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German Shepherds, like other dogs, have a day gestational period. It is approximately nine weeks of total pregnancy, but a female German Shepherd can give birth as soon as 58 days or as late as 68 days. This day difference in the average length of German Shepherd gestation may vary depending on the number of puppies and the size of the mother. To put it simply, the more puppies there are, the longer it takes, and vice versa. In some cases, a pregnant German Shepherd may only have one puppy, while huge litters might produce up to 15 puppies. Generally, in canines, preterm delivery is uncommon, and most pregnant dogs deliver their puppies at full term. However, being a few days earlier or later is normal and is frequently caused by a wrong assessment of the date when a female German Shepherd becomes pregnant. Furthermore, if you know when your German Shepherd has mated, you can use a dog pregnancy calculator to acquire an accurate estimate of its due date. Many breeders or even seasoned owners find it difficult to tell if their German Shepherd is pregnant, especially in the early pregnancy stages. Furthermore, unlike humans, there is no at-home pregnancy test for animals. Veterinarians perform ultrasounds between 25 and 35 days of gestation. They will analyze the levels of relaxin , a pregnancy hormone that is taken throughout the breeding process, using a blood sample from dogs. The veterinarian will determine the exact number of German Shepherd puppies in the womb 55 days or more after breeding. Abdominal Palpation: It is a traditional way to detect pregnancy of German Shepherds. It is done around the 28 to day mark by looking for uterine swellings that indicate the existence of developing puppies. Although German Shepherds are independent during pregnancy, there are still a lot of preparations you must make before the puppies are delivered. Generally, the average age for a German Shepherd to get pregnant is around two years old, but it can be as early as five months old. Additionally, because German Shepherds are a large breed, it takes them a while to fully mature before getting pregnant. So, they must be at least 18 months old if you plan to breed them. Once they reach full maturity, German Shepherds can be pregnant during the fertilization period in the second stage of their heat cycle. The heat cycle of female dogs consists of proestrus , estrus , diestrus , and anestrus. During the proestrus stage, female dogs begin to attract males, which will last for nine days. Meanwhile, during estrus, a female dog is marked as available to a male dog, usually lasting for three to four days. Then, the diestrus is the final day of the reproductive cycle when the female dog will no longer permit mating. However, like other large dog breeds, a German Shepherd Dog has its first heat cycle in the latter months. Thus, there is no precise date at which it can get pregnant. Yet, you can expect your dog to be pregnant when it is six months old because it is when the anestrus phase occurs. It is the time elapsed between one heat cycle and the next. That said, knowing the four stages of the heat cycle is important for estimating how long German Shepherds are pregnant. Week 1 Within a few days after breeding, the sperm reaches the eggs, and fertilization occurs. Week 2 Fertilized egg cells will begin to develop, separate, and descend towards the uterus for implantation between the 12 and day mark during the second week. There will be no physical changes to the German Shepherd, but it will become either more affectionate or irritated. Therefore, getting your female dog groomed is advised to lessen its stress. Week 3 During the third week, the embryos will begin to travel to the uterine horns to embed themselves in the uterine wall. The embryos will continue to develop while receiving essential nutrients within the womb through the uterine lining. Some body parts, including the placenta and nervous system, will develop on the 18th day. The placenta will be fully formed by the end of this week. In addition, your German Shepherd may gain weight, and its abdomen might begin to swell. If you notice these changes, confer with your veterinarian, who will provide veterinary advice about the right food and diet plan for your pet. Week 4 This week is the most critical stage when a fetus develops facial features, limbs, and vital organs. So, your German Shepherd must avoid rough play and serve its food in smaller portions. This is also the optimal time to bring your German Shepherd for an ultrasound after the 25th day to know how many puppies your dog expects. Week 5 The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to resemble actual puppies during this period. On day 35, all major organs of the puppies should already have developed. Thus, a pregnant GSD might increase her weight by 20 to 50 percent as it has growing puppies in its abdomen. Therefore, it will need more calories and nutrients than usual. Furthermore, it will avoid normal routines like walking and become more sensitive because of discomfort. Week 6 The puppies develop more rapidly and should have their skin colors. Their eyes remain closed but have lids, claws form, and their heads begin to grow hair for the first time. Furthermore, your female dog will be more uncomfortable and may occasionally vomit because of the increased pressure on its stomach. There will also be clear vaginal discharge, which is completely normal. It will also decrease appetite and produce a clear and odorless vaginal discharge. Furthermore, preparing a whelping box for your female dog to nest in and give birth within the next few weeks should be done during this period. Week 8 Puppies have grown fur and are swarmed into the uterus, moving towards the birth canal. Also, your German Shepherd Dog will spend the majority of its time in the whelping box digging in the bedding. It will also feel restless as its body grows, so give your dog the comfort and attention it needs, especially when it is in pain. You can also get an X-ray examination to determine how many puppies your German Shepherd will have. Week 9 During the last week of pregnancy, the puppies are now fully developed and ready to be born, moving toward the birth canal. You will notice that your German Shepherd may appear uncomfortable, restless, or anxious during this stage. Keep an eye on your dog as it seeks a safe place to give birth. To make your dog feel at ease and to avoid stress, keep your house clean and quiet. Afterward, you must start taking its rectal temperature every 12 hours. In this way, you always obtain the best possible outcomes and perhaps get to meet your litter of healthy puppies. German Shepherd Pregnancy Signs Apart from the fact that conception is unpredictable and varies from dog to dog, no noticeable physical changes occur during the early stages of pregnancy. Nevertheless, similar to people, there are some early signs and symptoms that can indicate if a German Shepherd is pregnant: Change in appetite. Particularly you should understand the heat cycle as well as how long are German Shepherds pregnant. Due to their tall, athletic, and muscular build, German Shepherds are the 2nd most well-known breed of dog. They are frequently employed as pets, herding animals, guard dogs, hunting dogs, and police dogs. German Shepherds require specific care when it comes to nutrition, exercise, and hygiene despite being robust canines that do not get sick. German Shepherds often give birth after 9 weeks. You must keep a close eye on your dog and keep tabs on its heat cycle if you want to determine the precise gestational period of your German Shepherd. The precise gestation time of a German Shepherd can be determined by an expert. This article will equip you with the knowledge of how you should care for a German Shepherd during pregnancy. All dogs, including German Shepherds, have a gestation time of 63 days. It may, however, occasionally change by a few days. Despite the fact that this may appear like a precise number, it is frequently difficult to predict when a dog is pregnant. The majority of dogs do bring their puppies to term. In dogs, preterm delivery is incredibly uncommon. A dog usually goes into labor prematurely when the pups have indeed passed away and stopped developing in the womb. Preterm birth is certainly a possibility; typically, it occurs when an infection or other comparable condition is present. Even when the pups arrive a few days early, they may not necessarily be preterm. German Shepherd Pregnancy Stages Week 1 The eggs become fertilized, and also the reproductive organs are prepared for pregnancy during the initial week of pregnancy. You are not required to take action at this time either. The size and color of the nipple will alter, along with morning sickness and an increase in hunger, in the 3rd week of pregnancy. Some dogs, though, may exhibit signs of malnutrition. The eggs move toward the uterine horns, where they begin to expand after becoming embedded in the uterine lining. This relatively simple procedure often takes 16 days. The infants rarely appear. She might also experience some behavioral adjustments. If she starts to get restless, play with her and make sure she gets the nourishment she needs. Week 4 The female dogs start frequently puking in the morning at the conclusion of the first month. Pregnancy is clearly indicated by this. Around day 22, the fetus will begin to develop. Only one week later, between days 28 and 30, can an ultrasound show the presence of a heartbeat. The best time to ask your veterinarian for advice on dietary supplements is right now. The fetuses grow rapidly from week four through week eight. For instance, their claws begin to emerge around day 40 and their toes become evident around day .By day 50, all of the skeletons in a litter should be visible, making it possible to identify the number of pups in the litter. Many of the symptoms in pregnant dogs often appear at this time. The female dog should begin to put on weight. You should start eating fewer portions while implementing a diet that supports growth and development. Just be careful to serve tiny portions because the developing puppies will reduce how much their mom can eat in one go. Week 7 As the second month of the pregnancy draws to a close, some behavioral changes become apparent. The vaginal discharge will become clear and odorless, and the abdomen grows solid and huge. When your female GSD begins to produce milk, whelping will occur. Therefore, ensure that there is a calm area designated for this purpose and ensure that your female dog becomes accustomed to sleeping there. The stomach enlarges and becomes hard. The abdominal motions of the puppies become more obvious. For the nursing puppies, the nipples expand. Around day 58, the development of a puppy is finished. Although most puppies go into a whelping position a few days after their growth is complete. Because of this, the actual birth normally happens just several days after the pups are finished developing. Puppies that were closer to her ribs will descend in position. She occasionally has noticeable variances in her body type. There is still one week till your dog goes into labor. Make sure your female GSD is not subjected to any physical stress. Week 9 The maturation of the puppies is finished when the final week of pregnancy starts, and the puppies begin to move toward the delivery canal. The female dog gets restless and begins hunting for a hidden location to build her nest. The female eating less over the few days prior to giving birth is not unusual. Mothers frequently experience some tension during this time. They can pant and seem agitated. German Shepherd Pregnancy Signs Behavioral Changes A female dog can generally mark her territory more regularly while she is pregnant. They urinate in numerous locations to do this. Last but not least, the behavior of your female GSD may undergo substantial alterations. They grow increasingly anxious and restless. Their maternal instincts are mostly to blame for this. Also think about buying nutritious food as opposed to food that is only focused on flavor and not nutrients. One of the typical indicators that a German Shepherd is expecting is a change in appetite. Enlarged Or Discolored Nipples You will start to see physiological changes in the German Shepherd about the halfway point of the pregnancy. She will enlarge physically, her abdomen and nipples growing bigger than before. Additionally, the nipples will also be darker. As your German Shepherd reaches the latter half of her pregnancy, you might also notice hair loss around her stomach. Despite the fact that this might appear to be lot of weight, your pet will lose the excess pounds once her gestation time is complete. Only during the second phase of the heat cycle is fertilization possible. A German shepherd may then become pregnant. Usually, this happens six months later. A German shepherd is able to get pregnant at any time, even as a young puppy of five months. Although the average age is typically thought to be around 24 months old, this is not a strict guideline that you must go by. The German Shepherd is a huge breed dog, thus it takes a long time for it to mature. This is the most crucial thing for you to keep in mind if you desire your litter of puppies. While ultrasounds are painless, if your German Shepherd has a phobia of going to the vet because their belly fur will be removed, it may be a distressing experience. The German Shepherd ultrasound is the most reliable test to determine whether your German Shepherd is expecting. Blood Sample The second pregnancy test option is a blood test. This can be done 5 weeks after mating and will help your German Shepherd detect a pregnancy hormone. Although it is less expensive than an ultrasound, when performed too early, it is not always accurate. For instance, even if your German Shepherd is pregnant, the test may come out negative if the pregnancy has lasted fewer than 35 days. The dog exhibits acute restlessness as the contractions start during this stage, refusing to eat or drink, and begins to vomit or pant. Stage 2 When the dog begins to give birth to the puppies, stage 2 begins. Up to 24 hours may pass at this period. A dog gives birth to puppies after an interval of 1. It is preferable to find out how many pups are inside the dog via an ultrasound or x-ray, so that you can be informed when stage 2 is finished. Stage 3 Stages 2 and 3 begin virtually simultaneously. This phase begins with the placenta, the baby puppy, and ends with the delivery of the last placenta. When stage 2 is finished, stage 3 comes to a close. To make the gestation far less uncomfortable, there are various things you can do. A pregnant dog needs high-quality dog food to be healthy. More food should be given to it throughout the day in small amounts. Giving a female dog a lot of food might be harmful to both the dog and the offspring. Bring your dog to the vet for routine examinations. During the 60 to 65 days of pregnancy, you must take it to the veterinarian at least three to four times. Natural Birth Watch out for the telltale indications that the German Shepherd is preparing to deliver her pups if, after consulting with your veterinarian, you choose to let things unfold normally. She will begin to return again to her nest, scratching the towels numerous times before ultimately lying down and breathing loudly like she has just done a lot of activity, as you will see. You will see that she is not at all tranquil during this moment, and you will also observe that her heart rate is elevated. The earliest of the pups may not show up for up to 12 hours. The German Shepherd mom will bite at the delivery sack after the puppy is delivered and lick any surplus off the puppy. This enables the infant to begin taking in oxygen. If the mother has trouble doing this, some owners might need to assist. The mother German Shepherd may even be seen devouring the sack as well as umbilical cords. Be not worried; it is purely instinctive and they do include nutritional components. C-section Only a few pregnancies involving German Shepherds employ this method. By utilizing an X-ray to determine the size of the skulls and the anticipated number of puppies, your veterinarian can assist you in deciding whether this is the right course of action. This procedure will be done under anesthesia, thus there are certain dangers involved. A German shepherd can become pregnant at any stage in its life, even as early as 5 months old. The average age however is usually considered to be around 2 years old, but this is not a hard and fast rule that you need to follow. The most important thing for you to remember if you want your litter of puppies is that the German Shepherd is considered to be a large breed dog, and therefore needs quite a long time to reach full maturity. Not only does this mean that their hips will always suffer less wear and tear, but also a german shepherd pregnant at this age will be less likely to suffer from the various complications that pregnancies, births, and lactation in dogs can cause. German Shepherds can give birth to one to fifteen puppies. The average litter size for dogs is eight puppies. The amount puppies a dog has depends on a number of variables. Larger dogs, like German Shepherds, typically have more than little dogs. Size also appears to be an important consideration. For instance, larger German Shepherds frequently produce more pups. There is a genetic component as well, however it is unclear how important genetics will be. Sometimes dogs with more puppies give birth to them earlier. There appears to be a relationship between gestational period and litter size. Humans are likewise subject to this circumstance. People who are expecting twins or triplets frequently give birth early. During pregnancy, you must tend to the dog more than a human being. These measures will be worthwhile if you enjoy playing with pups and have a soft spot for them. The female dog gets restless shortly after the eighth month, once the nipples expand to allow the puppies to suckle. It begins looking for a secret, secure location that allows it to bring forth the pups quickly. If you give it a decent setup, it will begin to spend the majority of its time there so that it becomes accustomed to it. To make the box extra cozy for the restless dog, add some towels or blankets. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Visible puppy movement Stage Three During the final stage of pregnancy, the mother will mostly be preparing for birth. Puppy development is complete around day .However, most puppies take a few days after development completion to move into a whelping position. Puppies that were higher towards her ribs will move lower. Sometimes, differences in her body shape are apparent. Once the puppies start moving, there are usually only a few days until labor begins. This time is often a bit stressful for the mothers. They may pant and appear restless. Dogs do not show many signs when they first become pregnant other than rejecting males that try to mate with them. This is because females are receptive to males only during estrus. During this time, the fetuses develop very quickly. They only need about a month to develop. By day 58, puppy development is complete. The extra time on either end of the pregnancy is more setting up for pregnancy and the subsequent birth — not necessarily allowing the puppies to develop. Dogs will gain almost all of their pregnancy weight during the second month. Very rarely is any weight gained during the first month. Behavior changes happen throughout the process of fertilization, implantation of the embryos, and throughout the pregnancy. However they are an unreliable way to determine pregnancy. German Shepherds have anywhere between one to 15 puppies. However, most dogs have around eight puppies. There is noway to determine how many puppies your dog might have unless your veterinarian does a pregnancy diagnosis and fetal count. There are several factors that determine how many puppies a dog has. Typically, larger dogs like German Shepherds have more than smaller dogs. Size also seems to be a significant factor. Larger German Shepherds often have more puppies, for instance. Dogs that have more puppies sometimes have their puppies sooner. There seems to be a correlation between litter length and gestational time. It could be that females find it harder to carry more puppies at once, so they give birth to them sooner. Of course, some slight variation is common. Not all dogs are pregnant for exactly 63 days. All puppies are done developing around 58 days. It just takes them a bit to move into the birthing position and kickstart labor. Dogs with larger litters usually give birth earlier than those with smaller litters. According to dog expert Anna Burke , German Shepherds are normally pregnant for 63 days. That comes to just under 9 weeks. A German Shepherd typically has between 1 and 15 puppies per litter, with an average of 8 puppies per litter. The largest litter on record was 17 puppies but litters of that size are rare. GSDs can have 2 litters per year starting at a young age and going through 8 years of age. This means that over her lifetime a German Shepherd will produce on average 56 puppies. Purebred German Shepherds with a pedigree normally have fewer puppies due to their genetic makeup. Click to get it NOW! German Shepherds normally have only two fertile days, and exactly when they mate during that time has a lot to do with how many puppies a single litter will yield. According to local news teams, 14 of the puppies survived. Proper nutrition, care, and avoidance of any trauma to your dog during the gestation period will help to drastically reduce the risk of stillborn puppies. Fortunately, more and more commercial suppliers actually have collections of dry and wet food out on the market that satisfy their nutritional requirements. See example below from Royal Canin made specifically for German Shepherds. Click on the image to check the current price and availability on Amazon. Purebred German shepherds in particular tend to be kind of fussy when it comes to what they need to eat during this special time. Plenty of vets actually advise against this practice! According to Ryan Llera BSc, DVM , dogs who receive calcium supplementation during pregnancy could be at an increased risk for a medical condition called eclampsia. Cottage Cheese for Pregnant German Shepherd Dogs Some dog breeders recommend giving pregnant German shepherds cottage cheese of all things. It might surprise you to learn that this is actually a bad idea in a lot of cases! One study at Mississippi State University found a link between this kind of feeding behavior and milk fever. Not only can you still play with your dog, you probably still should! Pregnant German shepherds need exercise to keep up their strength and maintain their health. This could be a major issue depending on how far along your dog is and how healthy she is otherwise. German shepherds are larger dogs, so it might be a bit easier for them to give birth than for many smaller breeds. That being said, your pregnant pooch is still going to need a little help along the way. Make sure your dog is comfortable during the first stage of labor. Once she moves into active labor, contractions will increase. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks. I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix. I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends. At Pet Lover Guy, we fact-check our articles with vets, pet nutritionists, pet trainers, and pet-owning authors that have over a decade working in the pet industry. Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible. German Shepherd pregnancy lasts for around 60 days. This means that a female German Shepherd can carry a litter of puppies for up to two months. On average, female German Shepherds give birth to between five and eight pups in a single litter. It depends on when they were inseminated, when they were in heat, etc. This is longer than some dogs, but not by much. For example, the average gestation period of a German Shepherd is about 63 days which means your pet would likely give birth to her puppies around eight weeks after mating with her male counterpart. It can be challenging to determine if your pet is actually pregnant or if she has another type of illness. Your veterinarian will most likely help you diagnose and treat any illnesses that may seem like pregnancy. Still, there are some early warning signs that your dog might be expecting puppies: Lack of Appetite: If you usually feed your German Shepherd twice a day. She suddenly starts skipping meals and seems completely uninterested in food, which could mean she is with puppies. However, it is important to remember that there will be variations from German Shepherd to German Shepherd. In most instances, a dog will give birth to her puppies around 63 days after her last heat cycle, but it could be different with every single pup. The only thing that matters is when your pet gets pregnant, not when she mates or goes into heat for a second time. The gestation period of a German Shepherd generally lasts from 59 days up to 70 days which means female dogs carry their unborn puppies for at least two months before giving birth. Discover how to create a joyful, healthy home for your pet. Subscribe to your weekly rundown of practice, real life ideas and training tips straight to your inbox. We offer practical, real life ideas and training tips for a joyful experince, with your pet. All rights reserved. How do you know if your German Shepherd is pregnant? Mating usually takes around 10 - 30 minutes for the more experienced dogs. This process could take even longer for the first-timer pups. If the neighborhood dog just tried to mount on your furry friend but was quickly stopped, odds are that the mating process was unsuccessful. However, if your dog ran off and had the opportunity to consummate in the wild, a few good indicators include: Changes in appetite Swelling or discoloration of the nipples Decreased activity Nesting behaviors Motion sickness or vomiting These visible symptoms often occur days after mating, but they could be indicators of other illnesses as well. Unfortunately, unlike humans, dogs do not have the privilege of going to the local convenience store to pick up a pregnancy test. If unsure, the best option is to check with your local veterinarian and allow them to conduct diagnostic testing. Some of the tests may include ultrasounds, x-rays, palpitations, etc. If all comes back positively, the next few weeks will be full of excitement and wonder! How many months is a dog pregnant for? Unlike humans, where our normal gestation period lasts days or around 9 months, dogs are pregnant for a much shorter period. On average, most dogs are pregnant for 2 months or approximately days. Though this could vary as the date of mating differs from the date of conception. This also varies with the breed of dog and the litter size as the more puppies in the litter, the longer it will take. For German Shepherds, their average pregnancy duration hovers around 63 days. How can I tell when my dog is ready to give birth? As you are counting down the days to when you will see your newborn German Shepherd puppies, there are a few indicators to be on the lookout for when your dog is entering labor, also known as whelping. As the date approaches, many dogs will suddenly lose their appetite. In addition, a few days before delivery, your dog may start building her nest too, where she will anticipate having her puppies. As an owner, you can help your dog by creating a whelping box for her to have her puppies. The details behind creating an ideal whelping box are outlined in the steps below. Once all conditions are right, you may notice the dog having abdominal contractions followed by straining, moaning, and a drop in rectal temperature. These signs indicate that your pup has finally entered the long-awaited whelping stage. How to create a whelping box Whelping boxes allow your dog to have a safe and warm environment to give birth to her pups. Not only does it keep the mother comfortable during labor, but it also doubles as protection for the newborn puppies against the cold and smothering from the mother. The whelping box should be large enough for the mother to move around it, but also for her to keep her babies close by. A good rule of thumb is to have this area be 1. The ideal box should also contain material like blankets to keep the pups warm and have short walls to prevent the newborns from wandering off. Often people include ledges or puppy rails in their whelping box to prevent the mother from suffocating the pups if they get caught between the mom and the side of the box. Avoid loose bedding materials such as hay or straw as this could irritate the newborn eyes and skin. Should I leave her alone when she is in labor? The short answer to this question is that it depends. When it first comes out, you will notice a membrane around the pup. The mother will lick and bite at the membrane to remove it; however, if she is unsuccessful after a minute or two, you will need to step in to help remove it, or else the puppy will not be able to breathe. Afterward, rub the puppy clean until you hear it cry. In addition to this, the mother will try to sever the umbilical cord by biting on it. If she is unsuccessful, you should step in and cut the cord around an inch away from the belly. Once this process has been completed, place the puppy next to the mother and make sure it is warm. Keep repeating this process for all puppies. Final Thoughts Having puppies may be stressful but incredibly rewarding once the whole process is over. Please keep in mind every pet is different and may require more attention and assistance than others. Luckily this process is a very natural one for your beloved pet and should not be too complicated.

Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! Updated: March 21st, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. Blue eyes are somewhat rare in the dog world and are beautiful to behold. This unique trait can be found in a variety of dog breeds, like huskies and Australian shepherds. But have you ever seen a golden retriever with blue eyes? There is a lot of misinformation about blue-eyed retriever dogs that can have a lot of people scratching their heads in confusion! Interestingly, while golden retrievers can technically have blue eyes, there is no such thing as a purebred golden retriever with blue eyes. Continue reading to find out the truth about blue-eyed golden retrievers! Golden retrievers can have blue eyes, but not in the same sense that Siberian huskies have blue eyes. You see, golden retriever puppies are born with blue eyes, and older goldens may have blue eyes due to cataracts or other eye problems. Golden retriever mixes, such as the golden Aussie , golden retriever pit bull mix , or Goberian husky may also have blue eyes. As you can see, the blue-eyed golden retriever is a bigger riddle than it seems. A blue retriever can be born in a litter of two purebred, brown-eyed golden retrievers. In any other sense, these blue golden retriever puppies should look and behave like any typical purebred golden. While these rules may seem pointless and even exclude perfectly sound dogs, the main point of breed standards is to preserve distinct breeds from being lost over time. It takes a lot of years of planned and selective breeding to create a dog breed for a particular purpose, such as guarding, hunting, retrieving, herding, and so on. Without strict breeding standards, all of those traits can easily get lost in future generations. There are several explanations for blue eyes in golden retrievers. While any of these scenarios are likely, crossbreeding is the most common reason for blue eyes in golden retrievers. Check out the following most likely causes of blue eyes in golden retrievers: Recessive Genes The genes that are responsible for creating brown-colored eyes in dogs are dominant, which is the main reason why so many dog breeds have brown eyes. According to the breed standard, golden retrievers should have brown eyes, and they were deliberately bred for many generations to exhibit this trait. Consequently, recessive genes that cause blue eyes have become less common than before. There is a very small chance that two golden retrievers that carry recessive genes for blue eyes are bred together. If by any chance this does happen, some of their offspring may inherit blue eyes. Cataracts Blue eyes in golden retrievers can also be caused by several health issues, with cataracts being the most common one. Cataracts are an eye illness that causes clouding of the lens of the eyes, making them appear cloudy or blue. Cataracts can develop very slowly or almost overnight and can be caused by injury, disease, genetic disorders, or old age. The bigger and cloudier cataracts become, the more likely that they will lead to complete blindness. Nuclear Sclerosis Nuclear sclerosis or lenticular sclerosis is a painless condition that creates a bluish or transparent haze in the lens of the eye. This condition is often seen in middle-aged and senior dogs and is considered a normal part of aging. Glaucoma Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that is characterized by increased intraocular pressure within the eye. This condition is the result of inadequate drainage of aqueous fluids, which is caused by tumors, interocular bleeding, uveitis, injury, or damage to the lens. Albino animals lack the genes needed for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. Due to the lack of melanin, albino dogs have white hair, pink skin, and pink noses. While albinism is rare in dogs, it can still happen and will cause an affected golden retriever to have blue instead of brown eyes. As their eyes start to develop, their sight will improve, and their eyes will gradually change color from blue to brown. If you are looking to purchase a purebred golden retriever and a breeder tries to sell you a blue-eyed golden retriever, turn around and walk away! The two main problems with blue-eyed golden retriever puppies are that they are usually mixed-breed dogs, and their blue eyes will turn brown as they grow up and get older. If you are set on getting a blue-eyed dog, there are many dog breeds with blue eyes you can choose from. Golden retrievers can have blue eyes, but not in the way you would probably imagine. All golden retriever puppies are born with bluish eyes, but they start changing color when the puppies reach around four weeks of age. The only way a purebred golden retriever can have blue eyes is if they have cataracts, glaucoma, nuclear sclerosis, or some other eye disorder that causes their eyes to get a blush hue. Are blue eyes in dogs bad? The blue color can be caused by the lack of pigment or the merle gene, which has been linked with hearing impairments. Conclusion Purebred golden retrievers have friendly and expressive brown eyes, not blue eyes. While all golden retriever puppies are born with blue eyes, they will start changing color to brown once the puppy is around four weeks old. You May Also Like. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale.

Articles As a dog lover looking for their first dog, you definitely want a small and adorable pooch that will show you lots of affection. If this sounds like you, you should consider getting yourself the Brindle Pug. So, what exactly is a Brindle Pug? A Brindle Pug is a rare version of the Pug breed that comes with a patterned brindle coat instead of the usual fawn or black coat. Many Pug lovers prefer the Brindle Pug because it is not as common as other Pug colors. Are you considering purchasing the Brindle Pug, but you are not sure whether this is the right Fido for you? In this article, I will share everything you need to know about the Brindle Pug, including how much they cost, their health issues and lifespan, their temperament, and so on. What Is A Brindle Pug? A Brindle Pug is a breed of Pug that comes with a brindle coat. Contrary to what most people think, brindle is not actually a color. Instead, it is a pattern consisting of black and a lighter color, resulting in a beautiful striped coat. In most cases, the coat of Brindle Pugs contains a mixture of black and silver. However, they can also have a mixture of black and fawn or black and apricot. This means that Brindle Pugs have a similar appearance to other Pugs. They have a flat, wrinkled face, large eyes that seem to bulge out of their sockets, a small body, short legs, and a curved tail. When fully matured, a Brindle Pug will be about 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and will weigh between 14 to 18 lbs. The size of your Brindle Pug will also depend on whether it is male or female. Male Brindle Pugs are usually bigger than females. Are Brindle Pugs Full Blooded? Some pet owners express concerns about purchasing Brindle Pugs because of the assumption that Brindle Pugs are not purebreds. So, are Brindle Pugs full-blooded Pugs, or is the brindle pattern caused by genes from other breeds? DNA testing has shown that it is possible for a Brindle Pug to be purebred. However, brindle can also be caused by crossbreeding, so you need to confirm the genetic purity of a Brindle Pug before buying. Speaking of DNA testing, did you know that it can be done by ourselves without having to take a trip down to the vet? And, of course, it is a much cheaper DIY. Check out the best dog DNA test kits for more information. Are Brindle Pugs Rare? Brindle Pugs are very rare. There are two reasons why Brindle Pugs are so rare. First, the brindle gene itself is not very common. Second, the AKC does not officially recognize brindle as a standard color or pattern on Pugs. This means that most official breeders deliberately avoid breeding brindle puppies, thus making them even rarer. Image from Instagram: samiethepugg As a result of their rarity, people looking for unique, exotic-looking pets find Brindle Pugs to be very appealing. In addition, a lot of people find the brindle coat to be interesting compared to black or fawn. As a result, there is a lot of demand for Brindle Pugs, which means that a Brindle Pug will cost you more than other Pugs. Generally, purebred Brindle Pug puppies will cost you more. However, you should be very careful since some breeders might try to pass off a mixed breed Brindle Pug for a purebred and charge you a high price for it. The price of the puppy will also be affected by where you are purchasing the puppy. Aside from the cost of purchasing a Brindle Pug puppy, you should also prepare for the costs associated with taking care of your four-legged friend. These include feeding costs, veterinary costs and medications, grooming supplies, toys, and so on. That said, they still experience most of the health issues that standard Pugs are highly susceptible to. Eye Problems Most people love Pugs for their large, bulging eyes. However, the size of their eyes can be a cause of potential problems. Due to their large size, their eyes are at a high risk of getting pricked or scratched by various objects. They are also prone to conditions such as dry eye and corneal ulcers. Breathing Problems Dogs with flat, mushy faces, such as Brindle Pugs, tend to suffer from a condition known as the brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this condition usually have breathing conditions due to the narrowed nasal passages and trachea. Therefore, you should take care not to exert your canine too much, especially in hot conditions. Obesity All Pugs, including Brindle Pugs, love food very much. If you are not careful with them, they can easily overfeed and become overweight, something that can exacerbate their breathing problems. Therefore, you need to watch their diet and food portions very carefully. When it comes to feeding your Brindle Pug, we recommend dog food from Pet Plate. In addition to being highly nutritious and being made from all-natural ingredients, it comes in pre-portioned packages. Read more about our exclusive review on Pet Plate right here. Lifespan You can expect your Brindle Pug to live for about 12 to 15 years. Do Brindle Pugs Shed? This means that you should invest in a good de-shedding brush, such as the Pet Neat Grooming Brush. The good thing about Pugs is that they enjoy physical contact, so your brindle Pug will definitely enjoy all the attention you give during brushing. Best pet grooming tool! A durable shedding tool! With the.Healthy, shiny pet coat! Rid your four-legged friend of undercoat and loose hair effortlessly, and keep at bay allergies.Check Price on Amazon Bathing In addition to brushing, you also need to bathe your pooch regularly to prevent a bad smell and odor. Once every 2 to 4 weeks is enough. Bathing your Pug too often can result in skin problems. To avoid this, you need to carefully clean the skin between these folds and wrinkles. You can easily do this using pet wipes. Other Grooming Tips There are a couple of other things you need to do to keep your furry friend clean and tidy. Here is what you can expect from your cute little canine buddy. They will follow you everywhere, sit on your lap whenever they get a chance, and will expect to be touched and stroked whenever your hands are free. Do this, and your furry companion will always be happy. If you leave your Brindle Pug alone for too long, you might come back to find that they have chewed on your shoes or carpet. They Are Quick Learners Despite the regular assumption that Pugs are dumb, nothing could be further from the truth. Pugs are smart animals that you can easily train. However, they can also be quite stubborn, so you need to be patient yet firm with them during training. Pugs are also very observant and will quickly learn how to read your moods and emotions. Since they are smart dogs that can easily get bored, you can also expect your Brindle Pug to get into lots of mischiefs. They Are Very Friendly Pugs were born to create love, not war. Therefore, you can expect your Brindle Pug to get friendly with everyone, from your kids and your friends to the other pets in your household. Unfortunately, their friendly nature means that they will not make good guard dogs. In reverse Brindle Pugs, the darker color is usually more prominent, giving the dog the appearance of having light stripes over the darker color. This is exactly the opposite of a regular Brindle Pug. The lighter color, for the case of a regular Brindle Pug, is more prominent, giving the dog the appearance of having a light coat with dark stripes. What Colors Are Pugs? Pugs come in a wide variety of colors, such as black, fawn, apricot, silver, and white. However, according to the AKC, there are two Pug colors: black and fawn. All the other colors are still considered to be Fawn Pugs. When a Pug has a mixture of black and any of the other colors, it is considered to be a Brindle Pug. What Is A Panda Pug? Panda Pugs are Pugs that have both black and white color patches on their coat, which makes them resemble pandas. Their resemblance to a panda makes them very cute, plus the fact that some of them have blue eyes. However, Panda Pugs are also very rare. It is a coat color variation of the standard Pug breed. All Pugs come from the same place — B. China — where they were bred to be lap dogs or companion dogs for Chinese royalty. At least, there is no concrete proof. Today, the Pug is a small dog breed. They usually weigh around 16 to 19 pounds, and they are up to 11 inches tall. There are also Teacup Pugs — a smaller version of the standard Pug. As for their coat color, I mentioned that the AKC accepts only two coat colors: black and fawn. But, there are many non-standard coat colors, like our brindle Pug or even a white Pug. Are They Purebred? The assumption that brindle Pugs are not purebred comes from the fact that the American Kennel Club only accepts two coat colors of Pugs. This, on the other hand, comes from the belief that these were the original coat colors of the first Pugs. No other colors were present at the beginning of making the Pug breed, and reputable breeders working according to the AKC Pug breed standards have the goal of following these breeding program rules. This dog is such an old breed that it is impossible to keep track of every dog and breeding program in the whole world. Those who oppose the thought that they are purebred say that brindle Pugs were made by cross-breeding. They say brindle Pugs are designer or hybrid dogs — in other words, mixed dogs. A designer or a hybrid dog is a dog made by cross-breeding two purebred dogs. In this case, some say that a purebred Pug was crossbred with another dog breed that had the brindle coat color. Is There Proof? No, there is no proof that a brindle Pug is a mixed dog. What does this tell us? It tells us that there are purebred brindle Pugs, and that there are some designer brindle Pugs. In other words, Pugs are very popular all around the world, not just in the States. The fact that they are so popular and such an old breed at the same time, tells us that there are many breeding programs, and Pug breeders in the U. Some of these breeding programs make a brindle Pug by using other brindle dog breeds. And, some of these breeding programs keep the line pure and use only true, pureblooded brindle Pugs to make more brindle Pug doggies. Are purebred brindle Pugs rare? They most certainly are! They have been rare in the past, and they are rare now. What Do They Look Like? Photo from: sirelliotthepug The brindle Pug looks just like any other dog of this breed, except for the color, of course. They have a unique coat pattern called brindle. This pattern is what makes them so rare. This thumbprint is actually a small black patch on their head. The stripes are not well separated, and they usually blend with each other, making patches of dark-brown or black color. Besides color, they are small, stocky, and muscular dogs, with famous wrinkles on their face just like the rest of the Pugs. These types of dogs are called brachycephalic dog breeds, and besides Pugs, there are other breeds with this physical characteristic; for example, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boxers, etc. These problems have nothing to do with the brindle pattern on their coat. During the developmental process of a dog that is inside the uterus, all dog colors start from only two pigments — a black one, called eumelanin, and a red one, called pheomelanin. All other colors develop from these two pigments. Genes play the main role in the further development of all other colors. There are 8 genes responsible for coat color variations in dogs. And, furthermore, each locus has two alleles — one from each parent. Bear with me — the most complicated part is behind us. Our brindle Pugs have an E locus or extension locus that gives them a black muzzle, and they have a K locus that makes their coat brindle. Of course, even though these two loci are the most dominant, they interact with other loci as well. Depending on this interaction, a Pug can also have a coat color, which is called a reverse brindle Pug. A reverse brindle Pug has a much darker base coat color — almost black, which makes the stripes appear lighter. So, instead of having a Pug with dark stripes on a brown coat, this Pug looks like a black Pug with light-brown stripes. Do Brindle Pugs Behave Differently? They are Pugs, and as such, they have the same personality traits as the rest of the dogs of this breed. No… every dog is unique, with its own doggy personality. But, hundreds of years of deliberate breeding programs have made this dog breed one of the best dogs for almost any dog owner. What are the traits of the best dog for any pet owner? Affectionate And Adjustable These dogs were bred to be companion dogs. A lap dog is very affectionate with its owner, and easily and quickly adapts to any living quarters. No matter if you live in a huge farmhouse with a big yard, or downtown, Pugs are small, and they adjust to any kind of lifestyle. This breed of dog is not very famous for long walks or hikes with its owner. They go for short walks, easy play, and certainly no hikes. Another amazing fact is that these dogs get along very well with children of all ages, and they go quite well with other dogs no matter the breed. They are very playful and mischievous. Toss them a toy and enjoy the spectacle. They have breathing problems that we will talk about, so keeping their play balanced is the key to their happy life. This is another trait that makes them perfect for apartment living. No one is going to complain about your barking dog in the middle of the night. Trainable There are many reasons why this color variation of the Pug breed is so popular… not just because they are rare, and we all know people want what they cannot have or what is hard to get. It is also because they are so easy to train. Why is that? Well, we have to go way back to the Chinese emperors who wanted these dogs in the first place. The entire personality of a brindle Pug and any other Pug revolves around its owner. They want to please their owner, and they want to do what their owner wants them to do. That means if you want to teach your doggo to sit and roll — they will sit and roll. Do you want to show a new trick to your friends and teach your Pug to give a paw on command? Pugs are trainable, and they will quickly learn what they should and should not do. But, you will have to use positive reinforcement. Separation Anxiety With all that affection and love in their cute, bulgy eyes comes a problem — separation anxiety. This problem occurs when a dog is too attached to its owner. They might bark, become destructive, cry or whine, carry a toy around , etc. As I already mentioned, this dog was made to be a human companion. They easily get attached to their owner, and just as easily get too emotional when they are left alone for a long time. If your schedule suddenly changes because… life happens , then there are ways to keep your dog distracted as much as possible while you are gone. You can give your brindle Pug some interactive dog toys for him to play with. Some people leave soothing music on or special soothing sounds for their pooches while they are away, or you can get another dog or another pet — if that is possible. Photo from: sirelliotthepug Unfortunately, a Pug can have a lot of health issues. This is the main reason for the question — should I get a Pug? This question goes much deeper. What is the problem? It is in their skull anatomy and consequential abnormal tissue development, which makes it very hard for them to breathe properly. This is called Brachycephalic syndrome, and it is common in other dog breeds as well. Actually, dog breeds with this syndrome are already banned in Norway and the Netherlands, while some other countries e. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome The name comes from two Greek words — brachy, and cephalic. The first one means short, and the latter one means head. What exactly does that mean: Their muzzle is short. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Can a non-standard colored pug still be registered with a kennel club? For example: the AKC recognizes two pug colors as breed standard, fawn and black. These are the colors required for a pug to be a show dog and compete in the ring. They are the breed standard. However, a non-fawn or black pug can still be AKC registered — they will just not be allowed in the show ring. Silver-fawn, apricot, and even rare and controversial colors like brindle, can be registered with the AKC and listed as an alternate color. So, if you see a non-standard colored pug listed as registered with the AKC, it is entirely possible. You can read it here. The pug breed standard is the blueprint for the breed, and the target for which breeders should aim. The Pug Dog Club of America firmly states that: All reputable breeders of pugs are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black. The most common pug colors: Fawn Pug Fawn is the most common pug color. Their muzzle or mask, and ears, should be as black as possible. Black Pug Even though fawn is the most common color of pug, the black gene is dominant. Black pugs have a rich, dark coat, and their muzzle or mask, and ears are black too. Silver-fawn and Silver Pugs Silver-fawn is oftentimes labeled as a type of fawn. They have a shiny gray sheen to their coats and are the lightest color a pug can be. Silver-fawn pugs are pretty rare, and many who have them categorize them as fawns, instead of silver-fawns. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs have warm undertones of orange in their coats. The hues of orange are richer and deeper in color than the common fawn coloring. They include:. However, it can be a little difficult to find one because they are so unusual. A brindle pug is a type of pug that has a patterned coat rather than a solid color. A brindle pug will have a light brown coat with black markings. A reverse brindle pug has a slightly darker appearance and is the opposite of the brindle color. Instead of a light brown coat, a reverse brindle pug has a black coat with light brown markings. Common Health Problems of Brindle Pugs Brachycephalic Syndrome — is a common respiratory problem in short-nosed dogs because their airways are pushed closer together. This medical concern can make it more difficult for the dog to breathe and increase their heart rate. Encephalitis — This condition results in painful inflammation throughout the brain. Hip Dysplasia — Can cause the pug to develop irregular joints in their hips. This can lead to leg lameness, difficulty standing, and mobility concerns. Most of the time this can be treated with the help of medications or surgery. Obesity — This dog breed is prone to excessive weight gain because of their vast appetite. Obesity in pugs can cause many problems including lethargy and trouble breathing. Cherry Eye — Pugs are susceptible to cherry eye. This condition causes a small gland to slide out of place under the eyelid and slightly block a portion of their eye. While not considered to be painful, it can be very uncomfortable and itchy. Because of their docile and forgiving temperament, brindle pugs also make great pets for first-time dog owners. While a good breed, some brindle pugs can be a little sensitive to being left alone. This could result in them having separation anxiety. Are Brindle Pugs Good with Kids? Are They Good Family Dogs? Brindle pugs can make great family pets. They are loving and very caring toward children. However, they need to be properly socialized. Despite their small size, brindle pugs do shed a lot. This breed will lose a lot of hair throughout the year but has a heavy shedding period two times during it — summer and winter. Brindle pug owners will need to make sure to brush their pet often to remove this loose hair. Brindle pugs are rare. Due to their rareness, it can be a challenge to find a brindle pug breeder. Because brindle pugs are rare they can be somewhat pricey. You can use the following tips to ensure you buy from a responsible one. Research — One way to tell if the breeder is reputable is by researching them. Check if the breeder has a website and if previous customers have left reviews about them. Visit Their Home or Breeding Facility — This way, you can tell if they keep their dogs in good living conditions. The canines should have clean and open places to sleep and play. While here, the breeder might also ask a little about yourself and your residence. By doing so, they can ensure their brindle pugs will go to a good home. You can check these to make sure the dogs are up-to-date on their shots and that they are healthy. Brindle pugs are smart and loyal dogs who make great companions. Uncovering the mystery of the brindle pug puppy The appeal of a brindle-coated pug dog The attraction of brindle pug puppies is two-fold. First there is the general attraction in a cute pug with this attractive quality to the coat. The brindle markings are an interesting look in many dogs and they offer a whole new look compared to the deep black or fawn animals. On top of this, there is the potential rarity of the animal, which increases the appeal for those looking for an exotic animal. It is going to be more difficult to find brindle pugs for sale compared to black or fawn ones, and the reasons for this will soon become clear. This is understandable when we look at the issues of mixed breeding. There are so many cross breeds and designer pups these days that there are many cross breeds with pug as part of the genetic package. These genetic mixes mean that other coat types and color genes can come through from the other side. This is why we often see a brindle pug chihuahua mix or a pug crossed with a Frenchie. As a result, there is that assumption that a brindle pug is not a pure pug. In some cases this will be true. However, there are exceptions to the rule. There are still pure breed brindle pug dogs out there, even if some dog owners are adamant that there is no such thing. Test for medication sensitivities. The reason for these results simply comes down to the fact that these pugs have a long history and there is still a small percentage of animals with genetic links to their brindled ancestors. It is a rarity, but it is not a deformity. Despite this, some owners will still face some issues with their brindle pug. Purebred pug or not, there are still some issues with this coat color when it comes to showing these dogs The American Kennel Club. Along with a number of other organisations, have clear breed standard for all dogs. There are strict rules on the physical features and markings of pugs. For example, a fawn pug needs to have that mask, the trail on the back and the thumbprint on the forehead. In fact, it is only fawn and black pugs that are eligible under the AKC guidelines. This means that brindle coated pugs — even if they are pure — are as ineligible as apricot pugs and silver ones. What to expect from these dogs in terms of physicality So if a brindle dog coat is significantly different from that of a fawn or a black pug, does that mean that there are any other physical differences to keep in mind? The gene for the color of the coat should have no effect on their size, build or other physical features. If a brindle pup happens to be healthier or sicker, bigger or smaller than its siblings. The difference comes when you have a brindle pug mix instead of a pure pup. As the dog gets older, physical traits of the other breed will begin to develop further and you will need to research the potential health risks associated with that parent. This could also mean a different grooming regime than normal if the fur type is slightly different. There are always those owners that will insist that one color is calmer, friendlier or smarter than the other, but these reports are often contradictory. Temperaments are generally pretty similar and personalities alter from dog to dog. The same is therefore true with a pure brindle vs a pure fawn or black. Again, the difference comes when we have the mixed breeds rather than the pure breeds. The personality traits, behavioral issues and the intelligence could be heavily influenced by the second parent. This means another area of research for new owners. This is where online training resources like Doggy Dan the online trainer are so helpful. Further Reading: How to Train Your Pug Puppy Taking care of brindle-coat pugs These factors with the physicality and personality mean that the considerations for taking care of brindle pugs are pretty much the same. A true brindle pug is so much like other purebred pugs in terms of its needs that experienced owners have nothing to worry about, they want the same exercise, home environment, pug food and general love and care. If you know how to handle a pug, you can handle a brindle. Again, mixed breed pug dogs are a different story. The exercise needs, grooming needs, housing requirements and ideal family set-up could be different. Image Source: Pugs of Instagram Finding brindle pug puppies for sale Hopefully you can now see why it is more difficult to find a breeder for a brindle dog than a black of fawn one. The first issue is the rarity of the pure brindle pug because of the genetics and prominence of other coat types. Then there is issue that some of these brindle dogs are not pugs but pug crosses. This is why all buyers should visit the home, see the litter and get to know the parents. This is the best way to be sure of the genetics of the pup and the reason for the brindle coat. The other issue with looking at a pure brindle dog is the brindle pug cost. The rarity of the pure brindle means that breeders are sure to charge a much higher brindle pug price than for a standard coat color. Those that are looking for a brindle animal but want to avoid the issues with breeder and these high costs may prefer the option of brindle pug adoption. Adoption through shelters offers the chance for new owners to save the life of an abandoned pet. The fees to do so are considerably lower than the price of a puppy. Uncovering the mystery of the brindle pug puppy The good news here for those keen on a brindle pug puppy is that there is such a thing as a pure brindle pug pup. There is a small number of dogs born with the rare gene instead of the more typical coat colors. However, there will still be many brindle dogs for sale that are actually hybrids, so all hopeful buyers need to be vigilant and do their research. Aside from the issue of the AKC standards for showing, there is no major problem in buying a brindle pug dog if one happens to come up for sale and is from healthy stock and a good home. At their core, the pure brindle pugs is no different to the others. They have the same needs, personalities and traits and can be lovable, wonderful pets. Pugs truly have a distinct look to them. Brindle Pugs are the same. When people think of Pugs, most think of two colors; fawn tan or black. So, what exactly is a brindle Pug? Well, it all comes down to the pattern of their coat. What is Brindle? A big misconception people have is the word brindle refers to a specific color. When, in fact, brindle is a pattern. Many dog breeds can have a brindle pattern in their coat. These breeds include greyhounds, boxers, and terriers. Guinea pigs and even horses can have this mysterious brindle pattern as well. So, a brindle Pug could look speckled like a fudge brownie or like an Oreo. Brindle Pugs are elusive and remain a mystery to this day. Brindle Pugs are hard to find, even on Google. Their rarity is what makes them so exclusive and challenging to find and buy or adopt. Or, perhaps it is because the United States finds it difficult to classify them. Brindle Pugs colors do not fit in with the traditional Pug colors. This confuses the public and makes them even more desirable. No one knows precisely where to place brindle Pugs. Who knows, maybe the confusion over their coats make them exclusive. Their exclusivity makes them more attractive, and adoptions are on the rise. This includes buying a car, a house, and adopting their precious furry friend. Most adopters wanting a Pug will assume the Pug will be tan or black. Out of all the Pugs, 65 percent are fawn color, and 22 percent are black color. Few adopters will know brindle Pugs even exist because they are the rarest. Only about 1 percent of Pugs are brindle. Because brindle stripes are rare in Pugs, they could be considered exotic. Once an adopter is aware brindle Pugs exist, they could become more attractive and want a Pug that is so unique. After digging myself, it is clear this exotic looking Pug might not be the most sought after the litter. Are They Really Purebred Pugs? There is a significant concern with the legitimacy of brindle Pugs. The confusion of brindle Pugs all comes down to if they are purebred or mixed. Some dog groups and associations do not place brindle Pugs in the Pug category. These groups are uncertain they are purebred. The American Kennel Club who believes there are only two types of pure Pugs- fawn and black colored. Yet, brindle Pugs can be purebred with two Pugs that have a brindle gene. Some believe the gene that creates the unique brindle pattern has always been with the Pug. Those that believe brindle can be a gene believe brindle Pugs can be purebred. Others believe the brindle pattern is not in the Pug but is a result of cross-breeding. More common than not, brindle Pugs are not purebred. Instead, a Pug and another animal are bred to get that brindle color. Brindle Pugs cannot enter shows in the American Kennel Club. Still people have become obsessed with them. Brindle Pugs are deserving of the same love they are waiting to give. Here is all you need to know about the rare cuties. Weight of Pugs Brindle Pugs are small and round, like any Pug, and weigh around pounds. Their weight depends on their gender, not the color of their coat. Male brindle Pugs typically weigh more than females. Bundle of Personality Pugs are one of the most sought after breeds in the world, and rightfully so. Brindle Pugs are no different. They love attention from their owners and are extremely loving. They love following around their owner and become quite attached. Brindle Pugs love sitting on the couch with you while getting as many pets as possible. On the flip side, brindle Pugs hate to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long, they will experience separation anxiety. A good way to combat their stress is to practice distance while at home. Brindle Pugs might chew up your shoe or shred some toilet paper to let you know they were not happy you left. Brindle Pugs are also known to be playful and are rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs. It is vital to give Pugs different toys to stimulate their brain during playtime. A toy with treats in it is good too, so dogs can stimulate their brains to solve a complex problem. Once your brindle solves the problem, they are rewarded with food or a treat. It is so important your brindle Pug is entertained and not bored with the same old toys. Pugs, in general, love to be loved and given affection. They are not a guard dog, but they will always be by your side and be your best friend and your number one fan. So, brindle Pugs are fun, loving, and super attached but are they intelligent? Pugs are very intelligent and can be trained with consistency. Pugs were always loved and adored by the most royal people throughout history. Are you surprised? Royal people had a deep love for the loving and loyal Pugs. They owned Pugs of the two traditional colors, black and fawn. So, how did these royal Pugs make their way from China to America? China These sweet pudgy dogs were first discovered in China around 2, years ago. China royals and emperors loved Pugs. Pugs were only known to be royal dogs in China and were untouchable for ordinary people. The only way people, who were not royal, could own a Pug was to receive one as a gift. Pugs were more accessible when they entered Europe. When Pugs arrived in Europe, they were mostly a dog for royal people. European dynasties owned Pugs, and even Queen Victoria owned many in her lifetime. Of course, when royals owned the tiny breed, the British people wanted to get their hands on them as well. Over time it was more common for anyone to have a Pug. Now, Pugs are loved across the world and are not just royalty, but are for everyone. Just royal people may not own all Pugs, but they still act like royalty. Whatever the history is, the brindle Pug is here today and is truly unique. However, this Pug is not just something to awe over. There are complications of this unique breed. Health Risks of Brindle Pugs There is no denying the beauty of this small breed. With that being said, their physicality could be a risk factor as they get older. One common health concern for all Pugs is overeating because they are fast eaters. This can lead to weight gain if not monitored. These bowls are found at any pet store, but here are some great ones on amazon. Even though their eyes are quite cute, they could cause health issues in their lifetime. Their eyes are prone to get scratched or irritated because they bulge out of their face. Their eyes can also get corneal ulcers and dry eyes. A veterinarian is a go-to person for any eye issues. They will know the best treatment for these specific eye issues for a brindle Pug. Breathing and Overheating Brindle Pugs can have breathing problems and are prone to them due to their smushed snouts. Again, who knew such a cute feature Pugs are known for can be quite harmful. These issues are caused by their nasal passages being so tiny. Brindle Pugs also get very overheated in the sun. Overheating can trigger their breathing issues if they sit in the hot weather for too long. This means their brain tissue becomes inflamed. Vets do believe this disease could be genetic. Purebred brindle Pugs can experience more health concerns than those that are mixed. This is something to keep in mind with choosing a brindle Pug. Purebred or not, any dog owner should take their dog to the vet within one or two weeks of adopting. This ensures the dog is updated on their shots, and any red flags can be brought to light and diagnosed early. The lifespan of brindle Pugs is around 15 years. Brindle Pugs can live longer when their health issues are addressed and cared for. Well, it is good to assume you will be putting more money and time into your new furry baby. Brindle Pugs tend to be more expensive because the brindle pattern is rarer. Now, some variables could affect this price. If someone is looking for an adult brindle Pug, that price could be lower. Brindle Pugs are usually purchased through a breeder because they are so rare. Rarity Tends to be Expensive People want brindle Pugs because their pattern is unique. They are different from the standard two-color Pugs often come in. Because of this, breeders can get more money when they are breeding brindle Pugs. If you do come across a purebred brindle Pug this is rare , it is probable to cost you more money as well. It is also their vet bills, food, treats, toys, cage, etc. The process of finding the perfect food for your pet can be filled with a lot of pressure. Of course, a healthy food option is the best food option. Check out how to read a dog food label here. Here are some options to consider when buying puppy or dog food for your Brindle Pug.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Utah is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Utah is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including brine shrimp, gulls, and pelicans. Your English bulldog will love swimming in the lake and meeting new friends. Hike the Trails Utah is home to a number of beautiful hiking trails that are perfect for dogs. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Visit a Campground There are a number of dog-friendly campgrounds in Utah. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. The park is home to a variety of arches, including Delicate Arch, which is one of the most iconic arches in the world. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. So come on down and explore all that this great state has to offer with your English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Utah? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Jimmy and I have been together for years. Jimmy and I have always been dog lovers but up until that point our experience with dogs had mainly involved toy breeds. However, growing up Jimmy had always wanted a Bulldog, so once we both realized we both liked the Bulldog breed the search was on to find a responsible and ethical breeder. After having discussions with our first breeder and observing handlers in the show ring at our local show we had decided to pursue our passion for showing. So, in we joined the Bulldog Club of America, and began showing. We are hooked! We enjoy being involved with our local club and actively participate in meetings and events held here in Salt Lake City. Our Mission Our desire is not only to present and showcase our bulldogs with you, but we also hope to help educate and inform those considering adopting or purchasing a bulldog. We also want to help with locating additional resources and clubs both nationally and locally as it is a great way to meet people. Please check out our page for some great info on bulldog health and care tips. Welcome to the Utah state page on TrustedPuppies. Renowned for its stunning national parks, outdoor recreation opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere, Utah is a fantastic place to find and raise your new English Bulldog companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Utah breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our UT breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Utah, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Great Salt Lake Dog Training Club Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated thousand dogs residing in the state, Utah ranks 36th in the nation for dog ownership. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Utah. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. It is not recommended to take it from its mother and littermates because it starts its socialization and gets the first experience of biting inhibition from them. When you take your doggy home, follow the advice of your breeder and veterinarian. In addition, you need to measure and weigh your pup to be able to follow its growth. You should also think about crate training your dog from the first days of staying at your home. Start potty training as soon as possible. However, be very careful about the first walks. The immune system of a little German Shepherd is too unstable and vulnerable to many infections. It has already received all the nutrients it needed during its first month. You can opt for high-quality puppy kibble or homemade food. However, you should avoid poor-quality products and cheap kibble that is full of chemicals. If you are planning to feed your pet with kibble, it is recommended to moisten it with goat milk or fresh water if this milk is unavailable. Giving it cow milk is not recommended. Give your puppy 1. Try to formulate a consistent feeding schedule with the same hours for feeding. You should have two bowls for your German Shepherd. One is for food and the other for water. Your puppy needs a lot of water, so you can leave the water in the bowl to let it drink whenever it wants. As for food, do not leave the leftovers in the bowl. Your puppy cannot control how much it wants to eat, and it can lead to overfeeding if it eats something every time it sees its bowl. You need to make the feeding schedule work. However, do not feed the puppy two times per day. It is too young for that, so it can overeat too and have severe digestion problems. You should teach it to recognize the connections between commands and responses or responses and consequences. Foremost, you need to set primary anchors. It means that you should develop certain reactions to your actions to teach the puppy to follow you, eat food or receive treats, and sit. Your clapping hands, whistling, or a specific word can be such anchors. Avoid setting anchors that your puppy will feel as similar. The next training step is establishing authority. Your puppy should understand that you are its guide, and it will help you when you start training more complex commands. Your little pet should understand that you are its pack leader. So, the first thing to teach is to follow you. Praise the puppy if it does everything correctly, and never punish it if it does not understand you. Early socialization training is also very important. However, early exposure of your pet to many people and unfamiliar things may lead to psychological problems. That is why start socializing your puppy gradually. You can take it on short visits to your family or friends. Keep socializing your doggy every day but in small portions of positive experiences. Start potty training as soon as you bring your GS puppy home. Show it where you want it to do its business, in the backyard or garden. Ensure that this area is quiet and fenced. It has to be something soft like grass or mat. Establish an exact schedule for going potty. Taking the puppy outside is the first thing you need to do after it wakes up in the morning. Then, follow the schedule after each meal, playing, and before going to bed. Keep the puppy out of biting and nipping. You should not beat or punish it anyway. Though, teach the puppy to avoid severe bites on the hands and legs. You can arrange timeouts for it if it bites too harshly. For example, if it bites your hand while taking a treat, withhold the next treat until it understands how to take it gently. Reward it with a treat when you see that the little one understands what you want of it and denies biting at all. German Shepherds are very clever, so they understand the explanations very quickly. Be patient while training your little dog. It will be trained enough to understand how to control itself by the 10th week. Therefore, your boy will grow as tall as inches cm , while the little girl will be inches cm tall. How much does a 2 month old German Shepherd weight? GS puppies gain weight at this age very quickly. They tend to double it in comparison to the first month. Your male doggy will approximately weigh pounds kg. If you have a female puppy, its weight will be smaller — pounds .How much to feed a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy? You can give your puppy .How often should I feed my 2 month old German Shepherd? You should feed your pup times per day. Never make a feeding schedule of 2 times per day because your doggy can overeat and have digestive problems. How much exercise does a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy need? Little GS puppies are very energetic, so they need a lot of exercises. However, they are too young for hard exercise and training. The sessions can be very short about minutes or less and not too intensive. Can I walk my 2 month old German Shepherd? Yes, you can walk your puppy in the backyard or any other fenced space after it is vaccinated. Though remember that your little doggy cannot go on long walks yet, so never make its walks too long. Another thing to consider is that it cannot follow you yet, so try to avoid going for walks in the open spaces and streets, or your pup can get lost. Learn a lot about the breed before you decide to adopt this dog. You also need to know that your pup will have enough space for its activity and energetic behavior. You also need to consider your budget. Get prepared that your doggy will bark, whale, bite and chew everything around. However, you will also get a lot of joy, playing, laughing, and loyalty. German Shepherds are very intelligent, and you will get the best friend for many years if you are patient and consistent enough during its first days at your home. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Exercise Needs German Shepherds are one of the most energetic dogs with high levels of vigor and exercise demands. Importance Exercise plays a vital role in their growth and development. It strengthens the muscles and bones which are required for a strong build. These are stress-dependent and grow better when used regularly. Also, it enhances the release of growth hormones which causes the body to grow. Ways to Exercise There are many ways to exercise your pooch, but walking is the best one at this age. It is easy for your pup and convenient to do regularly. How much to walk You would need to start taking your pup out for walking by this time. Initially, minute walks twice a day would suffice. It should be in a relaxed mood without any hurrying. Make it as calm and enjoyable for the pup as possible. You can start in your backyard and once the dog gets familiar with walking, you can change the scenery to any nearby park. It is not recommended to take such a young pup too far away from home. Increase the duration as the dog ages. With every consequent month, add 5 minutes to the initial minute walk. Having a routine Very vital for the whole concept of exercise is having a routine. Make a schedule and stick to it, try not to miss these walks. Having a proper routine generates muscle memory in your pooch which helps to maintain the tone and endurance of muscles. Nutrition Nutrition goes hand in hand with sleep and exercise for the overall health of a pup. Diet Constituents During these growing years, your pup needs extra proteins and minerals for its growing muscles, bones, and brain. Lean meat is a good source of proteins. Avoid tough-to-digest meats like ham. Get an overall diet plan set up by a dog nutrition expert. Food per meal Half a cup to 1 full cup per meal is sufficient. You will also get an idea about how much to feed your pooch by the appetite it shows at meals. Number of meals a day 4 to 5 meals a day would suffice. However, do not overfeed your pooch as this would lead to indigestion. Over time, this habit may make your dog obese and deteriorate its cardiovascular and joint health. This will reduce many potential years of healthy life. Sleep During sleep, the brain gets rid of toxins that it accumulates over the day, and neural connections are formed for better memory and cognition. Sleep Cycle A 2-month-old German Shepherd pup will sleep between hours a day. This sleep would have a major part during the night and the rest of the hours would be divided into naps throughout the day. Schedule Although you cannot control the naps in their entirety, it is still advisable to make a sleeping schedule for your pup, especially for the night. Take your dog to bed at the same time every day for naps. Although it is difficult to have a routine for the many naps a pup will have but even a loose routine will help you use the waking hours efficiently. You can use the non-sleep intervals for exercise and feeding your GSD pup. Sleeping Aids For better sleep, have a comfortable crib for your dog. This should be placed near your bed or sleeping area, allowing you to keep an eye on the pup during its sleep and also making it accustomed to your scent. This strengthens the puppy-owner bond. Regulate the lights and temperature during this time. The temperature should be cooler than outside in summer and in winter to make it as cozy as possible. Dimming the lights allows a natural sleep with fewer interruptions. Prerequisites for a better sleep Dogs sleep better with a tired body. A dog whose energy has not been drained throughout the day is less likely to sleep early and will have more waking spells during its sleep. Make sure your dog exercises regularly each day for better sleep. Having a routine for the loo is also effective for less disruptive sleep. Behavior training Before evolving into an adult dog with a more stable and predictable mood, dogs pass through many stages of behavior. These need to be adjusted when they indicate a behavioral issue that would not resolve with time. Biting and Nibbling Biting and nibbling is innate to most dog species. They try to get attention and explore things through this behavior. Sometimes this suggests a negative sentiment that your dog is having for a person, animal, or object. To get rid of any unwanted biting habits, use positive reinforcement. Refrain your dog from biting using verbal commands and gestures and reward your dog when it does so. This will associate the wanted behavior with rewards and the dog will adopt it more and more, eventually, the negative habits will disappear altogether. Anything that can serve as a good motivation. Approach your dog with an assertive stance and firm cues without getting physical. You would need to establish yourself as a leader that could be followed. German Shepherds would become independent in the absence of a strong figure to lead them. It is important to remember that behavioral training takes time and would require you to be both consistent and patient for better results. This can be easily dealt with as described previously. Also, with proper scheduled exercise, it is less likely that your dog would show any signs of laziness. Even after these measures, if a pup is overly lazy then this might be a sign of any organic disease. Set up a check-up with your vet as early as possible. Flare-ups As with laziness, an overly fussy dog can be due to a poor diet and sleep. Identify the cause and fix it. Sometimes, pups that are too sensitive get easily offended by your reprimands and show flare-ups. You need to be more gentle around such pups and use reward-based tactics for behavior change instead of reprimands. Potty Training Teach your dog to poop at the place you have set up for it and offer rewards when it defecates there. Positively reinforcing correct defecation habits is the best way to potty train your dog. Potty training your dog in younger days is more effective as compared to later adult life. Barking Some dogs are overly sensitive to environmental stimuli and would bark at the slightest of cues. This could be new people, animals, objects, or lights and sounds. Get your dog accustomed to these signals with gradual and controlled exposure until it gets desensitized. During your walks, explore newer surroundings and once it gets used to a certain place, move to another. This will allow your dog to be desensitized to the feeling of newer stimuli and it will stop barking when exposed to them. However, barking can also be a signal of danger and a cry for help. Do exclude these before you link such habits to external harmless cues. Growth Monitoring The younger the pup is, the faster it grows. For all pups, it is important to measure their growth regularly and compare it to that of a healthy pup of the same age through growth charts. This needs to be investigated on a priority basis. Vaccination Puppy shots protect your pooch against many diseases that would be otherwise deteriorating and often fatal. These include Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Covid, and many other illnesses. Consult your vet for a proper Puppy vaccination schedule. You can read more about it at the AKC. Regular check-ups Your dog needs to have regular check-ups with a vet. Many diseases that are not obvious to you can be picked up by veterinarians early on and treated. Do not miss your appointments just because you think your dog is alright. This would show such illnesses before they manifest themselves and give medical intervention a better chance to treat them. Some breeds and lineages are more prone to these illnesses than others. You need to check for yourself the pros and cons before opting for it. Use a brush with gentle bristles. Make sure your pup is not allergic to artificial bristles, and use an organic brush when allergic. Do not shave your german shepherd hair from any part of the body if not required. Use wet towels instead to clean your pooch. The temperature should be regulated according to external weather conditions. Do not use hair dryers to dry up your dog, use a gentle dry towel instead. Nail Clipping Overgrown nails trap dirt and bacteria that can be a source of infection. Leave mm of nail behind when cutting. How big is a 2-month-old German shepherd? A 2-month-old GSD weighs between 16 and 20 pounds with a height of inches. However, this would also depend on the genes that your pup is carrying, a pup from larger-than-average parents would be taller and heavier while that from smaller parents is more likely to fall below this average. You can find the sizes for other ages here. At what age does a German Shepherd start guarding? Around the age of months, a GSD would start guardian. Although an instinct, a GSD will show this trait more prominently when it has matured enough. Is a female or male German Shepherd more protective? Male GSDs tend to be more dominant and possessive when it comes to protecting their territory, although they would also protect their owner and family. However, female GSDs are more inclined to love and protect family members as compared to males. Owning A 2-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppy — Recap Taking care of a pup is different from an adult due to their delicate bodies and increased demand for care and nutrition as they are in their growing years. Any neglect at this age can lead to growth retardation, cognitive impairment, and long-term personality changes that are difficult to deal with in adult life. A 2-month-old German Shepherd pup has excessive sleep demands that need to be regulated with a proper sleep schedule. The little time in between the naps should be adequately adjusted for food and exercise. The diet has to be in congruence with the increased needs of a rapidly growing body. Behavioral patterns of laziness, biting, barking, and tantrums are bound to occur in young pups of an energetic breed. Using assertive personality and positive reinforcement you can change these behaviors to more suitable ones. This takes time and would require consistency and patience. Grooming goes hand in hand with behavioral habits and would require regular cleaning practices, brushing, nail clipping, etc. Have timely vaccination and regular check-ups with a professional. Any disorder needs to be detected early with prompt treatment for a better prognosis. About the author Scott Hi, my name is Scott.

A stock image of Golden retriever puppies, none of which are green, unfortunately. In fact, it was a strange shade of green. Advertisement Justice was concerned about the color at first, however, she quickly realized the puppy was otherwise healthy, as were the eight other siblings. After a few days or weeks of licking from its mother, Mojito will be bright white, just like the rest of the litter. While extremely rare, green puppies are not as uncommon as you might think. She's been named "Verdant," and is healthy, her owners have confirmed. Biliverdin is a greenish color and can be found in bile, bruises, the placenta of dogs , and many other biological phenomena. Scientists have even found biliverdin in the shells of 6-million-year-old dinosaur eggs. On the subject of strangely colored animal babies, it crops up across the animal kingdom. Most orca calves are born with a peachy-orange coloring , instead of white. It's thought this is due to being born without a thick layer of blubber, so their blood vessels near the surface of their skin can be seen more clearly. Just like these green puppies, the color fades as they mature. The babies are nursing with the new mom, but one puppy is clearly different from the rest. A male pup with a pistachio green hue can be seen atop the pile, with the owner zooming in to give viewers a closer look. A stock photo shows golden retriever puppies. A TikTok video of nursing golden retrievers reveals that one of them is colored green, a rare occurrence. They may sound made-up, but green golden retrievers are real, although the reason they exist is pretty gross. The green coloring is caused by biliverdin, a chemical that creates bile, according to Rover. When a dog is pregnant, the hormones can cause changes in her bodily functions. This can include her poo, which can turn green because of extra biliverdin. When puppies are born, they usually pass their "meconium"—aka their first poo—within 48 hours. Occasionally, they do this while still inside the womb. If the mom dog has high levels of biliverdin and the developing puppy passes the meconium early, this can lead to high levels of bile in the birth sac. If the puppy has light-colored fur, the pigment of the bile can stain its coat, turning the animal green. This process isn't harmful to the dog, just extremely uncommon. The phenomenon is not unique to golden retrievers and can occur with any breed if the pup has light-toned fur.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. As a quality breeder, the dogs live in our home or with a guardian and are part of our family. Australian Labradoodles are funny, intelligent, loving, sociable, eager to please and oh so much fun. They are wonderful with children of all ages. They love people and are happiest cuddled up with a beloved family member. Our labrodoodle adoptions are available to dog owners across Manhattan and Long Island. Contact us today to learn more about these wonderful little puppies. The number to dial is: .Future dog owner families are invited to visit with both the mommy and her puppies. At 6 weeks of age, we want you to have the opportunity to experience firsthand how very special the Australian Labradoodle breed truly is. Admittedly, we are prejudiced, but personally we think you'll never find a more wonderful and loving family companion! Each puppy comes with their lineage that goes back to Australia. Our multi-generational dogs all maintain the integrity of the breed. All of our breeding dogs are tested by a Veterinarian and are hip, elbow, heart and eye certified by OFA. At 8 weeks old, the puppies have been weaned and are ready to join their new family. They leave Labradoodles of Long Island with 1st vaccination, Dewormed, Micro chipped as well as a blanket with the familiar scent of their litter, toys, bowls, leash, collar, food, information on their milestones and a plethora of other tips. Our puppies were featured on Animal Planet's "Too Cute. We aim for a personal touch in our relationship with our puppy families and are happy to answer any questions you might have about the breed, about our dogs and about what you might expect from an Australian Labradoodle puppy. Please do not hesitate to ask us anything! It is just an hour east of New York City. All Labradoodles of Long Island families are encouraged to join our Facebook group to share pictures and stories of their pups. It is heartwarming to follow each puppy's growth and progress. Known as the Empire State, New York is located in the Northeastern United States and offers many dog-friendly experiences that you and your furry companion can enjoy together. Our main objective is to connect you with the best Mini Labradoodle breeders and puppies for sale in New York. Our website has a wide variety of reputable breeders that specialize in raising healthy puppies. Our breeders are committed to only raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and care to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide additional support and advice after the sale to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. New York has a fantastic dog community featuring numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events perfect for you and your four-legged friend. New York sits fifth among other states, with a population of over 2. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted Mini Labradoodle breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery. A dedicated flight nanny accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Empire State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your puppy search for the perfect Mini Labradoodle puppy today on TrustedPuppies.

Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. This article will help you to get to grips with what to expect of a new Labrador puppy, during those first few days and weeks after you bring him home. It goes without saying that new puppies are completely adorable! Nature has the design of baby animals down to perfection. They smell delicious, are irresistible and on holding a Labrador puppy in our arms we are overwhelmed with the need to protect him. So why is it, that so many dogs, bought as puppies, end up being handed in to rescue centres? What goes wrong in some families, between the arrival of this tiny creature, and his ejection from the family, less than a year later. The answer I suspect, lies in the gap between our expectations, and reality. I hope and believe, that if we can close this gap a little, more puppies will have a loving home for life. Your expectations of a new Labrador puppy We expect an awful lot from our puppies. Both when they are still very small, and especially as they grow bigger. We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. We expect that our children will be able to play with them, that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. We expect that our puppies will be happy to be stroked, and to join us for walks and games. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. The reality of a new Labrador puppy The reality of life with your first puppy, can be a bit of a shock. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up urine and faeces every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. Or to have to wait two hours for our new friend to come home when he is done chasing rabbits. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. Working towards your perfect puppy expectations One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. There are two way to close this gap. The first is to move the expectations of the new puppy owner closer to reality, and we do this by providing information. By letting people know what to expect from life with a new puppy. The second way is to improve on the reality of life with a new puppy by preparing puppy owners in advance. This helps them to make decisions, and to provide for their puppy in a way that avoids problems arising in the future. What to expect from a new puppy This is important knowledge. If you know someone who is planning a new arrival, do pass it on. There are a number of areas where puppies and owners may come into conflict, right from day one. Forearmed is forewarned, and if you are aware of these, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Puppies at night — sleeping and crying Most new puppies have never slept alone. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. And a small puppy can make a surprisingly loud noise. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. One way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights. Check out this article for information on coping with crying. It is important to be aware that new puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying may be the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. If you have already got into a cycle of crying for attention with your new puppy, find out here, how to teach your puppy to be quiet. Cleanliness and night waking. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. During the day, some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. Much of housetraining success lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behaviour. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Most new puppy owners are shocked by biting, and by the noise which accompanies it. But fierce growling during play biting, is completely normal for small puppies! You can find out a lot more about biting in this article: How to cope with a biting puppy and this one Is my puppy aggressive? Destructive puppy behaviour Again, most people know that small puppies chew things. However, it can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Expect this to continue well past his first birthday. In fact many young Labradors become particularly destructive towards the end of the first year. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. There is no need to get into this kind of conflict with any dog, and as it is so common in Labradors, I recommend that young Labs are crated when left alone in the house, until well past their first birthday. I did not de-crate my youngest lab Rachael, until she was 18 months old. You can read more in this article: Destructive behaviour Boisterous puppy behaviour Between 8 and 18 months of age, many young Labradors are extremely boisterous. Expect that he may even pull you off your feet and into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The solution is to teach your new friend to walk alongside you, on and off the lead. Preferably from a very early age. See Walking your Labrador on a loose lead Puppies running off Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are gun dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What can be done? The answer is, he is not naughty, he is completely normal. He is also completely untrained. Puppies bite, steal, jump, lick, whine, dig, and much more. All this is normal. Check out The Three Rs of Labrador Puppy Education to get yourself off to a good start with avoiding a real naughtiness problem Training is a long process. A dog that will do this in your kitchen is not trained. He has just learned to respond to a cue in your kitchen. Nothing more. Proofing that cue against all the distraction in our daily lives is what comprises the bulk of dog training , and you desperately need the right information in order to do this effectively. You can find this information in our training section and on our sister site Totally Dog Training Are puppies worth the hassle? Raising a puppy can be a challenge, but if you are ready for the challenge, it is also tremendously enjoyable and satisfying. And most of the problems described above can be avoided with the right information! You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge. The Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. The book will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialisation and early obedience. The Happy Puppy Handbook is available worldwide. Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving.

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. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.