golden retriever chocolate lab mix puppies for sale

golden retriever chocolate lab mix puppies for sale - Lab puppies are energetic little learners eager to run, swim, and fetch. Although active, they also tend to overeat and gulp down their food. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight management, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. The unique donut-shaped kibble is specially designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. Home Delivery Select a variant to view product availability Royal Canin knows what makes your Labrador Retriever puppy magnificent is in the details. Lab puppies are energetic little learners eager to run, swim, and fetch. Although active, they also tend to overeat and gulp down their food. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight management, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. The unique donut-shaped kibble is specially designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, corn, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, pea fiber, sodium silico aluminate, egg product, vegetable oil, monocalcium phosphate, psyllium seed husk, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , biotin, niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, vitamin A acetate, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex], salt, trace minerals [zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, taurine, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

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golden retriever chocolate lab mix puppies for sale - However, we are not huge fans of the fact that there are no fruits and vegetables from whole food sources, and that many of the meats are very generally labeled, meaning they could be made from sub-par animal parts. Overall, Victor puppy food may work as a high protein, supplemental food but we do not recommend it as a regular every-day kibble for French Bulldog puppies. Though most of these grains are healthy whole food sources, for the finicky Frenchie tummy, excessive grains can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The few wholesome fruits and vegetables in this food are way down at the very bottom of the ingredient list. Food made from mostly grains and added vitamins and minerals is a cheap way to give your dog food that is good enough, but not by a lot. Quite frankly, we do not think the price tag and possibility of digestive upset to your puppy is worth this mediocre-quality food. Pros First ingredient is chicken meal No artificial dyes or preservatives DHA and antioxidants for healthy eyes Cons Few whole food ingredients besides grains Most good oils, minerals, and vitamins are additives 7. However, the lack of quality in the rest of their ingredients leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, no fruits or vegetables means that your puppy will not get the benefit of most of those added vitamins and minerals. Can I feed my French Bulldog puppy raw meat? Yes, just remember to remove any small bones that could stick in the throat or shatter. The best meats for a French Bulldog are lean meats including chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, quail, and a variety of fish. Meats like beef and pork are fine in smaller amounts but may contribute to obesity if they overindulge. Can I feed my French Bulldog peanut butter? Our puppy testers love the occasional peanut butter treat! What foods are safe for a French Bulldog puppy with diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach? If your pup has digestive upset, your best bet is to feed them super simple and easy-to-digest food. Nutritious, soothing foods for a Frenchie belly include rice brown is best! Substitute tablespoons of their kibble with one of those, cooked and unseasoned, for a fiber-rich, nutritious aid to their digestion. A good starting point for French Bulldogs aged 8 to 12 weeks is .These pups are notoriously fast eaters, which can cause all kinds of digestion issues, so smaller meals a day will help their belly do its job better. As they grow you will need to gradually increase this amount and can decrease the number of meals over which you stretch that amount. Do French Bulldog puppies need a special diet? Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to developing food allergies and gastrointestinal issues. That means you need to pay extra attention to the ingredients in your choice of puppy food and, if necessary, search out brands with fewer ingredients that are higher quality. Being small dogs, they also mature faster and can become obese more easily than larger breeds. Nutrition for a French Bulldog Puppy Just like humans, dogs are omnivores and need a variety of nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Stick to lean meats for a French Bulldog, as your puppy will grow quickly and could put on extra weight if fed too much fat-rich meat. With the proper amount of fat in their diet, your French Bulldog will see benefits like flexible and resilient paw pads and nose, as well as a healthy coat and skin. The sensitive tummy of the French Bulldog often has trouble with simple carbs, like sugars and starches, which digest quickly and for a fast burst of energy. Most whole fruits, vegetables, and grains are complex carbohydrates that give your dog a steadier supply of energy. Complex carbs are much better for your French Bulldog puppy, as opposed to simple, because they are far more nutritionally dense and often fiber-rich. Common high fiber ingredients in dog food include rice, corn, oats, other grains, and a plethora of fruits and veggies. For a pup with a notoriously sensitive stomach, it is particularly important that the fiber-rich ingredients in the food be of superior quality and carefully chosen. Vitamins and Minerals Your French Bulldog puppy will also need an array of vitamins and minerals to support various important functions within their body. They are most bioavailable when your dog consumes whole foods that contain these nutrients. Major minerals for good health include phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Whole foods are minimally processed which makes them easier to digest and helps retain all the good and healthy nutrients they contain. That means you should be on the lookout for awesome ingredients like: Chicken or turkey Fruits, like banana and blueberries Vegetables, such as carrot and broccoli Specifically named fats from whole food sources, like salmon oil and chicken fat Organically grown foods, so no pesticides or nasty chemicals And French Bulldog puppies will benefit specifically from foods such as: Brown rice, a higher quality grain that is good for sensitive stomachs and easy to digest Sweet potato and pumpkin, which aid digestion Lean proteins like fowl, fish, and eggs Unhealthy Ingredients in French Bulldog Puppy Food Unfortunately, not all dog foods are created equal. Some brands talk big on the bag or can and regale you with mumbo jumbo about wolves or try to sell you on all the benefits of their food. Remember, dog food packaging is like the sales pitch meant to sell their food to you. Even though the information on the package cannot be technically false or misleading, it is still an advertisement. Stay skeptical and focus on the ingredients list. Wheat by-product? Hold your horses, what the heck does that even mean and why would I want to put it in my belly? Here are some common, poor quality ingredients that many companies use simply because they are cheaper: Brewers rice castoffs and fragments of processed white rice. They are moderately active, but highly social which makes them well suited to life as a family pet or companion. This is a guide to taking care of them through their early months, from birth to puppyhood. Neonatal During the first 4 weeks of your French Bulldog's life, they should spend most of their time with their mother and litter-mates. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your French Bulldog puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks introduce a few dry kibbles soaked in warm water. Health During this time it is important to monitor your French Bulldog for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach Behaviour During most of this time your French Bulldog will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. Weaning When you take your French Bulldog home usually at around 8 weeks you should shower them with love and attention. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. Make the most of this time and treat every interaction with your Frenchie as a learning opportunity to develop their fun, playful personality. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Frenchie's small size and young age. French Bulldogs are notoriously food-driven, but if they develop a taste for human food, they will likely become fussy eaters and cause headaches later in life by refusing dog food. Be sure to familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. Colostrum, rich in natural antibodies, proven to enhance immune response 2. DHA from omega-rich fish oil helps nourish brain and vision development 3. Colostrum proven to balance intestinal micro flora, helps protect your puppy from common intestinal upsets 4. Highly digestible quality ingredients for superior nutrient absorption 5. Easy rehydration of kibble for weaning 6. Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence 7. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health During this time you should provide your puppy with a small, shallow bowl of clean water and refresh the contents frequently. Your puppy will also need to be toilet trained during this time so that they don't make a mess of your home. Your Frenchie will soon be a fun and loyal friend, but for now you will have to clean up if they have particularly unpleasant bowel movements. You can combat this by not changing their diet suddenly as this will stress their digestive system. Behaviour Due to changes in diet and environment, your Frenchie will likely be under a significant amount of stress. As a social breed, it is important that you are affectionate and supportive during this time so they feel at home in their new surroundings. Yelling at your puppy during this will only alienate your Frenchie as they are particularly sensitive to human voice — being too aggressive with them may cause fear and distrust. Puppy By the time your French Bulldog reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed. Show them love by appealing to their intelligent and often funny personality by playing with them regularly, exercising daily and introducing them to new friends from an early age. Nutrition Your French Bulldog puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Keep snacks such as dog treats and table scraps to a minimum during puppyhood and familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health French Bulldogs have a fair amount of energy and should be walked regularly to avoid excessive weight gain. Be aware that later in life, many French Bulldogs develop breathing difficulties due to their unusually flat face. While mostly up to genetics, you can reduce the symptoms of problems by keeping your puppy fit and not allowing them to exert themselves on hot or humid days. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters. Behaviour French Bulldog puppies are generally very friendly and well-suited to spending time around other animals and children. However, it's very important to proactively introduce them to the outside world including other people, dogs, places and children to avoid development of aggressive behaviours based on fear later in life. It is highly recommended that you take your French Bulldog to puppy training classes. Recommended Articles. Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! Provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development Promotes regular and healthy stools with the special blend of prebiotics Gentle of small stomachs Not suitable for pups with a maize or gluten allergy or intolerance FAQs How much food does a French Bulldog puppy need? The amount of food your Frenchie puppy needs depends on how much your pup weighs, and whether you're opting to give them a wet puppy food or dry food diet. Every type of food will have its own feeding guidelines so you can use these to figure out how much food they should have compared to how much they weigh. When they get to six months, increase their food intake to up to two and a half cups daily, but only feed them two times a day. Frenchies are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep an eye on their weight. If you start to notice your pup is piling on the pounds more than they should for their age, you should reduce their portion size by half a cup. If you have any concerns about your pup's weight, speak to your vet. Can French Bulldog puppies have allergies? Allergies are a common problem with French Bulldogs. These can be genetic, but they can also be food-based. They can usually get acne that causes sores or dry, flaky patches on their body. If you spot your Frenchie pup excessively and constantly scratching, chewing or biting at their legs, paws, face, sides or their behind, it could be a sign they have an allergy. We suggest eliminating or isolating certain ingredients in their diet to find out the trigger, which can be a little trial and error. You can then opt to feed them puppy foods for sensitive stomachs as these are typically made without ingredients that dogs are commonly allergic or intolerant to. We would also recommend collaborating with your vet to find the best food for your French Bulldog puppy. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. The French Bulldog is prone to some health issues such as brachycephalic upper airway syndrome BUAS , allergies , and obesity. Feeding them appropriate nutrition is important in keeping our Frenchies healthy. Read further to learn how to choose the best food out there for your canine friend. French Bulldogs have similar nutritional needs to other dogs. They need to be fed high quality protein and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. Protein is the building block for muscle and gives your dog energy. Feeding Puppy French Bulldogs Puppies need regular feeding, usually, three times a day as their stomachs are small. French Bulldog puppies grow rapidly in the first 6 months of their life and need the appropriate diet in order to grow properly. They need regular feeding, usually, three times a day as their stomachs are small. As puppies do a LOT of growing, their diets should be high in calories to give them fuel for this. Their diets should have high quality proteins with no high carb fillers or preservatives. It should be an easy-to-digest food with human-grade ingredients. Check the back of the food bag to see how much your puppy should be eating and ask your vet for advice on feeding when they get their vaccinations. Your French Bulldog puppy can start eating adult food from months of age. There are so many foods out there on the market that it can be really confusing trying to pick a food for your dog. We have some pointers when it comes to picking good quality food for your dog. First of all, look at the ingredient list. The ingredient list should be easy to read with recognizable whole food ingredients. The list should be relatively short as long lists can indicate unnecessary high carb filler ingredients. The ingredients should be high quality and clearly stated e. The diet should be free from preservatives and high carb filler ingredients like potato, rice, oats, barley, pasta, corn, or wheat. Dog foods are available in many forms such as dry food, wet canned food, dehydrated food, raw food, and lightly cooked human-grade diets. Some ingredients in certain foods can be harmful to our pooches, including excessive carbohydrates, preservatives, and poor-quality ingredients. These include excessive carbohydrates, preservatives, and poor-quality ingredients. Along with those, some human foods are harmful to our dogs too. You should avoid feeding your Frenchie these foods; Onions. Regardless, it is best to feed your puppy their old food for at least two weeks if you can. Then, you want to swap the proportions. After a few days, you can give your puppy only the new food. The most common is diarrhea. It might be worth a trip to the vet if your pup starts throwing up their meals, refuses to eat, or has allergic reactions to the new food. French Bulldog Puppy Diets French Bulldog puppy diets may consist of kibble, wet food, raw food , or homemade food. Each of these has pros and cons. Some pet owners go all in and make their own dog foods. This can get complex, as, with raw or homemade food, you have to be sure to give your dog all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. It is also typically more expensive than prepared meals kibble or wet food. However, the benefits might be important if done correctly. You know exactly what your dog is eating, no questions asked. Frenchies often have allergies and sensitive tummies. So you should avoid foods with too much protein but make sure meat is still the first ingredient! Also avoid or limit grains, soy, and wheat, as these are common allergens. The number of calories your puppy needs will depend on their age, weight, and exercise levels. Different types of food will also have different calorie levels. For example, they will generally need to eat more wet food than kibble for a balanced meal, because canned food has fewer calories. At the start of the day, weigh out the right amount on some scales and divide it between five bowls. Four of these will make up regular meals spread throughout the day, the final bowl is for you to put aside to use as training treats or to reward good behavior. This will help you to resist the temptation to use higher carb training treats. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy Kibble The most affordable option, when considering both your time and money, is kibble. The most time-consuming and expensive are raw and homemade diets. You can find it easily at the store, and your only prep time will be to open it and pour it into a bowl. The biggest con is that there are some low-quality brands of kibble out there. As in any business, some are just in it for the money. However, these disadvantages can be overcome by choosing a high-quality brand. Look out for formulas specifically tailored for French Bulldogs. Specialized recipes are carefully shaped to help them out. Another good thing about wet food is that it keeps your dog hydrated. However, due to the water in wet food, it has fewer calories. Your pup will need to eat more wet food than dry food, making it the more expensive of the two. Wet food is also messier than dry, especially if your pup is a messy eater. It also takes time to prepare as you will need to buy the ingredients individually, and prepare the meals. Raw food also requires more clean-up time than any other food. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy a Homemade Diet Feeding a puppy a homemade diet has many of the same pros and cons of feeding raw. Homemade food with properly cooked meats is less risky than a raw diet. It will still be costly and time-intensive though. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. There are hundreds of different options on the market all claiming to be the best, no wonder our Frenchie parents constantly turn to us asking what they should feed their puppies. The usual nutritional needs of French Bulldog A well-balanced Frenchie diet should contain the correct amounts of macronutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, this is only a general guideline, and a more accurate calculation can be made based on specific factors. For instance, the age and activity level of your dog are essential factors to consider. Hormonal changes can cause neutered dogs to become less active than their fertile counterparts. Store-bought vs. Most commercial dog foods and canned goods contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring, and other additives. Instead of real meat, they often contain animal by-products or meat meal, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email When you cook food for your dogs, you can be sure of what goes into their bowl. Finally, homemade meals can prolong the average French Bulldog lifespan , so we definitely recommend homemade food! Why is it so hard to find the right dog food? Feeding is an evergreen topic among Frenchie parents in our Facebook group. They know they should feed their puppy with high-quality premium dog food to keep their baby healthy and fit, but they are left puzzled when they see the plethora of different choices. The answer is actually quite simple: every Frenchie is different and what works for one puppy may unfortunately cause problems for the other. The best French Bulldog breeders will always give you advice on how to continue feeding your puppy once you welcome them home. So what are the most important things to consider while trying to find the perfect food for your Frenchie? Read on to find out! The quality of dog food is always determined by the percentage of its protein content, in other words, the amount of meat or fish it contains. So what should you pay attention to when looking at the ingredients list? This could be beef, lamb, salmon, or any other type of meat. The list usually ends with some sort of animal fat, vegetables, and fruits. Jasper, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Any other ingredient not mentioned above is only included to increase the volume of the dog food and to ensure the most economical production possible. So, if you see that a food contains an unrealistic amount of filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives, it is definitely not a suitable and healthy choice for your Frenchie. Dog foods without chicken and grains A question that always comes up when choosing the right food for a Frenchie is whether it has to be chicken or grain-free. For that reason, we usually recommend giving chicken and grain-free food right from the start to avoid any possible problems. Makayla, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies That means that if you look at the list of ingredients, you can find companies whose food meets all the criteria we mentioned above and is much more affordable. Like with so many things, the name is not everything! On the other hand, if the kibble is too large they will have difficulties consuming the food. The flavor of the dog food When looking at dog foods, you can choose from lots of different flavors like a lamb, fish, beef, duck, etc. If one of the foods from a particular brand works fine for your Frenchie, the flavors can and should be changed as long as they have the same nutritional values. A varied diet is important not only for humans but dogs as well, not to mention that your fur baby will be very happy to taste some new flavors. The stool of your Frenchie A very important criterion and perhaps the best indicator of the given food is suitable for your Frenchie is their stool. A healthy stool should always be completely solid, which means you can easily collect it with a bag. You should always ensure a smooth transition by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with the old to avoid any dietary issues. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie We have already mentioned that Frenchies tend to be allergic to chicken, but what are the actual signs of a food allergy? The most common symptoms include scratching, hair loss, dull lifeless fur, inflamed eyes and ears often with some discharge, paw licking, swelling, but also vomiting, and loose stools. You may not notice all of these and the degree to which they occur may also vary. Any of these symptoms indicate that an immediate change of diet is necessary, about which you should always consult your vet first. Eating a bit more slowly and with less appetite are usually signs telling you to cut out the middle meal. As for the amount, nice-looking French Bulldogs are a bit stockier, so you should always increase and lower the amount of their food with that in mind. Read our article to learn more about maintaining a healthy body weight for your Frenchie. Odie, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Special recommendations by TomKings Puppies The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach For dogs with sensitive stomachs, we always recommend home-cooked food , so you can be sure of what your dog is eating. However, it is important to ensure that the transition from store-bought to home-cooked dog food is gradual. Consultation with a veterinarian can also be helpful in determining the best wet food for a French Bulldog. It is essential to choose a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for products that are labeled as complete and balanced, which means they contain all the essential nutrients your French Bulldog needs in the right proportions. The best dry food for French Bulldogs Although cheaper dry food may appear to be similar to premium brands based on the label, there are significant differences in the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Additionally, we advise you to switch to adult food at the age of months. We always inform new parents of Tomkings puppies of the brands we used to feed the pups and we recommend to continue using the same brand for some time. The best raw food for Frenchies There are several types of raw food diets for dogs, including the Prey Model Diet, the B. To ensure that TomKings puppies receive only the highest quality food, we continuously evaluate available options and test the latest trends. We consult with a panel of experts and experienced puppy parents within the TomKings Frenchie Family, and we are proud to recommend the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. In general, weight management dog foods can be a good option for overweight French Bulldogs. These foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat while still providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats, and make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. In some cases, a prescription diet recommended by a veterinarian may be necessary to help your French Bulldog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Best food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies If your French Bulldog has skin allergies, it is important to choose a diet that is specially formulated to help support skin health and minimize potential allergens. Consultation with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. Some high-quality dog food brands offer special formulas that are designed for dogs with skin allergies. These foods typically contain limited ingredients and exclude common allergens such as wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy products. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources such as fish or venison and may contain added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin health. Some veterinarians may also recommend prescription diets that are formulated specifically to manage skin allergies in dogs. These diets may contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into smaller components to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Even though processed dog foods might not look healthy to us, they actually contain all the nutrients that Frenchies need to stay healthy. Home-made and raw diets like B. Should I opt for dry kibble or canned wet food? Wet foods are of course more appealing to dogs, which means they get used to them easily and will not want to eat dry food again. If your Frenchie is a picky eater you can mix the dry and wet food but never give them the latter only. We recommend wet food for dogs who are ill and have no appetite. How much time does my puppy need to adjust to a new food? At what age should I switch to adult food for my French Bulldog? We usually recommend switching to adult food at the age of months old. If you notice that your puppy looks a bit chubbier or bigger compared to other Frenchies you can make this change even sooner. What is the best food for a Frenchie puppy? The best choice for your Frenchie puppy is to continue providing the same brand the breeder used to provide. This should be a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. What is the best food for an adult French Bulldog? You have several options. You can buy high-quality wet and dry god food at your local pet store or if you want more control over what goes into the bowl, you can feed your adult Frenchie with home-cooked food. Raw diets like B. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. 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golden retriever chocolate lab mix puppies for sale - Currently, GSDs have eleven dog kennel club-accepted coat colors. Pure white, solid blue, merle and brindle are coat colors that some regard as faults and sadly, are slowly coming to extinction. This article will focus on Brindle-Colored German Shepherds , how the color was achieved, its history, where they can be found and why do we have fewer sightings of this coat color pattern. What is a Brindle Colored German Shepherd? Brindle is a coat color pattern in German Shepherds that looks like stripes on their fur or coat, along their legs. Though the pattern is similar to tiger stripes, it appears to be more subtle and has irregular shapes and streaks of color. The color markings are usually darker or slightly lighter than the base coat. It is commonly seen as a black stripe on a reddish brown or tan base coat. Brindle Colored German Shepherds have four different brindle color patterns depending on their dominant and recessive genes. It has the most solid brindle color amongst the four types of brindle color. After careful observation and analysis, it was found out that two of his sons were brindle colored. It might be strange to some as to how he got two brindle colored sons. In genetics, brindle is one of the three variants of the dominant black gene. Brindle is a separate mutation that allows the agouti gene such as sable, tan points, recessive black and tricolor to come out. However, the result causes brindling or streaks of the agouti color. This explains why brindle colored GSDs have the dominant black gene. They are very active and need a lot of exercises, just like standard GSDs. Healthwise, they can have inherited diseases and other health issues, too. And just like other GSDs, they can be straight backs or sloped-backs. Their intelligence is equal to other colored GSDs. Therefore, with proper training, diet, and care, these Brindle Colored GSDs are set to become great working dogs and loving family pets. Since brindle is considered as a washed-out color, Brindle Colored GSDs are disallowed from being included in the conformation rings. Looking for a Brindle Colored German Shepherd is like looking for a needle in a haystack. One needs to understand the history of the GSDs in order to fully grasp the development of this dog breed and how some colors like brindle, was severely affected. For some unknown reasons, liver, white, brindle and blue merle were chosen to be eradicated. In an attempt to breed a GSD similar looking dog, the Dutch Shepherd was created and standardly having brindle colored only to be distinguished apart from GSDs. Nowadays, Brindle German Shepherd can be found in rescue centers or shelters. Some are also left by breeders who messed up a breeding program and ended up producing a Brindle GSD with health or physical issues. So, interested adoption applicants should be ready to embrace everything and must not expect too much. Looking for an ethical breeder is also a good option for one to have a healthy Brindle Colored German Shepherd puppy. How much does a Brindle Colored German Shepherd cost? The cost for Brindle Colored GSD will always depend on the breeder and the demand for this color pattern. This can go higher if the Brindle Colored German Shepherd puppy has papers proving its pedigree, line, breeding history, and working title. Conclusion Brindle might not be recognized as one of the standard GSD color variations, but this should not hinder breeders from continuing to nurture German Shepherds having this unique color pattern. Is the Brindle German Shepherd dog the lost pattern? The answer will be yes and no. Yes, it will soon become a lost color pattern if GSD breeders and enthusiasts will not do something to promote its beauty and continue breeding them not only for their rare color but also to breed them ethically. Training and proper care is crucial for GSDs whatever coat color they have. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Lifespan Sociability As the name implies, German Shepherds are herding dogs. German Shepherds are eager learners but can be a little stubborn, which some owners may find challenging. Socialization is essential for these pups because they have a powerful jaw and a heritage guarding livestock and people. Improperly socialized German Shepherds may be suspicious of people and animals alike. Brindle Coating Has Distinct Genetic Markers In genetics, color patterns can be a bit more finicky to determine than simply colors. The brindle pattern is marked in genetics by a specific mutation of the dominant black coloring gene. This variation of the dominant gene allows for the recessive coloring gene to show through on the fur and results in the brindle patterning. A post shared by Totem totem. Of these, at least two were observed to have the brindle genetic mutation! This means that brindle coloring was documented early on in the German Shepherd family tree. The S. The reasoning is not stated but seems to be cosmetic rather than for health reasons. According to the S. V, white, liver, brindle, and blue merle colorings were all chosen for eradication. There Are Four Types of Brindle Coating The brindle pattern is distinct, with irregular streaks of darker or lighter color through the base color. The four patterns of brindle coating are black brindle, brindle-tan, brindle-sable, and brindle- gray. Black brindle, or reverse brindle, appears to have light stripes on a dark coa. Brindle-tan dogs have a lighter coat with darker streaks. Brindle-sable dogs have a darker coat color on the head and back only. Brindle-gray dogs may only have Brindle points on the feet and face. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are considered serious faults. A post shared by Our Sweet Fur Babies tajiasangelsgsdlegacydobermans 6. The pattern was explicitly chosen to distinguish the breed from the German Shepherd Dog. Conclusion The German Shepherd is one of the most distinct and beloved dog breeds. There seems to be no reason that the brindle patterning could not receive similar recognition. Apart from those, specific colors are either unregistered or are considered a coat pattern. One such coat pattern is brindle, a coat pattern best described as striped or marbled. This pattern is similar to the stripes on a tiger but is more subtle with irregular streaks of color and shapes. Brindle German Shepherds are so rare that there is no singular standard to their actual physical appearance. However, the most commonly seen coat has blacker markings on a reddish-brown or tan base coat. Their dominant and recessive gene pool decides four different brindle color patterns. They are among the rarest types of German Shepherds and belong to the dominant black gene series. Some people even claim that they are now entirely extinct, which is not the case. It is unclear where the first brindle German Shepherd originated. Horand sired many pups, and very few pictures black and white exist of them. Most experts who have analyzed those photographs believe that at least two of the pups had the brindle color pattern. This makes the brindle coat color pattern one of the originating patterns of the German Shepherd breed. But how did Horand Von Grafrath, formerly known as Hektor Linksrhein, birth two brindle-colored pups? From a genetics perspective, brindle is one of the three variants of the dominant black gene. It is also a separate mutation that allows the agouti gene to appear, such as sable , tan points, recessive black, and tricolor. The result causes the agouti color to form streaks or brindling, which explains the presence of a dominant black gene in brindle-colored dogs. We can trace this color pattern back to Europe when specific colors and color patterns like blue , liver, white , and merle German Shepherds were imported to America. These colors were; blue, liver, white, and the patterns — brindle and blue merle. A brindle GSD is not very different from its counterparts except for its color. Just like other types of German Shepherds , they require lots of physical and mental stimulation. They can be straight-back or sloped back, depending upon their breeding. Male brindle German Shepherds are usually 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh about 66 to 88 pounds. Females weigh approximately 48 to 70 pounds and are 22 to 24 inches in height. Their typical life span is like that of other German Shepherd varieties — between 10 to 13 years. They are also highly intelligent like other varieties, and you can quickly train them. Brindle German Shepherds also suffer from specific inheritable health concerns just like all the other types. Brindle German Shepherds possess a specific coat pattern of alternating strips of color different from the base color. The exact pattern on each dog depends upon his genetics and is thus variable. Two brindle German Shepherds can even have completely different coat patterns. Below are the brindle German Shepherd color patterns: Black Brindle Brindle Sable Brindle Gray A black brindle German Shepherd is also known as a reverse brindle and possesses recessive genes of solid black, liver, light buff, or blue. They have lighter colored stripes on a darker base coat. Brindle-tan German Shepherd Dogs have brindle-colored markings on usually black, blue, isabella, or liver-colored coats. Brindle-sable German Shepherds possess the richest brindle color amongst the four types and typically have a darker coat color only on their head and back. Brindle-gray German Shepherds, in contrast, have brindle markings that appear either only as brindle points or do not appear at all. Despite these genetic variations, their coat color is a hot topic for debate and controversies. Some will say that brindle is a non-standard color for German Shepherds and partly due to the close association between brindle coloration and Pit Bulls. Others believe that the brindle gene is genetically unstable. Thus this color pattern is always going to be rare amongst mainstream breeders. They were inserted into the standard because lighter dogs were easier targets in times of war. Finding brindle German Shepherds is quite a task. German Shepherd history books show that many originating breed colors were eliminated by the German Shepherd Dog Club also known as SV in the standardization process of this breed. Liver, white, brindle, and blue merle colors were chosen to be eradicated because as dogs of war, darker colors and patterns were less of a target. The German Shepherd Dog Club considered the brindle color pattern to be unsuitable in wartime Europe, and thus breeders made no efforts in the following years to increase the numbers. Today, brindle GSDs can be abandoned in rescue shelters or centers by owners interested in mainstream German Shepherd colors. A few are also left by unethical breeders who misbreed and end up with brindle shepherds with health or temperamental issues. Intentional breeding is very rare as they have been sidelined over the years. Many see this color pattern as a genetic mutation that makes it even harder for breeders to produce brindle dogs. The brindle gene is one of the three variants of the dominant black gene the other two are dominant black and non-solid black. Specifics of this gene are mostly a mystery, but it is speculated to result from a spontaneous mutation. Looking for a brindle German Shepherd is not an easy task, and interested individuals are most likely to return empty-handed. A better option is finding an ethical breeder that breeds healthy brindle-colored German Shepherd puppies. But since they are scarce to find, their price can be much higher than anticipated. Similarly, a brindle puppy with papers proving its pedigree, line, breeding history, and running title will have a much higher price. It is evident that prices mainly depend upon breeders. Because of their high demand and low availability, some unscrupulous breeders often breed and raise brindle pups inadequately to make money quickly. This takes a toll on their health and makes them prone to illnesses. The official coat colors listed in the German Shepherd official AKC breeding standard are black , black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver , blue, white, liver, grey, and sable. However, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America who has control over the written standard within the AKC , does not want to list colors and patterns separately. Exotic patterns such as brindle are frowned upon by many breeders and some dog clubs, which reduces their popularity. However, a few ethical breeders focus their breeding programs on the development of such rare coat-color patterned dogs. You can find such breeders, but you may have to pay whatever price they charge. If you are looking to take a brindle German Shepherd in as a pet, adopting is a good option as adoption fees are much lower. Brindle German Shepherds are good family dogs. They get along with children and other pets and are incredibly intelligent and thus highly trainable. They also make good guard dogs as they innately have protective instincts. Their temperament traits are the same as all other GSD types. These dogs are highly versatile and have an uncanny ability to learn new tricks. Their easy-going temperament makes them easier to train than other breeds. They are eager to learn and, if socialized and trained correctly, make great companions. They are somewhat aloof to strangers, and some may even be fearful of new people or other dogs or animals. You can prevent this by socializing them early to become familiar with new people and smells and sounds. A lack of socialization can make them aggressive and view other animals and people as threats, leading to destructive behavior. In contrast, they grow up to be calm and well-balanced and behaved dogs when trained well. Since they require appropriate mental and physical stimulation, you can quickly devise exercises or training routines that you both can follow, such as jogging, running at the beach, hiking in the woods, fetching a ball, or playing certain sports. Exercising along with your dog develops a friendly bond of trust with him. Brindle GSDs are very loyal dogs, and once this bond is established, it can never be severed. Apart from being good family pets , German Shepherds are also great for agility training, lure coursing, flyball, tracking competitions, Schutzhund training, and search-and-rescue work. The brindle German Shepherd is also known as a mouthy breed because they use their mouths due to their herding heritage. Therefore, it is normal for them to chew on anything that fits in their mouth. But you do not have to allow it as you can train them to channel their instincts appropriately and safely. They are also very social and would be the happiest when with family. These loving and affectionate creatures will put their own lives at risk to protect their loved ones. Some people believe that their coat color correlates with bad temperament, thereby making them unfit for families. The Center for Animal Genetics says that their color is a genetic factor determined by color pattern genes and does not impact their obedience, intelligence, or even working ability. They possess traits and a temperament comparable to other standard colored German Shepherds. Pros of Brindle German Shepherds Unique Appearance: Brindle German Shepherds have a unique and majestic appearance that makes them stand out from other types. They have a wolf-like appearance and are relatively sturdy and well-built with a proportioned body, making them visually appealing. They also possess a double coat, a bushy tail, and erect ears, making them look intimidating yet cuddly. Versatile Dogs: Brindle German Shepherds are versatile dogs with incredible intelligence, loyalty, and bravery and are among the top obedience competitors. They can be trained through consistent reinforcement-based training and mentally and physically stimulating exercises to excel at various activities. They possess an incredible cognitive, physical, and emotional capacity and are great at police work, therapy, scent detection, agility, and service work. The German Shepherd breed ranks third in intelligence globally. Very Protective: Brindle German Shepherds have an alert nature and are incredibly loyal to their guardians, and make great protective dogs. The behavior of dogs usually depends on the education and environment they are subjected to. Consequently, you can train them to be friendly and fierce. Highly Active and Energetic: These dogs thrive on regular exercise and possess medium to high energy drive. Not giving them enough mental and physical stimulation can adversely affect their health and behavior. If you are not an active person, they are not the right fit for you. But if you lead an active lifestyle, they can be your best companion and even motivate you to exercise or burn those extra calories. If you develop a strong bond with them, they can quickly become your best friend and would love you no matter what. They may look intimidating on the outside but are deeply caring dogs on the inside and would always put you first. Cons of Brindle German Shepherds Have Heritable Health Concerns: The Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals reports that all German Shepherds are prone to several heritable health concerns, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and von Willebrand disease, to name but a few. Since they are not bred according to specific breeding standards, it is widespread for these dogs to develop such conditions. It is essential to make sure that your dog has health-tested parents before adopting. Their rarity adds to their price as well. Finding healthy brindle dogs in shelters and rescue centers can be even more challenging than looking for serious breeders. There is nothing in the breed standard that disqualifies their exotic coat color pattern from being show dogs. The confusion lies in that no brindles have yet entered the show ring as it is presumed by many owners that they will be marked down by the judges. Can Become Greedy: Although they have well-balanced behavior, they can still overeat and even become somewhat gluttonous. Their eating habits need to be monitored carefully to manage their weight. You may also need to eradicate bad eating habits to prevent them from becoming fussy eaters. You should also portion their daily food intake into two or three meals to prevent bloat GDV. However, they should not be adopted simply for their aesthetic appeal or their rarity. You should only get a pup if you treat it like a family member and companion and raise it according to their needs. Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info The tan and black-saddle coat is what the German Shepherd is most recognized for. But not many realize that they come in many other coat colors—some more common than others. There are uncommon colors like silver and blue. Even more rare are others, including the brindle German Shepherd. A brindle German Shepherd has a coat that is best described as tiger-striped or marbled. Theoretically, the base color could be tan, black, or sable. Even more rarely, it could be silver, blue, or liver. For all dogs, coat coloring is determined by two pigments called eumelanin and phaeomelanin. By default, eumelanin appears as black but can be modified by certain genes to become blue or liver. On the other hand, phaeomelanin controls the color red. However, the brindling or striped patten will only appear if the dog carries the K locus. This is related to the A locus, which is responsible for the sable GSD coat. The only way to breed the brindle coloring in purebred GSDs is to have at least one brindle parent. Even so, a brindle puppy is not guaranteed. This is because the brindle allele Kbr is recessive to the dominant black allele Kb. So, not only should one of the parents be brindle but also the other parent should at least carry the recessive Kbr allele. Brindle German Shepherds are now incredibly rare. GSD enthusiasts believe that the brindle coat was common among the working dogs that the breed founder, Max von Stephanitz, developed. Some believe that it was purposely bred out of the GSD gene pool as a means to distinguish it from similar dogs like the Dutch Shepherd , which is most commonly brindle. This makes it even rarer than colors produced by genetic abnormalities. In fact, enthusiasts of the breed say they are already extinct. According to the Aringsburg Kennel , no brindle GSD has been registered with a kennel club since .Their brindle coloring should not affect any other physical attributes and would definitely have no effect on their health or temperament. Knowing this, a brindle German Shepherd would definitely be a rare-looking companion. However, the requirements for its care and rearing would be the same. They would need high-quality food, regular grooming, early socialization , plenty of exercise , and tons of opportunities for mental stimulation. Are Brindle German Shepherds Purebred? Brindle German Shepherds that were produced by two purebred parents are technically purebred. Despite not being recognized by the AKC, a brindle GSD that can be proven to be purebred would definitely cost much more than a typical puppy of the same breed. Its rareness will definitely contribute to its value. However, enthusiasts of the breed believe in reviving this variation if only to ensure that the breed stays true to its history. Another unusual GSD variation is the blonde German Shepherd , which breeders do not yet know for sure how to reproduce. Finding a puppy The German Shepherd is an intelligent, athletic, and brave dog breed. These dogs are common as loyal, affectionate family pets, and as working dogs, particularly alongside the police and military. Many German Shepherds have black and tan coloring. But, is it possible to find a purebred brindle GSD? What is a Brindle German Shepherd? The German Shepherd breed harks back to the late s. They were bred by a man named Captain Max von Stephanitz, who aimed to create the ideal all-round herder. Over time, the breed developed, evolving from the original herding role to other working roles, such as a guard dog, and a military dog. Brindle refers to a color type, a pattern made up of alternating stripes of light and dark coloring. In fact, some of the earliest GSD ancestors had stripes! Can a German Shepherd be Brindle? According to the AKC breed standard, brindle is not an accepted color or pattern for the German Shepherd breed. In fact, one of the earliest German Shepherd ancestors, a dog named Horand von Grafrath, born in , had some brindling on his coat. But, many breeders will stay away from GSDs with this coloring, instead aiming to breed puppies that align with the official breed standards. What Causes Brindle Coloring? All dog coat colors come from two pigments: black eumelanin and red pheomelanin. The genes that cause brindle coloring are found at the K locus. But, the gene kbr is recessive to the genes that cause black coloring K. So, a dog must receive two copies of the gene to have stripes in their coat. So, some German Shepherds may have very small amounts of brindling, and others may have more extensive markings. Is a Brindle German Shepherd Rare? Brindle German Shepherds are not very common. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, as we already know, the genes that cause coloring are recessive. If a dog inherits only one copy of the gene, they will have black fur. They will only express as brindle if they receive a copy of the gene from each parent. Secondly, brindle is not an officially accepted German Shepherd color. So, many breeders will seek to avoid it in their breeding lines. Instead, they will usually stick to officially accepted colors, such as black and tan, grey, and even white. Are Brindle German Shepherds Friendly? When trained and socialized well from a young age, a German Shepherd can be a friendly, affectionate dog. However, they are also likely to be energetic, loyal, and highly intelligent. This can mean that they are easily bored, and need to make their own fun if not properly stimulated and exercised. On top of this, if not socialized well a GSD can show aggression and territorial behavior. This includes people wearing different clothing, people of different ages, in vehicles, in new environments, and so on. Good socialization before 12 weeks is a great way to reduce any aggression in the future. Are Brindle German Shepherds Purebred? DNA tests are a great way to find out if your German Shepherd is purebred. There are also resources like pedigree databases that you can look at. Purebred brindle German Shepherds are uncommon because this is not an official shade and is caused by recessive genes. Instead, it can be easier to find a mixed breed with this fur, such as a German Shepherd Pitbull mix. There are also similar purebred breeds whose breed standards include this pattern of coloring, such as the Dutch Shepherd. Are Brindle German Shepherds Healthy? The genes that cause brindle coloring are not yet linked to any health issues. These include: Musculoskeletal problems. Brindle points and saddle markings. The Four Main Brindle Color Patterns The variation in brindle color patterns arises from a change in the underlying coat color gene — the base coat color. There are four main base colors for German shepherd dogs: 1. Tan The brindle German Shepherd with a tan base color can have a coat ranging from tan to blue, Isabella to the liver, or even black with brindle points. Black recessive The brindle German Shepherd with a black recessive base coat color may look solid black, blue, Isabella, or liver because the recessive black coat gene inhibits color in the red spectrum from showing up. Here, you can see that two of the base colors stem from genetic alterations to the eumelanin gene black and two of the base colors arise from genetic alterations to the phaeomelanin gene red. Brindle German Shepherd with a Mask In addition to the four brindle color patterns described above here, it is also possible for a brindle dog to have a black mask. As Dog Coat Color Genetics explains, this mask is only possible when the dog inherits a certain gene that acts on the eumelanin color gene to create more black coloration on the face, muzzle, and possibly the ears. This is relevant because the founder of the German Shepherd dog breed, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz, may well have used wolf-dog hybrids in the early stages of his breeding program. Like the German Shepherd Dog Rescue charity highlights, Captain von Stephanitz famously stated again and again that his new dog breed, the German Shepherd, was created to become the perfect working dog. For these purposes, appearance uniformity was secondary to trait and personality uniformity. To that point, the first official registered purebred German Shepherd dog , a dog called Horand von Grafrath, appears to have a brindle pattern in old black and white photographs. There is more than a little bit of historical evidence to support this hypothesis. For example, many herding dogs in Europe had quite similar features and characteristics, including the brindle coat color pattern, which provides some natural protective properties in the form of color camouflage. And here, it may be relevant that there is another dog breed, the Dutch Shepherd, that is commonly confused with the German Shepherd. As this popular German Shepherd owners forum thread highlights, there may be another reason why the brindle coat pattern has disappeared from the GSD official AKC breed standard. Still another possible explanation for the relative disappearance and thus rarity of the brindle German Shepherd dog today is that its original appearance came from early crossbreeding efforts and was bred out of the breed line for different reasons. It could be that the brindle gene is linked to other traits, such as personality or temperament traits, that are less desirable in a working dog breed such as the German Shepherd dog. As the German Shepherd owner thread referenced above highlights, even German Shepherd breeders continue to speculate about where the brindle gene might be hiding and why it shows up so rarely and so erratically in litters today. The normal German Shepherd coat type is a medium-length, straight, double layer coat with a coarse, water-resistant outer layer and a shorter, denser, softer, and deeply insulating under layer. Less common coat types include these: The wavy double layer coat. The long single layer coat. The long double-layer coat. The short double-layer coat. The official GSD AKC breed standard states that any coat that is too wiry, soft, silky, woolly, curly, or open single layer is a breed fault but not an automatic disqualification. In some dogs, a brindle coat pattern can co-occur with a more grizzled or wiry, non-standard fur texture — a texture more similar to wild wolves and wolf-dogs than to domestic modern canines. The modern AKC purebred German Shepherd dog breed standard specifically states that an overly-long hair coat is considered a breeding fault. However, some breeders today specialize in breeding long-hair German Shepherds. However, the wiry coat texture is not considered a breed fault. Rare or Exotic Brindle Coats in German Shepherd Dogs Some German Shepherd breeders choose to focus their breeding programs to produce dogs with rare or exotic coat colors. If you want to participate in AKC or other show dog competitions, it is important to understand that while these dogs may be healthy and sound in all other ways, you may not be allowed to show your rare or exotic-color German Shepherd in competitions. This is because these exotic colors are frowned upon by breeders and dog clubs that favor focusing on the breed standard as-is.