how much to feed 8 week old french bulldog puppy

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

The scent does not last long. Some dogs needed extra conditioner shampooing. How it Compares Many French Bulldogs with yeast infections or itchy, irritated, dry, and flaky skin had immediate relief after being bathed with the Pets Are Kids Too dog shampoo. The baking soda in the shampoo also removes stinky odors. The price is slightly on the higher side. This popular shampoo has been widely used and trusted by millions of dog owners. The shampoo also contains beeswax and honey, which nourish the skin and promote a healthy, glossy coat. This makes it suitable for both puppies and adult French Bulldogs. This shampoo not only boosts shine but also moisturizes the coat, leaving it looking healthy and well-maintained. Pros No fragrance, sulfates, or parabens Gentle for sensitive skin Soothes and softens skin and coat Cons Shampoo is watery, so you need to use a lot. This dog shampoo is all-natural and free from harsh ingredients- making it suitable for sensitive French bulldogs. Its price is affordable; however, you might need to use a lot of this sulfate-free shampoo to work up a lather. Wash and soak on skin and coat for minutes. Repeat times weekly. Oatmeal and Allantoin add hydration and nourish the skin. This specialized shampoo contains a powerful combination of ingredients, including coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur, which work synergistically to combat these skin problems. The active ingredients in this shampoo effectively eliminate itching, flaking, and scaling, providing much-needed relief for dogs suffering from skin irritations. The shampoo also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation and control parasitic infections, offering comprehensive care for a range of skin issues. This combination of medicated and natural ingredients makes it a potent and well-rounded solution for addressing various skin problems in French Bulldogs. Veterinarians highly recommend this shampoo for French Bulldogs with specific skin issues like inflamed skin, waxy skin, red, crusty skin, as well as problems caused by parasites, yeast, and mites. Moreover, being paraben-free and dye-free ensures a safer and gentler bathing experience for your pet. Pros Effectively treats a host of canine skin issues Vet-recommended. Puppies have fresh, delicate skin, and it can take a while before they develop all of their adult coat. The best puppy shampoos use little to no fragrance, relying instead on natural scents over artificial fragrances. Of course, the best shampoo for Frenchies puppies may still have many of the same ingredients as an adult shampoo. After all, adult Frenchies also require the same soothing, gentle features. How often should I bathe my French Bulldog? Most experts recommend bathing a French Bulldog no more than five times per year due to their sensitive skin. Overwashing can lead to dried-out, itchy skin. If your Frenchie rolls around in the mud, you will need to bathe them regardless of his bath count for the year. If you have a highly active Frenchie who plays outside a lot, you may find it necessary to bathe them more often, about once per month. Is it safe to let my Frenchie air dry? However, we have one product that stood out among the rest: the Pets Are Kids Too. Our Top Pick The shampoo has enhanced ingredients for relieving itching from allergies or dry skin, including oatmeal, aloe vera, and baking soda. This pet shampoo impressed us with its anti-itch formula, which includes important ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and coconut. This chemical-free shampoo is ideal for breeds like Frenchies who can struggle with skin allergies and sensitivity. The plant-based ingredients are awesome, and we love the addition of baking soda, which helps eliminate odor. Evelina Roos Dog Gear Enthusiast Our lovely team member Evelina is passionate about the power of the written word and communications. She is a professional writer, translator, and marketer. Born in Sweden, she has lived in five countries, as many as her Italian rescue dog Ossi. Wherever she goes he follows, whether into the kitchen or for a hike in the Pyrenees. Earthbath Oatmeal Aloe Dog Shampoo works very similarly to other shampoos on the market. If your French Bulldog has certain areas where irritation or dry skin patches occur, you should pay extra attention to those areas while lathering the shampoo. Once the shampoo has been lathered onto your French Bulldog, you should allow it to set for 90 seconds. You can choose between the fragrance-free version or a vanilla and almond scent. This shampoo is available in the following sizes: 16 oz oz oz There is also the option to buy an Earthbath Oatmeal Aloe Dog Conditioner. This could be worth looking into if your French Bulldog has very dry skin, as it will provide extra hydration and nourishment to relieve the itch. If your French Bulldog is prone to scratching its itchy spots, you may notice this conditioner helps to revive its skin and coat. Even though this shampoo is very gentle, it can still leave the stinkiest French Bulldog smelling clean and pretty. Earthbath brand guarantees customer satisfaction on every bottle of dog shampoo they sell. If you are not pleased with the results of Earthbath Oatmeal Aloe Dog Shampoo, you can return unused products with a receipt for a full refund. While many French Bulldogs love bathtime, some can be more difficult. If you find lathering your French Bulldog to be a chore, you can make it easier by diluting the shampoo. This may seem like an obvious question but for breeds prone to skin problems , it can be more complicated. If your Frenchie just needs routine baths because they like to roll in the mud or because you dislike the general scent of dog, your shampoo options are essentially wide open. Some skin conditions may require an actual medicated shampoo, prescribed by a veterinarian. Managing some skin conditions requires medications by mouth, diet changes, and yes, bathing. If not treated appropriately, skin problems can worsen and lead to secondary complications. Several of the shampoos on our list are suitable for puppies , but not all of them. In general, you should reach for a gentle, natural product to bathe your puppy, ideally a tearless formula. Many topical flea and tick products are negatively impacted by bathing. Several of the shampoos on our list specifically mention that they are safe to use with these preventatives. However, every topical product works differently. To be safe, consult the directions on the flea product itself before bathing your dog. You may need to avoid bathing for several days before and after treating your Frenchie. Another option is to switch to pill parasite prevention which should not be affected by bathing. Final Thoughts Our best shampoo for French Bulldogs overall, Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo , is an all-natural formula safe for frequent use thanks to its moisturizing properties. Our budget buy pick, Hartz 6 in 1 Grooming Shampoo is a cost-effective, multi-functional shampoo and conditioner. We hope our reviews of these eight products were a helpful overview of your choices and provided useful information to help you make your final decision.

Overview of Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix These shepherd mastiff dogs are similar to their parent breeds. They have the-one- and-the-same behavioural patterns and great familiarity. NOTE: The new mixed species of these two most popular breeds can also have a great impact on its temperament, appearances, proneness and genetic susceptibility. Accurately, these large breeds are intelligent and powerful, for they are the best breeds with great personality traits. Bullmastiff german shepherd dogs are very keen on protecting their owners and good at being watchful. Excellent training from the early stage can make the pup intelligent, powerful and a perfect strengthful guarding companion for dog owners. Will this super cool species be the best companion for kids and others? The whole impact is on how you train and bring up your pup beforehand. And this is what matters. Read below, Appearance or Look of the Dog Breed When it comes to the glance of the bullmastiff german shepherd mix, it differs significantly as there are vast variations in mastiff breeds. Bullmastiff dogs can weigh about kg as their height is cm. German shepherds would weigh about 40 kg and a height of 65 cm. So, most probably, your bullmastiff german shepherd mix can weigh about kg lbs and grow to a height of about cm 1. The appearance of this hybrid dog may vary from other breeds. You can expect your german mastiff mix to have either a black or a red coat. There might be a mix of brown and grey like sandy silver as well, and rarely you could find brindle coats. You must have a thorough knowledge of this mixed dogs shedding process as these breeds are regular shedders. This might be a hindrance for the owners of the dogs, often shedding itself. Have a good study on these issues and clear out the facts regarding this matter before making this large breed your canine companion. Is Grooming required For this Mixed Breed? Usually, the coat of this mixed breed is thick and either lengthy or short. Typically this hybrid breed is of two kinds, and their grooming differs. If your dog is more like a german shepherd, it must get on-and-off slicker brushes touching its coat. But bullmastiffs neither need grooming nor shedding. These hounds have short and oily coats but need bathing on-and-off to smell if they skip baths. Yeah, this question is pretty much fair, right! So if that is the case, make sure you brush them often and bathe once a week as well. Significantly, you must also take your pup to groomers to remove the undercoat twice a year. Medium length coat grooming Your dog is not forced to be groomed daily but does it seldom if it has a medium-length coat. You can use a pin brush and comb your tyke and make your doggie bath whenever needed. Twice a month will be sufficient. Short coat grooming An easy coat to be groomed, though. Monthly baths are more than sufficient for short-coated dogs. Better groom your pooch before taking a bath with a quick brush. Personality Of bullmastiff german shepherd mix Generally, the temperament of every dog may vary from one another. To be considered, this shepherd mastiff dog breed is unique. They are powerful, personable and people-pleasing. Look below some of the great personality traits hybrid dogs possess, Loyal The well-known guardians in the universe. Certainly, this dog breed is really very keen on guarding its owners. Loyalty affects temperament as it composes it. They act the vice-versa towards the strangers. They are extraordinarily loyal in protecting their family, and if trained well, they will be the best protective agent for your family. Gentle Mastiff dogs are kind-hearted and possess a sweet personality. No harm, you can leave your kids with this pretty kind canine companion unsupervised. Literally, they are loyal and gentle towards people who are close to them. Is training Important For bullmastiff german shepherd mix? Generally, bullmastiff german shepherd mixes tend to work hard, and if they are given immense love and care with proper efforts, your dogs are going to be the best hound like no other. This dog breed is easy to be trained for it neutralizes energy and has a patient attitude with an intelligent mind. Basically, you are going to find both courageous as well as the strong and pleasant characteristics of the two popular dog breeds onto one breed. So proper and immense training must be carried out. If left unattended, these german shepherd mix-breeds might grow wild and cause a mishap, and you will have to face the chaos. Ineffectual pet parents cannot afford to take this puppy as their pet. You will have to spend plenty of your precious time to train and socialize with your puppy. Go on training your shepherd mastiff puppies from the time you become its parent. Teaching your puppies to socialize and love and care is essential to turn out your hound into a pleasing tyke. Articles you may like: Training Commands for German Shepherd Basic facts about Mastiff Shepherds There is some necessary information to consider if you are planning to make this large dog breed your canine companion. Average Life Span The statistical probability of this shepherd mastiff mix is about 7 plus years or years. Joint problems Joint problems occur due to a lack of exercises. Hip and elbow dysplasia are frequently affecting joint issues of the german shepherd mix. Symptoms could be: aggressive behaviour when touched in a particular painting area joints , avoids workout or daily walks and weakness in front leg areas. This occurs when the third eyelid of your dogs falls out of place. Your shepherd mastiff might go through inflammation, irritation, dryness and swelling in the affected area, which could result in infections. Bloat Bloat is a health issue related to the digestion of your dog. Lack of nutritions may occur, and if not treated, your dog could lose its life. To Finish it Up Conclusion Bullmastiff german shepherds are an amazing breed that a wise pet parent can train. With proper training, exercises and diet, you can own a mysterious canine companion. This can be the best guardian for a big family. Remember all that you have to do to turn your dog into the ultimate hound. Consider the health issues before owning a shepherd mastiff, and make sure you have a thorough knowledge of grooming your pup. And be vigilant on how to train your shepherd mastiff and develop its personality traits. I hope my article gives you a piece of knowledge on this account. No, Bullmastiffs are not typically aggressive or dangerous, however they should not be left unattended with small children as their rock-hard body can cause serious damage with even a small nudge. Are Bullmastiffs Good Family Dogs? Bullmastiffs are excellent family dogs, known for their easy-going attitude and affectionate nature towards their family members. Are Mastiffs Good With Kids? Yes, Mastiffs are known to be good with well-behaved kids. The German Shepherd Mastiff mix is a large breed of dog, typically weighing between lbs and standing at 28 inches tall at the shoulder. This hybrid dog is great for most pet owners, even families with young children. This dog is affectionate as much as they are protective. Although, its appearance varies and has physical features from either of the parents. This mix, sometimes also called the German Bullmastiff, is a designer hybrid that is very rare among dog owners. Nevertheless, you can take a look at the history of its parents to know more about this mix. The first German Shepherd is named Horand von Grafrath. It was developed by a German cavalry officer, Von Stephanitz, for military use in .To this day, the German Shepherd is popular for being a police dog. Aside from being a service and war dog, Horand also served extensively as a stud, and it is believed that his genes are present in every German Shepherd today. On the other hand, developed in , the Bullmastiff is a cross between the English Bulldog and the English Mastiff. They were bred to serve as estate guard dogs and proved to be fast and ferocious in tracking thieves. Its physical features may either strongly resemble one of its parents or a good mix of both. In terms of body type, they either have a muscular and large body like their Bullmastiff parent or a slender, lean, and athletic body like the German Shepherd. In terms of their face, they can have large heads and differently-sized muzzles. These can be short, long, or average and are typically black. For this breed, their eyes are commonly brown. The texture and color of their coat also vary. If they inherit the smooth and short Bullmastiff coat, they will likely have fawn or red fur that is either brindle or solid-colored. Still, their final size can still vary due to their genetics, especially if they have a giant or dwarf GSD parent. They reach their full-grown size when they are around 18 to 20 months, similar to their parents. In general, the German Bullmastiff is a stubborn gentle giant. Despite coming from a powerful; lineage, German Bullmastiffs are calm and well-behaved due to the laid-back personality of the Mastiff and the loyalty of the German Shepherd parent. Families with children will have no problem having this dog around. As early as possible, German Bullmastiff owners are encouraged to socialize their pets. This is to ensure that the kind and gentle side of their personality becomes dominant. Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues Hybrids are generally healthier than purebreds, but their exact lifespan can be quite difficult to determine. Based on the average lifespan of its parents , the lifespan of the Bullmastiff Shepherd ranges between 8 and 13 years. Although, like other large dogs, the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix also experiences some health issues, such as the ones below: Osteochondrosis: This condition causes the development of immature cartilage among German Bullmastiffs when they grow very quickly, causing pain and inflammation. Osteochondrosis can be treated through surgery. Bloat: Bloat occurs when dogs like the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix eat too fast, causing stomach enlargement. This condition may progress into a more concerning problem called gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV. This becomes problematic for large breeds like Bullmastiff German Shepherd mixes that are predisposed to joint problems. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid these issues. Proper feeding habits, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are the easiest way to maintain a healthy German Bullmastiff. A proper diet, adequate physical activity, and a grooming routine are key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Here we highlighted the most important tips for taking care of your Bullmastiff Shepherd mix. Food and Diet In general, large breed Bullmastiff cross German Shepherd dogs must be fed a low-fat and high-protein diet. Their food must also be high in energy since they are energetic but just enough to avoid unnecessary weight gain. In terms of their daily food quantity requirement, a puppy between 2 and 3 months may need 1 to 1. Choosing the best dog food from the vast selection of options on store shelves can be challenging. Cleaning and Grooming In terms of grooming, their needs vary depending on their coat and daily activities. So, the best hygiene routine for your German Bullmastiff is the one that is specific to its needs. For short and medium-coated Bullmastiff Shepherds, brushing every 3 to 7 days avoids matting and reduces shedding, which is typical for Shepherd hybrids. A monthly bath is also sufficient to keep them clean. For long-coated Bullmastiff Shepherds, they need daily brushing. Perhaps, you also need to visit the dog salon at least thrice a year to remove their undercoat, depending on how fast it grows. Other dog care routines, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning, should not exceed once every two months, while their teeth need to be brushed three times a week. Once they grow older, they can be really stubborn. While training, expose your dog to sensations like noise, smell, and touch. Also, introduce them to other animals and young children. This trains the territorial German Bullmastiff to be gentle and not see them as threats. For large German Shepherd mixes, a minute exercise is needed daily to reduce their pent-up energy. Some activities you can enjoy together include running, walking, or playing fetch at the dog park. When they get older and start suffering from joint pain, exercise is actually a great way to prevent some discomfort. Aside from this, you also need to prepare for the initial expenses of owning a large-breed puppy. On top of the price of the puppy itself, you also need to consider other expenses. These include food, treats , beds , toys, and vet fees. Here are the initial expenses associated with owning a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix below: Type of Expense. This leads to shock, and usually, sudden death. While gassing and a painful tummy are normal, this may become something much worse. Adequate care is essential if you want your German Shepherd — Mastiff mix to grow into a healthy, happy dog. Here is how to properly take care of your new large-breed pup. Opposite to that, some German Shepherds do have medium or even long coats. Their fur has several layers, so you need to groom them often. Some German Shepherd features will certainly remain, so be prepared for a bit more care than a purebred Bullmastiff would need. Give him a monthly bath, and this should be enough. Just make sure you brush him before a bath. This is a good trick to prevent shedding. In the case of a medium-length coat, you can expect to brush your pooch every other day. Bathe him when needed, but try to make this happen at least twice a month. If you end up with a dog that has long layers and a thick undercoat, prepare to brush him daily. You may even want to take him to a groomer once or twice a year to keep his fur untangled. Also, it would help if you bathe your dog regularly. If you want to have a good pup, then you need to teach him how to behave. Socialization, care, and proper training are the keys to a well-mannered dog. On no occasion should you leave your Bullmastiff — German Shepherd mix untrained. They are a large, powerful, and highly intelligent mixed breed that will likely be mischievous if left to their own devices like an old puppy. When dealing with such a large breed, you should start with obedience training as soon as you have a somewhat older pup. In fact, the best time to start training is when he is around eight weeks old. This is considered the adequate age when a puppy should join your family. So, why is training so necessary for a Mastiff Shepherd? Bullmastiffs are strong and stubborn dogs. Despite their mild temperament, they can easily overpower a human. German Shepherds, on the other hand, are high-energy dogs, and they can be quite destructive if left unattended. When you mix these two breeds, you get a large dog that will want to cuddle and run around simultaneously. The worst part is that you can hardly control such a big canine. This has to start the moment the dog joins your family. Either Bullmastiffs or German Shepherds would make a great watchdog. They are also considered excellent working dogs. Try to channel their energy into training. It is better to invest some money rather than deal with the destruction this mixed breed can make. These are huge dogs that can be somewhat unpredictable. You need to dedicate a lot of dogtime to them. Just like with any large breed, you have to ensure that you give him proper training and care. Also, have your vet on speed dial. While hybrid species tend to be healthier than their purebred ancestors, some issues still remain. However, with a lot of love — and some tough attitude — a German Shepherd — Mastiff mix will make a beloved and well-behaved member of your family. Read Next:. What is a Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix? Their physical appearance can vary. Even puppies from the same litter can have different looks from each other. German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is not a very common breed. Most people opt for purebred dogs. Getting a mixed breed dog lowers the chances of genetic diseases in the puppy. American Kennel Club does not recognize the Bullmastiff Shepherd just like other mixed breeds. However, it is a perfectly fine breed that is great as a guard dog and also a family dog. Some of the common features of the GSD Bullmastiff mix include large paws and abdomen, folded ears, and a big muzzle. Males are usually larger than females. Their eye color is dark brown. The average life span is years. Coat color can be brown, black, grey, or red. German Shepherd x Bullmastiff is a very powerful and strong dog. They are very high-energy dogs so only get them if you are also in good shape and keep up with them. They need constant exercise so as not to get overweight. Their massive size can easily intimidate intruders and trespassers. It is uncertain when this breed originated. However, we can take a look at the history of its parent breeds. German Shepherd is a very popular dog worldwide. He bred these dogs for military and police use. German Shepherds were used widely in World War I where they were responsible for delivering food and other supplies to German soldiers. They also braved enemy fires and landmines. This tarnished their reputation as Allied forces had a negative view of GSDs. Now, they enjoy a great deal of popularity and are used in various fields. Bullmastiff is a result of breeding English bulldog and English mastiff. Their history goes back a thousand years ago where they may have come from India or Tibet. They were used as battle dogs by Europeans and Greeks in the 16th century. Bullmastiff is a powerful and courageous dog who used to scare away intruders and poachers from the estates. They are perfect hound dogs. Modern mastiffs are traced back to in England when dogfighting was declared illegal. It changed their temperament and personality. Image Source: Julissa Helmuth — pexels. Its masculine frame can easily chase away trespassers. A male Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix could grow up to inches and weigh lbs. Female English Mastiff German Shepherd mix average height is inches and the average female Bullmastiff weight is lbs. Now you know how much do Bullmastiffs weigh. How much should a Bullmastiff weight? A healthy Bullmastiff can weigh lbs. Coat Bullmastiff Shepherd coat color can vary from red, gray, black, or brown. They shed a lot so be prepared for that. Bullmastiff Shepherd mix will have a medium-length coat. The amount of shedding depends on which parent the puppy takes after the most. Life Span How long do Bullmastiffs live? According to various sources, German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix lives for years. It mostly depends on the health and care you give your dog. Feeding German Bullmastiff is a giant dog. They will need a lot of nutrition daily. The Shepherd Bullmastiff needs calories daily. If you are unsure of what to feed your dog, consult a veterinarian. However, do not overfeed them as it will cause them to become lazy and obese. They are prone to many serious diseases so be careful about their diet. If you are looking for a strong and confident canine, then this breed is an ideal choice. It can safeguard you and also play with you. Exercise The Bullmastiff cross German is a very high-energy dog so it will need daily exercise. It is recommended to start their exercise and training when they are in the puppy phase. A German Shepherd Bullmastiff puppy can exercise for minutes daily. An adult Bullmastiff GSD mix needs much more time for exercise. You can get them to exercise for minutes daily. They like swimming, running and jogging. A bored dog will develop destructive behavior. However, if the puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then you should brush their coat daily. A nice bristled brush will do the job. You can bathe your Mastiff Shepherd monthly. Use only vet-approved shampoo for dogs. You can also clean their ears and trim their nails regularly. Be careful when you clip their nails. Image Source: Felipe Solis Guzman — pexels. Training your GSD Mastiff mix dog depends on which parent the puppy takes after the most. If your puppy is most like GSD, then you will have an easy time training them. However, if the puppy takes after the Bullmastiff parent, then you may have a hard time training your dog. The Bullmastiff is a stubborn dog who likes to do things its own way. Be patient, confident, and persistent. It is best to start the training when the Mastiff Shepherd puppy is 8 weeks old. Get them to socialize from an early age. A dog who lacks socialization will develop problematic and dangerous behavior. Take your dogs to the park and introduce them to other dogs and people. Please note that the German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is not an ideal dog for first-time owners. This is not to discourage novice dog owners but be prepared to spend a lot of time on their training. Training your Bullmastiff German Shepherd dog from a young age is the best way to handle your dog. Like other giant dog breeds, both Bullmastiff and GSDs are prone to many diseases and health problems. Symptoms include pain in the hind legs, displaying aggressive behavior, and avoiding exercise. Obesity If you overfeed your dog, it can become obese and lazy. Cherry Eye Cherry eye is an unpleasant health concern in the Mastiff Shepherds. It affects their eyes and the dog can experience inflammation and irritation in the eye. Bloating Bloating is a digestive condition in dogs. The dog can suddenly die from this painful and dangerous condition. Symptoms include lack of energy, coughing, excessive saliva, and fatigue. Progressive retinal atrophy. Lifespan Sociability A Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix is going to be a very large, powerful dog that can come with a stubborn streak. Both parent breeds need a strong hand in training and so will this hybrid mix. German Shepherds and Bullmastiffs are very headstrong and dominant breeds. They can be territorial and protective over their space and their people. Proper training is an absolute must. With a large size can come large food and vet bills. These dogs will eat a lot and will require high-quality food for proper nutrition. Large breeds tend to have more health issues, especially as they age. They also have a tendency to cost more in terms of preventative medicine and overall veterinary care. Bullmastiffs Were Bred as Guardians Bullmastiffs originated in England in the mids and were used as estate guardians to ward off poachers. They were bred by gamekeepers for their strength, size, speed, and working ability. German Shepherds Are Among the Most Versatile Breeds The German Shepherd has held many jobs other than a movie star—leading the blind, chasing down criminals, sniffing out illegal substances, serving in the military, visiting the sick, and herding stock are just some of the jobs held by this versatile breed. Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mixes Come in a Variety of Appearances This mixed breed is large, not unlike the parents, but can be quite variable in appearance. They can be black and tan, fawn, brindle, or black with short or medium-length coats. They could have the sturdy, muscular build of the Bullmastiff or the leaner, athletic shepherd build. They could have a short muzzle, a long shepherd-like muzzle, or one in between. This mixed breed can take on the appearance of either or both parent breeds. This is where the genetics and history of the purebred parents come into play. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and full of energy, while the Bullmastiff is more docile and affectionate. Bullmastiffs and German Shepherds do share some similar traits. Both are powerful, devoted, headstrong, and courageous. You can expect these dogs to be watchful over their family and territory and make excellent guard dogs. Excellent training from puppyhood can make this mixed breed an excellent, loyal, and protective guardian and companion for many dog owners. You will need to be cautious with this mixed breed around small children due to their large size. You do want to keep in mind that both breeds have strong guardian instincts and you will want to begin training as a puppy. German Shepherds can get along great with other animals and are very adaptable if started young. As for other dogs, German Shepherds can be a hit or a miss if introduced as an adult. Both breeds have very high predatory instincts and can be very territorial. Some individuals may never take well to other animals, especially if brought into the home as an adult. On average, they will be approximately 25 inches tall and weigh around 91 pounds. Coat The coat of the German Shepherd Bullmastiff cross differs between individual dogs. This will depend heavily on which parent it takes after. Crosses that mostly take their coat after the Bullmastiff parent will have a smooth and short coat. They could be brindled or solid-colored and will either be fawn, red, or red fawn. On the other hand, the mix that takes its coat after the GSD parent will have medium to long hair and a double coat. The color will depend on the actual color of the parent as well as the recessive genes it carries. Rarer coat colors include blonde and blue. Grooming Like coat color and appearance, the grooming needs of the Bullmastiff-German Shepherd cross will depend on the type of coat it inherits. Thorough brushing will only be required at least once a month. Brushing will be needed at least once a week. You can expect them to shed throughout the year and blow off their undercoats twice a year. During the shedding seasons, the GSD coat will need daily brushing and specialized tools for undercoat maintenance. As for all other grooming needs, the German Shepherd-Bullmastiff cross is like any other large dog. Their size and build make them suited for physically demanding work. However, the ones that take after the German Shepherd parent often inherit their speed as well. On average, purebred GSDs can reach top speeds of 30 miles per hour. Exercise Requirement Bullmastiff-GSD crosses are high-energy dogs that need both physical and mental stimulation in order to thrive. At a minimum, they will need 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. Ideally, they would get an hour of exercise and access to a fenced-in space where they can play and explore independently. German Shepherd-Bullmastiffs also need plenty of opportunities to sharpen their intellect and natural canine abilities. They will benefit from daily training sessions, puzzle games , and household chores. Trainability Bullmastiffs are not known for their intelligence. It may take them up to 80 repetitions to master a new command. In contrast, German Shepherds belong to the first tier of canine intelligence. No matter which parent the GSD-Bullmastiff cross takes after, however, it is expected to be highly trainable. Temperament The German Shepherd-Bullmastiff mix is a wonderful household companion. They are affectionate with family and can be good with young children and other animals are given proper training and socialization. They are alert to threats and wary of strangers. They will, however, warm up to guests when properly introduced. Possibly among the best outcomes of crossing a Bullmastiff with a German Shepherd is that the offspring are often less vocal than purebred GSDs. Health Like its parents, the Bullmastiff-German Shepherd mix can be prone to bone and joint issues. Additionally, these dogs can suffer from bloat, which is a life-threatening and painful condition of the abdomen. Lifespan The German Shepherd-Bullmastiff can be expected to live about years. If it takes more after the GSD parent, its lifespan could be between 12 and 14 years. But those that take mostly after the Bullmastiff parent could have a shorter life expectancy of 7 to 9 years. Any GSD-Bullmastiff cross can live much longer when given a proper diet and plenty of opportunities to exercise. Of course, having good genes is essential. Among mixed breeds, the German Shepherd — Bullmastiff is actually quite popular. This is probably because they are both popular breeds and their similar size makes them a good physical match. This is because each of these breeds is actually more valuable as purebreds. Their traits will depend heavily on which parent they mostly take after. But no matter the characteristics they inherit, they are definitely strong, large dogs that will require a firm and confident handler. Among them are Newfoundlands , Irish Wolfhounds , and Catahoulas. This remarkable mix incorporates the immense size, loyalty , and protective instincts of the Bullmastiff with the unmatched trainability, intellectual capacity, and energy of the German Shepherd dog. In appearance, this pooch is large in stature and imposing in build. You can expect a Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix to weigh anywhere from lbs and measure anywhere from 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder. These dogs are protective and eager to please with strong guardian instincts and an innate ability to protect their families. Mastiff breeds have been used as guard dogs for centuries and German Shepherds were bred to be equally protective hard workers. Your unique dog will have a set of unique needs. The uniqueness of a mixed breed can make it fairly difficult to predict the future temperament, appearance, grooming requirements, and mature weight of your dog. This is where background breed history and purebred characteristic knowledge will come in handy. To understand mixed breed dogs properly, you first must understand what owning a purebred dog entails. This makes their temperaments and physical characteristics more predictable. Your mixed-breed dog will be unique in many ways, with unknown traits and brand new characteristics. If you know what breeds have gone into the genetic makeup of your mixed-breed pooch, you can gain a deeper understanding of what benefits you can enjoy or challenges you can expect in the future. According to canismajor. So, for a Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix, you can expect traits like protectiveness and intelligence to appear. Every dog is different, and upbringing overrides everything. The way that you train and raise your dog will have a far greater overall impact on their temperament and behavioral characteristics than their breed makeup will. Dogs are highly-attuned pack animals that learn quickly from a young age. From the second you take home a new puppy, their mind is absorbing everything around them and helping to make them into the dog that they will ultimately become. While it is true that some dogs are naturally more protective than others both German Shepherds and Bullmastiffs fall into this category , training and conditioning trump all. Is training is honestly all that important? Why should obedience training be taken so seriously? Proper training, socialization, and care are essential. You should never leave a large, powerful, and intelligent mixed-breed like this to his own devices. This is a big dog that will likely want to work. German Shepherds can be very high-energy dogs with a desire to do a job and knack for getting into mischief when left unattended. Bullmastiffs can be strong-willed and are physically powerful both in stature and in their physical muscular makeup. Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mixes are not well-suited for novice dog owners. Be prepared to devote plenty of time and energy into training and socializing this mix from the minute it enters your life. For example: Bullmastiffs are classified as working dogs and respond well to most standard training methods. German Shepherds are also a working breed. They should begin their training from the instant you bring them home. According to Cynthia L. Olson from Petlifetoday , without structure and training, they can become difficult to manage as they grow. Since a Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix will contain elements from both the Shepherd and the Mastiff breed, focusing your training efforts toward the well-known mannerisms of these working and guarding breeds is wise. The temperament of every dog will vary, and while training and upbringing must be taken into consideration, in general, this mix will be devoted, eager to please, and competent. This mix has the potential to have balanced energy, a keen mind, and a patient attitude. The spunky and malleable nature of the German Shepherd blends well with the strong-headed and mellow tendencies of the Bullmastiff. This means that your Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix should ultimately be well-rounded, easy to train, and extraordinarily loyal. You can expect a Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix to have a black and tan coat and be fairly large. Everything after that will depend on the background of your specific puppy or dog. According to the AKC , Bullmastiffs are inches tall at the shoulder, weigh anywhere from pounds, and have a life expectancy of years. Their coat has a black mask, can be fawn, brindle, red, and should be short and smooth. Alternatively, the AKC states that German Shepherds stand from inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between .They have medium or long black and tan coats with erect ears when fully mature and a well-defined muzzle. Your mixed dog will most likely have some combination of all of these features and could look more like either the Mastiff or the Shepherd breed. It will all depend on your specific pup. In summary, appearance-wise you can expect your Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix to be a large dog that has a medium-length coat and black and tan coloration in any number of patterns. Bullmastiffs are short-coated dogs with minimal shedding, though their coats can have a good bit of oil and they do get smelly if they skip too many baths. German shepherds can have short, medium, or long coats and require significantly more grooming. If your dog has more Shepherd-like tendencies, they may need a lot more grooming. If your dog has a short coat Short coats are by far the easiest to groom. A simple monthly bath is often enough to keep your dog clean. You should always groom short-haired dogs before a bath with a quick brush down. Weekly brushing a short coat is also a good idea to reduce possible shedding. If your dog has a medium-length coat Medium-coated breeds require a moderate amount of brushing. Matting can sometimes occur in short coats. Brushing every other day with a bristle or pin brush is a good idea. Bathing should be done twice a month as needed. If your dog has a long coat German Shepherds sometimes have long coats with a thick undercoat. If this is the case for your pup, be prepared to brush them daily. They may also need to have their undercoat removed twice a year at the groomers. Bathing should be done as needed, if not weekly. Both Bullmastiffs and German Shepherds often suffer from large breed issues hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis dissecans. Osteochondrosis dissecans is a condition that develops in fast-growing puppies. This video can help you better understand what health issues large breed dogs often face. German Shepherd Mastiff mix puppies tend to be larger than lots of other breeds as puppies, so you can assume they will grow to be pretty large dogs. Their full-grown height and weight will depend on the gender and what characteristics they get from their parents. For example, a purebred male German Shepherd will grow to around 26 inches and weigh as much as 90 pounds and females will be around 2 inches shorter on average and weigh up to 70 pounds. Mastiff males and females will grow to between 28 and 36 inches, and males can weigh up to pounds and females will weigh up to pounds. A German Shepherd Mastiff mix could end up being as tall as the biggest German Shepherd and pretty heavy like a Mastiff. You should be wary of over feeding your Shepherd Mastiff mix because they can be prone to weight gain. How long do German Shepherd Bullmastiff mixes live? German Shepherd Bullmastiff mixes will typically live anywhere between nine and 13 years. These dogs are relatively large dogs and unfortunately, larger dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds. Lifestyle and illness will play a part in this though. A well looked after German Shepherd Mastiff mix that does not suffer from any life-threatening diseases, should live a long and happy life of up to 13 years. Fortunately, mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier on average than pure breeds. That being said, there are some common health issues that both German Shepherds and Bullmastiffs can get during their lifetime that may be passed down to their offspring. These include: Cherry eye.

It can work successfully and wonderfully but only with the proper care and consideration taken into account. We'd like to share some of the more common issues with you. Bulldogs are Sensitive to Heat You should be able to provide a home where the bulldog is comfortable with the temperature and never panting. For some areas of Hawaii, this requires air conditioning. For other areas, this only requires a fan. Some healthy bulldogs may be able to play at the beach without overheating, others may not. You should evaluate your own dog and have a feel for what they are comfortable in, and can tolerate. Hawaii rabies laws prevent shipping bulldog puppies into the State until a certain age. It is difficult to ship a bulldog into Hawaii this applies for all dogs because Hawaii is rabies free and has certain restrictions for bringing animals into the State. There is a process where it is possible, but it requires the dog going through a specific procedure that takes months and can be costly. The other options are to either ship the dog from a rabies-free country OR quarantining it in Hawaii for a long period of time very costly. First of all, all of the options require putting the dog on an airplane for a long period of time, which is very risky discussed in 3. Secondly, if your goal is to have a good pet for your family, missing out on the quality part of their youth, where they should be bonding with you and trained properly, will likely adversely affect the long term relationship you have with the dog, and its personality. Bulldogs do not do well on airplanes. Any time you put a bulldog on an airplane, you are taking a risk because of their sensitive breathing issues. Many airlines will not even accept bulldogs any more due to this. We've heard too many stories of bulldogs dying on planes and feel it our responsibility to bring up the issue. Inter-island flights are one thing as they are shorter in nature. Hawaiian airlines will let you fly your puppy for free in the cabin with you, as long as they are small enough to fit under the seat. This is not as great of a risk since you will be there with the puppy to monitor it and it will have the same air and pressure as a human. Putting a bulldog in baggage underneath the plane is another story for a long cross-Pacific flight. This should be avoided at all times if at all possible and is one reason we do not support buying bulldogs from outside of Hawaii. We do know of several people that were successful doing this but also know of other people that were not. It is a real risk for the dog. If you are in a situation where you have to fly your dog then we suggest doing extensive research to first try to find a way to fly your dog in the passenger cabin with you not sure any airlines do this anymore. If you are flying inter-island which is obviously not as much as a risk, but still a risk, especially if the dog has to fly in baggage because they are larger , then we recommend Hawaiian airlines. Bulldogs are more expensive in Hawaii. Isn't everything though? Given the cost and risk of shipping one from outside of Hawaii, this does even out. Why are they more expensive? First of all, vet care is more expensive in Hawaii thus raising the costs of breeding. Secondly, it is rare to find a good quality stud dog in Hawaii especially a champion so a conscientious breeder that cares about quality will most likely be shipping semen in from the mainland. The semen shipping costs alone can double the price of stud services. This raises the cost of the bulldog. Additionally, shipping in semen means either surgically implanting or artificially inseminating cooled or frozen semen for the breeding. This is an expensive vet bill compared to if the stud were in Hawaii. Good breeders take this all into consideration and obviously will be paying more for the breeding because they care about the quality of the puppies. But it also will mean the ending price of the puppy will be higher. Lastly, general care for the bitch and puppies is higher in Hawaii due to the general higher cost of living here basic supplies like electricity to wash blankets, food for the puppies, bottles, cleaning supplies, etc. These costs DO add up over the duration of the breeding. The price depends on many factors and can be lower or higher than this average. A reputable breeder should be able to explain why their puppies are higher or lower priced. Many of our dogs end up around the world, including the great state of Hawaii. In Hawaii Olde English Bulldogges are a popular breed. We have also assisted in Old English Bulldog rescues in Hawaii. With affordable shipping, we can get you happy, healthy, and socialized Olde English Bulldog puppies in Hawaii. A premier breeder with unbeatable guarantees, customer service 2nd to none and of course our amazing quality bulldogges makes us the best spot for your Hawaii Olde English Bulldogge puppies. Below is a few pictures of some of our Hawaii Olde English Bulldogges residing with their loving families in Honolulu, Hawaii. If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .For avid facebookers you will also be able to interact with siblings of your pup and watch how they grow! Look no further! Happy, Healthy and Socialized Bulldogge puppies come from One of a Kind Bulldogs Truth is, we have an epidemic of puppy mills and backyard breeders. Our customers have done the hard work and inspected our facility for you out of state clients. I love to follow all of our friends and the adventures they have with their dawgs. Anyone else interested please do the same. Hes mellow, smart a huge :. We couldnt be happier with him and with Ary. Ary is always available to help answer questions of give advise and loves to keep up with his pups as they grow and beyond. In researching, we found Ary and the Olde English breed and could not be happier with the decision to get Bruce. Ary was incredible throughout the process, explaining everything we needed to know about the breed and the process of importing him into Hong Kong. He checked in with us several times before the flight and was in constant contact via text when we went to the airport to pick up Bruce, who arrived a little skeptical of his new surroundings but perfectly healthy and happy. The extent to which Ary cares about every one of the amazing dogs he sells is clear through his attention to detail and willingness to put in any extra effort to make sure his puppies get to, and stay in, good homes. He took to his kennel training and potty training so fast! In searching for our puppy, we did our due diligence researching online and then visiting your property in person. I was impressed with how happy and healthy all of your dogs are. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet the parents of our puppy; they both seemed to have great termperments. Thanks for a wonderful puppy! Lauren W. I recently adopted her from Ary, and it was great! Ary is so devoted to all of his dogs, he even knows them by their bark! His property is a dog haven, dog runs, kiddie pools, and toys for days! He truly loves what he does. When I heard that Ary had rescued a litter of puppies i had to take a look! I fell in love with them all, as i do with all of his litters! He knows the background of each and every one of his dogs, he is so knowledgeable about the breed and is always there to answer any questions i have about Pepper. I will definitely be getting another bulldogge from Ary in the years to come. Thanks Ary! Jenna S. Iowa Hey Ary We just want to say thank for are boy Kane. He one of the best we gotten. He is are first bulldogge and wont be the last. Im just glad you made my day by letting take Kane home to live with use. S im looking forward to the day we get are girl from you. He is pounds and a real joy to have around! Ary is so helpful and we are grateful for him introducing us to this wonderful breed. There really is no better breed of dog! If you are looking for a bulldog and you should be! Shane S. Cares deeply about the health and well being of his dogs. A quality breeder with amazing dogs!! Cinda G. Brea, CA Just want to start off by saying: Ari, isnt just a Breeder hes a good guy and now a friend of mine!!!! I bought a puppy from him last feb !!! Since that time he taught me a lot about the breed to the point where i want to start breeding oldies!!!! So if you looking for a quality olde you have came to the right spot…. One of a Kind is now actively helping save shelter Bulldogges in high risk of euthanization, this is our way of giving back! Check our rescue site www. We are helping the olde English Bulldogges that were relinquished to shelters and ironically clening up a lot of the mess irresponsible backyard breeders are making. We always have olde English Bulldogges needing a home, if you dont wanna buy a puppy, help save a shelter dog. Follow Us on Social Media! Paypal Secured Payments.

Are you looking for some handsome boy companionship? Great news, your search is over! In addition to my very dapper good-boy looks, I am also an avid ball player and dignified goofball. You may be thinking how in the world I can posses such conflicting personality traits.I love being outdoors; you could even say that I am easily amused. Whether it be playing fetch to my heart's desire or going for a long trail walk I would probably make a pretty good jogging buddy too. Being a German Shepherd, I am one of the 'brighter crayons in the box'. In my free time I like to work with the staff and volunteers to brush up on my basic command skills. They are always telling me what a smart guy I am! I assume that's what they are saying, judging by the treats they give me, I am doing good! Proper introductions to establish a trusting, positive, first impression is a must with me. I am an old fashioned kind of guy. I know I am irresistibly handsome, but I appreciate getting to know each other before getting all touchy-feely. Because of this, I would be happiest in a home without children or other wondering hands. I do love affection and a good ear rub.I also want to be your only side-kick, I am not a social butterfly with other pets, I would much rather hangout with just my person. I have a pretty strong prey drive to keep the stray cat and pesky squirrels out of our yard too.A job I take very seriously. If you are in the market for a dashing side-kick to rid the yard of vermin, submit your adoption application at the website below to see if we are a match! Please fill out our online adoption survey at www. Welcome to the Michigan state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Michigan is renowned for its stunning lakeshores, vibrant cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Michigan breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MI breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Michigan, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of German Shepherd canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Michigan claims the 7th position in U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable German Shepherd breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Michigan. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your German Shepherd puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. One of the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are known for their positive temperament and athleticism. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source and are commonly used for jobs such as guide dogs. This wikiHow will help you recognize key traits to determine whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs. Males are 23—24 inches 58—61 cm tall, weighing 65—75 pounds 29—34 kg , while females are .Golden Retrievers have rather short ears. The front edges are attached behind and just above the eyes. Go to source The tips fall close to the dog's cheeks and, if pulled over, should cover the eyes. A Golden Retriever's eyes are medium-large, and they can be either medium or dark brown with dark eye rims. Go to source They give the dog an intelligent, friendly expression. The tail of a Golden Retriever is thick and muscular at the base. It is carried level or moderately curved upward, though never curled or between the legs. Golden Retrievers have a muscular build with a strong back and straight legs. Go to source Their bodies are described as being symmetrical and well balanced, and they have a smooth, free gait. Golden Retrievers have firm and resilient outer coats and good undercoats. Go to source Their glossy coats can be either straight or wavy. Golden Retrievers are named for their golden coats. Their coats are a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades", [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club Expert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related. Go to source which can range from a light cream color to a deep reddish gold. Like some other breeds, Golden Retrievers are seen with feathering. Feathering is defined as a "longer fringe of hair on ears, legs, tail, or body". Go to source This feathering, which appears on a Golden Retriever's legs, tail, neck, and underbody, may be lighter than the rest of the coat. Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and are active and athletic. These retrievers need regular exercise to stay satisfied. Golden Retrievers can develop deep bonds with their owners. Did you know? Golden Retrievers are a common breed employed to be therapy dogs. Their kind-hearted, loving, empathetic personalities are known for being able to calm people of all ages. If they're not occupied, Golden Retrievers can easily become bored. It is important that they have things to do to prevent this. Golden Retrievers are reliable dogs. With proper socialization, this trait allows them to make great family pets, and they can be trusted around children with supervision. Some breeds don't do well with other pets, but Golden Retrievers are typically adaptable. Many Golden Retrievers can live peacefully with other animals, such as cats. Go to source It can be difficult to tell Goldens apart from these other retrievers, but if you familiarize yourself with the differences between them, it can be easier to tell whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever. Go to source One noticeable difference between the breeds is that Chessies have wavy fur that is dense, thick, and short. Go to source A Chessie's coat is brown, resembling nature to blend in, though one may have minimal white markings on the feet or stomach. Go to source They are brave, love water, and are willing to work. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also called a Toller, is a retriever of unknown breeding origin, but it was bred to hunt ducks. Go to source Tollers are smaller than Goldens, being the smallest of the retriever breeds. Go to source They have mostly straight, red coats that range from golden red to a deep coppery red, with white markings on the tail tip, feet, chest, or blaze. Go to source Tollers are quick, alert, and determined, and they may even have a slightly worried or sad expression when they aren't working. Flat-Coated Retrievers are also called Flat-Coats and were bred in the mids. Go to source They are fairly similar in size to Goldens but have long, flat muzzles. Go to source Flat-Coats have straight, flat-lying coats that can be either solid black or solid liver. Go to source They are sensible, alert, and cheerful. Curly-Coated Retrievers, or Curlies, are among the oldest of the retrievers. Go to source Curlies are larger than Goldens, weighing as much as 60—95 pounds 27—43 kg. Go to source They have unique wedge-shaped heads, and, as their name suggests, coats consisting of short, tight curls, which come in solid black and solid liver. Go to source Curlies are gentle, affectionate, and more independent than Goldens. The Labrador Retriever, or Lab, is another popular retrieving breed. Labs are roughly the same size as Goldens, though they have a larger scale height- and weight-wise. Go to source Labs can be seen in colors other than gold - their coats can be solid yellow, brown, or black. Go to source Golden Retrievers are typically calmer than Labs. With their soft, warm fur and gentle eyes, these pups captivate us with their beauty and charm. When looking for a purebred golden retriever puppy, first consider breed standards. The American Kennel Club AKC defines this breed as having silky coats that are either cream or gold in color; lusciously long tails; a friendly demeanor; and intelligent personalities. You should also ask for health records from the breeder or rescue organization — any reputable source will be able to provide records showing vaccinations, dewormings, and other medical treatments given to the pup prior to purchase. Finally, take your time observing the dog while interacting with them. If they display signs of sickness such as coughing or vomiting, then they may not be healthy enough to bring into your family. An authentic golden retriever puppy will have all-around good physical health as well as an even temperament when being handled by people and other animals alike. Start by asking friends or family members who have experience with these breeds — they might be able to provide recommendations for reliable breeders in your area. You can also search online; many websites list local kennels that specialize in purebred puppies. When searching for a breeder, make sure to read reviews from previous customers as well as ask lots of questions about their breeding practices. Reputable breeders will be transparent with their policies and have up-to-date health records on all of their animals. They should also allow potential buyers to meet the parents of the pup so that they can get an idea of how the dog may behave when fully grown. Finally, ensure that any vaccinations or dewormings needed are provided before taking home your new furry companion! Choosing a purebred golden retriever puppy is an exciting process but requires doing your research first. Make sure you understand the breed standards and take the necessary steps to find a reputable source before bringing one into your life forever. Visiting a breeder allows you to get an up-close glimpse into their breeding practices as well as evaluate each puppy individually. When visiting a breeder, make sure that you take note of how clean and organized their facility is as well as ask questions about any medical issues or behavioral traits that may be present in some of the pups. When it comes to selecting your pup, make sure to pay attention to its personality and behavior around other dogs. If possible, bring another dog along so they can interact with one another — this will give you a better idea of how compatible they might be once brought home. Also, keep an eye out for signs of aggression or anxiety in any particular pup; these are important things to consider before making a final decision on which one is right for you. Taking your time during this process will ensure that you are bringing home just the right furry companion who will love and cherish you forever! Evaluating Physical Appearance The next step in identifying a pure golden retriever puppy is evaluating its physical appearance. When it comes to their coat, these lovable pups have an instantly recognizable look — one that will make your heart melt! A true golden retriever has a medium-length double coat with feathering on the legs and tail. Their coats are usually gold or cream in color but can also come in white, red, and brown varieties. When examining a potential pup, take note of any unusual markings as they may point to the dog being a mixed breed rather than purebred. Also, consider the size of the puppy; while adult sizes vary significantly between litters, most puppies should be relatively similar when full-grown. Finally, check for signs of good health such as bright eyes and alertness. Make sure that all puppies you examine appear healthy and well cared for before making any decisions about which one you want to bring home. Performing some simple tests can help give you an indication of what sort of personality your puppy may have once they reach adulthood. Golden retriever puppies are renowned for being intelligent and friendly — qualities that make them excellent family pets! One way to assess puppy temperament is by observing how they interact with people, other dogs, and toys. Do they shy away from contact or show curiosity? Are they eager to explore new things? These behavior clues will provide insight into whether or not the pup has the ideal golden retriever temperament. You should also pay attention to any signs of aggression such as growling or barking when approached; these could be indicators that further training is required later in life. Similarly, giving them commands while on walks can help determine how easily they learn basic tasks like sitting or staying. All these traits combined will provide valuable information on which pup best fits your lifestyle needs! Genetic testing can help confirm whether or not your pup is in fact a purebred and may even uncover any hidden health issues that could be passed down from previous generations. Some tests look for known hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia or eye disease while others seek out certain genetic markers like coat color mutations or size variations. All of this information helps pet owners gain a better understanding of what they can expect from their furry friends in terms of physical development and overall well-being! When it comes to deciding which puppy you would like to add to your family, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Purebred golden retriever puppies can be quite expensive, and understanding their price range will help ensure that you get the best pet for your budget. In many cases, health tests have already been done on the parents or grandparents of these puppies too, meaning that you could end up with a healthier pup overall. This means an increased risk for conditions such as hip dysplasia or heart disease down the line — not something any new dog owner wants! All-in-all, considering the potential long-term costs associated with an unhealthy pup versus a healthy one from a quality breeder makes investing in a purebred golden retriever pup worth every penny spent. Being a responsible pet parent of a purebred golden retriever puppy is not an easy task. It requires making sure that your pup has all necessary vaccinations, properly called immunizations or shots. These are required to ensure the health and well-being of your furry friend for many years to come. Vaccines will protect them from several contagious diseases including parvovirus, distemper, rabies virus, etc. It is recommended to talk with your veterinarian in order to determine what type of vaccines are appropriate for your particular breed and lifestyle. The typical schedule should include yearly boosters along with regular checkups during their life span. All in all, vaccinating your purebred golden retriever puppy should be taken seriously because it helps keep them safe from various infectious diseases while giving them peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible for them to live a healthy life! It is possible to find a purebred golden retriever puppy from a shelter. Adopting from a shelter can be an excellent way to get a loyal and loving companion, while also providing homes for animals in need. Shelters often have both mixed breeds and purebreds that are looking for their forever home. When adopting a pet from the shelter, make sure you do some research on the breed before committing to one. Golden retrievers are generally very friendly dogs with lots of energy; they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation or else they can become destructive. Knowing what traits come with the breed will help prepare you for pet ownership responsibly. Shelter staff should be able to tell you whether or not the dog is purebred, so ask questions about its background before bringing them home. Training a purebred golden retriever puppy is like trying to draw in the sand with a stick — it takes patience and consistency. All breeds of puppies require training, but the purebred golden retriever can take longer due to their high energy levels and intelligence. With respect to how long it takes to train a purebred golden retriever puppy, here are some points that will help guide you: Training should start as soon as possible when the pup arrives at home. This helps build trust between you and your new furry friend while also teaching basic obedience. Consistency is key! Golden retrievers learn best through consistent repetition and practice — so stay on top of regular training sessions every day. If done right, training a purebred golden retriever puppy can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. Be sure to research different methods of training before getting started; there are plenty of resources available online regarding golden retriever training and caring for a purebred puppy. Also, consider reaching out to professional trainers who specialize in working with dogs if needed — they can provide valuable advice tailored specifically to your situation. Ultimately, taking the time to properly train your golden retriever will pay off tenfold down the road by having an obedient companion you can always rely on! While these puppies are beautiful and lovable companions, they have some inherent health problems that can arise if not properly managed. Purebred golden retrievers often suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which are both degenerative joint diseases that cause pain and discomfort in affected dogs. These conditions usually develop over time but can be prevented with proper nutrition and exercise. Additionally, certain breeds of Golden Retrievers tend to be prone to eye disorders such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA or cataracts, heart murmurs, and autoimmune skin diseases like allergies or dermatitis. If you suspect any of these ailments in your pup, consult your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment options. Finally, take note if your pet shows signs of anxiety or aggression — although rare in this breed — as these behaviors could indicate underlying medical issues that need attention. Doing so will ensure you provide them with the best quality of life possible! Conclusion When it comes to finding a purebred Golden Retriever puppy, there are many factors to consider. From the cost of purchasing one to the health issues they may face, this breed requires special care and attention. It is important to do your research before committing to bringing home any new furry family member. Finding the right pup for you can be an exciting yet daunting process, but with careful consideration, you will find that perfect companion who brings joy into your life! Doing your due diligence when searching for a purebred Golden Retriever puppy ensures that both you and your pet have a long and happy future together. So bring on all those cuddles, walks in the park, and endless games of fetch—the adventure begins here! About the author Pawspuppy Meet the talented authors of the Pawspuppy team, dedicated to bringing you the best content for dog lovers. With their deep passion for canines and extensive knowledge, our authors provide insightful articles, helpful tips, and engaging stories to enhance your understanding and connection with your furry companions. From training guides to product reviews, our team is committed to delivering valuable and reliable information to help you provide the best care for your beloved pups. Leave a Reply. Conclusion It is hard not to love a purebred golden retriever. They're affectionate, loyal, adaptable, love to play, easy to train , and are great family dogs. People of all ages adore them. Before going to a pet shop or breeder, you should be able to identify a pure breed golden retriever. Some of the reliable means of identification include: Proper Documentation and pedigree This is the most reliable method of identification. It shows that the pup has already been registered with a specific registry. Documentation indicates that the pup qualified for Documentation because its parents have been registered with the registries. AKC certified pedigree contains: The Dog's name and registration number. Colors and markings. Any health-related information available. As the owner, you should take the precaution of making a follow-up and registering your pup yourself. All you need to do is pay the fee and mail out a registration application. You can only claim full ownership of the pup after the breeder has handed over the papers to you. The pedigree is like the pup's family tree and usually dates back to at least four generations and contains the registered names of its ancestors. Although pedigrees are reliable, there are other ways to identify a pure breed golden retriever and adopt one of those lovelies for yourself, even if there are no papers. After all, the absence of paperwork doesn't make a pure breed golden retriever less so. Appearance While many retrievers can look alike, pure breed golden retrievers have features unique only to them and can't be found in other retrievers. They're usually muscular and considered symmetrical with a strong back and straight legs, with smooth, free gait. Take their ears, for example; golden retrievers have short ears that can also fold over. Their ears are always located behind their eyes and just above the eyes. The tips fall over to the cheeks and can be pulled to cover their eyes. Purebreed golden retrievers also have medium to large-sized eyes colored within the range of slightly brown to dark brown and dark rims. This feature makes golden retrievers look intelligent. And don't forget the tail. Pure breed golden retrievers have thick tails that are muscular at the base, with the end of the tail slightly curved upwards. You won't find a golden retriever's tail completely curled it tucked between its legs. The length usually varies from 4 to 12inches. Examine the coat Another way to identify a golden retriever is through its coat. First, the coat must be dense and waterproof. Golden retrievers have a substantial amount of dense water repellent outer coat with a thick warm coat underneath. Their coats can either be wavy or straight. You should also note the color of their coat. Golden retrievers are a rich lustrous gold in different shades ranging from dark golden, light golden, cream golden, red golden, and white gold. Golden retrievers also have feathering on their legs, tail, neck, and underbody and are lighter than the rest of the coat. Temperament Although in varying degrees, pure breed golden retrievers exhibit the same unique behavioral traits and characters. To confirm if the puppy is a golden retriever, you can check how active the pup is. Golden retrievers are very athletic and active; they need long hours of regular exercise before they can be satisfied, so rarely will you see a gentle golden retriever. Although, if they don't have things to be occupied with, they're often bored. Also, golden retrievers are fiercely loyal to their owners and the people they spend the most time with. They're also adaptable as they can live in peace with other animals and are trustworthy, so they make great family pets. Try to look out for these qualities in the pup, as it'll help you identify if it's a pure breed golden retriever or not. Price Purebred golden retrievers are usually pricey than other dogs. This reason for their expensive amounts is because of the extremely high demand for these dogs. If you're looking to adopt a purebred, you should be willing to spend a lot provably to get one. The Different Purebred Golden Retriever Breeds When buying a purebred golden retriever, you should be aware that there are three different types of the purebred golden retriever, namely the Canadian Golden Retriever, the American Golden Retriever, and the British Golden Retriever. However, the three breeds have similar temperaments, personalities, health, and quality of life. Each has distinct features that differentiate the three breeds, although the differences are negligible. Canadian Golden Retrievers Of the three breeds of the purebred golden retriever, this breed is most unique. The Canadian Golden retriever is usually taller than other breeds, it has an average of 2inches on them, and its hair is also shorter and slightly thinner. It is the most handsome of the three breeds. American Golden Retrievers This breed is slightly leaner than its counterparts. It is also not as strong as the other two breeds. Their fur coats are also darker, although they're the same height as the British breed. You can also identify the American breed with its eyes, the pupils if this breed is not fully rounded but rather slanty, forming a sort of triangular-shaped pupils. They've also colored a lighter shade of brown. Although they're pretty shorter than the Canadian breed, they're equally as strong. British golden retrievers have more powerful front legs and broader skulls than their counterparts, and their eyes are colored a darker shade of brown. How To Care For A Purebred Golden Retriever There's still work to do after buying a purebred golden retriever; you should get acquainted with the fact that golden retrievers have living needs that must be satisfied to have a happy, healthy pet. Golden retrievers do not like to be alone; these beautiful creatures cherish companionship more than anything. They love to be seen as a member of the family and treated as such. So its vital you learn how to socialize your puppy with other dogs and humans as well. They're especially great in homes with kids as they are entirely comfortable with the noise, commotion, and non-stop activities children like to involve in. Besides, they are tolerant of other pets, so if you're a cat lover as well, you shouldn't worry about your two pets not getting along. Rabbits, other dogs, or pets are also safe with them. Also, they love playing a lot outdoors. Feeding is essential to retrievers, although their owners should help manage their food intake as they tend to be overweight. Food should be measured and served twice daily, and you should give dog treats moderately. Exercising is also vital, and retrievers are supposed to exercise at least once daily. They have to let off a lot of steam through several activities, or else they direct their energies to unappealing behaviors like digging and chewing. And if you are getting golden, be warned that they shed terribly, and you shouldn't be surprised to find fur even in the worst places. You can help reduce shedding by brushing them regularly. This way, you can detangle their fur and get rid of dead hair before it gets attached to available surfaces. Monthly baths are also recommended. Although, ensure your goldie is completely dry before brushing it. You should have their nails trimmed regularly, about twice a month if you don't want them tearing into stuff. Their teeth should also be brushed periodically, about two to three times a week. Their ears fold over, creating an environment for organisms to grow, so ear care is vital. Watch out for signs of infections and clean their ears with cotton balls soaked in pH-balanced ear cleaner to reduce the risk of diseases. Purebred golden retrievers are generally healthy and live for about years. But when compared to other dogs, they risk having hip dysplasia and cancer. They are also at risk of other conditions like cataracts, hypothyroidism, allergies, and other diseases. Regular checks up should be done to keep them in perfect health. Conclusion Purebred golden retrievers are fine animals suitable as pets by people of all ages, and now that you know what to look out for when choosing one, you should adopt one of these puppies and get you a pet to love that loves you back. More Dogs. Every question you have about selecting the perfect Golden Retriever Puppy will be answered right here and right now! What if a Golden Retriever Puppy has no Pedigree? Some breeders or pet shops may tell you a puppy is a pure-bred but has no papers. They would not be telling a lie, as the definition of purebred is simply that both parents are the same dog breed. Additionally, you have no health record for your pup from before his birth. The health issues are certainly passed down through canine DNA! Aside from not knowing if any health problems are inherent for your puppy, a pedigree is only essential if you plan to make your dog a show-dog, or if you plan on one day breeding your dog to sell purebred puppies. However, one quality that they will share is that they are single-colored. This color distinction is often attributed to separating the American Golden Retriever and the English Golden Retriever. A cream-colored Golden Retriever is often slimmer in physique, with a greater variance between the male and female of the breed. The color is not rare, and the range is wide for variation of the cream color, but again, the dog will be all one color. Additionally, his body will be more compact and streamlined. Rather, it is an extremely pale variation of the cream-color. A Golden Retriever puppy who appears to be pure white will exhibit tinges of cream or gold as the puppy matures. By the time you purchase or rescue your puppy, he will have already had a set of vaccinations and his first de-worming treatment or more. When is the puppy due for his next medical exam? What food is the puppy currently eating? To avoid possible stomach upset in your new puppy I would recommend you begin feeding him the food he has been eating since being weaned at about eight weeks of age. There was a Rottweiler on my mind when I wrote it, but the information certainly applies to any dog breed! Having a small piece of his bedding or something else that may have the scent of his usual surroundings can provide the puppy with much comfort as he makes the adjustment into his new home. Each year in the United States alone, more than , dogs are euthanized annually for the simple reason of not being wanted! For this reason, please consider a shelter puppy or a rescue puppy. There are two ways to observe your potential puppy. Is he the bully or is he being bullied? Is he playing socializing with the other dogs, or keeping to himself, away from the fray? Is he skittish or friendly? Full of lively energy or mellow? It does seem like the puppy is selecting his human in much the same way we select a puppy! Even a pup with a mellow temperament will exhibit the traits of puppy-playfulness and abandon. A lethargic puppy is a clear indicator that this is NOT the puppy for you. Something is wrong, physically or emotionally. Even a sleeping puppy should quickly respond with playfulness upon awakening. Next, pick up the puppy and inspect it. Cloudy and non-responsive eyes are indicators of a bigger problem. Keep shopping. Continue searching if you see these problems. A puppy with discharges is NOT the puppy to buy. His belly should be chubby, but not distended or sensitive to your touch. Any foul smells, old feces, bugs or otherwise unsanitary conditions should propel you right back out the front door! Any aversion the seller has to providing you with all the information you request should also propel you right back through the door! The seller has every bit of this information. If they are reluctant to share it, they are likely hiding something important. A breeder should happily facilitate a tour of the facilities for you to see how the puppy has been living. This should include letting you see the puppy interacting with its mother. If you are kept away from the kennel area of a breeder, this is a red flag! Do Some Research: In these days of instant information, there is no excuse to skip doing the research on any pet shop or breeder you are contemplating! Read the reviews from people who bought their puppies there. Read the complaints, and take note of how the pet shop or breeder handled the concerns or complaints. How Interesting! Before Bringing Your Golden Retriever Puppy Home I struggled with whether to put this section toward the top or bottom of this article and here it is, at the bottom! The time to prepare your home and heart for a puppy is before you rescue or purchase one. Please make sure to consider everything listed below before you bring a puppy home. Here is a handy check-list of questions to answer that will make your transition and adventure of puppy-ownership as smooth as possible: Do you have time for a dog? We live in days where schedules seem to be full from waking until the moment we drift off to sleep at night. For a dog to be healthy and well-behaved in his adulthood, he will need to have one-on-one attention for bonding, training, exercising, grooming, and proper socialization. You can count on this taking from one to two hours daily, although not necessarily all at once. Does your lifestyle allow the addition of a dog? Picture any given month in your life. He will need plenty of exercise time, and will likely delight in any outings for which he is included. Golden retrievers are known for being social and friendly unless they feel threatened. Are breed or weight restrictions going to be a problem where you live? At maturity, a Golden Retriever will stand from inches tall cm and weigh from pounds kg. Please note, the females of the species tend toward the lower ends of the ranges given. Have you counted the cost? Ongoing medical care will be necessary, too, for the life of your dog. Add to that food, safety equipment like leashes, collars, harnesses, or muzzles training, and some toys for entertaining your best four-legged buddy, and you now have a new entry in your monthly budget. Please count the cost! Is your home pet-friendly? You should also be aware that certain houseplants are toxic to pets! The ASPCA has compiled a complete list of plants that are poisonous to dogs, and you can view it right here. I found a great brand on Amazon and had it delivered to my doorstep! You can grab some right here. Food and Water Bowls: These can come from right out of your cabinet, or you can purchase a set. Safety Equipment: Every dog needs a safety leash and a collar or harness. You should also keep a muzzle on hand, not because your dog is mean, but because he is a dog. Toys for Entertainment and for saving your slippers! Help him to satisfy that need without misbehaving by having toys that are just for him! This assortment is a great way to start. Caring for a puppy is NOT for the faint-hearted! It takes time, dedication, and more patience than you may have imagined. The Golden Retriever breed is loving and loyal, energetic and clever, and will love you more than he loves himself. I wish you all the best as you begin this wonderful journey and do stop back by the Big Dog Den soon! Recent Posts.

Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases franklymedia. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! Morning Headlines. We get down on our hands and knees and look at the world from our puppies eyes. We often find many hidden dangers that go unnoticed from our regular vantage point. You can buy them on-line or at your local pet supply store. Important items include: A Crate. You can get a wire crate or plastic kennel. The crate should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. We still have and use the first one we bought for our Lab mix rescue pup, Linus over 16 years. Toys, Treats, and Chewies. Having a variety of toys are important to keep him busy and entertained. They also help his mental development. I get some that squeak and some that honk when the pup plays with them. Different textures like rubber and latex can provide some variety. Puzzle-like toys can make him figure out how to work them. Kongs frozen with a little moist food can keep him busy and help teething needs. Chewies such as Nylabones, bully sticks, and antlers can meet his teething needs. Puppy training treats can help train him. Treats should be no larger than the size of a pea. His kibble can be used as a treat too. Check out some of the best chew toys for your puppy. You can continue to give him the same puppy food. There are formulas for small dogs and puppies that will become large breeds as adults. Puppy Pee and Poop Cleaner. Although we try to avoid accidents, some are inevitable with a young puppy. There are some great enzymatic cleaners to help remove housebreaking indiscretions. They even make types for different surfaces such as wood and carpet. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Always test on an inconspicuous area before using. If you just try to wipe the stain away without such products, the pup may be drawn back to the area to use as his potty yard. Potty Pads. These are pads with a plastic backing and paper top that is pre-scented to draw the puppy to use them as his bathroom. They can be very useful in some circumstances. Some people live in an apartment and the puppy may not be able to hold it on the way out. Or you may have a toy or small breed dog like a chihuahua or Yorkie and intend to use the pads throughout his life. Leash, Collar, and Harness. Have sizes that fit your pup and a six-foot leash. The breeder or rescue you obtain the dog from can help you get the right sizes, as can knowledgeable pet store employees. Safety first. Water and Food Bowls. They should be sized for the puppy. What a Mastiff needs as an adult and as a puppy are very different. I prefer stainless steel because they last forever and are easy to clean. Bitter Apple. This is a chew deterrent that can help save your precious chair leg. Always test on an inconspicuous spot before using. Puppy Exercise Pen. The name is misleading. They come in wire, plastic, or cloth. It can also be used as a safe containment area. Grooming Tools. Ask your breeder or rescue group what they recommend. Safety Gate. You may need this in order to block the puppy from other rooms or stairs. Ideally, everyone living with the puppy should meet to determine who is handling each task with the puppy. Basically, our night stands are crates. You can move the crate or have a second one in the area where everyone hangs out, like the family room or living room. By keeping our pup to the exact same routine helps them learn more quickly. Set up a wellness check with a trusted veterinarian. They can potty the pup and even play and walk him. Choose a name if your family can decide on one prior to his joining his household so that you can start teaching him his name. Feed the puppy at the same times every day, generally three times a day for a young puppy under five months old. Puppy Potty Training. The puppy will have to potty after sleeping, eating, playing, chewing, and any excitement, and prior to going to bed. I know, it seems as if all he does is go to the bathroom — outside, inside, everywhere!? But it will get better as he gets more bladder control. So, a two-month-old puppy should be able to hold it for about three hours. Be prepared to be very sleep-deprived the first week and maybe a little longer. Closely observe you pup to see when he has to go to the bathroom. Some pups start to sniff the floor as a cue, others seem agitated, others spin. Try to get the puppy outside whenever you see these signs. Try taking him out the same door, the same route, to the same area. It saves a lot of time. Immediately after the pup potties, remember to praise and reward the pup with a small treat no bigger than the size of a pea. A piece of his kibble can be used. And you can praise and reward with a small treat immediately after he potties. Just watch him more closely. The Great Explorer. Let the pup explore the puppy-proofed room at his own pace. If possible, play with a toy he had at his former placement. Gently squeak it and toss it a foot away from him. Let him know you represent great times. Great Crate. Leave the door to his crate open, tethered back so it will remain open and not scare him by moving. Have a toy or blankie from his former home in the crate to make him more comfortable. You can help him enter by tossing the toy into the crate with him watching nearby. Or you can have a couple of his kibbles present to toss in too. Even though your family and friends want to meet the new addition, give him at least a few days to settle in before overwhelming him with too many new experiences. Familiar Scent. It will help his bond with you and get him to know good things happen there. Take him out to potty right before you put him to bed. Gently place him in his crate or throw a couple of pieces of his kibble in his crate and let him go after them. You want him to like his crate. Have the blankie with the scent from his prior home in his crate. A warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket can help some pups adjust. It simulates a heartbeat and has a warming pack inside to help the puppy be calm and ease his loneliness in the first critical nights of his adjustment. Puppy panic. The pup may squeal, whine, and bark. Generally, I let the pup cry himself out. Give him a couple of minutes to potty. If he goes, praise and reward. One of my puppies had an ear-piercing scream the first night in her crate. She eventually settled and slept. Each successive night got better and better when she learned her new routine and stopped panicking. Sleeplessness: Yours. Be prepared to have some sleepless nights for at least the first few weeks. The puppy can only hold his urine for a few hours. I recommend even setting an alarm for the first few nights so that you can take him out after three hours. Leave him for a few hours after the first few days of his adjusting to his new home. My newest puppy is an Aussie mix I named Millie. She was about 11 weeks old when I adopted her. She was full of energy and never met a stranger in her foster home. Even though she was so outgoing, I still gave her about five days to adjust to meeting new people. Some pups are shy and reserved in meeting new people. Others want to run up to new people and jump all over them. Set him up to succeed. Have only a few people meet him at a time. Meeting people should be a positive experience. Have the people give him a small tidbit of a treat or a piece or two of his kibble. You can teach him that such interactions are good first over the first week or so; once he likes being held or having his feet touched by you, then I would have others gently do so while rewarding and praising him. But you can still take him on the road towards the end of the first week if he seems to be adjusting well. I carry a soft fleece dog bed to put into a shopping cart with the puppy in a harness and on a leash. Give him a treat as people come up to pet him. Have them meet on leash assuming your pup has adjusted to his harness and leash. Just a short meeting of about a minute is fine. Eventually, if the pups are about the same size and have similar play styles, they can play for a few minutes off leash for a few minutes in a safe area such as a puppy-proofed room. Be careful of the puppy meeting new dogs. Not all dogs will tolerate the antics of a puppy. Wait until you have a puppy more than a week and until he knows some basic commands like sit and his name. Make sure that the dog he meets, both being on leash, is very tolerant of puppies. Going in a car is new to him and he has to get used to the motion and going new places. The more fun, positive places he goes, he should get used to traveling and even look forward to it. He has to brave the new world of TVs and dishwashers. Make sure such encounters are pleasant. In the same way, get him used to other everyday sights and sounds such as the TV on or the phone ringing. Eventually, get him used to new sights and sounds outside the house. Puppy Training Training is composed of having the pup learn a new language and the rules. Socialization and training also give him confidence in his world. But there are certain other commands the pup should start to learn the first week. You can also reward with a small treat no larger than a pea. Remember to always set your puppy up for success. For example, have your pup exercised before he works so that he can settle down and focus. A short five-minute play session tossing a toy can help. His Name. Have him in front of you and say his name. It should always be positive. Nothing negative should happen immediately after he comes to you. At first have him in front of you, show him the treat and lure him to you as you back away a few steps. Crate Training. Practice having your puppy go into the crate with the door open. Throw a treat or toy in and praise when he enters. Make sure the crate is an inviting place. Place a towel or blanket in it that has the scent of his old home and littermates to help him feel more comfortable in his new home. Get your new puppy used to handling. Have him on your lap or a table with a rubber mat so he has secure footing. Gently: massage his body; touch his ears; touch his feet. Once he gets used to handling, you can start a very short grooming session. Brush him gently with an appropriate grooming tool like a slicker brush. Only groom a small section at a time. Always end on a good note. It will take at least a few days for the puppy to get used to wearing a collar or harness or being on leash. After putting the collar or harness on, -try to play with the puppy to distract him. Many puppies buck like a bronco after a leash is attached. You can let him drag the leash for a short time. Attach it to his collar or leash and play with him for a short time. Never leave the leash, collar, or harness attached unsupervised. Be patient. It will take multiple training sessions for the puppy to get used to these new training devices. More important than anything: have fun with and enjoy the time you have with your new best friend. Puppyhood goes by so quickly. The good news is a little planning goes a long way when preparing for your first new puppy. Reading this article is a great start. Take the advice in this article to heart and start preparing for your puppy. If you already started your first week then start doing the things outlined in this article. Are you thinking about getting a new puppy? Are you currently raising a puppy? Or is this all old news to you? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. First day and night with puppy First day with a new puppy Your first day and night with a new puppy Getting a puppy is a really huge step for anyone and if it's your first puppy it's important to know what to expect. We've put together our tips and advice on the first 24 hours with your four-legged friend. A new member of the family is a big commitment but also really exciting. If you're a first-time puppy owner, you might have heard stories good and bad about owning a puppy. Your first day and night together will help to set the tone for your time together, so it's really important to be prepared. Our vets have put together their advice on dealing with your first day with a new puppy. Be prepared before bringing your puppy home Before you even bring your puppy home, there's a lot you can do to prepare! Remember to make sure to get all the supplies you need first - our new puppy checklist can help you decide what to get. This will be an area they can go and take naps in, chill out in when they want a bit of alone time and generally feel safe in. If you do decide to get your puppy a crate, remember they might not be used to one so you will need to take your time introducing them to it to make sure they are comfortable and happy with it. Take a look at our guide on crate training for more advice. Growing is thirsty work, after all! Ideally you want this near to their quiet area and bed. Set some ground rules Before your puppy comes home, you have some decisions to make. Will they be allowed on the sofa? Are they allowed on the bed? You need to set some rules and make sure everyone at home knows what they are — and sticks to them! Consistency is key when training any dog and your puppy will be learning all the time. Puppies will need to go to the toilet regularly, so giving them the opportunity straight away will help before they go inside. Remember to give them lots of praise or even a treat when they go to the toilet in the right place — for more information, visit our toilet training guide. When you take your puppy inside for the first time, try to take them to their space first. Too much too soon can get them over-excited or stressed, so slow introductions to new things is key. Make sure you keep your home and everyone in it! The breeder or rehoming centre can let you know when, what and how much your puppy normally eats. Offer lots of toilet time. Give your puppy the chance to go out to the toilet regularly and give them lots of praise when they go in the right place! Playtime can be OK. Short playtime sessions are absolutely fine, but remember that your pup will tire out quickly so keep them short and sweet. Naps are important. Puppies are still growing, which is tiring! Avoid walks. Your puppy is unlikely to be fully vaccinated when you first get them. Stick to supervised playtime in a secure garden, keeping them away from water sources and thick undergrowth where rats could have been. Spend lots of time together. Your puppy is always learning, so make sure you spend lots of time with them so they know they can be happy and safe around you. Pets love routine, so get your puppy into a regular routine as soon as possible! Decide where they are sleeping. Whether you plan on your puppy forever sleeping in your bedroom, or want them in a separate room, you need to start this from the beginning and stick to it. If you have your puppy in your bedroom but plan to move them into a different room at a later date, this can be really distressing for them. Keep calm. Keep bedtime as calm as possible for your pup. Give them gentle praise such as a few strokes when they settle where you want them to. Sleep in the same room for the first few nights. For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum. Remind them of mum. Pop this where they sleep every night as it will help to comfort them and keep them calm. Night time toilet breaks may be needed. Puppies have little bodies and little bladders! For the first few weeks you might find they need a toilet break during the night. If your puppy is worried during the night, they might cry or bark. This is completely normal as they adjust to a new home and environment. When your puppy is scared, comforting them will help, but being ignored will make them feel isolated and even more frightened. Got a question? Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too!

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Amazon Going on walks with your dog might just be the easiest way to spend some daily quality time with your four-legged friend, but keeping them in line is not as simple. Dogs who aren't trained to heel might pull their harnesses or run every which way they want to go, so it's helpful to have a no-pull harness that keeps a simple walk with your dog from turning into a battle of wills. Better yet? A harness that's warm, waterproof, and comfortable so that fussy pups won't snake out of them within seconds, and Amazon shoppers say even dogs can't wiggle their way out of Puppia's Mountaineer II winter vest harness. Made with a soft fleece interior lining and an outer waterproof coat, the harness is perfect for cold and wet winter days. It's a "great winter vest for our small dachshund," said a reviewer of the Mountaineer II harness. The harness is strong and he will never be able to break it. The harness is very sturdy and solidly attached to the vest. Our puppers dislike anything pulled over their heads, so we all prefer the step-in design. The fabric under the back zipper helps keep their long fur from getting caught in the zipper, which is always a win. Sign up to get hand-picked deals, celebrity fashion inspo, and more delivered by text message. Since Puppia's Mountaineer II harness is nearly sold out in so many colors, we've narrowed down four colorways that are still fully in stock. Hurry and shop them to stop your dog from pulling you around the next time you go out for a walk on a wintry day. Amazon Buy It! Pinterest Email Choosing the perfect harness is a commonly discussed topic among dog lovers. A harness should be safe, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off. Ace and I have tried a number of different styles of harness during our nearly three years together, including harnesses designed to curb pulling. Because of this, for our most recent harness purchase, we primarily had in mind comfort, good fit, and style. I first noticed this harness because it comes in a variety of bright colors and looks like a little vest. I decided to buy Ace a Puppia soft harness after reading customer reviews that described this harness as fitting Boston Terriers , Pugs , and French Bulldogs well. Ace can sometimes be difficult to fit, so I was pretty excited to see if Puppia worked for her proportions. Ace wears a size medium, and the neck opening is a bit snug when I pull the harness over her head. The harness is flush against Ace but is not tight. While other harnesses have given Ace blisters under her armpits, I have not noticed the Puppia soft harness rubbing her uncomfortably on any part of her body. The Puppia soft harness is made from a spongy, synthetic mesh fabric. One drawback is that the piping, which is a different material than the mesh body of the harness, tends to attract and trap dog hair, even after going through the wash. Getting the Puppia soft harness on and off Ace is fairly straightforward, especially after doing it a few times. The harness goes over her head, and I lift her left front paw to go through the leg hole, clipping the belly strap on her right side. Ace is used to the process and helps out by pushing her head through the neck hole. The Puppia soft harness feels sturdy and secure. Many dog owners have told me that this style of harness is inappropriate for a dog who pulls, and that it might actually encourage pulling. Style: Puppia harnesses come in a rainbow of bright colors. Function: The Puppia harness holds Ace firmly and securely with solid hardware and a comfortable design. Value: Although my Puppia soft harness cost a few dollars more than other simple harnesses, it has been worth the investment because of its durability and great fit. Dogster readers, please share your experiences with the Puppia soft harness in the comments below. Learn more about dogs with Dogster:. References What to Look for in a French Bulldog Harness Are there any special considerations to take into account when choosing gear for a Frenchie? Related: Best Dog Harnesses Australia. What does that mean, except that they have cute faces? Well, the cute face also comes with its own set of issues. The main problem caused by BOAS is that it makes it difficult for dogs to breathe. As a consequence, they might be prone to coughing, get tired easily during exercise, and be prone to overheating. Here is what our research team say to pay attention to when choosing a harness for your Frenchie: The Right Fit French Bulldogs are one of those breeds that are a bit difficult to shop for. That means that the chest plate or the chest strap or any part that falls in that area should sit fairly low. While most standard harnesses have a lead attachment point on the back, there is also the option of a front-clip dog harness. According to our team of independent experts, front-clip dog harnesses are designed to help teach the dog to stop pulling. Well, for small short-nosed dogs, we generally do not recommend a front-clip harness. Comfort and Safety The key to finding the perfect harness for any dog is striking the right balance between comfort, safety, and durability [ 3 ]. However, these harnesses are typically not as strong and durable as some other options. On the other hand, while comfortable, a harness that covers too much of the body surface might trap heat so it might not be the best option for warm weather. The choices below are the ones we and our independent panel of experts were able to wholeheartedly agree are the best of the best. What sets this product apart from the rest? What more could we ask from a harness? The trick behind this harness is that it combines a design that is more common in typical H-shaped harnesses with a step-in mechanism, just like our number two choice. On taller and skinnier breeds, the chest part can look and feel a bit awkward, but it fits just right on the muscular frame of the French Bulldog. The only issue that might occur with this harness is the difficulty of finding the perfect fit.

Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. Ask for Our 'Special Order' Option. Teacup Poodle puppies are one of the most impressive dogs in the canine world. Not only are teacup Poodles extremely friendly and affectionate to their owners, these loveable beauties vibe well with young children, strangers, and other dogs. Our delightful toy puppies are also incredibly clever and easy to train. After learning a few tricks, our adorable teacup Poodles will keep you entertained for hours with their playfulness. Are you ready to open your heart and home to your fur-ever friend? Have a look at our available Toy Poodle puppies for sale, or contact us for information about our upcoming litters or the special order option. Temperament: Poodles are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs that are known for their delightful temperament. They are playful, affectionate, and loyal companions that make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike. One of the most notable characteristics of the Poodle temperament is their intelligence. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training and other forms of mental stimulation. Poodles are also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes. In addition to their intelligence, Poodles are also affectionate and loving dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for being highly attuned to their human's emotions and can be extremely intuitive and sensitive to their needs. This makes them great companions for people who are looking for a loyal and loving pet. Poodles are also highly sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners and meeting new people and pets. They are outgoing and friendly, making them great pets for families with children or other pets. Poodles also have a playful side to their nature and enjoy games and activities that involve interaction and engagement with their owners. Overall, the Poodle temperament is highly desirable, making them one of the most popular breeds in the world. Their intelligence, adaptability, and loving nature make them wonderful pets for a wide range of people and lifestyles, and their endearing personalities are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Available Puppies Appearance: Poodles are a distinctive breed known for their elegant and sophisticated appearance. They come in four sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, and teacup and have a variety of coat colors including white, black, brown, silver, apricot, and red. One of the most notable features of the Poodle is their unique coat. Poodles have a dense, curly coat that is hypoallergenic, meaning they are a great choice for people with allergies. Their curly coat is also water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Poodles have a long, narrow muzzle and oval-shaped eyes that convey a sense of intelligence and alertness. They have long, furry ears that hang close to their head, giving them a regal and elegant appearance. Poodles also have a long, slender neck that flows smoothly into their well-proportioned body. Another defining characteristic of the Poodle is their distinctive gait. They have a springy and energetic step, and their movements are graceful and fluid. This, combined with their elegant appearance, gives Poodles a sense of aristocratic refinement. Overall, the Poodle is a visually striking breed that boasts a unique and sophisticated appearance. Their curly coat, elegant body structure, and distinctive gait make them one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds in the world. Learn more Exercise Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. While the amount of exercise they require may vary depending on their size and age, all Poodles need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A typical exercise routine for a Poodle may include a brisk walk or jog in the morning and evening, along with some playtime or training sessions during the day. Poodles also enjoy playing fetch, running around in a securely fenced yard, or going on leisurely hikes with their owners. In addition to physical exercise, Poodles also benefit from mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and other forms of mental stimulation can help keep Poodles mentally stimulated and engaged. It's important to keep in mind that Poodles can be prone to weight gain, especially as they age. Regular exercise not only helps to keep them physically fit but also provides them with mental stimulation and helps to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Monitoring their diet and exercise routine closely is crucial to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese. Overall, Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. With the right amount of exercise, attention, and care, Poodles can live long, healthy, and happy lives. Learn more History The Poodle is an ancient breed with a history that dates back several centuries. While the exact origins of the breed are unclear, it is believed that they originated in Germany, where they were known as the "Pudel," which translates to "splash in water. Their unique coat, which is hypoallergenic and water-resistant, made them well-suited for this task. Over time, Poodles also became popular as circus performers and were trained to perform tricks and acrobatics. During the 16th century, Poodles became popular with European nobility and were frequently depicted in paintings and artwork of the time. They were also a popular choice for the court of Louis XVI, and were often seen in his court as well as other royal courts in Europe. In the 19th century, Poodles were standardized into three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. This allowed for greater versatility in the breed, and they became popular as companions and family pets. Today, Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world and are beloved for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and distinctive appearance. They continue to be used as retrievers and are also trained for a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and therapy work. Learn more Maintenance Poodles require regular maintenance to keep their distinctive curly coat in good condition. Their curly coat can easily become matted and tangled, so it's important to brush and groom them regularly to prevent this from happening. The frequency of grooming will depend on the length of the Poodle's coat. For example, a Poodle with a shorter clip may only need to be groomed every six to eight weeks, while a Poodle with a longer coat may need to be groomed every four to six weeks. Regular brushing is also important for Poodle maintenance. Brushing helps to remove any loose or dead hair from their coat, as well as prevent matting and tangles. Poodles with longer coats may need to be brushed daily, while those with shorter coats may only need to be brushed a few times a week. Bathing is another important aspect of Poodle maintenance. Poodles should be bathed every three to four weeks, or more frequently if they get particularly dirty or smelly. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo that won't irritate their skin or strip their coat of its natural oils. Poodle maintenance also involves regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Their nails should be trimmed every two to three weeks, their ears should be cleaned weekly, and their teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent dental issues. Overall, Poodles require regular maintenance to keep them healthy, happy, and looking their best. Consistent grooming, brushing, bathing, and other forms of maintenance can help prevent common issues like matting and tangling, and keep them looking and feeling great. These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds. The teacup poodle is a newer type of poodle and has only recently found great popularity in the past twenty years. Originally, the poodle originated in Germany around the early 14th century and was used as a hunting dog that retrieved waterfowl. The poodle is also the national dog of France and is widely known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving. Over time, smaller sizes of this pup began being bred, and the poodle became more popular as a companion or lap dog. The miniature poodle originated in the early 20th century when American breeders started to create a more city-friendly poodle. The smallest puppies from toy poodle litters were used for breeding teacup poodles, achieving their small size. However, despite this small stature, the teacup poodle has a lot to offer owners. They lack none of the intelligence of the standard-sized poodle, and they are alert, friendly, and easy to train. Teacup poodles form strong bonds with their owners and are playful and affectionate, but they may be prone to nervousness if not properly cared for or left alone for too long. Teacup poodles stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh up to 6 pounds. They have round heads with a slight stop, much like standard-sized poodles, floppy ears, and a longer muzzle. Their eyes are typically small and dark, but very alert, and they will have a longer neck, square body, and straight back with long legs. The coat of the teacup poodle is thicker, curly, and soft and will need to be brushed often to prevent tangles. What Size Is a Teacup Poodle? Teacup poodles are, as the name implies, pretty small dogs. This pup will stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh less than 6 pounds. They can be quite fragile because of their small size, so you will need to pay extra attention to your dog while it is playing or moving around your home. The teacup poodle has a coat much like the standard-size poodles. Teacup poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they may be a beneficial breed for those with allergies. The teacup poodle has a friendly disposition and is intelligent, alert, loyal, and loving. This pup tends to become very attached to their owners and will often be seen following them from room to room. Teacup poodles are also very smart and can pick up tricks easily. They are eager to please and will love the time spent with you learning new commands. Teacup poodles are not known to have a high prey drive or act very aggressively toward other animals, though they may be quite vocal if they notice something suspicious around their home. Are Teacup Poodles Affectionate? Teacup poodles are very affectionate and will enjoy spending as much time with their owner as possible. You can expect your teacup poodle to enjoy cuddling on the couch, sleeping in the same room as you at nighttime, and wanting to play frequently throughout the day. The small size of this breed makes them quite fragile, so rough play with children can lead to the dog becoming injured. Lots of yelling, excitement, and busy play from smaller children can also scare your teacup poodle, creating anxiety, nervousness, or barking issues. That being said, families with older, calmer children and children that know how to properly play with animals can easily get along with this pup. Teacup poodles are generally good with other animals as they are a friendly and social pup. Are Teacup Poodles Aggressive? Your teacup poodle is unlikely to attack, nip, or act aggressively toward strangers, but they can develop these behaviors if they are very anxious, fearful, or bored. Do Teacup Poodles Bark a Lot? Teacup poodles are, unfortunately, quite vocal, and you can expect this dog to bark at just about anything. Teacup poodles will bark when they are happy and playing, in addition to barking at things they find suspicious or untrustworthy around their home. They may also bark to draw your attention or to show their displeasure with something. You can train excessive barking habits down somewhat, but keep in mind that your teacup poodle is likely to be on the more vocal side, no matter what. Are Teacup Poodles Intelligent? This dog breed is fairly intelligent, and teacup poodles can easily learn new tricks. They can be house trained relatively quickly in addition to learning more complex commands and skills. Plus, teacup poodles are easy to please and love a mental challenge, something that adds to their learning abilities. Are Teacup Poodles Easy to Train? Due to their higher intelligence, teacup poodles can be quite easy to train. They are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please their owners, all factors which help them pick up new skills quickly and learn basic obedience tasks. Your teacup poodle may even be up to the challenge of learning more advanced tricks depending on their intelligence and how quickly they learn. Are Teacup Poodles Energetic? Teacup poodles have a moderate energy level and are a very playful breed. This pup will need two short walks per day that last around 15 minutes each and are likely to expend a lot of energy running around their home and playing with their toys and their families. As long as they have toys around their home and enough space to get their zoomies out from time to time, they will fit well into apartment living. However, you should keep in mind that this pup can be noisy from time to time, so training to curb needless barking is a must. Are Teacup Poodles Good Watchdogs? They are also fairly protective and loyal to their owners, which makes them easily fall into the watchdog role. While teacup poodles may be intelligent and quickly learn many tricks and commands, they are not the best size for acting as service dogs. This breed is too small to help with guiding and mobility support-related tasks, and they are not typically able to fetch heavy items for their owners. However, teacup poodles love being around their owners. So they are a good choice for a companion pup, making them eligible to act as a therapy dog or an emotional support animal. How to Care for a Teacup Poodle Teacup poodles are not the highest maintenance breed out there, but they do require a dedicated care routine to stay happy and healthy. You will need to spend lots of time with your teacup poodle, as this breed is prone to anxiety and loneliness without their owners, something that can easily translate into destructive behaviors. Make sure that you brush your teacup poodle a few times a week, as this helps to release any shed hair before it tangles and mats. You will likely need to take your teacup poodle to be groomed regularly to trim up their hair, give them a good bath, and ensure their coat is kept at a comfortable length. Supplement meals with nutritional treats to keep your pup happy. Your teacup poodle will need to be brushed a few times a week and regularly receive professional grooming. The groomer will help release shed hair, untangle mats safely, and trim up their coat, so your dog is more comfortable. Do Teacup Poodles Shed? Teacup poodles are low-shedding dogs and are often considered hypoallergenic. What Should a Teacup Poodle Eat? Your teacup poodle should be eating a diet of high-quality dry or wet food and, depending on their size, should be consuming between half a cup and one full cup of food per day approximately calories. Due to their small size, teacup poodles may be prone to certain health conditions that affect smaller dogs. These problems include hypoglycemia, heart defects, respiratory and digestive problems, seizures, collapsing trachea, and blindness. Genetically, your teacup poodle may be predisposed to dental disease and luxating patellas. To ensure your teacup poodle stays in the best health, you should be taking them to regular vet visits and checking their behavior for any concerning symptoms such as limping, lethargy, or sudden changes in behavior. Teacup poodles are known to live between 12 and 14 years, though your dog may live longer or shorter than this predicated lifespan, depending on any preexisting health issues and their overall daily care. Regular vet visits and proper care for your dog is the best way to ensure they live a long, healthy, happy life. Are Teacup Poodles Expensive? Due to their smaller size, teacup poodles can be difficult to breed, and there are typically only one or two puppies bred per litter. This creates a relatively higher demand for this dog due to a lower supply and makes teacup poodles fairly expensive. How to Find a Teacup Poodle Breeder If you want to purchase a teacup poodle, you will most likely need to find a breeder to buy from. The best way to do this is to perform internet searches of local and national breeders that are reputable, follow proper breeding practices, and care for both the breeding dogs and the puppies humanely. Make sure to avoid suspect breeding practices, very low-priced dogs if something is too good to be true, it usually is , and anything that looks like a puppy mill, as dogs and puppies that come from these spaces are likely to have been poorly treated and have increased health issues. Can You Adopt a Teacup Poodle? For the most part, teacup poodles are a variation of the standard-sized poodle and are in great demand. It is unlikely that one will turn up at a shelter for adoption, but it is possible. Keep an eye out on local and national poodle rescue organizations to see if a teacup poodle comes through that you can adopt. Are Teacup Poodles Purebred? That being said, its parents may be purebred toy poodles, and the teacup poodle may come from either a line of purebred poodles or mixed breed poodles. Can You Show Teacup Poodles? However, several other kennel clubs and organizations put on events and shows for teacup and toy dog breeds that your teacup poodle may be eligible to participate in. The teacup poodle may be good for new dog owners in certain circumstances. Owners should also be prepared to spend lots of quality time with their dog to prevent anxiousness and behavioral problems. The teacup poodle is a fantastic addition to the right type of lifestyle and family, but you may still be wondering whether or not this is the right dog for you. Review our list of points below to help make your decision easier. The teacup poodle is the right dog for you if: You want a loyal, loving companion dog that will stay by your side when you are home and likely accompany you from room to room. You need a small dog suited to apartment living, or you want a small companion dog that can also act as a helpful watchdog. You want a dog that can exercise for long periods of time and spend time in the outdoors with you hiking or completing working tasks. You want a dog that can be trained for service dog skills, such as guiding and mobility assistance. However, poodles can often be too energetic and unsuitable for smaller apartments. Well, a teacup toy poodle is just what you need. These dogs are smaller poodles and can fit anywhere. They have many different qualities that make them the best companion to have around your house. Teacup poodles are small dog breeds but are very intelligent so it is very easy to train them and take care of them. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about a teacup toy poodle! Teacup Toy Poodle History The teacup toy poodle dog breed originated from the standard poodle dogs. These dogs were initially found in Germany and are one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world. The French poodle may be a lot more popular but it is just another subsidiary of the hunting dogs found in Germany. Over the last two decades, poodles have been bred to become smaller dogs to fit into small spaces. The miniature teacup poodle is a companion dog that is a descendant of the purebred dog breed registered in Germany. In fact, the name poodle originated from the German word, 'pudelin. Toy poodles are now prevalent in America and even a few European countries. Other poodle mix dogs are also popular pets today given that poodles are the national dog of France. Teacups are now prevalent after years of selectively bred dogs thrived in various settings. Today they can be found in almost every country after the official breed standards were met. Some poodles are bred to be lap dogs while the others like the teacup dog is a companion dog. The popularity of this breed continues to increase as time passes! What does a Teacup Poodle Look Like? A teacup toy poodle looks just like the standard poodle except it is a lot smaller in size. Dogs that weigh under six pounds and aren't taller than 9 inches are generally considered teacup poodles by breeders. A teacup toy poodle full grown will not be taller than 9 inches either. These dogs have fluffy ears and their body is covered with a hypoallergenic coat. They have deep-set dark eyes and an extended long muzzle. The teacup toy poodle is an adorable breed of dog that is also very easy to take care of. This little dog has an overall squared-out body shape but its legs are just the perfect length for its body. These dogs are also very agile and have no trouble running around and frolicking. Teacup poodle dogs are often compared to teddy bears because of their appearance. Many people like to accessorize their dogs with a poodle clip. Once you adorn your poodle with this clip, you will be surprised to see how much you have elevated their cuteness. Its ancestors belong to a tough breed of animals that had a ton of responsibilities in Germany. This could be the reason why this breed rarely ever has any health issues and problems. These dogs commonly suffer from a few ailments that affect poodles. Apart from this, smaller dogs often have patella luxation, which affects the positioning of their patella in their legs. You must pay special attention to this and look after your dog's health. A little bit of exercise and proper nutrition should help prevent these problems. Your pet's medical costs are not going to be too high either. This breed may look small but it is very tough. Apart from this, many affordable pet health care options are also available today. These dogs do not have many requirements either. They love spending time indoors, and the size of your house does not affect them. You can take them out for walks to keep them engaged but these tiny pets do not need to be exerted physically daily. If you want to keep your teacups happy, make sure you spend time with them and give them affection. Additionally, regular grooming will also help keep your pet healthy and satisfied! Teacup Poodles Grooming The teacup toy poodle is among the smallest breeds of dogs in the world. While the American kennel club has recognized the toy category, there is no natural classification for the teacup toy poodle breed. These dogs can easily be groomed like the poodle too. Their thick and luscious coat makes it very easy to manipulate hairdos and try different hair cuts on them. You can cut their hair in any way you like and make it look attractive. One of the best features of the teacup poodle is that it does not shed. These dogs have thick fur that needs to be brushed so that there are no knots in their coat. Apart from this, the teacup toy poodle does not require much. As long as you comb through their curly fur, clip their nails, and brush their teeth regularly, they are good to go. Training for a Teacup Poodle Unlike the purebred poodle, the teacup toy poodle is not as active and does not venture out on hunts. However, your teacup toy poodle also requires adequate exercise regularly. They might be small in size but they are very energetic and need an outlet too. While you may not need to take your toy breed out on long walks, it is advised that you take them along for short walks during the day. You can take your dog out on short, minute walks for exercise and mental stimulation. Dog training is a very crucial part of being a pet parent. Teacup poodles are extremely intelligent and can be trained as quickly as you would train large dogs. You can conduct training sessions at home for short spans every couple of days. Since these dogs are very small, they can also suffer from separation anxiety. You must train them to socialize and get accustomed to their surroundings efficiently from a young age. What does a Teacup Poodle Eat? Nourishment is an essential part of raising and training a teacup toy poodle. Small dogs may seem like they don't eat much and do not require a variety of different food but this is merely a misconception. It is important to remember that the dietary requirements of a teacup toy poodle are not the same as a bigger dog. This breed only requires about calories a day and you must limit this intake so that your beloved pet does not develop hypoglycemia. Two hundred fifty calories are equal to a single cup of high-quality dry kibble. You can either feed them generic dog food or even prepare special meals containing all the required nutrients. Make sure you monitor their diets so that they remain healthy. Teacup Toy Poodle Lifespan Although toy poodle teacup dog breeds look dainty and delicate, they descended from strong standard-sized ancestors after selective breeding. They have working and gun dog blood running through their veins which explains their reasonably long lifespan. The average lifespan of a teacup toy poodle is anywhere between 12 to 14 years. If you look after them and take care of their needs they are sure to live long and healthy lives with you. The life expectancy of these dogs also varies depending on their lifestyle, diet, and overall surroundings. What is the Temperament of a Teacup Poodle? Teacup poodles are just like their parent dog breeds. These dogs are very lovable and enjoy companionship. They are not very aggressive and enjoy spending time with families. This breed also does not have any trouble getting along with other dogs. Since the teacup poodle fits virtually anywhere, they can live in smaller apartments too. With just a little bit of training, the dog will not have any trouble getting used to being around people and other pets. You do not need to take them out on frequent walks either. All you need to do is spend time with them and play with them indoors to keep them engaged. This is because your dog requires mental stimulation and does not like being left alone for too long. Apart from this, if you have young children at home you might need to get your dog used to them. Teacup poodles do not like being held by small children. However, this trait in animal behavior can be fixed with regular socializing. Fun Facts about Teacup Toy Poodles Teacup toy poodles are among some of the most adorable dog breeds globally. Here are a few fun facts about the teacup toy poodle to enlighten you! The teacup toy poodle weighs anywhere between 2 to 6 pounds and does not grow any taller than nine inches. The teacup poodle litter is tiny and only consists of 2 to 3 puppies. There is no distinction between toy and teacup poodles in the dog registry of America. They have floppy furry ears and come in a variety of solid colors like gray, white, apricot, blue, black, brown, silver, red, and beige. Teacup poodles can also be found in a mixed color coat too. They are easy to take care of and do not require any special care. They will prove to be your best friend if you spend enough time with them and play with them. Are Teacup Poodles Hypoallergenic? One of the best parts of having a teacup toy poodle is that these dogs are hypoallergenic. If you are someone who cannot stand dog hair and begin to break out or sneeze or have bad reactions, this is the breed for you. They have no trouble spending time indoors and do not shed. Their stunning curly fur does not require any special care apart from regular brushing. Their fur is entirely hypoallergenic, making them the perfect dog for people with allergies. Further, the non-shedding trait only helps those with allergies. So, when you ask are toy poodles hypoallergenic, the answer is absolutely not! Do Toy Poodles have Health Problems? Teacup toy poodles resemble their standard-sized ancestors due to their similar genetic composition. Poodles have a few health issues that they are very susceptible to. Teacup poodles are also prone to the same illnesses so it is vital to look after them. Your puppy could grow up to develop progressive retinal atrophy or PRA or even dysplasia. While these ailments are common among other dogs, too, you might want to take special care of your poodle. PRA could result in blindness over time so make sure your dog gets the proper nutrition and supplements from a young age. Similarly, dysplasia could result in joint pains and other body aches in your miniature poodles too. Apart from this, you should also look after their eating habits. Poodles are prone to developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level which could be fatal. So, keep them well-fed and clean to avoid ear infections and other minuscule problems! Do Teacup Poodles Bark a Lot? Barking completely depends on how well you train your dog and how socially accustomed it is. Teacups are very elegant dogs that do not bark unnecessarily and remain calm. However, this is only possible when they are appropriately trained. They are a little snobbish and spoilt in their demeanor. They will not bark at anyone unless they see someone new or feel threatened. Make sure you teach your puppy how to behave around people and instill mannerisms from an early age. They are very unlikely to bark all day unless they are in discomfort and do not feel very good. If your teacup toy poodle is barking too much then you must investigate the issue and see if there are any underlying causes for it. To Sum Up A teacup toy poodle is one of the best dogs for you if you like tiny adorable puppies. This breed does not grow too much and remains small enough to fit inside a teacup, hence the name. They come with many benefits and a love-filled demeanor. These dogs are easy to maintain, live long lives, and get used to new surroundings easily. So, even if you have not had a dog before you can look after a teacup toy poodle very quickly.