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We are a small hobby breeder of West Showline German Shepherds with only a few litters a year. Our dogs are part of our family, share our home, and travel with us. We are located in Halifax, PA about 30 minutes north east of Harrisburg. I was impressed with their working ability and superior intelligence along with a loving demeanor that was absolutely unmatched. As I was learning more about the breed and looking for my perfect addition to my family, I saw the Long Coats for the first time and fell in love. Our dogs have brought pure joy and happiness into our home and it is our goal to bring the same joy and happiness into yours! They have sound temperaments, are very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, and protective. Everyone is encouraged to stop in for a visit of our home, meet our family, and see our GSD's. It is our goal to produce top quality German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat with loving personalities, outstanding character, and family protection in one perfect package. Integrity is Very important with us, you will Never feel pressured into getting a Puppy, we are very honest and direct with our process and time table when we will have Puppies available. All the Information Posted about our Dogs can be verified through Documentation. Our Pictures are Never Altered or adjusted to mislead you into thinking our dogs are better than they are, and to be Honest we do not need too : The day you pickup your Bergerhaus puppy you will be invited into a Secret Facebook page called Bergerhaus Puppy Club if you so choose to accept here you can interact with others Bergerhaus puppy owners, watch littermates of your baby grow, become friends with other puppy owners, and ask advise from everyone in the group! Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page! Haus Amberg Shepherds is a family-based kennel that breeds for the love and preservation of the German shepherd dog GSD. We offer show and working dogs, as well as family pets and service dogs from high-quality German bloodlines. Patrick, a military veteran, and his wife Alishia have spent years learning the proper methods to compassionately breed, preserve and train German shepherds. They believe it is of the utmost importance to uphold this standard and have spent countless hours to achieve and maintain a quality breeding program. Haus Amberg emphasizes proper care and upbringing of each of our puppies to ensure the correct development of personality and socialization. As breeders, they are happy to help you find a perfect new addition to your family. The best lines of German shepherds are located in Germany, bred under the SV. Owning a quality German shepherd makes a world of difference. Haus Amberg Shepherds can help you find what exactly you are looking for as they work with many local breeders and kennels here in Germany. Whether a family pet or top of the line German shepherd show dog, Haus Amberg is able to match you with the perfect dog. One of their priorities is to be sure that the personality and temperament of the dog matches its owner and what they are looking for in their German shepherd. Menu Menu Long-haired German Shepherd puppies Beautiful long haired german shepherds puppies available in our kennel, with highest genealogy, FCI pedigree and dysplasia-free parents. Video of our long haired german shepherd puppies Why a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? If agreed in advance, we can arrange home delivery of the puppy. After almost thirty years of breeding, I still linger for a long time to look at the newborn puppies, who, still blind and deaf, but admirably guided by instinct and smell, seek their source of life. The dog breed culture of the long-haired German Shepherd has become widely rooted in Italy as well and more and more people contact professional breeders to purchase a purebred puppy with all the papers in order. It is two generations since we have been devoting ourselves to the selection of the long-haired German Shepherd, both working and pet dogs. We are based in Alvignano, a small, unspoiled village in the upper Caserta area surrounded by green hills. Our day is dedicated to our dogs, with whom we spent most of the time: it requires sacrifices, and does not include holidays! It is unthinkable to be a breeder if you have not developed a great passion, the source of the energy and courage required to do this job. The Falcone farm is considered one of the best German shepherd farms in Italy. The long-haired German Shepherds Alsatian of Casa Falcone are the result of responsible choices by qualified breeders aiming at improving and maintaining the best quality standards of the breed. In addition to the essential preventive care, Casa Falcone pays particular attention to secondary details as well, which are vital to obtain strong, healthy and even-tempered puppies. Our puppies are born in comfortable air-conditioned and video-monitored delivery rooms to keep an ideal constant temperature and to regularly watch over the mother and the puppies. The weaning of long-haired German Shepherd puppies is a practice that needs to meet deadlines and a deep sensitivity to understand how to treat the puppies and their mother. The puppy will be delivered to a new family only after the lactation phase, the program of deworming and the vaccination treatment are over. In the first weeks of life, the puppies are continually stimulated to get used to the presence of humans and other dogs, to make integration into the new family easier. In addition, a puppy guide will be given to the owner containing lots of advice and a transfer contract as well. The sale of a German Shepherd puppy is not the last phase of our work: after the puppies are delivered to the new family, the breeder-owner relationship will continue through counselling service, practical advice and meetings on the territory. In the philosophy of Casa Falcone German Shepherd Farm , the German Shepherd puppy who finds a new family does not go away, but contributes to the expansion of the large family of Casa Falcone through regular gathering and meetings. In this context, customers will meet professionals such as veterinaries, instructors, trainers and experts in the field but new owners as well, with whom they will be able to share their experiences, contribute to the socialization of the puppies and, why not, broaden the circle of friends. At Casa Falcone farm magnificent German Shepherd puppies with excellent pedigree are waiting for you. They have an even-tempered character thanks to selected specimens and are certified to be exempt from the main hereditary diseases of the breed hip and elbow dysplasia. If you are looking for a German Shepherd puppy, you can buy it at Casa Falcone. You can appreciate the beauty of our specimens by visiting the German Shepherd puppy photo page. We are one of the few farms in Italy to breed the long-haired German Shepherd Alsatian. As our customers know well, we put all our efforts into our work, regarding as an absolute priority the morphology, character and health of each of our puppies.

Once the cruel sport was banned in , breeders began to change the look of the Bulldog, using terriers and small Bulldogs to create smaller versions of the dog. English Bulldogs were also changed to the look that we know today: heavy dogs with wrinkles and exaggerated facial features. The Bulldogs of the bull-baiting days were well-muscled, athletic, strong dogs. The French Bulldog was developed in England and became popular among lacemakers. After the Industrial Revolution, these lacemakers moved to France and took the dogs along with them. Here, breeders further developed the small Bulldogs and they quickly became popular among Parisians. Wealthy Americans who traveled to France soon also fell in love with the little Bulldogs. They began to bring them back to the United States and define their look. Some French Bulldogs had bat ears, while others had ears that resembled roses. Americans preferred the bat-eared look over the rose one. However, an English judge chose to only exhibit dogs with rose ears, which infuriated Americans who had entered their bat-eared dogs. They then formed the French Bulldog Club of America and drew up a breed standard that only allowed bat-eared dogs to participate in shows. Then, French Bulldogs saw a decline in their popularity that lasted 50 years. The little dogs were difficult to care for. As a brachycephalic breed, they had trouble breathing in hot weather. They also routinely required C-sections to deliver their puppies. The dogs found popularity again in the s, when a breeder named Amanda West began showing her cream French Bulldogs. While black French Bulldogs are popular today, there are so many colors to choose from in the breed. You may have to search to find a truly pure black French Bulldog from a breeder or rescue. There are only nine standard colors that the AKC recognizes for French Bulldogs: brindle, cream, fawn, fawn brindle, brindle and white, white, fawn and white, white and brindle, and fawn and white. Black French Bulldogs are still lovable French Bulldogs in every way, but their color has not been chosen to represent the breed. Image By: Paska, Pixabay 2. They are popular with celebrities. The body of a Frenchie is not made for swimming. They are heavy, stocky dogs with bulbous bodies. Black French Bulldogs are beautiful dogs that make great pets. They love to play and interact with their owners. They are intelligent dogs that can be trained easily with the proper methods. French Bulldogs make great watchdogs and will always alert you to anything happening around your home. They are a low-maintenance breed, but they should not be kept outside for long in very cold or very hot weather. You may need to search for black French Bulldogs because the color is so rare. Check with your local French Bulldogs rescues or breeders to see if pure black French Bulldogs are available. Conclusion Black French Bulldogs are just one color variety of Frenchies. They are rarer than other colors, so they may be difficult to find. If you do find one, they may be more expensive. These loving little dogs are just like any other French Bulldog, though. Working with top genetics, we focus on both Structure, and Temperament once we isolate the best Black Frenchie Puppy Genes there is. Working with top dogs is only part of what we do. Black Frenchy puppies for sale A classic and beautiful dog, the black frenchie puppy for sale, or Black French bulldog puppy for sale is stunning. Overlooked from time to time with new and exciting colors on the rise, we still covet the original beauty offered by the Black French Bulldog. Black Frenchies for sale No matter the color, all of our French bulldogs for sale , come with our full health guarantee. All of our Frenchies for sale breed stock is genetic health tested 4 panel clear! No matter which French bulldog puppies for sale you purchase, all come with the same guarantee. Check out all of our website information pertaining to black Frenchies for sale. .We sometimes will have pure black french bulldog puppies but most often we have black and tan French bulldog puppies. Both solid and tan pointed colors are beautiful but there is just something about the tan points! In comparison, a black and tan frenchie has more detail then a plan black french bulldog. If you are considering finding a black frenchie consider the black and tan frenchie puppy as well. Shopping for a fluffy black and tan french bulldog is also an option. Black French bulldog puppies Reserve an Elon pup today and experience one of his amazing offspring! Elon can make Blues, blues and tans, Isabella, Isabella and tan, New Shade isabella, Lilac, Lilac and tan, fluffies, creams, basically everything under the rainbow with AMAZING compact structure, big heads, with both intelligence and temperament to boot! We breed for shorter bodies and legs, not long legged giraffes. We are proud that all of our Frenchie puppies for sale are raised in our home with our children, under foot. Every single French Bulldog puppy are well socialized and you can expect a playful, smart, inquisitive and loving professional Snuggle Bug. Available Puppies Notification List. Facts The upright ears, the short, robust body, and the quirky attitude all remind us of one breed: the French Bulldog. French Bulldogs are known as the class clown of dog breeds. It could be their wobbly walk or their skyscraper ears. It could also be their personality. They love showing off for attention, whether for an owner or stranger. They also come in many colors like brindle, cream, fawn, and sable. Breed Overview Small to medium 11 — 12 inches Weight: 20 — 28 pounds for males, pounds for females Lifespan: 10 — 12 years Colors: Fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, brindle, brindle and white, cream, white and brindle, white and fawn Suitable for: Families looking for a playful, easy-to-groom lapdogs that does not require a lot of space. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The Earliest Records of the Black French Bulldog in History French Bulldogs originated in England in the late 19th century, around the time of the industrial revolution. At this time, bulldogs were more muscular and taller than the Bulldog breed we see today. Bulldog breeders fiddled with bulldog genetics to create different breed modifications. One of these modifications was a mini bulldog with upright ears, a short lower jaw, and a round forehead—otherwise known as the French Bulldog. English lacemakers primarily took notice of this breed. When the industrial revolution closed down many crafting shops, English lacemakers relocated to France, taking their mini bulldogs with them. During this time, the Frenchie rose to fame, but the only colors you saw were your standard brindle and fawn French Bulldogs. Frenchies were seen everywhere in France, from hotels and cafes to churches and brothels. So, people love their Frenchies. But some people will pay a hefty price for a Black French Bulldog. French Bulldogs already have several health issues, but Black Frenchies have the worst among all the colors because of the dominant black gene mutation. French Bulldogs without brindle can carry the deaf gene and possibly face eye problems in the future. Black Frenchies are sometimes mixed with Pugs. One way to create a black coat color on a French Bulldog is to breed it with a Pug with dominant black genes. Black Frenchies are rare. Still, some breeders take their chances and earn a high profit from this rare color. French Bulldogs were used as conversation starters in brothels. While in France, French Bulldogs were often seen in brothels and roaming the streets with prostitutes. Men seeking companionship would sometimes be awkward during the first encounter, so the French Bulldogs helped start the conversation. To say the French Bulldog makes a good pet is an understatement. French Bulldogs are intelligent, playful, and amusing. Generally, French Bulldogs love children and other pets but may try to compete for attention. French Bulldogs also adapt to their surroundings. French Bulldogs make excellent pets, but you should find a different color of Frenchie instead of a black one. These dogs are overpriced and face more health issues than the approved French Bulldog colors. Things may change in the future with breeding regulation. Conclusion French Bulldogs are here to make the world a better place. But sometimes, this comes at a price. Plus, your Frenchie will still have the desired French Bulldog antics everyone loves, regardless of coat color. Related Read:. Me What is a Black French Bulldog? While the breed standard for French Bulldogs allows for several different coat colors and patterns, black is a popular color for this breed. Black Frenchies are quite easy to recognize as they possess no traces of other colors. What we mean by that is that they have a solid black coat color with no brindle pattern; sometimes they have a white patch on their chest giving them a unique look. Black French Bulldogs are a highly sought-after breed and they are relatively rare. In general, French Bulldogs come in a range of colors, including brindle, fawn, cream, and white. However, the solid black coat color is a recessive trait and can only be passed down if both parents carry the gene for it. As a result, Black French Bulldogs are not as common as other colors, which adds to their appeal and value. Because Black French Bulldogs are rare, they can be more expensive than other colors. A Black French Bulldog can make a wonderful and loyal companion for years to come, and their unique appearance and personality make them a valuable addition to any household. You should have your own Black Frenchie. Here is why! Black French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog that has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They are a wonderful addition to any household, offering a range of benefits that make them the perfect pet for anyone who loves dogs. Here are some reasons why you should get a Black French Bulldog: Black French Bulldogs have a solid black coat color that makes them stand out from other dog breeds. Friendly and affectionate French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, and Black Frenchies are no exception. They are great with children and other animals, making them the perfect family pet. Low maintenance French Bulldogs have short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, which makes them a low-maintenance breed. Playful and energetic Despite their small size, French Bulldogs are known for their energy and playful personalities. Adaptable Black French Bulldogs can adapt to a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive enough attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. This makes them a great option for those who are looking for a companion that can keep up with their lifestyle. Overall, a Black French Bulldog is a wonderful addition to any household. With their unique appearance, friendly personality, and low-maintenance needs, they are sure to bring joy and love into your life for years to come. It's important to purchase from a reputable breeder who can provide you with a health guarantee and ensure that the dog has been bred and raised in a responsible manner. Do Black French Bulldogs Shed? Black French Bulldogs, like any other Frenchie tend to shed throughout the year, more so in the spring and fall. During this period, they change their coat almost completely, replacing it with shinier, brighter and nicer fur. It's important to brush your puppy's hair at least two or three times a week using a Furminator. That will remove the undercoat that has fallen out but is still in the hair. We provide Health Guarantee TomKings Frenchies are bred from an award-winning bloodline to ensure the healthiest and most authentic gene pool. Before the breeding program was established, all parent dogs underwent a rigorous selection and examination process. We feed our adult dogs and puppies only the highest quality food and supplements to maintain their immaculate health, and they are checked by our veterinarian on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee that covers all genetic illnesses. Kennel-free living Our Frenchies are not raised in kennels but instead live in a loving family home with a large green garden. We believe that proper development, including strong musculature, a healthy immune system, and good manners, cannot be achieved in crowded spaces. As family members, our Frenchies are free to roam in our spacious garden and rest in our home. We ensure that our Frenchie puppies have ample opportunity to play and we teach them good manners around other dogs and people, including children. We provide love and professional care At TomKings, our puppies receive 12 weeks of both maternal love and professional care. This extended period of time spent with their mother and siblings fosters the development of a healthy dog personality and a well-balanced nature. Prior to joining their new families in the USA and beyond, our Frenchies receive all necessary puppy vaccinations, as well as deworming and parasite treatment. We also begin their potty training at an early age, making it easier for new owners to house-train their little angels. The price depends on varieties of features, including the color. Yes, it could be much lower, but you should have a more flexible budget to have better choices. The price always depends on the breeder or the store selling the dog. Yes, they have health problems, and I am talking about all Black French Bulldogs. Out of all types of Frenchies, the black French Bulldog has the worst health problems, and the sole reason is a result of the dominant black gene found in them. One of the most common health issues they do have later on is deafness and eye problems. Some do later have skin issues also, so if you are considering buying a black Frenchie just because it looks fancy. You should re-evaluate your decision. Nevertheless, some of their health issues are not associated with their gene but are just common health issues all French Bulldogs are prone to. Conclusion The Black French Bulldog is a great choice, and personally, as a dog lover especially the Frenchie breed , I would pick a black Frenchie, of course. For me, this color breed of french bulldogs displays the sophistication absent in other colored Frenchies. Others may disagree with my opinion, but everything depends on personal preference. Many people might want something else and prefer something cuter. If you are looking for something small, black french bulldogs are a good pick also, and you should consider them. Share this.

Download our guide! We offer standard and fluffy Award- winning Award-winning bloodline, guaranteed health Every TomKings parent dog has passed a rigorous selection and examination process before we started our elite breeding program to build the healthiest and most Frenchie-authentic gene pool for our TomKings Frenchies. All of our adult dogs and puppies get the highest quality food and supplements to ensure immaculate health, and they are checked by our vet on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee, that is valid against all genetic illnesses. Instead, we treat all of our Frenchies as family members , let them roam freely in our vast green garden and rest with us in our house. Our Frenchie puppies can play as much as they want and we raise them by teaching all the good manners among dogs and people, including children. Maternal love 12 weeks of maternal love and professional care Spending 3 whole months after birth with their caring mother and siblings ensures that TomKings puppies develop a healthy dog-personality and a well-balanced nature. Before joining their new families in the USA and elsewhere, our Frenchies get all the puppy vaccinations, are dewormed and treated against parasites. They travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized room not stacked on top of suitcases , and they are watched all along the flight. During layovers, the puppies are taken off the plane and placed in a pet hotel, where they are given fresh food, water and lots of pampering. They are sweeter than any airport scenes in romantic movies. Feel free to reach out to us any time with your questions or to share your joy: we answer you immediately 16 hours a day. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

Training your French Bulldog 4 training tips to make your stubborn French Bulldog obedient French Bulldogs display strong unwillingness for training, making exercise stressful and frustrating for the them and the human at times. While they are playful and gentle, their stubbornness is on another level compared to other dog breeds and can be challenging to train at times. There are ways of getting your Frenchie to learn to obey your commands. Here are simple strategies to train your adorable Bulldog. Breeders usually re-home their Frenchie Bulldog as early as 8 weeks old. Immediately after bringing your French Bulldog home start with potty training your puppy. Designate a special potty area and stick to it. Take your puppy every 2 hours as Frenchie puppies cant hold their needs for longer than that when they are that young. You want the dog to start learning potty manners as early as possible to prevent future problems. If you allow your Frenchie to do their needs elsewhere it will complicate matters for you later. Frenchies are extremely intelligent and will resort to their own way of doing things if not trained otherwise. Your French Bulldog needs positive Reinforcements through Verbal and Physical Rewards French Bulldogs are highly emotional and can become sad when scolded. These dogs were bred to please, so any negative feedback hits them hard. Whenever the dog does the right thing without your guidance, reward your Frenchie bountifully. Stay positive always to build a trustworthy and positive relationship. Socialize your Frenchie with other dogs You want your pup to become fully integrated with your family as quickly as possible. Start integrating the dog into your household from the day of arrival. Frenchies love noise and activity, so let them play around and explore. On the same token it is crucial that your dog socialize with other dogs early on. You want your Frenchie to be able to play and be around dogs without aggression or issues that might come later in adulthood if not properly socialized. Use the proper Frenchie training tools Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs and this predisposes them to respiratory disorders. We would never recommend a training collar for this reason. Walking a brachy breed with a collar can disrupt airflow and even make the dogs eyes pop out of their socket or potentially cause other trachea injuries. According to the Humane Society of the US it is the safest to use a harness to restrain your Frenchie. A harness allows the dog to breath freely with little or no obstructions. Our Health Harness was designed for brachycephalic dogs. It makes for a great training tool without the dangers found in common pet accessories. The Health Harness is designed with dual D rings and double zink alloy buckles to provide a safe, no-choke, no-pull walk. The front D ring makes it ideal for training dogs that like to pull, along with those that have aggression and dominance issues. If you want your pooch to have a comfortable life, a quality Frenchie harness is an excellent investment. Train your dog how to walk besides you early on to avoid frustration in the future. Even if your dog is full grown our specialty designed Health Harness can make all the difference in the world. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet. Miniature yet with giant characters, these adorable pooches are playful, intelligent, yet extremely stubborn. We believe that if you follow these 4 simple tips of training your Frenchie you can lead a healthy and positive relationship with your pooch. How to deal with an aggressive and dominant Frenchie? Tips and advice We received the following email asking for our advice in regards to an aggressive and dominant French Bulldog We adopted our Frenchie ex-breeder Mom almost 5 years ago. For example: Before Dixie, our two females rarely fought. And my pug would at least occasionally let me hold her. Now she tries to jump down immediately or else my bully will attempt to jump up on whoever holds her and attack her. Dixie also often growls when being pet and loved on, whereas any other dog would eat up the attention. And she seems to hate feet. Just wondered if you had any tips or suggestions at all. When we picked Dixie up from rescue she was sweet and timid, compliant and cuddly. Hi Lorrie: From reading your question there are a few key points you already know and are pointing out in your question which I would like to re-affirm: Dixie wants to be the alpha and the boss, wants to control the environment and the situation. Whoever is not in line with how she wants them to behave she will show aggression. First and foremost I would like you to ensure there is nothing medically or physically wrong with Dixie that will make her hostile or change her in anyways. The following tips will be given on the assumption that there is nothing wrong medically and her behavior changed over time due to her taking a certain role in the household that she feels is lacking. It is important to go back to the beginning and ask in what way you introduced her to the pack. It seems like the introduction was immediate and without much adjustment time. You say that she was originally going to be your daughter's dog and that didn't work out. This fact alone gives me an insight into the situation. Since things didn't work out the way they were planned I'm sure you were a bit puzzled and that rubbed off on Dixie. It seems that when she was added to the rest of the dogs in your household that created imbalance. From Dixie point of view she has taken the role of the mom and leader in the household and whoever is out of line she "disciplines" them by putting them in their place. It also seems like you are scared of her reaction and avoid doing certain things that will upset Dixie which is not helping the problem. We have a few recommendations to help this situation and they will all start and end with the one concept of you becoming the alpha and leader of the pack. When leaving your home with a hostile Frenchie You need to be the first leaving out of the door not any of the other dogs. Open the door slightly just for you to be able to stand in the opening, exercise standing there in front of your dogs while your dogs are still in the house for 1 minute increase by 1 minute daily until your dogs understand and wait patiently for 3 minutes without trying to trip you or escape first. This exercise will be hard to do at first but your dogs will soon learn you are the boss. In time you will be able to open the door wider and wider without them trying to be out of the door first. Train your Frenchie here! You should start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Puppy brains are a lot bigger than we think — they soak up so much good information despite their young age. French Bulldogs can be a rather independent breed of dog. In fact, we sometimes might feel like we need them more than they need us! What age can I start to train my French Bulldog puppy? You can start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Build positive training experiences with Zigzag! We can start you off with a personalised training programme straight away in the Zigzag puppy training app , in fact, you can even use it before you bring your Frenchie puppy home as we have a pre-puppy section. Before bringing your French Bulldog puppy home, you can also get in touch with our Zigzag puppy experts with any of the many questions you may have! While blingy collars and outfits might be top of the list, there are some more sensible things you need to get your French Bulldog puppy that will help with your training. Here are my top picks for getting prepared for training your Frenchie. My favourite all-rounder is the Rapid Rewards treat pouch , it comes in many colours and looks stylish when on. The Mikki treat pouch is also good and a bit cheaper. You can go to town and choose pretty colours and designs for Frenchies! A lead — Around 2m is a good length for a lead. A training lead is a good idea as you can change the lengths of them to suit. A comfortable mat or a piece of non-slip vet bed. Treats The more smelly, the better. Have a look at the best puppy treats here. Chews and chew toys — lots of them! Our faves for Frenchies are West Paw Toppl and hollow buffalo horns for stuffing food into, and cow ears and pizzles for edible chews. Two identical toys : Excellent for swaps — your French Bulldog puppy will be super playful and enjoy the retrieving games in the Zigzag app. Originally, French Bulldogs were bred from English Bulldogs, who had a shady past as bull-baiting dogs. People enjoyed their cheerful nature and kept them as companion dogs after these awful blood sports were prohibited. When the need for these workers declined in England, their skills were still required in France, so the workers relocated, bringing their dogs with them. Relocate your training to Zigzag! When they arrived in France, they were adored by shopkeepers, butchers, and, most infamously, Les Belles de Nuit — the ladies of the night! What does this have to do with how I train my French Bulldog? Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you better train your Frenchie puppy and understand why they behave the way they do. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Frenchies are incredibly loving and enjoy being in the spotlight. They can have a lot of energy possibly even more than a lot of energy and enjoy an active home life. Lack of stimulation WILL foster self-employment; provide them with items to rip up and pull apart to keep them out of trouble. By the way, if you leave them to it, they WILL go into your recycling and have a field day. Frenchies often think they are big dogs, thus they often do well playing with dogs larger than them. They look dashing in them too! Thanks Steffi! French Bulldogs are capable of learning a command or two, but they require a significant amount of patience while training. We recommend short, frequent training sessions when teaching all of these commands. Sit The sit command is essential. It is necessary for dogs to learn many other commands. Therefore, it is best to teach it first. This command is also extremely easy to teach with a basic lure method. With your dog in a standing position, you should hold the treat to their nose and then slowly push it to their rear. They should follow the treat, which will also cause their butt to drop to the ground. Continue this until your dog sits on command. Try telling them to sit while on a walk or with visitors over. Paw Paw is an easy, fun trick that most dogs can learn without any problem. Start with holding a small treat tightly in your hand. Most dogs will attempt to get the treat, which usually involves pawing at your hand. It should only take another time or two for them to figure it out. Of course, you will have to continue to repeat the command so that they can master it. Speak Speak is an easy command to teach your dog. However, it does need to be taught differently from other commands. Instead of leading your dog into something, your only option is to catch your dog in action. It will take quite a while for your canine to catch on. You will have to carry treats around or have them available in areas that your dog normally barks. Bed This is an extremely practical command that every dog should learn. This can be used when visitors are over or when you simply need your dog to leave an area for a bit. Teaching bed is quite simple. Many dogs will pick up on this quickly. Fetch Fetching involves a lot more than simply retrieving the ball. The dog must also drop it when they bring it back so that you can throw it again. However, it can be taught in other ways as well. When your dog runs and brings it back, offer them a treat in exchange for the ball. They should drop it and take the treat. Do this a few times, and the dog will begin to drop the ball in anticipation of the treat. Touch Touch is a versatile command that is used to teach a lot of tricks. The main goal is to teach your dog to touch your hand. You can begin training this by basically doing it for the dog. Continue this, giving your dog a short pause to touch your hand. Eventually, your dog will figure it out and begin to do it themselves. You can use this command for all sorts of things. If you attach a sticky note to your hand, you can then teach your dog to touch the sticky note. After this, your dog can be taught to touch just about anything. Many people use this method for boundary training as well. Conclusion There are countless commands out there you can teach your French Bulldog. Starting with some easy ones is best, as this gives you and your canine time to figure training out. French Bulldogs may not be the easiest, but they are absolutely capable of accomplishing many different tasks and learning countless commands. It may just take a bit of patience to get there. Originally training dogs in-person, she added online training in to her business. Steffi strives to provide game-based, positive training solutions for owners and their dogs.

Breeds The link has been copied! Navigating the world of puppyhood can be both an exhilarating and daunting experience. Among the myriad decisions that new pet owners must make, determining the right quantity and type of food for your furry companion stands paramount. Especially for breeds like the German Shepherd, which grow rapidly and have specific nutritional needs, ensuring the right diet from the start is crucial for their overall health and development. In this guide, we will delve deep into understanding just how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy, taking into account their age, weight, activity level, and unique dietary requirements. Whether you're a first-time dog parent or a seasoned German Shepherd enthusiast, this comprehensive guide aims to shed light on your puppy's nutritional journey. German Shepherd Puppy Nutrition: The Basics The first step in understanding the feeding requirements is to grasp the basics of German Shepherd puppy nutrition. These puppies are an energetic lot. They grow rapidly and thus have specific dietary needs. For instance, did you know that a basset hound beagle mix might have completely different nutritional requirements than a German Shepherd? It's not just about the breed but also about understanding their activity levels, growth spurts, and potential health concerns. Why Exact Portions Matter Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding might stunt growth. Neither situation is ideal. A friend of mine once had a German Shepherd puppy named Max. She treated Max like her child and always felt he should eat heartily. But feeding him without a proper plan led to weight issues. By the time Max was an adult, he had joint problems and other health issues. A puppy's weight is an excellent indicator of its overall health. Regular vet check-ups can help monitor this. Contrary to popular belief, medium-sized dogs might consume less food per pound of body weight than larger breeds like the German Shepherd. And while German Shepherds might not be categorized under italian dog breeds, they still have their unique set of nutritional requirements. If you've ever seen a German Shepherd jump and play, you'd know they're highly energetic. They need a protein-rich diet. For example, while it might be safe for some dogs to occasionally eat pepperoni , a staple diet should focus on specialized puppy food with meat as the primary ingredient. Homemade Food vs. Commercial Food While there's a growing trend to feed dogs homemade meals, it's vital to ensure they're getting all the required nutrients. My neighbor, for example, only feeds her Collie nose dog a homemade diet, but she's extremely meticulous about including all necessary ingredients. With German Shepherds, a mix of both commercial and homemade can be a good approach. Commercial foods often have the advantage of being well-balanced. Common Mistakes to Avoid Not reading the food label: Just like humans, not every food is suitable for your German Shepherd puppy. Study the ingredients. Assuming all dog breeds have the same needs: Just as you wouldn't expect an Italian Greyhound one of the popular italian dog breeds to have the same dietary requirements as a German Shepherd, be breed-specific in your approach. Ignoring water intake: Hydration is as essential as nutrition. Ensure your pup has constant access to fresh water. When To Consult a Vet If you notice signs like lethargy, refusal to eat, or sudden weight changes, it's best to consult a vet. Sometimes, puppies can even get concussions from accidents at play, affecting their appetite and behavior. Always be vigilant and prioritize your puppy's health. Unlike a basset hound beagle mix which might have a more consistent growth rate, German Shepherds can surprise you with their growth spurts. Adjusting their feeding schedule becomes critical to ensure they're getting enough fuel for growth but not so much that it leads to obesity. Transitioning to Adult Food When your German Shepherd reaches around six to twelve months, you'll need to think about transitioning from puppy food to adult food. Remember how our parents told us we couldn't survive on pizza forever? Similarly, as tempting as it might be for a dog to eat pepperoni as a treat, it's essential to understand that what was beneficial for them as puppies might not be suitable as adults. Watching Out for Allergies Food allergies in dogs are more common than you'd think. If you notice symptoms like excessive itching, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues, your puppy might be reacting to something in their diet. Interestingly, even breeds like the Collie nose have shown tendencies for certain allergies. Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the cause and adjust the diet accordingly. Treats and Snacks: Yay or Nay? Who doesn't love treating their fur baby? But it's essential to ensure treats don't become a mainstay of their diet. Think of it this way: would you let a child eat candy all day just because they like it? The same goes for treats. They're delightful but should be given in moderation. Remember those medium-sized dogs we talked about earlier? They, just like German Shepherds, require a well-balanced diet. While it's okay to give them an occasional treat, be sure it's suitable for their size and age. Exercise and Feeding: The Vital Connection You might wonder, what does exercise have to do with feeding? A lot! An active German Shepherd puppy will burn more calories than one that lounges around. It's akin to humans — an athlete's diet varies significantly from someone with a sedentary lifestyle. Keep a watchful eye on your puppy's activity levels. If you've got a sprawling backyard where your German Shepherd loves to play and maybe occasionally chase the odd squirrel, they'll likely need more food. But if it's winter and they're indoors most of the time, you might need to adjust the portions slightly. Their lineage traces back to times when they were used for herding and guarding. This means their nutritional demands might be higher than some other breeds. The Role of Genetics While a lot of emphasis is given to diet and exercise, we can't ignore the role genetics play. For instance, just like how some people can be lactose intolerant or have gluten allergies, specific breeds, including the German Shepherd, can be genetically predisposed to certain health conditions. A basset hound beagle mix might have a set of genetic health issues different from a German Shepherd. Such genetic predispositions can affect dietary needs. For example, German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where joint health becomes paramount. Supplements like glucosamine can be beneficial in such cases. Advocates believe it mimics the natural diet of wild ancestors. This might involve raw meats, bones, and even organs. But is it right for a German Shepherd puppy? Like with any diet, there are pros and cons. Raw diets can offer fresher, unprocessed nutrients, but there's also a risk of bacterial infections or missing out on essential vitamins and minerals. If you're considering this for your German Shepherd, do thorough research and perhaps even consult with a vet or a pet nutritionist. The Perils of Over-Feeding Just because your puppy gobbles down food quickly doesn't mean they're still hungry. Some dogs, especially active breeds like German Shepherds, have voracious appetites. But overfeeding can lead to a myriad of health issues, from the obvious obesity to other problems like diabetes. Remember the mention of dogs that eat pepperoni? Occasional indulgence is one thing, but consistently feeding your puppy fatty or human foods can be harmful in the long run. The Importance of Hydration While we've talked a lot about food, water is just as crucial. Puppies, especially active ones, need a lot of water. Always ensure that your German Shepherd puppy has access to fresh and clean water. Hydration aids in digestion, keeps the body temperature regulated, and ensures smooth functioning of bodily processes. The Game Changer for German Shepherd Puppy Owners As we've been diving deep into the world of German Shepherd puppies, understanding their unique needs and growth patterns, it's essential to introduce a tool that's becoming a game changer for many puppy owners: the FI dog collar. The Link Between Nutrition and Activity German Shepherds, as mentioned before, are incredibly active dogs with varying nutritional needs based on their activity levels. This is where the FI dog collar shines. Imagine having a Fitbit for your dog. Is your puppy more active than the average German Shepherd? Then they might need a slightly larger portion at dinner. Or perhaps they've had a particularly lazy day? Maybe cut back a little on the treats. Just like you wouldn't feed a sedentary basset hound beagle mix the same as an active German Shepherd, within the breed itself, there are variances based on individual activity. Safety First German Shepherds are curious by nature. Whether they're tempted to eat pepperoni from the kitchen counter or are intrigued by the scent trail of a squirrel, they can sometimes wander off. If your German Shepherd puppy decides to go on an unscheduled adventure, you can quickly locate them. The FI collar provides health insights tailored to your German Shepherd puppy, considering their breed, age, and weight. This feature ensures that whether you have a sprightly Collie nose or an active German Shepherd, the collar provides insights best suited for your dog. You'd want a collar that's as tough as they are. The FI collar boasts a durable design that can withstand the playful antics of your puppy, from rough play to the occasional dip in the pond. Conclusion: In the journey of raising a robust and healthy German Shepherd puppy, understanding their unique dietary needs is paramount. From recognizing the importance of portions, transitioning to adult food, and monitoring for allergies to acknowledging the value of hydration, every step plays a vital role. The modern addition of tools like the FI dog collar amplifies our ability to cater to their needs, providing real-time activity data and ensuring their safety. As German Shepherd owners, while it's essential to know how different they are from breeds like the basset hound beagle mix or Italian dog breeds, it's equally crucial to embrace technology and insights for their optimal well-being. The link has been copied! You might also like. The breed was officially known as the Alsatian in Britain until when its name was changed back to German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, with their origin dating to .As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding sheep. Since that time however, because of their strength, intelligence, trainability, and obedience, German Shepherds around the world are often the preferred breed for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and acting. German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs. The breed standard height at the withers is 60—65 cm 24—26 in for males, and 55—60 cm 22—24 in for females. The AKC official breed standard does not set a standard weight range. They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle with strong jaws and a black nose. The eyes are medium-sized and brown. The ears are large and stand erect, open at the front and parallel, but they often are pulled back during movement. A German Shepherd has a long neck, which is raised when excited and lowered when moving at a fast pace. The tail is bushy and reaches to the hock. German Shepherds have a two-layer coat which is close and dense with a thick undercoat. The coat is accepted in two variants; medium and long. The long-hair gene is recessive, making the long-hair variety rarer. Treatment of the long-hair variation differs across standards; they are accepted but not competed with standard coated dogs under the German and UK Kennel Clubs while they can compete with standard coated dogs, but are considered a fault in the American Kennel Club. The FCI accepted the long-haired type in , listing it as the variety b—while short-haired type is listed as the variety a. Most color varieties have black masks and black body markings which can range from a classic "saddle" to an over-all "blanket. The all-black and sable varieties are acceptable according to most standards; however, the blue and liver are considered to be serious faults and the all-white is grounds for instant disqualification from showing in conformation at All Breed and Specialty Shows. German Shepherds are moderately active dogs and are described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. They are curious, which makes them excellent guard dogs and suitable for search missions. They can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. They are not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient, as well as being protective of their owners. While an Australian report from provides statistics showing that German Shepherds are the breed third most likely to attack a person in some Australian locales, once their popularity is taken into account, the percentages of GSD attacks drops to 38th. According to the National Geographic Channel television show Dangerous Encounters, the bite of a German Shepherd has a force of over 1, newtons lbf compared with that of a Rottweiler, over 1,—1, newtons — lbf , a Pit bull, 1, newtons lbf , a Labrador Retriever, of approximately 1, newtons lbf , or a human, of approximately newtons 86 lbf. The modern German Shepherd breed is criticized by some for straying away from Max von Stephanitz's original ideology that German Shepherds should be bred primarily as working dogs and that breeding should be strictly controlled to eliminate defects quickly. He believed that, above all else, German Shepherds should be bred for intelligence and working ability. German Shepherds are a popular selection for use as working dogs. They are known for being easy to train and good for performing tasks and following instructions. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. Usually trained for scout duty, they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. German Shepherds have also been trained by military groups to parachute from aircraft or as anti-tank weapons. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. A number of these dogs were taken home by foreign servicemen, who were impressed by their intelligence. The German Shepherd is one of the most widely used breeds in a wide variety of scent-work roles. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. At one time the German Shepherd was the breed chosen almost exclusively to be used as a guide dog for the visually impaired. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis, all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. An experiment in temperament testing of a group of Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds showed that the Retrievers scored higher on average in emotional stability and ability to recover promptly from frightening situations, cooperative behavior and friendliness; while the German Shepherds were superior in aggression and defensive behavior. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. Currently, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are more widely used for this work, although there are still German Shepherds being trained. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in the United Kingdom states that crosses between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers make the best guide dogs, although they also train some German Shepherds, as well as some other breeds. German Shepherds are still used for herding and tending sheep grazing in meadows next to gardens and crop fields. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as HGH Herdengebrauchshund herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. PNG images: German Shepherd.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right? Well then, of course everyone should have one. Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes. Here are a few things to consider: Size Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 — 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from pounds. Females stand around .They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must! A fenced in yard is especially important in providing the dog enough exercise. Another option is a fenced dog park or walking trail. You must have a plan to give your golden enough exercise on a daily basis or both of you will be miserable. The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need. Velcro Dog Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side, many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden — they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. Leashes You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off. Shedding In Florida, goldens shed moderately all year long. Brushing every other day is to your advantage. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and OH YES, occasionally even in your food. With a golden in your house, hair becomes a condiment. Oh — and you will have to vacuum much more often than before — or little fur balls will accumulate along your baseboards! Make sure you have a really good vacuum cleaner that you love using before bringing a golden into your home. Health Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Grooming Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Neatness Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Training Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. Small Children People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety. As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home. Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. A happy golden is an inside dog. Male or Female? Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens. Well, there you have it — the inside scoop on owning a golden. Goldens Rescued Since .However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. Cavapoos have a soft, wavy coat that can be either curly or straight. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and cream. Cavapoos are known for being friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. They are also relatively low-maintenance dogs, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Cavapoos are good with children and other pets, and they make great companion dogs. Cavapoo Highlights Friendly and affectionate: Cavapoos are known for being loving and loyal dogs. They are always happy to see their owners and make great companions for people of all ages. Easy to train: Cavapoos are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and can learn basic commands quickly. Good with children and other pets: Cavapoos are gentle and playful dogs that get along well with children and other pets. They are a good choice for families with young children. Low-maintenance: Cavapoos are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They require weekly brushing and occasional baths. They are not as high-maintenance as some other breeds, such as Poodles. Overall, Cavapoos are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a loving, loyal, and easy-to-care-for dog, the Cavapoo may be the perfect breed for you. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Cavapoos: They are relatively expensive dogs to buy and own. They can be prone to some health problems, such as mitral valve disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia. They are not suitable for homes with very young children, as they can be easily injured by rough play. If you are considering getting a Cavapoo, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Cavapoo History The Cavapoo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders in Australia started intentionally mixing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles in the late s. Breeders wanted to mix the outgoing and calmer nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence of a Poodle. Since Poodles tend to shed less, they were also selected in an effort to create a mixed breed for allergy sufferers. Breeders continued to create Cavapoos as demand for the mixed-breed pups climbed. Even though the Cavapoo mixed breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Cavapoo rescues, or check with breed-specific Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs and find homes for them. Cavapoo Size As the Cavapoo is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents, you can expect Cavapoos to be small to medium, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Most weigh in at nine to 25 pounds and range in height from nine to 14 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Cavapoo Personality Cavapoos have boomed in popularity because they have such an amicable and winning personality. That said, the Cavapoo is not a dog that tolerates being alone very much, and they could experience separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained. The Cavapoo is an intelligent breed and lives for your validation and praise. This makes Cavapoos fairly easy to train, as they are eager to please. Cavapoos can be athletic too, which makes them great when it comes to agility and obedience competitions. As they can be somewhat attached-at-the-hip, it is important to train your Cavapoo early so they know how to be alone. Without proper training, your Cavapoo could turn to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture and shoes or rooting through the garbage, when they are left alone. Cavapoos tend to get along with everyone and may even greet an intruder with a wag of their tail. Cavapoos tend to thrive most in homes where they get loads of attention, be it with a family or a senior citizen. Cavapoo Health Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems that are common in both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. MVD can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of eye diseases that can lead to blindness. PRA is a genetic condition that is not curable, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joints do not fit together properly. This can cause pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia is often treated with surgery or medication. Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. Luxating patella is often treated with surgery or physical therapy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, but it is not curable. Syringomyelia is a condition in which fluid builds up in the spinal cord. This can cause pain, weakness, and other neurological symptoms. Syringomyelia is often treated with surgery or medication. Dental problems are common in all dogs, but they are especially common in Cavapoos. Cavapoos are prone to tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Allergies are also common in Cavapoos. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin problems, ear infections, and respiratory problems. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Cavapoos are somewhat prone to weight gain, and they can have heart issues if they do not maintain a healthy weight. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily, and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as smaller breeds are prone to dental issues. Cavapoo Feeding An ideal Cavapoo diet should be formulated for a small- to medium-sized breed with high energy levels. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They can be a variety of colors , including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white. They can sometimes be solid colors, but often they are chestnut and white, or they can even be tri-colored. They usually have short, soft, and wavy or curly coats. They can become quite the fluffballs, though, and require regular grooming. Because of their Poodle parent, they are somewhat less prone to shedding, which is why some allergy sufferers do well with Cavapoos. Their curly coats make them able to tolerate moderate cold and heat. Like all dogs, however, they should not be left outside in either extreme warm or cold temperatures. Cavapoo Children And Other Pets Because the Cavapoo can be on the smaller side, they can get easily hurt by overly excited children, especially younger ones. It is important that any kids in the house know how to safely approach and play with your Cavapoo. Having said that, the Cavapoo loves everyone and generally enjoys romping around with kids. When it comes to other pets, Cavapoos can get along with other animals as long as they are introduced in a calm, slow manner. Cavapoos are generally friendly dogs, and they can get along with other dogs and even cats when properly socialized. Many Cavapoos get along just fine with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw. Cavapoo Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Cavapoos because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try: Carolina Poodle Rescue Cavapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. They were bred to be a companion dog and perfect for those with allergies because of their low shedding coat. This crossbreed is known for being friendly and sociable, making them excellent family pets. The popularity of the Cavapoo has soared recently and this is all down to their sweet nature. Gentle and cute, this the perfect dog to have in the home with children. They will happily curl up next to you on the couch, but they will also happily spend time running and playing! Read on below to find out more about this interesting small breed. More recently, they are also becoming more popular in the United States and in England, too. Because they are a hybrid breed, the Cavapoo is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC and therefore does not have a breed standard. It can be difficult to know which parent they are going to take after more and which characteristics they will inherit. Breed Origin To understand more about where the Cavapoo dog came from, we can take a look at the origins of the parent breeds. The Poodle originated from the French and German border in the 15th and 16th century and was associated with the upper class. Because they are excellent water dogs, they were used to hunt water-fowl. Later on, because of their adorable look, these pups became a very popular dog. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle by choosing the smallest pup from each litter and breeding with them. They were first seen in America in the 20th century. They were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Characteristics Of The Cavapoo Because the Cavapoo is not a purebred breed, it can be difficult to know which characteristics they are going to inherit from each parent. One litter may take after the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, while another little may take after the Poodle parent. However, based on past litters, we can make assumptions about many of the traits. A Cavapoo puppy is normally born in a litter size of anywhere between two and eight puppies. Always ensure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance As we have stated, the appearance can differ based on which parent breed the Cavapoo takes more traits from. These pups are normally described as fuzzy faced teddy bears and are extremely cute! Poodles can come in three sizes — Standard, Miniature and Toy. This also means that there are two sizes of Cavapoos available. These dogs can stand between 9 and 14 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between 7 and 18 pounds. Coat There are three different coat types that this Poodle Mix could have. These are hair, fleece and wool. Fleece coats are most common and they have a loose wave or curl to them. They are very soft to touch and do not shed much. They are also low maintenance and only require clipping from time to time. Wool coats are also low shedding coats and have tight curls. Due to these tight curls, they trap dander which makes them the best coat type for those with allergies. However, these coats do grow, so they also require daily brushing and regular clipping. Hair coats can be wiry and rough which can give the Cavapoo a Terrier look. Color The Cavapoo can come in a range of colors. The most common colors are gold, black, white, Blenheim black and white and tricolor black, white and tan. Temperament The temperament of the Cavapoo is another factor that can be difficult to pinpoint due to the fact this designer breed is not a pure breed. Often, breeds are crossed to take the most desirable characteristics from each breed. We can take a look at the temperament of the parent breeds to get an idea of what the Cavapoo may be like. The Cavalier Spaniel is a playful and energetic dog but they are also very loyal and loving. They love to be around people and do not tolerate being left on their own. This can lead to unwanted behaviors including barking and destruction. The Cavalier Spaniel, although not a large dog, has high activity levels and likes to be outside. The Poodle is a gentle and caring dog that also loves people. Much like the Cavalier Spaniel, they do not like to be left alone and will want to be by your side all the time. Very intelligent, the Poodle is easy to train and will want to please their owner. They also have lots of energy and love to join you on walks. Crossing The Breeds It was hoped when crossing the Cavalier Spaniel with the Poodle that the Cavapoo would have the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat from a Poodle whilst keeping the energy, loyalty and playfulness of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is mostly true! They are very loyal to their owners, too. This breed love babies and children and so will thrive in a family home, building bond with everyone in the household. They are fairly active dogs and like to be outside. Lifespan The life expectancy of the Cavapoo is 10 to 14 years. Known Health Issues Although mixed breeds are known for being generally healthier breeds due to the out-breeding of health issues, they can still be prone to health problems their parent breeds face. Unfortunately, the Cavapoo is no different. We have listed the most common health concerns below. Patellar Luxation — this is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we have explored what the temperament and characteristics of the Cavapoo may be, we can take a look at what living with one of these dogs is actually like. We will explore their food and diet needs, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. Food And Diet These dogs are a small breed and therefore require around 40 calories of food per pound of body weight a day. This equates to between and calories per day, although you should always check the back of the food packet to see how much of a certain food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. Unfortunately, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be prone to some weight gain and this can be passed down to their offspring. For this reason, try not to feed your Cavapoo too many treats. If you are worried your Cavapoo is overweight then you can check them. Cavoodle Description The Cavapoo is not a purebred dog. 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. Sophie the Cavapoo "This is Lucy. She is a Cavapoo, which here in Australia we call a Cavoodle. She is 11 weeks old and the best puppy. The first night we got her I put her in a soft kennel with the flap up, but gated into the bathroom. She cried a bit and woke in the night once. By night 4, she didn't make a whimper when I put her in and didn't wake until am. She has been easy to train, picking up sit, down, leave it and touch commands by 9 weeks. She is playful, but also loves to cuddle up on the couch. She is great with the kids and has taken to our home very smoothly. She still cries in the day when we leave her.She loves to chew , but doesn't chew furniture, more fingers and plants. She is shedding a bit, but I am not sure if that is a puppy thing, and because we are exiting winter season here. She is the best puppy. He's really sweet and smart. Everything I taught him he learned that day and he was completely housetrained in two months his main problem was just finding a way to tell me how to go out, so I got bells for him. He loves houseguests, but is timid of people in the neighborhood. He's also very loyal and follows me everywhere. If I stay up late to study he struggles to stay awake until I go to bed. He's a little too attached because he cries when I'm in the bathroom and he became a submissive peer the first month; I learned how to ignore him until we went outside and quit doing it. He also is really gentle with small children. However, I noticed he is selfish with other animals. When around my mom's dog a Doberman which he is not scared of he steals her toys and hides them in areas that are too small for her to fit in. He loves burying bones in the couch, getting cheese, the dog park, beach, fetch throw the ball and he'll play for hours and cuddling. Black, brown, red, apricot, cream, white Suitable for Active families looking for an affectionate pet that is also an excellent watchdog Temperament Friendly, playful, intelligent, adaptable As with other mixed breeds, the pup that you get will have varying traits, depending on which parent is dominant in a particular characteristic. Both breeds are quite popular, according to the American Kennel Club. The Cavalier ranks 17th and the Poodle sixth. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Nonetheless, early socialization is vital to cultivate good canine manners. The same advice applies to training. The Cavapoo is no exception. However, both parent breeds have a history of health issues, which is essential to know up front. The same can be said of other intelligent dogs. How you raise your puppy will have a significant influence on their activity level. Both parent breeds are intelligent. That means that mental stimulation is vital for a good quality of life for your pup. The Cavapoo is moderately sensitive to harsh words, making positive reinforcement a better option. Are These Dogs Good for Families? You should teach them how to pick up their pet correctly to avoid injuries. The Cavapoo is dog-friendly as long as you socialize them as a puppy. They have a moderately high prey drive due to their hunting history. They may chase the family cat if given a chance. That means a time commitment to ensure they that get enough interactive time. The Cavapoo can handle cold weather better than hot, something to bear in mind when going on walks. The dietary needs of puppies differ from adults, where they need the extra nutrients and calories to support growth and development. You should offer your Cavapoo puppy three to four small meals a day. The spaced meals ensure that their blood sugar will stay stable throughout their busy day. You can scale it back to two times a day once your pup reaches adulthood. It might be due in part to their cute face. Who can resist giving them a treat? The Cavalier is more of a couch potato. A couple of daily walks will suffice and give your Cavapoo time to reinforce their leash manners and get exposure to new things. Remember that active pets are less likely to be fearful. The Cavapoo is sometimes a slow learner. We suggest limiting treats to lessons. Positive reinforcement is the best strategy for this gentle-nature pup. Praise will work wonders in a dog so eager to please. If your Cavapoo takes more after the Poodle, you might want to consider giving them a puppy cut to make grooming easier. You may have to pluck hair from their ears occasionally to prevent infections. We suggest getting a pup from a seller that does the necessary screenings. Regular veterinary care is an excellent way to prevent certain conditions from occurring or at least catch them early if they do. That can make the treatment easier and less stressful for both you and your pet. Minor Conditions. Generally the Cavalier Poodle mix has a sweet expression and sturdy little body, like both of their parents. The CKC and Poodle mix puppy will have a longish coat with some wave or curl. Poodles come in a wide range of colors so a Cavoodle puppy could be anything from tasteful, muted color tones: blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-laits, apricots and creams right through to the black Cavapoo. Or it can be come in the rich browns of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cavapoo Grooming The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long, silky hair that requires regular brushing and an occasional bath. They do shed, especially with the change of seasons. Poodles require even more grooming — daily brushing, in fact, to prevent matting. This is one reason that owners often choose to keep Poodle hair trimmed short. No matter what, you should brush every day or two to prevent matting, or see a professional groomer. And finally, Cavapoos may get reddish tear stains, which you might prefer to treat. Tipping the scales at 13—18 pounds, they are categorised as a toy breed. Miniature Poodles are usually about 10—15 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 10—15 pounds. The diminutive toy Poodle is less than 10 inches tall, and weighs as little as 6 pounds, and their Cavapoo puppies are likely to be quite a bit smaller than those with a Miniature Poodle parent. Cavapoo weight and height can vary, but a general rule of thumb here is to look at the measurements of their parents. The range the parents cover is what you can expect. Temperament Traits Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are graceful, sweet, and gentle, and make good companion dogs for households of all ages. They do have some sporting ancestry, so they enjoy chasing squirrels and such. Poodles on the other hand are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and strength. These are agile dogs with great tracking instincts, and nothing less than an abundance of activity and play will do. At home, Poodles are people-oriented, affectionate, and proud. But they are prone to shyness while out and about. A Cavapoo is likely to be good with children and other pets. Some Cavapoos will be brimful of Poodle energy! Of course, how you train your Cavapoo puppy will also shape their personality. Cavapoos are great companion dogs. They are friendly and good with kids and other animals. Their playful energy means they make a great addition to family life. They are fun dogs that can be a good match for any pet-loving household, whether active or not. Even a full grown Cavapoo is a small dog, which has practical advantages in terms of how much space they need in the home and car, how much they cost to feed. Top Training Cavalier King Charles Spaniels excel at obedience, rally, and agility training, and make great therapy dogs. Poodles benefit from agility, obedience, tracking and retrieving activities to test both their mental and physical prowess. With small dogs like Cavapoo puppies, it can be tempting to skip over some areas of training. After all, when they get into trouble you can just scoop them out of it. Training and socialization helps dogs of all sizes to adjust more confidently to new social situations. Armed with this confidence, small dogs are less likely to bark or nip at unfamiliar people. Both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please their handlers, which makes them great candidates for early training and socialization. They will respond quickly to positive reinforcement training, and learn new commands rapidly. Our puppy training guides will help you hit the ground running with the basics, like potty training , crate training , and recall. Exercise Needs Fully grown Cavapoos need minutes exercise a day. Back at home, your Cavapoo will also demand time and attention for playing games. And enclosed yard where you can play fetch is perfect for this. Besides providing fun and exercise, you Cavapoo will also rely on you to look after their diet and grooming, and look out for signs of illness. Cavapoos need a healthy balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in their diet. Our puppy feeding guide can help you with these decisions, as well as feeding schedules. Cavalier King Charles and Poodle Health Mixed breed dogs have the potential to inherit genetic diseases from their purebred parents. To ensure your Cavapoo puppy is as healthy as possible make sure that the Cavalier parent has been checked by a veterinarian as clear for syringomyelia and heart disease. They should also have good hip and elbow scores, and no family history of epilepsy. Average Lifespan Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an average lifespan of years, which closely the reflects the average life expectancy across the whole dog population. But Poodles boast some of the longest life expectancies in dogdom. Miniature Poodles live for 14 years on average, and up to .Toy Poodles live longer still — up to 19 years. A clear MRI for the Cavalier parent is the most important health screening that you should look for.

The French bulldog is stocky in build and very short. His face is wrinkled and his top lip overhangs the bottom lip in that signature bulldog pout. The adorable features of the French bulldog include large bat-like ears and a very short nose. The French bulldog has a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years. French bulldogs come in a variety of colors. They are found in various colors including brindle, fawn, white and black. The coat is short, smooth and easy to care for, requiring only a weekly brushing. The French bulldog is a minimal to moderate shedder. Despite his name, the French bulldog is actually English in origin. In the 19th century, the bulldog became a companion dog, and increasingly smaller dogs were developed to fulfill this new role. In the mids Nottingham was a center for lace making and the toy bulldog became a sort of mascot for the Nottingham lacemakers. Many in the lace trade relocated to northern France for better opportunities and brought their tiny bulldogs with them. The French loved these dogs with their oversized ears, and they were deliberately bred to exaggerate the ears. The French bulldog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in .The Popularity of the French Bulldog In modern times, the French bulldog has become extremely popular among celebrities. Adaptable, playful and smart, this is a dog that loves his family. With a friendly, loyal and lively personality and cute appearance, the gentle French bulldog has remained among the most popular dogs in the nation, ranking fourth in the AKC rankings. The price of owning a French bulldog is not cheap. You may wonder why Frenchies are so expensive. Frenchies must be artificially inseminated in most cases. Because of their size and shape, most French bulldog females must have C-sections because it can be very dangerous for them to give birth naturally. All of these costs add up and are passed on to the consumer resulting in a higher purchase price for the dog. About the French Bulldog Owning a French bulldog can be a great joy because this breed is kindhearted, affectionate and funny. Frenchies have a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, so their owners must be consistent, firm and patient with all of the antics that make this dog both frustrating and delightful. Also, Frenchies are not big barkers. French bulldogs are true lapdogs. They are extremely affectionate and they want nothing more than to give love to their owners. Keep in mind that this means your Frenchie will always be underfoot. These playful, loving, enthusiastic dogs require constant attention and do not do well when left alone. This is a good dog for children. In general, a French bulldog will get along well with other pets as long as they are just as playful. Because of this, many people have two French bulldogs because they get along well with each other and love to play together. Although these dogs are adorable and extremely popular worldwide, as with any breed these dogs are not right for every owner. While this small breed has a lot of love to give, they are also extremely prone to health problems that may make it financially and emotionally difficult to care for this dog. Frenchies have flat faces and are prone to breathing problems. They also do poorly in hot or humid weather. French bulldogs also have digestive issues. Frenchies are notorious for gas and they can easily become constipated. To help deal with these issues, it is important to provide your French bulldog with high-quality food. Stay away from common store brands because they contain too much grain and corn, which many Frenchies are allergic to. These foods also contain empty calories for a French bulldog, especially since the breed has a tendency to be overweight. Try to feed a grain-free food with lean protein sources. French bulldogs have big personalities and can require a fair amount of training to make them good companions. But basically Frenchies are people pleasers, making them fairly easy to train. Just give them the proper motivation like treats , and make a game of the process and you will get their cooperation. French bulldogs are intelligent and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. The French bulldog does well with training when it is done in a positive manner with lots of food rewards, praise, and play. Be positive. A French bulldog puppy can be a quick learner but they tend to be stubborn and not do everything you ask. Do not punish the dog as this will undo any progress you have made. Just be patient and stand your ground. Try to teach new behaviors on a leash, even when you are inside, so your puppy cannot wander off when he gets bored. Smart dogs can get bored easily so break up the training into several smaller sessions of only a minute or two in duration. Wait for your puppy to comply and when he does, give him a big reward and end the training session. Some people prefer a dog that they do not have to exercise. If this is true for you, the French bulldog may be a good choice for you. The French bulldog is intolerant to a lot of exercise simply because of how their bodies are designed. It can be difficult for them to breathe when they have a lot of exercise, just like English bulldogs, pugs and other dogs with short noses. But French bulldogs are prone to weight gain, so they do require some daily exercise and play. A nice leisurely walk around the block is enough daily exercise for most French bulldogs. Daily walks also provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation from enjoying the outdoor sights, sounds, and smells. French bulldogs are prone to overheating and breathing issues that are directly related to the structure of their faces. It is extremely important that you do not over-exercise this breed. Brachycephalic dogs like the French bulldog are prone to heatstroke because they cannot take in enough oxygen to keep them cool and refreshed. They have trouble regulating their body temperature effectively. This is a great companion dog. The French bulldog is gentle, loving and very eager to please his humans. He is happy to spend his days sleeping on the sofa or curling up in the lap of his owner, and he will happily follow you around from room to room. His nature is comical and mischievous. The Frenchie makes a fantastic pet. The French bulldog loves to play and gets along well with people, children, and other pets. However, Frenchies can be territorial and very possessive of their people, especially when other dogs are around. French Bulldog Breathing Problems: Things to Know French bulldog breathing problems, along with problems with their eyes and overheating, are associated with the shape of their face. The set of their eyes and the reduced muzzle size gives the French bulldog a more human-like appearance. But the face of the French bulldog has not evolved naturally. It has been designed by deliberately breeding together dogs with smaller muzzles. This has caused the French bulldog to experience some very serious health problems. These dogs have short facial bones but the same amount of facial tissue as a dog with a normal muzzle length. Heat and Cold Intolerance Due to their brachycephalic nature, Frenchies often struggle to regulate their body temperature. For example, it will take a Frenchie much longer to cool down after running around when compared to other non-brachycephalic not flat-faced breeds. Keeping your Frenchie cool You can accommodate for them by having plenty of water, a not-too-hot area, and knowing when enough is enough. Lots of Shedding It surprises me how much my Frenchie sheds especially as she has such a short coat! I have to constantly de-shed her coat using a tool like the Furminator unless I want to walk around covered in dog hair. If you suffer from dog allergies , a French Bulldog might not be for you. Frenchies are not a hypoallergenic breed. Pulling on the leash Frenchies are notorious for pulling on their leashes. Your living room should be enough for them! Are Frenchies good around children? Yes, Frenchies are a great breed for children! Are French Bulldogs smart? Are French Bulldogs Strong? Relative to their size, Frenchies are pretty strong dogs. They have powerful jaws and a muscular body that makes them rip through toys like nothing. Note: compared to larger powerful dogs like the Rottweiler, Pitbull, or Mastiff, Frenchies would not be considered strong. Are French Bulldogs good pets? Are French Bulldogs loyal? Are French Bulldogs friendly? Yes, Frenchies are one of the most friendly dog breeds you could find. Are Frenchies hard to take care of? Why do people like French Bulldogs? Are French Bulldogs cuddly? They love snuggling up right next to you and leaving you barely any room for yourself. Posted on. People ask if the French bulldog and the Pug are related but the Frenchie originated in France way back in the s, from English ancestry, whilst the Pug comes from Chinese origins. Those cute ears! And other characteristics Around , the lace workers from Nottingham were forced out by the Industrial Revolution. They moved to France, taking along one such dog, the miniature bulldog. Americans also started importing French Bulldogs for a breeding program in .At a dog show, Mr. George Raper chose winners who had "rose ears". Rose ears were folded at the tip, as with the standard type Bulldogs. All the controversy around the ears sparked off the French Bulldog Club of America. But as he gets bigger, he is not afraid to alert his owners to danger. They are spunky too, cute the way they communicate with yips, gargles, howls , and yawning to get your attention. This all means that the Frenchie loves to be affectionate and playful. They are stressful little dogs, so CBD is a very good option for these cute little dogs. Their life expectancy is around years. Sold out Training Even though they are a small breed, they have a stubborn streak in them, making them a bit more difficult to train than other dog breeds. The main types of training for a French bulldog would be socialization training and also potty training. They are inclined to be a bit standoffish when it comes to meeting new people and they can even get a bit aggressive towards other dogs. Check out these training tips for your French bulldog. If he walks to the new person and seems happy and confident, give him treats, and also allow the new person to give him a treat. If your dog is fearful of a new person, allow him to calm down without any force — dogs know people far better than humans do! Sometimes the little Frenchie can be a bit destructive as they enjoy chewing. Be aware of this before you buy a Frenchie. They can get bored, using chewing as their way of exploration. If you want this type of dog, you need to know that all your personal belongings must be out of the way. Being small, they can get onto tables and reach things like your phone and remote controls, etc. Be warned. Provide him with his own toys , keeping the ones with squeakers away, because Frenchies can choke on those. The harness offers more support too and does not strain as much as a collar does. Swimming is not really for this little doggie. Take caution with the Frenchie near water because due to their short-snout respiratory issues and their thin, short little legs, they are more at risk of drowning. A Frenchie needs to have his toenails trimmed every couple of weeks or so. Remember to brush his teeth to keep them healthy and breath fresh. His ears need to be clean too, remembering the delicate wrinkles on his face. They can be pretty deep, these folds, and can be a breeding ground for bacteria- they will need cleaning around twice a week. Just use a damp cloth to wipe the folds out, making sure they are perfectly dry. Otherwise, though, generally washing once a month should be enough. Health issues Digestive issues Digestive issues can cause Frenchies to be constipated. That means you need to provide your dog with top quality foods. The spine The spine requires special attention. This breed often has abnormally developed vertebrae of the discs of the back and even IVDD. This can cause this special little dog to become disabled. Surgery and repair can cost thousands of dollars — also x-rays will need to be taken. It is common in the brachycephalic breeds such as a French bulldog. Eye problems A Frenchie can experience common eye problems and it is not uncommon for them to suffer from eye allergies that irritate their eyes. Why are they so expensive? Well, to begin with, these little dogs need to be artificially inseminated in most cases, and the little females usually have a C-section at birth as it is rather dangerous to give birth naturally. All these things cost a lot of money. Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs. Recommended Articles. Ideally they need owners around all day. Common health problems in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are playful and fun-loving dogs who love spending time with their owners. Sadly, like so many other purebred dogs, they are at risk of certain conditions relating to their breed. If you are thinking of buying a French Bulldog puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Frenchies are a flat-faced breed, which can often cause breathing problems and means they overheat quickly especially when they exercise in warmer weather. Some of the conditions Frenchies may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. Parents should be screened before breeding. Luxating patellas — where the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Dental problems — shorter faced dogs often have crowded teeth with can cause dental problems. A range of eye problems, including cataracts there is screening for this. Back problems such as Intervertebral disc disease — where the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae back bones bulge or burst, pressing on nerves in the spine. Skin conditions — particularly skin fold dermatitis where the skin in their wrinkles gets inflamed and sore or even infected. Hyperuricosuria — a condition where stones or crystals can form in urine causing infections, difficulty passing urine or blood in urine. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems due to exaggerated features, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your French Bulldog Frenchies are loving dogs, known for being quite laid-back and happy to fit in with family life. French Bulldogs can be lower maintenance because they tend to prefer shorter walks, but they definitely have huge characters and personalities and will do anything for a bit of fuss and attention! French Bulldogs and barking As with any breed, your Frenchie is likely to make noise. How much they make is completely down to the individual, their training and personality. Training and socialisation French Bulldogs are eager to please their owners which can make them easy to train, but are also known to be strong-willed at times. They are a sensitive breed, so respond best to positive, reward-based training which needs to be started from an early age. This will help them grow into confident adults and help their laid-back nature shine through. They thrive off company and so could develop separation anxiety if left alone. Exercise Although Frenchies are thought to be less high maintenance than some breeds when it comes to exercise, they still love to keep busy and exercising is a huge part of that. Your French Bulldog will need up to an hour of exercise every day. This should be split into a few shorter walks, with time to play off-lead in a secure area and have a good sniff around. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe really quickly, especially in warmer weather. Make sure you can recognise the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Early mornings and later in the evenings would be better times to go for a walk in the summer. Due to the extra rolls of skin around their face, French Bulldogs are at risk of developing something called skin fold dermatitis. You can clean them with damp cotton wool pads but always make sure to dry them thoroughly after. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate French Bulldogs and children Frenchies are known for being pretty laid back and adaptable, so they tend to get along well with children of all ages which makes them popular family pets. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. French Bulldogs do have a high prey drive. If they have grown up with a cat in the home, they will be fine with that cat but are likely to chase unfamiliar cats and smaller pets. You should always supervise your dog with family pets and introduce them slowly from a young age. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Frenchie should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. Speak to your vet for more information about how to manage this at home. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts An early version of the breed were used by lace makers in the UK shortly before the industrial revolution to warm their laps while they worked. French Bulldogs are known for their big, bat-like ears. They are lovable dogs who fit easily into family life, but come with a lot of extra responsibility and potentially higher healthcare costs. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a French Bulldog. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in French Bulldogs are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. This breed has surged in popularity over the last decade and with that has come a lot of irresponsible ownership. The bottom line is this; you need to make sure you understand the pros and cons of owning a French Bulldog before you buy. They are expensive to own, they can be high maintenance, but they will also bring a huge amount of joy and love into your life. Please Note: All the pros, cons, negatives, positives, downside and upsides I list here are based on personal experience of owning a Frenchie. I hope it helps you understand what you should know before owning a French Bulldog Owning a French Bulldog pros and cons French Bulldog: pros to ownership I am going to firstly list the positives and good reasons for owning a French Bulldog. Are good with kids Our son was around 3 years old when Claude first arrived as a puppy and they have grown up together to be the best of pals. Without doubt, French Bulldogs are one of the best breeds to own if you have young kids. They wrestle, play tug of war, go to the park, and adore each other. To find out more about how Frenchies like playing with kids, read my blog post about French Bulldogs and children. In other words, they will cheer people up and make people feel much better about themselves. They offer unconditional love, adore human companionship, and are often taken into hospitals, care homes, and schools. Are good for older people Which segues nicely onto the next pro for owning a French Bulldog; they are a great choice for older people and seniors. Reason being, they Frenchies require less exercise than bigger breeds, love to cuddle , and have been bred to offer more companionship than you could ever wish for. They are also small, so for the less mobile and more senior generation can be a great choice as a dog. Are local celebrities I never realized the impact owning a Frenchie would have until we had our first outdoor walk with Claude as a puppy. We get stopped all the time with people wanting to meet him! Claude is better known than my wife and I in our local village. Are natural entertainers French Bulldogs will make you laugh. As a breed they are absolute clowns and have lots of funny expressions, mannerisms, and traits that means there will never be a dull moment in your household. You have to see it to believe it, and when you do it will have you in stitches. Are chilled sometimes and adaptable One of the worries we had about owning a French Bulldog was how adaptable he would be to our lifestyle. This was one of the French Bulldog pros and cons we were most worried about, but our experience has been wholly positive. We take Claude everywhere with us, and he will just be chilled and adapt to his surroundings. In fact, just this weekend he came on an open top bus tour with us as you can see from the photo below. This is Claude on the bus on his way to a new and exciting walk. Are good with other pets Before we bought Claude as massive concern was how well he would adapt to our cat and vice versa. Overall, our experience of owning a cat and a Frenchie has been a positive one. They even sleep together in the same bed. The bottom line is this; our experience and that of Frenchie owners we know is that this breed tends to be very good with other pets. To find out how we introduced our Frenchie to our cat, read this blog post which has a video in it showing them playing together. Will sleep a lot You might consider this a negative trait, but for our family the fact that Claude the Frenchie sleeps a lot actually works in our favor. So why do we think sleeping is a pro? Well, it means that when he is awake, we can give him our full attention, wear him out, and then let him get back to sleep again. Love to play and have fun And talking of awake time, once your pup has his eyes open, he will love to play and have fun. They have become playmates, which has really helped us as a family with an only child. Just make sure that you have plenty of toys to keep your Frenchie entertained with. You can see some of the best on the market in my French Bulldog gear recommendations. Your Frenchie will love to play with you. Are part of an amazing community Once you own a Frenchie you will soon start to know other owners and almost become part of an exclusive club. The first time you meet another French Bulldog when walking yours you will see what I mean. Owning a Frenchie is almost like a badge of honor and places you in a very special community of dog lovers both offline and online. Are relatively easy to train Take this one with a pinch of salt, as how well your dog is trained will be down to the effort and time that you put in. It took us around a year to get Claude completely trained with recall, sit, and other commands, but once he was past the puppy stage, training did become a lot easier. At the time it was a challenge but looking back on it now it was actually relatively easy. I recommend puppy socialization classes and training classes though to make things smoother. Loyalty is a huge part of their genetic make-up. However, that can also prove to be not just a pro, but also a con as I will describe later in this guide regarding separation anxiety and being left alone. Claude likes to chill out with the whole family… including the cat! Are great for apartment living Due to their small stature and lack of needing intense exercise, Frenchies make great dogs for those that live in small apartments or flats. If this sounds like you please read my guide to French Bulldog apartment living which gives you the inside track on what to expect. Claude rarely barks, even when another dog is being aggressive towards him. In fact, the only time Claude will bark is if the doorbell goes or when he catches his reflection in a mirror. This is one of the factors that people often love about Frenchies and is a definite pro to ownership if a barking dog could be a problem in terms of where you live. Are very affectionate and cuddly Be prepared for this. But you need to give the affection back to keep your pup happy. To place this into perspective, when we first got our dog, our son was 3 years old. At that age he did tend to pull and prod our dog a lot, and not once did Claude ever react badly. I do believe this is a very common trait of Frenchies. They have been bred to be human companion dogs and that shines through in their lack of aggression. French Bulldogs: cons to ownership And now for the cons. There are plenty of reasons why you should not get a French Bulldog. The bottom line is that you need to be committed, have the money, patience, and time to give them the love and care that they need. From the cost of buying a puppy, possible C-sections , special food, and potential health issues and insurance, you will need a big wallet. This includes food, insurance and budgeting for any unexpected costs. Can be big chewers Assuming you get your Frenchie as a puppy, be prepared to place things in lock down when the teething starts. Even after teething they can still like a good chew. If your Frenchie is still chewing and being destructive as an adult it good even be the sign of a bigger health problem. To find out more about the teething timeline and what to expect read this guide. French Bulldog puppies will teeth up to 8 months old and will need something other than your shoes to chew on! Will fart a lot and it stinks! Their farts alone are a good enough reason to not get a Frenchie. Nobody can ever really prepare you for how bad their farts are. As a brachycephalic breed they have shortened snouts, the negative by-product being snoring check out why it happens. But the worst part? His butt. Are victims of irresponsible breeding Due to their increased popularity, there are irresponsible breeders out there looking to make a quick buck from a Frenchie sale. Frenchies have been bred and over-bred to achieve the look they have today. If you live anywhere near water that is higher than your Frenchies head, then this is a good enough reason to not get one. They can drown very easily so please be careful near water. Frenchies love to play but you need to be very careful near water as they are unable to swim un-aided. Are needy dogs In the positives of owning a Frenchie I spoke about the pros and cons where it related to their affection and loyalty. They will get depressed and possibly ill. I wrote a long guide which explains what signs you need to look out for if you suspect your Frenchie is depressed and sad. Are better in pairs This is why I believe two French Bulldogs are better than one. These social dogs will thrive off each other and will love the companionship of having a doggy friend. If you can afford a Frenchie, think about getting another dog too. A pair of Frenchies will help to stimulate each other and offer companionship. Can be hard to potty train In the pros section I mentioned that Frenchies can be relatively easy to train, but there was one aspect which took longer than the rest; potty training. I can only compare having a Frenchie puppy to having a human baby. You have to contend with a lot of mess, poop, and wee on the floor. It took us a long time to get this aspect cracked as Claude would wee on the floor even up to the age of around 9 months. I published a guide to potty training a Frenchie which will give you an idea on what to expect. Can eat their own poop Before we got Claude, I asked a friend of mine about the pros and cons to owning a French Bulldog. The first thing he said was the poop eating. I wrote a guide to why this happens with some tips on how to stop them doing it. Do shed a lot of hair French Bulldogs shed a lot of hair and like most dogs, are not hypoallergenic. If you suffer with allergies you might want to reconsider getting a Frenchie, as there will always be a lot of hair to deal with, particularly during the shedding parts of the year. To find out how much hair they shed, when it happens, and how you can reduce the problem, read this guide to French Bulldog shedding. In simple terms, you will have a lot of hair on your furniture and in your car. Suffer in the heat Frenchies cannot deal with heat. After just a few minutes of running around in the sun they will be exhausted to the point where they need to lie down in the shade to recover, and recovery can take up to 30 minutes. Thankfully he was ok, but over-heating is a big problem. You can read more in this guide which explains how you can stop your dog from over-heating. Love to dig holes Do you value your garden or back yard? If you do, you might need to Frenchie proof it. We had a problem with Claude where he was continually digging holes in our lawn. We actually had to build a fence and paving slabs are for him to keep in when un-attended. The reasons they like to dig are varied, so take a look at what the underlying digging issues could be. Are big droolers French Bulldogs also drool a lot. Most of the time this is nothing serious as simply happens after they eat or drink. He has these messy drool strings hanging from his mouth. We call them lip-hangers and need to clean them away with tissue — not a nice job! Needless to say, this can be part of their funny personality. But it can be frustrating if you need them to get off the couch or stop rolling around in mud when on a walk. I am not here to preach to you though, but please do your research into what health issues your Frenchie could end up having. Conclusion I hope this has given you a good idea of what to know about owning a French Bulldog, what to expect, and the pros and cons you need to consider. They come with their own unique challenges. To find out more and get answers to other Frenchie questions, use the search function at the top of the website. French Bulldog Information French Bulldogs are truly unique animals and therefore have many unique needs. The Traditional show French Bulldog is a companion dog. Prized for its affectionate nature and balanced disposition, they are generally active and alert, but not unduly boisterous. Unique breeds our puppies for their health and temperament. Longer noses which improves their over all breathing and allows them to be more active. Longer tails which improves their spine, Overall our puppies are healthier and more athletic. These features mean our puppies have minimal soft palate issues, less nasal nares and less chances of spinal hemivertibrae. Our passion for these amazing dogs makes us want to improve their quality of life which hand in hand will improve their longevity. Their size is not too small and not too large, making them suitable for the whole family. We do always suggest that supervision of children with any dog is a must. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. They are average shredders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. Spending time ensuring your puppy is crate trained can be a hug adavantage when leaving him inside with the comfort of air-conditioning. So during the cooler months make sure you little one has a nice warm area to sleep in. Remember if you go for walks have a weather proof dog coat to help keep them warm. WATER French Bulldogs are not well known for their great swimming ability, most frenchies are not very capable swimmers. Due to this be very cautious with your new puppy around water. To start with you may find they are not comfortable around water, but encourage them to play whether it is in a little pool, river or the beach. But if you are going to take your little one into deeper water we recommend a doggy flotation jacket that helps keep them afloat. Because of this we strongly advise you DO NOT allow your Frenchie at any age to jump on or off couches, beds, chairs or any elevated surface. If an allergy occurs, you will notice redness on the skin to the extreme of welts may appear. Just because we list these here does not mean that your Frenchie will acquire any of these illnesses or injuries. This is why we advise you do not allow your pup to jump from heights to prevent this condition from occurring. Cherry eye is not a life threatening condition, but, if left untreated it can cause irritation and issues later with your pups sight. So please ensure during warmer months you take necessary measures to prevent this from happening. This may be from various situations- hunger, excessive exercising, stressed. SKIN Depending on the colouring of your Frenchie you may need to be careful with regards to protection when in the sun. Frenchies with lighter coat colours e. Studies have shown a third of canine tumours can be traced back to sunburn. It is advised not to use normal sunscreen as it has ingredients that are toxic to animals, there are canine sunscreens available which you should be able to source from a good pet supply store. This is a common malformation seen in French Bulldogs. The spinal vertebrae are not completely formed until months of age thus your puppies first score may overestimate the prevalence of hemivertebrae at this point of time. We believe in strengthening the health of the breed and our breeding program which selects against hemivertebrae should be effective in reducing their prevalence. Dogs which produce puppies with high hemivertebrae scores will not be bred from again. While most hemivertebrae cause no problems, a hemivertebrae causing spinal deviation, typically kyphosis has more chance of being associated with spinal cord compression. Spinal vertebrae protect the spinal cord. Damage to spinal cord can present as pelvic limp weakness urinary incontinence and hind-limb muscle wasting. Investigation of spinal found hemivertebrae causing ventral deviation was associated with neurological defects in dogs presenting for veterinary treatment. French Bulldogs with kyphoscoliosis deformed spines often caused by hemivertebrae have shown a higher incidence of vertebral disk extrusion. Reducing the incidence of these specific spinal deformities should result in more robust breed. They have been susceptible to joints, spine and patella problems and it is therefore advisable to not allow your French Bulldog to jump on and off furniture or in and out of vehicles as it can compromise their spines and joints.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bringing Joy to your Family, one puppy at a time.Our website has a new look! Same owners, same poodles : just a different design. This is a 3-week old puppy re-charging her batteries - don't you just want to give her a hug!? We are planning our next litter of puppies and ohhhh, they will be beautiful puppies! If you are interested in a puppy, and wanting to reserve one, please send me an email for additional information. Once the pre-litter list is full, you will need to wait until the puppies are born, to see if we may have one available, prior to sending a deposit. All of our puppies are Red, Big and Beautiful! And with outstanding personalities. If you text me, I will ask you to send an email. When sending an email for more information - please include your first and last name. Getting photos from our "puppy families" really brighten our day 7 Week old puppy above - you can't find a better puppy!!!! And if you do, please let me know - I am looking for a big male. Red or black. Pony-sized puppies. True Snuggle Buddies! AND "Behr Babies! Red is one of our puppies. Now isn't that something!?? What a beautiful poodle. A note from Bonnie on her pony-boy, Red, above, "He is still in tact. The vet does not want to do the alteration until he is 2. She says because of his size and he is still growing. I never go out with out him on leash even though he has 95 percent recall. Thank you thank you for raising such amazing dogs. What a gorgeous girl!! Diamond Show Poodles understands just how great these furry friends are, which is why we are proud to provide purebred poodles for sale in Fresno, CA. Large royal standard poodles make for great additions to your family, and our purebred poodle service ensures your dog is trained the right way for success. Through our "Bio Sensor" early stimulation techniques, we can develop high-achieving poodles that are ready for the show ring, service, hunting, tracking, and agility as well as for being companions for life. You have come to the right breeder when you are seeking healthy, happy, and loving temperaments for a premium pet. What's left.All the poodle puppies we sell are AKC-registered throughout California and bordering states. As hobby breeders, we breed these puppies for the love of poodles and for furthering the line of the large royal standard poodle. To ensure the quality and health of our poodles, we only breed once per year, which allows us to take great care and concern for the breed while also giving us the ability to provide each poodle puppy with the early training they need. This method is the best way to bring exclusive, exquisite, and exceptional royal standard poodles to families like yours! Purchasing Your Poodle Puppies Each royal standard poodle deserves the finest in care from a loving family. That is why our breeder takes great pains in not only the breeding and training process but also in finding loving homes for every puppy we have. To do this effectively, our breeder only offers pre-sold puppies. This reservation process not only allows us to deliver the healthy puppies our customers expect but also to make sure that our puppies are going to homes that will treat them with the care, love, and respect they deserve. Did You Know? Royal standard poodles are born to be part of the family thanks to their gentle nature and temperaments. The poodle is known for its superior intelligence and exceptional learning ability, making them great dogs to train and show. They are also known for their unique look. The poodle clip, however, is not merely decorative, though it may seem that way now. It is, in fact, a necessary clip that is meant to protect the joints and vital organs of the dog when they enter the cold water. Why the protection from cold water? Standard poodles were bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl. Poodles as hunting dogs may not seem so common now, but that is simply because their intelligence and eager-to-please temperament stole the show! In fact, all poodles possess wonderful swimming abilities, and their coat is adapted to water. That means it will begin to cord if left to grow naturally. So make sure your poodle puppy remains happy and healthy by keeping them active and that iconic poodle clip fresh. Contact us at to reserve your poodle puppy. We look forward to providing the finest in royal standard poodles from our home in Fresno, California. TI invites you to personally visit her TX home of fenced parks and meet the spoos or peruse the website to see if she may provide you with your next family pet. An appointment must be made. Ask that individual what tests they are doing on their standard poodles, why are they nattering or murmuring against another? Fact; some of us do all testing and structure analysis as should be done by a breeder, assuring we provide the healthiest top quality pet for you and their future. If a breeder can't answer your questions on testing, move on and find a reputable breeder that will.TI has had both, and will always have a Royal Standard Poodle in her life. It is her joy and pleasure.Those are the pleasures of life! Yet ALWAYS ask your questions, home raised, health tested, structure analyzed, registered, FULL tail and dew claws to keep tendons stable, maintaining leg strength to help avoid torn leg ligaments. We've heard the phrase "In a Perfect World".Testing parents to better the odds for "healthier" pets, observing and analyzing structure, research, research, time, time, it all takes time. The above MN picture some Standard Poodles come hopefully to be in the breeding program. Some don't make it due to her testing standards.MONEY and time! John B. Armstrong writes it well, "All dogs and living organisms are carriers of multiple mutations. If a genetic disease is produced in an animal, it is not necessarily the result of poor breeding practices, but is the nature of inheritance as a random event. There is no such thing as a perfect animal". Mutt, Designer breed or Purebred The best a consumer can do is research who you would like to get your next pet from, asking breeders to test and work with one who health tests parents. THAT is looking out for the standard poodle's future so we have them there to enjoy in our future. Sit - no words need to be said.There are many viewpoints in the world of what designates a Royal. The one book that actually defines Royal - the dictionary - you'll find the word "regal". This exemplifies these poodles size and temperament to a T! Their hormones, when done early, do not focus on filling out masculinely or working to become a dam. Instead the body continues to grow in another dimension :o TI learned from her husband who part-time farmed now deceased, cancer , one can see this in bulls vss steers. Bull pasturing outside the Royal Standard Poodle parks.Some lookers ask to get a Royal Standard Poodle looking just like brown Bruno.I apologize sharing they will never look just like Bruno as the above occurs once neutered. Waiting up to a year certainly helps hormones develop for a healthier Royal Standard Poodles. TI moved in December 10, ready or not! Glossary Will continue to add here, what would you like to see? Artificial Insemination AI ; Semen is placed into the female's vagina or oviduct in order to achieve pregnancy through other ways than normal copulation. This is the medical alternative to sexual intercourse. The White papers TI writes are to help take a look at the many situations put over her breeding years. TI has been an engineer, helped organize businesses in the past and in so doing have written white papers to take a look at situations and resolutions. Please take a look when you have questions, concerns, and see if they help you. Current white paper is on dog food under the Must Read tab. It was an old fallacy that if docking the tail before 3 months of age they would not get rabies. Tails help maintain structural balance to the canine. The fallacy has come and gone and no longer needs to be done. Docking is to surgically remove the tail or a portion of the tail; a docked tail; stumped tail. DHA; Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid also known as Omega oil found in Fish, google and read on DHA to learn more for brain stimulation thus dogs and some animals need.DHA is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. The inclusion of plentiful DHA in the diet improves learning ability, whereas deficiencies of DHA are associated with deficits in learning. DHA is taken up by the brain in preference to other fatty acids. The turnover of DHA in the brain is very fast, more so than is generally realized. DHA during the womb and their youth is essential in my viewpoint :0 Due claw; Unused digit fifth toe on the inside of both the front and rear legs. Poodles generally have due claws on front paws only. Dew claw muscle is needed Harness; A combination of straps around the chest and back, attached to an animal to control him in walking. Avoiding collars while young training helps keep their atlas in alignment, from getting headaches, nippy and so much more. See 7. Chiropractic Pet Care side tab. Kids; Often referred to ones' pets living with them :0 Neuter; A male animal whose reproductive ability has been surgically altered. Males are neutered. Spay; Female whose ovaries have been surgically removed. This can include explaining a certain product, service, technology or methodology. Withers; First nine dorsal or thoracic vertebrae; bony projections of vertebrae in the vicinity of shoulder blades; highest point of the shoulders behind the neck. Notes: 1. TI does NOT sell to anyone for cross "oodle" hybrid breeding! It is trust and respect that we sign contracts that are legally binding. Those very few who break that trust and respect must be corrected to get their ethics in, making A more Perfect World. Thank You to all who have gained that trust and respect by spay and neutering your pet from TI per contract.