german shepherd puppies for sale portland

Our puppies make the perfect pets! Our menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left corner Our menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left cornerOur menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left cornerOur menu on a smart phone is located at three lines on the top left corner Thanks for coming to our website.For the best social media experience click the icon Welcome We have amazing happy and laid back Standard Poodle puppies In Colorado. Please let us help you find the family companion you are looking for. Scroll down to see some great videos on how we start our puppies using puppy culture. We love our dogs, you will too! Here at Grace Poodles, We take great pleasure at producing fine family friends. We have taken what we think are the best dogs we have found and developed a great breeding program. Jose and Toni Managed a commercial Thoroughbred farm In Kentucky and learned what it takes to have a solid breeding program, and have implemented the same heart and skill to produce the best for you and your family. Our dogs have become service dogs, companion dogs, family guard dogs, and snuggle companions. We have had great success with them becoming a part of a home where one or more members have allergies. We believe you will love our puppies! They have super temperaments, are extremely intelligent and eager to please - PLUS they are absolutely gorgeous! We spend a lot of time with our puppies as you can see by the videos and we encourage children and adults to come and play with them. Your puppy will come with their: first set of vaccinations. They sleep on our beds with us and get lots of treats, pets, car rides and love. We are not fancy people, we don't have a big fancy house or fancy dogs with show haircuts, but we do have a great family with lots of love to share with our animals, and that makes all the difference. All our poodle and Bernedoodle puppies get lots of love and attention from the day they are born. We are state inspected and licensed, we have been raising poodles since , we got our first poodle Sylvester when our 4 children were all under 5 years old. He was our namesake for mysillydogs. We began our research to add Bernedoodles in then got our first boy Bernese mountain dog, Cooper. They are smart, silly, funny, loving, ornery, sassy, crazy, talkative, playful, lazy, loyal, devoted, adorable, adventurous, happy, full of personality and so much more. We think everyone should have one or maybe two. At days old babies go to the Vet to have a checkup and have dew claws and tails removed if needed, babies remain in the house, normally in our bedrooms until they are about 4 weeks old when they start having trips outside, they also begin eating mushy food with NuVet in it at weeks, they have no teeth yet but that don't stop them, so by the time mom decides to begin weaning them at weeks they know what food is and are eating well. They are well socialized and will get lots of love and snuggles before they go home, they are around other dogs, our cat Milo passed away so not around cats anymore, but people and a loud noisy household. This website was updated except Newsletter — which is whenever I have time… on September 6th. We ALREADY practice the cleaning protocols necessary to stay virus-free and to keep our puppies, clients and family members safe — not only from COVID, but from any other virus that may be brought unintentionally onto the premises. Virus prevention is a way of life here. It always has been and it always will be. Bringing certain fairly common viruses onto the property can kill every puppy on the premises. It is something that is always forefront in our minds. And, more importantly — we have been using them. Please Read. Powder Valley Poodles wants to protect you against fraudulent scam artists preying on innocent consumers. Please be aware that not all websites you will find that sell puppies are real. There are many websites out there — some on the first pages of your search — that are complete scams. The people have stolen pictures, text and testimonials from reputable breeders such as Powder Valley Poodles and put them together to form web sites that entice people to place deposits on puppies. They call themselves by the first names of the reputable breeders whose websites they are stealing. My Testimonials from my very happy poodle puppy and doodle puppy buyers appear ALL OVER the internet as testimonials within scam websites in order to convince people that they are dealing with a reputable breeder. But, there are no poodles. There are no puppies. They take your credit card information or money order and that is the end of their involvement with the client. These are not breeders. These are Cyber scam artists. How do you tell the difference between a real breeder and the con artists? The real breeders will have a physical address. An address that you can contact the post office in their town to see if the address is real and if the names they provide go with that address. Con artists typically have only a post office box. Con artists also typically will communicate only by texting or email. A genuine, reputable breeder wants to TALK to the people potentially buying a puppy. Most reputable breeders are the same way. I want to make sure these people will provide a good home for my puppy. Also, con artists are frequently operating out of foreign countries. They may have a foreign email address and if you do speak with one they may have a foreign accent. Know that we do have the authorities working on stopping these criminals but it is difficult and for law enforcement a fairly low priority. Since I was first made aware of this problem over a year ago when one of my clients saw her testimonial to me on another web site there has been no progress in stopping the scams. Make sure the breeder you are contemplating has a REAL physical address and will speak to you by telephone. Ask MANY questions. Be a savvy consumer. Be safe. Be aware and insure that you are dealing with a reputable, and real, dog breeder. We also offer all sizes of goldendoodles, from the tiny 6 pound micro goldendoodle to our much bigger 65 to 75 lb. The quieter, non-shedding perfect lap dog. No matter what the breed — Powder Valley Poodles puppies are the very best dogs available. We guarantee it! Although you can pay a whole lot more for a puppy somewhere else, you simply will not find a better dog for your family. Our dogs are loyal, long-lived and people-oriented. They are playful, affectionate, and healthy. They are the perfect family dog, companion and Service Dog. We are not a large multi-dog kennel. Our dogs live in the house with us and our puppies are born in the house and generally are not outside unless we are outside with them. They are raised with other dogs, large and small, cats, and children. Please enjoy these photos of some of our dogs and puppies over the years! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We specialize in producing healthy, intelligent, beautiful standard poodles. Health and temperament are our number one priority! Our dogs excel at nearly everything, including working as service dogs and therapy dogs, conformation, agility, obedience, tracking, hunting, and of course as spoiled pets! We are not a kennel, all of our dogs are spoiled house pets, and we raise our puppies indoors with tons of socialization. Our dogs are all genetically health tested to ensure you are getting the healthiest dog possible. Contact us today to learn how you can add one of our dogs to your family! Our beautiful Gracie came from Le Harrell's and it was so obvious she was bred in a loving and warm environment. Taryn truly cares and tries so very hard to find the most loving homes for her puppies. Best experience I have ever had getting a new family member! After many months of trying to select the right breeder we chose Taryn based on her knowledge of poodles, and the fact they were raised in her home. Our little girl is healthy, secure, and smart. As a former breeder, I can honestly say Taryn is very passionate about poodles, and the breed itself. Which is the reason I choose Le Harrel's. We love our Mavis Pearl she is the sweetest. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bringing Joy to your Family, one puppy at a time.Our website has a new look! Same owners, same poodles : just a different design. This is a 3-week old puppy re-charging her batteries - don't you just want to give her a hug!? We are planning our next litter of puppies and ohhhh, they will be beautiful puppies! If you are interested in a puppy, and wanting to reserve one, please send me an email for additional information. Once the pre-litter list is full, you will need to wait until the puppies are born, to see if we may have one available, prior to sending a deposit. All of our puppies are Red, Big and Beautiful! And with outstanding personalities. If you text me, I will ask you to send an email. When sending an email for more information - please include your first and last name. Getting photos from our "puppy families" really brighten our day 7 Week old puppy above - you can't find a better puppy!!!! And if you do, please let me know - I am looking for a big male. Red or black. Pony-sized puppies. True Snuggle Buddies! AND "Behr Babies! Red is one of our puppies. Now isn't that something!?? What a beautiful poodle. A note from Bonnie on her pony-boy, Red, above, "He is still in tact. The vet does not want to do the alteration until he is 2. She says because of his size and he is still growing. I never go out with out him on leash even though he has 95 percent recall. Thank you thank you for raising such amazing dogs. What a gorgeous girl!! May God bless you with a poodle for the journey! Standard poodles are a wonderfully versatile, smart, beautiful, athletic, loyal, and loving breed. They were originally bred to be water retrievers and some still excel at hunting and water sports. They absolutely love a game of fetch or catch the frisbee! Many are hiking or jogging partners, couch potato buddies, a best friend, service and alert dogs, therapy dogs, and show dogs. Standard poodles not only compete in conformation shows, but also obedience, rally, agility, weight pull, hunting trials, nosework, lure coursing, dock diving and more! Multi-colored poodles can compete in all performance events in AKC, just not conformation. UKC does not discriminate by color and multi-colored poodles can compete in all events. They come in so many beautiful colors and patterns. You are bound to find one that takes your breathe away! Standard poodles are known for their comical antics. They make me laugh every single day! They also know how to look into your soul and melt your heart. Poodles are the choice for most people with dog allergies. They are non-shedding. The Standard Poodle can be groomed in an elegant continental show trim for those that are willing to keep up with the brushing and combing or a practical short sporting trim for those that have less time for grooming and want more time for other activities with their dogs. There are many fun trims in between the two. Every poodle will still require some regular attention to coat upkeep and grooming. However, owning a standard poodle is so worth the brushing — and it could become your own form of meditation! Be careful, once you get your first standard poodle, it is hard to stop!

The height of these crossbreeds varies from 21 to 24 inches. Males and females have little height difference. You can expect this crossbreed to have a medium-length, double coat. The colors of their coat can be a combination of black, gray, red, gold, and brown. This type of coat helps them cope with the extremely cold environment. The Malamute German Shepherds are diligent working dogs. On top of that, they are alert and aware of their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs. They bark appropriately without being annoying and disturbing. They have keen senses to discern suspicious acts and people. Another trait it possesses is its affectionate nature. The gentle and loving German Shepherd Malamutes can come off as intimidating at first sight. In reality, they are fluffy and lovable dogs that enjoy the company of people. You must apply good researching techniques to locate professional breeders when it comes to crossbreeds. Professional breeders allow you to access the documents of the puppy, including health records and DNA testing. They also provide a suitable environment for the upbringing of the dogs. They will help you become reassured that the dogs will grow to have minimal problems regarding their health. Visit the breeders in their location is highly recommended. Another way to verify a breeder is through this visitation. You might think that another good place to acquire this crossbreed is through purchasing in pet stores. I advise against this method. As a breeding ground, the puppy mill has thousands of stories supporting the terrible conditions for breeding. The puppy mill does not provide the most suitable environment for rearing puppies. In this place, the puppies are forced to mate with one another and give birth. This mixed breed is relatively rare. There are some breed-specific and non-profit rescue centers all over the country. You can check out these rescue shelters to obtain a new fluffy companion. Their shedding process usually involves a lot of mess and hair, especially during periods with warm weather and when placed in a blistering environment. Brushing the coat needs to be done for three to five times per week. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. You should pay attention to spots where tangles occur often, like the base of the ears. You can prevent loose hair from the brushing process by dousing the coat with water. Another tip for maintaining the shine of the coat is using a slicker brush instead of a pin brush. You can also get rid of loose hair and some debris by using the brush. If you notice that your dog is uncomfortable each time you brush or comb its coat, you should consider starting a desensitization training. The process starts with using your hands to familiarize the dog with the brushing activity. After some time, you may alternate between using a real brush or comb and using your hands. You can finally change to a full-time brushing with a slicker brush after a few weeks. The little parts of the Malamute German Shepherd Mix, such as its eyes, nose, nails, ears, and paws, must be cared for as well. You should check for ear infection signs like the accumulation of earwax. A cotton ball and an ear solution formulated for dogs are must-haves for sanitary ears. For dried and scaly paws, you may utilize Vaseline as treatment. The popular opinion of daily bathing for dogs is not advisable to follow. The indication for bathing the dog is its appearance or smell. You may use formulations with ingredients that are soothing to its skin, like aloe vera. It is important to determine some early signs of skin lesions. If you are unable to do the necessary steps for grooming, you should opt to bring your pup to a professional groomer in your locale. There are many innate and environmental factors affecting the health status of the crossbreed. Some of these factors are genetic make-up, the environment where it grew up, nutrition, and level of activity. There are some health problems with a predilection to one of the parent breeds. As a reliable owner, you must be cognizant of the health risks of this crossbreed. Obesity: This mixed breed tends to eat more than its requirement. This should be controlled because it makes the dog vulnerable to many diseases, such as back pains, cancer, and joint problems. Chondrodysplasia: This condition may lead to hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy: This is an untreatable and progressive disorder that results to the inability to move the hind legs. Von Willebrand disease: It is a blood disorder that causes a lot of blood loss. One of the things you can do is to acquire vaccines. The recommended vaccines for puppies are rabies, measles, and a combination vaccine called DHPP. I strongly advise seeking the help of a trustworthy veterinarian to become knowledgeable on the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Malamute Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements There is no fixed quantity of food for a dog, even among those with the same breeds. You need the most appropriate diet that will result in the optimal condition of your dog. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Malamute mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 3 cups of high-quality food items. Two to three meals per day are advised for these crossbreeds. Your dog requires healthy bones and joints for its activity. It needs a healthy amount of calcium for that. Calcium will also aid in giving the best status of immunity. Another vital mineral for the development of bones and joints is phosphorus. Below is an inventory of the recommended dry food for the Malamute crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Purina HA Hypoallergenic: This hypoallergenic formulation is perfect for some dogs which may be predisposed to developing food intolerance and allergies. The optimal effect of this product is achieved by giving this alone for eight to 12 weeks. You can combine this food with other kinds of high-quality kibbles after the said period. It does not have allergenic materials like soy, whey, and gluten. It does not have artificial flavors. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids that help in moisturizing the coat and adding the healthy glow for the skin. It has easy-to-digest and organic components such as rice, chicken, and barley. It has reported on nutritional breakthroughs. It possesses prime chicken and customized fiber system for easy digestion. The German Shepherd Malamute mix may be at risk for overfeeding and obesity. An easy way to determine this is by doing the hands-on test and eye test. These two tests will require you to examine the dog beside you and looking at its waist from above. You will feel the ribs of the dog when you press down if the dog is not overweight. A positive result of this test should alert you as a responsible owner. A veterinarian can help immensely in managing the diet and other health concerns of your dog. You should consider involving one while planning for acquiring a new family member. Whether you adopt a big or small doggo, feed them only with premium-quality food to keep them happy and healthy all the time. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food , and get only the best dry dog food for your furry companion. If your furry buddy is still but a munchkin, consult our list of the best puppy food brands for nutrition ideas. In case your pooch is well past their prime, make sure to serve them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those frail bones, well, not so frail! Do remember that your adorable mixed pup carries the genes of their vastly different parents. They may inherit the palate of either, so you can offer them both the best dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food and stick with the one they choose as their favorite! The period of physical activity engagement should be at least one hour. An appropriate blend of physical and mental stimulus for this mixed breed is necessary to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. Some examples of possible physical activities for the Malamute German Shepherd mix are hiking, fetching, and running. Another consideration for the exercise period is the venue for the activities. I recommend a big area in a well-ventilated place for this crossbreed. The Kong Ball is a widely known toy for mental motivation. The use of this toy will aid in the digestion and mental health of the dog. It comes in different sizes, so you can get a suitable one for your dog. The German Shepherd Malamutes have a notable strength in biting. It is an under-stuffed toy that has a squeaker. It is made of a tough material, perfect for hours of rough play. They could become hardheaded as well. Your contribution to the morale boost will help the process. Below are some guidelines on training this mixed breed: Limit the Duration of the Training Sessions: A way to prevent misbehaviors during the training sessions is keeping the sessions short. A great crate has a comfortable bed and optimum ventilation. The period for crate training varies from 30 minutes for younger puppies to eight hours for adult Malamute German Shepherds. This training will benefit the mental health of the dog as well. It will help in having a calm disposition, particularly during travels, and it will also ward of possible separation anxiety. Positive Rewards-based System: This training method avoids the classical penalty techniques when dogs misbehave. You can have a box of treats ready for the training sessions. You should also provide cuddles and words of encouragement and approval when the dog abides by the rules. Every dog has a unique way of following the commands. If you want to learn more about the proper techniques, you may opt to ask for some advice from professional trainers. It is essential to provide positive words and gestures to make the dog feel at home. One phase of the training a dog called early socialization is necessary for developing healthy coping mechanisms to a new environment and people. Early socialization will hone the puppy and help in becoming mature. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. The owners will hold the puppy each day until four weeks. The next phase continues until 16 weeks of age. This phase involves exposing the puppy to various kinds of animals, people, textures, fragrances, and sceneries. The above-mentioned tips on training may be applied during early socialization. The Malamute German Shepherd dogs are generally good with children. They will give affection and friendliness to the little ones. You still need to be careful with the child-dog interactions, especially when the dog is still young. You must also teach your children how to respect and play with the dog within respectable bounds. As a mixed-breed dog, an Alaskan Malamute Mix can take on any combination of characteristics from one or both of the parent breeds. From the Alaskan Malamute side, you can expect an energetic, high-energy family dog that is loyal, a bit stubborn, playful, and affectionate with their families. Alaskan Malamutes are known for being excellent family dogs that are loyal and affectionate with a playful, energetic personality. You should be able to expect something similar from an Alaskan Malamute Mix. They tend to get along with children and other dogs. Alaskan Malamutes do have a high prey drive, so an Alaskan Malamute Mix may need some extra socialization if there are smaller pets in the household. Alaskan Malamutes are moderately adaptable dogs. They grow to be large dogs with a lot of energy, so they do not tend to do well in apartments. Their high prey drive and urge to wander also means they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. As such, they tend to prefer homes with fenced-in yards where they can run. As an arctic breed, they tend to prefer colder weather are one of the dog breeds that love winter. They also do not like to spend long periods of time alone. The other parent breed could affect this in an Alaskan Malamute Mix. So, you should talk to the breeder about the other parent breed, but also be prepared for a moderately adaptable dog with these traits. Although a mixed-breed dog can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit no health conditions common to either parent breed, this is not a guarantee. An Alaskan Malamute Mix can inherit health conditions common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. From the Alaskan Malamute side, potential health conditions to be aware of include luxating patella , retinol atrophy, and day blindness. As a larger dog breed, they are also more prone to bloat. Because reputable breeders screen their stock to avoid passing issues to puppies, you should be able to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parent breeds. Although an Alaskan Malamute is highly-intelligent, likes to work, and often enjoys training, they are also notoriously stubborn with an independent nature and a lot of energy. Because of this, they tend not to be a good fit for first-time dog owners. Novice owners can be a good fit, but training classes are highly recommended. Regardless of owner experience, puppy training classes are often still a good idea as they often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. An Alaskan Malamute Mix can end up with a coat similar to either one of the parent breeds or a coat that is a combination of both of them. If they end up with an Alaskan Malamute coat, it will be thick and fluffy. Daily brushing and a bath every weeks are enough to keep an Alaskan Malamute coat looking great. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Alaskan Malamutes are known for being high-energy working dogs that need a lot of daily exercise and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Although the other parent breed in the cross may affect this, you should be prepared for a potentially high-energy dog with an Alaskan Malamute Mix. But, Alaskan Malamutes are also athletic and versatile dogs, so they can often adapt to a wide variety of activities. A fully-grown Alaskan Malamute usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed in the cross could affect this in an Alaskan Malamute Mix. You can get a better idea of what size to expect in your Alaskan Malamute Mix puppy by asking the breeder about the other parent breed and also meeting the mother dog. Alaskan Malamutes generally live years. Although the other parent breed in the cross could shorten or extend this a little, you can likely expect a similar life span in an Alaskan Malamute Mix. Featured Alaskan Malamute Mix Article.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. He made the long trip to Maryland with no complaints. He is such a happy and confident pup. He has acclimated beautifully to his new kingdom. He has his own room with all the amenities that two empty nesters can give. My friends know how much I have been looking forward to having a pug in the house again and have basically given me a "puppy shower. She has had him on a training schedule and he is adapting beautifully. He has not had any accidents and has plenty of playtime vs nap time. I have to share my FaceTime moments with my 4 year old Georgia twins. They get on the phone saying, "We love you GramTam, can we see Moses? Thank you again. We truly feel blessed to have a pug in our home again. As soon as he has finished his shots, he will be visiting my father's nursing home. My Dad is the one that started me on my lifelong love of pugs and he is looking forward to meeting Moses. Peace to you and your family, Tammy D. Frank is settling in quite nicely here. He is eating and drinking well. His favorite thing to do is follow people around the house. If someone is moving then he want to be moving too. He and Laverne have also developed a bit of a friendship. Laverne enjoys playing with him and helping herself to all the chew toys that arrived with him. Thank you so much for creating this adorable pup! A long journey home and they were so good. They are adjusting really well! They love their new toys and their new big brother Gatsby. He is taking his time interacting in small doses and observing them from outside the pen as they try to nurse on him lol. They have a 90 percent accuracy rate on potty pads too! I just wanted to thank you once again for bringing Pearl into the world! She did great today! Thank you so much puppy. I love him so much. He is very comfortable at home. He plays with my dogs and is not scared of anything. Thank you for the snacks and everything you give. Thank you so much! My recommendation of your program could not be more glowing. Check Wesley is all settled in at his new place and is doing really well! He's slept through the night, has been peeing and pooping mostly on the pee pad and is really playful and snuggly. Hi Tammie and Anthony, I wanted to let you know that Charlie is doing great and settling in well. We gave him quiet time and a dark room last night when we got home, and he ate and drank and has been using the pee pad. He whimpered a couple of times but mostly slept great through the night! He's been more active today--lots of snuggles and licks, a really happy guy. We've been giving him lots of rest time too, though--we know it's a big transition. Quick update on Gizmo. He is doing great and is loved by everyone. He is the healthiest and happiest little guy ever. Everything you said to do when I got him worked. He never, ever whined at night when I put him in the Dark to go to bed! Thank you! Good morning! We have decided to name him Angus and we think it suits him so well! He is a perfect fit for our family and everyone adores him. He is fitting in so well and is eating regularly! He weighed in at 9. Here are some fun pics of him! Victoria Adams Izzy is the most beautiful, sweet and silly little girl! We put her in her room for 2 hours yesterday and she seemed very calm when we introduced her to her new family! Such a little love! She has been eating and drinking! She is pure perfection! They are all ready laying next to each other: So sweet! Kelly K. Just wanted to send some pics! Gus is such a love bug and is such a fun play mate for our girls. They call him Gussy. Just wanted to give you an update. We decided to name him Bean! He plays so well with my daughter and loves to follow her around the whole house. I just wanted to thank you so much for everything. She ate some wet food and potty outside right after! Wanted to thank you! You made this awesome and we already love this girl! Below are pictures of pugs that are examples of our past baby pugs and adult pugs. Pictures are either taken by us or sent to us from adopters. They are some of our favorite pictures we wanted to share with you! This page is a work in progress so check back for updates. His personality is warm and very friendly. He is intensely loyal and very protective of his people. His antics are clownish and frequent; he is constantly "protecting" us from the other Pugs Buzz is a water dog! In the summer time when it's hot out, he loves swimming in his pool. He even loves drinking straight from the water hose. Buzz is a very special dog and we have received many reports that his puppies are every bit as sweet and funny as he is. Trinity's Zorro Zorro is bred from a very distinguished bloodline. His first-rate looks are the result of a well planned, devoted selection process to produce puppies that conform very well to the AKC breed standard. He has some unique talents not normally seen in Pug behavior. He has incredibly good balance and can stand on his two rear feet with his paws in the air for extended periods of time. He loves the attention that he receives when he performs this trick, so as you would expect he is constantly doing it! All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners.

Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? They have a distinctive thick, curly coat that comes in many colors and patterns, with only solid colors recognized by breed registries. Poodles are active and intelligent, and are particularly able to learn from humans. Poodles tend to live 10—18 years, with smaller varieties tending to live longer than larger ones. Similar dogs date back to at least the 17th century. Larger Poodles were originally used by wildfowl hunters to retrieve game from water, while smaller varieties were once commonly used as circus performers. Since the midth century, Poodles have enjoyed enormous popularity as pets and show dogs — Poodles were the AKC's most registered breed from to , and are now the FCI's third most registered breed. Poodles are also common at dog shows, where they often sport the popularly recognized Continental clip, with face and rear clipped close, and tufts of hair on the hocks and tail tip. History A 17th-century engraving of a Poodle Most cynologists believe the Poodle originated in Germany in the Middle Ages , from a dog similar to today's Standard Poodle. Numerous works by various German artists from as early as the 17th century depict dogs of recognisably Poodle type. As new breeding practices were adopted, the variety became set as a toy-sized replica of the original. Not universally recognised by the world's kennel clubs , the Medium Poodle is recognised by the FCI and most Continental European kennel clubs. A pet owner can anticipate grooming a Poodle every four to eight weeks. Their individual hair follicles have an active growth period that is longer than that of many other breeds; combined with the tightly curled coat, which slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls, an individual Poodle may release less dander and hair into the environment. However, researchers have generally not found a difference in allergens across breeds. The FCI additionally recognizes the Scandinavian clip. Poodle hair can also be "corded" with rope-like mats similar to those of a Komondor or human dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly Poodle, corded Poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after washing. They were common historically, but became less popular in the early s, and are excluded from many registries. Phantom Poodles may also have a full face of the secondary color.

Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Hip Dysplasia is an issue commonly occurring in most big-size dog breeds like GSD. Some lazy, small-size breeds that are not physically strong and agile may also suffer from it. The only way to prevent it is by paying attention to the nutrition and physical activity needs of dogs. A regular examination from the vet can also help. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is an uncommon nerve disorder, but a reality in dogs. The disease progression of this disorder shows its origin from the spinal cord. When not treated or in an advanced stage, the disease covers the hind portion of the body and weakens it. Thus, the GSD suffering from degenerative myelopathy shows discomfort in walking and maintaining posture. Panosteitis Panosteitis is an inflammatory disease of the bone marrow. The disease can emanate from not feeding the dog correctly, which leads to the formation of fatty deposits in the bone marrow. Some researchers associate it with defective genes, but the researchers are yet to trace the complete genetic association. Is the regal fruit right for your dog royalty? And their concerns are real. Researchers attribute this deformity to the neuro- and musculo-degenerative disorder called Myasthenia Gravis. However, those who did not suffer too fatal symptoms, still struggled with issues like deformed limbs, bad posture and joint pain. The leg problems diagnosed in GSDs that suffered from Myasthenia Gravis were: Difficulty rising up on legs Inability to maintain posture Resistance to fetching games, exercising Slight limping Bent legs Sometimes, the disease is not the reason for bent legs though. This characteristic may arise due to breeding and can be considered as an identifying feature to spot pure breeds from mixed ones. It is the chronic counterpart of muscular degeneropathy and differs distinctly from the latter in cause and progression. Mostly, it is the sign of aging in this species and poses a problem when this furry angel shows the signs of premature degeneration of hind leg bones and joints. It is always better to talk, in detail, to an experienced pet veterinarian to learn about the plausible leg problems while picking the dog for making a family member Some of the vets share that the symptoms may comprise: wobbly legs difficulty climbing stairs or walking reluctance to exercising. This is because German Shepherds are intentionally bred to have a steeper angulation to the hind legs. The AKC breed standards for the breed, require German Shepherds to have as close to a degree bend as possible in their hind legs. Unfortunately, this steep angle in the back leg makes German Shepherds more susceptible to back pain and hind leg problems. After years of wear and tear, this makes them prone to serious leg problems as they age. For instance, studies have shown that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop dysplasia as compared to Labradors, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. A brief overview of these medical conditions: Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy DM is a neurological disease that makes German Shepherds slowly lose control of their hind legs. In the end, the dog may lose control of the urinary and bowel functions, and paralysis is a serious possibility. DM typically occurs in older dogs of about eight years or older, although it may also occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. However, there are ways to reduce the suffering of your GSD because the condition progresses gradually. Therefore, treatment options for DM are geared towards ensuring a better quality of life rather than curing it. Most dogs with degenerative myelopathy will lose the function of their hind legs within six months to two years of diagnosis. Although there is no cure, regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality of life for dogs with DM. As a result, the ball of the hip joint causes pain as it glides roughly against the socket. Signs of hip dysplasia include a wobbly gait, lameness, limping, a decreased range of motion, and pain while walking. The most common causes of hip dysplasia include genetics, leg trauma, and environmental factors. In extreme cases of hip dysplasia, the dog may lose the function of their back legs and require a wheelchair. Arthritis may also occur due to the pressure exerted on the hip joint by hip dysplasia. Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent. Signs of arthritis in German Shepherds include lethargy, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, reluctance to run, jump, or go up a flight of stairs, and stiffness in the hind legs. Prevention of osteoarthritis through proper dieting, exercising, and joint supplements helps to reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Once osteoarthritis begins, the treatment is geared towards pain reduction, reducing inflammation, and improving the quality of life. Since osteoarthritis is difficult to detect in symptoms until the affected joints are badly affected, it is crucial to keep up with regular wellness visits with your vet. The best way to prevent these diseases is through genetic testing and following good breeding standards. This is possible by checking with your breeder for the hip score regarding hip dysplasia and proper parent matching to avoid degenerative myelopathy. Diet It works wonders for humans, and it will work for your best friend too. Since this breed is already a large-sized breed and the effects of breeding may be unpredictable, maintaining an optimal weight and observing a healthy, balanced diet is a wise precautionary measure. Some of the important dietary options to provide include ample proteins, vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You should also ensure that the dog food you buy for your German Shepherd is well-suited, with enough calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Your vet may also prescribe bone and joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and collagen if they are required. An obese or overweight will experience increased mobility challenges. Second, regular exercise, especially walking and swimming, is important. Lastly, consult your vet on supplements or medications that may slow down the progression of DM. In any case, for these medical conditions , keep an eye out for changes in movement and contact your vet if there are any concerns. Some common symptoms that your German Shepherd may show include a wobbly walk, slipping on the floor, sitting crooked, hips giving way, swelling, lesser muscle mass in the back legs, and having a shorter stride on the hind legs. Remember that most dogs will not express pain or discomfort at first, so it is up to you to spot the symptoms if they do appear — This is especially important for degenerative conditions because when it comes to treatment, the earlier, the better! Regular exercise Regular exercising does two important things for your German Shepherd. One, it strengthens the hind and front leg muscles, and two, it helps you spot changes in the performance of the hind legs. This is the sit-to-stand routine. In this routine, you start with your dog sitting in front of you. Then, you move back a bit and call the dog to you. When he follows, give a treat to keep his interest and, once again, sit him down. Repeat as many times as needed. Taking your dog on daily walks up and down a hill especially or having swimming sessions will also strengthen the leg muscles and help in managing the weight. Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for dogs dealing with mobility issues. Canine massage relieves fatigue and tension in the hind leg muscles and helps to spot any unrelated pain that may be a sign of something to watch out for. How to massage your dog: Compress the muscle against the bone with your flat hand using both your palms and fingers. Glide your hand along his spine, following the lay of the fur. Apply semi-circular strokes on the muscular areas of the back legs. Using a support harness Sometimes, it is crucial to moderate the pressure that your shepherd applies to the back legs when he moves about. This is where the support harness comes in. A harness helps to remove some of the stress that the dog may be feeling when taking walks, for instance, until the muscles of the back legs are strong enough to take it. The use of the harness reduces the pressure placed on the bad back legs and makes it easier for your dog to walk. Keep them at a healthy weight and ensure they get plenty of exercise. Even if your GSD is battling a degenerative illness affecting his mobility, you can explore treatment and supportive methods that will enable a good quality of life. German shepherds are known as a very resilient and strong breed. Your dog will match and appreciate any effort you put into ensuring his good quality of life. Related Articles:. Why is that? While your own GSD may not be a shining example of the breed, why does it seem as though the show dogs have such bent back legs? The simple answer is, of course, breeding. Sometimes it gets taken too far. The listing is fairly detailed, so we will just focus on the one portion that pertains to this article — the hindquarters. A typical kennel club breeding guideline for the modern-day German Shepherd Dog. Photo: Taiwan Kennel Association Health Problems There are other reasons for German Shepherds to have bent legs, and the health problems listed below may be contributing factors. Hip or Elbow Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease. While the actual leg length may not be affected, the gait of the dog is changed because it is difficult for him or her to climb stairs or perform much physical activity. Some warning signs of hip dysplasia include unwillingness to jump or stand on hind legs, not wanting to use stairs or steps, difficulty standing up or even seeming lame. This disease can present as early as 2 years old — so if you feel that something is not right, see your vet. Elbow dysplasia can be another contributing factor. Elbow dysplasia is a complex condition caused by abnormal bone growth of the elbow. While it does affect many places in the body, German Shepherds traditionally have hip weakness, and the hindquarters certainly are vulnerable to this disease. One of the biggest signs of myasthenia gravis is the rapid depletion of energy. Your pup will get up and start moving about but tire quickly. Arthritis Arthritis could cause inflammation in the hind legs as well. People get arthritis and so do pets, and just like in people the disease has varying degrees of impact on the body. Simple pain in the hips can cause your German Shepherd to change gait and walk lower, making the legs appear more bent. German Shepherds generally have a history of hip and hindquarter weakness and are susceptible to diseases prevalent to those areas. German Shepherds are highly resilient, wonderful dogs who can adapt to almost anything, so do remember that a diagnosis of disease is not often the tolling of the doom bell. As always, a little dedication and a lot of love go a long way. This pet health content was reviewed for accuracy by a veterinarian, Dr. It was last reviewed and updated Dec. The chances of bending the leg increase and the bone plates remain weak. Physical management Nowadays most people build slippery floors or marble tiles in their homes, as we all know that dogs are part of the wolf that grows mostly on the ground. Their paws or claws are designed to maintain weight. If we keep them in slippery places so there is a problem with the grip. One thing to keep in mind is that the front legs are for weight lifting, and the rear is for continuous movement. The problem of bending the leg is more noticeable in the front legs compared to the hind legs because the weight balance is controlled by the front legs. If your dog lives in a slippery or slippery area then the chances of bending the leg will increase because there will be no proper grip. Genetics The two names Osteochondrodysplasia and Osteochondrosis are usually genetic diseases, no appropriate treatment is available. Genetics refers to how information is transmitted from parents to offspring. There is no cure for these diseases however if a male or female dog is diagnosed with any of these two diseases. Such dogs should not be allowed to come into contact with others, as the disease will spread. Genetics is the main reason for the spread of these problems Causes of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs There are many potential causes for front leg deformities in dogs; some of the more common ones include: Trauma: This is most common cause; it may interfere with new cartilage production, resulting in a stoppage of bone elongation Osteochondrosis: A disturbance in the change of cartilage to bone; the cause of this disease is not completely understood, however, it is thought to have genetic, nutritional, and traumatic components Elbow malalignment syndrome: It tends to occur in chondrodysplastic breeds e. Diagnosis of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs With front leg deformity, the diagnosis method is similar in many cases. The veterinarian will need to take radiographs in order to diagnose the extent of the deformity, to see the extent of the hyperextension, or to assess the damage to ligaments. Checking for broken bones will also be part of the x-ray process. Your dog may need to be sedated or put under general anesthesia for the radiographs. If additional imaging is necessary, as is sometimes the case when more detail or better clarity is required, a CT scan or MRI may be performed. In the situation of elbow dysplasia, a technique called an arthroscopy is used to diagnose joint problems. Done under general anesthesia, this procedure allows the veterinary surgeon to view the inside of the joint. With this technique, correction of the problem is sometimes possible while in the exploratory stage. Blood tests may be performed to check for nutritional deficiencies. In the case of malnutrition, puppies should be fed a sufficient amount of nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D3. Similarly, there should be a close examination of excess or overdosing and suckling puppies. Heavy exercise or running should be reduced during the growing phase from 1 to 12 weeks because the bones grow at a faster rate, as it puts more pressure on the front and hind legs which increases the chances of bending. It is therefore suggested that their exercise and long walks should be reduced from 1 to 12 weeks old and kept at home when this period is over you can give them proper exercise, as the growth rate is not so fast as stress on the bone plates, the bones are reduced and the legs will not bend. In this case, if bending continues for pups for 6 to 9 months, surgical management is necessary because the bones become harder as a result of the calculation. But if the age is close to 4 to 5 months, it can be treated without surgical intervention, as we know that bones are soft during this time and can be easily treated using the compressive force, while the addition of certain cartilage protection such as glucosamine and chondroitin can also help to control this. Sometimes in puppies, the balance of calcium-phosphorus is disturbed because malnutrition occurs and causes the legs to bend. Bending the legs can also be reduced if the dog or even the puppy is allowed to stay in the rugged terrain, especially these days when all the marble tiles are built and preferred in homes, so dogs and puppies should not walk and run because they are slippery and can not hold these dogs. If you want to solve this problem choose a place in your house that is rough and put in the ground so that your dog does not slip, so also avoid being chained which means do not tie your puppy with a chain. It is one of the main causes of dog leg bending. Evan calcium syrups are available at pet stores or medical stores. If your dog did not have this issue, you can give him calcium that will prevent bending problems in the future. Another reason for the lag problem is a lack of proper exercise, due to which dog can not walk or run, so if your dog has this problem give proper exercises such as running and walking slowly and when conditions get better, the problem will do with the contempt it begins to heal. Treatment of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs Treatment of the deformity will depend on the cause and the extent of the problem. The goal is always to correct the position and length of the limb and regain comfortable joint movement. Of course, preventing further complications that can be secondary to the deformity is of utmost importance, too. The treatment protocol may involve diet, surgery, splints or physical therapy. For example: Antebrachial Growth Deformity Corrective surgery will be done, conducive to stabilizing the limb with external or internal braces or framework. Sometimes cutting the bone, with the goal of realignment or equalizing bone length, is a success. Carpal Hyperextension The use of veterinary applied support splints, bandages, and physiotherapy can bring resolution. In some cases, the complete or partial fusion of the carpus is necessary. A procedure called arthrodesis is done to fuse the forelimb and paw using internal plates and screws. Retained Ulnar Cartilage Cores This deformity is treated with diet change. Adherence to a complete and balanced diet, with the removal of excess supplementation can have a favorable outcome. Other treatments for front leg deformity include removal of part of a bone or plate. Some severe cases of front leg deformity will require complete amputation of the limb. It should be noted that most dogs can function very well on three legs. Recovery of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs The prognosis for a dog with front leg deformity can be good; however, there can be some obstacles to face during a surgical recovery period: Risk of infection around the implants Breakage of the surgical repair screws, etc. Poor bone healing You may find that there is a need for an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from licking the surgical site. The veterinarian will be able to provide this for you if required. Many dogs, as they recover from surgery, have a lack of appetite. This should be of no concern for a day or two. If your pet still has no interest in food, try softening it and warming it up to increase palatability. Constipation is often a post-surgery complication; you can expect limited bowel movements for a few days simply due to the fact that your dog did not consume much food before and after the operation. Some medication for pain and inflammation may cause constipation as well. If you are concerned, contact the veterinarian for advice. Vomiting can occur for a period of time after the surgery. As dogs recover from the anesthesia, they can experience nausea. Allow your pet plenty of rest and quiet time to recover from the stress and fatigue of a surgical intervention. As always, let the veterinarian know how your pet is doing, and do not hesitate to contact the clinic with any questions or concerns. Early Detection and Prevention is Key The problem with bowed legs is that your baby is growing faster than your diet is allowing. Put on adult diet not puppy food and wean. Some large breeds are still nursing at this five to 12 week stage, and milk is all calcium! A maintenance diet or giant breed diet will not push growth. Limit the protein and slow the scaffolding growth slightly until we catch up. Limit exercise until bone is hardened as you want the bone to heal straight, not crooked. Pressure from romping and running bows the long bone while soft. Usually one week does it. Reference-on request.

Learn more » Golden Retrievers are known for their long, silky, golden coats. Golden Retrievers can develop dry, flaky skin as a result of a number of conditions—one of them being ichthyosis. What Is Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers? Ichthyosis is a genetic disease affecting the skin of Golden Retrievers. Other breeds can be affected by this condition as well, however, they tend to develop a more severe form of the disease. Ichthyosis is caused by a genetic mutation. Scientists have identified two genetic variants that are associated with the disease. It is hypothesized that, as a result of the mutation, the cells in the outermost layer of skin, known as keratinocytes, do not form properly. This causes scaling and peeling of the skin. Ichthyosis shows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Therefore, the disease is not related to the sex of the dog, and both male and female Golden Retrievers can be affected. Therefore, for a dog to show signs of the disease, both its parents must carry the gene. The parents may have two copies of the mutated gene and, therefore, show signs of the disease and appear scaly. Althernatively, they may have one normal gene and one mutated gene, therefore appearing normal. A puppy may get one mutated gene from each parent and develop scaly skin, or it may get one mutated gene and one normal gene from each parent and look normal. In the latter scenario, the puppy becomes a carrier of the disease and it may pass on the mutated gene to its own puppies in the future. Golden Retrievers with ichthyosis have mild to moderate scaling of the skin , predominately on the trunk. The head, limbs, paw pads, and nose are usually not affected. There is no sex predilection for ichthyosis—both male and female dogs can be affected. The scales range in size from small to large, and vary in color from white to grey. The scales tend to be white in young dogs, and progressively blacken and become rough and dry with age. Affected dogs sometimes appear dirty, especially as the pigmented scales shed and adhere to the coat. The skin is usually not itchy or inflamed, but affected dogs may develop secondary yeast or bacterial infections as a result of the disease, which may result in inflammation and itching. Scaling may be seen within the first 3 weeks of life, but can also take up to 3 years for dogs to show any symptoms. The majority of affected dogs are diagnosed with this disease by one year of age. What is the Treatment for Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers? Treatment is tailored to the individual dog depending on its symptoms, and usually includes frequent brushing, medicated shampoos to remove scales, and moisturizing rinses. A diet rich in fatty acids may also be beneficial to reduce symptoms of the disease. If there are any secondary skin infections present, the dog will also need to receive treatment for those. Oral isoretinoin may also be effective at treating this disease. A study published in looked at the the effectiveness of oral isoretinoin in the treatment of ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers. Retinoids are a class of chemicals that are structurally and functionally related to vitamin A. Retinoids offer several benefits, including decreasing thickening and scaling of the skin, and are used to treat a form of ichthyosis that occurs in people known as Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyoses ARCI. The study showed that oral isotretinoin was effective in improving ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers without any side effects. What is the prognosis? Although ichythosis is an incurable disease, it can be managed with commitment to the treatment plan. How is ichthyosis diagnosed in Golden Retrievers? The diagnosis can be confirmed with a biopsy of the skin. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small section of tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist. Genetic testing is also available to identify the mutation responsible for the disease. The test will be able to tell if your dog is a carrier of the disease, even if it looks normal. My Golden Retriever has scaly skin. Does this mean they definitely have ichthyosis? There are many causes of scaling skin in Golden Retrievers other than ichthyosis. These should be ruled out before a diagnosis of ichthyosis is made. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock Final Thoughts Ichthyosis is a hereditary skin condition affecting Golden Retrievers that is caused by a genetic mutation. This mutation prevents the outer layer of the skin from developing properly, which causes the skin to scale and flake. Ichthyosis is an incurable disease but it can be managed with a combination of brushing , medicated shampoos , moisturizing rinses, and a diet high in omega 3s. Oral isoretinoin shows promise as a potential treatment for this disease. Additional Details Ichthyoses are a group of genetic skin disorders characterized by defects in the formation of the stratum corneum the outer layer of the epidermis that result in scaling of the skin and desquamation shedding of the outer layer of the skin, or more colloquially, skin peeling. In the Golden Retriever, symptoms of a breed-specific ichthyosis include mild to moderate, and in some cases severe, generalized scaling on the body, usually excluding the head, extremities, paw pads, and nose. The scales are initially a whitish color but becomes pigmented, progressing to gray or black, and they range in size from small to large. Age of onset is generally early: clinical signs have been detected as early as weeks of age in some dogs, although in others, the signs may not become readily apparent until months or even years later. Early symptoms of the disease may go unnoticed by owners due in part to their subtly and the less severe symptoms noted in the Golden Retriever when compared to other dog breeds. In humans, over 30 different genes that result in various ichthyoses have been identified. In dogs, at least 12 different breed-specific types of ichthyosis have been described, but genetic mechanisms have only been identified in a few breeds. An insertion-deletion variant often referred to as an indel in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 1 PNPLA1 gene was identified as perfectly correlated with the congenital ichthyosis disease in Golden Retrievers. In total, Golden Retrievers were evaluated in the initial study and this variant was perfectly concordant with disease status, providing evidence that this variant is responsible for disease. Additionally, this variant was absent in healthy dogs from 25 other breeds. It is predicted that this variant also denoted as c. Though the exact consequences of this protein truncation are currently unknown, it is hypothesized that this defective PNPLA1 protein causes lipid defects and does not allow the proper formation of keratinocytes the cells in the epidermis that produce keratin in the outermost layer of skin. A study published in looked at 14 Golden Retrievers diagnosed with congenital ichthyosis that did not have the PNPLA1 variant and identified a second genetic variant strongly associated with congenital ichthyosis in the breed. The variant identified in the ABHD5 gene consists of a 14 bp deletion denoted as c. The study showed that the variant was only present in North American Golden Retrievers, being absent in over Golden Retrievers of European origin. The clinical and histological presentation of ICH2 is similar to that seen with ICH1, although the researchers noted that breeders reported more severe and adherent scaling with ICH2. Both types of congenital ichthyosis in the Golden Retriever are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Two copies of either variant must be present for the disease to manifest, and both sexes are equally affected. Testing for this variant can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and helps breeders identify carriers among breeding stock to select appropriate mates that will reduce the risk of producing affected offspring. To avoid the possibility of producing affected puppies, matings between known carriers is not recommended. However, with the reportedly high frequency, it is advisable to select away from this mutation over several generations to assist in maintaining diversity. This assay does not detect the ichthyoses variants found in other breeds Type of Sample. Add To Cart Search Tests Common Symptoms Ichthyosis golden retriever type is an inherited condition of the skin affecting golden retrievers. The age of onset and severity of disease are highly variable, however most affected dogs present before one year of age with flaky skin and dull hair. Over time the skin develops a grayish color and appears thick and scaly, especially over the abdomen. While the prognosis is generally good for affected dogs, they are at increased risk for skin infections. Ichthyosis golden retriever type is inherited in an Autosomal Recessive manner in dogs meaning that they must receive two copies of the mutated gene one from each parent to develop the disease. In general, carrier dogs do not have features of the disease but when bred with another carrier of the same Mutation , there is a risk of having affected pups. Reliable genetic testing is important for determining breeding practices. Because some affected dogs exhibit very mild symptoms, genetic testing should be performed before breeding. In order to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines and to avoid the potential of producing affected pups, breeding of known carriers to each other is not recommended. Golden retrievers that are not carriers of the mutation have no increased risk of having affected pups. There may be other causes of this condition in dogs and a normal result does not exclude a different mutation in this gene or any other gene that may result in a similar genetic disease or trait. PNPLA1 mutations cause autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis in golden retriever dogs and humans. Nat Genet. Clinical, histopathological and genetic data of ichthyosis in the golden retriever: a prospective study. J Small Anim Pract. Autosomal recessive ichthyosis in golden retriever dogs: distribution and frequency of the PNPLA1 mutant allele in different populations. Ames eds , Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, 7th ed. Toggle navigation My Cart. It does not cause itching, scabbing, or hot spots. Ichthyosis is not the same thing as allergies. In Golden Retrievers, it is usually very mild. However, in other breeds it can be much more severe. The Golden Retriever Club of America says that it is a rare condition even though a high percentage of dogs are testing positive for it. A few breeders are making a big deal out of it. We, along with a growing number of other breeders are taking a middle of the road approach. We do the test and use the results in making good breeding decisions. At the same time, we feel that this is a minor issue and that there are many other concerns that are more important. Ichthyosis is doggy dandruff. When a dog has symptoms, those symptoms are usually a light flaking of skin. There can, however, be a wide range of possibilities with regard to the severity of the condition. Many I would venture to say most dogs that receive DNA results that indicate that they are affected with Ichthyosis have no flakes or any other kind of skin problem. Some dogs with Ichthyosis have a light flaking of skin, most noticable when brushing. It does happen at times, however, that Ichthyosis is bad enough for there to be a constant flaking of skin. Even then, it is more of a nuisance to the owner than a bother to the dog. A severe case could cause a dog to leave flakes of skin wherever he sits or lies. These cases are not common. By far, the majority of Golden cases are very mild. Ichthyosis is a Cosmetic Issue. It Is Not the Same as Allergies. Ichthyosis is not anything like allergies that many Golden Retrievers suffer from. Ichthyosis very rarely bothers a dog. Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers whether in its mildest form or its most severe is simply dandruff or flaky skin. However, brushing, mild shampoos and conditioners, and a diet high in fatty acids usually controls Ichthyosis well. I have heard of several affected dogs who had flakes to totally disappear after just a change in diet. They type dog food being fed greatly affects the expression of Ichthyosis. Ichthyosis is a recessive trait. This means that both parents have to carry the Ichthyosis form of this particular gene for expression of it. If either parent is clear, there is no chance of any puppies being affected. The DNA test can yield three different results: affected, carrier, and clear. This means that a DNA test will show them to be carriers of 2 copies of the gene. They could have clinical symptoms. A dog that is a carrier will have no chance of having the condition, either by DNA test or clinically. A carrier is simply a dog with only one copy of the defective allele for the gene. Statistics and Frequency of Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers The statistics on the percentage of Goldens with Ichthyosis according to the DNA test would be quite disturbing if the statistics for the number of Goldens with actual symptoms matched those DNA statistics. There is, a huge difference between the two. What a difference in the statistics! There are links at the bottom of this article to the GRCA and to Antigene where you can read these statistics for yourself. Also, dogs with a positive DNA test but with no symptoms tend to produce symptom-free puppies. Keeping this fact in view is key in wisely using the DNA test. The more prudent approach to breeding away from Ichthyosis is to breed unclear dogs in lines who have clinical cases of Ichthyosis only to clear dogs, to pursue a goal of eliminating the condition all together over 6 -8 generations, to use the DNA test in making good breeding decisions, to continue doing the test and using the results wisely, to be open and honest to the public about what you have, and to use good common sense about it realizing that there are other issues in our breed that need greater attention. Ichthyosis in the Breed Over the Past 10 Years Starting 10 years ago when the test first came out, we at Summer Brook decided to test for Ichthyosis, but to not make it a priority. An affected diagnosis did not always or even usually mean a dog has a skin problem. Also, the number of English Goldens who had been tested that were clear made it unwise to put so much importance on this cosmetic issue. When the test first came out and I went looking for a suitable stud for my own Ichthyosis carrier, I found only 7 clear males in the entire country. Then, as I checked into these 7 males, I found that ALL of them were either too closely kin to my own girl or had other health issues that were far more problematic than ichthyosis. At that time, there were too many other more important considerations in deciding on a breeding. Ichthyosis Will Not Affect Summer Brook Puppies However, starting in , we had bred it out of most of our dogs and had mostly clear dogs with a few exceptions that were carriers. These carriers will never be bred to anything except a clear. Because Ichthyosis is carried on a recessive gene, there is no chance of a puppy being affected as long as at least one parent is clear. All of our breedings involve a clear parent. We have had two dogs with an affected DNA diagnosis in the past. Neither of these two past Summer Brook affected dogs had symptoms that anyone except for me was aware of. I saw a few flakes on one dog one time when she was pregnant and only saw them when I was grooming her. The other dog never had any symptoms whatsoever to my knowledge. However, since then, I have talked to many breeders who know of dogs with significant issues. All Summer Brook puppies are inside companions. Almost All Good Breeders Incorporate Ichthyosis Testing in Their Programs As testing has become more prevalent over the past years, more and more breeders are slowly weeding it out of their lines. Currently my advice for those looking for a Golden Retriever puppy is to only look at breeders that test for it and only from breedings where at least one parent is clear. As recently as sever or eight years ago, it was difficult to find such breedings. Today, most good breeders are including Ichthyosis as part of their normal testing protocol. Links for Further Reading On Ichthyosis If you would like to do further reading on Ichthyosis in Golden Retrievers, click on any of the underlined links below. View Larger Image Ichthyosis in golden retrievers Excessive scale or dandruff flakes Several breeds of dog, notably the Golden Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier and Bulldog, can be affected by excessive flaking of the skin. This is present from birth, but may be very mild, so is not noticed until later in life. The belly may also have darkly pigmented, dry skin. It does not tend to be itchy unless there is also infection present with bacteria and yeast. The changes in the skin make it easier for infections to take hold. Owners typically notice large flakes of skin present in the fur when brushing their dog, or on the floor in areas where they spend time. Golden Retrievers typically have a very mild form of this disease, whereas other breeds can be more badly affected. How do dogs get Ichthyosis? This disease is inherited and multiple puppies in a litter may have the disease. It has what is called a recessive mode of inheritance, which means that both parents must carry the gene for the puppies to show signs. The parents may have two disease genes and so are scaly themselves or one normal gene and one diseased gene, so they look normal. If the puppies in the litter get one disease gene from each of their parents they will be affected with the scaling disease, which can be seen when you look at them. Alternatively, if they just get one diseased gene and one normal gene, they will look normal but will be at risk of passing the disease on if they have puppies in future. Testing for Ichthyosis? There are many other causes of scaling in dogs, so these should be ruled out by a veterinarian before a diagnosis of ichthyosis is made. In Golden Retrievers there is a genetic test available, which is recommended if you are planning to breed your dog. This will tell you if your dog is a carrier of the disease, even if they look normal. By responsible testing and breeding, this disease can be avoided in future generations of puppies. Results are normally back in weeks. Treatment for Ichthyosis? Treatment is tailored to the needs of each individual dog. The scaling cannot be cured, but in many mild cases can be managed by conscientious bathing and moisturising. In more severe cases oral medication may be needed which can help but not cure the problem. Related Posts. It is an autosomal recessive genetic mutation; which means that when genetically tested a dog must have both recessive mutation traits to be affected. Symptoms Affected dogs cannot form the outer layer of the epidermis properly; this results in excessive flaking, discoloration, greasy spots and possible hardening of the skin. The darkening of the skin and flaking makes it appear dirty. Symptoms can exhibit in forms from mild to severe, as well as cycle depending on hormones and stress. Treatment Treat Ichthyosis with special shampoos, diet, and stress management. We have found keeping the skin dry and clean improves symptoms. Additional issues associated with Ichthyosis such as fungal infections and yeast overgrowth. If your dog is affected, see a veterinarian to help come up with a specific treatment plan for your dog. Carriers of Ichthyosis and Breeding A dog can have an Ichthyosis trait but not have symptoms. Carriers should only be bred to clear dogs; this guarantees that they only produce other carriers or clear dogs. Responsible breeders will not do this. However, it can be challenging to manage, and uncomfortable for the dog. With the genetic testing available responsible breeders should never knowingly produce an affected dog. Spread the word.

Our puppies will grow to 40 cm Mini Labradoodles — 52 cm Medium size. We breed as healthy as possible! The most important thing that we are going to give them is a whole lot of love, attention, guided stimulus, hugs and respect through consistent education. We see how loving, consistent, clear, peaceful and balanced our pack interacts with each other and with the puppies and lives in harmony. The puppies learn very quickly from this, see and copy good behavior from the older doodles. This method ensures that learning good behavior is accelerated. The first 4 weeks are Rest, Regularity and Cleanliness our top priority. Our puppies will only receive light and controlled stimulus with the BioSensor Program, which are special methods to make the puppies relaxed for the rest of their lives. From the age of 4 weeks the puppies are offered dosed and larger stimulus, such as sounds of thunder, fireworks, cars, washing machine, vacuum cleaner etc. As they are so cute, they meet many people and children, other animals, they learn to walk on the leash, getting used to cars etc. You can choose the puppy yourself, we do not assign puppies like many other breeders, but will advise and help you with choosing because we know the puppies so well! We work with a waiting list and when it is your turn, you can choose the puppy that has not yet been selected by the owners above you on the waiting list. To enlist, click here! Learn more Medical Statement A healthy dog is our top priority. All our fathers and mothers are therefore fully tested and approved for breeding Learn more Experiences with our Pups We picked up our goldendoodle at Mc Sweeney's in July. What a lovely dog. She was potty trained after 1 day and can already sit, lie and comes when we call her. She does her very best on the puppy course and understands the assignments very quickly. She is very sweet and we can't imagine her without her from our family. Thank you Terry and Caroline for our girl. Automatically translated Fam. Jensen We are very happy with Saar, our doodle who is now one year old. From the first contact we had a good feeling with Terry. Honest, involved and the right attitude. They give clear information and they always think along with questions. We are full of praise and definitely recommend Mc Sweeney's doodles! Nice breeder, informs you well, received sufficient information about the doodles. Does not run away from his responsibilities. We are very happy with our doodles Jip of almost 2 years and Semmie of 6 months. Committed breeder who wants the best for the dogs and the puppies. We have a sweet, social and intelligent puppy of 5 months now. We couldn't miss her presence anymore. A great dog, sweet, loyal, beautiful build, , healthy. We are still happy with her every day. Reliable and helpful breeder who took all the time for us. We were given an extensive tour and both parents were present. With this breeder you felt the love for his animals more than the commerce. Which is no longer the case with many breeders, in our experience. We can recommend this breeder to everyone. Over de maten wil ik u hetvolgende mededelen: we weten nooit exact hoe hoog de schofthoogte van uw pup gaat worden, we werken met levende have! Wel weten we welke twee honden we willen combineren zodat we een idee hebben hoe groot de pups ongeveer zullen gaan worden. Hier kunt u geen rechten aan ontlenen. Onze pups worden hier naast de keukentafel in huis geboren waar ze opgroeien met onze kinderen en kleinkind en de andere honden en veel visite ;. In de eerste 3 weken na de geboorte krijgt moederhond en haar baby's veel rust en stilte. Daarna zullen zij pas kennis maken met allerlei huiselijke geluiden en wennen aan externe geluiden dmv CD waarop allerlei "bijzondere"geluiden te horen zijn bijv: onweer, vuurwerk, treinen, gillende kinderen, knallende uitlaten en tractoren enz.We wennen ze aan het dragen van een halsbandje en ze zijn gewend aan de auto en mogen ze met de bakfiets mee om de geluiden ook live te ervaren. Wanneer de pups het nest verlaten zijn zij ingeent, gechipt, 4 x ontwormd, in het bezit van een Europees paspoort en zullen zij een stamboom ontvangen van de ALAEU. Onze pups worden allemaal "onder contract" verkocht. Nadat we dit bewijs van castratie nota van de dierenarts incl chipnummer hebben ontvangen sturen we u de stamboom van uw hond toe. Zelf hebben wij een allergie dus spreken uit ervaring wat betreft de allergievriendelijkheid. Wij verkopen medium en miniatuur Australian Labradoodles. Als Australian Labradoodle fokker verkopen wij ook af en toe een fokhond wanneer deze nog pup zijn. Oudere fokhonden verkopen wij in principe nooit tenzij ze met pensioen gaan. Voor meer informatie kunt u met ons contact opnemen. Op onze site proberen wij zo veel mogelijk informatie te tonen. Wij adviseren dan ook om eerst onze site te bekijken en daarna met ons contact op te nemen voor verdere informatie. Dit kunt u doen middels de contactpagina of onderaan deze pagina. Af en toe zijn wij op zoek naar nieuwe gastgezinnen voor onze dames. Wij zetten dat dan op onze nieuwspagina, maar vooraf informatie bij ons inwinnen is een betere manier. Naast het fokken van de Australian Labradoodle verkopen wij ook hondenvoer onder ons eigen merknaam Zoo Happy. Via de webshop kunt u daar uw bestelling doen. Waarschijnlijk zijn ze allemaal vergeven, maar nog niet iedereen heeft het bevestigd. Meer lezen Charly bevallen van 7 prachtige zwarte pups Op dinsdag 11 april is Charly bevallen van 7 prachtige zwarte reuen! Wij gaan de pups nu verdelen. Waarschijnlijk is er nog een pup beschikbaar. Meer lezen Ivy bevallen van 7 prachtige pups Ivy is op 16 februari bevallen van 7 prachtige pups. Het zijn allemaal teefjes. Wij gaan nu beginnen met de verdeling van deze mooie pups. Allemaal zijn ze even mooi. De pups van deze kleine meid zijn wij nog […] Meer lezen Daisy bevallen van 7 prachtige pups Daisy is op 5 februari bevallen van 7 prachtige pups. Er zijn 4 reutjes en 3 teefjes. Ze zijn nagenoeg allemaal abrikooskleurig. Bobbie bevallen van 7 prachtige pups Bobbie is op 24 oktober bevallen van 7 prachtige pups. Alle pups zijn inmiddels vergeven. Voor en later is er volop ruimte. Voor actuele info klik op Geplande nesten Fokprogramma: De Australian Labradoodles zijn echte gezinshonden en wij zijn van mening dat de beste manier om dit ras te fokken gewoon de huiselijke sfeer is. De pups worden op deze manier natuurlijk op de best mogelijke manier gesocialiseerd en worden vanaf het begin in huiselijke sfeer opgevoed, inclusief kinderen en andere honden. Wij hebben het geluk dat wij genoeg ruimte in de huiskamer hebben om de pups en moeder tijdens de bevalling en de periode daaropvolgend in een afgeschermde ruimte te laten verblijven om zodoende in alle rust haar pups ter wereld te kunnen brengen en nadien te kunnen genieten van haar pups. Wanneer de pups groot genoeg zijn om op ontdekking uit te gaan zal mama er in de nacht niet meer zelf verblijven. Wanneer het weer het toelaat kunnen ze lekker ravotten in de tuin. Wachtlijst: Net als vrijwel iedere andere Australian Labradoodle fokker hebben wij een wachtlijst. Wij hielden gemiddeld een wachttijd op de lijst aan van maximaal 12 maanden, maar tegenwoordig is dat gelukkig een stuk minder. Natuurlijk is het een schatting aangezien wij volledig van moeder natuur afhankelijk zijn en dus ook van het aantal pups dat onze dames krijgen. Wij gaan standaard uit van zes pups per miniatuur nest en zeven voor de mediums. Meestal zijn het er meer, maar wij maken liever iemand extra blij dan dat wij een aankomende pupkoper moeten mededelen dat ze toch niet in aanmerking komen voor een pup. Op onze site geven wij een indicatie aan wanneer wij weer pups verwachten met daarin de te verwachtte periode van dekking en of er nog ruimte is voor dat nest op de wachtlijst of op de reservelijst. Onze ervaring leert dat er altijd mensen afhaken die in aanmerking komen voor een pup doordat ze reeds een pup hebben of geen interesse meer hebben door externe factoren. De plek op de wachtlijst is voor ons meestal bepalend en niet of de aankomende pupkoper zich heeft ingeschreven op het dat moment voor ons ingeschatte nest. In het menu vindt u onze dames en heren op een aparte pagina. Hieronder een leuk filmpje van destijds onze roedel in de sneeuw.

We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today! One of the most popular membership boxes out there, BarkBox is all about themes. You and your pup are sure to be delighted by each month's delivery. From Scooby-Doo to Cinco de Mayo, the boxes come filled with two toys, two treats, and a chew curated to fit the theme. When you sign up, you will answer a few questions about your pup weight, age, and allergies. Shipping is free within the contiguous United States, and BarkBox even has an online shop selling more toys and surprises. If your pup likes to chew , you might want to opt for the Super Chewer box filled with impossible-to-destroy toys. You can cancel at any time on a month-to-month plan, but the other plans cannot be canceled. You can also get boxes that provide your dog with both premium-made toys and treats. Based on box selection, your package may contain five or six surprises for your pet, and you can customize the toys based on their preferences. This brand is a great choice for anyone looking for value. Each month you will receive a box of well-made toys and treats for less than you would spend in a store. The BoxDog subscription box is a monthly service that comes with two treats, one skincare item, and two to three toys, clothing, or accessories you pick. Choose from items such as a dog jacket, a squeaky toy, or a premium leash, depending on what your dog needs. Your first BoxDog box typically ships within a couple of business days, and then every three months for the seasonal plans. BoxDog is a great choice for any pet parent who wants a less-frequent subscription box and likes curating items for their pup. Instead, consider a monthly subscription like the Pet Treater box, which offers a toy-only bundle or a treat-only package. Items like stuffed animals, chew toys, and rope pulls will make sure your furry friend will never be bored again. Want more for your little buddy? Choose from a monthly subscription, or pay for multiple months in advance to save even more. You can cancel at any time, and customer service representatives are always available via live chat, email, or phone. You can even tell the customer support team to avoid certain types of toys e. Best for Chewers: Bullymake Sign Up Now Anyone with an intense chewer knows the pain of seeing a brand new dog toy in shreds after only a few minutes. But if a chewing debacle happens, the company offers to send a replacement as long as you provide a photo of the sacrificed toy. Every box comes with two to three chew toys and three healthy treats. While Bullymake boxes cost more than some other choices on our list, the price is worth it for toys that last. This monthly subscription includes a trendy bandana with every installment, as well as two treats and two toys for your pooch. We give bonus points to the Dapper Dog Box for how easy it is to cancel or skip a month without speaking to customer service just do it on your profile. This subscription offers fresh dog food packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. All ingredients are human-grade and never processed, nor do they contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Every shipment arrives cold and should be frozen until you're ready to feed your dog. This monthly subscription is made by the same company that offers BarkBox, but this service is focused specifically on dog dental hygiene. With every box, the company donates bowls of food to shelter pets in need, so you can feel good about spoiling your pooch. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly cost. And, you can cancel any time with a month-to-month subscription. Even if your dog does not love one of the toys which we doubt is possible , you will still feel great about giving back and helping a shelter dog in need. While the company doesn't offer full or partial refunds, you can send them an email with a photo if your package is damaged and they will try to resolve the problem. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. The price depends on the type of surprise you want for your pup treats or toys, for example and how often you want a box delivered. A dog subscription box is often cost-effective if you tend to get your dog treats and toys regularly. Many companies charge less than pet store prices. What Comes in a Dog Subscription Box? Most shipments include a variety of products such as toys, treats, and chews. Heavy chewers, dogs with allergies , or pups that ignore toys can all benefit from a dog subscription box. While some dog subscription boxes only provide chews and treats, most come with a toy or two every month. If you are mostly interested in toys, you can opt for a box specializing in dog toys such as Pet Treater Dog Box or Bullymake. These options are great for dogs that go through toys quickly, requiring frequent replacements. Related Topics. Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products. Design: Liked the theme and the toys were definitely durable. Health: Treats were made in the U. I mean, I love celebrating Halloween early as much as the next person, but in March? Mostly I was just weirded out by feeling like I'd been sent a Halloween box in March? Happy early Halloween, y'all! But in addition to that, everything in the box felt extremely high quality. Design: Both dog toys here felt very high-end and durable. Neither one was hideous, and I liked that there was a subtle St. I also loved that the rope toy is created through Fundacion Mitz which gives jobs to women in vulnerable communities. Health: I appreciated that the Loving Pets treats were made in the U. Customer Experience: I canceled my subscription via email, and it was easy. The customer service representative was pleasant and I liked that I got an email warning me that my subscription was renewing before I was out of the cancellation window. Summary: I was skeptical of this box going in because subscribing on the Greater Good site felt a little jenky, but I was actually really wow-ed by the quality of the items in the box and the value. I loved the products, and loved even more knowing that my purchase was feeding shelter animals. And our pick for the best Dog subscription box is… Okay, I lied. I love that it gives back, and everything in it felt really high-quality and thoughtfully-curated. I loved seeing a Fair Trade toy in the box, too. It felt good to buy an indulgent treat for our pups that also helped pups in need. Thanks for reading! Pin It The Dapple sometimes receives a small affiliate income when you shop using links featured on our site. Never Miss a Pupdate Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Email Address.

This is a common question that French bulldog owners ask. This is because at some point during your canine journey, you just get the urge to double the cuteness. French bulldogs are social animals and they will instinctively love being in a pack. Generally, French bulldogs will be happier when they have another Frenchie for a companion. They will keep each other company, exercise each other and a bonus is that they can be left alone together for longer periods of time. Frenchies are prone to separation anxiety and this can be a real issue if you have to constantly be away from home. This development may be recently new and hence your reason for wanting to get another Frenchie. There is no problem at all as Frenchies do exceptionally well with other Frenchies. A Frenchie who is already suffering from symptoms of separation anxiety can be cajoled out of it by another Frenchie. However, in choosing to get another Frenchie dog breed, there are several things to consider. As well as doubling the cuteness, you would be doubling the costs of owning a Frenchie. You may also have to deal with jealousy or destructive behavior. Do you think this is something you can handle? Let us help you find out if two French Bulldogs are the right choice for you. This is a resounding yes. Frenchies are companion dogs, and having another Frenchie to play and run around makes them happy. If you are contemplating having a Frenchie for your first pet, you should consider getting two Frenchies from the same litter rather than one. It may seem like a handful at first but if you can handle it, it is better to have two French bulldogs rather than one. Here are some reasons why French Bulldogs do better in pairs. Frenchies are social animals: As previously mentioned, French bulldogs are very social and outgoing. They appreciate the security and comfort that being part of a pair brings them. This may be attributed to the fact that they have the company and mental stimulation they crave. Frenchies can act as role models: Having two Frenchies means that they can serve as role models to each other. French bulldogs like to copy each other. This could help reduce the stress of training and housebreaking a new puppy because they will most likely copy the obedient behavior of the existing Frenchie. Issues could range from joint digging up of your garden to other severe destructive behaviors. Frenchies love to cuddle: Deciding to get a second Frenchie would mean getting a cuddle buddy for your Frenchie. All they need is a soft, warm dog bed; watch them melt your heart with cuteness as they snuggle into each other. This would help to keep both Frenchies warm and cozy. Health Benefits: There are many health benefits to getting another French Bulldog. It is commonly said that when in pairs, French bulldogs live longer. It is difficult to argue with this statement. This exercise routine would help to keep your Frenchies in shape and at an ideal body weight , rather than being obese, and healthy. Obesity is a trigger to many of the diseases Frenchies are prone to. Benefits to their owners: Owning a French bulldog can be beneficial to your health and your general well-being. French bulldogs help fill your day with laughter through their numerous antics. They help with emotional support and can help reduce stress levels. Owning two French bulldogs will double the benefits. When you already have a male French bulldog, you may wonder if getting another male is a great idea. Your worries are not unfounded as most of the time males may exhibit dominance issues. However, not all male French bulldogs act this way. Two male French bulldogs can live together if you establish early on and continuously that you are the boss. Whether you have an existing male Frenchie and you get another male or if you get the two males at the same time, the rules remain the same. It is important to note that some females could also be this way. It is not common but it is not rare. Whichever your unique case may be, please ensure that you speak to your vet about your decision to get another Frenchie. This is so that any harmful behavioral tendencies may be corrected. A properly trained and well socialized dog should have no problem with either gender. It is always better to introduce a new French bulldog puppy rather than a grown one. And this introduction should be done when your existing puppy is 2 — 3 years old. At this point, they should be old enough to recognize change and young enough to embrace it. When introducing this new pup, there are some key things to note. If things are going great unleash your Frenchie and let the two familiarize with each other. Give them love equally. Over time, your trainings will help them form an unbreakable sibling bond. Monitor them: In the early stages, both Frenchies will need some measure of supervision. Monitor them and take note of how they progress together. Most of the time, older French bulldogs have no problem with young puppies but sometimes, the young Frenchie might be annoying to the older one. Watch how they interact and discourage any form of aggression or unwanted behaviors. Other Things to Consider You should be aware that getting a new French bulldog has its own potential snags. French bulldogs are prone to some health issues that you should be intimately aware of. There are also the costs like getting another harness, vet fees, medical bills, food bills, toys vaccines and additional responsibilities. Like picking up poop, cleaning up after them, grooming. It can be a lot at once, take time to create a list. Everybody in the family should be on board with the idea, this would help in the division of responsibilities. We are excited about the new addition to your family, there are many ways we can help you. Frenchiestore is here for you and your French Bulldog Whether you have one Frenchie or two Frenchies Frenchiestore specializes in the French Bulldog dog breed. Frenchiestore offers a large variety of Frenchie pajamas, organic dog hoodies reversible harnesses and more. Everything you need on your Frenchie journey, including valuable information. Sign up to our Frenchie Blog today. Leave a comment. We like pictures around here and you can't go too long without one before you get ganged up on to post a few. My husband raised 2 male dobermans. He's had them before we got married so basically, I married into a husband and 2 male dogs. If you ask him, he will always tell you that raising 2 male dogs together littermates or otherwise is a bad idea and he will put a bad mark on any breeder selling male littermates to inexperienced owners. But, he will raise 2 male dogs again if given half a chance. What you're up against is a highly elevated pack drive. So, if you just keep vigilant on the pack activity and be a very strong alpha this here is very important! But, you can't have a pack if you're separating them at all times. So, here is what my husband did: 1. Neuter both dogs. If one dog remains un-neutered you will have a harder time controlling him, especially if he has been bred. Dogs who are intact, especially after getting bred out has stronger alpha dominance tendencies which will be difficult for you and the other dog. He will have a higher chance of being territorial even when there are no females around. He will show dominance to the other dog and will continue to remind him of it. And even if your other dog is the omega type, his defense mechanism will turn on and he will fight back. The dogs are never left alone together without their Alpha Human unless they have matured enough for English Bulldogs, it takes up to 3 years old before they fully mature and have not exhibited any problems the entire time. But, even when they've already matured, you still have to gauge the personalities of each of the dogs to determine if they can be left to play together in the backyard by themselves. So, even if there are humans in the house but the dogs don't show them alpha respect, they can't be left alone with them. For example, if you have a year-old son that is not involved in the pack training, and he comes home from school before you get home, do not let him take the dogs out. So, everybody in the house has to do pack training with the dogs so the dogs will put them higher on the pack hierarchy. When I married into my husband's pack, my husband took a loooooonngg time to train the dogs to respect me. I can't be left alone with the dogs until my husband was confident I gained alpha rank. Now, all this, of course, means that your dog must be trained and trained well. And yes, it also means that you must be trained and trained well to be a pack leader. Untrained humans around an unsupervised pack is a recipe for disaster. An year-old boy died from being ganged-up on by 3 rotties. English Bulldogs can easily kill a child if they decide to gang up on him. Spend quality time with each dog separately. You will need to form a bond with each dog, and then form a bond together as a pack. And they need to be socially trained separately too. This can be tricky. You can't just leave one dog in the kennel while you take the other dog out to play with the family in the next room. The other dog will sense it. So, you kinda have to take the dog out of the house and socialize completely away from the other dog. Dogs will fight. That's a given. English Bulldogs may not have as strong a prey drive and not as aggressive as dobermans but they can still be territorial, even when neutered. That's why you get to be a strong Alpha Dog because then, when a fight breaks out, you have to be able to maintain control of the dogs at all times. You can't just let them "fight it out"! My husband is a very strong leader to his pack. Those 2 dobermans have utmost respect for him. And he has both dobermans trained very well. They are so well trained that if he tells one dog, "Stay with Mommy", that dog will be stuck to my knee everywhere I go. I could walk out to the ocean with the waves crashing on the dog's chest and he will still stick with me. But even then we experienced quite a number of fights! Most of them between 1 and 2 years of age. And all this happened right infront of my husband, the Alpha. This may not sound very humane, but this is how my husband controlled his 2 dobies - when a fight breaks out, he would hold both dogs by their necks one on each hand - yeah, my husband is very strong and push their faces to the ground and tell them to lay and stay in his normal commanding tone not much different than when he says lay and stay on regular occasions. They would squirm and snarl and try to break free but my husband keeps them down. It usually just takes a few seconds before they realize the "Alpha has spoken" and they start to calm down. Now, imagine 2 snarling dobermans or bullys for that matter coming at each other with you in-between. You gotta be prepared for that. Anyway, after they calm down, they get to go back to their kennels kennels are side by side next to each other inside our bedroom. Yes, sometimes they would snarl at each other through the kennel bars but they can't get at each other and eventually, they calm down. Be careful when you let them out - a lot of times, when they're fighting going into the kennel, they'll fight right when you get them out of the kennel! And you can't just let one dog out at a time too, it is tricky - you let one dog out first and he'll think he's the dominant dog! So, yeah, it's a balancing act, this one. But, my husband is very sensitive to his dogs' moods. He can look at the dogs and tell if they've settled their differences or not. This is not for your average dog owner. But yes, it can be done. Even when both dogs are not neutered. You just need to really know what you are up against and know what you are doing. Leadership skills is not something you can learn in theory alone. It's learned from experience. And if a dog owner doesn't have that experience previously, it will be almost impossible to raise 2 male dogs by "trial and error". It is better to just adopt the other dog out while gaining the leadership skills with the one dog and trying again later after you've gained the skills. I've had dogs for 30 years and I am not confident enough to raise 2 male dogs without my husband. My leadership skills is not sufficient for this undertaking even after living with 2 male dobermans.