how often to give golden retriever puppy a bath

About Us Compassionate Breeders I am passionate that puppies born and raised in a home are happier, better socialized and transition into a loving family with ease. I love my dogs as a part of my family. They are well cared for and loved dearly. They live in my home and sleep in our beds. Our puppies are born in my house and also live inside our home where they receive daily love and attention. We absolutely love our sweet little Goldendoodles and we are convinced that they are the best dogs in the world. I am confident once you learn about them, you will love them just as much as we do. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Goldendoodles are an intelligent and obedient family companion. They are friendly towards children, other dogs, and pets and comfortable with strangers. They are everybody's friend, and they are devoted to their family. They are social dogs, happiest when they are with people. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and love of learning makes them very easy to train. Goldendoodles combine the wonderful nature of a Golden Retriever with the non-shedding coat of a Poodle to make what I consider to be the world's best dog! Now you can find quality Goldendoodle Puppies for sale in The Woodlands. My Goldendoodles My adult dogs are standard size F1 first generation English Goldendoodles and when breed together they create F2 second generation. They come from English Golden Retrievers, thought to be the healthiest variety, and white standard Poodles. This produces a variety of coats from soft wavy to very curly. The curliest of coats shed the least to none at all and the soft wavy coats shed a little bit but not nearly as much as a regular Golden Retriever. For quicker response please call or text Gracie's Goldendoodles of The Woodlands. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Houston Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Kennel Conditions A good breeder will be happy for you to visit their kennels. The facilities should be clean, and the parent dogs and puppies should all appear happy, well-fed, and groomed. The dogs and puppies should have regular vet checkups, and all their vaccinations should be up to date. Health Screening Good breeders test their breeding dogs for genetic conditions that could be passed onto the puppies. The breeder should be able to show you that: Both parent dogs are hip certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals O. Both parent dogs have O. The website provides more information on breeder registration requirements, including health screening. Pro Tip Note that if you buy a puppy from a G. Check the stipulations in the warranty carefully. For all you know, the breeder might previously have sold many puppies with serious genetic health problems. Personal Experience Top Tip One of the first things you must do when you get your Goldendoodle puppy is to start teaching him about the grooming process. Grooming means much more than simply combing and brushing that fluffy, curly coat! Just like human teeth, dog teeth can accumulate bacteria that form plaque. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar, which your vet can remove as part of a routine dental procedure. Human cosmetics and drugs contain chemicals that are harmful or even toxic to dogs, and you could even poison your pup. In addition, dog toothpaste is flavored with chicken, cheese, and other yummy tastes that dogs love, which is far more appealing to them than peppermint! Red Flags There are quite a few red flags to watch out for when choosing a breeder: The deposit you pay should be a few hundred dollars. Breeders who ask for very large deposits often make money by keeping the deposit when the customer realizes the breeder is shady and tries to change their mind. Do not pay for the puppy in full before the collection date, especially if the contract states that all money paid is non-refundable in any circumstances. Steer clear of breeders that buy the. Check that the registry is actually owned by the breeder. That arrangement screams puppy mill! Goldendoodles can be F1, F2, or variations thereof. So, what does that mean? Basically, those letters and numbers are a way of showing you how the breeder bred their puppies. F1 Goldendoodles are produced by crossing a purebred Golden Retriever with a Poodle. Usually, several generations of dogs are backcrossed to a Standard Poodle, creating an F3 Goldendoodle. In Conclusion I hope you enjoyed our list of the best Goldendoodle breeders in the Houston area. If you want to find the perfect puppy, you need to find a reputable breeder. Did you buy a puppy from a Goldendoodle breeder? Tell us your story in the comments box below, and please share this list if you loved it! Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. With all the closures and cancellations, now is the perfect time to adopt your puppy. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX. Goldendoodles are designer dogs. Goldendoodles were created to bring together all of the best traits of their parent breeds—without the downsides. How much are mini Goldendoodles for sale Houston? For example, a micro or miniature parti-pattern Goldendoodle will cost more than a standard chocolate or cream Goldendoodle. Will you only connect me with local mini Goldendoodle breeders Houston? How do you screen mini Goldendoodle breeders in Houston? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with mini Goldendoodles Houston? Before, you could buy a puppy without worrying that your dog was ethically raised. Now, puppy mills and scams are rampant. We wanted to create a place that brings trust back to the dog breeding industry—giving honest breeders a place to meet loving families like yours, and to make finding the perfect dog fast, easy and fun. What is a puppy mill for mini Goldendoodle puppies Houston? Mill dogs are more likely to need expensive veterinary intervention for debilitating genetic diseases, and may even face a shorter life expectancy to puppies raised by honest, ethical breeders or businesses. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies in Houston available now? What is the MatchMaker process like for miniature Goldendoodle Houston? MatchMaker is your shortcut to finding the perfect puppy. In short, MatchMaker makes your puppy search fast, easy and fun. Polly is a standard goldendoodle, so will probably max out at about pounds. How to Adopt Polly If you'd like to adopt Polly, Aren't they beautiful? I love how different each of them looks. The artist captures their individual expressions.If you'd like more information on our goldendoodle puppies for sale, contact me at laurie rainfieldgoldendoodles. While we normally have all our goldendoodle puppies spoken for by the.Are you wondering about therapy dog training for goldendoodles? Anyone with a goldendoodle in their life knows that they have an amazing ability to connect with people. As such, we've had quite a few of our sweet Rainfield.Appreciation of Service Dogs by rainfield Jul 28, News 0 Comments Remembering Valorie and Her Loving Appreciation of Service Dogs I was thinking about my sweet grandaughter, Valorie, who left this world 4 years ago and thought I would do a post in her memrory and in appreciation of service dogs. For 18 years, my husband and I were.We have a male goldendoodle puppy and 2 females ready to go now. They are doing well on their potty training and crate training and are pretty much house trained with crate training. They are learning manners and.Little Archie is a three month old F1b goldendoodle puppy. I spent a few.Take those goldendoodles on vacation with you and encourage them to be one of those beach loving goldendoodles! Sweet Noelle had her first trip to the beach last week. We have got a beautiful male and female goldendoodle puppy for sale and ready to go home now. Both are apricot in color. The male has a curlier coat and the female a shaggier, wavy coat. Both are expected to.Seeing Goldendoodles Everywhere! I passed by this sewing machine busily.Are you looking for a handsome male goldendoodle pup ready now? Meet Archie, a charming male goldendoodle puppy. Archie has his first shots and is doing well on his crate and potty trainng. He's on a good schedule and is a good eater.We have some beautiful medium goldendoodle puppies ready to go in early May. These F1b pups will likely range in size from pounds full grown. We have three girls as of the posting of this blog post, one

Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Puppies are so cute! Just the thought of a little pup romping around the room and playing with his many toys makes people smile. And puppy kisses are the best! But it takes a lot of planning and work to have a successful relationship with the new addition. Remaining with them until then helps him learn how to appropriately play and interact with others. It also teaches him bite inhibition, so that he learns not to bite down too hard on our skin. So what exactly should we expect from our 8 week old puppy? Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are curious about everything. Choose the room your puppy will be in the most and make sure that electrical cords, hazardous chemicals, medications, and small items that can be ingested are out of his reach. When you get him, try to obtain a blanket or toy with the scent of his mother and littermates if possible. That will help him feel more at ease in a new environment. The breeder of my Lhasa apso Ralphie gave us a toy with those scents to help him make the transition, as he had a familiar scent with him which I placed in his pen at home. She was born in rescue but was the last of a litter of nine to be adopted when I saw her. But she made the transition fine. These include the following: Crates and exercise pens. But make sure you buy one with a divider included so that you can adjust the size of the crate as he grows. Collar and leash. Some breeders and rescues provide these. You may also want a harness to walk him. Clean-up tools. Chew deterrent. They make chew deterrents for various surfaces, such as for cloth or for wood such as furniture or baseboards. Toys and chew items. There are so many toys on the market today. Purchase a variety of safe types—some squeak, others rattle. And safe chews like Kong toys and Nylabones are important, because the puppy will explore the world with his mouth. Food and treats. You may want to change the puppy to a food you prefer. Many breeders and rescues will provide you with starter food. Then, if you change it, do so over at least a week or two. Other Preparations In addition to puppy-proofing your home and getting the above-listed items, there are other appointments you should have lined up prior to getting your pup, if possible. Have a veterinarian appointment set for your new puppy to be checked within the first few days after you get him. So, if you can, book the appointment in advance. When you meet with the vet, ask about what vaccinations your puppy will need. Puppies who are eight-weeks old generally have already had their distemper, adenovirus II, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. Discuss with your vet the appropriate heartworm preventative and flea and tick products for your puppy. Also ask about your puppy being microchipped. A microchip is really important should your puppy get lost. If you have the time, also look into puppy kindergarten and socialization classes. Make sure that the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience in training puppies. And the facility should be clean and well-run. All puppies admitted to any classes should also be required to have age-appropriate vaccinations. Post Arrival After your new furry bundle of joy has arrived, the fun starts! And play with him and train him. Some breeders and rescues may have already started to house train him. Scheduling Puppies need consistency. So have a schedule for his feeding, pottying, training, exercise, and socialization. At eight weeks old, he may be getting three to four feedings per day. So feed him each meal at the same time each day. And have a basic schedule for his other needs. You may need other people to help out with some of his needs, such as house training. Socialization Socialization means exposing your new puppy, in a positive manner, to all the things that he will have to face in the real world. So he should be trained to walk over various surfaces, hear everyday noises, and meet friendly people and pets. But you can still have friends and family members over to meet him. And give them tidbits of treats to give the puppy to make any encounter such as petting a positive one. Of course, first give your new puppy a few days to settle in at your home before you expose him to even more new experiences. At home, too, get him used to the sounds of water running, the dishwasher and other appliances running, and the vacuum. You get the idea. Make each a positive experience, giving him a piece of kibble or a small treat. And do this slowly not to overwhelm him. And get him used to car rides. A very young puppy will have to go to the bathroom after he eats, sleeps, and has any excitement including play. He has very little bladder control at eight weeks old. A young puppy can hold his urine about one hour more than his age. So he can hold it about three hours at two months old. You may want to have an exercise pen set up as a safe area. You can place a potty pad at one end and a bed or towel as his bed at the other end. And place a few safe toys, including a puppy Kong. I just make sure to take the puppy out at the right times. Handling Your puppy has to get used to handling and grooming. You can have him chew a safe chew or lick moist food or Kong stuffing out of a Kong to occupy his mouth and make the training exercise positive. Get him used to gently massaging his whole body, including feet and touching his nails. Get him used to gently opening his mouth. Calmly praise any calm behavior. Keep the sessions very short—a few minutes at most. You should do only a part of his body during each session or it will probably be too much for him. If he struggles, calmly wait until he settles before releasing him. Obedience Training Your new puppy is basically a blank slate. He has to learn all the commands to live with us successfully. Training also helps the puppy bond with you. Of course, give him a day or two to settle in for most commands. But you can still help him learn his identity. So, first, teach him his name. You can show him a piece of his kibble or a tiny treat and hold it near your face when you say his name. Do this a few times. Then try to just say his name, not holding the food near your face. When he looks at you, again praise and reward. Remember to never use his name in a negative manner, such as for a correction. Always start any training session without any distractions. Your puppy has to be able to focus on you to learn. One of the first commands we teach our puppies is to sit. You can hold a treat just above his nose and slowly move it back towards his forehead. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Another command I teach puppies in the first week is to come to me. I make it a lot of fun. Some puppies adapt easily, whereas others buck against the leash. Other Normal Puppy Behaviors Puppies explore the world with their mouths. So the little land sharks will try to chew on you and whatever they can reach. This is where your safe toys and chews come in. Always redirect him to the safe items and praise when he chews them. Puppy zoomies are normal. All of a sudden, your puppy may run around the room bouncing off the furniture. This is normal. Final Thoughts New puppies are so much fun! Do you have a puppy or have you had one? Please tell us about it 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. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. How much exercise does an 8 week old Lab puppy need? Feeding and Care Regimen for an 8-Week Labrador Puppy Getting a new puppy can be exciting and overwhelming for novice puppy owners. Here are some tips for feeding your 8-week-old lab puppy: Feed your Labrador puppy times daily with small portions of puppy food. Avoid feeding table scraps, as it can lead to an upset stomach. Choose a quiet and comfortable place for your Labrador puppy to eat. Always provide fresh water with every meal. Treats and Water Giving your Labrador puppy treats as a reward for good behavior is highly effective. However, choosing them wisely is essential. Here are some tips: Choose healthy and age-appropriate treats for your new Labrador puppy. Avoid giving your Labrador puppy human food as treats. Make sure to provide fresh water in a clean bowl at all times. Keep your Labrador puppy up-to-date on flea and tick prevention. Microchipping Microchipping your Labrador puppy is essential for its safety and identification. The microchip contains your contact information, making it easier to find your Labrador puppy if they get lost. Steer clear of toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard if swallowed. Establish a bedtime routine that includes a last potty break. Encourage your Labrador puppy to sleep soundly through the night. House Training 8-Week Labrador Puppies With this new addition comes the responsibility of house-training your dog. Training your Labrador puppy to behave well takes patience and consistency, but it can be done successfully. Potty Training Potty training is a crucial aspect of house training a young puppy. Follow these steps for effective potty training: Establish a routine for potty breaks, including after meals, naps, and playtime. Select a location for your Labrador puppy to relieve itself and consistently take them there. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or verbal praise, when your Labrador puppy successfully goes potty outside. During indoor accidents, clean thoroughly to avoid future mishaps in the same spot. Follow these tips for successful crate training : Choose an appropriately sized crate for your dog, allowing enough room for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down. To acquaint your Labrador puppy with the crate, begin with brief periods and gradually lengthen their time inside it. Ensure your dog views the crate positively through positive reinforcement, such as treats or toys. Please refrain from using the crate for discipline or leaving your dog in it for long periods. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or puppy kisses, when puppies allow handling without resistance. Gradually introduce your dog to grooming activities, like brushing and bathing, to get them used to being handled. Follow these tips for successful socialization: Gradually and positively introduce your dog to other animals, family members, and environments. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, when your dog interacts positively with positive experience. Teach Basic Commands Teaching your 8-week-old Labrador puppy basic commands is crucial for their safety and well-being. Here are some basic commands you can teach your 8-week-old puppy: Sit: Teach puppies to sit by slowly holding a small treat above their head and moving it back towards its tail. Following the treat with their head, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. Once they sit, reward them with the treat. Come: Put a long leash on puppies and let them wander a short distance away from you. It will teach them what is acceptable and what is not, preventing them from developing bad habits. Here are some ways to establish boundaries and limitations: Use consistent language and commands when teaching your 8 week old puppy. Set rules for where puppies are allowed to go in your home. Use baby gates or closed doors to restrict access to certain areas of your home. It will prevent them from developing bad habits that can be challenging to break later on. Here are some ways to avoid unwanted behaviors: Supervise the puppies closely and correct unwanted behaviors like chewing or jumping. Offer them lots of toys and activities, like play biting, to keep your Labrador Retriever puppy from getting bored. Avoid giving your pup too much freedom too soon. Gradually increase its independence as it becomes more obedient and reliable. Consistency and Patience Consistency and patience are key in obedience training for your eight week old puppy. Training takes time and effort, but you can help your puppy become a well-behaved, obedient, and happy adult dog with consistency and patience. Here are some ways to be consistent and patient: Stick to a consistent training routine and use the same commands and language. Be patient with your puppy and avoid getting frustrated or angry. Leash Training Leash training is essential to obedience training for your 8-week lab puppy. It will teach them how to walk calmly and obediently on a leash, prevent pulling, and ensure their safety while walking. Here are some ways to leash-train your puppy: Start with short walks with a dog walker in a low-distraction environment. Use a harness or collar that fits appropriately and is comfortable for your puppy. To promote good behavior, encourage your puppy to walk calmly by your side and praise and reward them with treats. Common Puppy Behaviors and Solutions Let us know about the common puppy behaviors and offer solutions to help you and your furry friend live harmoniously. Biting and Destructive Behavior Young puppies have a natural tendency to chew. To stop this bite inhibition, you can: Offer various toys to keep your new puppy engaged and entertained. Use positive reinforcement like treats to reward good behavior. Running Off New puppies have a lot of energy and may want to explore the world. It can be dangerous, as they may get lost or injured. To prevent this behavior, you can: Keeping your puppy in a fenced area or on a leash is essential when outside. Train them to come when called using treats and positive reinforcement Provide plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to satisfy their curiosity Naughty Behavior Older puppies sometimes exhibit naughty behavior, like barking excessively or begging for food. Sleeping Arrangements for an 8-Week Lab Puppy Here are some helpful tips on creating the ideal sleeping arrangements for your furry friend: Puppy Safe Sleeping Area Puppy proofing is necessary to create a safe and comfortable sleeping area for your pup is crucial for their well-being. When creating a sleeping space, there are several factors to take into account: Choose a quiet, draft-free spot in your home where your puppy can rest without distractions. To keep your puppy safe, ensure their area is puppy proof, ie. Invest in a comfortable bed or mat for your pup to sleep on. Crate Training Most puppies subjected to crate training feel secure in their sleeping area. Here are some tips to crate train your puppy: Begin by selecting a crate with ample room for your pup to stand, turn, and rest easy. Make the crate cozy by placing a comfortable bed or blanket inside. Encourage your puppy to use the crate with treats and positive reinforcement daily. Here are some tips for creating a comfortable and safe space for your furry friend: Use a sturdy box big enough for your pup to move around in. Place a comfortable bed or blanket inside the box for your pup to sleep on. Being separated from their mother and littermates can cause anxiety and fear. Options for Sleeping Arrangements Deciding where dogs will sleep is crucial for their comfort and peace of mind. Consider the following options: Create a comfortable and secure sleeping space: Use a crate, a cozy bed, or a playpen to provide a designated sleeping area for your puppy. Make sure the area is away from drafts, noise, and distractions. Sleeping with you: Some pet owners prefer to have their puppies sleep with them. Here are some tips to help them settle: Introduce them to their sleeping area: Show your puppy where they will sleep and give them time to explore the area before bedtime. Establish a routine: Many puppies thrive on routine, and having a consistent bedtime routine will help them settle. Consider taking them for a short walk, followed by some playtime, and then a calming activity such as reading a book. Avoid picking them up or making a fuss, as this can reinforce the behavior. Cuddles and Fun for Children Expectation: Your children will have a new best friend to cuddle and play with, providing them with endless entertainment and joy. Reality: While Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and love for children, an 8-week-old Labrador puppy can be a handful. Puppies require a lot of attention, training, and patience, and children need to understand the importance of gentle play and supervised interaction with their new furry friend. Teach your children to approach the puppy calmly and quietly. Supervise playtime to prevent roughhousing. Success and Quick Results Expectation: You will have a well-behaved, obedient puppy in no time, with minimal effort. Reality: Training an 8 week old Labrador puppy takes time, patience, and consistency. Puppies are like babies and require regular attention. Start training to learn basic commands and appropriate behavior. Consistent dog training and positive reinforcement are critical, like in a large breed. Start with basic commands and gradually progress to more complex orders. Potty training can take few weeks, so be prepared for accidents. Reality Check Expectation: Your new puppy will be perfect and without any problems. Reality: While Labs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, puppies can exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, shoes, and other household items. Give dogs chew toys to prevent destructive chewing of furniture or belongings. Consistency and patience are essential to a well-behaved and happy puppy. Choosing Safe Play Areas Before starting playtime or exercise, select a secure area free from hazards such as sharp objects or toxic substances. Avoid areas with high foot traffic, especially those with other humans or dogs, to minimize the risk of illness exposure. Choose a clean and spacious area where your puppy can move freely without any restrictions. Remove objects, such as small toys or sharp objects, that can pose a choking hazard or cause injury. Here are some tips for providing your Lab puppy with the right amount of exercise and playtime: Start Slow — An 8-week-old Labrador puppy is still young and growing, and their bones and joints are still developing. Commence with brief strolls around the neighborhood, gradually increasing the duration and vigor of the activity. Playtime — Playtime is essential for Lab puppies to burn off energy and stimulate their minds. Toys such as Kongs, ropes, and balls are great for playing fetch and tug-of-war. Incorporating puzzle toys is a fantastic technique to mentally challenge and engage your puppy. Supervise your puppy while swimming and introduce them to the water slowly. Basic obedience training can be incorporated into playtime and mentally stimulate your puppy. FAQs How long do 8-week-old Lab puppies sleep? They need hours of sleep, with frequent naps, as they grow and develop into older dogs. What should a 8-week-old puppy be doing? They should be socializing, learning basic commands, and exploring their environment. How much do 8 week puppies sleep? They need around hours of sleep daily, divided into short naps and extended nighttime periods. How much should 8 week old Lab puppy eat? The general rule is to feed small meals daily, with 1. Most vets advise to gradually add more food as they grow. Can I leave my 8 week old Labrador puppy home alone? No, they need constant supervision and care at this age. If unavoidable, crate them for short periods with toys. What is normal 8 week old puppy behavior? They may exhibit playful biting, chewing, and exploring. They need training, socialization, and patience. How long can I leave my 8 week old puppy in a crate? Leaving an 8 week old Labrador puppy in a crate for more than two hours is not recommended. Gradually increase crate time as they grow. How long can an 8 week puppy hold it? An 8 week old Labrador puppy can typically hold their bladder for about two hours. Take them out frequently for potty breaks. How much should I feed my 8 week old yellow Lab puppy? Feed your 8 week old yellow Labrador Retriever puppy three to four small meals daily. There should be one to two cups of food during the meal time. How long does it take to potty train a chocolate Lab puppy? Potty training a chocolate Lab puppy can take several months. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key. An 8 week old Labrador puppy needs short, frequent playtime sessions and short walks on a flat surface. Avoid overexertion. About The Author Sarah Sheikh Labradors have an extraordinary capacity for love and companionship, and my mission is to help you unlock their full potential. Hi there! I'm Sarah, a proud contributor to Labradorandyou, the go-to online resource for all Labrador Retriever enthusiasts. As a lifelong owner and avid admirer of these remarkable dogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our readers. One of my strongest beliefs is in the power of positive reinforcement training. I'm truly passionate about helping our readers build strong, positive relationships with their Labradors. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned Labrador enthusiast, I aim to provide you with the resources and guidance to cultivate a bond that will endure a lifetime. Crate training , potty training , and learning to settle at night and will all begin in earnest at 8 weeks. Is your 8 week old puppy driving you crazy? Puppies, like babies, can be hard work. Not to mention annoying, and frustrating! But hang on in there. Chances are, you are sleep deprived, and your life has been turned upside down too. Many of the problems that arise with a new baby puppy, are easily resolved with just a little help. And looking after your puppy with diarrhea is no fun. Which he will, because Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out his food for him. You need to know how much your puppy needs to eat in a 24 hour period, and then divide that amount between at least 4 meals. First night with puppy Your 8 week old puppy should not sleep in or on your bed. Bed sharing with new puppies is too dangerous. He might fall off, and is likely to leave little puddles on your mattress and carpet. Later on you can bed share with your dog if you want to, but not right now, at least not unless you puppy proof the room and sleep on the floor. Your 8 week old puppy should not be free to roam the house at night. There is so much potential for harm. Even if you only sleep for six hours or so, there is a great deal of mischief your puppy can get up to in that time. So, the three main options that work well for 8 week old puppies are described next First night options for an 8 week old puppy Here are those three alternative sleeping arrangement for the first few nights Safe sleeping area Sturdy box or crate next to your bed 1 The puppy safe sleeping area Just before you go to bed and after taking your outside to empty himself, you can put the puppy to bed in a puppy proof room with a washable floor. Or you can put his bed inside a large puppy playpen. Put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads down to cover most of the floor. On the other hand you WILL have to get up in the night. Which option is best? It may also result in vomiting and diarrhea for your pup, and a lot of clearing up for you. It might seem irrational to you, but there are good reasons for your puppy to be scared. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. For a surprisingly long time. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. And so will your neighbors. The best way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights as described in Option 3 above. New puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying is the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. How much do puppies sleep? Your 8 week old puppy will spend around 18 to 20 hours asleep out of every .But dogs continue to sleep for long periods throughout their lives. Sleeping often and deeply is normal for an 8 week old puppy. This is nothing to worry about if your puppy is energetic and playful when awake, eating and growing well, and seems healthy in every other respect Potty training your 8 week old puppy. Potty training your 8 week old Labrador puppy can start on the very first day. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. If you opt to leave your puppy at night with puppy pads or newspaper, expect it to take a little longer than this before you come down to a nice clean floor each morning. Getting up earlier for a while is a given with an 8 week old puppy. Puppies pee much more frequently often the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, and you want to crate train, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. An 8 week old puppy should not be left in a crate for hours at a time during the day. The secret to success in crate training a new puppy lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. Your puppy will quickly become comfortable with you disappearing for a few minutes if you reliably return. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behavior. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Despite learning early bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, puppies continue this spikey behavior when you bring them home. Destructive puppy behavior Your 8 week old puppy will chew, gnaw and dig around the home. It can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. Supervision, playpens and puppy crates will help keep your home in tact during the destructive phase. Puppies running off 8 week old puppies need time off leash. Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are retrieving dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy We expect an awful lot from our tiny puppies. Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. Some of our expectations are simply not in line with the way puppies think and behave. Cuddles We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. TIP: Wait for your puppy to stop wriggling before you place him on the floor or he will wriggle harder next time! A fun friend for children We expect that our children will be able to play with a new puppy, but small puppies often bite and wriggle too much for little ones to enjoy them. Those pleasures tend to come later TIP: Use baby gates to give toddlers and puppies space apart from one another Success and quick results We expect that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. But potty training and obedience training take time. Your 8 week old puppy will have accidents in the house to begin with and needs your help to understand what you want him to do next. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. And he will be, in time. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up puppy pee and poop every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. And most of the problems described above can be avoided or passed through without too much pain, if you have the right information! And a little preparation. You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and of course it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge.

Proof of service or military ID must be presented at the time of adoption. Pets younger than two years will have normal adoption fees. What is included in the adoption fee? All Pet Adoptions Include: Spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one year registration with the City of Houston. BARC strongly recommends taking your newly adopted pet to a veterinarian within 72 hours for a follow up exam. If the pet becomes sick BARC offers treatment for newly adopted pets within two weeks of the adoption date. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease which affects dogs and other mammals in the United States and other parts of the world. This disease is transmitted by mosquitos. It does not spread from dog to dog so it is safe to adopt a heartworm-positive dog. Heartworm disease can be resolved and most dogs respond well to treatment and can live long and happy lives! If the dog you have chosen to adopt is heartworm positive, we will have you speak to a medical team member prior to completing the adoption. The team member will be able to answer any questions you may have, help you learn more about this disease, and what the treatment will entail. Heartworm disease can be prevented. Due to the high density of the disease and mosquitos in our area, all dogs in your household should be on heartworm prevention. Visit www. How do I adopt a pet in Foster Care? Pets in Foster Care are not physically in the shelter except for on special event days. If you have found a pet from foster care that you would like to adopt or learn more about, Email barcfoster houstontx. Please allow at least 48 hours for the foster caregiver to reach out. Once you have met the pet and confirm you would like to adopt, our foster team will reach out to you on how to start the adoption process. For most pets, the adoption will still have to be done in person at BARC. For more information on adopting a pet from foster care, please contact barcfoster houstontx. Please come to BARC before 1 p. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers Is it all worth it? Of course! She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and in fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Boxers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Boxers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite and reduced activity level. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Boxer. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Boxer causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, Boxers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Boxers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer, very often prescribed for travel and other anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin for safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Taking Care of Your Boxer at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Boxer live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boxer needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Boxer counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

Temperament and Personality These dogs are attention seekers, loving to be close to their family members, also following them wherever they go, a trait well-inherited from both their parents. Being easy-going, they mingle well with children of all ages, loving to play with them, though adults should supervise because of their small size of these dogs. They are also excellent with canine and noncanine pets, but owing to their short stature, they should not be left alone with big dogs. Having a great sense of humor, the fun-loving Frugs are natural charmers, always desiring to entertain and please their owners in every way they can. The French Bulldog Pug mixes cannot thrive well in too warm or very close temperature. Inheriting the curiosity of their parents, particularly the Pug, they are curious about all that is going on around them. They get along well with strangers, though the guard dog instinct inherent in their genes could be triggered if not given proper training. Care Exercise These moderately active dogs would do fine when taken for a leisurely walk on a regular basis. However, they cannot stand excessive exercise. The Frenchie Pug puppies are more active than the older dogs that have a calm disposition loving to relax in apartments. However, engage them in some activity of the other as they get dejected on being left alone. Grooming Owing to their short coats, these dogs need very less grooming. However, brush them once a week to remove the dead hairs from their coat. Bathe your pet when he gets dirty, or to get rid of the hassle of bathing, you can wipe his body with a wet cloth. Make sure to keep the wrinkles on their face dry to prevent infection of any kind. Check their ears and do not let excessive wax accumulate. Their nails are also to be kept clean to ensure proper hygiene. Health Problems Though they are healthy, they might suffer from some of the common ailments of their parents. Patellar luxation, cataract, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, allergies, breathing difficulties, and entropion are a few of them Training Obedience: As it tends to get stubborn and willful, just like its parents, giving it obedience training since its puppy days is essential. Watchdog training: As it is intelligent and courageous similar to the French bulldog, you can train him to be a good watchdog. Acquaint him with different people and experiences so that he can differentiate normal circumstances from suspicious ones. Tricks: As it always desires to amuse and charm its owners, you can take this opportunity and teach it skills like walking backward. After he has performed the trick, give him lots of praises and pats or even a treat. Feeding The Frenchie Pug will need about one and a half to two cups of dry dog food every day. Overfeeding them might make them obese. Frug Description The Frenchie Pug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Their mother is a brindle French Bulldog and their father is a fawn Pug. He enjoys play dates with his best friend Ginger who is a Corgi. They play for hours chasing playing tug of war and wrestling. Banx is a cuddler, and loves being by my side. What a gift, a true blessing. He was the best birthday present for me. He also thinks he is a guard dog, but warms up very quickly to the guests; he will even sneak a kiss in if he can. He loves to go rollerblading and running like a wild man with other dogs in the park, but his favorite things to do are eat and sleep. When he passes out, he snores very loudly, and there's no waking him up. She is very devoted, and hasn't got a drop of aggression in her. Very balanced dog. Very clever too. Robber the second-generation white and black Frenchie Pug puppy at 4 months old See more examples of the Frenchie Pug. These pups are irresistible, especially at a young age, but before you head to the breeder, you should know what to expect from your Frenchie Pug puppy. First and most importantly, know that Frenchie Pug puppies are not easy to train. This breed can be stubborn and a bit strong-willed, so be prepared to dedicate some time to teaching them the basics. This includes commands like sit, stay, and come, but it also includes housebreaking. These things often take more time with Frenchie Pugs than they do with other breeds, so you must have patience and be consistent with training. You should also know that since Frenchie Pugs inherit traits from both French Bulldogs and Pugs, their appearance can vary quite a bit based on which parent they resemble more. Frenchie Pugs Come From Royal Ancestors You know that Frenchie Pugs are the offspring of a French Bulldog and a Pug, but what you may not know is that their Pug ancestors were believed to be the preferred companion dog of Chinese royalty. Unlike most mixed breeds that can inherit personality traits and behavioral tendencies from one or both parent breeds and ultimately vary quite a bit, the Frenchie Pug comes from two pretty similar parent breeds. What this means for you is that you can rest assured that the dog you welcome into your family will be loving, affectionate, playful, energetic, and needy. Knowing what to expect in terms of the temperament of your dog is very important to some people, so this is definitely a positive feature of this crossbreed. Frenchie Pugs Are Good for Apartment Living Finding a dog that is suitable to live with you in an apartment can be challenging for many reasons, but one of the biggest is barking. If you do live in an apartment where noise is a big issue, the Frenchie Pug may be perfect for you. This breed is generally very quiet and barks very rarely. If your routine will leave your Frenchie Pug at home alone for long stretches, this may not be the best type of dog for you. The more human interaction and attention your Frenchie Pug gets, the happier they will be. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, while some breeds are simply good for families and children, Frenchie Pugs thrive in a family environment. Socialization early on will aid in cultivating this kind of calm and accepting personality, but your Frenchie Pug will likely have these traits naturally. Like all breeds, Frenchie Pugs should be eating a high-protein diet that includes healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. No specific diet restrictions exist with this breed, so any high-quality commercial dog food will do. It should be noted that high-quality food is key, as low-tier dog foods that contain fillers can lead to health problems for any breed. This is particularly important for dogs like the Frenchie Pug who is genetically predisposed to medical issues already. Many small dogs are prone to overeating and obesity, and the Frenchie Pug is no exception. One minute walk each day or a few minute walks on a daily basis will be perfect for this breed and will help minimize weight gain. To put it simply, Frenchie Pugs are pretty lazy dogs, and as long as they get their recommended walking time in each day, they will happily lie on the couch with you or sit with you while you work or watch TV. Routine walking will keep your puppy in tip-top shape. However, these dogs are also strong-willed and can offer up some serious difficulty for inexperienced dog owners. Like we mentioned earlier, the French Bulldog Pug mix normally takes a bit longer to get housebroken, so expect to put in some additional effort to get your pup to this point. This will make your job and your life a whole lot easier. Shedding is, however, one downside to this breed, as Frenchie Pugs do tend to shed quite a bit. While you may not have to brush your pup too often, you should be prepared to vacuum regularly. Since Frenchie Pugs inherit some of their physical traits from their wrinkly Pug parent breed, your dog may have skin folds that require regular cleaning to prevent infection. This largely depends on how much of that adorable wrinkliness your Frenchie Pug exhibits; physical traits can vary on an individual level. Lastly, regular grooming practices like teeth and ear cleaning every other week or so will go a long way in preventing tooth and gum issues as well as ear infections. French Bulldogs and Pugs are not known for their heartiness, and their common ailments can be seen in this breed as well. Regular vet visits are essential for the French Bulldog Pug Mix, and your pup may require more testing and medical screening than other breeds. This can lead to higher-than-normal vet bills, so be aware of this and the below common conditions found in this breed. Minor Conditions Eyelid issues like entropion and ectropion Patellar Luxation. Hundreds of abandoned and abused dogs are surrendered so there might be a chance for you to find a French Bulldog Pug here. Brush the hair with firm bristles at least once a week to get rid of dead hairs. You can use a wet cloth to wipe off a speck of dirt or bathe your dog entirely if he becomes all grubby and grimy. Always see to it that the creases on the face are thoroughly dried up to prevent any infection. Clean both ears and trim their nails regularly. French Bulldog Pugs Health Problems It is typical for hybrids like the Pug and French bulldog Combination to inherit the health condition that has afflicted the parent breed. Being born hale and hearty is not always a guarantee that they will not develop the same problem. Screening tests are now available to help breeders determine which dog to breed. Ultimately, you need to be conscious and be able to recognize the signs for these illnesses. Glaucoma is caused by high pressure that builds up in the eye. This may impair the optic nerve and can result in total blindness. It usually starts with just one eye and can progress into the other. Cataracts affect the lens of the eyes, making them dense and opaque. The most common cause is genetic. Diabetic dogs are more vulnerable and prone to develop this disease. Eye injury and infection are also common causes. Allergies or allergic reaction whether from food or the season may be in progress if you notice an increase in scratching, licking, and chewing. Antihistamines usually work wonders. Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease related to allergies. Like most allergies, the signs include itching, scratching, rubbing, and licking, especially around the face, paws, and underarms. Entropion is when the eyelashes, including the skin around the eye, have direct contact with the cornea. This condition is either congenital caused by an anatomic defect or acquired as a result of trauma. Dogs with dislocated kneecaps exhibit prolonged and abnormal movement of the hindlimb. You may find them occasionally skipping or limping. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is characterized by elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, everted Laryngeal Saccules. Brachycephalic dogs like the French bulldog and Pug mix, often have difficulty breathing and may have respiratory problems. Health issues may affect their quality of life. Therefore, it is your responsibility to look after the welfare of your Pug French bulldog. It is essential that you limit activities that may lead to excessive physical exertion. Keep in mind that these mongrels are also unable to swim so try to keep them away from pools or puddles. Exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat can make them susceptible to illnesses so make sure that you monitor their temperature. Pug French Bulldog Food Requirements Your primary goal is to properly nourish your French Bulldog Pug, so you may want to give him only the best food brands available in the market. They could do with approximately one and a half to two cups of dry dog food in a single day. Measuring the amount of food you serve and monitoring how much he eats are highly recommended. Find products that they will also enjoy eating. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support supple skin and a beautiful coat, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and probiotics to assist in proper digestion. It is free from any artificial ingredients, by-products or fillers. It is also rich in antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, probiotics and more. It has DHA that promotes optimum brain development and probiotics that aids digestion. It also has omega-3 fish oils, vitamins, and minerals. It has no additives and harmful chemicals; VeRUS provides ample nourishment for a growing dog. It is one of the most popular natural dog foods in the market. It is totally free of grain and corn, wheat and soy which makes it easy to digest and definitely safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. With percent which is by far the highest animal-based protein compared to other dog food, Nulo does not use by-products or any other food derivatives. Their recipe is free of artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. With no common allergens added, this dog food is an excellent choice for Pug and French bulldog combination with sensitive stomachs and skin allergies. It is completely free of wheat, corn, and soy and has probiotics for good digestion. Orijen Senior Dog Orijen Senior Dog food is manufactured with 80 percent meat and fish making it a good source of high-quality protein. It provides natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine which supports healthy joints. Key benefits include Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat, an increased amount of protein and L-Carnitine for healthy muscles, carbohydrates for energy, Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants for immune system health and natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine for mobility and healthy joints. The formula is enhanced with guaranteed probiotics and fiber to help support digestion especially among sensitive pets, high-quality protein to maintain ideal body condition, and added glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Chicken, turkey, and beef are great sources of protein. Salmon and tuna are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which promotes healthy brain and heart and good eyesight. Rice, wheat, and grains are carbohydrates that our pets can actually digest. But as they grow old, they become more relaxed. They are known to be moderately active dogs, so too much exercise is dangerous. Physical activities for about minutes ensure that your dog gets a sufficient amount of exercise and stimulation. A leisurely walk each day is one activity that your dog will surely enjoy. You may also engage them in play using toys. Luckily, these toys are readily available in the market: Throwables — for playing fetch and tossing JW Pet Products Hol-ee Roller — Your dog, develops problem-solving skills as they work to extricate treats or toys from this rubber ball. Launchers and Chuckit! Ultra Ball — Bring your fetching experience to the next level with the launcher and a high bouncing ball that also floats in water. Chewables — for chewing and teething Kong Original Toy Rubber — Stuff it with treats and your dog will find this satisfying. It also reduces distress caused by separation anxiety. The toy teaches your dog how to focus attention and helps lessen hyperactivity. The structure provides adequate comfort and optimum levels of relaxation. Furthermore, consistent and regular training will help you achieve desirable results. Obedience — Training your Mix of Pug and French Bulldog may be a little daunting as they prove to very obstinate and may have difficulty picking up on tasks. Establish yourself as the master and let him know you are in control. Watchdog — You may start this training by letting your dog socialize or mingle with other people. This will provide him experiences that will help develop his sense of inquisitiveness. Through this, your Mix of Pug and French Bulldog will be able to recognize suspicious activities around him. Tricks — They will always aim to please so you can use this opportunity to teach your pet friend entertaining and interesting tricks like a handshake, kiss, crawl, walking backward and a lot more. Ultimately, it is important to reinforce training with love — let your mix of French Bulldog and Pug know and feel your appreciation by giving him treats or toys. French Bulldog Pug and Families The cross between Pug and French Bulldog are gaining much popularity as household pets because of their lovable and affectionate nature. This is very appealing, especially among the younger generation. Before you take home the newest member of your family, there are certain things that you need to consider. Establish the rules and assign responsibilities like who is going to feed, bathe, and walk him. Designate one activity room in your household where family members can mingle with your new pet while pointing out which rooms is off-limits. Being the champion chewers as they are the combination of French Bulldog and Pug have a penchant for biting into things so you need to organize your belongings ahead of time. You may consider building up a temporary living space that is gated off.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. By Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Jun. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are in the herding breed group, which means they are high-energy and love having a job or an outlet for regular exercise. They are known for their confidence, loyalty, and bravery, as well as their ability to thrive with expert levels of dog training and obedience. German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and police for patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue. This large dog breed has an average weight ranging from 65—90 pounds. They are typically 22—26 inches tall with a life expectancy of 10—12 years. Caring for a German Shepherd German Shepherds are incredibly active dogs that require intense training and regular exercise to keep them out of trouble physically and mentally. They are best for active families and experienced pet parents. Socialization and consistent training will be essential when a German Shepherd is a puppy. This will help them to grow out of unruly behaviors such as nipping and jumping. German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds a lot. They will also typically go through a molting, which is a period of excessive shedding, one to two times a year. German Shepherd Health Issues While German Shepherds have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to several health problems. A trustworthy breeder will screen both male and female dogs being bred for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds commonly also get gastric dilation and volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat, as well as cancer, allergies, heart disease, and a few other conditions. Pet parents of German Shepherds should be highly educated on the symptoms to look for, as early detection is the key to a good prognosis for any serious condition. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic disorder that affects the spinal cord, slowly causing paralysis of the back legs. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind end and difficulty standing up. Watch your dog carefully for signs of pain and discomfort that come on gradually rather than suddenly. Check their claws at least once a month to watch for signs of uneven wear which would indicate a subtle lameness. There is no treatment for this condition, but physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and protect their ability to use their legs. While there is no cure, you can test for this condition using a DNA-based blood test submitted to the University of Florida or the University of Missouri. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that can cause lifelong pain in the front limbs. Hip dysplasia is another degenerative joint disease that affects the hind end. Clinical signs include limping, decreased range of motion, and other signs of pain—especially later in life, as arthritis sets in because of this disease process. The treatment for all degenerative joint diseases includes weight loss, reduced activity, joint protection supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, or surgery. Cancer Cancer can develop in German Shepherds at any age, but usually occurs later in life. Common cancers include hemangiosarcoma and bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often detected in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and the heart. The signs of hemangiosarcoma are usually related to internal bleeding, with symptoms such as weakness, white or pale gums, trouble breathing, a distended abdomen, and collapse. Other signs are usually nonspecific and indicate overall malaise, including lethargy, panting, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment plans can include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Bloat Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Bloat, or gastric dilation and volvulus GDV is a sudden life-threatening condition when the stomach enlarges with gas bloat and then twists upon itself GDV. This happens commonly in deep-chested, large-breed dogs such as German Shepherds. To limit the risk of GDV, German Shepherds should wait at least 30 minutes to one hour after eating to resume exercising. Another way to help prevent your German Shepherd from developing a life-threatening GDV would be via gastropexy. A gastropexy permanently attaches the stomach to the inside body wall. This fixation of the stomach prevents the stomach from being able to twist upon itself. Allergies Allergies in German Shepherds can be first seen with symptoms such as itchy skin, skin infections , ear infections , or digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. A thorough medical history and physical examination, diagnostic testing of skin and ears, blood work, and fecal tests are warranted if you suspect that your dog has allergies. Allergies in dogs can be treated by avoiding the cause and the allergen and managing the symptoms that exist with diet therapy and medications. Heart Disease Heart disease, specifically DCM dilated cardiomyopathy , valvular disease, and heart murmurs, can be common in German Shepherds. A special diet should also be considered to restrict sodium intake and to increase the amount of certain amino acids to promote heart health. Dogs with significant heart disease should not be pushed to exercise beyond their limits. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is a digestive health issue that occurs when the cells of the pancreas do not produce enzymes and hormones normally. The most common symptom is weight loss, despite your pet having a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms of EPI include soft stool or diarrhea; excessive gas; desire to eat feces and other unusual objects; flaky skin; or rough coat. Once the pancreas is damaged to the point that symptoms of EPI develop, you must give your dog pancreatic enzyme supplements and other treatments for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, with proper management, your dog can still live a happy life with this condition. Pannus Pannus, or superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated painful eye condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. It occurs more often in dogs that live at high altitudes, those with increased exposure to UV light, and in areas with severe air pollution. Keeping dogs indoors during the sunniest part of the day, providing a doghouse shelter, or trying a specialty pair of doggie sunglasses like Rex Specs may prove very helpful in preventing this issue. Most of these conditions have a genetic component and can be avoid by good breeding and preventive screening practices. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis. How Much to Feed a German Shepherd In general, puppies should be fed 3—4 times per day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. How much you feed is determined by the specific food your German Shepherd eats. You can ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the dog food manufacturer, as AAFCO-approved diets have veterinary nutritionists who help determine these requirements. There are some theories that German Shepherds that are fed smaller, more frequent meals have a lower incidence of bloat and stomach problems. How to Feed a German Shepherd Although there is a genetic component, science shows that rapid long bone growth in puppies such as German Shepherds and other large- and giant-breed dogs contributes to development of joint and bone conditions. Rapid bone growth is suspected to be caused by overfeeding and calcium supplementation. German Shepherds that are fed free-choice or overfed are at higher risk of rapid bone growth. Maintaining lean body weight will also help to decrease the rate of bone growth. Calcium supplements and adult dog foods rich in calcium should never be given to German Shepherd puppies under 6 months of age, as they cannot absorb calcium appropriately when they are that young. Conditions caused by rapid long bone growth and excess calcium supplementation can include: Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondrosis dissecans of the shoulder, knee, wrists, and ankles. This is improper growth and blood supply in a joint, which requires surgery to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy HOD. This is inflammation of the bone under the growth plate; it can cause severe joint swelling, pain, fever, anorexia, lameness, and not wanting to move. This is an inflammation of the long bones and associated blood vessels. Joint swelling is uncommon, but the symptoms are similar to HOD. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids high-quality fish oil are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses. Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis , which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues. Probiotics Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets. German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies. Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased. Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. German Shepherd Behavior German Shepherds, like other herding dogs, tend to be on the nippy side. They have very powerful jaws, and unfortunately, they frequently bite. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. The German Shepherd dog is a pack animal. They need you to be the leader of the pack, providing structure and guidance. The key to success is consistency and practice; you will get the behavior you reward. German Shepherds from working lines have an extremely strong drive to work and may be more dog than most people can or want to handle. German Shepherds are very smart companions and exceptional workers. This helps you build the right foundation for your puppy to evolve into a well-adapted and well-mannered adult dog. Conversely, when your dog barks at you to pet them, do not start petting them until they sit down and quietly wait for you to do so. Soon they will learn that they get what they desire without the excessive, unnecessary behavior. German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and a reward system, such as a treats or toys to help strengthen the human-animal bond. They become very bonded to all members of the family and will be willing to participate in many family activities. Fun Activities for German Shepherd Herding. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help. They still have their cute side of course, but they are often a whole lot more work than most people expect. And when it comes to German Shepherd puppies, while not anymore difficult than any other breed, there are a few specific things that may help both you and your furry pup through the struggle of puppy-hood. German Shepherds, in general, tend to be very loyal, loving, and protective. But they do have other characteristics that are good to be aware of before getting a puppy, in order to ensure that they are the right match for you. German Shepherd puppies can be a little shy and anxious sometimes, which, if not treated properly could develop into fear-based aggression. Socialization becomes very important for these puppies in order to keep the shyness and aggression in check. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and intelligent. So keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the doggie activities! If you like your privacy, you may want to reconsider getting a German Shepherd because these puppies will follow you everywhere. Training in this area becomes extremely critical if you want to prevent their biting from transitioning into a much more dangerous game. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly intense when it comes to playtime, so get ready for some heavy-duty wrestling. You will need to supervise any interactions with other dogs to ensure that nobody gets hurt. A German Shepherd puppy just might be the right one for you. Finding Your Puppy The first step in caring for your puppy is finding your puppy, and the best place to go for that is a reputable breeder. While you can find plenty of breeders on the internet, your best bet would be to ask for referrals from other German Shepherd owners that you know. This way you can ensure that you find a German Shepherd puppy that has been well cared for from birth, giving you a great head start. And while there will be many times for playing and cuddling during the first few days and onward, even the very first moments you spend with your puppy are extremely critical for training. Potty Training Little puppies have little bladders, which means they will have to relieve themselves every two hours or so until they are about six months old. Take your puppy to your designated potty area frequently and praise your pup if he goes in the right place. Using a specific spot, rather than just the entire backyard, will help immensely during potty training. Sticking to a schedule can help minimize accidents. A good starting point is to take your puppy outside 20 minutes after eating, as this is generally when he will need to relieve himself. You will also need to wake up two or three times in the night to check on your pup. And keep an eye on him throughout the day. If he is whimpering uneasily, he probably needs to potty. Crate Training Crate training your German Shepherd puppy will become a huge help while you are teaching him the house rules. It also helps give them a safe place they can call their own. Keep your crate somewhere in the home where there are people around to supervise, but not too public or chaotic of a place that he will feel scared or threatened. Also, make sure the crate is not so small that they feel trapped and uncomfortable. Your pup should be able to comfortably stretch and lie down if they want to. Even when your dog is in the crate, make sure he is on his best behavior. If your pup exhibits bad behavior in the crate and you respond by taking him out, he may develop bad habits. Once your puppy calms down or shows good behavior, reward him by letting him out and giving him praise. Socialization Especially as German Shepherd puppies can lean more towards the aggressive side, socialization is critical if you want to keep this aggression in check. Letting your puppy meet new people and new dogs during the first couple months of life can really make a difference in his social skills and overall behavior. Let your puppy spend quality time with the family and everyone who may frequent your home such as neighbors, relatives, and babysitters. General Training The first thing your puppy should learn during training is that you are in charge. Otherwise, your puppy will take on that role himself and you could lose control completely. German Shepherd puppies respond well to positive training techniques, so keep those treats handy! Feeding Although your German Shepherd puppy may be small, his diet should not be. Growing from a puppy to an adult dog is hard work, and he will need a strong, healthy diet in order to do it. Until 6 months of age your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day. The best way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of grub is to check his ribs. You should be able to feel them through his skin, but not see them. The most common type of puppy food is your everyday kibble, but actually, raw dog foods are the best way to go, even for the littlest of pups. About Emilyn Gil Hello! My name is Emilyn and I am currently studying English at Utah Valley University and working as a copywriter, researcher and mother. Although I have had just one dog throughout my life, my sweet Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel mix, Pup, has given me many fond memories that I hold dear. In addition, have also owned and cared for cats, fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, chickens, goats, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. Every one of these adorable pets has given me a love for all kinds of animal friends, which is something that I hope to share here at TruDog.

Some of these similarities are discussed below. Purebred —Both these breeds are purebred because they are not the result of any crossbreeding combination. Size — Both Golden Retriever and Labrador have a similar size when they grow up. Their heights range from 21 to 24 inches while they can weigh from 55 to 80 pounds. Shedding — Puppies of Golden retriever and Labrador shed heavily. They are considered non- hypoallergenic and require regular grooming and a high-quality diet to minimize shedding. Lifespan — Both these breeds are prone to some diseases and will live for about years on average. Living Environment — Golden retriever and Labrador pups are very much adaptable to all living environments. They can live in backyards as well as apartments. However, you must look after their exercise needs when they are kept indoors or in apartments. Intelligence — Both these puppies have great levels of intelligence because of their hunting or retrieving background. Therefore, owners need to provide proper daily exercise to control their excessive energy and keep them healthier. Suitable for Kids — Pups of Golden and Labrador retrievers are great companions for families, especially for those who have little kids. These pups love to play with children and exhibit a lot of patience around them. Socialization — These pups are very social because they can gel well with other pets and strangers. However, they need a little bit of training to make the most of their friendly nature. Sport Loving — These breeds love to be a part of different dog sports. For example, swimming and other water sports are among their favorite activities. They also love to play small games, like fetch a ball. What is Better about a Golden Retriever Puppy? Golden Retriever pups are very intelligent and energetic. This means that they will need plenty of mental and physical exertion. Fortunately, they love to sleep in between their playing activities. Not only does this keep your dog fresh, but it also gives the owners some time to relax or work. Keeping your dog fresh is excellent for resolving barking issues. Golden puppies are an amazing addition to any family. This is because they have a loving nature and do very well with children, other pets, and even strangers. What is Better about a Labrador Puppy? Labrador pups are even-tempered with great levels of intelligence. This makes them easy to train, especially the training of staying alone for short periods. Pups of this breed bark quite often so they would prefer backyard living. However, they can stay happily in other living environments, like apartments and indoor houses, if trained properly. Labradors are superb family companions and guard dogs. These pups have an excellent intellectual level and work great whenever an intruder approaches their family. These puppies require great attention and cannot stay alone. Hence, they are ideal for people who have more time for their pets. Otherwise, you will have to deal with unscheduled sleep or train your pooch to play alone. They are slightly rough which means only experienced owners should get Golden retriever puppies. Who Should Get a Labrador Puppy? This breed is preferable for those owners who have a backyard in their house. This is because Labrador puppies bark a lot. However, you will have to do some extra effort for training your canine friend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These retriever cousins are both active and friendly sporting dogs full of adoration, energy, and good humor! But do you know what sets them apart? By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on May 17, Sometimes when you're scrolling through photos of adorable puppies or sweet rescue dogs , it's difficult to know which one might be your perfect pooch pal. However, the more you know about a particular breed's general characteristics, health, and environment for his best life, the greater chance you'll have choosing a terrific pet! Many people wonder about the differences between golden retrievers vs. Labrador retrievers because they're kind of doggie cousins. The American Kennel Club AKC classifies dogs into seven categories, based on the type of purpose the dogs were originally bred to have. Goldens and Labs are from the sporting group and as retrievers, are often exceptional outdoor companions, exercise buddies, and family members. She says when deciding between a golden retriever vs. Lab for your family, keep in mind there will always be breed stereotypes, so the more you can learn about a pup or rescue dog's background, the better. Labrador retriever deliberation: either one could be a great doggo for you! But Myers adds that if you're a slightly less active person, a golden might be a better match. They're super pets for families with children , especially when socialized at a young age. They both do well with other pets , too. As retrievers, they're usually good swimmers, because they were bred to fetch waterfowl for hunters. But it's still important to train them in this sport to keep them safe. Both breeds live approximately 10—12 years. Myers says goldens and Labs share health concerns such as allergies , and joint problems like knee and hip dysplasia. Individually, Labs are prone to obesity , and golden retrievers to congenital heart defects and cancer. Although they're retriever cousins, Labs and goldens are from separate parts of the world. Labrador retrievers originated on the island of Newfoundland in the most eastern province of Canada, Labrador. Interestingly, there are actually three different types of golden retrievers , hailing from Britain, the United States, and Canada, respectively. When you see these dogs cozied up by one other, especially a yellow or golden Lab and a golden retriever, there's a slight sporting dog family resemblance, but also key points to help tell them apart. Noses are still boopable on both! Both retrievers are double-coated breeds, so they'll 'blow coat' at least twice a year. But if there was a medal given for shedding , Myers says there's a clear winner. Is a golden retriever the same as yellow Lab? But if you've read this far, you already know that. However, there is a mixed breed known as a Goldador that has golden and Labrador retriever parents, so a pretty yellow color might come from both of them. So Myers says a good hooman for a Lab doesn't have knick-knacks on coffee tables. His rudder-like tail helps him propel him while swimming, so it's strong! Golden retrievers usually have fan-like tails, which might also pose a threat to anything delicate in their wiggly wake. Golden Retriever vs. We truly don't want to say one breed is better than the other: it simply depends on which one fits your personality and lifestyle. With Myers' help, we've created a little cheat sheet. You could be more of a golden retriever lover if you're: Willing to be the sun, moon, and stars to this pet, because she'll be the same for you! Appreciative of a good-natured pooch simply happy to exist, even if she might not have many ideas of her own. Not planning to leave her alone for long stretches of time during the day. Able to provide a solid training foundation so she can be an eager helper in the family and stay mentally and physically stimulated. You might prefer a Labrador retriever buddy if you: Really desire a canine best pal and loyal companion—but can say no to extra begs for treats. Understand how smart he is and keep him engaged with physical and mental opportunities. Are able to manage his need for balance between activity and downtime. Can train him for useful work such as hunting , fishing, farm chores, and so on. Was this page helpful? Like a More Tranquil Environment. Goldens tend to have a creamy white to a light blonde, which can vary, and go to almost a reddish hue. Labrador Retrievers have distinct colors: yellow , chocolate, and black. Besides that, male Golden Retrievers are a bit smaller than Labrador Retrievers. The male Golden grows between 23 and 24 inches tall, while the females can be between .The male Labrador grows between .Weight-wise, male Labradors are a bit heavier, between 65 to 80 pounds, and females weigh between 55 to 70 pounds. A male Golden Retriever is between 65 and 75 pounds, while the female is between 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens also have a longer snout, while Labs have a medium muzzle. Finally, both animals have water-repellent coats or water-resistant coats, making them perfect swimmers. Life Expectancy: Golden Retrievers vs. Nevertheless, Golden Retrievers are known to live just a bit longer than Labrador Retrievers. For example, you can expect to have a Golden for 10 to 13 years and a Labrador for 10 to 12 years. But, if you can take care of your beloved pet, therapy, or service dog, you can expect them to live a long and healthy life with you. Living with a Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Grooming Having healthy dogs also means having dog hair all-around your house. And both Labs and Goldens are notorious shedders. Both of them have a double coat, which means that twice a year, they shed considerably. Maintaining their double coats and reducing fur all over the house means regular grooming and brushing. Their topcoat is water-repellant, while the undercoat is super soft. Golden Retrievers have been bred to have soft, flowing coats, but many purists maintain the stance that since Goldens are hunting dogs, they should not have such a coat. Use an undercoat rake and a slicker brush for the topcoat. Test out a few different brushes so you can find the ones that your adorable pup likes. You should also bathe them regularly, trim their nails, and clean their teeth and ears. When it comes to Labradors their coat is easier to maintain because their topcoat is shorter and more coarse, and their undercoat is soft and protects them from the cold weather and water. Since Labs do not have feathering like the Golden Retriever we do not recommend trimming them to keep the integrity of the coat. As with any double coated breed you should never shave them as it can make it harder for them to regulate body temperature. As for grooming, use a rubber curry comb and shedding blade to clean out the fur and remove any shedded hair. But they still need nail trimmings, as well as ear and teeth cleaning. But does a Golden shed more than a Lab? Golden Retrievers experience everyday shedding and have thicker undercoats during the winter that shed a lot in the spring, and a lighter coat in the summer that they shed in the winter. Labradors have shorter hair, but they shed just as much as a Golden Retriever. If you have any concerns or are pressed for time to groom your dog, always consult a professional groomer to help you along the way. The only difference is that a Golden might require a bit more daily grooming than a Lab. They love being active — running, retrieving things, and swimming. Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of exercise each day. Labradors are similar, in terms of their need for play, but like a more tranquil environment. You can take both Labrador Retrievers and a Golden on regular walks, play retrieving games with them, and jog with them. Both these dogs love being with their families and spending time with the people they love the most. Mental exercise, also known as enrichment, is just as important as physical activity. Enrichment lets your dog use its natural abilities such as smelling, hearing, and sight. A physically exercised dog needs rest, and a mentally exercised dog needs sleep. Their temperaments are friendly, affectionate, and gentle. But, these two specific breeds have some overall minor differences. For example, some experts say that Goldens prefer a more energetic household, while Labradors love a tranquil home environment. While these are minor differences, and both dogs make great family pets, you should consider your lifestyle before adopting one or the other. Intelligence and Trainability The average dog is quite intelligent, but few dogs compare to Golden and Labrador Retrievers. They are both extremely intelligent breeds and are eager to please their favorite people. Neither of them is difficult to train, so if you need to, they make excellent guide dogs, service dogs, sport dogs, and rescue dogs. They have some differences in terms of their intelligence, with Golden Retrievers being the fourth most intelligent breed and Labrador Retrievers the seventh most intelligent dogs. So think about your needs and how you want to train each dog before making a decision. Barking Dog owners know that when you have a dog, you should get used to some barking. While the two dog breeds both bark, the Labrador Retriever is known to bark slightly more than the Golden Retriever. However, the right training and cues can help cut down and even eliminate these errant barking issues. Health Problems: Labs vs. Golden Retrievers Being a dog owner means caring for your cute pups in every way, and that also includes keeping them healthy. Both dogs have a higher risk for cancer, obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia than some other breeds. Labradors are more prone to Entropion, a problem where the eyelids roll inwards and irritate the cornea. They can also have a malformation of the elbows and knees and laryngeal paralysis which could partially paralyze their voice box, causing difficulty in breathing and making them sound muffled when they bark. Golden Retrievers could have elbow dysplasia caused by growths in their elbow joints, seizures, and some skin issues. Genetic Diseases Some of the diseases we just mentioned are genetic diseases. For example, the elbow dysplasia that Golden Retrievers experience is a genetic illness, including heart and eye problems. Cancer In recent decades, veterinarians have noticed a jump in the cancer rate for these two breeds, especially Golden Retrievers. This can be helped with great genetics on the dam and sire of the puppies. Obesity While Goldens are more likely to develop cancer, Labradors are more prone to obesity. Overall, Labrador health problems are at a lower rate than Golden Retriever problems, but at the end of the day, every dog could have their challenges. You can prevent such health problems with proper testing and regular check-ups. Behavior Problems: Labrador vs. Golden Retriever Both Goldens and Labs have more energy than any other dog breeds, so managing their activity levels is key to preventing behavior problems. To avoid these problems, you should keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated and avoid reinforcing their bad behavior. The Golden Retriever vs. The sweet and peaceful nature fits well if your kids are young. Golden Retrievers are similar, but their high energy levels means they can sometimes become overly excited. If you have extremely young children, wearing out their energy through exercise and training them to respond well to your directions will be the key to helping them adapt to your home. Allergies Even though both Goldens and Labs belong to the Retriever breed, you could be allergic to one and not the other. Because neither dogs are hypoallergenic, you should take an allergy test before deciding on adopting a Lab or a Golden. Quite the opposite! The Costs of Raising a Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever Initial Buying Costs When you decide to buy a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever, you will have to prepare yourself for some expenses to bring your new adorable puppy into the house. Day-to-Day Living Costs Your new dog needs quite a lot of attention and care, including toys, food, maintenance items, and more. Labrador Retriever? With so many similarities and differences, picking one dog or the other is quite tricky. So how can you choose between a Golden Retriever vs. You can talk to them more about what they love about their dogs, their breeders, as well as get tips on training the dogs. You will get information from different sources rather than simply talking to one person in a dog park. The Snowy Pines Difference Retrievers, with their enchanting personalities and happy smiling faces, make amazing pets. So look through our selection of the cutest puppies on earth and choose your next best friend. Golden Retriever vs Labrador? Labrador vs Golden Retriever? But we are here to help you choose between these similarly wonderful breeds. The result of this original cross breeding and later modifications is the Golden Retriever, a dog famous for its devoted, big-hearted personality and rich golden coat. The Golden was bred to be a sporting dog. This means that it is adept at finding and retrieving birds and other game brought down by hunters. As a Retriever, the Golden is bred for a soft, gentle mouth and an obedient, highly trainable temperament. Like other Retriever breeds, they were often used to retrieve waterfowl, and still retain their love of water. Golden Retrievers can vary in appearance depending on where they were bred. There are differences in British, American, and Canadian Goldens. The British type is generally larger and more muscular than the other two. There are also some coat variations among the three types too. The Labrador Retriever When it comes to sheer numbers, the Lab has ranked 1 in popularity among all dog breeds for many years. The Labrador was first developed in Newfoundland Canada from other local dogs like the St. The Lab was used as a working water dog, to help fishermen retrieve nets and haul gear. Their love of water and expert retrieving ability made them ideal waterfowl retrievers for hunters who brought the breed to the U. But these days there are two different types of Labrador Retriever. They differ in both looks and temperament. The American type Labrador Retriever is sensitive, intelligent, and active. The English type is generally larger, calmer, and less energetic than its American counterpart. Although it can also be a little sillier! Both types of Lab are famously friendly, playful, and outgoing. Besides being a popular family pet, they are also frequently trained as service dogs. As are Golden Retrievers, and Golden Lab mixes too! So as you can see the Golden Retriever vs Labrador histories are fairly similar in terms of their working purpose. But although they have quite similar histories, what about their stature? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Size Both Golden Retrieverss and Labs are popular choices for people interested in medium to large sized dogs. Generally, at an average of 24 inches tall and 75lbs, the Lab is a slightly larger dog than the Golden, who istypically just half an inch and 5lbs lighter. While breed standards are exacting for show quality dogs, remember that a pet quality dog can be larger or smaller than the breed standard, depending on the individual animal. The overall body type of Golden vs Lab reflects the size difference between the two breeds. The proportions of the Golden tend to be elegant and symmetrical. Labs are generally more solid and sturdy than overly refined. Labrador vs Golden Grooming Coat type, grooming requirements, and amount of shedding often play a large role in the Golden Retriever vs Labrador decision making process. Many people think Labs require less maintenance. Is this true? The Golden Retriever has a medium length double coat, consisting of a water repellant top coat and a soft undercoat. They have longer feathering fur on the neck, legs, and tail. They are sometimes bred for longer, silkier coats than what is described in the breed standard. Many owners like soft, flowing coats while breed purists say that as hunting dogs, should have more moderate coats. All Golden Retrievers, regardless of coat length and texture, require regular grooming. The undercoat grows denser in cold weather and sheds in warm weather. Use of an undercoat rake can help remove loose fur from the undercoat. For the top coat a good quality slicker brush is a must-have. Some also like steel tooth combs. I recommend brushing these long haired lovelies at least twice a week. This also involves trimming some of the longer fur with scissors, specifically thinning shears. Areas that require regular trimming with scissors include the ears, feet, neck, and tail. The coat of a Golden Retriever should never be shaved. Besides maintaining the coat, basic grooming needs for a Golden also include baths, nail trimmings, and ear and teeth cleaning. Remember that drop eared dogs are prone to ear infections. So how does Golden Retriever grooming compare with Labrador Retriever grooming? Also like the Golden Retriever, the Lab does shed its undercoat in warm weather. However, while their coat length is short, they do have a double coat that needs maintenance. Labs require an undercoat rake to remove the dead hair from the undercoat. You can then use a slicker brush for an overall grooming. Nail trimming and ear cleaning should also be a regular part of your grooming routine. Labs generally need to be bathed less frequently than Goldens, although if they are a fan of rolling in muck this can ramp up. Golden Retriever vs Labrador Shedding Both Labs and Goldens have double coats consisting of a top coat and an undercoat. The undercoat will shed in warmer weather in both breeds, but does one dog shed more than the other? Golden Retrievers can shed quite a bit all year round. Besides normal, everyday shedding, their undercoat grows thicker in the winter and sheds in the spring. The best way cope with shedding in a Golden is with a good brushing every few days; once weekly brushing may not be adequate. Besides regular brushing, your dog will need regular grooming sessions with an undercoat rake, especially during shedding season. This will only be at the beginning. Once you start doing it regularly, a once weekly raking should be fine. Grooming your Golden outdoors can be a good way to reduce the amount of hair in the house. How does Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding compare? Labrador Retriever shedding Labs shed as much as, if not more than, the average dog. Fur in the house can be controlled by outdoor grooming sessions. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming. Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab , due to their light color. Neither of them are low shedding dogs. Golden Retriever vs Labrador Colors The Labrador Retriever breed standard recognizes three solid coat colors: black , yellow , and chocolate. No other color variations are acceptable in show quality Labs. The yellow and chocolate colors can both vary in shading from light to dark. Golden Retrievers are, of course, golden in color. The breed standard describes it as a rich, lustrous golden that can vary from dark to light, although very light and very dark are not accepted in show quality dogs. Some have lighter colored fur on the areas where the coat is long and feathery, such as the tail, neck, and legs. Yellow Labs and Goldens can have very similar coat coloring, but their coat types will be true to breed. Comparing Temperament Traits The words commonly used to describe the temperaments of both Goldens and Labs are the words we use to describe very good dogs! Both breeds are friendly, reliable, affectionate, gentle, trusting, and kind. But many potential owners wonder about the differences between Lab and Golden Retriever personalities. Meeting the parents, good training and socialization practices from puppyhood into adulthood are the best ways to ensure that you get the kind of dog you want. Labs and Golden Retrievers are both very trainable and obedient, which is good news for novice owners. Canine behavior experts explain the minor temperament differences between Goldens and Labs in terms of degrees. Generally, Golden Retrievers are said to be a bit softer, gentler, and more sensitive than Labs. While both do well in families with children, Labs tend to have the advantage in adapting to households with boisterous, lively, and loud young children. Many Golden Retrievers prefer a slightly more calm and tranquil home environment. An active family with young children may prefer an energetic Lab, while a retired couple may welcome a gentle Golden instead. Health Problems in Golden Retrievers and Labradors Like most purebred dogs, both breeds can suffer from inherited health problems. What are the main health issues potential owners should know about in both breeds? Genetic Diseases Golden Retrievers can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye and heart problems. Labs also can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and a condition known as exercise induced collapse. The cancer incidence rate in US jumped in the s, suggesting a recent genetic mutation. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is an important long-term project that studies cancer in Goldens. Researchers have made great progress in understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors for cancer. Two types of cancer are especially common in Golden Retrievrs: hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessel walls, affecting the spleen and heart and lymphoma cancer of immune system cells, affecting lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Obesity Labrador Retrievers are at an increased risk for obesity compared to other dog breeds. Recent genetic research, led by the GOdogs project at Cambridge University, has found a genetic mutation that affects appetite and obesity in Labradors and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Dogs with 2 copies of the gene are on average 4 kg heavier than non-carriers. The affected dogs also score higher on food motivation tests. Weight management is important for all dogs, but especially for breeds at higher risk for obesity. When looking at Golden Retriever vs Labrador health as an overall picture, the Labrador probably comes out on top. The high risk problems in Labs are often avoidable through health testing. With Goldies these tests still need to be carried out, but there is the added life limiting risk of cancer. If you are looking for an energetic, intelligent, and outgoing dog to keep up with your active lifestyle, particularly if you have children, the Lab might be the perfect dog for you. You will have to watch their weight, and make sure that you get your puppy from fully health tested parents. If a loving, kind, and gentle dog is more your speed, be sure to consider the Golden. Golden Retrievers also need fully health tested parents, but there is the added risk of cancer in Golden Retrievers to consider. Then maybe a Goldador is what you are really looking for! References Simpson, M. Raffan, E. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It can be tough to decide which is the better dog for you when it comes to Labradors vs. Golden Retrievers. For starters, Golden Retrievers and Labradors are fairly similar in size, and they are both highly intelligent and love to be around humans. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds that make them better suited to certain homes and lifestyles. Read on to find out what makes a Labrador Retriever different from a Golden Retriever and which is the best dog for you! Main Differences Between Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors The main differences between Golden Retrievers and Labradors are: Golden Retrievers are originally from Scotland, whereas Labradors are originally from Canada. Golden Retrievers are fairly light for their size, whereas Labradors are much heavier. Golden Retrievers have a slimmer ribcage, whereas Labradors have a much broader chest. Golden Retrievers have a long, feathery outer coat, whereas Labradors have a short, oily outer coat. Golden Retrievers range in color from light cream to fox-red , whereas Labradors come in a variety of colors. Golden Retrievers are very clingy and dependent on their owners, whereas Labradors are more independent. Golden Retrievers love competition, whereas Labradors prefer not to be in competition with others. Golden Retrievers are more cautious in new situations, whereas Labradors tend to go full-throttle into any new situation. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers suit different kinds of owners and living situations. They both require a lot of love and attention and will bring you plenty of joy! Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors: Introduction Golden Retrievers and Labradors are two of the most well-loved breeds of dogs in the world! In fact, the Labrador ranks as the number-one favorite breed, and the Golden Retriever comes in at third place just behind the German Shepherd in second place according to surveys conducted by the AKC for .These dogs are both loveable, can fit into big and small families, do well with other animals and small children, and are full of personality. However, as I touched on earlier, there are some key differences between the two breeds to keep in mind. Labradors: Origins Dogs have been selectively bred for various reasons by humans for millennia. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador are no different—each breed was originally developed for a specific purpose. These dogs were bred as gun dogs. More specifically, they were bred to have very large yet soft and gentle mouths to carefully retrieve prey their owner had shot. This makes them very useful for duck hunting, quail hunting, rabbit hunting, and fox hunting! Labrador Labradors were originally bred in Canada in the mids by fishermen and hunters who took to the rivers and lakes to hunt birds, fish, or other small mammals. Similar to the Golden Retriever, Labradors were also bred to have large, soft mouths so they would not damage the prey they retrieved for their owners. For many years, Labradors were mainly bred as water gun dogs. They are strong swimmers and were often used to dive into lakes, rivers, or marshes to retrieve prey from the water. However, due to the way each dog has been bred over the years, they have slightly different average weights. Golden Retriever Goldens typically weigh in at 55 to 75 pounds on average. They were bred to be lightweight and agile in order to move faster and chase after prey their owners shot down on hunting trips. Labrador Labradors typically weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds on average. This is because they have been bred to have denser bones that make them heavier. Labradors: Build Goldens and Labradors look fairly similar in height. However, Goldens are typically described as being more graceful and slimmer-looking than Labradors. This is because the two breeds have a slightly different bone structure in their chests. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have slim, narrow chests. They were bred to have this slim chest because the underbrush in the Scottish Highlands is very dense and can be difficult to run through. Their narrow, thinner build allowed them to cut through the dense underbrush and chase after fallen prey quickly. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, were bred to chase after prey in the water. They have much broader chests compared to Goldens, which makes them look quite stocky. This is not purely an aesthetic difference! One is long-haired, and the other short-haired. This is not a mistake in their breeding. These dogs were selectively bred for their long and short coats as they perform specific functions! Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a dense undercoat to protect them against the freezing weather of the Scottish Highland winters. Interestingly, though, their long outer coats have very little to do with keeping them warm. Labrador Labradors also have a dense undercoat to protect them from the freezing Canadian winters and icy cold water. On top of their undercoat is a thick, short outer coat of fur that is slightly oily to the touch. This oily outer coat acts as a barrier against water. Labradors: Coloration There tends to be a lot of confusion over the coloration of Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Some people believe the breeds are so similar that they come in the same colors. In reality, though, the two breeds each have their own distinct range of coat colors. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a small color range with no visible markings in their coat. There are no black, gray, brindled, or spotted purebred Golden Retrievers. As Goldens get older, their coat color gradually deepens into a darker golden or fox-red color, and they do not go gray! Labrador Purebred Labradors only come in three different colors. They can be a light creamy yellow color, brown which is also known as chocolate , or black. Labradors do not have any visible patches, spots, stripes, or markings in their coats. The coat color they are born with is generally the color they will stay. However, they will develop gray hairs that are focused around the muzzle and eyes as they grow older. Some dogs are incredibly needy by nature and will need you to be home a lot, while other breeds are much more laid-back and independent. They need their humans to be around often, and they are happiest when they get regular physical attention in the form of cuddles, games, walks, and puzzles. Unfortunately, this also means Goldens are prone to developing separation anxiety if they are not trained carefully or their routine is interrupted and they suffer some kind of trauma. Keep in mind, too, that these dogs are incredibly intelligent, and they can become equally destructive if they feel abandoned or are allowed to become bored. Labrador Labradors are far more independent dogs compared to Golden Retrievers. They are happy to make their own fun and games, run outside by themselves, and generally will not develop separation anxiety as easily as Goldens or other similarly clingy breeds. However, they are also highly intelligent and can still become destructive if they are allowed to become bored and are not exercised regularly. Labradors: Trainability And Competitiveness Both breeds of dogs were bred to be very active and intelligent and to perform specific jobs for their human companions. As a result, both breeds are highly trainable and task-oriented. However, the way each breed tends to go about completing these tasks, especially when met with competition, is very different from one another. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are highly competitive by nature and love a challenge. They are people pleasers and will constantly try to find ways to gain your approval. This means they will try to out-compete other dogs for your affection and attention, especially if you have given them a task to do. Fortunately, this is all in good fun, as they are happy pack animals and do not display aggression in more competitive settings. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, do not like competition and can become fairly grouchy and upset if they constantly have to compete with other dogs for your affection, attention, or task completion. Unlike Goldens, these dogs prefer to work alone when they have been given a job to do and will eagerly demand their praise whether you have time for it or not. Labradors: Overall Temperament Before deciding on which breed you want to bring into your home, one of the most important things you need to decide on is which breed matches your lifestyle the best. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have very different personalities and fit better into certain homes and family structures. Golden Retriever Goldens have very cautious temperaments. They do not run head-first into a situation before carefully thinking about and trying to solve the problem in their heads. While their Golden Retrievers are weighing up the pros and cons of a situation, some less patient owners often get tired of waiting and force their dogs into a position where they have not decided if they are comfortable or not. This can make Goldens more anxious and unnecessarily cautious over time. They will enthusiastically run into just about any situation before deciding whether it is safe, scary, or appropriate to do so. This works wonderfully if you live an active life and will be taking your Labrador on all your adventures. This is something they are instinctively happy to do! If you have a more reserved and laid-back personality, though, this behavior can be exhausting. Labradors Do Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed the same amount? Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed roughly the same amount of hair. Both breeds shed lightly throughout the year and will have a serious shedding season during spring as they lose their very heavy winter undercoat. Both breeds will need to be brushed two to three times a week to prevent their undercoats from becoming matted and compacted, which can quickly become very painful for the dog. Depending on the color of your dog and your decor you may see more or less fur in your home. For instance, my first dog was a black Lab mix and I had black interior in my car. I noticed very little fur in the car but lots of fur at home. Which breed is easier to train, Labradors or Golden Retrievers? Goldens and Labs are both very intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. Both breeds are used as working dogs as well as service animals , as they are easy to train and will stick to their training. Can you mix Labradors and Golden Retrievers? Labradors and Golden Retrievers have been bred with one another for decades. A mixture of a Golden and Lab will give you a Goldador! These dogs combine the best of both species into one package. To read more about this hybrid dog, check out my dedicated article on the Golden Retriever Lab mix! A lot of service dog schools are mixing Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers to try and get the best traits of both dogs for the perfect working service dog. They are both very intelligent, energetic, trainable, and love their families fiercely. There are several key differences between the two breeds you can refer to when determining which one better suits your own lifestyle and preferences. To recap, the differences are: Their origins.

It all started when we became empty-nesters and purchased our first lab, since then our Lab family has continued to grow. We strive to breed for great all around family Labradors that are healthy, calm, intelligent, and are of the beautiful English type Labs stocky bodies, square, blocky heads. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting! Healthy Parents We welcome litters a year with the goal of producing healthy family dogs, all purpose Labradors placed in loving homes. We strive for good temperament, structurally sound, intelligence and to improve the breed. Our Labs are sweet, intelligent, easily trained, and so eager to please. Our Labrador Retrievers have superior pedigrees with champion bloodlines from traditional English lines. We do recommended Genetic health testing. The puppies are also dewormed at recommended times. We keep puppies until 8 weeks of age. Labs take 2 to 3 years to develop mentally and physically, training is an important part of the development of your Lab. We strongly recommend you locate a Beginner puppy class, enroll and take several classes. Labs are very intelligent and require socializing, training and exercise. Labs do not socialize themselves. Commitment to the welfare of your dog is extremely important. This puppy will be with you the next years. It's important our puppies are placed in homes where they receive the type of care Lab puppies need. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Regular dog-walking increases social interaction for children—especially those who have just moved to a neighborhood and are feeling homesick for their former home. A child who might not want to go out into the neighborhood alone, feels that he or she has a purpose in walking the dog, and therefore can face unfamiliar faces or places more easily than when alone. Walking the dog could be the perfect way for a shy or awkward adolescent to meet new friends in the neighborhood. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Lucas Sullivant, a surveyor from Virginia came here in and founded one of these new settlements on the west bank of the Scioto River. He named his new community Franklinton after Benjamin Franklin. It was named to honor Christopher Columbus. It was founded in at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, and was named the state capital in .Once the National Road reached the city in , many more immigrants came to settle here. The city became a melting pot of many nationalities, each settling in their own favorite area of the city. The distance from Columbus to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Ohio state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

Welcome to our website! A photo of Rocky, the best Boxer ever, and the one who started it all! We are a family owned operation that breeds champion bloodline AKC Boxer puppies. Our objective is to produce the highest quality puppies, for family pets and companions. We do not offer nor do we guarantee our puppies for show or breeding, instead we would rather they be considered by the people that adopt them as family members, preferably as children! Our love for Boxers came about after we welcomed our first Boxer Rocky into our home. He is an amazing dog, and has been the backbone of our program, providing many of the adult Boxers that we have today. Although he is no longer used for breeding, his amazing personality seems to be what everyone we encounter is looking for in a Boxer. It's no accident that we chose to keep his puppies, they have the same laid-back and relaxed personalities as Rocky. We are vigilant to assure that our puppies are the finest available, we use the best technology to closely monitor the mother and her babies for the first eight weeks. We work with and handle the puppies daily, pampering them helps to create superior emotional health. Three days after birth dew claws are removed and tails are docked by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations and deworming is completed utilizing a strict program, all documentation is provided. Pre-crate training begins at six weeks of age. Puppies are socialized with adult dogs and other animals, such as cats at an early age. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. All else Copyright Riverhillboxers. All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Things to do with your English Bulldog North Carolina is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in North Carolina that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in North Carolina that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in North Carolina, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in North Carolina, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in North Carolina, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in North Carolina, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses North Carolina has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in North Carolina. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, North Carolina is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in North Carolina? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. 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. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. 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? Why adopt WB English Bulldogs? Travel Nanny Services Optional As experienced and reputable breeders; at WB English Bulldogs, we understand that the transportation of your English Bulldog puppy is one of the most important things. British Bulldogs Breeder in Dallas since We at WB English bulldogs take into consideration that all puppies we place in new homes must have excellent conformation, good health and amazing temperament. Microchip ID Optional We offer a more secure form of identification for your pet that is safer and extremely more effective than common pet tags. Our happy customers who chose our in cabin nanny services! English Bulldogs stand out for their unique appearance combined with a heart of gold. Their wrinkled face, stout stature, and gentle eyes are not just adorable but also exude their loving nature. How big do English Bulldogs get when they grow up? English Bulldogs, though compact, have a sturdy and muscular build. Males typically weigh between lbs, while females usually range from lbs when fully mature. Their size makes them suitable for both apartment living and homes with yards. Are English Bulldogs good with children and other pets? English Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle, patient nature, especially with children. They often become protective of younger family members and coexist harmoniously with other pets. How often do English Bulldogs need exercise? A daily walk of about minutes helps maintain their health, manage their weight, and keeps them mentally stimulated. Play sessions in a fenced yard or indoors are also appreciated! Are English Bulldogs easy to train? English Bulldogs have an inherent eagerness to please their owners, making training a rewarding experience for both parties. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, they can learn commands, tricks, and good behaviors, enhancing your bond with them. English Bulldogs and British Bulldogs are the same? The breed is commonly known as the Bulldog. How to buy an English Bulldog puppie? Browse Our Selection: Explore our website to view available puppies. Need More Information? Our team is here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Prepare for Your Puppy: Once your purchase is complete, ensure you have all the essentials ready at home for your new furry friend, from food to a cozy sleeping area. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about care, feeding, or health concerns. Thank you for choosing WB English Bulldogs. Do you ship to other cities in the USA or to other parts of the world? Yes, WB English bulldogs offers shipping services for their English bulldog puppies to any major city within the United States. They ensure that transportation considerations, including breed conformation and temperatures, are taken into account before arranging the transportation of the puppy. So, distance is not a barrier for those looking to get their dream puppy from WB English bulldogs. If there are any further questions or concerns about shipping methods or in-person pickups, the breeder encourages prospective customers to reach out to them directly via their provided phone number. English Bulldogs are medium-sized, robust, and muscular dogs. Adult male English Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg , while adult females usually weigh around pounds kg. In terms of height, English Bulldogs generally stand about inches cm tall at the shoulder. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure that an English Bulldog grows to its optimal size and maintains a healthy weight. English Bulldogs are sturdy and muscular canines. Typically, adult male English Bulldogs weigh between pounds kg , while adult females tend to weigh around pounds kg. However, individual weights can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and health. Our Blog.