labrador retriever mix puppy

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me! Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Why do I want a show lines pug puppy? I'm only looking for a pet. Experience the ultimate joy of owning a pug puppy from Companion Pups! We go beyond the conventional notion of keeping show-quality pugs exclusively for show homes. We believe that everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to their furry family members. Pugs were bred to be people's companions, and we are passionate about bringing that exceptional companionship to your home. Purebred doesn't always guarantee superior breeding or adherence to pug standards. That's why our show lines ensure that you not only get a pug with the correct look but also the perfect personality, temperament, and size. Our show line puppies possess a special charm that makes them thrive in a multitude of environments which makes for the best family companions ever —happy, playful, and confident, without being hyper or spastic. They are intelligent, attentive learners, embodying the chunky, wrinkly look and adorable nose roll that pug enthusiasts adore. By choosing a show line puppy from us, you're selecting a well-balanced, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal companion that exceeds all expectations. Experience the beauty and trainability wrapped up in the healthiest pug puppies. Our AKC and International lines are health tested and our pugs are pre-spoiled, ensuring a delightful addition to your family. Welcome to Companion Pups, the home of the Kisses' Line of Pug Puppies, where our pugs literally give you kisses and are eager to shower you with love and affection! We'd also like you to know you can always expect a quick response from us as well so you are never left waiting and wondering when you'll hear back. It's our goal to be here when you need us for the life of your pug. Welcome to the Companion Pups family! Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. A dog with the original black body was created using the Black Collie. These dogs have Black colouring as a result, giving them blue to green eyes, pure black paws, and blue to grey skin. The available Black female Pug is incredibly clever and energetic. Because they exert pressure on livestock and deter predators, this has made them well-known on farms. They enjoy playing, but they can be obstinate and need frequent praise. Black Pugs have frequently devoted friends and are helpful with kids. They might not get along with other pets in the house as well unless they were raised together since they occasionally view them as prey. Their double coat is another distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Their entire individuality and appeal are enhanced by the Black colouring, which causes differences in coat lengths and textures across the body. With their owners, they are highly affectionate, yet they can be distant from outsiders. They can live with whom? The Black Pug is a highly well-known breed. They are referred to as the clown of the dog world and like playing with other dogs. Nearby Black Pugs for sale get along well with other dogs and enjoy social interactions with people. However, if you have to leave your house for an extended amount of time, make sure someone is watching them. These Pugs for sale nearby do not enjoy being left alone. Children, other dogs, cats, and even rabbits are all acceptable housemates for our Black Pug for sale! However, due to their high requirement for care and socialisation, they are not recommended for novice dog owners. They may reside in an apartment building or a home with a yard. They thrive in households with a continual presence of people because they require constant company. Where can I find Black Pugs for sale locally? Our selection of Black Pug pups for sale is incredible, and they are all very sweet! Related products. No puppies were found matching your selection. Browse all available puppies here. Pug puppies love a good friend and enjoy time spent with family. As Pugs mature into adulthood, be sure to keep clear who the pack leader is. Begin training early and utilize frequent praise. Always be positive with your Pug and keep training fun by tossing in delicious puppy treats and favorite doggy toys. Furthermore, be proactive in socializing your Pug to new sounds, smells and sights. Visit dog parks and explore the outdoors together. Or invite guests into your home to further socialize your growing pet. In addition, Pugs require little exercise. So be sure to take your growing buddy on several walks throughout each day to keep your Pug healthy and in shape. Intersperse exercise with games of Frisbee in the back yard, a hike in the woods, or a run through the park. Look for a Pug with parents of good personality as well as one who has been well socialized from early days. Plus, they can be gassy, shed lots, and can be hard to house break. They usually do good with everyone and rarely get into mischief. So go ahead, grab one of these Pug puppies for sale and say hello to years of exciting doggy moments. Related searches:.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Texas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Texas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Contact Us Welcome to the Katian Kennel! This site was developed to share our love of Goldens. I hope you enjoy your visit, and come back often. For those of you who don't know: "Katian" pronounced "Kay-shun" is a play on Katie and Cajun my late husband's background - he used to say I'm leader of the Katian Nation - Yes, I know.We purchased almost 30 acres and are transforming our new golden retriever paradise. More about us.I recently lost my husband and am very thankful to have so many goldens who love me and occupy my time. When I do work on non-dog tasks, I work mostly from home so I can maximize my time with my canine crew. As the old adage goes, a tired dog is a happy dog.We purchased 30 beautiful acres…. Our new place is just outside of Lexington, Texas less than an hour east of Austin and just a few miles from Giddings, TX. I am truly blessed in that many of my puppies come back to me for training.I love seeing them grow and learn and am so grateful that my extended puppy family trusts us with the next stage in their puppy's life! Our dogs socialize with each other, mind their manners in the house most of the time , have free play in the fenced backyard and supervised free play throughout the rest of our property. They spend their time checking on the ducks in our aviary, the goats in our pasture and trailing all of the deer, rabbits, squirrels and other wildlife who call our property home. The golden crew confidently ride in our vehicles cars, trucks, 4wheelers, boats, kayaks, and our RV. In addition to being well-adjusted family companions, our dogs are duck hunters and competitive athletes. They compete in hunt tests, field trials, obedience and agility - needless to say, we are an active and busy family! My daughter, Katelyn, with one of the pups wooded front yard Angleton We are located on about 30 acres - golden paradise with rolling hills, woods and a beautiful pond! We do not raise our dogs in kennel runs. We have cameras set up so that we can keep a constant eye on our crew when we are tied up with non-dog duties. Security and safety of our furry family is of the utmost importance to us. Katelyn is my life-saver and helps out with the dogs whenever I need her. Between judging assignments and handling my own dogs at competitions most weekends, it is good to know that I have reliable help at home to take care of everything so I can enjoy the dogs off-property. In our pre-Harvey Angleton home, we had a perfect set-up. We are working on developing the perfect set-up at our new place in Lexington.The puppy nursery is almost done and in my home so that I can keep a constant eye on the pups.In Angleton, we had a small swim-by pond as well as a wooded green-tree reservoir for plenty of water training opportunities.Django, Grip, Nacho and Willow are our "launchers" and Gaga, Pebbles and Cica like to swiftly glide into the water - but all of them can't get enough of that wet stuff! Grip, Willow and Django will do laps together for hours if I let them! Whoever says golden retrievers don't like water, needs to stop by and visit! Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. Ellen is home full time where she spends most of her day with them from the moment they arrive until they day they go to their new homes. Most importantly, our puppies are center stage in the middle of family life here at Goldenwind. This offers our Texas Golden Retriever puppies optimum opportunities for both human and littermate socialization which is a necessity at this stage of their lives. When the weaning process starts, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in our living room. There they can hear and see everything around them. This includes loud televisions, stereo music, vacuums, doorbells, telephones ringing, doors opening and closing, thunder and rain sounds, kitchen pots and pans clanging, etc. When our Golden Retriever puppies are ready for their new homes at approximatley 8 weeks of age, they have been exposed to most household situations and noises that they will have with their new familes. All that means is that the animal was not quite 24 months of age when the test was performed. Therefore, you can request copies of the hip, elbow, heart and eye reports for the sire and dam of any litter or puppy that is offered for sale. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will be able to produce the OFA certificates or reports from a board certified radiologist, board certified cardiologist and a board certified ophthalmologist. Therefore, Reputable Texas Golden Retriever puppy breeders have tested sires and dams for hips, elbows, heart and eye disease. Additionally, a Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist exams the eyes. Reputable Golden Retriever Breeders will follow the American Kennel Club Code Of Sportsmanship One would think that it should go without saying that Sportsmanship is very important in any competitive sport. Actions truly can speak louder than words. We hope that you will see that with any Golden Retriever exhibitor you may meet.

Contact Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Plus 6 tips to Prevent it! The adorable face of your bulldog is truly mesmerizing each time you look at it. He is your true companion, always keeping beside you to help multiply your joy and divide your sorrow. Can bulldogs get bloat? Yes, bulldogs can get bloat, regardless of age. Bloating is caused by a heavy intake accumulation of air and the twisting of the stomach. It is the second leading cause of death in dogs, the first cause being cancer. Bulldogs are subject to multiple diseases and health emergencies. Luckily, bloating can be identified and prevented in most cases. What is Bloating in Dogs? Bloating also goes by the name Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. In order to fully understand what it is, we will try to examine its stages. This can lead to blood circulation problems as the organs that surround the stomach along with the heart and diaphragm can be pressed. As the pressure builds, it prevents the blood from hind legs and abdomen from reaching the heart of your dog. Second Stage: Volvulus During the first stage, things might be relatively easier to control but the problem elevates if your dog reaches the second stage- Volvulus. Here, the stomach rotates and twists by degrees along with food, water and air trapped in it. The stomach, while flipping, drags the spleen and the pancreas along with it, cutting off the blood flow. This lethal disease can result in your dog dying in hours without you realizing it. Why Do Bulldogs Bloat? The prime cause of bloating is the accumulation of air in the stomach dilatation part as well as the twisting of the stomach volvulus part. Veterinarians have not yet been able to identify the sequence of the two parts, i. Bloat emerges suddenly and it can strike even a healthy dog. Though the actual cause of bloating in bulldogs is not yet known, the following reasons according to veterinarians are the most probable reasons that can cause your adorable bulldog to bloat. Bloat typically develops after your bulldog has taken a large meal. It can develop after your bulldog has consumed a lot of water after the meal. Bloat can also develop if your bulldog has extensively played after the meal. The faster your bulldog eats the less it chews so basically he is just chucking down all the food. Look out for the following signs that could signal the first stage of bloating; If there is an unusual tummy enlargement in your dog as though it is distended in the sides. The dog may start feeling sudden depression, malaise or lethargy. There could be pale gums or excessive salivation. Feelings of anxiety and unease in the dog. Also, the dog may feel painful or show aggression when his belly is touched. The first stage is usually followed by the second stage of bloating. In this stage, you may want to check the following; Is your dog having rapid heart rate? Is he experiencing shortness of breath? Is he losing consciousness? Have the gums turned purplish? Is he collapsing? The above indicators are not sure signs of bloating in your dog, but they are in most cases. You may consult with your veterinarian for the final call. While bloating is such a serious problem for your canine friend, you need not worry even if your sweet bulldog has been diagnosed with bloating. There are still many chances that he will recover soon if proper treatment is provided. The following are some possible treatment plans for curing or managing this condition. Radiographs and lactate test — As the symptoms can be related to some other disease, doctors may need to perform some tests to confirm it. Radiographs assist in determining whether the stomach may have already been twisted. Removal of the gas — If the dog is experiencing the first stage of bloating, a feeding-tube is inserted in the stomach which can help to vacate the trapped gas through his mouth and the esophagus. However, in case his stomach is already twisted, then the doctor would be forced to puncture the stomach and abdominal wall so as to allow the accumulated gas out. Surgery — If his stomach is already twisted, it may need to be brought back to place even after the gas has been taken out. Thus, surgery will be performed to untwist the stomach. Bloat is one of those curve balls that come out of no where and can be costly. Dog insurance can totally protect you and you can give your dog the best care with out any hesitation of cost. We break down 4 different dog insurances here to help you decide if it is right for you. Prevention is always better than cure! Why should you wait for your beloved canine friend to undergo this pain and risk of life? You should always take some precautionary measures to ensure your dog follows certain habits so that the occurrence of bloating is largely avoided. The following are some of these tips. Feed your bulldog in smaller portions, with two meals per day. Ensure he does not eat too fast. You can follow the below points for doing so: Give your bulldog small portions and refill the bowl finishing. Get a bowl from the market which helps your dog to feed slowly. If there are many dogs, take care that they are fed in different bowls. In fact, feed your dogs in separate areas if at all possible. Eating together causes anxiety and makes the dog eat fast. Even eating next to their human family members can cause stress while eating and cause your bulldog to eat faster. Let your bulldog eat in privacy for stress free meal time. Keep your dog active as well as fearless and happy. Stressed dogs are much likely to develop bloat. Do not let him drink excess water after eating. Ensure that he rests for some hours after taking his meal before letting him play. Consult a veterinarian before giving any medication. Conclusion I know that your love for bulldog knows no bounds. Though we cannot eliminate the risk of bloating, we can at least try to prevent it by following the above effective steps. I can not stress enough that bloat can quickly become an medical emergency and can lead to death in your bulldog if not treated with in an hour. Many people ask if bloat is treatable at home, and unfortunately, it is not. It is only preventable. Be sure to take note of the above steps to keep your bulldog safe and healthy. Post Views: 1, Shallow breathing Pale gums Puppies experiencing bloat will appear visibly uncomfortable and usually have a distended stomach. The pain may make your puppy act restless, pace, and whine and cry. Puppies may also wretch without producing vomit, as the blocked stomach entry will prevent regurgitation. The gums may appear pale, demonstrating a lack of oxygen, accompanied by shallow breathing and a rapid heartbeat. If your puppy is not treated, it will collapse and die. Causes of Bloat Several factors can contribute to your puppy experiencing bloat. Breed: Large and giant puppy breeds are three times more likely to experience bloat than mixed breeds. Large and giant breeds have wider, deeper stomachs that can hold more air, putting them at higher risk. The deep, narrow chest conformation of certain breeds creates a more acute angle where the esophagus connects with the stomach, making bloat more likely. Still, puppies of any size can develop bloat. Ingesting too much food or water quickly: When puppies eat food or drink too fast, they can inhale and trap large amounts of air in their stomachs and create bloat. The food or water itself can sometimes cause bloat, as a too-full stomach can press on other organs, no matter what is filling it. Exercising after eating: If a puppy partakes in strenuous exercise too soon after eating, its stomach can twist and swell, causing bloat. Anxiety: Irritable, anxious, and aggressive puppies are more prone to bloat. Weight: Dogs of any breed that weigh over pounds have a 20 percent risk of developing bloat at some point in their life. Diagnosing Bloat in Puppies To diagnose your puppy with bloat, your vet will examine clinical signs, medical history, and perform blood analysis and imaging tests like an ultrasound or X-ray. Imaging tests will reveal the extent of the bloat, and blood analysis will evaluate the level of oxygen loss. A speedy diagnosis is ideal, as an operation should happen as soon as possible. Treatment If you notice your puppy has symptoms of bloat, it needs to be taken to an animal hospital immediately. First, your vet will stabilize your puppy by administering IV fluids and oxygen. To treat bloat, your veterinarian decompresses your puppy's distended stomach by passing a tube down its throat to empty air from the stomach and allow the return of normal blood flow. When the stomach is twisted, your puppy will need surgery to properly reconfigure it. Sometimes, part of the stomach or the entirety of the spleen will need to be removed. If your puppy's surgery is successful, your surgeon may perform a gastropexy the suturing of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future twisting. Prognosis for Puppies With Bloat The prognosis for puppies with bloat varies based on how early treatment is received and the extent of the organ damage. After surgery, your vet will monitor your puppy in the hospital for several days. Some puppies treated can return to normal shortly after treatment, while others will die regardless. The mortality rate for puppies who have received treatment for bloat is 20 to 40 percent and rises with every organ injury sustained. How to Prevent Bloat Although you can't completely prevent bloat, there are measures you can take to reduce its likelihood of occurring. Gastropexy surgery may be recommended preventatively, particularly in Great Danes or other puppies predisposed to bloat. Gastropexy doesn't prevent air from being trapped in the stomach, but it does keep the stomach from twisting. You can take many at-home measures to minimize the risk of bloat. These include lowering your puppy's food bowl, feeding smaller quantities of food over multiple meals throughout the day, separating multiple dogs at feeding times, and waiting several hours after eating before exercising your puppy. Positive puppy socialization that reduces anxiety can also help prevent bloat as it ages. FAQ Why does eating too fast cause bloat? Often if your puppy eats too much or too fast, its belly can be overfilled with food and gas, press on other organs, and cause bloat. How common is puppy bloat in a small breed dogs? Bloat most frequently occurs in large and giant breed dogs, but all dogs are able to experience the condition. How fast does it take for bloat to set in? Bloat sets in within two to three hours after your puppy begins experiencing symptoms. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Otherwise called Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , this condition is very common in pets all across the world. We all know that French bulldogs love to eat, but did you also realize how much they can suffer from bloat? The condition of gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV is a serious problem that can be fatal if left untreated. It progresses quickly towards life-threatening levels in just minutes. The stomach bloating in French bulldogs can come in two stages. The first stage is called gastric dilatation when the gasses and fluid cause the stomach to expand or bloat. Unfortunately, it can be fatal for a dog within only a few hours. The pancreas takes up much space inside dogs because it produces many important hormones like insulin to control blood sugar levels for example. When these vital organs get cut off from oxygenating tissue due to being pressed against one another by powerful abdominal muscles as seen during the digestion process which happens while flipping , they start producing harmful chemicals that can turn out to end up fatally. What causes a bloated stomach in French bulldogs? Use an anti-choking feeding bowl Since French bulldogs are naturally prone to fast eating because of their short snouts, you have to buy your pet a special anti-choke feeding bowl. The rotating bone will move as your Frenchie tries to reach food from the bowl and it will slow down his eating. In that way, your furry friend will not only have to work for his food but will also become less prone to bloating. Interactive Anti Choke Bowl is another French bulldog bowl that can help your pet. Feed your dog with multiple meals a day Instead of feeding your furry friend only one meal, you can divide the amount into two or three meals. Do not play with your dog right after the meal Playing with your Frenchie after the meal can cause his gizzard to twist. Just imagine how would you feel having training right after lunch. Well, your Frenchie would feel the same. Exposing your dog to strenuous exercise can lead to pains, gasses, and bloating. Keep your dog active Taking your Frenchie on regular strolls will improve his digestive system. Besides, walks will keep your dog in good shape and healthy. A rule of thumb is to take a French bulldog on multiple short strolls during the day. Visible stomach enlargement Heavy breathing and rapid heart rate A dog can show aggression when you try to touch its belly Hard belly in touch. Follow 21 symptom that should never be ignored by a pet-owner. This article is not specifically related to French bulldog. It is important for all the breeds, and since we know frenchies are very friendly pups that get along with the bigger or smaller fur-friends, Dailyfrenchie finds it important that you learn how to catch the thread, before it turned into a serious health issue. There are serious symptoms that should never be ignored in your dog. A symptom is defined as "any problem that can indicate an underlying disease" and may be your first clue to the presence of a life-threatening problem in your dog. Here is a list of 21 symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them from your dog! If you notice one or more - contact your vet immediately! Pacing and Restlessness. In dogs, pacing and restlessness can be indicate pain, discomfort or distress. Restlessness can be associated with a condition called " bloat " in which the stomach. Bloat and most commonly occurs in large breed or deep-chested dogs. Pacing and restless can be an indicator of a serious problem. Unproductive Retching. Dogs that attempt to vomit and are unable to bring anything up is a common sign of "bloat". Collapse or Fainting. Acute collapse is a sudden loss of strength causing your dog to fall and be unable to rise. Some dogs that suddenly collapse will actually lose consciousness. Some dogs recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped. All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored. Not Eating or Loss of Appetite. Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. There are many causes of a "loss of appetite" and is often the first indication of illness. Regardless of cause, loss of appetite can have a serious impact on an animal's health if it lasts 24 hours or more. Young animals less than 6 months of age are particularly prone to the problems brought on by loss of appetite. Loosing Weight. Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. There are several causes for this, some of which can be very serious. Breathing Problems. Respiratory distress, often called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, during inspiration breathing in or expiration breathing out. When your dog has trouble breathing, he may not be able to get enough oxygen to his tissues. Additionally, if he has heart failure , he may not be able to pump sufficient blood to his muscles and other tissues. Dyspnea is often associated with accumulation of fluid edema in the lungs or the chest cavity pleural effusion. This fluid can lead to shortness of breath and coughing. This is a very serious symptom and should be evaluated immediately. Red Eye. A "red eye" is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. It may be seen with several different diseases including those involving different parts of the eye including the external eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva , cornea, and sclera. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma high pressure within the eye or with certain diseases of the orbit eye socket. Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem. Some of the possible causes can be serious and ultimately cause blindness. Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, describes the yellow color taken on by the tissues throughout the body due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a substance that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. There are several causes for jaundice and regardless of the cause, jaundice is considered abnormal and serious in the dog. Trouble Urinating. Discomfort may be demonstrated by crying out during urination, excessive licking at the urogenital region or turning and looking at the area. There are several underlying causes. Some of the causes if left untreated can result in death in as little as 36 hours. Urinating and Drinking Excessively. These signs are often early signs of disease including kidney failure, diabetes mellitus , thyroid gland problems, uterine infection called pyometra , as well as other causes. It is believed that fever is a method of fighting infection. The body resets the temperature control area of the brain to increase the body temperature — probably in response to invasion of foreign matter such as bacteria or viruses. The normal temperature in dogs is .If your pet temperature is high, call your veterinarian. A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. The severity of the seizure can vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your dog falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes. Seizures are symptoms of some neurological disorder — they are not in themselves a disease. They can be caused by several disorders including epilepsy , toxins or tumors. Bruising and Bleeding. Abnormal bruising and bleeding arises with disorders of hemostasis clotting. Clotting abnormalities are also called coagulopathies, because they reflect the inability of the blood to coagulate or clot. Bleeding from clotting disturbances may occur into the skin, the mucous membranes, and various internal organs, tissues, and body cavities. The impact of such bleeding on the affected individual may be mild or severe depending on the degree of blood loss. It affects the respiratory system by hindering the ability to breathe properly. Common causes include obstruction in the windpipe, bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworm disease , lung tumors, kennel cough and heart failure. Some of the causes are life threatening and all pets with a cough should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Bloated or Distended Abdomen. Abdominal distension is an abnormal enlargement of the abdominal cavity. This term is usually reserved for abdominal enlargement due to causes other than simple obesity. One cause of abdominal distension is abnormal fluid accumulation. Another cause of abdominal distension is enlargement of any abdominal organ including the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Distension of the stomach with air " bloating " or fluid or distension of the uterus womb during pregnancy, can result in abdominal distension. Pressure from the abdomen pushing into the chest may make breathing more difficult and pressure within the abdomen may decrease the appetite. NOTE: It is important to recognize abdominal distension because it can be a symptom of potentially life-threatening diseases and should be investigated thoroughly. Bloody Diarrhea. Blood in the feces can either appear as "melena" which makes the stools appear black and tarry is the presence suggests digested blood in the feces. Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool hematochezia. Bleeding into the colon or rectum appears as fresh blood in the stool. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Bloody Urine. Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be gross visible to the naked eye or microscopic. There are several possible causes including bacterial infections, cancer, stones in the urinary tract. Bite Wounds. Bite wounds are often the result when two animals engage in a fight or aggressive play. Bite wounds, which may only appear as a small puncture wound in the skin, can actually be quite extensive. Once the tooth penetrates the skin, severe damage can occur to the underlying tissues without major skin damage. Some wounds may appear deceptively minor but may have the potential to be life threatening, depending on the area of the body bitten. Bloody Vomit. Vomiting blood can fresh blood, which is bright red or partially digested blood, which has the appearance of brown coffee grounds. There are a variety of causes of vomiting blood and the effects on the animal are also variable. Some are subtle and minor ailments, while others are severe or life threatening. Lethargy or Weakness. Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity, or indifference in which there are delayed responses to external stimuli such as auditory sound , visual sight , or tactile touch stimuli. Lethargy is a nonspecific sign associated with many possible underlying systemic disorders. It may have little to no impact on the affected individual; however its presence may represent severe or life-threatening illness. Lethargy of more than a day's duration should not be ignored, and should be addressed, especially if it persists. Pale Gums. Pale gums or mucous membranes can indicate blood loss or "shock". The possible causes for either blood loss or shock are life-threatening and thus should be evaluated immediately. We know it is long reading, but the fact that you made it to the end means - you truly care for your pup. The severity of the case determines the treatment recommendation for the affected dog. At VMC, we aim for rapid confirmation of diagnosis, attending to patient comfort by release of as much gas pressure as possible and with pain medications , and for rapid stabilization and preparation for surgery. Dogs that are bloated without volvulus can normally be treated non-surgically. There are some definitive diagnostic indicators that can tell us that we are dealing with a high-risk surgery with a low probability of success. We want the pet owner to be able to make an educated decision about proceeding with surgery in those cases. The surgery also allows the veterinarian to assess the amount of damage caused by the lack of blood flow due to the twisted stomach. If there is any tissue that is damaged it will be removed. In extreme cases where the condition has been left untreated for a longer time period, there may be too little live tissue to salvage. With appropriate pre-surgical diagnostics, pet owners can be informed of this risk in most cases prior to pursuing surgery. Generally, a gastropexy is also performed during the surgical procedure. During a gastropexy, the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall. This is designed to keep the stomach in place and prevent twisting of the stomach if bloat occurs again. Dogs especially those with any of the risk factors above may also require intensive care after surgery, including the possible need for blood transfusions and other specialized care. Preventing Bloat Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of bloat. Some strategies that are currently recommended are: Feed smaller meals more frequently, and restrict activity for hours after meal time. Do not use a raised food bowl. Never let the dog drink a large amount of water all at once. Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach. To lessen the severity of bloat, a gastropexy is an excellent preventive. Many owners of large breeds of dogs routinely opt to have the surgery done when their dogs are young. This procedure is often performed at the time of neuter or spay, and this procedure can now be performed laparoscopically at the Veterinary Medical Center of CNY. None of these measures will guarantee that the dog won't bloat, but they may help reduce the severity of the problem if it arises. Without treatment the condition is fatal. Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition. If possible, call ahead and tell them you suspect bloat. Time is of the essence when dealing with cases of bloat, and the sooner your pet receives veterinary care, the better chance of a full recovery. A true GDV is a condition that must be treated surgically in order for your dog to survive. Surgery and post-operative care are costly, and euthanasia is the only alternative that will prevent suffering for the dog. For those who own breeds in the high risk pool, we recommend budgeting for a preventive gastropexy rather than risking an expensive emergency surgery with an already compromised pet. Many pet insurance companies will also provide coverage for this preventive surgery. We offer pre-screening triage services by partnering with VetTriage! Visit Us. Rapid or shallow breathing Collapse or shock If you find out that your Frenchie is suffering from bloat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Basically, bloat is a medical emergency, and if the treatment is not done at the right time it will lead to a lot of complications and even death. How to prevent bloat in French bulldogs? Although the bloat is not completely preventable, you can take certain steps to decrease the chances of bloat in French bulldogs. Feed your French bulldog a high-quality diet A good quality diet with all the nutrients is essential for the overall health of French bulldogs. When selecting the dog food for your Frenchie, always go through the ingredient list and make sure that the formula is according to the age, breed, and activity level of your pup. Furthermore, make sure that the food has good quality ingredients, including whole grains, animal-based proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid feeding your French bulldog table scraps or human food, as this can disrupt their digestive system and increase their risk of bloat. Feed smaller meals more frequently The next important thing that you can do is to feed your Frenchie small frequent meals as it can help in reducing the chances of bloat by preventing the air to enter the stomach. You can do this by feeding your Frenchie three to four small meals instead of two large meals per day. Use a slow-feed bowl If your Frenchie is an aggressive eater and eats his meals too quickly it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this situation use a slow-feeding bowl or mat. They are designed in a way that they could decrease the speed of your dog while eating. The slow feeding bowl for French bulldogs is a revolutionary new product designed to help your dog eat at a slower pace. The design of the bowl keeps food inside it and prevents your dog from gulp-feeding, which can lead to bloat and other digestive issues. The slow-feeding bowl for French bulldogs is made of high-quality plastic and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. Limit water intake before and after meals Water is an important component for maintaining the good health of your French bulldog but if they drink a large amount of water before or after every meal it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this issue limit their water intake for at least an hour before and after a meal. Instead, wait at least an hour after feeding your dog before engaging in any strenuous activities. Reduce stress and anxiety Anxiety and stress are not good for your French bulldog because they increase the risk of bloat. To decrease the stress in your French bulldog make sure they have a safe and comfortable space when they need rest. It is also necessary to provide your pup with a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to burn off excess energy and reduce stress. Monitor your French bulldog for signs of bloat Early detection is necessary when you want to treat bloats. Always keep an eye on your French bulldog for the sign of bloat, like restlessness, distended abdomen, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Consider a prophylactic gastropexy A prophylactic gastropexy is a surgical procedure that can be done to prevent bloat in dogs, especially those at high risk, like French bulldogs. In this procedure, the vet will attach the stomach to the abdominal wall, as it will prevent it from twisting. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a prophylactic gastropexy is right for your French bulldog. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet, feeding smaller meals more frequently, using a slow-feed bowl, limiting water intake before and after meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, reducing stress and anxiety, monitoring your dog for signs of bloat, and considering a prophylactic gastropexy are all effective ways to prevent bloat in French bulldogs. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your French bulldog lives a healthy and happy life. There is, of course, a difference between your pup gradually gaining weight around their belly due to overeating and lack of exercise versus truly being bloated. When is a Swollen Stomach Dangerous for Dogs? If you notice this, call your veterinarian immediately. Some reasons for bloat can be fatal if left untreated. Reasons Why Dogs Get Swollen Stomachs There are a number of reasons why a dog can get a swollen abdomen, and some are more serious than others. This particular disease can have detrimental effects or even kill your pup within hours. It has been linked to swallowing air and intense exercise after a meal. If you only feed your dog once a day, use elevated bowls, consume dry food, or eat too quickly, then they are at a higher risk. Some other additional risk factors include having a family history of bloat or are of a certain breed. Deep chested breeds like St. Finally, older dogs between 7 and 12 years of age are at risk. You absolutely have to take your dog into a vet as quickly as possible. Treatment generally includes removing excess gas from the stomach, stabilizing the heart rate, and managing shock. The vet can go in for surgery as soon as your dog is more stable. It is recommended that you feed your dog twice or more daily rather than once and incorporate canned food into the mix. There is also a preventative measure surgical procedure called a gastropexy that you may speak to your vet about if your dog is a predisposed breed. This can be done at a younger age as well. Usually this happens because of ulcers, tumors, or bone splinters. Urinary bladder or gallbladder ruptures can also cause peritonitis. This condition is extremely painful so you will notice bloat and your dog may be unwilling to move. The vet will need to repair the puncture, remove infected fluids, and flush out the abdomen. The sooner he is taken to the vet, the better. Some dogs will also start to lose hair or show an increase in panting. If the reason is a tumor, it can be removed via surgery. There are many reasons why your dog may experience ascites. Common reasons include heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, or intestinal diseases. Puppies can get it from various infectious diseases. Because of the nature of the above diseases and conditions, there is no time to waste. Quick action can be a matter of life and death. By staying vigilant and keeping a watchful eye, you can protect your pup from further complications. How to treat bloating in Bulldogs Time is crucial when treating the incidence of bloating in Bulldogs. Early treatment makes a difference between life and death for them. Some symptoms of this disorder are similar to other diseases. So, if bloat is suspected, the vet performs some quick tests to confirm or rule it out. Procedures may also include radiographs x-rays and lactate test. Radiographs help determine if the stomach has already been twisted, while the lactate test is performed to check if there is already necrosis or cell death in the stomach or surrounding organs. The damage done by bloating is often irreparable if necrosis has already begun. If the vet determines that your Bulldog has a high chance of survival, treatment is immediately started. Letting the gas out While treating bloating in Bulldogs, it is necessary to remove the trapped gas. But if the stomach has already twisted, the vet may opt to puncture the abdominal and stomach wall to let the trapped gas out. Surgery If the disease reaches the volvulus stage, the stomach has to be returned to its original position even if the gas has already been out. To do this, the vet will untwist the stomach via surgery. Many surgeons recommend performing a gastropexy, an operation that refers to the suturing of stomach to the body wall, after the stomach is arranged back to its original position. This surgical operation prevents the stomach from twisting again. How to prevent bloating in Bulldogs? There is not a surefire way to stop bloating in Bulldogs from happening. However, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of bloat in your pet. Feed your Bulldog smaller meals spanned throughout the day instead of giving him one large meal per day. Feed him using a slow-feeder to stop him from eating too fast and gulping air in the process. Do not feed your Bulldog dry kibble with water as dry dog food tends to expand in the stomach. Do not let your Bulldog drink too much water after eating. Make your Bulldog rest for a couple of hours after eating before letting him to play. It slows him down while eating. Use gastric medication in your first aid kit and use it as soon as you see the early signs of bloating in your Bulldog. But make sure to call your veterinarian first before giving your Bulldog any medication. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

During sleep a German Shepherds brain, central nervous system, immune system and muscles develop. Since German Shepherd puppies grow quickly it is necessary for them to get a lot of sleep so that they are able to direct their energy towards growing. With that being said, if your German Shepherd puppy sleeps for more than 20 hours per day and it is lethargic when it is awake then it may be cause for concern and it would help to take it to a vet. Other things that can cause a German Shepherd puppy to sleep a lot While it is normal for a German Shepherd puppy to sleep a lot there are also a number of other factors that could be contributing to it sleeping so much. Additionally, if it is more than 16 weeks old, it should be starting to sleep much less than it used to. If it is sleeping for more than 14 hours per day then it could be that there is something else contributing to it. Below, I will mention a number of things that could be causing your German Shepherd puppy to be sleeping a lot. Heat Heat can also contribute to a German Shepherd puppy becoming sleepy. German Shepherds are designed to thrive in colder environments which is why they have double coats. As a result of this, when the weather starts to heat up, it can cause them to be more sleepy. Heat would be much more likely to be the reason why your GSD puppy has been sleeping a lot if it suddenly started to sleep a lot more when the weather became hotter. If that is the case, it would help to make sure that it has access to shade, cool areas and water throughout the day. It would also help to avoid letting it out in direct sunlight when the sun is directly overhead. Illness Illness can also cause a German Shepherd puppy to be more sleepy. This would be more likely to be the reason if your German Shepherd puppy suddenly started to sleep a lot more than it used to. It would also be more likely if its behavior changed suddenly or if it became lethargic as well. If you think that it might be sleeping too much due to illness then the best option for you would be to have it checked up on by a vet. Boredom It might be the case that it has been sleeping more than usual due to boredom. German Shepherds are highly active, while they are awake, when they are young. If they do not have things to stimulate them in their environment then it can cause them to become bored. German Shepherd adults require a lot of exercise. However, the amount that you should be exercising your German Shepherd puppy will be a lot less since their joints are not fully developed yet. Instead, you can keep it occupied, while it is young, by training it to behave the way that you want it to when it is older. It is important to take the time to train it while it is young since it will be easier to change its habits and you will be able to avoid behavioral issues when it gets older. Diet A poor diet could also be why your German Shepherd puppy sleeps a lot. This would be especially likely if it started to sleep more at around the same time that you changed its diet. You can look at this website to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd puppy. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. You can get dog food specifically designed for German Shepherd puppies on Chewy here. Too much exercise While it could be the case that your German Shepherd puppy gets bored, it could also be the case that it is getting too much exercise. Since German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly it is important not to exercise them too much otherwise it can damage their joints. According to the Kennel Club , a good rule of thumb is to give your German Shepherd puppy 5 minutes of exercise per day for every month of age. So, if it is 3 months old, it would be recommended to limit its exercise to 15 minutes. If your German Shepherd puppy is lethargic when it is awake then it would be a sign that you are giving it too much exercise. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Consider if it suddenly started sleeping a lot more If your German Shepherd puppy has slept a lot right from the start but it is lively when it is awake then it is likely that it sleeps a lot naturally. Whereas, if it has suddenly started to sleep a lot more than it usually does then it would be more likely that there is something wrong. The list mentioned above could all be reasons why your German Shepherd puppy suddenly started sleeping a lot. It would help to consider what else changed at around the same time that it started to sleep more than usual. If it has also become lethargic when it is awake or its behavior has changed then it would likely be worthwhile for you to take it to the vet. What to do about your German Shepherd puppy sleeping a lot There are a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd puppy sleeping a lot that I will mention below. Allow it to sleep as much as it needs to As mentioned above, it is natural for a German Shepherd puppy to be sleeping a lot. With that being the case, one of the best things that you will be able to do is to allow it to continue to sleep as much as it needs to. You should find that it will, gradually, begin to sleep less as it gets older. Make its sleeping environment comfortable Seeing as they are meant to be sleeping a lot, it would help if you can make its sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. You can do this by ensuring that it is not too hot where it sleeps, it is comfortable for it and that it has access to water when it wants it. Ensure that its diet is right Seeing as its diet could be contributing to it sleeping so much it would help to ensure that it is getting the right diet. Give it access to cool and shaded areas If you live in a warm area then it would likely be helpful if you can ensure that your GSD puppy has access to cool and shaded areas when it wants it. It would also help to avoid taking it outside when it is hot out and to do it in the morning or evening instead. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd puppy is sleeping so much or you think that there might be something wrong then the best option for you would be to have a vet look at it. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. This article covers everything you need to know as a german shepherd owner about GSD puppies and their sleep schedule. German Shepherd puppies sleep 15 — 20 hours a day. Yes, they sleep a lot. The bodies of GSD puppies go through a cycle of development in the first 12 months of being born, and hence the long nap time. Of course, understanding your puppies sleep schedule is crucial to taking good care of it. So that your puppy can grow healthy, and happy. In the beginning, the schedule is absolutely random. Once you have the schedule figured out, you can work around it to make things easier for yourself. When you first bring your puppy home, it might confuse you with the odd sleeping hours. Your pup might wake you up during the middle of the night, for bathroom breaks. A lot of german shepherd dog owners even get woken up 2 or 3 times. But, after a few weeks, your german shepherd puppy will get used to the schedule and not wake you up at night at all. Here are the causes behind the lengthy nap schedule of GSD puppies. Some are natural, while others can stir up concern for the owner. And a lot of this growth occurs during nap time. Most sources recommend 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. So a 20 minute exercise session should be good for your 4 month old gsd puppy. However, the problem might be solved just by doing these. While others may prefer feeding them a home made diet. Raw diets are also becoming popular. It can cause problems later on. Your best bet is to check in with your vet, and ask for diet recommendations. So how much exercise should they do regularly? According to most of the sources, a 5 minute long walk at a time for every month of age should suffice. This means that if the puppy is 2 months old, then the exercise routine should be a 10 minute walk at a time. Here are the pointers that indicate when to stop exercising. Your puppy slows down. Your puppy starts panting. Your puppy starts laying on the ground. Age also plays a role in the intensity of workouts. Do not make it run excessively. Do not make it exercise on hard surfaces like sidewalks. Grass is the best area for your GSD puppy to exercise. Do not let it jump from the couch, furniture, or obstacles. Light fetch is also fine, after a few weeks. So you have to make sure that their brain stays engaged in their waking hours. Get your puppy their favourite toys. Take time training your puppy. Play a variety of games with your puppy. Get your puppy contraption toys that make the puppy do something with their paws, or sense of smell, instead of static toys. Give your puppy small healthy treats once they complete a task. Take Your Pup to the Vet This is the first option you should be considering if your puppy is sleeping too much or too less. Lack of sleep may cause your German Shepherd puppy to become aggressive , or even worse, not grow healthy. Give it a quiet and comfortable room to sleep. Let the puppy sleep whenever it wants or as much as it wants. No interruptions, just let it have its much deserved peace and quiet. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Comfortable Environment To Sleep You may not want your puppy to sleep on the bed, or the couch, due to various reasons like danger of falling or maybe hair fall. Buying a small dog bed or crate for your puppy is ideal. Make sure the crate or bed has soft material for your puppy to sleep. German shepherds are hardy animals. Just make sure their bed is soft and comfortable. Neither too hot nor too cold. Refrain your puppy from going into direct sunlight. Keep it in cool or shady areas. Make sure it has access to cool to cold water. Similarly, anything below 40 degree Fahrenheit or even 50 degree Fahrenheit is too cold for the puppy. If winter in your location hits hard, install heaters or a central heating system. Prepare cozy blankets for your puppy. Make sure your puppy is sleeping comfortably 15 — 20 hours a day. Have fun with your cute little puppy! Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. They need to go to the toilet How to stop a german shepherd puppy crying at night? There are many different reasons that your pup may be crying at night. Fortunately, there are also lots of ways to help him sleep better at night. Here are a few of the ways you can stop your german shepherd puppy from crying at night: Exercise to tire your German Shepherd puppy out: Your puppy should be taken out for 5 minutes for however many months old they are. For example, a 3-month-old puppy would be taken out for 15 minutes. Make sure you tire them out enough to help them sleep better at night. Let your German Shepherd puppy outside before bed: Make sure you let your puppy outside to relieve himself before putting him to bed. Surround your German Shepherd puppy with familiar objects: Bring clothing with the scent of the home or the breeder next to him while he sleeps. This will help give him something familiar and help him ease into the transition to his new home. Play soothing music: Playing classical music before and during bedtime can help alleviate whining and anxiety as well as drown out other noise or unfamiliar sounds that may upset or rouse your puppy. The average dog sleeps for only 45 minutes at a time, while human sleep cycles are much longer, lasting 70 to minutes. Dogs can only experience two sleep cycles during that time period. Dogs also differ from humans in that they are polyphasic sleepers, which means they sleep on and off throughout the day. Humans, on the other hand, are monophasic sleepers. Most humans receive their 7 to 9 hours of sleep all at once. While humans spend most of their waking hours awake and alert, dogs dedicate up to 5 hours of their day to simply resting. Dogs who rest more during the day tend to seem happier and more relaxed. Do dogs dream and what about? Dreaming occurs mainly during this REM phase of sleep. And dogs do cycle through REM during their sleep. So its make sense to believe that dog do dream. A puppy will spend more time in dream sleep than an adult dog as they fall asleep more often. So just what are our furry friends dreaming about? Anything your dog does during the day is being processed while they sleep and relived in their dream. This can be observed by their twitching whiskers, the whimpering, and the running paws while they are sleeping. Chances are that your dog may also be dreaming about you if you spend enough quality time interacting with them. They will be dreaming about your play session, walks, and cuddle time together. Where should my German Shepherd puppy sleep? German Shepherd puppies should sleep inside with comfortable beddings. This is because if your puppy has too much space to roam, it will be harder to get them potty trained as they will just find a spot to do their business away from where they are sleeping. You can place the crate beside your bed or in an area close to you. In this way, your new furry friend can smell you. And it gives him a sense of security. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Your puppy needs to get used to a regular schedule, work on their independence, and see you as the dominant figure. Once your GSD has become an adult months-old to 2-year-old , it will be fine for you to sleep with him. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep with me? A new dog may need some time to adjust before they are ready to sleep in your bed. If they show interest in sleeping with you and are well-behaved , you can always let them on the bed later on down the road. What are the benefits of sleeping with dogs? If you are still reading, chances are you might like to sleep with your dog at night. Pets offer comfort and security, but they may affect sleep quality or trigger allergies for some people. Petting dogs in particular has proved to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. If touching your pet is part of the key to gaining health benefits, cuddling up together at night is only to make it better. Sleeping with dogs promotes creativity Studies have shown that when dogs are with their owners their heartbeats sync up. This experience promotes theta brainwaves which can be seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. Sleeping with dogs boost your mood Studies have found that people who spend time with dogs reported fewer depressive symptoms. Not only is it fun to be with your furry friends, it also helps us relax and increases our flow of oxytocin, the love chemical. Sleeping with dogs makes you feel safe Think about it — your GSD is hard-wired to protect. Many people and having the dog protecting them helps them feel more secure and sleep more soundly. Sleeping with dogs is comfortable That furry, cuddly animal is likely to love lying with you just as much as you enjoy laying with them. The level of comfort a dog brings to the bed helps put you at ease and makes you feel cozy. Sleeping with dogs promote immunity Many people have hygienic concerns when it comes to sleeping with their dogs. However, one study found that infants who slept with their pets were less likely to develop allergies later on in life. After all, your new furry friend will sleep for at least 15 hours per day during their short lives. And the better they sleep, the healthier and happier they are. Further reading. As mentioned, German Shepherd puppies have short bursts of energy followed by long, restful naps. When playing or on a walk, it may seem like your puppy has a limitless store of excitement. Once they wear out, however, they tend to fall into a deep sleep—and may even snore! On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. During growth periods, they may only get up to eat or go for a walk. Once fully grown, a German Shepherd will sleep around 12 or 14 hours a day. German Shepherds will take naps throughout the day, then sleep while their human sleeps for 6 or 8 hours. You can ensure your German Shepherd gets adequate exercise by taking it for long walks or hikes, playing fetch, or engaging it with agility workouts and puzzle toys. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and need mental and physical stimulation for health and happiness. German Shepherds are naturally alert and protective , making them ideal for farm, police, military, and guard work. If you live in a busy area, you may want to provide your German Shepherd with a dark, quiet room to sleep in. If you use a crate or kennel, you can drape a blanket over it to shut out some light and sound for restful sleep. This is especially helpful with young puppies that may experience separation anxiety. Cars, buzzing insects, appliances, televisions, and cell phones can all make noises that put your dog on alert. German Shepherds usually live between 9 and 13 years. During this stage, your German Shepherd may sleep a bit more than the expected 12 or 14 hours a day, just like an older human. Along with the change in sleep patterns, your senior German Shepherd may show some graying around the eyes and muzzle, less interest in playing, and less energy for walks and hikes. If your German Shepherd is sleeping more than 14 hours as an adult, should you be worried? In some cases, longer sleep or more frequent sleep could indicate that your dog is experiencing a minor illness. If your German Shepherd is sleeping excessively for several weeks, however, you may want to take it to the vet for a checkup. Conditions like diabetes , hypothyroidism , Lyme disease , and arthritis can lead to increased sleep and may require treatment. Related Reads:. Final Thoughts When your German Shepherd is a young puppy, it needs a lot of sleep to get enough energy for physical and mental growth. When it is awake, it will be more active, exploring new things and experiencing new sensations after a good, comfortable, and secure sleep. The time of German Shepherd sleep routines varies depending on the age. When it is a puppy, it needs hours, but as an adult, your doggy may sleep for hours per day and feel great. The Shepherd deprived of good sleep can develop behavioral disorders and get sick easier. The most commonly asked questions about the German Shepherd puppy sleep schedule relate to its early age. Your puppy needs about 18 hours of sleep per day, and some young doggies may even need a bit more. So, hours per hour period is considered a norm. As your furry friend gets older, the sleeping time reduces. Your 4-month-old puppy may even sleep 11 hours per day and feel perfect. Meanwhile, adult dogs sleep for hours per hour period. You need to keep in mind that your pup will not sleep the whole night before its 6-month mark soundly. The reasons are missing the littermates and mother and feeling insecure surrounded by new smells and noises. However, the most important reason is the small size of its bladder that does not allow it to retain from potty for such a long time. So, it may start whining and crying if it wants to go potty. The latter issue is vital for potty training — you need to go out to potty times per night before your doggy reaches months old to avoid accidents. You may even need to wake up your puppy at night to do without unexpected occasions. Your little pup may also start crying at night for other reasons, for example, if it is scared or feels lonely or hungry. You can try to help it sleep better in several ways. First of all, ensure that your pet is tired enough before going to bed. Take it out for 5 minutes to walk during its first month and add the next 5 minutes for every month of its life. For example, your 4-month-old puppy can walk for 20 minutes. If your puppy is very young, let it sleep in your room when you first get it home. Put the crate beside your bed to comfort it easily during the night. You also need to offer your new pet familiar objects, for example, clothes or toys with the scent of its previous home. Arrange a comfortable sleeping place equipped with blankets, stuffed toys, and snacks. You may even play soothing music during bedtime, eliminating anxiety and preventing whining. Classical music is a good choice for this purpose. Comfortable bedding is essential. The space should not be large because they may attempt to do their business right where they are sleeping if they find a vacant spot. However, move the crate out of your bed when it gets older. Do it gradually, moving it farther and farther every night. Then, the time will come to take it away from your bedroom, and your puppy will feel comfortable with it. The difference between human and dog sleep cycles is dramatic. They are much shorter in dogs. Dogs have only two REM cycles at a time. They last 6 minutes. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers because they can also go to bed in the daytime. People are monophasic, sleeping hours at night. That is why while people spend their daytime working and alert, dogs need about 5 hours of rest per day. They do not necessarily sleep fast during this time. There has been a discussion on whether dogs can dream. Yes, dreaming can occur during the REM phase. Puppies may dream even more than adult dogs because they sleep more and their nervous system is not stable at all. So, they may dream about their daily activities, food, playing with you, and other things that are processed in their brain. When you notice that your pup moves its limbs as if running or murmurs something while sleeping, it is evidence of its dreaming. What do they mean? The most widely observed position is sleeping on the back. The reasons for this position are the following: Your pet feels entirely comfortable. This position provides complete relaxation. The pup feels safe and protected. Your dog trusts you if it exposes its vulnerable stomach to the outer world. It does not expect attacks from any enemies or predators. That is why canines rarely sleep on their backs in the wild. Your doggy wants to express submission. It does not mean challenging your authority or confronting other animals in the house. The German Shepherd may just want to feel colder. Its thick plush coat, especially if it is long-haired, does not allow it to cool down easily, so it lays on its back to let the air circulate around its body, over the belly, and paws. In this case, you may notice your dog lying on its back on the cold tile or even near the open window. German Shepherds also sleep in many other positions. The most popular of them include the following: Close to their owner. It is pretty pleasing when your doggy sleeps by your bed or is somehow close to you. Shepherds like to feel a part of a pack, so if they sleep like that, they feel more secure. Tightly curled up. This position allows a German Shepherd to maintain the heat efficiently. These dogs usually sleep like that in cold weather or if they feel something threatening to protect their neck and stomach against unexpected attacks. With the tail on their nose. A German Shepherd has a very sensitive nose, and it wants to protect it from rain, snow, or wind. It happens when your dog sleeps outdoors, especially in winter. On the side. This position allows the doggy to extend its muscles and joint as much as possible. It also means that the Shepherd feels comfortable and confident in this environment and does not expect any enemies or unwanted encounters. This position can also be observed if they sleep next to another animal — a cat or a dog — they consider their friends. On the belly. If your doggy feels comfortable, this position is uncommon. Moreover, it is neither comfortable nor relaxing. However, it can easily and quickly stand up and jump or run from it if it is needed. They mostly depend on their personality. The question of sleeping with your German Shepherd puppy is essential for many dog owners. The common advice is not to do that during the first months of your pup in your home. Instead, you can put its dog bed or crate next to your bed to soothe it quickly if it feels uncomfortable or scared. Moreover, your young doggy may have accidents at night, and you need to potty train it first. However, when your dog is an adult, you can do it, and it will bring a lot of positive moments to both of you. When your doggy is well-behaved and trained properly, you may get a lot of benefits from sleeping with it. They are the following: you will increase your comfort and security; your overall health condition can improve; the risk of sudden death will decrease; the cholesterol and triglyceride levels will go down; the blood pressure will become lower; this kind of sleeping can promote creativity; it will regulate your heartbeat rates; your memory will improve; you will wake up in a great mood due to the flow of oxytocin; you will feel absolutely protected and safe; the furry and cuddly friend will make you feel cozy and comfortable; the immunity will boost. Of course, close and continuous contact with animals can provoke allergic reactions. However, recent research shows that children who sleep with their pets are less likely to develop any allergies when they grow up. You may wonder why your doggy sleeps so much or has just changed its sleeping habits dramatically. Generally, an adult German Shepherd sleeps hours per day, but puppies and senior dogs sleep longer, which is normal. You can consider different causes if your pup sleeps too much and decide what you can do after talking to your vet. Your doggy needs this time to develop or restore its brain, central nervous system, immune system, and muscles. It uses so much energy during the day that it needs to compensate for it while sleeping. However, if your grown-up German Shepherd sleeps more than 14 hours and is apathetic all the other time, you may start to be concerned and take your pup to the vet. Excess heat. German Shepherds are bred to feel comfortable in colder environments. That is why they have double-layered coats. When the weather is very hot, they become sleepy to cool down. Just give it access to shade and cool areas and provide it with good amounts of water during the day. Never let it stay in direct sunlight. Your pup does not feel well. If your German Shepherd started sleeping more for no reason, it might be a sign of some health issues. So, you need to have it checked by the vet immediately. Your doggy is bored. German Shepherds are working dogs with a lot of energy and drive. You should exercise your pet a lot. At least one hour of intense exercise per day is vital. However, be careful not to overexercise your pup when it is little. Add 5 minutes of walking and training per every month of its age, or you can damage its bones and joints. Pick out an appropriate diet. Poor diet may be a cause of extensive sleeping. Talk to your vet to choose the diet your Shepherd needs, or opt for one meant specifically for German Shepherds. Age is a crucial factor. You know now that little puppies need a lot of sleep, and it is normal when your fluffy cub sleeps hours per day. The same is applicable to senior dogs. Older animals need more sleep to restore their muscles and brain activity. Moreover, they get tired easily and need a lot of rest. To make your pup sleep according to its age and environment, you may need to make some changes and deal with different factors. Consider the weather conditions too. If your pup sleeps more when it is cold or hot outside, it is also a normal reaction to temperature changes. If it gets to sleep immediately after feeding , you may need to adjust the diet a bit. If not, make some changes. Always check whether it has constant access to fresh water. Underhydration can be one of the reasons for a long sleep. Of course, when you notice abrupt changes, you must take your pet to the veterinarian. Long sleeping time may be the first sign of some unpleasant health disorders. Little puppies can sleep hours per day, while adult dogs usually need hours of sleep round-the-clock. If your German Shepherd starts sleeping too much, it may be a sign of a minor illness. The excess sleeping may also be a result of heat, boredom, or a poor diet. Older German Shepherds can also start sleeping a lot. Why does my German Shepherd sleep on its back? When your dog sleeps on its back, it always looks cute. The reasons for it can be different, but the main one is that it feels comfortable and absolutely trusts you. It can also show submission in this way, or it is too hot, and your doggy wants to cool down. Why is my German Shepherd breathing so fast while sleeping? Breathing faster means that your doggy is in its REM phase of sleep, which is accompanied by a high amount of brain activity. So, your pup needs more energy and starts breathing faster to get an additional amount of oxygen for the brain. Breathing fast helps it transfer this oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream, converting it into energy. How many hours does a German Shepherd sleep? The number of hours your German Shepherd pup can sleep is pretty individual. There are no strict standards. Little puppies sleep hours daily, while adult dogs reduce this number to .Senior dogs can sleep more — hours is normal. Ill doggies can sleep most time because sleeping helps them recover. Final Thoughts Remember that comfortable and safe German Shepherd sleeping is key to its healthy and happy life. All sleeping habits are pretty individual. If your German Shepherd sleeps well, you will enjoy long years together. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. By Retriever Pets Ever wondered why your german shepherd sleeps a lot and is in weird positions? While asleep, your body can fix what has been injured or depleted, improving your mind, health, and general wellbeing. This is not only true for human beings but also for German Shepherds. But how much should a german shepherd puppy, adult, or senior sleep? A German Shepherd should have hours of sleep on average. This pattern may change with the kind of lifestyle the dogs end up living. For instance, older and younger German Shepherd tend to sleep more, while working or active German Shepherds tend to sleep less. You may have a German Shepherd that is quick to nap and you may have one that looks like it is a night owl. In this article, we talk about German Shepherds and their sleep patterns. We also discuss lifestyles that prevent German Shepherds from sleeping well and the dangers of such lifestyles. Read on and find out more about naptime and German Shepherds. Importance of Sleep to a German Shepherd German Shepherds are some of the most active and energetic dogs. They are highly intelligent maintaining a strong reputation as loyal and protective dog breeds. Initially bred as herding dogs, they portrayed strong guarding and protective instincts and have over the years become the preferred guard, guide, military, police, search and rescue dogs. What a resume!!!! But to have all these possible, German Shepherds have to be in tiptop shape. They have to be trained, fed, protected and constantly shown attention. Like all mammals, sleep is a very important element in the well-being of German Shepherds. Through sleep, German Shepherds can attain the following benefits: For better brain function — German Shepherds face many mental challenges on a typical day. For the dog to be highly effective in both mental and physical activities during the day, it has to have a certain period of mental and physical inactivity to rejuvenate brain function. This keeps the dog alert throughout the day. For Memory Retention — German Shepherds are intelligent and can often be taught a variety of lessons throughout their day. To ensure that these lessons stick, sleeping plays a key role. A well-rested German Shepherd can perform and remember certain tasks better than a fatigued German Shepherd. Strengthens the Immune System — Sleep-deprived German Shepherds are more prone to sickness and infections. For Physical Recovery — Sleep is a naturally rejuvenates. A German Shepherd is extremely active and, by the end of any day, could be extremely exhausted. By Sleeping, German Shepherds can rest and recover from physical exhaustion. German Shepherd puppies need to sleep for hours if they are to grow well. Sleep deprivation can suppress the release of this hormone, among others, that are critical for proper mental and physical development. Sleeping Habits of a German Shepherd Puppy Young German Shepherd puppies require more hours of sleep so that they may grow and develop. Typically, these puppies require hours of sleep per day. They require adequate food and rest as they easily get tired, especially during training and play-time. Due to its guarding and protective nature, you may find an adult German Shepherd sleeping lesser hours due to how active it is during the day. Additionally, the need to protect forces the German Shepherd to remain alert; hence, they end up becoming light sleepers. Their bodies are slowly deteriorating. Just like young German Shepherds, these senior citizens will sleep from hours. Do you own a German shepherd and want to get a cat and want to know if they get along? Why does my German Shepherd sleep so much? You may be wondering why your German Shepherd sleeps a lot. Several reasons could explain this behavior. German Shepherd puppies sleep for hours a day. This allows them to grow well, developing a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles. Adult German Shepherd sleep for hours a day. Depending on the kind of lifestyle they are living, adult German Shepherd needs to be alert and hence will sleep less. When they do sleep, they are extremely light sleepers keeping an ear out for danger. Senior German Shepherds sleep for hours. Their body organs are slowly deteriorating and they are becoming less and less energetic. At this age, German Shepherds tire out more quickly and end up sleeping more often. As the adult German shepherd grows older, it will certainly start sleeping more often. Nature Unlike human beings who require hours of sleep a day, a German Shepherd sleeps for hours a day Coile, .This is an important process as a German Shepherd is quite active and energetic. During the day, you will find the dog playing and roughhousing. Heat The current temperature can also greatly affect how much a German Shepherd sleeps. German Shepherds were initially bred to thrive in cold environments hence why they have double coats. However, in regions where the weather is hot, German Shepherds become sleepy sleeping for more than 14 hours a day. If you live in a warm or hot area, ensure your German Shepherd has access to shade, cool areas, and water throughout the day. Also, ensure that you take your German shepherd on walks when the sun is not directly overhead. Illness When a German shepherd is sick, it can also sleep longer than it is used to. If you notice that your German shepherd sleeping suddenly, more often and exhibiting certain behavioral changes, such as being lethargic, it is likely they are sick. Check-in with your vet if you suspect this. Boredom German Shepherds sleep because they are bored. With such an active and energetic personality, German Shepherds need a lot of physical and mental stimulation throughout their day. They also require a lot of attention from their owner. When German Shepherds are not mentally stimulated, they can easily get bored and sleep more often. You must consider increasing the number of activities that your German Shepherd is exposed to in a day. If it is a puppy, limiting the amount of exercise is critical for its growth as it can end up hurting its joints. Diet The diet you are feeding your German Shepherd also contributes to how long it will sleep in a day. Your German Shepherd requires a healthy and balanced diet to ensure it has a normal sleeping pattern. However, if you change its diet and it is not balanced, your German Shepherd may start sleeping more than usua Research on the best German Shepherd diets to follow to ensure you do not end up giving your pup an unbalanced diet. German Shepherds sleep problem Yes, German Shepherds can have sleeping problems if their state of mind is affected. Certain mental conditions or diseases could lead to the development of sleeping problems. They often act out the dreams they are experiencing with vocal sounds, sudden violet leg movements, twitching, and other bodily movements. In extreme cases, the German Shepherd can attack objects violently and run wild. When they wake up it is as if nothing happened and they continue with their life as normal. This is most common in obese German Shepherds whose airways have been narrowed by fat deposits. Such dogs will often snore loudly to the point of being startled by their own snores. They will wake up sluggish and tired. In extreme cases, Chronic Sleep Apnea can be fatal where the dog is unable to breathe properly when asleep. Insomnia — When German shepherds have certain health and mental issues, such as depression, stress, flea infestation, anxiety, chronic pain, and pent-up energy, they may experience insomnia. Narcolepsy Sleep Disorder — It is a sleeping disorder that causes a German Shepherd to suddenly collapse and sleep when it is excited or during physical activity. The German Shepherd does not experience any pain. Sleeping positions You may find your German Shepherd sleeping in a weird position, one that looks as though it is defying the laws of nature. This is typical of all German Shepherds. The sleeping position your German Shepherd chooses often spells out the kind of life they are living and the influence the surroundings may be having on them at that particular moment. Let us check out a few sleeping positions and understand what they mean. Sleeping upside down This is one of the weirdest and hilarious positions to find your German Shepherd taking a nap. The legs are usually suspended in the air, and the dog practically looks like it is playing dead. Finding your German Shepherd sleeping in this position could mean one of three things: The pup is relaxed and comfortable with its paws facing up. The dog is submitting to its owners The dog feels very safe and does not have to worry about being attacked by enemies The dog is trying to cool down Sleeping on the side A German Shepherd sleeping on its side normally has its paws outstretched before it. This is one of the most common sleeping positions for German Shepherds and is evident when the dog wants to stretch its legs so that they are more relaxed. Also, if you find them sleeping in this position, it signifies that the dog is feeling comfortable and safe in that environment. Sleeping while curled up like a ball This is also one of the weird positions you may find a German Shepherd sleeping, especially where the pup chooses to cuddle up in a small space, such as a basket or box. Typically, your German shepherd sleeps in this position to keep warm. You will often find the puppy curled up this way in colder months. Sleeping on its front This is one of the most natural sleeping positions for German shepherds. It is a position that allows them to stay alert and attack in case of anything. This position gives them an added advantage as they can quickly rise to their feet and charge. Tail wrapped over its nose This position is not as common. A sleeping German Shepherd will want to protect the most exposed part of its body, being the nose, from any injuries or flying elements. You will find a German Shepherd sleeping in this position during seasons where the weather is harsh, for instance when it raining, snowing, or windy. Sited but Upright Picture a Kangaroo sitting down. Yes, this is a legitimate sleeping position for a German Shepherd. It is hands-down, one of the weirdest and uncommon sleeping positions. The pup sits on its tail with its hind legs stretched before it, and the upper body rests either on a wall or back of a chair supported on either side. Such a position just shows how comfortable and safe your dog feels. Also, it allows the pup to cool off. These are some of the most common German Shepherd sleeping positions. They communicate a lot about their current situation and the influence the environment may be having on them. For instance, if you find your German Shepherd sleeps while curled up during extremely hot days, it may be an indication that the pup is coming down with something. Where should a German Shepherd Sleep? Now that we have covered the reason a German Shepherd sleeps and its sleeping habits, let us talk about where it should sleep. We all know that a good bed or sleeping structure highly contributes to how well we rest. Is this true for Germans Shepherds as well? Yes, providing a safe and comfortable environment where a German Shepherd sleeps is important. Most German Shepherd owners provide a doggie bed; however, this is not enough. Ensure that the bed is placed in a suitable location. Place the doggie bed in a location that not too hot. Also, ensure that the dog has access to clean water from where it sleeps. This will give the dog a comfortable sleeping environment. Since you are part of their flock, they will want to sleep next to you. Its Protective instincts German Shepherds have very strong protective instincts. At night especially, they would rather sleep next to you and protect you, than in the other room. Separation Anxiety Genetically, German shepherds were bred as herd animals. They will want to spend every waking moment with members of their flock. As a member of its flock, expect the German Shepherd to get quite anxious and angry when you leave it behind. This is why it is attached to you and may also want to sleep in your bed at night. They are trained to sleep next to people Your German Shepherd may have been trained to sleep next to people as a puppy. If you allowed your German Shepherd to sleep in your bed, or if its previous owners allowed the pup to sleep with them, then sleeping with you even in old age is normal. This is the most likely reason for their behavior. In summary: German Shepherd sleep Position, Habits and quantity An adult German Shepherd should have hours of sleep each day, while puppies and senior German Shepherds sleep for hours. Of course, the amount of sleep highly depends on the lifestyle and health of the German Shepherd. A Healthy German Shepherd will get its beauty sleep, and most times, the sleeping position will communicate how comfortable, safe, and rested the dog is. However, if the pup is battling any sort of health condition, whether mental or physical, sleep patterns may likely be affected. You may find that your German Shepherd sleeps less or more depending on the kind of illness it is battling. Therefore, if you want a healthy German Shepherd, be sure to check on its habits and conditions. Ensure you provide the most comfortable option for the pup, be it sleeping on its own bed or yours. Puppies are similar to babies, they eat, poop, play and sleep. This article will answer those questions and give you some insight into German Shepherd puppy sleeping habits. Yes, German Shepherd puppies sleep a lot. A GSD pup will normally sleep upwards of 18 to 20 hours a day. They are usually asleep unless you are engaging with them in some way. It is normal for German Shepherd puppies to sleep up to 20 hours a day. GSD puppies sleep so much because their bodies are still developing and growing fast so they need to sleep to fuel that process. As they get older, they will sleep a little less. German Shepherd puppies should sleep in a crate when really young and not yet trained. This is because if your puppy has too much space to roam, it will be harder to get them potty trained as they will just find a spot to do their business away from where they are sleeping. Some of the best crates for German Shepherd puppies are ones that can grow with your pup and come with a divider. This is not to say your pup has be crated forever, think of this as a tool to help them get house-trained faster and to keep them safe. As mentioned above, it is too easy for them to find a spot to do their business if they have free access to the whole room at night. However, once your puppy knows how to wake you up for their bathroom break, it is really a personal decision as to whether you want your pup to sleep in your bed. German Shepherd Puppy Sleeping Habits As mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies will usually sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day, which is totally normal. It is also normal for a puppy to not be able to sleep through the night. Just like newborn babies need to get on a schedule so does your new puppy. When my GSD puppy first came home, she usually woke me up two or three times each night for potty breaks. Final Thoughts German Shepherd puppies sleep a lot because their bodies are developing and going through a lot of growth when they are really young. It is normal for a puppy to only be awake for 6 hours a day when you first bring them home. Unless they are playing with toys , eating, drinking, or going outside, they will probably be sleeping. If you feel like your GSD puppy is sleeping too much you can check with your vet to make sure all is ok just for peace of mind. They are the second most popular breed in America. German Shepherds are an active breed that requires extensive physical and mental training to stay engaged. Their bites have lbs of force, which is close to 3 times the force of a human bite. Make sure train to your pup not to bite unless the person is an intruder. A German Shepherd puppy can adopt the same routine as a human baby. Incorporate enough time throughout the day for a rotating schedule of eating, potty breaks, playing, and sleeping. Providing a balanced and engaging schedule for your puppy will get him or her more able to become accustomed to sleep training. Your new puppy will be getting used to their new home with you and adjusting to your sleep schedule as well. When the pup is not playing, eating, or taking potty breaks, he or she may squeeze in a day time nap. Their bladders are not fully developed yet, so they are always in need of a potty break. Be prepared for your puppy to wake you up in the middle of the night the first few weeks of bringing him or her home for midnight potty breaks. If you have multiple adults in the house, create a rotating schedule of who will take out the dog for a midnight potty break based on the day of the week. If you have yourself and two others in your home, try a schedule like this: You: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday Significant other, roommate, or another family member: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Your older child or teenager: Saturday nights only What Are Other Reasons for Sleeping a Lot? There are other contributing factors as to why your German Shepherd puppy is sleeping a lot. When they are just months old, their normal sleep schedule will be for normal growth and development of their brain, immune system, and joints. Keep an eye on the other factors that could be reasons as to why he or she is sleeping more and adjust their environment accordingly. Poor diet, excessive exercise, sickness, heat, and boredom could be other reasons for your puppy sleeping more than usual. If your pup is not eating the right nutritious food, he or she could become sleepier throughout the day. Your pup should eat protein-rich nutritious dog food specially formulated for German Shepherds. According to Pet Care Rx , the age, activity, and general health of your pup will decide how much calories it needs throughout the day which is anywhere from to per day. Pet Care Rx suggests giving your pup one of the following for a balanced diet. Young puppies are still in the process of developing their bones and joints. Excessive exercise will only tire your German Shepherd puppy out faster and repeated instances of too much exercise could mess up their sleep schedule. The German Shepherd Shop recommends the following exercises to help your pup stay healthy. Limit tug of war activities to only minutes at a time. Take your puppy on small walks around the block for optimal exercise. Play fetch for about 5 minutes at a time which could be a good throws. Encourage normal puppy free play with their toys at their leisure. German Shepherd Shop discourages doing the following high-impact exercises with your pup. Prolonged games of fetch or tug of war Long hikes or walks Agility training that is not aged appropriately for your pup Sickness If your German Shepherd puppy is sick, he or she may sleep more to fight off the bad bacteria and viruses. If your puppy is acting differently and not as active as usual, take note of this for repeated occurrences. A common German Shepherd sickness is hip dysplasia which could lead to arthritis because of the continuous inflammation in the hips. Degenerative myelopathy, bloating, blood disorders, and epilepsy are also common health issues in German Shepherds. If your German Shepherd puppy continues to act abnormally than how he or usually behaves, schedule a visit with the veterinarian to be on the safe side. This breed naturally thrives better in colder climates and a high amount of heat outside or inside the house can cause more sleepiness. In the summer, be sure the air conditioner is at a comfortable temperature so your puppy feels comfortable. Consider placing a waterproof dog mat or bed and a dog bowl of water at this area for your pup to stay properly cool and hydrated. If your puppy loves the snow during winter, only give him or her a few minutes of snowy playtime so they do not get hypothermia. Your Pup is Bored Naturally, boredom leads to sleeping more. Refer to German Shepherd Corner for some of the best toys for German Shepherds to get ideas of what toys to get for your curious pup. Purchase a few toys as a start and observe your pup. Does he or she like to chew, tug, or fetch more? Maybe get one toy each that encourages these activities and see which toy your German Shepherd puppy loves most. Once you have figured that out, you can stock up on their favorite toy for when the original one becomes worn out. Related Posts.

As with any mixed breed, they can take on the traits of one of the parent breeds or any combination of both of them. With a Golden Retriever Mix, the goal is to get the highly-trainable, super-friendly, and sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the best traits of the other dog in the cross. Because there can be variation in the puppies, you will want to ask the breeder about the other dog in the cross. This will give you an idea of what other traits you could be dealing with in a Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A Golden Retriever is known as the quintessential friendly dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to be good with strangers as they are more interested in making friends. The other dog breed in the cross could provide some other traits and variations to this, but your Golden Retriever Mix puppy should have a similar disposition to the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever Mixes tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in larger homes with room to run and can adapt well to apartment living. As long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection, they tend to be quite happy wherever they live. Golden Retrievers do well in most climates and are sensitive to heat, as with most dog breeds. Your Golden Retriever Mix should be about the same. A mixed breed can take on potential health concerns related to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Overall, a Golden Retriever Mix should be a relatively healthy dog breed. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. Golden Retrievers are famously easy to train, which makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. Depending on the other parent breed, there may be a chance that your Golden Retriever Mix could have an independent or stubborn streak. In this case, you will want to be prepared for puppy training and obedience classes in case you want a little help in dealing with stubbornness. Classes are a great idea either way because they help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize your puppy. Golden Retrievers tend to have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately year-round and requires brushing a few times a week. Bathing is usually on an as-needed basis. This may be the same for your Golden Retriever Mix or their coat could require more or less grooming depending on the other parent breed. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs. Your Golden Retriever Mix will likely be the same. Even if the other parent breed is a low or moderate-energy dog, you will need to be prepared to deal with a high-energy dog. Daily walks, playtime, plus extra activity are a must for dogs with a lot of energy. Be prepared to try a lot of different activities to find your favorites. Teach your dog to play frisbee , go for a swim, go running together, try taking a few hikes, go on trips to the dog park, and more. A Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Your Golden Retriever Mix could be the same or they could take after the other parent breed. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the other breed in the mix and meet the mother dog. This can give you a good idea of what size to expect as your Golden Retriever Mix puppy grows. Golden Retrievers generally live years. Unless the life span of the other parent breed varies largely from this range, you should be able to expect something similar from your Golden Retriever Mix. Featured Golden Retriever Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. He raises Golden Retrievers and Shiba Inus and loves the experience of providing adorable family pets. Joe has always loved dogs and enjoys both the Goldens and the Shibas for their specific traits and personalities. Contact The Smokers to find out more about their puppies! Joseph Smoker includes an extended 1-year Genetic Health Guarantee on all puppies. Reviews for Joseph Smoker Rating: 5 out of 5, Average based on 5 Reviews I purchased two golden retrievers off Joe they're both great dogs. We adopted two Shiba Inus and we were very happy with the whole process. I was a very nervous puppy purchaser, and he went above and beyond with phone calls, texts, video, and documentation to make me feel comfortable. And our puppy is wonderful! She is happy and healthy and - according to our vet - a perfect example of all the breed characteristics. To be honest, We did not know what it is going to be like! Joseph made our experience so pleasant. He is very nice guy and really easy to deal with. We can see how much he loves these puppies and how he has taken care of them. We are glad to meet with him and definitely recommend getting a puppy from him : Thank you!!! Adorable puppy and David is very complimentary with the adoption process! Thank you so much! We purchased her in April .Her 1st yr birthday was Dec 6th. We couldn't be happier. She is such a good girl. David was more than helpful with us, as we had some other issues in trying to find a puppy. He is such a great person to work with and went above and beyond to help us. He is the love of our lives, he is such a sweet and lovable boy and loves to snuggle with us. He is smart and potty trained very fast. He is a beautiful color with white patches and is healthy and happy. We could not thank David and his family for giving us such a perfect puppy for our family. The puppy I purchased from my wife was prefect and she could not be more happy. Thank you. He is so sweet, smart, and healthy. When we take him out, his favorite thing to do is meet new people and get pets! He gets along great with our kids, our other dog, and our cat. David was so helpful when we came to pick out a puppy. He allowed us to play with the puppies for as long as we needed to. They were all healthy, happy and energetic. He also had the mom and dad right there for us to spend time with. They were so sweet, happy, and well-trained! We wanted to take them with us too: David was knowledgeable and obviously cares about his dogs very much. This was the first time we bought instead of rescue and I was so pleasantly surprised with the entire experience! Thank you, David! We were lost. I started looking for a doodle as I have allergies. Not one pup would he agree to and then I saw Bandit, now Rocco. He was so adorable and had a white goatee like my husband! I called David immediately before he changed his mind and sent my down payment by PayPal. I picked up Rocco about 10 days later. A 3 hour drive well worth every mile. Rocco is the best puppy ever! Very smart. Listens well. No destruction in the house. He is huggable and loves us as much as we love him. He learned standard commands quickly as well as house training. He is 4 months old and weighs about 27 lbs. I would highly recommend David at Blissfulpaws for a puppy and actually a friend went and purchased a puppy today who is a half sister to Rocco! He was and remains a well socialized pup and is growing up fast. Loves hiking , swimming and people!! He is in training to be a therapy dog for elderly folks in a convalescent home. He has been to our vet 3 times , has a clean bill of health thus far and is just a joy to have. He is smart , chill and easily trained. He is now 17 weeks old , house broken and knows a lot of commands. We will certainly be our sing another from you when Enzo is full grown - Patty Farina , October 03, We purchased our golden in July Gina and we named her hope! Working with David was very easy and we can not be more grateful, highly recommend! Our family is so happy she brings us so much joy! He made our experience adopting Molly F1 standard goldendoodle so pleasant. We traveled to get our new girl. When we arrived he greeted us, answered all of our questions and gave us very helpful advice. I keep in touch with him through email from time to time. We send pictures of our beautiful girl. We tell him how very blessed we are that we chose her. He always responds. She's beautiful, smart, and so well behaved. She will soon be 2 years old. He named her "Wonderful". We named her "Molly". Thank you David for the greatest gift ever!! He brought out Winston Nate and I was instantly in love. Winston is now a happy 6 month old 60lb big guy who thinks he needs to be carried everywhere. He walks great on a leash and is very calm. He is the perfect fit to my little family. I plan to adopt with David and blissful paws again in the future. Thanks so much for bringing me this sweet little guy!! He was very informative, accommodating with our schedule seeing as we drove about 3 hours from NJ , and very kind. We picked up Mae a week ago, and decided to keep the name given to her. She is a sweet, goofy pup who catches on quickly to training. I highly recommend! She is wonderful!! I'm so pleased with her. She gets along great with the other dogs, and she's doing great with training. When I took her to the vet for her first visit, my vet said she was a great dog in excellent health. I would highly recommend Mr. Beiler's puppies. Plus the whole process of purchasing a dog from him is very easy. He was very responsive to emails and very accommodating with the pickup date. I would definitely purchase from him again. We had been looking for golden puppy for a few days, when we found Greenfieldpuppies. After looking at a bunch of puppies we decided to choose one from Blissful Paws. After many emails with David we picked out one, which was hard, to many cute puppies. David was very helpful, understanding and communicated very well. He understood the issue I had, early I was scammed trying to get a golden. I was very leary about making a deposit on another dog I hadn't yet seen. David helped ease that and made an arrangement with me. I came and saw the puppy, left a deposit and explained I couldn't pick her up until Apr 25th. David was again, helpful and understanding. He made the whole process flow smoothly. Thanks for bringing Rebecca,now Willow into our lives. Previously, I got scammed trying to buy a Golden Puppy and it made me more than nervous to try and buy another over the internet. But they were more than willing to comfort my decisions any way they could. They were so helpful and genuine and overall an amazing experience! Their shipper lists everything throughout the process and even gives you shipping details so you can track your puppy the whole time! Just overall amazing people and we got our dream puppy! He is very socialized and gets along with our lab puppy he is such a sweet puppy who is healthy and you can tell he was well cared for previously. Koby quickly became a lovely addition to our family. He is a healthy, well-behaved dog. Koby is wonderful with children and other dogs. David made the adoption process easy. He was always very responsive to any questions that we had. We recommend David and Blissful Paws to other families who are thinking about adopting a puppy. Thank you again. After speaking with several different sellers and just not finding what I was looking for, I stumbled across David at Blissful Paws. Being in a different state I was worried it would make the process difficult, but I was able to video call and meet the puppies to choose my perfect little Beau. David helped me to find a reliable individual to deliver the puppy all the way from PA to my home and kept me updated through the whole process. Beau is exactly what I was looking for and such a sweet boy! We had the best experience doing this via phone email and text because we live in California! David was kind and helpful to the point of Face Timing us so we could see our puppy! His attention to detail to have our pup flown under the best conditions was awesome and let our hearts rest that he had the puppies best interest at hand! Thank you David and God Bless you!! Rick and Maria Sainz - Rick Sainz.

While they enjoy a fun filled family life- serving as loving companions, each is proven to compete and exceed in every way; from the highly competitive SV showarenas, to the vigorous working dog trails, to being cuddled up on a couch, our GSD's preserve the spirit and exhibit the beauty of this magnificent breed. Our dogs are family.We hope to provide you with the best family member for years to come. I have been so impressed with Romuender GSDs! Our girl Kobe is a wonderful addition to our family, and Karen made the entire process seamless and easy. She answered all of my questions throughout the process, fully vetting our family before agreeing to place a dog with us. Furthermore, she has made herself readily available to answer questions as Kobe has grown. I cannot recommend them highly enough!! Chari McMahon Wow!!! Just picked up the most beautiful pup from Tim and Karen. These are true animal lovers. Such a fun property to visit. The adult dogs are all so beautiful and very socialize. The intelligence in these puppy eyes can already be seen. Thank you Tim and Karen. Just a 1 week update. Og is a amazing puppy. My other gsd greta has takin to her wonderfully and og is following the same commands. Traci Foreman Beautiful dogs and very well behaved. Regina Heidleberg Kaiser The best, most professional breeder, and amazing gsds anyone could ask for. These dogs have outstanding temperaments and drive! If you are looking for a great show and working dog all in one, I suggest you contact them. Holly Earthworm Carraway Wonderful people and dogs. They love their dogs and the GSD breed. They train, work and show their dogs in competitive dog sports. I wish them lots of success with their breeding program. Best wishes from Germany Maren Maren Friedhoff I love the fact that they only breed Title dogs and the fact they work and spend time with each one! When dealing with them you know what's it like to be talking with a creditable breeder who cares about the breed!!!!!! Jim Miller What is an ethical German Shepherd breeder? Instead we select our prospective families to ensure our puppies have a safe, healthy and loving environment. We breed to the highest breed standards by following the German SV standard. Read More. Is a German Shepherd Dog the best breed for my family? If you grew up with one like I did then you already know how loyal, smart and magnificent this breed is. Things to consider is your current work and living situation as these dogs need and deserve a place to play and your time. Also, the health and temperament of the parents as that can truly make a difference in your future family member. Believe it or not the Longcoat German Shepherd sheds less. Also a Longcoat German Shepherd can be produced one of two ways. Either two stock coat parents both carry the autosomal recessive gene and can produce some in the litter. Why we love longcoat german shepherds and the difference between showline and working line. The answer is that these fluffy little teddy bears are the absolute cutest creatures on the planet! Often times two stockcoats may carry the autosomal recessive gene to produce a longcoat GSD. Meaning some of their siblings may be short haired. I swear my theory is that these little fuffballs steal the great genes. No really, I find their bone structure, temperament, and personality wins over families many times over their standard coat siblings. Financing available through the Terrace Pets multi-lender platform powered by Terrace Finance. One easy application pinpoints your needs and finds you the best lender match from the network. We invite you to the winners circle and encourage everyone to learn more about what it takes to make the podium, what it means not only to us but to the families and individuals who truly want the best, and choose to embark life with a companion of sound substance, quality exceeding standards and beauty beyond measure. Click below to enter our Breed Education Center; learn more about SV standards, health testing, genetics, puppy development, our practices and much more. Contact Info. Our dogs are hand picked from top German breeders and are from world class West German bloodlines. We are conveniently located 40 miles from Ft. Worth and approximately one hour from Dallas TX. We are proud of our Kaiser facility and all of our outstanding dogs. Each of them is a special part of our family. It takes a great deal of experience, education, and knowledge about the breed to successfully produce world class German Shepherds. My husband Paul and I work together to ensure the highest breed standards are met. Our goal is to continue to not only meet those standards but to improve the breed. They are hand picked from top German breeders and are imported. They are from top West German bloodlines. Selective breeding program to produce superior offspring. We produce a limited number of litters each year in order to personally assure the very best care possible. Healthy puppies and adult dogs is a top priority to us. Our adult dogs have been DNA tested for degenerative myelopathy. Their hips and elbows have been certified as normal. We do a great amount of education with our new puppy owners regarding GSD growth and development, health maintenance, the importance of ongoing socialization and many other important topics about the GSD breed. We make it a practice to stay in touch with our puppy owners for ongoing education and support. We love to see our pups grow into amazing adult dogs as part of a loving family home! We also have a professional trainer available. She has worked with many of our puppies and their new families with outstanding results. She is warm, patient and loves what she does. She is careful and has a loving touch for her puppies; each one captures her heart. She has been extremely helpful to us when we have not been certain about next steps for our pup. Kaiser is not a puppy factory, but a caring, loving, thoughtful, and well read about the German Shepherd breed. So grateful for Terri and Kaiser pups!

It is also cheerful, happy and friendly, also getting along well with strangers and greeting them happily, a trait inherited from its Pug parent, which does not make it an efficient watchdog. The Shug dog also shares a good rapport with children of every age but should be socialized before they get to interact with dogs or other pets. Care Exercise Because of its active nature, it needs to be taken out for a brisk walk on a regular basis, coupled with sufficient play time. They would also do well in an apartment, provided they have sufficient toys to play with or enough stuff to be kept busy. Grooming As they shed less, their grooming requirements are also low, sufficing with a weekly brushing for excess hair removal. You should also wipe its eyes and ears with a moist cotton ball on a weekly basis, brush its teeth and clean its nails, to maintain proper hygiene. Health Problems Though a healthy and hardy breed, it might develop some of the health concerns of both its parents like hip dysplasia, breathing difficulties, gastric dilation volvulus, bloating, arthritis and brachycephalic syndrome. Training Its inherent intelligence may make it easy to grasp training, though it needs a firm master who can deal with its strong-willed nature tactfully. Socialization: Teach your Shug puppies to get along well with other pets as well as people whom they do not know. You can invite friends to your home who have dogs or even take them to a dog park so that they may be acquainted with other dogs and gradually get to know how to interact with them. Obedience: You should train your Shug puppy with commands to control its stubbornness. Once it succeeds, reward it with treats and praises. Practice this many times so that your dog instantly comes the moment you call him even if it is distracted by something else. Housetraining: This should be started simultaneously with obedience training. Take them outside every 2 hours from the beginning. Always make your dog eliminate at one particular spot so that he can associate it with relieving itself. Reward it appropriately with praises and treats whenever your dog does a good job. Feeding Give your Shug dog high-quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet. However, overeating may affect their health adversely, so you need to keep a check on their diet. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Photo by crazydaisyshug IG Treat your search for a Shug puppy as an adventure, as it may take you some extra time and effort to look for one. We also gathered some trusted advertising sites for puppies and dogs where you can look for a Shug puppy. Here are some sources where you can find German Shepherd Pug mix puppies for sale: Buckeye Puppies — This online advertising platform connects buyers to local breeders of Shugs and pet shops in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. They strive to make the puppy purchasing process as safe as possible for both the buyer and seller. They regularly scan their website listings and monitor feedback from users to ensure credibility. Best Friends Forever Puppies — With over 30 years of experience in matching families with their ideal companion, Best Friends Forever Puppies offers a great selection of both registered and designer breed puppies including the German Shepherd Pug mix. They also have a one-year health guarantee along with up-to-date vaccinations, a complimentary wellness exam, and bath and trim services for their dogs. Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies has been helping buyers find a reputable breeder for over 20 years. Their website advertises breeders of various pure and mixed breeds such as Shugs located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. They ensure healthy and humane breeding practices for their puppies and verify the reputation of their breeders via background checks. If you want to adopt a Pug German Shepherd mix instead, here are some rescues you can check out: Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles — This non-profit rescue organization is committed to saving German Shepherds, all types and mixes, from high-kill shelters. They adopt and provide them with loving, qualified homes. They provide vet care, safety, and food and place the rescued dogs in qualified foster homes with their volunteers until they get adopted. Pug Rescue of Austin — Located in Austin, Texas, this all-volunteer non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, healthcare, and rehoming of abused, unwanted, and neglected Pugs and Pug mixes. There are also rescue organizations for Pugs and German Shepherds that you can try contacting. Since taking care of a dog is a commitment, you have to be certain that you really want a Shug dog in your life! Here are the pros of owning a Pug German Shepherd mix: Unique looks: German Shepherd Pug mixes can have different physical characteristics that they can inherit from either of their purebred parents or a combination of them. Some may look more like a German Shepherd, while others resemble the Pug more. The bottom line is that each Shug dog will have a distinctive adorable appearance! Great temperament: The German Shepherd Pug mix is a sociable, affectionate, fiercely loyal, obedient, playful, and intelligent dog. These good traits are their foundation as good companion dogs. German Shepherd Pug mixes are so friendly that they get along easily with anyone. Low shedding and grooming needs: The short coats of Shug dogs make their grooming low-maintenance. Lots of dog owners find them convenient to take care of compared to other dogs. Just as long as their needs are met, from nutritional to emotional needs, then the Shug will be there for you. Manage this by exerting more effort, patience, and determination when training. Dedicate ample time, love, and attention to your dog not just because they need them but because you care for them. They tend to get curious about their surroundings and people. These can change through early socialization. German Shepherd Pug mixes indeed inherit most of the best qualities from the Pug and German Shepherd genes. Lifespan Sociability Shugs are a new breed for the market so putting a price on them is pretty much the Wild West at the moment. You can try your luck at your local dog shelter when searching for a dog and you might be able to find a mixed dog that resembles the Shug. When you bring a Shug into your home, be ready to have a playful and sociable dog with you. They love spending time with their family and are known to be quite needy so make sure you can spend a lot of time with your dog if you decide to go after a Shug. On the one hand, this is actually a good thing. On the other hand, it means that breeders can sell any puppy and call it a Shug without any repercussions. Talk to other people who have bought puppies there, and look for any negative press. Shugs are different from Pug-Zus. A Shug is a mixture of a Pug and a German Shepherd. Pugs are the favored dog of royalty. Move over, Corgis! They love playing and getting attention. First, they love strangers too much to be good guard dogs. Nowadays, Pugs and Shugs are more likely to rush over to interlopers and wag their tails than to bark and summon help. Second, Shugs are prone to separation anxiety. Again, nothing is a substitute for meeting the pup and its parents before any money changes hands. Choose an organic dog food with real ingredients , avoiding by-products and gluten meal, and feed your Shug two cups per day. It loves a brisk walk through the park as much as it loves to eat and nap. In order to maintain its healthy weight, you should exercise your Shug about 45 minutes a day, using a combination of walks and toys. If it gets more of its German Shepherd side, it will be able to handle longer walks. If your Shug looks more like a Pug, go easy on the outdoor exercise on hot days. The good news on that front is that Shugs are happy to spend most of their time indoors. This makes them great dogs for people living in apartments. However, German Shepherds are work dogs bred to accept training. Shugs are almost never aggressive. Their biggest problem behaviors are disobedience and potty training. To housebreak a Shug puppy, consistency is key: take it outside at regular intervals, and make sure it always relieves itself in the same spot. Brush its teeth and nails at the same time, if you can. Dysplasia is more common in German Shepherds, while obstructed airways are a bigger risk for Pugs. Bloat and allergies are potential problems in both breeds. Minor Conditions Allergies: Both Pugs and German Shepherds might suffer from allergies, which can cause red, itchy skin around their eyes and ears. German Shepherds frequently suffer from dysplasia, a trait they can pass down to Shugs. An honest breeder will screen out parents who might be at risk of dysplasia. Male vs Female Male and female Shugs look and act very similar. On average, females are about an inch shorter than males. Compared to the differences between mixes that favor one parent or the other, though, gender distinctions are pretty minimal. Separation anxiety and stubbornness are a problem, as is the fact that this breed is a bit of a barker. See also:. His face and personality was all pug, I didn't notice any German Shepherd traits other than his coloring and size. He loves dogs, people, and pretty much everything else. He is very food-motivated as well, and will drool at the sight of food. He makes little honking noises when he runs the pug part of him , especially when chasing new friends at the dog park. He loves to chase the skunks in his backyard too. He also loves snuggles, and will usually sleep in and go to bed at night when he is tired all on his own. His owners are Chelsea and Patrick Lapienis, with the former telling Newsweek: "He's a lovable goofball who is super sweet and very excitable. He loves playing fetch, hide and seek, and even has some puzzles that he likes to solve. He loves meeting people and dogs alike, and is friends with his vet. The adorable mutt is a result of a pug crossed with a German Shepherd. Chelsea Lapienis She revealed his unusual parentage, adding: "We were told that the mother was a pug, and the father was actually a 6-month-old German Shepard who wasn't fixed yet. They don't usually breed this mix, so he was definitely a surprise. He was 7 lbs when we got him at 2 months, so he was a decent size. When we met him, it was an instant attachment, and we are so happy that we added him to our family. He is also a huge cuddler who loves to snuggle when possible. He has very high energy levels and very low energy levels at times. At first glance his body resembles a German Shepherd, but where does that curly tail come from? Place your bets on his unique mix, but you will never guess it. This is Goblin, and he's a pug and German shepherd mix. While I assume this was an oopsie, somewhere out there there's a very determined pug daddy who must be held accountable for making every owner from this litter laugh for the next 15 years. Turns out Goblin's mom is a pug, and his dad was a six-month-old German Shepherd. Chelsea Lapienis De Prophetis, who's been a professional pet groomer for more than 10 years, talked viewers through the grooming process, including sharing some excellent slow-motion footage of Goblin being blow-dried. She continued: "After his bath, I towel him dry, and I spray him down in our quick dry spray and he is very excited to show you how adorable he looks, in the not so happy hoody. During his blow dry I noticed that my favorite thing about him is his flapping nostrils. While the pug part of him tried to stay positive, the German shepherd part was not enthused. After he is dry, I de-shed this majestic mongrel, with the EquiGroomer, and then I clip his nails. Pugs are usually difficult for nail clipping, and naturally he had to give me some sass. So I gave him the finger. He made me laugh for an hour straight. And that only continued as he bucked around my yard. Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoyed the goofy Goblin. Sweetums reckoned: "I refuse to believe this isn't just two pugs in a trench coat. While Plague raved: "He's beautiful. I've never seen such a great mix. Its ears may be erect like the German Shepherd or floppy as that of the pug. Its tail also bears a striking resemblance to that of a pug, curling comfortably on its back. Goblin is a year old, and his litter was an accident. ET: This article was updated with comment, video and photos from De Prophetis. ET: This article was updated with comment and photos from Lapienis. Photo: spiketheshug The German Shepherd Pug mix will borrow a decent amount of its looks from both of its parent breeds, usually maintaining roughly the size of the Pug and the short, curly tail, as well as the short, bristly fur of the Pug. It will likely have the nose, mouth and head shape of the German Shepherd, with the ears of the Shepherd. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. They were originally bred in the 19th century by Max von Stephanitz for use as a herding dog, from a variety of previous German herding dogs. Though due to their large size, intelligence and ability to follow commands, the German Shepherd has found itself taking on many different roles throughout the years, including in police and military work, and as a disability-assistance dog. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the United States, likely for their multi-use capacity, obedience and generally friendly nature. The German Shepherd was the creation of Max von Stephanitz in the nineteenth century in Germany, it was originally created as a herding dog to help German farmers herd cattle. However, today, it occupies many different roles, including as a police military working dog, and as a disability assistance and beloved family pet. The History of the Pug By contrast to the German Shepherd, the Pug was bred to be a lapdog and companion pet of Chinese royalty and nobility, dating back as far as B. You may see depictions of Chinese nobility with their Pugs on their lap. The Pug began life in China but migrated to Europe in the 17th century as trade began to open up between Asia and Europe. From there, the Pug will have become a staple of American life through the migration of Europeans to the United States in the 19th century. Though it is far from the most popular dog in the country, it holds a respectable level of popularity, ranking below forty routinely. Last year, the Pug was the 33rd most popular dog in America. Pugs are great companion pets for just about anyone. Their laissez-faire attitude to life and low-maintenance requirements when it comes to exercise and grooming make them the perfect pet for the elderly. Pugs were originally bred in China, and first appeared around B. C as lapdogs and companions of Chinese royalty and nobility. Crossbreeding in the United States began to gain popularity in the s and peaked in the 90s and s, therefore we can assume that the Pug would have likely been crossbred during this time period. Even leading to rehoming, or having to put a bunch of money into training, above and beyond that which is normally expected of a new owner. Expect a highly intelligent, energetic, friendly dog with a happy disposition and lots of love to give! In general, German Shepherd Pugs are quite friendly animals, you can expect them to be somewhat aloof with strangers, but very friendly to those they know and love! The German Shepherd Pug will typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds. You can expect the German Shepherd Pug mix to stand between 8 and 12 inches tall. The German Shepherd Pug mix is a minimally shedding dog. We recommend half an hour to forty-five minutes of exercise per day. The life expectancy of your typical German Shepherd Pug mix is between 12 and 15 years. German Shepherd Pug Mix: Two Dogs From Vastly Different Backgrounds German Shepherds have a rich working heritage, first as herders and protectors of livestock and later as police and war dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue animals, and guard dogs. Stephanitz developed the breed further through closely-related offspring such as Beowulf and herding dogs tending sheep across the plains of Germany. The Pug is among the most ancient of dog breeds. Pugs roamed China as early as the Han Dynasty, which spanned from B. However, evidence suggests an earlier foundation for the breed in the Lo-Sze Dog of B. Not only have Pugs served as loyal companions their entire history, but they also once almost exclusively accompanied royalty. Persons of the crown would display a special preference for the little dogs for decades to come. Pugs found their way to Europe in the s and s, and gained overwhelming popularity along with other purebred dogs during the Victorian Age when they shared the spotlight with the Poodle and German Shepherd. They had short coats, so while Victorians could not figure out an attractive haircut for Pugs, they dressed the dogs in elaborate collars and bows around their necks. Like many German-Shepherd-based designer dogs, such as the Shottie or Doberman Shepherd , the Shug often has a readily recognizable appearance and demeanor. However, the two parent breeds are so different you can obtain widely different variations that can resemble a rare breed or one of the purebred parents. How big will your dog be? German Shepherds are two feet tall at the shoulders, give or take a couple of inches. Females tend to be slightly shorter than males. The AKC does not specify a weight standard, but most Shepherds are between 65 and 90 pounds. Contrast the Shepherd with the Pug, who stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 15 to 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males. Shugs are usually of a size between their parents. They can range from the upper height of the Pug at 12 inches to significantly shorter than a Shepherd at 15 inches tall. Most Shepherd Pug hybrids weigh 45 to 50 pounds, making them medium-sized dogs. What color will your German Shepherd Pug mix be? He can have black markings from a saddle pattern to most of his body. Pugs are most commonly fawn with a distinctive black mask, but Lady Brassey popularized solid black Pugs around and they have seen a recent resurgence. With the coloration selection from their parents, Shugs can be black and tan patterned like a Shepherd, or the colors may be marbled. They are more often fawn, like Pugs. Other possibilities are silver fawn, solid black, or brindle. What other traits should you look for besides color and size? Shepherds are medium-large dogs with a rectangular moderately sloping topline from shoulders to croup. Ideally, they should have a length to height ratio of 10 to 8 or 8. The German Shepherd has a low-slung, relatively long, somewhat bushy tail that curves slightly upward at the end. German Shepherds have a long moderately narrow snout with powerful jaws and tight lips. The shoulders and neck are long, facilitating an effortless and efficient stride, especially when trotting. Shepherds move with grace and speed, showing off their specialty as working dogs. They have deep chests that facilitate enhanced cardiac function and stamina. Pugs are tiny with a compact build that should never appear lean. They have a curly tail that frequently has two or more spirals. Their ears are medium and somewhat forward-facing as they lay against their round heads. Pugs have an extremely short muzzle with wrinkles considered good luck by the Chinese and round bulging eyes. It is difficult to say what their paws will be like, given the major differences in size and appearance between the two dogs. A Shug will likely not appear as stocky or rotund as a Pug but will have more of a square conformation than a Shepherd. The hybrid usually has semi-prick button ears similar to a Pit Bull. Shugs usually have a broad and deep chest like a Shepherd and a shortened muzzles with neither the flat-faced exaggeration nor the facial folds of the Pug. Their eyes are round with varying degrees of bugging. Temperaments of Shugs vary more than their looks Does Shugs make great guard dogs? While a Shepherd Pug mix will not likely guard your property very well, they tend to warn against intruders. Socialization is crucial for Shugs to keep them from developing fearfulness or shyness. Are German Shepherd Pug hybrids good family dogs? Shugs who inherit a balanced blend of genes from their parents make excellent family companions. They are happy, friendly, loyal, and eager to please and entertain. Hybrids may inherit temperament and personality traits to varying degrees and thus, your Shug can gain any mix of tenaciousness, focus, and courage from the Shepherd and charm, humor, and gentleness from the Pug. Will your dog be good around children? German Shepherds often must receive training as well as socialization to be safe around children. Although Shepherds do not target kids for misplaced aggression, they can become irritable with teasing and maybe on guard against unfamiliar young people. Pugs enjoy everyone, including children. To a Pug, a child is another person who can touch and love on her. The Shug usually is very tolerant of and even affectionate with children. Although it is not advisable to leave dogs unsupervised with toddlers and infants, the Shepherd Pug mix seems to thrive around people of any age. Will your Shug tolerate your guests? Shepherd-Pugs are usually friendly and outgoing with strangers. A dog who inherits more of his personality from the German Shepherd may be indifferent or somewhat aloof with your guests. However, a well-socialized Shug dog is neither aggressive nor fearful. What about other pets? Historians and behaviorists alike, according to Petplace. German Shepherds tend to chase small animals, although, with proper training, they can learn to get along with cats and small dogs. Some individuals do better with other animals than others. German Shepherds may also have issues with dogs their size because they generally learned to work independently as opposed to hounds who work in packs. Moreover, the Shepherd has a history that includes some dogfighting. Males tend to be more dog aggressive than females, but same-sex aggression with either gender is not uncommon. Shugs usually get along well with other dogs. It is always a great idea to socialize your puppy at a young age, so she does not grow up shy and suspicious around other canids. The most effective way to deal with dogs who have the temptation to chase small animals is to train unquestioning obedience. How easy are Shugs to train? According to Apa. Stanley Coren , a renowned psychologist, ranks dogs similarly and according to three intelligence categories. Based on instinctual intelligence, adaptive learning, and obedience, Coren places German Shepherds No. Both the Shepherd and the Pug can pose challenges with training. Shepherds sometimes exhibit dominance and pushiness, while Pugs often demonstrate willfulness and an inability to focus. Pugs are reputably difficult to house train. They possess intelligence inherited from the Shepherd but can acquire some stubbornness from the Pug. Shugs require persistent training and exposure to consistent mental stimulation. Boredom can cause them to be destructive like the Shepherd, digging, chewing, and barking. The Shepherd Pug hybrid also needs constant human companionship like his Pug parent and will react with depression if left on his own. How much exercise does your dog need? Pugs are enthusiastic but fairly sedentary dogs. Their snub noses create a plethora of problems collectively called brachycephalic syndrome that causes exercise to be uncomfortable and, in some cases, life-threatening. Brachycephalic complications stem mostly from trouble breathing. Narrow or stenotic nares increases resistance to drawing air into the sinuses. Elongated soft palate — Behind the ridges on the roof of the mouth is a flat area going towards the throat that is called the soft palate. In Bulldogs, Pugs, and similar dogs, the soft palate often extends past where it normally should and can partially obstruct the epiglottis. Hypoplastic trachea — The trachea or windpipe does not fully develop in short-nosed breeds, meaning the tubular structure is narrow and can collapse in some individuals, making it even more difficult for the dog to breathe. Moreover, as the animal finds more difficulty breathing the trachea collapses even more with the effort. Brachycephalic breeds will easily suffer respiratory distress with heat, stress, or excessive exercise. Their shortened muzzles also predispose them to heatstroke because their sinuses are not long enough to cool inhaled air. The exercise requirements of your Shug will vary depending on her conformation. If your dog has inherited a greatly shortened snout, she will not tolerate as much exercise as a canine with a more normal muzzle. One way you can tell if your dog potentially suffers from brachycephalic syndrome is frequent snuffling, snorting, reverse sneezing, or loud breathing, also known as stridor. Your pup may also snore loudly. Dogs who struggle to breathe are inherently exercise-intolerant and brief walks at multiple times during the day are best. You should mix a brisk walk with 10 to 15 minutes of vigorous activity, like running or romping. You can play fetch or Frisbee. Combine physical exercise with training or interactive mental games. Shugs do not tolerate temperature extremes at all The German Shepherd is one of the most weather-resistant dogs you can own. This same double coat provides insulation and exceptional air circulation in the heat. Although the Pug often has a double coat, it is of rather thin hair. Most black Pugs do not even have an undercoat. A sparse coat alone tells you the Pug probably will not do well when it is cold outside. Their thin coats do not offer much insulation, and their short sinuses do not cool inhaled air much before it reaches the lungs. Pugs must not venture outside when it is hot, and you must monitor their exercise at all times. Therefore, a Shug mix will do moderately better than a Pug in cold weather and will need limitations on activity when it is warm outside. Look for any signs of respiratory difficulty in your German Shepherd Pug mix or tiring easily during exercise. If your Shug shows any laboring, immediately bring him inside if possible. If not, cool him down immediately, using water if necessary. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require immediate medical attention after you have taken efforts to cool the animal yourself. Signs of exercise intolerance are obvious, and unlike with other breeds, you should not encourage your Shug to work through it. Heavy panting Fatigue and exercise intolerance Difficulty breathing — Although many owners accept a certain degree of respiratory difficulty as normal for short-nosed breeds, you should not ignore it in your Shug. Heavy panting — A German Shepherd can pant heavily and be fine. If your Shug is panting heavily, you may have exercised her too hard. It is a sign of heat exhaustion if it is warm out. Drooling Bright red mucus membranes Shugs live as long as Pugs Despite having similar health problems, Pugs live significantly longer than English Bulldogs. Bulldogs live about seven years with a reported range of 8 to 10, while Pugs have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. They have a few breed-specific health problems in addition to the brachycephalic complex. Orthopedic disorders — The Pug is one of the small breeds prone to hip dysplasia as well as Legg-Calves-Perthes disease the head of the femur dies because the blood supply becomes interrupted and luxating patellas kneecaps dislocate during normal movement. Hemivertebra — Many dwarf dogs with curly or corkscrew tails can have moderate to serve deformities of the vertebrae. The severe case will become paralyzed. Pug Dog Encephalitis — Fatal immune-mediated inflammation that affects only Pugs and is hereditary. Corneal ulcers and lacerations — Depending upon how fast her face is and how bugged her eyes, a Pug is vulnerable to ocular injury. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca — Dry eye. Skin and ear infection — Frequently have allergies as a cause. Obesity — If a Pug becomes overweight, it exacerbates any breathing difficulties. German Shepherds live 10 to 12 years They have several health concerns, most of which have at least one genetic factor. Panosteitis — Painful bone inflammation of young growing dogs. Bloat — Complex involving gas and fluid distension of the stomach followed by life-threatening rotation; seen in deep-chested usually large breed dogs and Dachshunds. Orthopedic — Hip and elbow dysplasia. IVDD — Intervertebral disc disease or slipped disc. Degenerative myelopathy — Progressive nerve disease eventually leading to paralysis. Diabetes — Maybe related to the high incidence of pancreatitis. Pannus — Disorder of the cornea common in Shepherds. Seizure disorder Hemophilia — Bleeding disorder. Shugs have a similar lifespan to their Pug parents of 12 to 15 years. The hybrid tends to represent a vast improvement in terms of health over both parents. Hip dysplasia.

One of the biggest pros of having a Labradoodle is that they are non or low shedding and generally more hypoallergenic than other breeds. That being said, a determining factor of this is coat type. As a trusted breeder of Labradoodles and other poodle mixes for the past eight years and having raised multiple litters of Labradoodles myself, I can tell you about some ways you can try to predict the kind of coat that your Labradoodle puppy will have. To determine the coat type of a Labradoodle puppy, one must look at a few aspects of the puppy. First, the puppy's muzzle or face should be looked at to see if there are curls, crimps, or waves. Another indicator of coat type is the texture of both the puppy and its parents' coats. Before we get further into discussing how to tell what coat type your puppy will have, let's talk about the different coat types. We will also talk about how genetics influence coat type and how you can choose a generation of Labradoodle to get the coat type that you are looking for. Types of Labradoodle Coats There are three main types of Labradoodle coats, ranging from curly to flat. These coats all have different pros and cons as well as different grooming needs. Let's talk about each coat type and what it means for your puppy. Wool The wool or curly coat is the coat that most closely resembles a poodle. It is called the wool coat because it looks like the curly, dense coat of a sheep. Wool coats require the most extensive grooming regimen. Wool-coated puppies will need to get haircuts every six weeks in addition to their daily brushing. Fleece A fleece coat is an in-between type of coat, making it the middle ground between a curly and a flat coat. This kind of coat is probably the most common in Labradoodles, across all generations. If you have a puppy with a fleece coat, you will need to pay close attention to the hair around its ears and collar when brushing them because it can easily get matted. Hair The hair coat most resembles the coat of a Labrador retriever. Labradoodles that have this kind of coat will probably shed the most, but that doesn't mean that they are any less hypoallergenic than the others. Recent studies have shown that it is not actually the dog hair, but dandruff that is the cause of most dog allergies. Flat-coated puppies will have fewer grooming needs than their wool or fleece counterparts, but will still need to be brushed out regularly. Although flat-coated doodles have the same temperament and characteristics as their siblings, they are oftentimes less desirable as a result of the texture of their coats. This area is usually where the hair starts to show the most curl. Often, puppies that grow to have curly or wavy coats have crimps or waves in these areas. If your Labradoodle puppy is flat coated, they may have a slight mustache or beard, but the hair will be straight, not curled or crimped. Another way to tell the type of coat of your Labradoodle puppy is to look at and feel the texture of their coat. Puppies are born with a softer and fluffier puppy coat that helps protect them and help them regulate their body temperature while they grow and mature. Although they will eventually lose this puppy coat and be left with a coarser coat, puppies that are flat-coated generally start out with a coarser and shorter puppy coat. Flat-coated puppy coats will also appear different in the fact that their coat looks like it has an undercoat with a longer more wispy top coat that resembles a wire coat. If you cannot tell what kind of coat your puppy will have from these indicators, you may want to take a look at its parents. This tactic won't work well if your puppy is an F1 Labradoodle that is a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever because you won't have a good base of reference, so is probably best used if you have a different generation of Labradoodle. If your puppy's Labradoodle parent has a tighter, curlier coat, the chances are higher that your puppy will have a curly coat as well. All of these tactics are good ways to get an idea of what your puppy's coat may look like but can only be labeled as educated guesses as puppy coats may change after they lose their puppy coat. Why Does the Generation Matter? The generation of a Labradoodle puppy is a huge factor in the kind of coat they will have. If a puppy has a higher percentage of poodle DNA, it will have a curlier coat. If you can't get a look at your puppy or are looking for a certain type of coat before buying a Labradoodle puppy, the generation and genetics of the dog can help you get a good idea of what type of fur they will have. Labradoodle Generations Chart. You may be wondering how dogs within the same breed can have coats that differs so much. Your dogs genetic line ultimately determines the type of coat they will have. First generation Labradoodles, the litter of a Poodle and Labrador parent, typically have a non shedding coat that is wavy with loose curls. A F1B Labradoodle, the direct result of one Labradoodle parent one Poodle parent, generally have wavy or fleece fur. Both F1 Labradoodles and F1B generation Labradoodles are recommended for those families with allergy sufferers. In saying this, non-allergenic hair coated Labradoodles, are the most common in the first generation breeds. A hair coated Labradoodle does not look similar in appearance to their fleece and wool coated brothers and sisters. A hair coated Labradoodle often referred to as having a straight coat looks more like their Labrador parent. Often these Labradoodles look scruffy in appearance. The muzzle area of a hair coated Labradoodle will be smooth and straight. They do not have the typical fluffy teddy appearance that the typical Labradoodle sports. While a hair coated Labradoodle sheds, their coat can be easily maintained. These dogs are great for families that are time poor for daily grooming although they are not suited to families that have allergies. A hair coated Labradoodle is often only the result in a first generation litter. The hair coated Labradoodles are less desirable by breeders due to the fact their hair coat sheds often. The hair coat feels wiry to touch. Furthermore, the coat of a fleece Labradoodle is said to be the easiest to maintain. This low shedding coat generally a non-shedding coat should be brushed out at least once a week. Fleece coated Labradoodles should feel soft to touch. The curls within the fleece can be slightly wavy to noticeably wavy. Kemp a course hair is often found around the eyes of a fleece coated Labradoodle. The tightness of the curl purely depends on the Labradoodles genetics. While some wool coated Labradoodles have tight curls that appear similar to the coat of their Poodle parent, others have a loose curled coat. If you own a curly coated Labradoodle, it is recommended that you groom your dog once a day. Alternatively, you may opt to shave your dogs coat shorter so that it can be easily maintained. The coat of a curly Labradoodle can almost be guaranteed to be non-shedding. Mats in a Labradoodles fur make it uncomfortable for them to run and lead an active lifestyle. It is recommended to take wool coated Labradoodles to a professional groomer every six weeks to maintain a healthy coat. A wool coated Labradoodle feels soft to touch and has a coat similar to that of a lamb. The wool coat of a Labradoodle should hang with hollow spiral when groomed appropriately. Often wool coated Labradoodles have dense and thick fur. Allowing your dogs coat to grow excessively leads to matting and in turn pain for your Labradoodle. The shedding coat is not desirable in this breed which is generally the result of a hair coated Labradoodle. In terms of grooming your Labradoodle, it is recommended to book them in to see a trained dog groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. This applies to any coat type. Although hair coats do not require as much maintenance, the hair inside your dogs ears should be plucked regularly to avoid infection and build up. Furthermore, your dogs nails will need to be clipped regularly especially if you only have grass and no concrete. Regularly home grooming should be performed to keep your Labradoodles coat in pristine condition without matting. Ensure you purchase a pet grooming brush recommended for long and thick hair while you Labradoodle is still a puppy. Related posts:. What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:. But how can that be possible? Before we start When we talk about genetics, there are some important words we must remember from our science lessons in high school: Phenotype — that is how the dog looks Genotype— that is the genes the dog carries Phenotype and genotype can be different depending on the genes the dog carries. A dog can carry recessive genes -not visible until it meets a similar gene. And several different genotypes can look the same, having the same phenotype. And the other way around. Dominant— only one set of the gene is necessary for the trait to be visible Recessive — two sets of the gene must be present for the trait to be visible Homozygote — the individual has 2 similar alleles of the trait — for example LL Heterozygote the individual has2 different alleles of the trait — for example Ll Now when we have refreshed our memory, lets dive into the science! These genes determine the type, length, texture, and shedding. The main genes that affect the coat type are : RSPO2 gene that controls furnishing -no furnishing, a small amount of furnishing, plenty of furnishing It is also involved in the control of the coat texture and the length of the coat on the body. FGF5 gene that controls the overall hair length — short hair or long hair KRT71 gene that controls the presence of curls in the coat — straight coat, wavy coat or curly coat. Both the furnishings gene and the curly gene are dominant, so you only need one copy to get a curly coat or a coat with furnishings. The long hair gene is recessive, so you need both copies to get long hair. For the purposes of giving a basic understanding, I will use F for the furnishing gene, L for the long hair gene and C for the curly hair gene. If the letter is noted as a capital is in Dominant and if it is a lowercase letter it is Recessive. Breeds with curls are for example Poodles, bichon frise Breeds with waves are for example Portuguese waterdog There are different variants of this mutation that affect different breeds. They cannot transmit this curl variant to their offspring. They will transmit this curl variant to all of their offspring. It also controls the wire texture of the coat and in some cases also the length of the coat on the body. They cannot transmit this furnishing variant to their offspring, and they will transmit the non-furnishing variant to all of their offspring. They have short-haired faces. They will transmit this furnishing variant to all of their offspring, and they cannot transmit the non-furnishing variant to their offspring. Its also responsible for not only the furnishing phenotype but also for determining the hair length of the entire body depending on the genetic background, suggesting an interaction between FGF5 and RSPO2 influencing the hair-length phenotype in dogs. Lastly, there is the FGF5 gene. It controls coat length. Five recessive mutations variants in the fibroblast growth factor-5 FGF5 gene are associated with long hair phenotypes in dogs The FGF5 gene is a gene that produces a protein called fibroblast growth factor 5 FGF5 that regulates the hair growth cycle. Dogs with long coat lengths have hair longer than 5 cm that covers most of their body. This coat type is seen in breeds such as Maltese, Shih Tzu etc. The mutation on the FGF5 gene that causes long coat length is recessive, meaning that two copies of it are needed to produce this trait There are different variants of this mutation that affect different breeds. Another one occurs in Afghans. They cannot transmit any of these long hair variants to their offspring. They will transmit their long hair variant to all of their offspring. Another gene is the W Locus The W locus is another important gene that affects dog hair growth. This gene determines whether a dog will have a wire-haired coat or not. The W locus has two known alleles: W and w. Dogs with the WW or Ww genotype have wire-haired coats, while dogs with the ww genotype have smooth coats. Genotypes: Ww: Wire-haired Coat depending on other genes. The non-shedding genotype caused by a mutation in the FGF5 gene affects hair growth and results in a non-functional protein that prevents shedding. On the other hand, the mutation of the MC5R gene affects the number of hair follicles and their growth cycle. This mutation results in a reduced number of hair follicles, which leads to a decreased ability to grow hair and, consequently, a reduced amount of shedding. Therefore, while both mutations can result in a non-shedding phenotype, they are caused by different genetic variations and affect different aspects of hair growth and shedding. Both genes that affects shedding is recessive, meaning that two copies of it are needed to produce this trait. Dogs with two copies of this mutation i. Dogs with high shedding have a normal variant of this gene, while dogs with low shedding have a mutated variant of this gene. For example, the presence of the curly coat KRT71 gene can affect the length and texture of the hair even if the dog has the short-haired FGF5 gene. Similarly, the presence of the furnishings FOXI3 gene can affect the growth pattern of the hair even if the dog has the short-haired FGF5 gene. Some genes have additive effects, meaning that they work together to produce a combined effect. A dog with two copies of both genes will have longer hair than a dog with one copy of each gene. Long-haired breeds carry the variant form of FGF5. Not surprisingly, coats must be of sufficient length to curl, and all curly-haired dogs are homozygous for the FGF5 mutation. Finally, if all three mutations are present, the phenotype is long and curly with furnishings. Examples of this type of breed include poodles and Portuguese water dogs. The interaction between the genes can create different genotypes even within the same breed. This explains why we see the working lines with smooth bodies and quite short furnishing and the show lines with lots of hair on both the body and legs and in the face. Combining the genes If we combine all the genes, there are technically 7 different phenotypes that we can see. This is why you can have 4 different looks of 4 different pups in a litter if you cross 2 breeds. An example: Poodles have two copies of the furnishing gene, having hairy faces FF , while golden retrievers have none ff. Same if you cross a Poodle and a Labrador. All pups will have hairy faces as the furnishing gene is dominant. They also test for shedding genes so that they can guarantee the claim that they are non shedding. They get curly coats but can get a shorter coat gene from the cocker. How do I calculate the outcome when I cross 2 breeds? Do you remember Mendel? We must remember that this is based on statistics out of offspring and dogs rarely have that in one litter…. But it will give us a statistical indication of what we can expect. This is also called a Punnett chart. I have written the phenotype on some of them just to illustrate the differences you can see in the same litter Genotype. It is possible for Labradoodles to have coarse fur, and some will even have straight fur, like their Lab parent. But, neither the Poodle or Labrador breeds have proper wirehaired coats. Wirehaired Labradoodles will need slightly different coat care to a wool, fleece, or even Lab haired type. What is a Wirehaired Labradoodle? The standard American Labradoodle mix combines the purebred Poodle with the purebred Labrador Retriever. Labradoodles are not yet an officially recognized breed by many breed clubs, but they have a large, growing fanbase nonetheless. But, straight coats and overly harsh fur are undesirable. So, many Labradoodle breeders will aim to stay away from this coat type, breeding for curly, wavy, soft fur instead. Because of this, a wirehaired Labradoodle is very uncommon. Unless a breeder is specifically breeding for this trait by introducing another coat type from a different purebred dog. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Although fleece and wool coat types are preferred by most breeders, it is possible for Labradoodles to have straight fur. Particularly first generation mixes, which are mixed breed dogs with two purebred parents. This will usually have two layers, but both contain straight fur. Since most breeders will try to create puppies with fleece or wool fur, you may need to find a breeder that specializes in hair coat Labradoodles. Or at least one that has a litter of first generation puppies. So, we now know adult Labradoodles can have three coat types: hair, fleece, or wool. Each one is increasingly curly. Of the three fur types, fleece coats will be the softest. But the hair type will be the straightest. Both hair and wool types can feel quite coarse. However, none of the three fur types are wire-haired. All Labradoodle puppies will have similar coats, regardless of their adult fur. They will have a single layer of soft puppy fur. Over the first few months of their life, this will shed away to reveal their adult coat. This potential coarseness will come with the arrival of their adult coat. Are Wire Haired Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Labradoodles are often sold or marketed as a hypoallergenic dog. No dog breed is hypoallergenic! Curly fur is more likely to catch shedding dander and saliva-coated hairs, so it can be better for people with allergies. Since puppies can inherit any traits from their parents, a Labradoodle with a wirehaired parent may shed like that parent. So, owners will be best prepared for shedding if they research the parent breeds used to produce their wirehaired Labradoodle. Wirehaired coats can benefit from regular brushing. They will be able to teach you techniques and daily maintenance for the time in between sessions with them. Where to Find a Wirehaired Labradoodle Puppy Knowing where to search for a wirehaired Labradoodle puppy will depend what you mean when you say you want a wire haired puppy. Do you really want a Labradoodle with a wiry coat? Or do you just want one with a straight, coarse, Lab-like coat? If you want a Labradoodle with a Lab-like coat, you should look for first generation mixes. These puppies are more likely to have a large Labrador influence than later generations, or puppies that have been backcrossed to a Poodle. But, if you want a Doodle with a true wire coat, you should look for puppies that have been bred from a wirehaired breed. They will have influence from another purebred dog. Above all, no matter which coat type your dog has, you should only choose reputable breeders. The best breeders will only breed from healthy, friendly dogs. They will be able to show evidence of health testing, and will treat their dogs and puppies with care. Avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders wherever possible. Does your Labradoodle have coarse or wiry fur? Or maybe you have a Labradoodle puppy with a wirehaired parent! We would love to hear your experiences in the comments! Readers Also Liked.