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We have answers. French Bulldogs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique coat and color combination. From the traditional brindle to the more rare cream or white, there is a French Bulldog out there for everyone. And with different coat markings such as black masks, ticked coloring, piebald spots, white markings and brindle patches, you're sure to find one that catches your eye. So come on down and meet your new best friend today! Are French Bulldog puppies Bakersfield working dogs? Today, Frenchies are known for being gentle, loving companions. However, they are also known for being stubborn and lazy! But that's all part of their charm. If you're looking for a low-maintenance dog who will still shower you with affection, a French Bulldog for sale Bakersfield is the perfect pup for you. How much exercise does a French Bulldog Bakersfield need? Dogs need regular exercise, even lazy dogs like a French Bulldog for sale in Bakersfield. How long you should walk your French Bulldog depends on the dog's energy level. A lack of exercise is one of the top causes of destructive and negative behavior in dogs. So, walk your dog regularly to keep them happy and healthy. When I get a Bakersfield French Bulldog for sale, will he or she snore? French Bulldogs may be small, but they sure can pack a snore. Their cute little faces may deceive you, but don't let that fool you - their snoring can be quite powerful. Although some Frenchies snore less than others, chances are your Frenchie will snore often and loudly. So if you're looking for a silent sleep partner, a French Bulldog may not be the best choice. Do Bakersfield French Bulldogs for sale shed? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but if you're looking for a pup that won't leave your furniture and clothing covered in hair, Bakersfield French Bulldog puppies for sale are a great choice. These dogs have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you won't have to spend hours lint rolling your couch or vacuuming your floors. Are French Bulldogs for sale Bakersfield tails docked? If you're concerned about French Bulldog puppies for sale Bakersfield CA getting their tails docked, don't worry — these dogs are born with naturally stubby tails. There's no need to have their tails modified in any way. Embrace your pup's unique look, and get your French Bulldog puppies for sale in Bakersfield CA right here! Do French Bulldogs have a lot of health issues? While French Bulldogs may have shorter snouts than other dog breeds, this does not mean they are any less charming. In fact, many people believe that the shortened snout is part of the Frenchie's appeal. However, shorter snouts can be riskier than longer ones — especially if the pup's breeder is not experienced or reputable. Good breeders always work to minimize health risks for their dogs. Can Frenchies handle hot weather? As the weather heats up, it's important to remember that our furry friends rely on panting to cool off—unlike humans. However, due to their shortened airways, Frenchies are inefficient at this cooling method and require extra care on the hottest days of summer. Make sure your pup has access to air conditioning to help them stay comfortable and safe. Are Frenchies popular? Looking for a pup that will make all the other dog owners jealous? Look no further than the French Bulldog. These pups are not only adorable and full of personality, but they are also one of the most popular breeds in the world. What is a fluffy French Bulldog? The French Bulldog is a popular breed of dog that is known for its short, fine hair. However, there are some Frenchies that have a recessive gene that gives them long, fluffy hair. These dogs are becoming more popular with breeders, but they are still quite rare. If you are looking for a fluffy Frenchie, be prepared to search high and low. Why are French Bulldogs so awesome? Well, have you seen one recently? French Bulldogs have got to be some of the most unique looking dogs on the planet. Are Frenchies good travel companions? Sounds like the perfect travel companion to us! Call Now! French Bulldogs are an incredibly popular breed in the United States and are known to be one of the most loyal breeds to their owners. If you're looking for a companion with a squishy face, look no further! Our Mission at Beautifully Made Frenchies is to create and provide nurtured, healthy, and happy French Bulldog puppies. Ethical, responsible breeding and selling is our core value. Our pups are raised in an open home and slowly socialized so we know that they are ready to enter their new world. We also believe in ensuring that your new puppy is safe and prepared to be re-homed, that is why your puppy will be vaccinated and de-wormed before you take over as Mom or Dad. Our Frenchies are raised at home and receive the utmost care, affection, freedom, and exercise every day. Needless to say, our Frenchies are pampered. Our pups are fed top-quality puppy food that provides all of the necessary nutrients a growing puppy needs. As America's most popular dog breed, French Bulldog puppies can be a great addition to your family. We consider our Frenchies our babies, and we know you will too. Contact Us Today to get on our Waitlist for your new furry friend! Excercise Our French Bulldogs love to get outside! We walk our Frenchies daily to keep them strong, healthy, and happy. We provide all pet vaccination documents for your records. Nutrition Our Frenchies and pups only eat the highest quality dog food, packed with the right vitamins and minerals to support a healthy lifestyle. Mini is our beloved one-year-old French Bulldog who is, and will always be, the star of the show! Born in Salinas, California, Mini has recently been adopted into our home in Bakersfield. Mini has expressed her joy in going on daily walks and taking baths! She is playful, active, intelligent, obedient, and a professional cuddler. Mini is polite and makes it known when she needs attention, and there's nothing like a belly scratch or a few rounds of fetch that won't satisfy her. Mike is born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Like Mini, Mike has a strong passion for going on walks, interacting with other dogs, and deep-tissue massages. Mike is an adventurous and curious dog that loves engaging with people and all animals. Mike loves his treats and his freedom to express his personality! Why Choose A Frenchie? A French Bulldog has the ability to catch any dog lover's eye! French Bulldogs are known to be incredibly cuddly, loving, and need plenty of attention. They make the perfect companion to anyone who is ready for great responsibility. French Bulldogs thrive in the presence of humans and crave the security of being warm and snuggled. French Bulldogs are gentle, loving, affectionate, playful and make the perfect addition to any family household. Besides our French Bulldogs and puppies being stylish, they are acknowledged as appealing lapdogs. They love spending time on their owner's lap. French Bulldogs show closeness and desire for their owners, granting the ultimate friendship for you and your family, friends, or spouse. If you're ready to accept the tenderness French Bulldog puppies offer, you've come to the right place! Our puppies are bred in Bakersfield and will be ready for the life that awaits with you.

Articles As a first-time pet owner, you definitely want a dog who is cute and adorable, a good companion, and at the same time, obedient and easy to train. If you are looking for such a dog, you should consider getting yourself the Black Pug. What exactly is a Black Pug? A Black Pug is a version of the popular Pug breed that comes with a shiny, black coat. While Pugs, in general, have been popular for over 2, years, the Black Pug was popularized by Queen Victoria, who owned several of them. If you are considering purchasing the Black Pug, it is crucial for you to know all the important information pertaining to this adorable little doggie. In this article, I am going to share all the important information about the Black Pug, including its health problems, its temperament, and how to care for the pooch. Appearance Like other Pugs, the Black Pug is a small, stocky pooch with a barrel-shaped body and short legs. The most distinguishing feature of the Black Pug is its round head and flat face coupled with a short snout that is covered in wrinkly skin. This is typical of brachycephalic dogs. The Black Pug also has large, bulging eyes, small ears, and a curled tail. Height And Weight The Black Pug is considered to be a toy dog breed because it is relatively small in size. A fully-grown adult Black Pug stands at a height of about 10 to 13 inches 25 — 33 cm tall, and weighs about 14 to 18 lbs 6. Generally, female Black Pugs are smaller than males. Sometimes, a Black Pug can weigh more than 18 lbs, since they tend to get overweight quickly if they are overfed. Keep track of their weight with a puppy weight growth chart. Color This is the main distinguishing factor between the Black Pug and the Fawn pug. As you can tell from the name, the Black Pug is black in color. In most cases, the Black Pug will have a shiny, jet-black coat from head to toe. Sometimes, however, a Black Pug might have some white markings on its chest, which are referred to as mismark. When looking for a Black Pug, it is important not to confuse brindle for black. Brindle is a coat coloring that is a combination of black and brown stripes. Pugs with a brindle coat do not fall under the Black Pug breed. Coat Most Black Pugs come with a single coat, though it is not uncommon for some Black Pugs to have a double coat. Black Pugs with a single coat shed less than those with a double coat. Compared to other Pug colors, the Black Pug is relatively rare. Actually, the black color of Black Pugs was originally thought to be a birth defect, and most pet owners avoided Black Pugs. However, this has since changed, and Black Pugs are now highly sought after. It is good to note that the Black Pug is not the rarest Pug. So, what is the rarest Pug color? While Black Pugs are not that rare, the fact that they are not as common as Fawn Pugs means that breeders will try to convince you that they are rare. As a result, they will usually charge you a higher price for them. The price will depend on where you are buying your Black Pug puppy, as well as your intended use for the puppy. If you are buying a show-quality Black Pug, you can expect to pay more than you would for a Black Pug puppy that you only intend to keep as a pet. The reason behind the high prices for Black Pug puppies is because they are born through C-section. However, it was later discovered that the only difference between Black Pugs and Fawn Pugs is their color. That said, Black Pugs experience the same health problems that affect other Pugs. These include: Breathing Problems While the flat, wrinkled and mushy face of the Black Pug makes them adorable, it sometimes causes obstructions in their airways, making it difficult for them to breathe. This condition is known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to various eye problems, such as corneal ulcers. Luxating Patella Pugs are prone to a condition known as luxating patella , which is characterized by a dislocated kneecap. This condition causes lots of pain and leads to walking difficulties. Screw Tails Pugs have a distinct, curvy tail referred to as a screw tail. While the tail looks cute, it is actually caused by a gene defect that causes the vertebrae in the tail to twist. Ordinarily, this is not a problem. Sometimes, however, the twisting of the vertebrae can start further up the spine, leading to a condition known as Hemivertebrae. Despite the health problems covered above, the lifespan of a Black Pug is about 12 to 15 years. Proper care is important if you want to keep your Black Pug healthy, strong, and happy. Here are some things to watch out for when it comes to caring for your four-legged friend. Feeding Requirements You should keep your Black Pug on a diet that is low in carbs and high in protein. As I mentioned, Pugs tend to gain weight easily, and therefore a high-carb diet can easily make your canine obese. I recommend feeding your Black Pug with dog food from Pet Plate. Their dog food is made from all natural ingredients, it is designed by a vet nutritionist, and is cooked in a USDA facility. In addition, it comes in different flavors and comes in pre-portioned containers. Exercise Requirements The Black Pug is a very playful dog, and therefore, you need to make sure your little pooch is getting enough playtime. Anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes of playtime per day is enough. When exercising your Black Pug, you should vary your route regularly to keep your furry friend stimulated. In addition, you should use a harness instead of a leash when walking your Black Pug, since leashes can easily put pressure on their throat. It is also recommended that you take your Black Pug for a walk in the mornings or evenings when it is cooler. Temperament Of A Black Pug One of the major concerns for people looking to get a Black Pug is their temperament, especially considering the popular belief that Black Pugs are very mischievous. So, are Black Pugs naughtier than other Pugs? There is no difference between the Black Pug and the Fawn Pug except their color, and therefore, the temperament of a Black Pug is similar to that of a Fawn Pug. They absolutely love it when you show them lots of love. Fortunately, they also know how to show love in return, and will want to spend time cuddling on your lap. They can also be a bit mischievous, though they are not any more mischievous than other Pugs. Due to their love for attention, they easily develop separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. When they get lonely, they will start chewing on your furniture, carpet, and shoes. Very Friendly Black Pugs are very friendly little doggies. They will get along well with just about anyone, from your kids and other pets to complete strangers. Intelligent But Stubborn Black Pugs are very intelligent dogs. They learn commands and tricks quickly and can easily read your emotions. However, they can also be a bit stubborn, which can make them difficult to train, especially if you do not know their likes and dislikes. Due to their intelligence, they also get bored quickly, so you need to mix things up for them when training them. Otherwise, they will stop paying attention. The Fawn gene is recessive. So, what happens if you breed a Fawn Pug with a Black Pug? In this case, the puppies will be either black or fawn, depending on whether the Black Pug is a dominant black or a hybrid black. The best Pug cross breed for you will ultimately depend on what you are looking for in a dog. That said, however, some Pug crossbreeds tend to be very popular. Save for their color differences, there is no other difference between different colored Pugs. Therefore, the best Pug color will depend on your likes and preferences. Provided that you take precautions to ensure you are getting a healthy Pug, you can go for whatever color pleases you. Summary What is a Black Pug? Pugs originate from China and can be traced back years to wealthy families as a companion pet. They became increasingly popular in European courts, mostly associated with the rich in the 16th and 17th centuries. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in as part of the toy group. The Black Pug is rarer than other colors. This color was originally seen as a birth defect and was unwanted; however Queen Victoria changed the game as she owned many black Pugs, making them popular and fashionable! Pugs have a signature look. They have small, short legs and a barrel shaped body. They have a curled tail that will fall up on their back. Their most famous feature is their short, wrinkly flat face and round head. You should expect them to have large eyes and small ears that are folded and can be either rose or button shaped. Height and Weight The Pug is a small dog. A fully-grown male Pug will reach around 11 inches tall and 15lbs. Whereas female Pugs are slightly smaller than males; fully grown females reach around 10 inches and 14lbs. Coat As the name suggests, these adorable Pugs are all black — their coats will shine a beautiful jet black. Pugs have double coats meaning they have a smooth and short top layer of fur. They shed more than you would think, loose fine hair will fall out regularly and they will shed heavily during the summer. Black Pug Personality and Temperament Pugs are charming and affectionate — they get along with everyone they meet. These dogs always want to be center of attention. Even though they love to nap, they also love to play. You will often find them running around and playing with their favorite human. They do not like any type of extreme weather, keep them in from the cold and keep them cool in the hot summer months. Due to their flat faces, they are prone to snore! Their devotion to you and your family can cause them to develop separation anxiety. They want to be center of attention, and when their family is not home they will become destructive. They may whine and cry, and also start chewing shoes and furnishings out of frustration. Pugs are great with kids. They love to play with children and will be the perfect addition to any family. Caring for a Black Pug The black Pug is for families that want an easy going dog, who will want to snuggle up to you most of the time. Their grooming routine is simple and effective. Around 40 minutes of activity a day will do them just fine. They are very playful dogs, so make sure to play with them when they start to become restless. You can take your Pug to dog parks, beaches or lakes. We recommend you use a harness when walking them, rather than a traditional lead. Change up their walking route every now and then, new sights and smells can be very enriching for your pooch. It is very boring to walk the same route each day, for both you and your Pug. Grooming and Shedding You may not think that the Pug sheds, but they do! They will shed loose fine hairs throughout the day. Only bathe them when they are particularly messy or have a doggy odor about them. Their face wrinkles need to be washed regularly with a damp cloth, this will clean dirt and sweat away. Make sure to dry them properly! Not cleaning them regularly will cause infections and buildup of bacteria. Trim their nails and clean their ears. Brush their teeth regularly to avoid dental issues. As for brushing, once a week will be fine. How to Train The Pug is very intelligent, but they can be a bit difficult to train — they are very willful and stubborn. Once you get to know their likes and dislikes they are trainable. They can become bored of their dog training regimen, so make sure to mix it up for them. Positive reinforcement is best to train any dog. Play can increase memory and relive stress for your pooch, be sure to use this to your advantage when training them. Early socialization is important with any dog, make sure to introduce your pooch to a range of people and other animals. Mental stimulation is important for a dog with this intelligence. They have a playful personality and love when their family plays with them. Whether it is a tug-of-war or a complex puzzle feeder, they love play time! Feeding and Diet The Pug is prone to developing obesity, so be sure not to over feed them. Dogs love routine, so feed them at the same time each day. How much you feed them depends on their weight and activity levels. Pugs should not be fed more than 1. When training your Pug, make sure you give them wet low calorie treats. They will love them, and it helps maintain their weight. Stick to food that is for small dogs, that have low amounts of wheat and corn syrup and that are mostly natural. Known Health Problems The Pug is a purebred that has many health issues. What about a Chug? Can you mix a pug and a husky? Every wonder what you call a pug pitbull mix? We have every single pug mix ever listed from A-Z. Over 40 different pug breed mixes from the cutest pug puppies to the snuggly older pug mixes. One dog in particular has an especially loving and charming demeanor, and that is the pug. These small fluffy critters are a part of the toy group of dog breeds. Pugs come in a small package with a height of up to 13 inches. A normal pug has a life expectancy of around 13 to 15 years. The great thing about pugs is their size which makes them a lovable breed that are endearing and fun to own. But can you mix a Pug with another type of dog? You betcha! The Pug Mix has become huge in the last 20 years and there is basically a mix of pug and any type of other dog you are looking for. Sure, cross breeding dogs takes away some of their pedigree and will ruffle some feathers in the dog show community, but there are tons of benefits to cross breading a Pug. Many pug mixes are much healthier than either parent breed and some are extremely intelligent and friendly. We have narrowed down our top 6 favorite pug mixes, but scroll down for the complete list of pug mixes with picture and descriptions of what they look like! Pug mix breeds are generally happy to be in any setting whether you live in the busy city or the calm wide open countryside. They are great with children and adults alike, and can get along fine by themselves or in a group of other dogs. Below we will discuss the pros and cons of every pug mix breed and what they look like. However, pugs are prone to obesity because they truly live to eat. FACT: Pug dogs are one of the oldest breeds. They are recognized officially from Chinese origin and actually have many similarities to the Pekingese breed. The Pugkinese might actually be the first pug mix breeds! True Pugs have very wrinkly faces and short muzzles with smooth, short fur and curly tails. Even though pugs have relatively short legs, their hind legs are very muscular and strong. Today we will share a list of over 40 pug mix breeds that you can see for yourself. It can be quite challenging to decide which pug dog to get due to the sheer number of pug mix varieties out there. This list is here to help you pick out which pug that is right for you and your family. We hope you will find this list helpful in narrowing down your options for the newest addition to your family. This is what you get when you cross an Australian shepherd with a pug. They are extremely loving and affectionate. The Aussie Pug mix looks a lot like a mutt but has those characteristic blue Australian Shepherd eyes. Like their Australian Shepard parents, these pug mixes are pretty smart and easily trained. The Shepherd Pug Mix also takes some snuggly genes from their pug side. If you are a pug lover, then you are probably a frenchie lover too. The Frug is a designer mix of the these two cute brachycephalic dogs. Most pugs will have a wrinkly pug like face and straight ears that stand up. They have a little more energy than pugs and usually carry a French bulldogs muscle mass. These pug mixes are great for cuddles and playing in a small backyard. These two small sized dogs are friendly and snuggly. The Welsh Corgi is a herding dog, so expect the Porgi to have a bit more energy but both parent breeds are friendly and that gets passed on to the puppy! These Porgis are definitely snuggly and make great companions. It was one of the first widely available pug mixes that touted a healthier pedigree than their pug parents. They have floppy ears and slightly sad eyes and are one of the most popular hybrid dogs today. Puggle are super friendly and playful and make a good lap dog. The pug parentage comes through in its snuggly-ness and the beagle makes them a little more active. However, be aware that both parent breeds are stubborn and hard to train. The puggle can also have the worst combo of both barking and howling, so be prepared when you leave your pug beagle home alone for some halloween style sound effects! This cross is small because both parents are toy breeds. They are generally happy and friendly and great with kids. The puganese is affectionate but not particularly good at being cage trained. They are some of the most people breed dogs out there and love their owners. The Havanese mix makes this pug mix extra intelligent and a little bit more trainable than your average pug. This little dog will love their owner and family and tends to be a lot quieter than their pug parentage. They are close to the ground and sturdy and the Japanese chin features help with the more brachycephalic pug traits. The chin mix adds a sensitive and intelligent responsiveness to the pug and only good things will come from this mix. This mix however is pretty cute and has a good amount of energy. The Pug Shiba is a friendly and loyal dog and a little bigger than your average pug. The parent Shiba Inu is originally from Japan and known for its cat like qualities. Some Pug Shibas have been known to be a little more stand-offish even though they are easier to train than a pug purebreed and will bond strongly to one owner. The Puggat has much more energy than its Pug parent and loves bouncing around. These mix dogs take a lot from their Rat Terrier parent and are incapable of boredom. They are one of the cutest pug mix breeds and due to the big difference between each parent breed, Hugs are normally quite healthy. The Hug can have lots of different looks, from short haired bristly coat of the pug or the long gray coat of the husky. Their face is mildly smooshed and are much easier to train than the stubborn pug purebreed. The Hug mix will be high energy and are much more of a working dog than a potato. They often look like little bearded toothy pups. The pugairn designer cross is usually pretty easy to train and much healthier than a full brachycephalic dog. This designer pug is small, alert, and playful. The Affenpug looks like a bristly little snub nosed dog and one great benefit of their bristly fur is that the Affenpug will shed less than its purebreed pug parent. Since both parent breeds are toy, this Pug Fox Terrier mix is going to be quite small. They come in many colors like black, fawn, and silver. Crossing a Fox Terrier and Pug is going to give you an inquisitive little dog, however some can be a little jittery and territorial so they should be watched around small children. They are relatively easy to train and the Toy Poxer makes for a great apartment dogs. This pug italian greyhound mix is low key and very playful but can also have anxiety due to its size. They shed less than your average fawn pug, but more than some of the other pug mixes we discuss. They also get cold much easier than a pug due to their skinny italian greyhound parents. This mix is also sometimes called the Italian Pughound and makes a great companion. These mix of dogs have a great personality and a longer coat than your normal pug so will be less prone to shedding. The Puginese is loving, affectionate, and playful but can be weary of strangers. This makes the pug Pekingese mix a great watchdog while still being snuggly fun pet for families. A pugese! These designer dogs look like small naked pugs. If they do have hair its usually a little bristle around the face. The Pugese can be possessive of their family and reserved towards strangers but the Pugese will give its owner lots of love and affection. They are great apartment dogs, but appreciate a nice back yard. Though the Chinese Crested parentage gives the Pugese a little more energy, these dogs are still the ideal couch potato. Your typical Ori-pei looks like a bigger version of the pug with a beautiful soft coat. This Pug Shar-Pei mix is usually pretty intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also usually alert yet aloof. Some might even call the Ori-Pei snobbish! The negative of this mix is that both parent breeds are Brachycephalic and makes for breathing health problems in the Ori-Pei. Both of the parents are small so the Pugland will look like a smaller version of a pug with slightly longer hair. The Pugland, or Pestie as they are also known, can also be black or gray. They have longer hair-like pure and will shed less than your typical fun. These are fun loving mix dogs with lots of energy and a fun personality. They are loyal and relatively easier to train than a pug. Were like to call them Tibugs because they look cute as a bug! Actually, this Tibetan Pug Mix looks a lot like a pug with slightly longer fur and a longer snout. They are happy playful companions and have better health than either parent breed separately. They will be slightly less yappy than their Pug ancestor and will be a little nervous around strangers. That makes the Tibug a great guard-dog but they can be a little snippy with other animals or children. Crossing a Pug and an American Eskimo breed takes away a lot of the health troubles of the Brachycephalic pug side. The Pug-A-Mo looks a lot like a silky white seal. They make friendly energetic dogs that are not as nervous or barley due to their larger size. This designer breed looks like a maltese with slightly shorter more bristly fur. They are great family dogs and enjoy lots of play and learning tricks. The Malti-Pug is small due to both parents being toy breeds and is also known to be a little jittery at times. They will bond to their owner like glue and Malti-Pugs make great lap dog companions. This chihuahua pug mix looks a little smaller than your average pug with a longer snout and short fur. Some look a little more like a chihuahua while some carry more pug features. The chug can have short soft fur or longer more bristly fur. They are playful and loyal but their small size can lead the chug to be a little more nervous like its chihuahua parent. They are also known as the Pughuahua or the Pugwawa and the mix is as cute as the name! The chug will also bond right away to its owner, though be aware they are often stubborn and not the easiest to train. They look like a lot like a smaller white terrier type dogs. They are super intelligent and have a loving personality. Some Coton owners say they have a unique vocalizations that could carry over into the Pug-Coton. Also known as a Pugton or PuTulear. They look like squat little dogs with short silky fur and a longer square shaped snout. The Daug is friendly though some have been known to take on the Dachshund trait of bonding to only one owner. Both parents are stubborn, making this Dachshund Pug mix one of the hardest to train of all pug mixes. They are fearless and full of life, but also will manage to jump up on the couch to snuggle you on a cold winter day. They often weigh from 8 to 22 pounds and live about 12 years on average. The PugZu looks a lot like their Shih-Tzu parents, taking some longer fur traits and often having a small tongue sticking out. This pug mix also doubles up on the Brachycephalic genes so expect more health issues than some of the other cross breeds. PugZu make great companions and are proud dogs though can be a little stubborn at times. They are friendly loving dogs. These are true jokester dogs who just want to play and have fun all day. The PomAPug looks like pugs with a little more ear, hair, and a longer snout. Some are short hair and some are long haired, depending on what genetic traits they pic up. This pug pomeranian mix breed has all the best traits of both dogs and is slightly less prone to breathing problems than its pug parents. These basset hound pug mix breed dogs can be either small or medium. The Bassugg looks like a basset hound with longer ears but a more squarish nose. They normally have short glossy fur that is either tan or brown with some darker spots depending on the parents. This is a very even tempered pug mix and its main problem is that both parents are rather stubborn. They are however rather smart and will figure out how to get their own way rather quickly. This is one of the most couch potato like pug mixes available. Cross a Pug and a boston terrier and you get a small energetic friendly pup. The Bugg looks a lot like a boston terrier with a slightly wider face. They are curious friendly animals that can be a littler skittish around strangers at first but will quickly warm up and be ready for snuggles. The Bugg makes for a fun cheerful companion who is always ready for a walk! They are a cross between a Pug and a Boxer. They are slightly larger dogs with a short smooth coat. The Poxer looks a lot like a bigger version of a pug with a pushed in snout. This mix breed is often tan or fawn but can also have a darker brown coat with a dark muzzle. They are very smart and energetic and happy to learn and be trained. The Poxer is also not known for being particularly barky. This mix between a Brussels Griffon and a Pug can do no wrong in our eyes. They are smart, and charming, and playful, and would never ever go on poop strive when it rains. The Brug looks a lot like a brussels griffon with long wire like hair and a long beard. Brugs are normally quite assertive and make for great apartment dogs though ideally would love a small backyard to romp around in. As you can tell from the name, this is going to be a small dog! Most Schnugs look more like their schnauzer parent with a full hairy muzzle. They come in tan, brown, gray, and black. The Schnug is full of energy and may want to chase around smaller animals so make sure you spend some time on training. They will mellow out later in life and become great companion dogs. Thanks to the schnauzer pug mix, they will have healthier genes than either parent lineage and should have less health problems. Part Yorkshire Terrier mixed with a pug, these are wonderful companions and make a great lap dog. They will have less health problems than their pug parents and will definitely shed a lot less. The Pugshire looks like a longer snouted bristle hair version of a pug. A pug mixed with a king charles cavalier makes for an extremely cute dog. These pugaliers look like pugs with a slightly broader face and very wise eyes. They have short fur and need much less grooming than their king charles parents. The pugalier can be shy at times and will definitely bond closely to its owner. They are also extremely patient and make for a great pug mix choice for small families. Perfect for first time pet parents, the Black Pug is a loving and easy to train dog that is known for being very affectionate and the perfect companion. These pups are classified as a Toy breed because of their tiny size, which means they are a great canine for those with smaller spaces who still want a furry friend to cuddle! Read on below to find out more about this interesting little dog. History Of The Black Pug The Black Pug is one of the oldest purebred dogs in history and they have, therefore, been recognized for a long time by many different kennel clubs. They were originally worshiped in Egypt and bred as companion dogs for Tibetan Buddhists. Then, around two thousand years ago, the Black Pug came to China and many Emperors believe that these dogs brought good luck and began to worship them. In the s, Dutch traders brought the Black Pug from China to England and Holland and these pups became a popular dog among aristocracy and royalty. After the Civil War they made their first appearance in the US. Characteristics The Black Pug falls under the Toy breed and they are known for being extremely cute. These dogs are normally born in litters of one to nine puppies, although four to six puppies is most common. Appearance By the time your Pug dog is 8 weeks old, they will be ready to leave their mother and come home with you. They will be roughly between 2 to 4 lb. By the time your Pug is one year old they will be fully-grown and considered an adult. They can weigh up to 20 lbs, but the breed standard suggests they should weigh between 13 to 18 pounds. Because the Pug is in the Toy category, they normally stand between 10 to 14 inches. Although they are small, they are quite stocky animals and are normally short legged with a symmetrical cobby body and a large apple shaped head. The face is one of the most distinctive features of a Pug. They should also have a corkscrew tail. Coat The Pug coat is short, straight and soft. Unlike fawn colored Pugs, Black Pugs have a single coat which does mean they will shed less than their fawn siblings. That being said, Black Pug dogs are still known to shed and will lose more hair in the warmer seasons, which means they are not a good pet to have in the house if you have allergies! We go into more detail about grooming your Pug later on. Color Of course, Black Pugs should be black all over! The brindle colorway that some Pugs may have should not be confused with the black coloring. Brindle is a a striped pattern that combines black and brown and this coloring is not accepted in the breed standard. Temperament Pugs are bred to be companion puppies and will love to spend their days by your side. All they want is to be loved, and they will give plenty of this love back to you! The perfect family dog, Pugs love both adults and children. These dogs are very energetic and love playtime. They especially love to play with their family and can go on for hours! However, once they are back home they will happily curl up next to you on the couch and relax too, making them the perfect best friend. Although these dogs are very active and will want to play, they are also very relaxed dogs, which is what makes them such good first time pets. However, this does not come off as aggressive, and instead shows more of their curious nature. Lifespan The Black Pug has an average life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. This is relatively long for a dog. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, like any dog, Pugs are known to have some health issues. Within this breed, the majority of their health problems are due to their flattened face. They are known as a brachycephalic breed which means they have a shortened airway due to their flattened face. Their face can be the cause of many breathing issues, especially whilst exercising or during high temperatures. Before buying a Pug you should do your research on brachycephalic breeds and learn about the risks and issues that are associated with this breed. The Pugs eyes can also be the cause of other health issues. Their skull structure means they have shallower eye sockets which gives them bulgy eyes. This can sometimes lead to cataracts and vision loss. Daily Life Now we know all about the temperament and characteristics of the Black Pug, it is time to take a look at what daily life is like with them. Read on below to find out about their food and diet, their exercise needs and what training a Pug is like. Food And Diet It is advised that a Toy dog of the Pug size should be eating around 40 calories per pound of their body weight everyday. This should be around calories a day for an adult Pug. Until they are 6 months old they will need to be fed three times a day, then twice a day from six months to one year, and then once a day when they hit their adult age. High-quality dry dog food with added water for moisture is advised for a Pug. Always make sure that it is a nutritious diet that hits all the food groups. They are a breed that can be known to gain weight, so try to stick to their diet and refrain from feeding them scraps. The more weight they gain, the more they will struggle with their breathing and may be prone to breathing problems. This food is also made with real chicken as the number on ingredient and ensures your Pug will be getting all the nutrients they need. Even better, because the Pug can be known to gain weight, this food helps with weight management and ensures they maintain lean muscles throughout the course of their life. Exercise The Pug only has little legs which means their exercise needs are not great. You should take them for two 20 minute walks everyday. Pugs are very sociable dogs, so taking them on different routes so you can introduce them to new sounds and smells is advisable. Black Pugs, because of their dark coat, are more prone to overheating in the sun, so if you live in a hot part of the world then walking them at night or early in the morning is advised. As we have mentioned before, Pugs love to play. Between walks you should ensure you make time to play games with them and keep them stimulated. Remember, they love spending time with you, so the more you do it, the happier they will be! Family Compatibility A Black Pug is a perfect family dog. First and foremost, these dogs love to be around people — both adults and children — and will be happiest when they are by your side, making them a true companion dog. Because they are a little dog, the Black Pug does not have great exercise needs which means they are great for those who live in small apartments or those who do not have a yard for them to run around in. That being said, they do love to play, so you should make sure you have time to put aside for bonding with your Pug. Training your Pug is simple too, and they get on well with other humans and animals. This includes other household pets such as cats and rabbits, and they will seek out humans for extra attention. Pugs also do not have high grooming needs — all you need to do is give them some love! Training and Socializing Pugs are a very intelligent dog, which makes training them easy. You should always use positive reinforcement and rewards in the form or verbal praise and treats to show them that they are doing a good job. They can be a little stubborn, but as long as you are consistent with them, then your Pug will learn. Never use harsh punishments with your Pug because this will upset them and you will not get any positive work from them. Socializing your Pug is also simple, because they love other people. You should try taking them to new places as often as you can so they can experience new sounds and smells, although it is known that Pugs react very well in many different situations. Remember, these dogs just want to be loved and to play, so as long as you incorporate that wherever you go, they will be happy. Grooming Because the Black Pug has a short and smooth coat, their grooming needs are not too high. However, as we mentioned above, these doggies can be known to shed so giving them a brush every week is a good idea to help minimize any shedding. You can bathe your Pug whenever you need to, although experts recommend that this should be done once a month. When bathing them you will need to ensure you clean the wrinkles on their face because bacteria and dirt can build up inside them and cause infection. Always ensure you take time to dry them properly, too. You can also used dental sticks if it is easier. Make sure you start grooming your Pug from a young age so they get used to the routine. This will allow them to see that there is nothing to worry about and they do not need to be scared. Black Pugs are not known for being aggressive dogs at all. The Pug is a loving and affectionate dog that makes the perfect companion. They love to be around humans, especially children, and other pets too. These dogs enjoy running and playing and will thrive in an environment where they can spend their day by your side. They also love to curl up next to you on the couch after a long day. Pugs have been known to be protective over their humans, but this comes from a place of curiosity instead of hostility. Many people say that Pugs are the pooch that just want to be loved so no, they are not aggressive! How much is a Black Pug? A Black Pug is one of the cheaper variations of the Pug breed and are not as expensive as their fawn colored siblings. Always remember to buy from a reputable breeder. If this is out of your price range, you can always check your local animal shelter and see if there are any Pugs there that need a home. There are many dogs in shelters who need loving and caring companions! Summary The Black Pug is an adorable and loving small breed of dog. Playful and energetic, this dog loves to play and will certainly keep you on your toes. These dogs are relatively low maintenance and do not have high grooming or exercise needs, and do well in small apartments. Perfect for first time dog owners, do you think a Black Pug could be for you? Search Dog Breeds. Parents: Affenpinscher x Pug mix via Instagram: robbie. Both parent breeds are known for their humorous personalities with a hint of mischief. And yes, fortunately, Affenpugs are the same. Although Affenpugs are generally spunky dogs, they can be calm in the home. This mix is exceptionally delightful, thanks to the Pug side. However, the Affenpinscher brings out the alertness that makes them decent watchdogs. Naturally, these playful dogs will be inquisitive. They love to explore and enjoy spending most of their time with their owners. And depending on the parent, these Pug mixes can inherit either a rough or wiry coat we love the wiry coats! But because of their petite size, they may not do too well with smaller children. When they go into defense mode, they may snap back at rough play. On the down side, they may be stubborn, though training can fix that. Both parent breeds are fantastic companions that are highly adaptable, so the mix is likely the same. While both parents bring a playful side, the greyhound parent adds an boost of excitement and energy into this Pug mix. On the bright side, they would not mind spending plenty of time indoors with their owners. Buggs Parents: Boston Terrier x Pug mix via Instagram: mollythebugg Both parents of the Buggs share similar physical and personality traits. Boston Terriers, like Pugs, have a short snout with a semi-wrinkly face. With a cheerful vibe and a deep sense of loyalty, Buggs will stick by your side no matter what. In fact, the more people in the pack, the better! As such, this mix was also developed in China. Both parent breeds show similar physical qualities and temperaments, so this designer makes a lot of sense. Because both parents were originally bred for the elitists, the Puginese will inevitably have a high sense of dignity. However, the Puginese is without doubt a good-natured dog that just wants to become friends with all. They may show plenty of variation in the coat, though. While Chinese Cresteds hunted vermin on ships, the Pugs accompanied Chinese royalty. However, when combined, the Pugese mix presents a loving, sweet, and protective companion. They need human attention! As a result, you end up with a physically-interesting hybrid to say the least with a temperament that would be perfect for all types of families. Bassuggs have unique characteristics. In addition, they may range quite a bit in size and coat colors. However, their loving temperaments are constant. Even-tempered and calm, Bassuggs are highly intelligent dogs that have a lot of curiosity for life. While the Shar-Pei is large and brave, the Pug is small and playful. The only similarity is the wrinkled skin. To his surprise, Silver bred an extraordinary dog. Not only were they relatively robust mixes, but Ori Peis were so sweet and affectionate. They love to play, but can calm down when the owners need to relax. Few dog enthusiasts have even heard of this mix, but they deserve all the recognition for being one of the best companions. Again, these small dogs do better with older kids. Although Puglands enjoy the company of children, they may easily snap back at rough teasing. Socialization is important, though, teaching young kids to respect them is even more. After all, Pugs are lovers not fighters. And depending on the parentage, they may either be small or medium-sized dogs that vary between 15 to 30 pounds. And while both parents have relatively short snouts, the Box-A-Pug will have a snout that is somewhere in between. The Boxer brings the athleticism and energy, while the Pug brings the playfulness. They make amazing companions for children and will never miss an opportunity to snuggle up with their owners! Plus, they can be decent watchdogs for their size. From the Pug and Tibetan Spaniel, these mixes have earned a reputation as the ultimate lap dogs no surprise here. But what makes the Tibetan Pug stand out is their adaptive intelligence. They have a great understanding of human emotions and use it to their advantage. Tibetan Pugs do tend to bark a lot because of their vigilance inherited from the spaniel side. Just make sure to keep their territorial instincts in check with obedience and socialization. Malti-Pug Parents: Maltese x Pug mix via Instagram: tammyfayeandgriffin Malti-Pugs are designer dogs that intentionally crossed two great companion dogs. Unsurprisingly, the companion role comes easily for the Malti-Pug. These dogs love to please their owners. To them, everyone is a potential friend.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. Image used with permission by copyright holder How much should a German Shepherd eat per day? When determining how much to feed your German Shepherd you need to consider his age, size, and activity level. Puppies need to be fed a specially formulated puppy diet focused on growth. Adult dog diets should focus on maintaining a healthy weight. An adult male German Shepherd can weigh between 75 and pounds, while a female can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Experts at Prudent Pet Insurance offer the following feeding guidelines for large breed dogs. Many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, carrots, and broccoli can make healthy treats for your German Shepherd. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the following popular people foods are toxic to pets: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Chocolate, coffee, and, caffeine all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and they can potentially cause pancreatitis. Onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. What dog food brands are affordable but healthy? When shopping on a budget, steer clear of cheap, low-quality dog foods. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal , these foods are made with the cheapest ingredients available in the pet food industry and are not healthy for dogs. Instead, look for an affordable high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Of course, if your dog is on a prescription diet for health reasons, you will have to pay more for that food. Following are three top-rated foods manufactured by experienced pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff.

We take our time to understand your needs regarding your future furbaby, and its here waiting to go home with you. French Bulldog Breeder in Boston, MA The most ethical french bulldog breeder in Boston We are re-defining the pet store, with transparency and a focus on socialization, health, and temperament. Just as people want to know where their food comes from, so should they know exactly where that Blue french bulldog puppy for sale near you came from as well. By fostering proper socialization, we reduce transitional shock and encourage stability, ensuring your new Frenchie becomes a loving, well-adjusted companion. .So we offer the strongest Health Gaurantee in the industry. To read more about where why you should never chose a frenchie from a faceless entity. If this decision is important to you, then stick around and learn more about our French Bulldog program and the various colors and personalities we produce. Also check out our Education blog before taking home your puppy to ensure that you are well prepared. If you are looking for the best quality French Bulldog Puppy Breeders In Massachusetts state , then you are in the right place! I have listed them down based on their Frenchie pedigree, breeding philosophy, breeding history, a customer review. You will get to know better about them as you read through the following descriptions. I made this list of Frenchie breeders based on the information I found on google. I have done some research to find out the best breeder possible just for you. And still researching to find out more about other quality breeders. Finally I made a list of the top 8 reputable French Bulldog breeders in Massachusetts who offer you the best quality puppy possible. All of the breeders have their own breeding style, philosophy and story. Hope the following Frenchie breeder list will make it easier for you to choose a good breeder. They take pride in providing you with a healthy, happy puppy that will be with you for many coming years. Stacked Bulldogs started French Bulldog breeding program with a mindset to the preservation of this breed. They are specialized in producing standard and rare colored French Bulldogs. Stacked Bulldogs 1st priority is to raise healthy, well socialized Frenchie babies with cheerful temperament for you that is friendly and outgoing. Stacked Bulldogs only use quality studs and females to give you a better quality puppy. They only have limited planned breeding and only have one to two litters a year. So be fast to order your desired puppy. Your puppy comes with- One year health guarantee. Socialization training. Puppy pedigree, puppy care guide. Puppy starter kit. Breeder support for life. If you are interested in having a puppy from them be sure to contact them fast to know more about their puppies. You can also give a visit to their website to see the puppy pictures. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We produce all of the brindles in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , fawns and sables in golden, red, blue, chocolate, lilac , creams, pure coats and tan points in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , and pieds in ALL of these beautiful colors! Call Us Are you ready to own the most popular dog breed in the U. We appreciate you visiting our site, whether you have been here many times in the past, or if this is the first time you have paid us a visit. We hope that the time you spend with us will be enjoyable, and that you will feel it is worth your time and effort. Of course, we invite you to come back as often as time permits, as we have provided a lot of information regarding the French Bulldog, and we doubt if you will cover everything in one visit. Under Owner Information, you will find a lot of information to help you determine if the French Bulldog is the breed for you. There are also FAQs for New Owners, if you have made the decision to adopt one of these wonderful dogs. Under Owner Info, you will also find several products that we use and highly endorse. We then have the unpleasant talk about scammers, who are rampant in the puppy arena, especially regarding French Bulldog puppies. If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, there is a .It breaks our hearts every time we are contacted by someone who has been scammed, or nearly scammed. Please be careful. Lastly, under Owner Info, you will find information regarding our contract and our guarantee, which we believe is one of the best available, and it is the least we will do in the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of our dogs. Under Our Frenchies, you will find information regarding our breeding males, our females which have puppies on the ground, and retirees that are ready for their forever homes. We are very proud of the breeding male and females we have assembled. You can click on Former Puppies and scroll down to see a few examples of all of the various colors that Frenchies come in that we have produced in the past. We know that the different colors can be a bit confusing, so we have tried to make it as straight forward as possible. The only problem is that there are so many gorgeous colors that they come in, a decision regarding color preferences can be difficult .Also, under Our Frenchies, you can click on New Puppies to see all of our currently available puppies, along with a list of the litters that are born, but not yet introduced. We have placed multiple puppies in every state of the union except Hawaii, as they have a very long quarantine period. We have been using very responsible puppy nannies for years to deliver puppies to major airports all over the country, for very reasonable rates. We would love to work with you to place the perfect little Frenchie in your home. Some of our puppies, especially very specific requests, are placed with clients on our waiting list, but many are available to potential clients that are looking for puppies right away. If you are looking for a high-quality Frenchie puppy, please contact us and we will send information which will help you determine if we might be the breeder for you. We will do our best to help you adopt the Frenchie of your dreams. We do not post earlier videos. All of the puppies shown in the videos will have had their vet checks and will be available for adoption with the exception of a few that we may belatedly decide to hold back. Generally, those that we will be holding back will not be included in the videos. As a reminder to each of our Waiting List clients who have passed on prior puppies due to poor timing, when you are ready for your puppy, please let us know so we do not bypass your name when we are placing new litters. Meeting the puppy Nanny was easy and smooth at the airport! Hank was love at first sight. Happy Holidays! Just thought I would write to give you an update on our Dieter. Thank you again for doing what you do, and raising such amazing dogs! Dieter is loved by all who meet him, and he has met several people on his adventures this year. He is such a mischievous, but entertaining boy. He is the sweetest, craziest, cutest, cuddliest, puppy! Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update on Hank Mowgli. He is the center of every minute in my girls day. There were tears of joy and excitement — it was wonderful! Night went well — I had my hand in her kennel so she could sleep — she would make sure it was there and then fall back to […] Danielle, Rich and Rowan Hi BlueHaven!! Hope all is well! Rich and I would like to thank you for the care and love you put into your breeding program. Rowan is a healthy and fun-loving Frenchie! We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. All is well here. Originally, when we listed our preferred colors, we did not select brindle, but as you can see, once we saw GiGi, […] Catherine, Nick, Kolbie, Natty, and Dieter Dieter had an awesome first night. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to send an update on Pearl formerly Sinah. At nearly 4 months old now; Pearl is doing very, very well. She had her 3rd series of shots and vet check last week and is perfectly healthy.

By driftwoodgoldens 1 Comment History of Driftwood Goldens: In , Sherry Thomas Linker, purchased a male Golden from a top kennel Malagold Kennels that was known for their strong health background, and beautiful heads. Many people requested to use Charmer as a stud because of his impressive accomplishments and outstanding looks. Charmer and Flirt produced beautiful puppies together and to this day the Driftwood line comes from these two Goldens. Driftwood Goldens are known for their gentle temperaments and beautiful heads on both males and females. They also have strong healthy genetics and all dogs that are bred at Driftwood must pass their hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. He excelled in both the obedience and conformation rings. Jewel went to the Rainbow Bridge in .In , Sherry was concentrating more on training dogs, and decided to give the Driftwood name to two close friends, Sheri Hoogendyk and Linda Miville. Linda Miville lives in Vicksburg, MI, in the country on 4. Sheri Hoogendyk lives in Kalamazoo, MI with her husband. We have since become good friends and have helped each other raise puppies until they go into their forever homes. We are dedicated hobby breeders and usually have 1 litter per year per girl. We only breed our girls to improve the Golden Retriever breed, according to the standard. For more information, please see our puppy pages. Search for:. He came from Topbrass kennels. I could not have asked for a better dog, friend or loyal partner, Riley was truly the best. He lived to be 2 months shy of his 16th birthday. He was truly the Champion of my heart. It was not until though that we became serious about showing in the breed ring and the goal of developing our own kennel. It was at this point that Kokopelli Goldens was established. Kokopelli has been a sacred figure to Native Americans in the Southwestern United States for thousands of years. He has long been a symbol of fertility that brought good fortune and well-being to the people, assuring success in hunting, planting and growing crops, and human conception. It is believed that he would warm the earth by playing his flute and singing songs, in turn melting the winter snow and creating rain to ensure a good harvest for the coming season. Kokopelli is characterized by his dancing pose, a hunchback and flute. His whimsical nature, charitable deeds, and vital spirit give him a prominent position in Native American mysticism. We feel he has brought and will continue to bring , good fortune to us here at Kokopelli Goldens. In , I made a trip to Snowshoe Kennels in Minnesota to pick up our then 8 week old puppy. Secret went on to become my first Champion and was owner handled to all of her points by myself. I knew in my heart that this was my passion and I was hooked. Since Secret I have finished several other Goldens to their championships and have pointed many others. The girl behind our breeding program was Gangway's Low Rider aka "Chassis. Chassis's dad Am. We are thrilled that we are expecting Chassis's great-grandchildren in October .I will be forever grateful to Beckie for this special girl. As hobby breeders, we breed no more than two - three litters per year. We breed for sound health and temperament first and foremost. We spend countless hours researching pedigrees and strive for the best in each and every breeding that we do. The future of our Golden Retriever breed, along with our future puppy owners are depending on the decisions that we make today.

He loves his poodle, Riley, and has been known to play with cats on occasion, even though he's allergic to them. Other interests include ice cream, riding his bicycle, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He lives in Iowa. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on July 23, To be clear: This puppy trying out an obstacle course failed spectacularly, but the little one did it in perhaps the most darling way possible. Twitter user Fred Schultz shared a video of the attempt, which as of Friday morning has earned some 3. On a leash, the golden retriever puppy negotiates the seven slalom poles easily enough. Great job, buddy! Then our friend arrives at the hurdle and that's when things go wrong. The puppy just kind of trips over it—without really attempting a leap—and ends up with their head flat on the ground with the rear legs suspended on the hurdle. And for about 12 seconds, the puppy can't be bothered. That's where they stay, half-hanging on the hurdle, either enjoying the stretch, taking a break, or protesting any future runs through the course—which is what I would be doing. They're higher than they look. However, dog agility courses are great ways to exercise your pup at home in the yard. It's a great way to bond with your dogs while helping them expend their rambunctious energy. We have all you need to get started here—just make sure to start with the hurdle at a low height. Was this page helpful? Any type of activity that you do with your Golden requires some form training. Basic Obedience is the first step for any owner with a Golden Retriever. There you will learn the basic commands like come, sit, down, stay, etc. Even if you decide to have a Golden as a companion, it is best to go through basic obedience classes. Here are just a some activities that you can do with your Golden Retriever. Agility is one of the fastest growing performance sports for dogs. The handler directs their dog through a numbered obstacle course that consist of jumps, tunnels, A-frame, teeter, dogwalk, tire, and weave poles. Click here to learn more about agility. Conformation is a competition to see which dogs most closely resemble the breed standard. These dogs work towards their championship CH by earning points. Points are based off of the numbers of dogs that are shown that day. Click here to learn more about conformation. Field and Hunt Tests demonstrate what the Golden Retriever was bred for. Dogs retriever birds both on land and in water. Click here to learn more about field and hunt test. Dog and handler work as a team and move through multiple exercises including heeling, recalls, sit and down stay, and much more. Dogs work towards earning their obedience championship OTCH. Click here to learn more about obedience. Dog and handler work together as a team and navigate through a course and perform each exercise at that particular station. Click here to learn more about rally. Tracking is where a dog follows a scent left by a human. The track can range from anywhere from to yards and be hours old depending on the level. Click here for more information about tracking. The staff at Dog Training Elite is friendly and top notch when it comes to dealing with your pet, and instructions for the owner. I recommend Dog Training Elite to all my friends and family for their Training needs — Hans Geiger google My Dobby Dobbs, Dobbykins, Dobbinator used to be one of those dogs that when he visited a place, folks would be like, "Oh good Lord.The closer I got to him, the further he ran. He pretty much did whatever he wanted and I just took it. It frustrated me to no end. He was definitely the alpha in our relationship. ALL that has changed! With their tailored approach and super knowledgeable insight on dog psyche and, to be frank, some human psyche, Dobby and I have made a complete turn-around. Where we were headed to a stressful relationship filled with bad feelings, we now are calm, happy to share space and even enjoy crowed public outings. He stays right by my side always! I never fail to hear at least 3 times, during those outings, what a well mannered dog I have. I am so grateful. Sincerely, if you follow their instructions to the letter, it can make a difference in your life, too. Work with your dog at least 15 min a day. It makes a difference in a successful outcome. Don't waste your money if you can't make that commitment. When I finally followed that rule, is when everything changed for me and Dobbs. He is no longer the Dobbinator of happy thoughts, but, in fact, my sweet cuddly Dobbykins. I know folks, super sappy stuff. But, I just love my dog so dang much. I had tried other trainers with no success breaking his Extreme behaviors, but Rachel has turned him around! She was patient, informative and very knowledgeable with us! We have 2 rescue dogs that didn't fit in the traditional puppy training classes and when we found Elite North East Houston Dog Training it was just what we needed. We have that individual focused training at home as well as group classes. Highly recommend! They have been able to work with my 7yr old Yorkie that acts out and timid, and turn him into a very confident dog that loves to learn and be obedient! They are very kind and professional and make sure you get the adequate time you need for you and your pup! If you are looking they are the people to use! My only regret is not doing this sooner. Thank you for always giving his handler great advice! Thank you for always being a phone call away! Thank you for the tools that you have provided!!! And I say thank you!!! I hate to say that I almost gave up in the beginning but Alex would not allow me to get trapped in my head with thoughts of defeat. He gave me the tools to take it step by step. Slow and steady paid off and now he alerts with nothing more than praise. Talia provided great guidance in one on one classes and in group classes and Alex provided me with the tools that I needed to work with my pup. As he grew he learned to trust me and he loves his job. He is only 10 months old and passed his public service test 2 months ago. He is always working, even when he is playing! He makes it a point to sniff me to make sure that my blood sugars are ok. He invades my person space often to check to see if he smells a high or a low blood sugar and when he does he is tapping my thigh to let me know that something is wrong. Then he does a great job of letting me know before if it is a high or a low blood sugar. Amazing what that little nose can do! He is always searching for me to make sure that he knows that I am ok and when I am not, he is quick to alert. He is the most behaved, well tempered dog that I have and I know it is because of the one on one training that we received. I am very appreciative and I highly recommend using dog training elite Houston.

Lifespan Sociability If you get a Sheptese, get ready for the questions. People are going to ask you all the time, what is it? The parent breeds are similar in some personality aspects. They are both affectionate with their families. Remember that the Maltese was—and still is—a pampered pooch. He knows it, too. This pup has the sassiness and bravado of many toy breeds. Few realize that they are small dogs. The German Shepherd probably fuels this attitude. He is confident because he has the stuff to back up his aplomb. This pup has earned his stripes and then some! Every day will be a new adventure with this pooch. Selective breeding refined the German Shepherd to the stately dog we see today. The AKC appreciated the efforts and recognized him in .The first pup on the books was named Queen of Switzerland and worthy of the title. The German Shepherd took on the wrath after the world wars. It was also replaced at one time with Alstaian. The Maltese has retained his place with the rich and famous. While the Maltese got his start with Roman royalty, he has retained this status with his fans today. Many things go into the mix, including breed dominance, history, and size. That makes it hard to generalize about the Sheptese. The German Shepherd brings keen intelligence to the mix. He is easy to train and can learn a variety of tasks and commands. The Maltese is equally as smart. That means that you need to challenge your pet mentally. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He wants all the attention. Separation anxiety is a concern with the Sheptese. This pup is relatively friendly with strangers, but early socialization is imperative to seal the deal. It comes from his history as a herding dog. It also means trouble for your cat or other small animals. This pup is moderately tolerant of other canines. Many of the caveats depend on the dominant breed. If not, rely on the advice of your veterinarian for the particular care that your pet will need. The size of your pup is a vital consideration. Use those observations as your guide because foods for small and large breeds vary. If your pup is more like a Maltese, you must make sure he eats at every meal. Dogs of this size are more inclined toward drops in blood sugar levels. Begin with three or four meals a day for a puppy with two times for an adult. Walks and trips to the doggie park will seal the deal. This pup has a moderate tendency toward weight gain, so regular activity is imperative to keep him healthy. Think of your time together as opportunities to bond with your pet. He can also handle more challenging tasks, which is why he performs on the agility circuit in dog shows. The key to success is consistent training. Let your pet know what you want him to do. The Maltese is easy-peasy with his silky hair and regular combing to prevent mats. The Shepherd needs regular brushing to keep the hair in check. The key is to remain consistent. You teach your pup what he needs to do, and you make it easier for you. Handle his paws often to make trimming his nails easier. A post shared by Aaki aaki. Minor Conditions. While they may be larger than a Maltese, they rarely grow to be the size of a German Shepherd. Very likely, they will be around 10 to 18 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. Even when the GSD parent dons another color, its mutt is likely to inherit the same color and the same medium-to-long double coat. However, the German Shepherd coat it might inherit means a double coat that sheds year-round and blows off twice a year. This means having to brush at least once a week to control the shedding and then as frequently as once daily during the shedding seasons. As for the ears, maintenance will depend on which set the pup inherits. All dogs benefit from regular nail trimming, and the Maltese-German Shepherd mix is no different. It will also require frequent toothbrushing to ensure good oral health. Strength The strength of the German Shepherd — Maltese cross will mainly depend on its size. They may, however, still have considerable bite strength relative to the size of their muzzle. The build and size of the German Shepherd unsurprisingly make it a faster runner at approximately 30 miles per hour. Given the running speeds of its two parents, the Maltese — GSD mix is expected to run quite fast. Of course, its speed will be proportional to its size as longer legs mean larger strides. Nevertheless, you can expect these dogs to be quick on their feet, agile, and energetic. Exercise Requirement The Maltese — German Shepherd mix may be more laid back thanks to the lower energy levels it inherits from the Maltese parent. However, having a GSD parent means they are likely to still be quite energetic. They will thrive on physical exercise of at least 30 minutes per day in order to avoid the development of bad behaviors. The intelligence and work drive they are likely to inherit from the German Shepherd parent also means they will require plenty of mental stimulation. These may be in the form of puzzle toys , enrichment games, and training. They may also excel in canine sports, which would ensure both physical and mental wellbeing. It belongs to the highest tier of dog intelligence, which means it only takes up to 5 repetitions for them to learn a command. The Maltese, however, is not quite as trainable. These dogs belong to the fifth tier of dog intelligence and may need up to 80 repetitions to master a new command. Nevertheless, what it lacks in natural intelligence, it makes up for in its eagerness to please. With early exposure and socialization, these crosses can be well-behaved and delightful companions. They relate better with other dogs and are much more likely to relax and switch off at home. Compared to the Maltese, however, they have much more energy and a stronger drive to work. Although these dogs are highly adaptable, they will benefit from plenty of training and even a job to do at home. But no matter which parent it takes its personality from, the Maltese — German Shepherd mix is sure to be affectionate with family and playful yet gentle with young children. You can also expect them to be slightly wary of strangers because of their protective nature. Health Any Maltese GSD cross will require regular vet checkups from puppyhood because the difference in size between the two parents can lead to several complications. Conversely, its heart might be too small to support a larger body. Additionally, the genetic conditions of both parents will play a huge role in the health of their offspring. The GSD parent brings up concerns of hip and elbow dysplasia while the Maltese parent makes it more likely to suffer from patellar issues. But if both breeding stocks are screened and healthy, the resulting offspring are likely to be healthy as well. Lifespan Barring any complications from mismatched sizing, a Maltese — German Shepherd cross is generally expected to live between 10 and 12 years. To ensure longevity, take your pup to regular vet check-ups and feed them a high-quality diet throughout its life. Additionally, keep your dog from becoming overweight as this will lead not only to cardiovascular issues but will also cause unnecessary wear on their joints and give them a much harder time in their senior years. Nevertheless, it can participate in the AKC Canine Partners program, which accommodates the registration of mutts and allows them to participate in a number of club-hosted events. Among the events that the German Shepherd-Maltese cross is expected to excel in include Flyball and Rally. It would be difficult for you to find a German Shepherd — Maltese mix because responsible breeders would not produce them on purpose. The difference in size between the two breeds puts the resulting puppies at great risk. If the Maltese is the female that will carry the litter, its life will also be at risk because the puppies might be too large for its body to handle. Nevertheless, you may still encounter the occasional GSD-Maltese cross as a result of an accidental mating. When you do, it will surely be an interesting dog with plenty of unique characteristics. Even more so because of its incredibly unique appearance and combination of personality traits from the two parents. However, these dogs may need careful and regular vet examinations throughout their life since the difference in size between the two parents can bring life-threatening health conditions. It grows up to 10 inches for a male and 9 inches for a female. An adult Maltese regardless of gender can weight up to 4 pounds. A Maltese fall under the toy group classification. Its color is white, and it comes with a long coat. It requires regular grooming. The Maltese are one of the few dog breeds that need a regular bath. If you are looking for a cute family dog that your kids can play with, this sweet and affectionate breed is highly recommended. In his YouTube video , AnimalWised showed reasons why Maltese is one of the most loved family dogs in the world. Getting to Know Your German Shepherd Breed GSDs or German Shepherd dogs are known for many things according to AKC — loyalty to its owner, courage, ability to learn and understand commands, confidence, and willingness to save the ones they loved. It is not just a pet and a friend, it is also a guardian. An adult GSD can weigh up to 95 pounds. It grows up to 26 inches in height. It has the size of a Maltese and the physical looks of a German Shepherd. You can find a cute image of a Sheptese from Dog Breed Info. This is the only information available about a Sheptese online. It is probably because it is not easy to breed a small Maltese with a large German Shepherd. In a forum posted in Quora , members expressed fear from a possible Maltese German Shepherd mix. And if it worked and the female Maltese carries a large GSD pup, would she survive the birthing process? Perhaps these questions hindered most breeders of today from crossing these two breeds. A GSD has a lot of great characteristics that pet parents would love. When it comes to popular GSD mixed breeds, the following are the most popular ones. Mix them and you get the top two best guard dogs out there. These breeds are energetic, obedient, loyal, and brave. Collies and GSDs are known as herding dogs in the early s so you can expect this cross-breed to be very active especially outdoors. Despite being a large dog, your kids can safely play around Shollies especially those trained ones. This breed is often seen cuddled by Hollywood stars. Combine it with another breed and you can get an equally cute and cuddly pet baby. When it comes to popular Maltese mixed breeds, the following are the most popular ones. Maltese and Poodle Mix Maltipoo Charming, affectionate, and loving — this is how little Maltipoos are often described. Because of its poodle genes, it often comes in brown color and not white. The cute face is the same though and it remains to be a great family pet. Maltese and Shihtzu Malshi Do you want a furball that you can bring anywhere you go? The Malshi would be a great cross-breed to have. It is very small that you can even place it in your bag while doing your window shopping. An active dog, the Malshi is a good company even if you just want to binge-watch over the weekend. Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier Morkie Are you a fan of small and cute dogs? The Morkie is an example of a family dog that you can leave with your child with a peace of mind. This is a friendly, loving, and very active breed too. Final Thoughts on the Maltese German Shepherd Mix Finding information on the Maltese German Shepherd mix is challenging because very few breeders had probably tried it. According to Breeding Business , it is difficult and worrisome to breed dogs of different sizes. There are health concerns involved and increased risk. The strain on the smaller female can be stressful and can even lead to death. If you are into German Shepherds or Maltese, it is best to choose from their popular mixes as these are proven to be healthier and more reliable breeds.

They are extremely loving towards the family and children, friendly to unknown faces, and can easily socialize with the other animals in your house. They are also very intelligent, smart little dogs that can get trained without any difficulty. One thing to keep in mind is that they constantly require a lot of love and cuddles from the owners. They love being in the spotlight and can get worn out if they do not receive the attention they require. They are very energetic animals that require at least 2 hours of exercise every day. This can be done by taking them for a walk and playing a game of fetch. Because of the difference of appearances with the parent breeds, these little Labradoodles can come in a wide range of colors on their coats, the fur texture, and so on. Even if they have a long fur coat, they are do not shed much. You only need to brush their coat every day, and that will keep them tangle-free! They can also vary in size and shape based on the dominant parent gene. They can either be a tiny pup or a medium-sized Labradoodle. Summing Up If you want to welcome a little Labradoodle into your home, finding a good breeder is the first step. This will help you find a puppy that is healthy and happy. Once you find a breeder, clarify all your doubts. Ask them how you can take care of them, how often they need to be taken to the vet, and so on. Make sure you are completely thorough with your knowledge. So, go ahead and bring a furry friend home! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Greenville South Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. These puppies are very dark chocolate. They have been raised with small children and other dogs. These puppies will be medium in size, lbs. They will be UTD on Vaccines, de wormings, bordatella, and will be microchipped. Our puppies are socialized daily with small children and other dogs in our home. They will also be crate trained. Contact me for more information. Their puppies will be small mediums lbs. The lowest generation we are now breeding are F3 Labradoodles. We breed American and Australian Multigenerational Labradoodle puppies. In order to keep our lines clean no back breeding or line breeding when breeding the higher generation Labradoodle puppies, ie; 4th, 5th and higher, it is our choice to go back to the original infusion of the 2nd generation or higher Cock-a-Poo as well as The poodle. Our minature Labradoodles are bred down naturally starting with the Standard Poodle and English Stature Labrador Retriever within our own program…. Our Labradoodle puppies are raised in our home with lots of daily TLC. T-Touch stimulation socialization. Many of our puppies placed go on to train as therapy dogs. We also have quite a few Certified Service Dogs. We travel back and forth between Sunny South Florida and South Carolina with all our Labradoodle puppy litters once vaccinated. As well as any other states necessary. No destination is too far to insure the safety of our Labradoodle puppies. Hopefully you will find our website informative and if you have further questions do not hesitate in contacting us any time. My cell phone is the easiest way to reach me. Marlene Sapp.

Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. What Does a Good Breeder Do? A good breeder is without doubt the best place to get your Labrador puppies. They will usually have a demonstrable love of the breed and are usually active in a competitive discipline such as field trials or showing. Breeding responsibly takes a lot of dedication, time and considered, reasoned processes. Good Labrador Retriever breeders: Carefully select and match a sire and dam to breed Labrador puppies with particular traits and temperament. Take the utmost care of the welfare and living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Perform many health checks on their breeding stock to cut the risk of inherited diseases. Can provide certificates of pedigree for both parents. Will provide information and help to you throughout the life of your Lab. Matching The Sire and Dam For Breeding Good Labrador breeders will usually be involved in a competitive discipline and will selectively breed their Labradors to improve the breed for a particular purpose. Some will breed for field trials, some for conformance to show in the ring and some for obedience. In each discipline, different qualities and temperament are bred for. Although most will also breed for their dogs to become good family pets. A good breeder will carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of the parents, hoping to achieve a higher level of perfection in their next generation of dogs for the purpose of which they are bred. Contrast this with a less responsible breeder. They will often throw together any two dogs of the same breed purely to produce a litter of puppies for sale. No consideration given to the pedigrees of the parents and how compatible they may or may not be. Welfare and Living Conditions A good breeder will want to meet you and will give you the chance to see the parents of the puppies and the conditions in which his breeding stock lives. This is a very good opportunity for you to screen out some less reputable ones. A good breeder will either raise their Labrador puppies in the home, or in clean and well maintained kennels. Of utmost importance is the puppies early socialization to different experiences, surroundings and human contact. A responsible Labrador breeders stock, from puppies through to adults, should look healthy and be friendly and sociable. If you find they have health or temperament problems, you should walk away. Health Checks Good Labrador breeders will have put their dogs and bitches through an array of health checks before deciding to use them in their breeding programs. A bad breeder may say his stock has had a vets clearance for health. This is not at all sufficient and a breeder should be able to produce certificates that you can verify online or by phone. The two main health clearances you should ask to see: Are the parents free of hip dysplasia? These checks should be performed once a year. But a responsible one will be aware of these common ailments and will be honest about his stock being prone. In contrast to a good breeder, a bad breeder will not have put his puppies through any such health checks. But if you get your puppy without such checks, you would be supporting bad practices, gambling with your dogs future health…and gambling with potentially high future vets bills! If a breeder cannot offer certifiable proof of the health of his stock and is unwilling to discuss genetic diseases, then you should definitely walk away. Ongoing Help to Care for Your Puppy Good Labrador breeders will provide you with lots of information on how to raise and care for your dog, both before you take your puppy home and throughout the lifetime of your dog. They will be extremely knowledgeable and because they truly care about their puppies, no question will be too simple or too small for them to answer. They will often help with dietary advice, training advice, health and care advice and be able to offer contact details of important organizations. Some will even go so far as to give a promise they will take your puppy back if it displays unmanageable health problems or your circumstances change and you can longer care for your Lab. A bad breeder will not provide anything like this level of service. The 12 Questions You Should Ask of a Labrador Breeder In order to help you filter out the good Labrador breeders from the bad, I have prepared a list of 12 questions that you should ask a breeder. They are questions they will expect and should be happy to answer: How are you involved with the Labrador breed? If they are seriously into their breeding, they have some involvement in field trails or showing their dogs. How many different breeds of dog do you breed? They are more likely in it for the money and not just for the love of the breed. Are the sire and dam registered? Will the puppies be registered? Of course, when buying a pedigree dog, you will wan this to be proven and traceable. Most good breeders will also register their puppies and will hand them over when you collect your puppy. Where are your Labrador puppies raised? The perfect answer is in the home. Some kennel bred puppies are still well socialized and given lots of human attention. Can you provide check-able certificates of the parents health screening tests concerning hips and eyes? Good Labrador breeders will health screen their stock and will not breed dogs that have poor scores for health. They will care more for the quality of life of their potential puppies and for the overall health of the population. Is there any history of other diseases common to Labrador Retrievers in the ancestry of the puppies? Unfortunately, many pedigree dogs have an array of inherited, genetically linked diseases. A good breeder will be happy to discuss this with you. Should my circumstances change in such a way that I can no longer care for the dog, would you be willing to take it back? The majority of good breeders will be happy to do so and will provide a written guarantee. However, a deal is a deal and if the breeder seems good in many other ways, do not place too high an emphasis on this one. May I contact you with any questions that I have about the dog once I have him in my care? Every single breeder should say yes and will be happy to help. At what age am I able to take the dog home? No breeder will let a puppy go before it is 8 weeks old. These first 8 weeks, the puppy is learning a huge amount from its mother and litter mates. Taking a puppy from its mother too soon is tantamount to cruelty. Is it possible for me to meet the parents of the puppies? You can learn a lot about both the potential looks and temperament of your chosen puppy by meeting the parents. If the sire cannot be seen, you should at least be able to get its name and the name of the owner so you contact them and try to arrange a viewing and check its certificates for health etc. Can you provide references of previous adopters of your puppies? The experiences had by people who have previously dealt with the breeder are invaluable. They can tell you how their dog is doing, whether any health problems surfaced and the way the dealer dealt with them both during the sale and throughout the lifetime of the dog. From the answers they give, you should be able to instantly spot the bad breeders and cut them from your short list. You should try to make a personal visit to the remaining ones to further check that they are reputable. For more information, please see:. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. By Pups Central Team What to Look For When Buying a Labrador Puppy These past few months, you may have been drooling over adorable puppy photos over on Facebook and Instagram, even became a loyal follower of their social media accounts. With this cuteness overload, you are now thinking of buying a Labrador Retriever puppy. Remember that you are not buying a toy. You are buying a living being, whose growth, training, and care will be your responsibility for the length of its life. Have no clue on what to look for when buying a Labrador puppy? Let us enumerate the steps. Figuring out the Labrador puppy that you want is not as easy as it looks. You need to determine your reason for buying a pup in the first place. Do you want a gorgeous Labrador that you can flaunt in dog shows? Do you want a competitive dog that can participate in field trials? Or maybe you just want a loyal and dedicated pet for the whole family? Knowing the type of Labrador you want is important because it will give you an idea of its overall temperament and if it matches your lifestyle, and help you in finding the right breeder. Aside from type, you should also determine the color of the Lab puppy that you want to own. Labrador experts have observed that the three main colors of the breed also present with different levels of intelligence and temperament. STEP 2: Come up with a list of reputable Labrador breeders Now that you know the type of Labrador that you want, the next step is to look for reputable breeders in your area. The Club has a search directory for club-registered breeders. If you have no particular breeder in mind, scroll down to the bottom of the directory for the breeder listings by state, last name, and kennel name. This list helps you to further narrow down your choice for a Labrador type. STEP 3: Contact the breeder. Having come up with your list, the next step is to contact the breeder through email or phone. Make sure that you have your notes on the Labrador puppy you are interested in as well as the questions that you would want to ask the breeder. Some good initial questions that you can ask are the following: 1 Do you have a litter of puppies available? Most breeders would have all the puppies reserved for early buyers before they are even born. If there is a new litter on the way, you can book an early reservation for a puppy as well. STEP 4: Visit the breeder. Once you have determined the breeders that have puppies available, schedule an on-site visit with them. Check out the stud dog and bitch and verify their credentials. If the stud mated with a bitch outside the kennel, consider tracking them down. The reason why you need to see the parents is that their temperaments can be passed on to their puppies. STEP 5: Check credentials. Aside from knowing the credentials of the breeder, you also need to check out the credentials of the stud dog and bitch. The three main standards that you should keep in mind are temperament, ability, and especially health. When it comes to health, both parents should possess the following health certificates : A Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certificated dated within the past year that the dog is free from eye diseases An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA or PennHip certificate that the dog has normal hips An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA certificate that the dog has normal elbows An Optigen testing certificate that the dog is free from inherited progressive blindness. STEP 6: Prepare to be assessed by the breeder. Reputable and responsible breeders would like to be sure that their puppies will go to good homes. In most cases, they will also interview you, asking questions on why you have chosen to get a Lab, the type of Lab that you are interested in, and the readiness of your home and family to take in a puppy. Some breeders may choose to visit your home and talk with family members. They may also offer recommendations to ensure the best living environment for their puppies. However, if you are given free rein to choose a puppy, these are the things you should take note of: A healthy Lab should be solid and well-proportioned. Thin puppies with visible ribs may be signs of malnutrition or illness. Inspect the coat, which should be soft and luxurious. There should be no bald patches. It should be clean with no signs of diarrhea or white flaky matter which is indicative of tapeworms. Its gums should be a healthy bright pink. The ears should be clean with no signs of infection, inflammation, or discharge. Observe the puppy while moving. It should be walking or running around with no limping or lameness. These steps will help ensure that you will be buying the Labrador puppy that you are looking for. Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK.