make sure you have a good space prepared before you get started. You might want to set yourself up inside the shower or outside, as they may make quite a bit of water mess. Make sure the water that you use is lukewarm. Not only will this be less of a shock to them, but it also minimizes the problems relating to cold and regulating body temperature. Get them completely wet, maybe pouring water over them using a cup. Then you are ready to add your chosen shampoo. Rub gently without applying too much pressure. While you want to be thorough and get the shampoo everywhere, avoid the eyes and try not to let the shampoo get into their mouth or ears. When you are done, make sure that you rinse thoroughly as shampoo residue can irritate their skin if left behind. If it is not a leave-in conditioner, make sure to rinse thoroughly again with lukewarm water. Before releasing them into the wild, you will want to get them as dry as possible. A good rub down with their own towel is usually enough to do the trick. The sound of the machine is very likely to scare your dog. You can get special dog hair dryers that are designed to make almost no noise, but unless your dog has a particularly long or thick coat, it is probably not necessary. Try to use the same process every time you bathe your dog, and do it in the same place. Your puppy will find reassurance in the routine. If you choose to bathe them somewhere different every time, it will be much harder for them to associate this bath with their previous bath and repeat the behaviors that they learned. You can find more Labrador retriever grooming tips here. FAQs Can I bathe my puppy once a week? If your puppy leads an active, outdoor lifestyle, you might feel like you want to bathe them as often as once a week. This is fine as long as you use an appropriate shampoo and monitor their coat and skin for reactions. You should only bathe them more than once a week in a mud-related emergency. Why do puppies shiver after a bath? Yep, your puppy is shivering after a bath because they are cold. As the water evaporates off their body, it cools them down significantly. Dogs will shake to remove as much water as possible and warm up more quickly, and a nice toweling down can also help. Should you give a puppy a bath when you bring them home? You might be tempted to give your puppy a bath as soon as you bring them home, but this urge is best resisted. Even if they are already of bathing age, it is better to let them settle in for two weeks before giving them a bath. Changing the scent that they are familiar with can make it more difficult for them to adjust to their new home. Plus, bath time can be a little traumatic, so you should wait until they trust you. Is it OK to let your puppy air dry? It is generally not advised to let your puppy air dry as they are likely to roll around in the grass and dirt in order to dry off and remove any shampoo smell. The result might mean that they need another bath. A good toweling down is usually enough to get your dog sufficiently dry. The biggest challenge for many new pet parents is that they are overzealous in wanting to care for their new canine friends, so they start bathing their puppy too soon and too often. Bathing your puppy too soon can put their health at risk and make it harder for them to settle into their new home. You should also wait at least two weeks after bringing them home before bathing them to make it easier for them to adjust. If you want to freshen them up a bit, best to reach for a brush. Do you have any essential bathing tips for new pups? Share them with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I have a towel fluffing in a warm dryer to wrap them up in when the bath is done. I have a Kool-Dry dryer, which is really nice to use on them, as you can adust the airflow from way low, to blow-a-big dog-off-the-table-high! Some of the scabs are from rough and tumble sessions, but a lot aren't. We showed it to the vet who said it was quite normal in puppies. They have both been treated with Advocate and there are no signs of mites or fleas We have been using some aloe vera anti itch wipes and today we got some Oatmeal shampoo to soothe dry and itchy skin, and we gave them both a bath. After the initial surprise of being in the bath, they loved it, we massaged the shampoo in and it had to be left on for 3 mins, so we kept massaging and they looked like they were in heaven! Fingers crossed no scratching since. Today we visited a local pet supplier who manufacture their own pet food which we have had recommended to us, and we have got some high quality hypoallergenic puppy food, which has less cereal and more chicken than the Wagg. We will gradually swap them onto this over the next week or two. We rarely did this with our other two as they weren't too keen and rarely needed it, but we would wash them down if they got particularly dirty. Thanks, Lou. By Tom Massey Aug 30, You walk through your front door, and suddenly it hits you: Eau de dog — or, perhaps more familiarly, dog perfume. But in most cases, owners will try to beat the stink before it permeates throughout their living space. On the other hand, infrequent baths can make the scent of a dog linger. As a Labrador owner, you must find a happy medium for bathtime so your pup smells clean and fresh while maintaining its healthy, silky coat. So, how often should you bathe a dog? And more importantly, how do you comfortably bathe a large-sized dog like a Labrador Retriever? Do Labradors Like Water? Most Labs love swimming around in the water. The reason this dog breed enjoys bath time dates back to the history of the Labrador Retriever. In the s, Newfoundlander fishermen bred local working dogs with the Newfoundland breed and created a new dog breed: The St. This breed rapidly increased in popularity due to its innate ability to retrieve items from the water and swim. Later on, through additional breeding efforts, the Labrador Retriever was created. While historians have difficulty pinpointing the exact date of the Labrador breed, we know our water-loving canine friends descended from the since-extinct St. Our beloved canine pal was first introduced to the world with the Labrador name by the Earl of Malmesbury in the midth century. Everyone wanted this loyal, water-resistant, fetching dog to help with their fishing needs. In other words? The frequency in which you need to bathe a lab depends on the amount of time they spend outside and their affinity for dirt. If you have a yellow or white Lab, it will be easy to see dirt on their coat after their latest venture outside. Unless you see them rolling around in the dirt, you might not be able to tell they need a bath until the smell hits you. Typically, a Labrador Retriever should bathe once every four to six weeks. But beware: When it comes to dogs with a double coat like our Labrador friends , overbathing can cause dry skin and remove essential oils from their fur. These oils are vital since they help dogs regulate their body temperature. If you find that your Lab needs baths more frequently than the recommended four- to six-week period, consult with a licensed veterinarian about dog shampoo options. The vet can offer specific gentle shampoo recommendations that help maintain the natural oils while leaving your dog fresh and clean. Waterless baths and wipes can also assist with cleanup in between baths. The Benefits of Bathing a Lab First and foremost, one of the biggest benefits of regular Labrador bathing is eliminating the funky smell of a dirty dog. Benefit 1: Reduces Excessive Shedding from Their Double Coat Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that sheds year-round, with two major shedding seasons ahead of the summer and winter months. A regular bath will help manage the shedding by removing excess hair in a controlled space. When left untreated, dogs can become ill following a tick bite, so Labrador owners should be diligent about brushing and bathing after an extensive time outside in heavy brush. Dogs need to allow humans to touch their paws, ears, legs, and tail without becoming distressed or upset. Bathing Tips for Your Labrador Retriever If bath time feels like a chore for you, know that your dog likely feels the same. After all, some dogs would prefer a mud bath over sudsy bubbles! However, if you begin bathing your dog at a young age, it will slowly become comfortable with bath time. Just be sure that bath time is enjoyable — otherwise, your pup will loathe getting in the tub. In fact, it could even make your loveable, friendly dog wary of strangers in general. Watch for signs that your pup is anxious immediately before or after their visit to the groomer since this could mean you need to find a new shop to visit. The last thing a pet owner needs is a smelly dog that is apprehensive about bathing! Instead, they have growth plates, which are small areas of cartilage that serve as a placeholder until their bone structure grows. In severe cases, this could mean that your dog can develop an uneven limb. If your Labrador puppy slips and falls while trying to jump out of the tub, it could result in a growth plate injury. Image Source When bathtime is over, a ramp can help wet dogs get out of the tub without jumping over the side. Ramps keep dogs from injuring themselves or you — meaning no more bending over and physically picking your large pup out of the tub! Your furry friend will avoid bathing if they remember painful experiences associated with the bath and could develop frequent ear infections from excess soap. And not only will your Lab pup hate bathtime, but residue water can result in ear infections. There are also plenty of tools that help make bathtime easy for dogs and their owners. For example, a detachable showerhead allows free movement around the tub so that you can wash off the suds quickly and efficiently. Doing so will ensure that your dog is eager to take a bath. Labradors especially adore praise and positive attention. The toy should be entertaining and only obtainable during bath time. Presenting your pup with this special bath toy will strengthen their positive association with the tub and keep them occupied while you hose them down. Why is it essential to have an exclusive bath toy? Well, toys that are frequently available lose their appeal after a while. However, if your dog expects to play with a specific toy during bath time, it makes them more likely to hop in the tub. Make sure to provide them with their favorite treat, be it peanut butter or a name-brand dog snack. If this is the case with your Labrador Retriever, you may want to schedule a visit with your local veterinarian because there may be underlying medical issues causing a lingering odor to persist after a bath. Here are some of the most common reasons Labs still hold onto a nasty smell after bath time. Your dog may experience allergies and have grown an intolerance to one of the primary ingredients in its regular food. Reason 2: Compacted Anal Glands If an unpleasant smell lingers following a bath, it might be time to have a veterinarian examine their anal glands. Animals have fluid from their rectum that releases during their bowel movements, but these glands can become impacted for some pets. As plaque builds up, teeth and gum health declines, resulting in an unpleasant smell. Reason 4: Bacterial or Fungal Infections Every dog has a form of healthy yeast on its skin. However, sometimes the yeast can get out of control and cause a nasty fungal infection. An overgrowth of yeast can cause excessive skin issues like irritation, dandruff, thickened skin, or a putrid smell. Bacterial infections are often caused by underlying medical issues like parasites, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. Share on. Tips for keeping your Lab clean The Labrador Coat The Labrador has a double coat which means they have two layers; the topcoat is wiry and abrasive, while the undercoat is softer and lighter. Because they have a double coat, Labradors have minimal grooming needs compared to other breeds. Their coats do not grow long enough to encounter painful knots or tangles and do not require any expensive trips to the groomer for clipping. However, Labradors are heavy shedders, shedding all year round and having a complete blowout twice a year. Regular grooming and bathing can help remove excess fur and make your pet smell cleaner. Do Labradors Need Baths? Bathing followed by grooming can help minimize shedding and help those Labs with allergies. Finally, bathing allows you to look closely at your dog, checking for anything abnormal like lumps or skin infections and fleas, mites and lice. How Often Should a Labrador be Bathed? Bathing your Lab once a month is a good rule of thumb, as bathing too often removes essential oils from the coat. However, if your Lab spends a lot of time outdoors, then it is highly likely they will roll in the mud and dirt, so they may need bathing more frequently. If your Lab continuously gets dirty, you can spray them with lukewarm water from a shower or hose or wipe them with a damp cloth instead of bathing them. Excessive bathing may seem like a good idea to keep your Lab squeaky clean, but it can actually be harmful. Bathing too often strips Labradors of their natural oils, which they need for a healthy skin and coat, and can cause irritation. It also damages hair follicles, increases the risk of fungal and bacterial infections, and interferes with worming and flea treatments while leaving their coat looking dull and unhealthy. How to Bathe a Labrador When bathing a Labrador, you must clean their coat thoroughly and have the right products, so prepare beforehand. Choosing the best products Do Labradors Need Baths? So, when this happens, they will need a bath! This might not be as regular as other breeds who have longer, or curly fur. In fact, many Labrador owners will simply wash their dogs as and when the process is needed, rather than on a set schedule. About the Labrador Coat Labradors have short, dense fur made up of two layers. This means they have relatively low grooming needs compared to many other dogs. But, they are also heavy shedders. Labs will shed moderately all year round, and heavily during their highest shedding periods. Labrador coats are also water resistant, a trait which was very useful in their original days of working alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. So, you must be very thorough when washing them to ensure all of their coat is properly cleaned and dried. By the time your Labrador puppy comes home with you at 8 weeks, some breeders may have already given them their first bath! Puppies have a fear period between 8 and 12 weeks where they should be socialized to new experiences. Bathtime should be included in this process! Labs who experience bath time as puppies will often be much happier with the process as adults! Labrador grooming needs are quite low, and this includes bathtime. Many Labs will easily be able to go months without having a bath. Often, Labrador owners prefer to use their judgement when giving their dog a bath. Since they have such short, easy coats, tangles and knots are rare. You will need to wash your Labrador when this happens. Washing a Labrador too often can strip their fur of these oils. Tips for Bathing a Labrador Adult Labs are large dogs, so washing and drying them can be quite the feat! Here are some tips that should make the entire process a little easier. Prepare all of your products and tools before bringing your Lab in. Enlist the help of someone else if possible! Make sure your Lab is used to baths from a young age. Associate the process with something great, like tasty treats. Dry your Labrador thoroughly for best results, and to avoid wet dog smell! How to Choose the Right Products Having all the right products and tools at your disposal will also make bathing a Labrador easier. So, invest in those before trying to give your Lab a bath. Take your time looking at the different dog shampoos and conditioners available. There are a lot of products out there, but some are better quality than others. You can even get an expert opinion from your local groomers. Ideally speaking, one bath every weeks should suffice. But a lot depends on your dog and its habits! As a new pet owner, you might not be fully aware of all the factors that you should consider when bathing your dog. So, read on to learn more. The answer is Yes. Like any other living being, Labs also require bathing and grooming sessions. The hair on their bodies is short and smooth. However, this does not mean that they do not shed at all. Labradors shed a considerable amount of hair in comparison to many other dog breeds, and therefore regular blowing and brushing become very important. Generally, Labradors should be bathed once a month. However, those dogs that love the outdoors and roll around in the soil may require baths every month. Their teeth, paws, and ears should be given adequate attention, and their coat should be groomed. If you have a high-shedding breed, you can also consider brushing them up. How often should a Labrador be brushed? Do it at least once or twice every day to get rid of excess hair. It also makes their coats look shiny, fresh, and healthy. If you expose their skin to regular bathing and washing, you might make them prone to various health implications due to the depletion of their natural oil. This makes it tricky to decide how often to wash a Labrador. Keep in mind the following factors when making a decision. If you find your Labrador constantly itching or being irritated, wash your dog right away. Do not wash your Lab every day, no matter how much it sheds! Instead, comb their hair with a good-bristled brush to get rid of extra fur and knots. A dog that remains indoors most of the time should be cleaned every 4 weeks, while a dog that likes to be outdoors and has fleas or dead hair should be cleaned twice a week with warm water. But because you are only doing it barely once or twice a month, you need to ensure that you follow all the proper steps in bathing Labradors. Here are a few of them. Have all the basic grooming and bathing tools and supplies at home to carry out a hassle-free process. This includes a Labrador-friendly shampoo, a few high-quality brushes or combs, and a pet shower head. Moreover, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the teeth and a clipper to trim the nails. To prevent your dog from digesting any shampoo content by licking its fur, make sure to rinse it thoroughly and then dry it off using a dog towel. If your dog has been in the pool, the chlorine content of the water can dry out its coat very fast. Therefore, do not forget to give your dog a quick wash after its swimming session. While bathing your dog, check its ears for any wax buildup or debris, which will require immediate cleaning up. Damp the coat first then lather it with a dog-safe shampoo. Make sure to work the product through its skin gently with your fingers, and then wash it off slowly and nicely. If you are uncomfortable with giving them a good, thorough bath, take them to a professional groomer instead. If your dog is suffering from any health condition , use only medicated or prescribed products for cleaning and grooming. Bathing, if done correctly, is the best way to make them look as young, healthy, shiny, and beautiful as they are.

Whelping Prenatal Care Preparing for your Labrador bitch's labor is critical. Keep track of your dog's breeding date. After about 35 days of pregnancy, the mother's food intake will increase. She will require twice as much food as normal, increasing to three times as much when she begins nursing. The best Labrador nutritional plan is to buy an approved dry food and feed according to the package. These foods are balanced and require no supplementation. They have the extra calories needed by the pregnant or nursing mother. Do not use calcium as this can cause metabolic imbalances, and excess vitamins may be harmful to the Labrador puppies. Exercise of the pregnant bitch need not be restricted until after the first weeks of pregnancy. Day 45 At about the 45th day of her pregnancy, your lab mother should be examined by a vet. As well as assessing her overall health, your vet can x-ray your Labroador to ascertain how many puppies she is expecting. Earlier in the pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to confirm pregnancy and, after 25 days, the embryonic heart may be seen beating. Gestation The gestation period of the Labrador bitch is considered to be 63 days. Lubricate a rectal thermometer with margarine or KY jelly and insert it about an inch. Leave it in place for three minutes. You will need to determine your pregnant Labrador's bases temperature should be approx 38 degrees. Stage One of Labor During the first stage of labour the cervix dilates and uterine contractions begin. Contractions are not as easy to see as in humans but can nevertheless be very painful and distressing to the Labrador bitch. She may appear uncomfortable, restless, pacing, shivering and panting. The mother lab will probably not eat, she may even vomit and whine persistently. She may occupy herself building a nest. This is the longest stage of labour, generally lasting six to eighteen hours. By the end of this period her cervix will have completely dilated so that the puppies can pass. .Stage Two of Labor During the second stage of labour, contractions continue. The placental water sacks breaks and fluid is passed. Placentas are usually expelled after each puppy is born. Pups usually appear approx every hour after thirty minutes of straining. The bitch will lick the puppy clean and bite the umbilical cord. It is during this time that the mother bonds with her puppies and recognises them as her own. The licking of the bitch stimulates the puppies to breathe. The mother lab will likely eat the afterbirth. If the bitch does not tear away the sac and lick the pups, you should tear the sac open, clear all fluid away from the pup's nose and mouth, and vigorously rub the pup to stimulate breathing. The mother will take rests during labour and up to four hours can pass between puppies. If she is not straining then everything is usually normal and on schedule. If more than four hours pass without a puppy or the mother strains forcefully for over an hour without producing another pup, immediately take the bitch to an emergency veterinary hospital. It is not abnormal for puppies to be born rear feet first. You must do this very gently because puppies are fragile and easily hurt. Stage Three of Labor The third stage of labour is a very indistinct period for Labradors. Once all the puppies have been born, the bitch enters this third stage during which time the uterus expels the remaining placenta, blood and fluid. It is rich in antibodies which will protect the puppies for the first few months of life. Colostrum is only produced for two days and the puppy is only able to absorb its antibodies for a day or two. If their bitch did not nurse during the first 2 days of life, the puppies have a serious immunological disadvantage. Great care should be taken in cleanliness and the puppies can be vaccinated as early as 2 weeks old depending on their circumstances. Whelping Set up a comfortable whelping area for raising the puppies. The Labrador bitch should be able to come and go as she likes while the puppies remain confined. The mother dog should be isolated from all other dogs for three weeks prior to labour and 3 weeks after delivery to prevent infection. Herpes is spread by sniffing and licking between dogs. Adult Labradors rarely have any symptoms but the new or unborn puppies will die. Toileting Infant Labrador puppies are unable to take care of these matters. If necessary, use a cotton swab, tissue, or your finger to gently rub the baby's genital area. Have a tissue ready to catch the urine. Rubbing the anal area may also be necessary if the babies do not seem to be defecating as much as expected. Watch for diarrhea. Normally the puppy stool is very loose but should not be watery. It is normal for puppies to have very round bellies, however if you think the baby might be constipated, taking the temperature rectally with a normal rectal thermometer usually provides enough extra stimulation to get things back to normal. Starting Solid Food When the puppies start biting and chewing they may be ready to start on some solids. At first it may be necessary to mix solid food with a little formula and to smear a little around their mouths gently with your finger. We commence blended solid food at 3 weeks of age. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your Labrador Giving Birth Labrador Retrievers are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog to give birth will be one of the most significant things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible video of a Labrador giving birth to her 8 puppies. The owner added some fun captions to make it even more awesome. Nature is truly amazing. Even though your dog will be relatively undemanding when it comes to the actual birth, there are still loads of things you will need to do to get her ready, including getting the area prepared where she will be giving birth. Consult Your Vet To ensure your Labrador is as successful as possible during birth, make sure to have frequent discussions with your vet. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the important first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and inform you of anything you should know. As with human pregnancies, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet if you have any concerns and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions you may have about how to care for your Labrador during the coming weeks and the birth itself. Your vet will be able to give you valuable input and help you plan for the birth. Ensure your dog has a healthy diet in place , along with the appropriate exercise, and do everything you can to make sure she stays healthy throughout the pregnancy. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many puppies she is carrying. Your vet is the best person to advise you exactly what your dog needs at this stage in the pregnancy. Transition the food gradually and feed little and often. This ensures an adequate nutrient and calorie intake. Your vet may also recommend folic acid and essential fatty acid supplements. But if your vet specifies anything additional for your Labrador, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready! And remember, the checklist should include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. It will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You should have some blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If your Lab has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. Making sure they are all warm and cozy will be your priority. A bunch of newborn Labrador puppies snuggled up to mom and surrounded by comfort blankets is really adorable. The new mama realizes this and will attempt to keep her pups warm using her body temperature by keeping them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the room warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies are lying. This one also has thousands of positive reviews and comes with a removable cover for easy cleaning. Place your hand underneath it to test where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping , a whelping box will be required. This is for the Labrador puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make a whelping box yourself using a large cardboard box. You should place it in a quiet room of the house. The whelping box should be big enough for your dog to stretch out and comfortably turn around. The recommended size for Labradors is 4 feet x 4 feet and 2 feet in height. Various factors determine puppy weight at birth, such as sex of the puppy, litter size, length of gestation, and the adult weight of the mom. From this study of Labrador puppies, the average puppy weight was 1. Give them time. But be ready to take their weights within the first day or so. You will also need to check the temperatures of the puppies if you believe one may be sick. The area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, which causes trouble breathing. The mom will try to lick it away as best she can, but if you see one of the Labrador puppies still struggling to take breaths, make sure you have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon at the ready. Gently swathe the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suck out the mucus and massage his chest very gently, holding him for a while after. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Generally, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace is essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your Labrador to the vet. But if there is an emergency or if you have any worries, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have a soft travel crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets ready to go in case you need to transport your Lab urgently. I recommend you invest in a travel crate as part of your preparations. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your Labrador to the vet during labor, it will be useful to have someone with you. Consider asking a close friend or relative. They could drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This will be a scary moment for your Lab, and she will value having you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will have taken care of most of this during the preparation stage. You will have placed clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you should help maintain a clean and comfortable environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a relaxed and comfy setting for your Labrador: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as her favorite soft clothing, blankets, and toys. Close windows to minimize loud noises and distractions. Give occasional words of encouragement in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need to rest. Make sure she is comfortable and supported. Giving Your Labrador Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your Labrador during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. Animals are instinctual in ways that astound us as mere humans. Labs are also terribly smart. They have a knack for knowing what to do during and after giving birth with their instincts and intelligence. They know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger from your Labrador. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best and needs her space. The best thing you can do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your Lab give birth is also knowing that you may be needed and, if so — be ready! If you have prepared well, everything will be available in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Other signs are restlessness, not eating, vomiting, pawing at her bedding as if making a nest, licking her vulva area, or releasing a clear watery discharge. The first puppy should be delivered within 1 to 2 hours of the onset of contractions and pushing. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling and cannot push anymore. She appears to be in pain, is yelping, or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen that can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions and straining hard for more than 30 minutes without another puppy coming. Puppies are born in a thin membrane that needs to be removed to avoid suffocation. As soon as the membrane is removed, the mom will lick the puppy, which stimulates breathing. After each birth, the placenta afterbirth will follow. The mother may eat it, and this is perfectly normal. This is discussed at the prep stage. However, if there is something more complicated, you will need to take your Lab to the vet. The gestation period in dogs is around 63 days or 9 weeks. But how long does the birth actually last? It generally takes a Labrador between hours to deliver her puppies, but it can take up to 24 hours. Puppies are usually born at intervals of 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary. Before this, she may be in the 1st stage of labor, while her cervix dilates, between hours. Your dog may rest for 2 hours before the next delivery, and sometimes this can extend to 4 hours. Sometimes, several puppies are born quickly. This process continues until all the puppies are born and each placenta is passed. Stage 2 is known as the delivery of the puppies, and Stage 3 is the delivery of the placenta. Dogs typically alternate between stages 2 and 3 until delivery is complete. The placenta and the pup are not always delivered together. If your Labrador is giving birth the first time, you may be wondering, how many puppies can she have? A Labrador may have puppies per litter — the average is 7 puppies for large breeds. However, the first litter is generally smaller. Factors that determine litter size include time and method of conception whether artificial insemination , age of the dam, past pregnancies, health, and diet. Check out these interesting facts around litter sizes: The average puppy count for large and giant breeds is seven per litter, according to this study of breeds and 10, litters. Labradors are capable of having 10 puppies. Dogs are most fertile 48 hours after ovulation because hormone levels are just right. Artificial insemination can result in fewer puppies due to how semen is preserved. The age of the male sire can affect litter size too. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups after the birth. She will be exhausted and need lots of rest and love. And the newborn pups will be adorable helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Your vet will offer specifics if there are precise health concerns for your Labrador. But otherwise, here are the general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound: Once your Labrador has had sufficient time to recuperate, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. Encourage her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this stage, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let mom join them and begin nursing. Make sure the pups are getting enough food from mom and that she is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your Labrador is unable to produce milk for a while, you will need puppy milk formula to feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts Labradors are smart, instinctual, and amazingly affectionate. They also make awesome moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. I hope this guide has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your Labrador is giving birth. You will also know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in! Good luck, and you will soon be hugging those little balls of fluff! This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below.

Still, you may discover information about how much to feed a Pug puppy here if you were unaware of the specifics before. Pugs are very food-motivated and will do just about anything for a tasty treat. Unfortunately, pugs gain weight as fast as any other dog breed. You are, supposedly, what you eat. The pug is a little dog, so even a slight increase in weight might be noticeable. Because of their tiny stature and low activity levels, pug pups have a lower caloric need than puppies of other breeds. Because of their unique nutritional needs, small-breed puppies should be fed food that has been developed particularly for them. Furthermore, make sure the puppy food you choose has all the nutrients it needs, and ask your physician for recommendations on how much and how often to feed the puppy. By the age of three to four weeks, you may begin feeding your puppy solid food. Mix equal parts of puppy chow and milk replacer as a first step. Give a little bit teaspoons many times a day. Weaning off of milk and onto solid food is complete when a pug puppy reaches this age. Independence from their mother and siblings and other littermates may begin to emerge. Puppies may start interacting socially and maturing rapidly at this age. Water should be kept fresh at all times. This is a good age to start teaching children to use the restroom without assistance. At this age, pug pups are full of energy and wonder. As they become older, puppies often become more receptive to training and socializing. There may be a period of boundary testing when they need constant guidance in training and socializing. Baby teeth may start falling out and adult teeth emerging in puppies. Proper potty training should have been completed. They may begin to express themselves more openly and build their own identities. Get started on the changeover to puppy food for adult dogs. They may test limits and need ongoing socialization and discipline. Make sure they get lots of exercise to keep their weight in check. Their interests and preferences in playthings and other pursuits may become more clearly defined. Maintain a high volume of physical activity and intellectual challenge. Pug pups achieve their full size at this point, however they may continue to gain weight. As puppies become older, they often become more devoted to their families and develop stronger bonds with them. The amount they eat should be adjusted based on their weight. At reaching adulthood, pugs often slow down and spend more time lounging. They may set in their ways, but they can still be taught new tricks with enough repetition. Aging symptoms in adult pugs include the development of gray hair and a general slowing down of activity. Understanding Pug Puppy Nutritional Needs Depending on factors including their age, weight, and level of activity, the calorie needs of Pug puppies might change over time. Pug puppies, on the whole, may need anything from to calories each day. The food of a Pug puppy should consist of between 22 and 25 percent protein, since this is the macronutrient most crucial for promoting healthy muscle and tissue development. Consuming between 8 and 10 percent of their calories from fat is recommended for optimal health and energy levels. To maintain a healthy skin and coat, they need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well. High-quality commercial puppy chow designed for pups is what you should be feeding your Pug. The growth and development of pug pups may be supported by feeding them multiple little meals throughout the day. Feeding them three to four times a day till they are roughly six months old is the norm. To figure out how often and how much to feed your Pug puppy, talk to your vet. Having access to clean water at all times is also crucial. Puppies of the Pug breed need three meals every day. For ages 8 weeks to 6 months, try to stick to this schedule for feedings. As soon as your Pug reaches 6 months of age, you may begin reducing the number of times each day it is fed to twice. Kibble is practical since it may aid in the prevention of tartar accumulation and can be stored easily. Yet, the added moisture provided by wet foods may aid in the fight against dehydration and support efficient digestion. Wet food may have a better texture and flavor for certain Pug pups, while kibble may be a better choice for others. You should talk to your vet about what kind of food and how often you should feed your Pug puppy. Yet the specific time might vary from dog to dog based on their nutritional requirements. To prevent stomach trouble, the change should be made slowly over the course of a few weeks. Puppy anorexia may be caused by several things, including sickness, dental issues, stress, and dietary or habit changes. In the meanwhile, you may try introducing a new kind of food or moistening their normal kibble with a little quantity of wet food or broth to pique their interest. Do not feed your Pug puppy any human food or table scraps since this might cause gastric discomfort and other health issues. Pugs have a tendency toward becoming overweight and overeating, which may lead to a host of medical complications. Instead, you should make sure your Pug puppy is receiving the right quantity of food by sticking to a regular feeding schedule and controlling portions. This may improve general conduct and aid in the process of teaching toilet independence. This formula is designed for purebred Pugs. Little dogs with short muzzles may easily pick up and chew the kibble design. This meal supports Pug immunological, skin, and digestive health with antioxidants and important nutrients. Supports digestive health 2. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins strengthen bones and teeth in this specifically prepared combination. Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants for immune system, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and hair No corn, wheat, soy, or chicken or poultry by-product meal Cons May contain artificial flavors 3. This puppy chow supports strong muscles and a healthy heart by starting with high-quality protein. Antioxidants and natural glucosamine will maintain his joints for a lifetime of sports. Pros Protein-rich chicken is the first ingredient DHA aids puppy brain and visual development Four antioxidants boost immunity Omega-6, vitamins, and minerals for skin and coat No artificial flavors or preservatives. Best Dog Foods for Pugs Choosing the right dog food for a Pug is essential as this will ensure that it gets proper nutrition. However, this can be challenging and time-consuming, considering that there is a lot to choose from. Whether you choose to feed your Pug commercial, homemade food, or raw food, make sure that they are of good quality and recommended by a trusted veterinarian. Proper nutrition is one of the factors that affect their lifespan. Below is a list of the best dog food choices for your Pug: Dry Food: One of the best options for Pugs is dry dog food as it is widely available, cheap, and has a long shelf life. These are packed with all the nutrients essential for your Pug. Wet Food: Wet dog food is another good option for Pugs. Its flavor and texture make it more appealing to Pugs than dry food. Wet food contains fewer grains, making it healthier and easier to digest. However, wet canned food has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed immediately after opening. Wet foods are also more expensive than dry foods. Homemade Food: Your Pug may benefit from cooked food consisting of chicken, eggs, fish, rice, and vegetables. The process is time-consuming, but it is less expensive and more convenient in the long run, especially if you plan on giving them a grain-free diet. Raw Food: Raw food diet for most Pugs results in better digestion, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system in Pugs. Mixing any of the aforementioned food choices is also good. Hence, you may want to try dog food alternatives to fit your budget. With their sensitive little stomachs, some foods can be poisonous, cause allergic reactions, and can even be lethal. Below is a list of food that you should completely avoid feeding to your Pug: Alcohol: Any amount of alcohol is hazardous for Pugs. Pugs do not have the enzyme to metabolize alcohol. Ingestion can cause hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , breathing problems, and central nervous system CNS impairment. Avocado: Avocado contains persin , a fungicidal toxin that has been linked to the death of many animals, including Pugs. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart damage in large quantities. As a result, even small amounts of chocolate can cause poisoning. Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid , which causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure among Pugs. Unfortunately, even one whole grape can cause irreversible damage and death in small breeds like Pugs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts: While the exact reason why they are poisonous is unknown, it is best to avoid giving them to your Pugs entirely. In Pugs, macadamia and walnuts can cause diarrhea, weakness, breathing problems, and pancreatitis. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which damages the oxygen-carrying substances in red blood cells. Ingestion of these vegetables can eventually lead to hemolytic anemia. Xylitol: In Pugs, xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia, lethargy, collapse, and seizures. It is frequently found in gums, candies, syrups, and toothpaste. Pugs should avoid the foods listed above at all costs. Food with high sugar content: If your Pug consumes too much sugar, it is more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. Food with high sugar content can also give Pugs an upset stomach. Salty food: Just like sugar, too much salt can cause health problems in Pugs. If left unchecked, it has the potential to poison your Pug. Excessive salt consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure. Milk and dairy products: Because the majority of Pugs are lactose intolerant , dairy products can make them sick. They will have digestive problems because they are unable to break down lactose. This causes gastrointestinal blockage and death if left unattended. If you think your Pug has accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods, bring your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic for appropriate treatment. Transitioning to a new brand or type of food may be beneficial to their well-being and development. For most dogs, transitioning to new dog food can be difficult. Fortunately, Pugs are not born picky eaters, so changing their diet will be easier. The ideal transition for Pugs should be gradual changes spread over three weeks. Do this until they are comfortable with the new food. Below is a more detailed breakdown of how to transition your Pug to a new food: Days. Aug 25, Share An important part of taking good care of your Pug puppy is making sure that they are properly fed and that they get all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and if your Pug is like most, they seem to like anything that they are fed. Luckily, there are many commercial foods available on the market. There is also the raw doggy food diet that seems to keep getting more popular as time goes on. But what kind of dog food is right for your Pug? How much should you be feeding them? What will the dog not eat? Are there special considerations for a senior Pug? The answers to these questions and more can be found in our Pug feeding guide below. What you do decide to feed your pooch should be based on the quality of the food, no matter the type, and your personal feeding preferences. Here is what can be on the table for your Pug. Image credit: PxHere Commercial Dry Food Kibble Commonly referred to as kibble, commercial dry dog food is the most common and widely available option on the market. Manufacturers of this type of food work hard to balance the ingredients and create a completely balanced nutritional profile for dogs like your Pug. In fact, some brands, like Royal Canin, offer puppy and adult foods made just for Pugs. Whether you choose a dry dog food made just for Pugs or one made for dogs in general, it should include real meat or animal meal as one of the first ingredients on the list. The upside to commercial dry dog food is that it is affordable and easy to administer. It is also typically easy to store for the long term without worrying about it spoiling. The downside is that it tends to be dehydrating, so water should be available to your Pug throughout the day. Commercial Wet Food Commercially made wet dog food tends to be more nutrient-dense than dry food because it contains fresher ingredients and usually has fewer grains, if any at all. Most wet foods have real whole meat or seafood and broth as the first ingredients. Sometimes, veggies are thrown in for good measure, but many are meat-centric to meet the high protein needs of your growing Pug. Wet food is not as easy to store as dry food is, because it must be refrigerated after being opened. However, Pugs tend to enjoy the flavor and texture of wet food more than dry. Wet food is also a little more expensive than dry food, especially when trying to feed Pugs that are full-grown and in their prime. Raw Food A raw food diet is said to result in better digestion, a healthier coat and immune system , optimal dental health, and less susceptibility to allergies among other things. A raw food diet typically consists of quality meat, a source of calcium such as bones , animal organs, and a lower fat count than most commercial foods offer. Feeding your Pug a raw food diet will take commitment and a strong understanding of the nutrition that they need. This type of diet can be expensive and can require storage space in the fridge and freezer. It is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian to put together a complete meal plan to follow if you choose to go this route. It is a freeze-dried raw food supplement that is delicious and nutritious. The process requires about a day of cooking in the kitchen, but the time that you spend in your kitchen should yield enough food for your pooch to eat all week long. You will just have to store the leftovers in the fridge each day until the entire batch has been offered and consumed. Homemade dog food usually consists of whole meat like chicken, eggs, fish oil or flaxseed, brown or white rice, possibly vegetables like carrots and peas , and maybe even supplements of some kind. It depends on what kind of recipe you decide to follow. Any recipe that you consider feeding your dog should be approved by your veterinarian first. But you can quickly tell whether your pooch is being underfed or overfed by checking out their physique every day. If your dog is underfed for too long, you could notice signs like lethargy and an unwillingness to interact with family members. If your dog is overfed, they may succumb to problems like diabetes. If you find that your dog is getting underweight, start feeding them up to an extra cup of food each day. Reduce the amount by up to a cup if your dog is getting pudgy and out of shape. To help avoid under and overfeeding your dog, follow the feeding directions on the packaging of any commercial food you buy for them. If you decide to go the raw or homemade food route, your veterinarian can provide you with a feeding guide. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. Extra immune support is also typically present in puppy food. Once Pugs become adults, they are not as active as when they were pups, and they are not growing at exponential rates, if at all. Therefore, they need food with less protein than what puppies get. Pugs can typically switch to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12 months because much of their growth will be complete at this time. The tricky part is the actual process of switching your pooch from puppy to adult dog food. If not done slowly and intentionally, switching to a new food can cause digestion issues for your dog that could create messes around the house. Lethargy and nausea may follow. Finally, offer only adult food. There are many reasons why your Pug might seem like they do not have an appetite. The first thing to consider is whether you are overfeeding them. If your pooch does not want to eat their last meal of the day, they could simply be full and satisfied. However, other issues could lead to a pup not eating such as: Dental Problems. If your Pug has a toothache or some other kind of dental problem, they may not be comfortable eating. Check for red gums, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth. If something unusual is detected, consult your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Recent Vaccinations. Vaccines can cause side effects, including a lack of appetite. So, if your Pug does not seem to want to eat for a day or two after getting vaccinated, this is normal. Uncomfortable Surroundings. If your pooch goes on an adventure with you and is expected to eat their meal in a situation that is not familiar to them, they may pass on the meal altogether in favor of waiting until they get to what they feel is a safe space to eat. Even if your dog seems fine in every other way, a lack of wanting to eat could mean an illness of some kind is brewing. If you cannot find any other reason for a lack of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Adult Pugs will generally eat about a cup of dry commercial dog food each day or the equivalent, although certain differences might scale this amount up or down as time goes on. Here are the most important factors to consider. Active vs. Sedentary More active dogs will require more food than those that tend to be sedentary. If your pooch takes multiple walks every day, spends a great deal of time playing with kids throughout the day, or enjoys outdoor time with family members each afternoon, chances are that your dog will need a little more food than the average pooch. If your pooch takes only one short walk each day and spends most of their time lounging around the house, chances are that they should be fed as sedentary dogs. Spayed vs. Neutered Sometimes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered eat more than the average pooch. This is because they tend to be more active and excitable, which results in the need for more calories to support their energy needs. Pregnancy Pregnant Pugs need up to twice the amount of food that an adult dog would need. Instead of feeding your pregnant dog puppy or adult food, consider a food designed for all life stages that indicates its suitability for pregnancy. This type of food offers more protein and fat than adult food to support the extra growth they go through, but not as much as puppy food, which could make them overweight after the birth. What Foods Are Bad for Pugs? Image By: Momentmal, Pixabay There are a few foods that you should never feed your Pug to ensure their good health and to avoid serious problems like poisoning and even death. Here are a few food items that should be avoided at all costs: Alcohol. This feeding routine should be followed from 8 weeks to 6 months old. But how much food should that be exactly in each feeding session. How many cups of food should I feed my Pug puppy and adults? Before you check out this Pug feeding chart below, you may just want a quick reference to how many cups of food you need to feed a Pug. The common guidelines say you should feed a Pug puppy of 8 to 20 weeks different cup sizes depending on their weight and age. You can see the cup amounts in the chart here: Puppy feeding amounts This Pug puppy feeding chart explains just how many cups of food you should give them and the regularity. It will be 3 times a day, then twice a day as they get older. As your Pug ages, the number of cups of food you need to him or her will change, as will the regularity. Take a look at the guidance in the graphic below. Adult feeding amounts This is feeding chart for adult Pugs explaining how many cups and how often in the day the feeding times should be. The Pug feeding charts you see above have been scanned from the Royal Canin brand of dog food. This is a very trusted brand, and you will find it being sold in vets all over the world. It contains all the nutrients your Pug puppy will need and is great for starting out with and into adult ages. Almost every time, this happens by the age of 3 weeks; and puppies should not leave their mother until at least 8 weeks of age. They will be like eating machines at this age because they have so much energy to burn. You could also try to sit your Pug down on some scales, but good luck with trying to make them sit still. Instead you can weigh yourself if you have accurate scales, and then get someone to pass you your Pug puppy to see what the difference is. The age of your Pug You might find it hard to get your Pug used to commercial dry food at first. The commercial puppy food should be high enough in calories and nutrients to make up for what they used to get from their mother. In terms of adjusting for their ages, Pug puppies of 8 to 12 weeks old can have one and half cups of food each day, split into 3 servings. By the ages of 6 to 9 months, Pug puppies will be in a regular eating routine where they drop to two meals a day — and this is how it will stay as adults. The dangers of over-feeding Some Pug owners might decide to go to 4 meals a day, but still with the same amount of food. This is because tinier Pugs might find the half a cup 3 times daily, too much of a large meal. Overfeeding is something to keep a strict eye on. If you feed your Pug puppy too much, he could get gastric dilatation-volvulus see definition on ACVS. This is the medical term for a twisted gut and can actually be fatal. Feeding more senior Pugs As Pugs get older, they will start to get less active. With reduced levels of energy comes the need for a lower calorie intake. But only if they are reducing their exercise due to age. With an older Pug you might start to see them putting on weight. If you do see weight gain, start to pull back on the portion sizes. Sometimes your vet may even recommend you go to a higher frequency of daily meals albeit smaller portions , almost like they are puppies again. With senior dogs this can help with weaker stomachs. Overweight or underweight? The average Pug puppy will weigh between 2 and 4 pounds at 8 weeks. These are healthy weight ranges. If you do have a Pug puppy who is clearly underweight, start to add a little bit more food to each of the daily meals until they come back into the health weight range. With overweight Pugs you do the exact opposite but mix more exercise into their daily routines as well. Handy Hint: If your Pug is losing or gaining weight and how much food they eat makes no difference, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Health problems related to Pug feeding Not all dogs are the same, and all the guidance on this page is very generic towards how much you should feed a Pug. The bottom line is that your vet will be able to properly tell you how much your Pug should eat due to their age and weight. Raw food vs. I understand why people feed their dog raw food though; they say commercial food has too many additives plus preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and proteins. Consult with your vet for a professional opinion. Pugs that eat their food far too quickly You should also monitor how quickly your Pug is eating. Puppies are used to having to compete for food, and even when they are home alone with you, they will still have an instinct to wolf their food down. This can cause indigestion and vomiting, so there are a few things you can do to slow their intake down. Use a muffin tin evenly spread the portions throughout the tin. The best dry dog foods should have a high percentage of meats and fish in. Omega-3s are healthy fats, so those will also be a good sign if listed. All of the notes and guidance are based on my own personal experience of raising puppies, with exception to the feeding schedule which is from the Canin dog food brand. However, the Canin Pug feeding charts you see, are exactly how I have fed my puppies and adult dogs. Once your dog reaches adulthood, the best times to feed your Pug will be breakfast and dinner times. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Pug will stay at healthy as our dogs have! You might also like… If you have found this useful and are new to Pug ownership, you might find these other handy guides useful during the puppy phase:. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily. Email No living thing can survive without food. Pugs, with their hyperactive nature, would want to eat constantly. It is always ravenous and thirsty, and seemingly wanting to have something on its mouth. This small ball of cuddles and sweetness is quite prone to weight issues which may deliver debilitating health conditions. To take extreme care of its health, it is important to have a pug food chart handy. Source : mysweetdogs. Second to that is protein lean poultry and pork, and fish and then, complex carbohydrates pearled barley, sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, corn, and millet and fats, the unsaturated kind, filled with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. For lean meat like fish or poultry, another 25 percent should come handy. Remaining calorie count must be divided into healthy complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. This is part of the reason why some conscientious pug owners tend to prepare their own pug food. A quick check on commercial ones will either give you either too high in fat or too low in other nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy. Some households usually make a balance of commercial ones with home-prepared pug food. Others also use organic olive oil and other healthy oils to fully saturate a healthy diet for their pugs. But just how much does a pug need for its daily sustenance? As a first time pug owner, it is important to exercise caution during feeding. Whether you get a small puppy or a fully grown one, proper observations must be carefully done. Keep in mind that pug food charts usually provided on the label of commercial grade dog foods are often manipulated. Try filling its bowl with appropriate amount of pug food See below and check how much it consumes in one sitting. Do this in the morning and then, at dusk while giving pug biscuits or small bits of fresh fruits in between. Keep tabs of its progress or regression in terms of weight in a week or two. Add or subtract the amount of food given when your pug either loses or gains weight. While food portion quantity matters less for other dogs who know how much to eat, pugs can be endless eaters. Unless you give specific amounts, chances are your pug will grow obese very soon. Care should be taken to stick to recommended portions of meal suggested and not exceed even if your dog is urging for more feed. If you have got an adopted one whose age is below 45 days and has no living mother, you can feed the puppy milk replacers like Beaphar lactol, choostix petasure or royal canin babydog milk. Cow milk cerelac is not recommended. Not only human cerelac causes loose motion, it may result in stunted growth as well. After 45 days age, you can go for starter dry food of any brand like drools starter, royal canin mini starter, farmina puppy starter or a brand you like. Starter dry food can be fed to both mother and puppy till 3 months age. If starter kibble is too hard for your puppy to chew, you can add water in it, blend in a grinder and make a mixture that can be fed by feeding bottle. You can feed a pug puppy up to g of feed combined at this age. Home-made food can be fed as well. If you are feeding cooked meat, remove bones. Pug puppy months :This is the ideal growing stage of the puppy. Your puppy will gain the maximum in mass, length and height at this age span. You can feed junior dry food at this age of your choice brand or home-made food like chicken rice or curd rice. Feed the puppy not more than 3 times a day even if puppy acts like he. Make sure food is rich in protein quantity. Water should be kept available at all times while feeding dry food. Puppy weight needs to be monitored every month. Go safely for any kibble your puppy likes, brand should depend on budget. Some good choices are royal canin pug adult, farmina chicken pomegranate mini adult, orijen original, acana small breed adult etc. Pugs live longer years than most dogs like labs. A healthy diet at adult age is important to maintain immune functions and prolong life-span to the maximum extent. Feed no more than g a day divided into two meals. Quantity should be monitored closely depending on body weight. If fed home-made food, amount should be almost same a dry food, a home-made meal like chicken-veggie can be as nutritious as dry food if not more. A pug can also start eating the left-over food of other dogs if you have multiple dogs in the household, which should be avoided. Most reputable brands have different calorie concentration in their diet. So, recommended portions can differ to some extent across brands, you can also look at feeding instructions on packaging of food product for required amount or take advice from a practicing veterinarian. Whenever you are eating, pugs may act like they are hungrier now than ever and want some. Keep them away from human feed at all times. Also, keep yourself and those around your pug informed about things which can be poisonous and unhealthy for most dogs like chocolate or citrus fruits like orange and never feed your pug these. Help, my pug is fat and wants to eat all the time? You are not alone. Most pugs become obese even if owner tried to restrict food quantity. If your pug is fat, you need to go for less fat rich and more protein rich food. Stop giving starch-rich food like human biscuits. Keep your pug as active as possible. While pugs are not suitable for rigorous exercise, regular walking or mild sprinting can increase muscle mass and reduce obesity. Example: if you are feeding chicken rice, remove the rice and give only chicken. If you are feeding a regular dry food like Royal canin pug adult, opt for veterinary obesity food like royal canin satiety, drools vet pro obesity or acana light and fit. Protein-rich diet will help make your pug feel fuller with small quantities of feed. It is recommended to consult a practicing veterinarian in case your puppy is growing excessively obese for a better customized diet. Are you following any other diet for your pug and getting exceptional results? Do let us know in the comments below. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. But he cries alot for the same. Loyal Petzone says: You can give him dry food mixed with curd. I am sure he likes the curd, not the chappati. Moderate amount of unflavored curd can be mixed with dry kibble any time. Rishika Agrawal says: Have some mercy on the baby. .Feed less. .Ankit says: Hii. .My puppy is 3 months old…. .What should i give to her? Nayandharaa says: You can try curd rice, my dog ate it, I mived some crushed pedigree I. There and it ate it all up Deepa Rawat says: Hi, I have a Indian puppy, of around 45 days, can i give him milk in water with glucose biscuits, and if he is doing loose stool, can i give him mashed banana Loyal Petzone says:. But the sad part of the story is that just like any other dog, pugs get obese very quickly. As they say, you become what you eat. Since the pug is a tiny dog, even one extra pound will affect its appearance. For this reason, it becomes important to keep a check on what your pug is eating. The present article talks about the feeding guidelines of this adorable dog: How much is too much? It is very important to feed your dog the correct amount of food to ensure that the pug is getting enough calories for proper growth. Any deviation from the right amount will led to health problems in a pug. Age, activity, metabolism and build of a dog are the major factors on which the amount of food which should be given to a dog depends. Also, the type of food you are giving to a dog is another important factor. If you are feeding home cooked food to one pug and commercial dog food to another dog with same age, build and activity level, it is not necessary that both of them will consume the same amount. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy pug should be given 1 ounce of food per one pound of body weight. For adult pugs, the amount is halved. What about calories? A pug puppy which is in his growth phase requires more calories than adult and senior pugs. On an average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight while an adult pug requires 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Senior pugs need fewer calories because of slow metabolism and less activity level. Free feeding is not recommended to the pug. The following table illustrates the right feeding regime and meal frequency for pugs: Age Amount of food given at one time No.

Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The early months are critical. The timing is vital. Some apply to all dogs, such as distemper and rabies. If your French Bulldog is in contact with other pups, you should get him a kennel cough vaccine. Likewise, if you take him on the trail with you, consider getting him a Lyme disease vaccine. They are starting to learn social skills and how they fit in the hierarchy with their littermates. They are becoming more independent and starting to show signs of their unique personalities that will define them as adults. Socialization is critical at this age as it will determine how well he gets along with other people and pets. Anything is fair game for this pup. You can transition him to a dog food for pups at this life stage. A French Bulldog reaches his adult size at 12 months. Unfortunately, this pup has a relatively high tendency to gain weight. That puts him at risk for many chronic health conditions that can complicate the ones associate with him being a brachycephalic breed. That brings a host of other health issues that advisable to avoid. While breeding also can have adverse effects, keeping your pet intact may offer a viable option. More likely, stunted growth is the outcome. Growing up takes a lot of energy. The danger of stunted growth also extends toward so-called teacup varieties. These pups are at a greater risk for health problems because of their size. We recommend buying puppies from reputable breeders who understand the particular needs of the French Bulldog. The best way to gauge the weight of your French Bulldog is to look down at his body shape from above him. He should have a well-defined waist. You should also be able to feel his ribs. The feeding guidelines on the back of the package or can are not written in stone. Base his feeding schedule on his current weight and state of health. An online calorie calculator can help you plan his mealtimes correctly. Conclusion The cuteness of the French Bulldog makes it easy to overfeed him. His cute face begs for a treat. It will reduce his risk of chronic health conditions and improve his quality of life. After all, you want him to hang around as long as possible as your BFF. See also:. French bulldogs go through several growth and developmental stages as they mature from puppies to adults. Socialization stage weeks : This is when French Bulldog puppies start to become more social and start to learn how to interact with people and other dogs. They become more active and playful. Adult stage years : This is when French Bulldogs are fully mature and have developed their adult personalities. They may become less active as they age but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Understanding the developmental stages of a French Bulldog can help you provide the appropriate care and training for your pup at each stage of their life. By providing proper care and socialization, you can help ensure that your Frenchie grows up to be a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. Most Frenchies are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. So, what is a French Bulldog litter size? On average, French Bulldogs have a 3 puppy litter, higher litter size is unusual due to the size of the dog. During the neonatal, aka newborn, stage: Puppies are blind, deaf, and toothless. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. At the transitional, aka baby, stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, puppies start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your French Bulldog daily. At the ranking, aka teenage, stage: French Bulldogs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. They become more active and playful, and their energy levels increase. This is a good time to start more advanced obedience training and socialization. Usually, French Bulldogs reach adulthood between 9 to 12 months of age. They may also experience a growth spurt during this time. They may become less active and playful than when they were puppies, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Senior French Bulldog Stage The senior stage is not typically included as one of the developmental stages because it is not a stage of growth and development like the other stages. Instead, it is a stage of aging and gradual decline in physical and cognitive abilities. During the senior stage, French Bulldogs may experience age-related health issues, such as arthritis, vision or hearing loss, and cognitive decline. However, with proper care and attention, they can still enjoy a good quality of life well into their senior years. This includes: Regular veterinary check-ups. A healthy and balanced diet. Regular exercise. And accommodations for any age-related issues they may be experiencing. French Bulldog Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect on how fast your French Bulldog grows and how quickly he or she will gain weight. French Bulldog Adults: Average Weight and Height On average, a full-bred adult French Bulldog weighs between 18 and 28 pounds and is 11 to 12 inches tall. Again, this can vary, and all pups grow at different rates. Everything you need to know about French Bulldog weight can be read here. Can I predict the size that my French Bulldog puppy will be? Double up: Typically, an adult dog will weigh twice as much as it did when it was 4 months old. This may vary. You can also compare your pup to the height of their mother for females or their father for males. Genetics As mentioned, genetics play a major role in the size of a puppy. A high-quality breeder will happily answer questions. A responsible breeder also ensures that the mother is provided with top-notch nutrition before breeding. Diet Like with plants and babies, puppies need proper nutrition in order to grow. Keep in mind some dogs show less interest in food and may not finish their entire bowls at meal times. Vets tend to recommend giving your dog a certain amount of time to eat. After a certain amount of time is up, you pick up the bowl with the remaining food. This is to train your dog that they need to eat all of their food at one time, or they will have to wait until the next scheduled meal time. Check out this complete guide to French Bulldog food. Mental Health If a French Bulldog is under stress or suffers from anxiety, it may show a loss of appetite. If you notice your pup being uninterested in meal times, try changing up its food. When is a French Bulldog full grown? Is my French Bulldog overweight? You can determine if your French Bulldog is overweight by noticing the following: Stand over your Frenchie and feel their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them. While Frenchies may show difficulty breathing due to being a Brachycephalic breed short muzzles can cause obstructive breathing , dogs of a healthy weight should be able to exercise at least for a bit without struggling. Of course, getting a second opinion from your vet is the best way to determine if your French Bulldog is overweight. Can I help my French Bulldog lose weight? Providing your pup with regular exercise and a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, fiber, and water and following the serving size provided on the nutrition facts is the best way to ensure your Frenchie is at a healthy weight. Wholesome food made with natural, high-quality ingredients like this can help your pup maintain a healthy weight. Less active dogs, like French Bulldogs, should eat about 25 calories per pound a day. So, if your pup is 20 pounds and eating about calories daily, its daily treats should consist of about 50 calories. Apple slices and carrots are nutritious, tasty treats. Is my French Bulldog underweight? Can I help my French Bulldog gain weight? When a pup gains too much fat instead of healthy fats combined with muscle, it can face health issues such as joint, heart, and lung problems. If your pup seems to be underweight according to the French Bulldog growth chart or it looks malnourished, certainly contact your vet. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. Call Vic Kasser or Email! A French Bulldog is considered a small to medium breed dog depending on the Sire and Dam size and weight. One of the first questions anyone asks when considering purchasing a dog or puppy is how big will it get? This is a very relevant and important question considering your need to ensure your puppy is cared for appropriately in your home. Double Up: Generally, an adult dog will weigh about twice as much as he did when he was 4 months of age; giant breeds will double what they weighed at 5 months. Four Fold: The weight of your puppy at 8 weeks is a quarter of his adult weight. You can also obtain the weight of the sire father and dam mother of purebred puppies. Female puppies will weigh about what their dam weighs. Male puppies will weigh about what their sire weighs. Try Puppyweights. Factors Affecting Growth While much of a French Bulldog's growth is determined by genetic factors, early environmental factors also affect growth. Puppies who nurse frequently in the first weeks of life get better nutrition and are more likely to grow quickly. A healthy diet after your puppy is weaned can also affect her growth rate. Puppies who don't get enough food or who get low-quality food may end up smaller. Overfeeding can cause your dog to become obese. Medical conditions may also affect growth. French Bulldogs who are sick in the first few weeks of life tend to be smaller. Estimating Adult Size You can estimate your puppy's adult size by weighing her at eight weeks. Be sure to get the weight in ounces, since French Bulldogs don't grow very large and a few ounces can make a difference. Double this number and then double it again. For example, if your French Bulldog is 88 ounces at six weeks, double it to get ounces, then double the number again to get ounces. Divide this number by 16 to get your dog's weight in pounds. The ounce puppy will be about 22 pounds as an adult. Growth Rate On average, French Bulldogs tend to grow to their full size height at the withers and length from the base of their neck to their rear-end between the ages of 9 months to a year, and then they tend to "fill in" and bulk-up during their second year, fully maturing by the time they're around 2. During their growth stages, puppies can certainly grow to be heavy, and then they start getting leaner and more toned in their second year, so it's not unusual for a puppy to be heavier when they're under a year, and then drop a couple of pounds in their second year. Small-breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, do not have room in their bodies for large litters, therefore they tend to produce only two to four puppies per pregnancy. Large-breed dogs, such as Great Danes, usually have larger litters, 10 to 12 puppies being common. Breed type also impacts the size of the newborns. Small-breed puppies are typically several inches smaller than large-breed puppies, regardless of the number of dogs in the litter. Small Puppies the Mother's Health Unusually small puppies are not a result of large litters. Instead, their size can usually be traced back to the health and nutrition of the mother dog before and during her pregnancy. Because the unborn puppies share the nutrition she takes in from her food, she needs an ample diet to properly nourish the puppies. Without sufficient food, the puppies will not reach appropriate size and may suffer health problems. According to veterinarian Kathleen Hefner, writing for the American Kennel Club, most puppies who die soon after birth were probably born from malnourished mothers. Litter Size Problems Even though litter size does not impact puppy size, large litters can cause problems for the mother dog and her new babies. If the mother's uterus attempts to carry more puppies than she can physically handle, her life and the puppies lives can be threatened. Also, large litters tend to produce more stillborn puppies and runts. With so many neonatal puppies vying for nutrition, those in the center of the womb often do not get sufficient nourishment, which can cause them to be born small or to die. Great Pyrenees breeder Catherine de la Cruz warns that large litters can trigger earlier-than-expected whelping, which can be a problem for the puppies unprepared human grandparents. Predicting Litter Size While accurately predicting the size of an expectant mom's litter is difficult, some other factors do contribute. Research shows older mother dogs have smaller litters than younger canine moms. Also, dogs who had their first litter at an older age will have smaller litters. The mother's weight can be a factor. Obese female dogs tend to have smaller litters than healthy-weight dogs. However, any pregnant mom can experience a large litter relative to normal within her breed. Dog litter sizes vary from one puppy to more than a dozen newborns. The recorded largest litter had .While litter size can impact many aspects of whelping and raising puppies, it does not actually impact the size of the individual puppies. The parents genes, the puppys breed, and the mother's health and nutrition determine the puppies size at birth. This is just a tool to be used along with observations of mom and dad weight, bone structure, previous puppy mature weights and more! However, we'll still link The file. Excellent nutrition is important in order to have a healthy and happy dog. There are many varieties of food out there; wet, dry, freeze dried, raw, or cooked. Regardless of what food you decide on, they do need to be on a high-quality and nutritionally balanced dog food. What are the signs of high-quality dog food? The food should contain lean meat-based protein sources such as chicken , turkey , pork and beef. Feeding Your French Bulldog at Different Life Stages Once your puppy is fully grown, generally, between months of age they will progress on adult dog food. As young puppies, they have a huge requirement for calories and high-quality ingredients to promote puppy growth. Puppies grow rapidly during the first six months of their life and they continue growing more after this period. Without proper nutrition, they might be stunted and underweight. Check out our other article to learn how to switch puppy to two meals per day! Once your puppy is fully grown, generally, between months of age they will progress to adult dog food. This food will provide the nutrients and calories required to maintain an adult weight. Very active dogs will need more calories while sedentary dogs will need less. Dogs that have been neutered will have slightly different nutritional requirements than other adult dogs. They generally need fewer calories to prevent weight gain which can happen in the months after neutering surgery. This can be achieved by feeding a diet with relatively low carbohydrates and high-quality lean protein. Senior dogs require highly digestible foods and a good source of omega fatty acids for potentially stiff joints. They might require varying levels of protein depending on their kidney function and body condition. Good quality nutrition will keep your dog at optimal body condition and health. Feeding stage-of-life specific recipes allows your dog to have the optimal nutrients for the life stage they are in. However, regardless of small differences, most dogs will loosely follow the growth chart below. Age of French Bulldog. Pin1 1 Shares Frenchie puppies are adorable and it would be very tempting to take one home as soon as you can. However, you need to be aware that there are certain ages at which they cannot leave their mother for both health and legal reasons. If you want to know what the best age to get a Frenchie puppy is, read below for a quick primer on the important factors regarding age. What is the best age to get a French Bulldog puppy? The best age you can get a French Bulldog puppy from is once they have reached 8 weeks of age. Any time past this is the best age to take them away from their mothers as they will no longer be in the weaning stage. We got Claude after he had turned 8 weeks old or two months. I think any time past this date is the best age, and I am going to explain why and what you need to know if considering getting a French Bulldog yourselves. The bottom line is this; do not buy a French Bulldog before the age of 8 weeks old. Frenchies are a massive bundle of fun at any age, the 2 month or 8-week mark is the perfect age range to bring a Frenchie puppy home. Aside from the weaning issue, there are lots of reasons why too, some of which I will go into below. Why 8 weeks is the best age to get a French Bulldog puppy 1. This crucial moment of their life will determine almost everything about their future. During this period, French Bulldog puppies are raised by their mother and learn the core basics about being a dog. This is what Claude looked like when we first got him. He was just over 8 weeks old and was ready to leave his mother. French Bulldog puppies are properly nursed and naturally weaned up until 8 weeks of age. They are fed with the right kind of milk for puppies of their age and they receive the proper parental care and attention. Frenchies are renowned for having a whole range of health problems see the list of issues here and many of these can be picked up in the 2 month period after they have been born. French Bulldog puppies that live with an expert breeder up until 8 weeks should get the proper medical attention and a health maternal environment that is favourable to their development. By taking home a younger pup at 8 weeks and over, you are almost starting with a blank slate and in theory should be able to train them easier. They are a stubborn breed, but getting the training initiated from the age of 8 weeks will mean you should get far better results. Younger dogs will adapt better as will other pets When we brought Claude home for the first time, we were very nervous about how he was going to adapt to being away from his mother. We were also worried about how our cat would react to having a strange dog in the house. However, because Claude was 8 weeks old, he was still smaller than our cat. I think this made the introduction and adapting so much easier. I think if we have brought a 6-month-old puppy home, it would have scared our cat and made things a lot harder for us. Our cat thought she was in charge, and in fact, she still does to this day and they get along just fine. I have put together some tips on how to introduce Frenchies to cats which you might find useful. You can see a video below from when my young son met Claude on his first day coming home to our house. Claude was 8 or 9 weeks old at this point. The fun is just endless. As I mentioned earlier, it is hard work as the puppy will poop and pee on the floor, so you have a lot of hard work ahead of you. However, at this age they are full of excitement, are inquisitive, adventurous, and want to play constantly. You will never get that time back again unless of course you get another puppy and we are so happy that we were able to share these formative weeks and months with Claude. You can start socialising your Frenchie early Puppies who have not been socialised properly with other dog and people can be a handful. The sooner you can start the socialisation process the better it will be easier if you have two French Bulldogs instead of one. We took Claude to puppy socialisation classes at our local vets. The idea here is to get lots of young puppies in a room with some older dogs so they can get used to each other. Here you can see a Frenchie puppy at 20 weeks old. It also helps that we our son was around 4 years old at the time, so Claude was also able to get used to the way young children can approach dogs. Why you should not get a Frenchie before 8 weeks of age Only ignorant people and breeders would let a French Bulldog puppy leave their mother before 8 weeks of age. They are very difficult and expensive to breed Breeding your own Frenchies is a difficult and expensive process. If you are not an experienced or professional breeder, the chances of you doing it right are very low. It will be a lot easier than trying to breed them yourselves. You will have a lot of sleepless nights If you bring a French Bulldog puppy home before they have been weaned from the mother, you are in for a full-time job. You will need to nurse the dog, keep them warm, steadily rub them to stimulate bowel movements, bottle feed them with special puppy milk supplement for up to eight times a day or more — and a whole lot of other necessary and demanding breeding measures. Looking after a Frenchie puppy younger than 8 weeks of age will be so exhausting and could lead to them having health problems. You will visit the vet more often Sickness is a huge risk when you take home a Frenchie before the time is right. What to look for when buying a Frenchie puppy No matter what the age you buy, there are some key things to look out for. The main things are to make sure you see the dog with the mother, to check the background of the breeder, and to check overall health and signs for infections such as flaking skin, bare spots, bruises, lesions, scabs and cuts that are caused by bacteria. Here are some more… Know the age of the puppy before buying. Never buy a puppy without seeing the parents the mother at least. This will help you know that the puppy comes from a healthy background and you can find out more about the circumstances surrounding the dog. Find out if the parents of the puppy have been health tested. Make sure that the puppy has had the first vaccinations as these should be done by a vet before they leave the mother. Only buy puppies from reputable breeders. Ask about any potential genetic health and behavioural problems of the parents before buying. For more details on what to look out for and the warning signs to be aware of, read this guide on what you need to know before you buy. Clean their ears regularly with a damp, warm cloth. Maintain and trim their nails regularly. Prevent infections by always cleaning and drying the wrinkles between their skin folds. Brush their coat once or twice every week to help keep the coat healthy and clean. Feeding advice The most important aspect is how to feed the puppy. Related questions on age And finally, here are some answers to some common questions people also ask when researching what the best age to get a French Bulldog puppy is. What is the best age to neuter a French Bulldog? Recommendations on this will vary, but your vet will typically say that a Frenchie can be neutered between the ages of 4 and 9 months. We waited until Claude was 6 months for this short and simple procedure. He had no recovery time, just a few stitches, and was his normal self within a few hours. There is some opinion that this can lead to longer-term health benefits and can even stop negative behavioural problems including aggression. I can only speak from experience when I say that we noticed no differences with our own French Bulldog. He was just as mad and fun after he was neutered. What age do French Bulldogs come into season? The age French Bulldogs are said to come into season will vary from 6 to 8 months old. Once they have come into season, they will typically come into heat a couple of times a year. What age to French Bulldogs stop teething? Just like humans, dogs will also teeth and start to lose their milk teeth as they grow older. French Bulldogs tend to stop teething once they read 7 to 8 months of age. Teething can start at around 4 months old. You can read all you need to know about the teething stages and what to expect in this teething timeline. I remember us finding small teeth on the carpet in our lounge when Claude starting teething. I wish I had kept them now! Conclusion To conclude, the best age to get a French Bulldog puppy is once they reach the age of 8 weeks of age. In the first week we had Claude, he would cry and whine at night which I can only put down to being scared and wondering where his mum and siblings were. The bottom line is this; having an adorably cute Frenchie puppy as a new family member is really exciting… but very manic at the same time. In fact, I would almost compare it to having a baby. You need to keep a constant eye on them, they mess everywhere, and need constant attention. You might also like… This month I published a new blog post which talks about the pros and cons to male versus female French Bulldogs. You might want to read that before deciding what gender puppy you will be getting.