miniature black poodle puppies

View All Articles in Goldendoodle Grooming Goldendoodle Lifespan The great thing about Goldendoodles and other hybrid breeds is that they generally live long and healthy lives. Nonetheless, Goldendoodles are still at risk of certain health conditions , so you should be aware of the risks associated with them. By the way, choosing the right breeder will also go a long way in contributing to their lifespan and quality of life. More on that later. All in all, Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As a general rule of thumb, smaller Toy and Mini Goldendoodles tend to outlive their larger Standard Goldendoodle counterparts. This is common across all dog breeds. Therefore, we can expect the average lifespan of Toy and Mini Goldendoodles to be around 12 to 15 years. Meanwhile, Medium and Standard Goldendoodles may have a slightly shorter life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. One of the most important aspects of owning a Goldendoodle puppy is making sure that you have the space, time, and energy to care for one. Instead, you may want to consider getting a Toy or Mini Goldendoodle. Be sure to also check out our full puppy checklist here. The real work begins the moment your Goldendoodle puppy arrives home. As the day gets closer, you should also be prepared for the first night with your new puppy. This way, both of you will have a much easier time adjusting to the new family dynamic. Once your new puppy gets home, you should start with potty training , crate training , obedience training , puppy socialization , and leash training as soon as possible. This will help establish good behaviors and also help your pup to grow into a well-rounded and confident adult. If you struggle with certain behavioral problems, this guide will surely help you out. In terms of grooming and personal hygiene, this step-by-step guide on how to groom a Goldendoodle at home would be an excellent resource. Likewise, you should learn the basics of line brushing , since Goldendoodles are quite tangle prone dogs. In addition to that, our ultimate guide to dog nail trimming covers everything you should know about the topic. You may also want to learn more about Goldendoodle teething — the timeline, symptoms, and our top tips for caring for a teething puppy. For more resources on caring for Goldendoodle puppies, be sure to check out all of our Doodle Puppyhood Survival Guides. As we briefly mentioned earlier, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial if you do decide to adopt your puppy from a breeder. First of all, reputable breeders follow responsible breeding guidelines. This means that they only use health and DNA tested parents in their breeding programs, provide genetic health guarantees, and utilize various forms of enrichment methods to raise healthy, well-socialized, and well-rounded Goldendoodle puppies. You may also want to check out this article on Doodle scammers and puppy mills — a growing problem all across the globe. Goldendoodle is such an amazing breed, we cannot stop raving about these Doods! Goldendoodles are affectionate, fun-loving, social, and intelligent pups. They also tend to get along super well with children, provided that your Goldendoodle puppy has been properly socialized from an early age. For this reason, Goldendoodles make excellent companions for families with children, but also singles and couples. As intelligent and easily trainable as they are, Goldendoodles often have the tendency to be vocal. To be more precise, barking is a common problem that many Goldendoodle owners struggle with. Training is also vital here, as teaching your Goldendoodle puppy from a young age will help establish good behaviors. Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance? Indeed, some people would say that Goldendoodles are high maintenance when it comes to their coat care and grooming needs. Goldendoodles are prone to matting, which means that these pups need to be regularly brushed, bathed, and have their hair trimmed every few weeks or so. In fact, to prevent those knots and tangles from forming into full-blown mats, you should brush your Goldendoodle every single day. Goldendoodle Puppies Final Thoughts Goldendoodles make wonderful companions, but before you adopt one of these cuddly pups, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. From their size and grooming needs to their energy levels and lifespan, Goldendoodles require quite a bit of care and attention. These furry little bundles of joy will fill your days with happiness, laughter, and unconditional love. I blogged about my bout with the puppy blues. I shared on YouTube and Instagram how hard it was to have a puppy in the house. And wow do I have loads to share about the experience of being a Goldendoodle owner. First things first. People choose to adopt or shop for a whole host of different reasons — many of which are highly personal. We had been wanting to add a dog to the family for years, but landed on a Goldendoodle puppy intentionally and thoughtfully. This decision was taken seriously and we contemplated a lot of options. Ultimately we wanted the experience of raising a puppy. Point being — I made the choice I made and I stand by it. We adopted our cat from a shelter and have mad respect for that experience. For us, sourcing a puppy from a reputable breeder was the right choice at the time and honestly, given the competition at shelters, the only real choice. But I digress. Who this post is for. I was in the market for a Goldendoodle puppy and was after all the info on the breed I could get. What exactly is a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are produced when a Golden Retriever is mixed with a Poodle. There are many different types and generations of Goldendoodles. You can also find Medium and Mini Goldendoodle options — all of which are determined by the size of the Poodle. The parent breeds of the puppy ultimately determine the generation of the puppy — and different generations are known for different traits such as coat type, temperament, body size and shape, etc. Goldendoodle generations. Like I said, Goldendoodle dogs come in a whole host of generations. This breeding variety can offer a lot of trait blends you might find in a Poodle Golden Retriever mix, from coat type to body shape and more. This is the first generation of Goldendoodle. Our dog, Lemon, is an F2 Goldendoodle. The brutal truth about owning a Goldendoodle. People will likely get upset that you chose to shop and not adopt. Yep — please refer to the above. Ironically — neither does team purebred! Folks who run in the purebred dog circuit sometimes have strong opinions about the lineage and breeding standards of a dog. Honestly, I do understand where the criticism about the Goldendoodle breed comes from. The result? A lot of really nasty, unsavory backyard breeding tactics. Many Goldendoodle breeders are unscrupulous and hard to verify. Unlike an AKC recognized breed where you can search for reputable and verified breeders, no such official list exists for Goldendoodles. This means most of us shopping for a Goldendoodle are just hitting up Google, praying to see good reviews, and maybe hopefully getting a good word of mouth recommendation from another doodle owner. There are plenty of ethical, legitimate Goldendoodle breeders out there. Kindly ask the owner where they got their dog from and if they liked the experience. Extra points if you can learn about the health of the dog. I also highly recommend only buying from a breeder that performs various health screenings on the parent dogs. Good breeders should be testing for the Goldendoodle health issues seen most commonly. There are no health testing requirements when it comes to breeding doodles, so all health tests are at the expense and discretion of the breeder. Good breeders DO test! Goldendoodle sizes vary widely — and breeders cannot guarantee them. Breeders often price their Goldendoodle puppies by size. Standard size Goldendoodles tend to cost less than Mini Goldendoodles because the Miniature Goldendoodle size is considered more popular. Goldendoodles are a mixed breed group at the end of the day — so weight fluctuates wildly. Best estimations can absolutely be made based on the weight of the parents, but ultimately no breeder can accurately promise or guarantee the end size of your dog. Sizing as advertised by a breeder is a ballpark range, not an absolute promise. Another Goldendoodle trait often promised by breeders is coat type. Goldendoodle colors and coats do change as your dog grows. Puppy coats also may be curlier or straighter than their adult coats. Unfortunately the dark curly coat you fall in love with when bringing your puppy home might in fact shed away to a much lighter or straighter coat. Also — hot take — the Goldendoodle hypoallergenic and non-shedding promise pumped out into the world by breeders is a bit of a myth. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles with more Golden Retriever in them have a higher likelihood of shedding than generations with more Poodle or potentially more mixed. Goldendoodle coats require a lot of maintenance. For the most part, Goldendoodle coats do require a fair bit of maintenance. This is especially true if you like your doodles hair to be long and shaggy. Goldendoodle puppy fur is fine and both tangles and mats easily. The shorter cut is so much easier to maintain than that beautiful, long look. Goldendoodles are known for having gut issues. From allergies to just general bubble gut, doodles can tend to have finicky tummies. It also means you might need to put up with random bouts of diarrhea. Goldendoodles are known for having allergies — both food related and seasonal. Lemon wakes up every single morning with eye boogers thanks to her seasonal allergies. But in all seriousness, allergies are actually a fairly well known fact of doodles in general. Doodles are also susceptible to seasonal allergies and allergies to specific plants, grass, etc. We just give her some supplements, watch her diet, and try to discourage rolling around in freshly cut grass. Goldendoodles are expensive. Goldendoodles are wildly expensive. End of story. To purchase a Goldendoodle in , the average puppy would ring in at multiple thousands of dollars. Even in more rural areas, breeders were still able to charge a pretty penny. Many people actually fly puppies into wherever they live from rural breeders just to save money! Lemon had stomach issues from the moment we brought her home, resulting in expensive vet visits, tests, medicines, and food. For the record, I highly recommend getting pet insurance for your dood. Goldendoodles have endless amounts of energy. Somewhere along the way I feel like Goldendoodles got the reputation for being amazing for beginner dog owners and as family dogs. Goldendoodles are like Energizer bunnies. Man, do they have a lot of energy! Goldendoodles constantly need to be engaged or have something to do. But for the most part, this breed is not a lap dog nor are they a true couch potato. Goldendoodles will require a minimum of one healthy walk per day, often more. Goldendoodles can survive on less exercise, but the result is often behavioral problems that may lead them to ultimately be surrendered. Goldendoodles are smart AF. One of the most frequently asked questions about doods that I get over on Instagram is about trainability of this breed. Goldendoodles make for amazing training class dogs. These doods are sharp as a tack and genuinely love to be challenged and work with their humans. Goldendoodles are re-homed at high rates because not enough people do their research into the facts of this designer dog breed. For as expensive as these designer dogs are — they do actually end up surrendered. They just saw a cute puppy and fell in love. Some owners purchase their Goldendoodle puppy imagining a sweet, mellow, curly, non-shedding, hypoallergenic pup only to find out their puppy is, well…a Goldendoodle. Loads of energy. May or may not shed. But yes, still very sweet. I knew my pup would come home with energy, but even I was surprised by just how much energy she had to burn each day! Lemon typically gets walked twice per day. We also absolutely love taking Lemon to training classic, sport classes, and doggy daycare — all of which really wear her out. Sport classes like nosework or agility are also great energy releases! Doggy daycare is an amazing way for dogs to socialize together in a safe, supervised environment. Goldendoodles are an amazing mixed breed. Out of all the dog breeds out there — I honestly still see each and every day why my husband and I chose to go with a dood. Lemon is funny, quirky, and goofy — and so are all her siblings. Lemon is insanely smart and incredibly loving. Even after all the late night bouts of diarrhea, the endless vet visits, the tangled fur, the training woes, and the morning eye boogers — we love our dog. We love our Goldendoodle. We love Lemon. Thinking of adding a dood to the family? Feel free to drop questions into the comments below! Goldendoodle puppies are all the rage right now. However, as cute as they are—getting a Goldendoodle puppy is a big deal! Their cuteness is just an added bonus! Goldendoodle Puppy Is a Goldendoodle the right fit for you and your family? Nowadays any and every level of dog owner is purchasing a doodle—people who have only owned short-haired dogs, incredibly calm dogs, and sometimes first-time dog owners. As a result of not knowing what a person is getting themselves into when they purchase a doodle, doodle rehoming is at an all-time high! Even though many people love their doodle—a doodle may not be the right fit for you. Many people are giving away their Goldendoodles, rehoming them, or sending them to a rescue. If you skimp on the price, you could end up with a dog that is poorly bred. Which is incredibly dangerous for you, your puppy, and the breeding industry. Genetic testing helps prevent the breeding of dogs that test poorly for bad genes or health and behavioral issues. This will essentially cost you a fortune later in high vet bills, training costs, and potentially medical and lawsuit charges. Dogs in a Kennel Additionally, buying from a low-quality breeder to save money helps keep puppy mills in business. Puppy mills over breed their dogs. Those poor overbred dogs are usually stuck in a kennel their entire life—usually in a cramped space, stacked on top of each other, sitting in their urine or feces. There are also puppy mill breeders that keep their puppies in outside kennels, never getting to socialize with other dogs or humans. And they never have a chance to live a life of happiness and freedom. Why on earth would anyone want to support something so inhumane??? Remember the age-old saying, you get what you pay for. And that goes for dog breeders as well. Please choose to purchase your dog from an ethical breeder. If you purchase from a breeder that does not perform genetic testing, you are at risk for a plethora of issues. Please do your research, but due to the explosion in Goldendoodle popularity, there is a higher chance of running across a bad breeder and bad genetics because there are many who are in it for the money and not for the love and care of breeding a sound Goldendoodle. High Coat Maintenance The biggest complaint I hear from Goldendoodle parents is how high maintenance the coat is. Their coat requires quite a bit of brushing. Actually……a lot of brushing. At least 15 minutes a day! A little too easily. And those mats hurt and restrict body movement. Not only do you have to brush your Goldendoodle, but you also have to comb down to the skin, until the comb goes through the coat effortlessly. This means you will actually have to block out time from your day to physically brush your dog every single day. Otherwise, your doodle ends up completely knotted up. This leads to moisture becoming trapped in the coat once this happens, bacteria begins to grow and then your doodle will get hot spots and major skin issues. Putting your dog through that kind of torture for simple aesthetics is really uncool. To ask your dog groomer—who is more than likely an insanely over the top dog lover will feel awful torturing your dog for 3 hours as they try to hurriedly brush and pull out mats due to appointment restrictions. If you feel you have what it takes to brush your Doodle daily and keep them mat free, then a Goldendoodle is a great choice for you! If not. .Plus it can be dangerous, especially if you attempt to trim out matting. During quarantine I witnessed quite a few dogs with burns, cuts, nails quicked too short, and uneven faces and coat lengths. Some dogs were so burned by the clippers they needed vet attention. The cut caused the leg to get infected Luckily the dog was surrendered and ended up with a great life! They take longer to wash, dry, and trim. Almost times longer than many other dog breeds. Therefore, they cost more professionally. Your dog begins to lick these itchy areas and bites incessantly until the spot becomes red and irritated, sometimes bloody. Doodle with Skin Issues And sometimes if a Goldendoodle is bred poorly, they can have health and skin issues ranging from ear infections, hot spots, and skin allergies as well. Which is kinda gross considering your house will begin to smell the same way. I have groomed many sour-coated Goldendoodles that have smelled so bad, we had to air out the grooming salon. They tend to hold moisture and grow bacteria quickly. The trouble areas are usually underneath the ears, under the chin, their feet, and their sanitary booty and pee-pee areas. Getting on a regular bath and professional grooming schedule can help save your furniture, carpet, and bedding from getting that dog odor. Doodle Grooming Guide 7. This can sometimes be too much for people to handle. I have older clients that have Goldendoodles and sometimes they are too afraid to bring them in alone for fear of falling from being pulled holding the leash, or tripping over their Goldendoodle while trying to bring then in for a professional groom. Many times the mouthiness feels like extreme biting. However, training can fix most mouthiness cases. Goldendoodle Puppy 9. Shedding Many Goldendoodles do shed! Especially if they are a first-generation or F1, which is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Standard Poodle. And for this reason, I have witnessed many Goldendoodles either returned or given away, or sent to a rescue group or shelter. Goldendoodle Hair .Their friendliness results in jumping, barking, using their arms and feet, mouthing people, and of course—crotch sniffing. In some rare cases, Goldendoodles can be aggressive. Size Nowadays Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from toy to standard. I have witnessed countless Goldendoodles come out large, and large Goldendoodles come out small. They were supposed to only grow to 30lbs, but now weigh a whopping 90lbs! Dog Allergies Despite popular opinion, I can assure you that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Even if your dog is an FB doodle. All dogs have skin which sheds and all dogs have hair which sheds, some less than others. Otherwise, all of the pollen, dirt, leaves, and dust they come in contact with, will stick to their coat. Thus, creating an allergy-ridden furball running around the house. I feel like this just about covers many of the reasons I see Goldendoodle rehomed. Hopefully, all of these points can help you make a better, informed decision in regard to purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy! Join My Tribe to learn more about Pet Parenting! October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Goldendoodles are very smart dogs and rank just below bordie collies when ranked among dog breeds. They are not only gentle and playful, but they are super smart which makes them easy to train. This is one of the reasons why so many people love goldendoodles, their intelligence and trainability makes them a very desirable pet. How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? If you are wondering how much a goldendoodle costs, we can help. Where you get the puppy from will be the main factor that determines how expensive the dog is, in addition to who the puppies parents are, and what physical attributes the dog has that makes it special. If the goldendoodle puppy is in excellent health, has high-quality pedigree parents, and has unique, beautiful colors or coats, you can expect it to be a good price. Many people purchase goldendoodles as puppies and decide that they cannot handle them when they get older and end up giving them up for adoption. Reading guides like this before purchasing any dog can help prevent that from happening by giving you an idea of what to expect from the dog before you get it in terms of the cots and the amount of care required to properly take care of it. You may be able to select which puppy that you want out of the litter based on the color or physical attributes. You can review the health and papers of both parents since Golden Retrievers and Poodles are both breeds that are recognized and registered with the AKC. Cons of Buying a Goldendoodle Puppy From a Breeder If the price of the goldendoodle puppy is too low or they seem to have a lot of puppies it could indicate that the breeder is running a puppy mill. Watch out for puppy mills because they abuse animals and the puppies often have health problems, some even dying after being adopted. There are goldendoodles in shelters waiting to be adopted. The cost of the goldendoodle can depend on a few different factors. Goldendoodle puppies are incredibly cute, fluffy and adorable. Here are a few of the factors that will affect the price of a goldendoodle puppy. You can also sometimes find people online looking to rehome their pets with little to no rehoming fees. The color of the goldendoodle puppy may affect the price. If the puppy is a rare color it will be worth more money. They also come in beautiful red colors, grey, or black. They can be a combination of colors including red with white, etc. The price of the goldendoodle puppy may be more if it is a sought after color and is aesthetically beautiful. The size of the goldendoodle puppy will affect the price. We do not mean the size of the puppy when it is still young, but the size that it will eventually grow to. You can expect goldendoodle puppies that are miniature puppies or very large puppies to be more expensive than the average sized ones because they are more rare. Is it Hard to Take Care of a Goldendoodle? In this section of the guide we will talk about how to take care of a goldendoodle. Are goldendoodles high maintenance dogs? Well, that depends. They do have a lot of energy and require exercise, attention, and sometimes grooming, but they are also half well-mannered golden retrievers which are very easy to take care of. They can have health problems with their skin or legs to watch out for. Here is a list of things to consider about taking care of goldendoodles if you are thinking about getting one. Exercise Goldendoodles have a ton of energy, especially when they are young. If you are considering getting a goldendoodle you should consider how much room the dog will have to play. Will you take him on walks? Do you have a backyard he can play in? Kids or other dogs to play with? If you are looking for a dog to leave at home or in an apartment all day , the goldendoodle is not the right dog for you. These intelligent animals have a lot of energy and the bigger the goldendoodle is the more room they will need to play happily. Training It is actually really easy to train a Goldendoodle , which is one of the reasons why it is such a popular dog for families. They are naturally very well-mannered and they are smart so they pick up on commands easily. Both poodles and golden retrievers rank high in terms of intelligence, and this makes them very easy to train. Goldendoodles are amazing dogs that have a lot of potential if you take the time to train them right. They love attention and positive reinforcement during training. Conclusion If you are looking for a great family dog you should consider the goldendoodle. This mix of a poodle and a golden retriever is super intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They are very, very cute as well which is one of the reasons why they can come with a big price tag as a puppy. Before buying from a breeder, consider adopting a goldendoodle from a local shelter. Ultimate Guide to Goldendoodles. But, what to know before getting a Goldendoodle? Learning more about the Goldendoodle before bringing a puppy home is essential. What to know about Goldendoodles? Do they need special care and attention? What do I need to know before getting a Goldendoodle? You should know about the puppy schedule, health care, separation anxiety, and puppy price. Goldendoodles are quite affectionate and have a lovely attitude. Since , the Goldendoodle has become a sought-after cross-breed for families who want a good temperamental dog. Often, most folks refer to Goldendoodles as designer dogs because you get the best of both worlds. Read on and get to know all the essential information about Goldendoodles before getting one. Such information helps to burst myths and prepare you for the best pet parent experience. What to Know Before Getting a Goldendoodle 1. Puppy Schedule Puppies need structure. A basic puppy schedule for a Goldendoodle will include feeding time, potty training, playtime, and naptime. Unlike big dogs, your puppy will need to eat three times a day as recommended by the American Kennel Association. So, you must know when and how to feed them so that your puppy gets all their meals. Another important item to add to your schedule is potty training. Since puppies eat and drink often, they have to take bathroom breaks throughout the day. Scheduling breaks is one way to prevent accidents and ensure they learn where to do their business. Have a specific time when you take them out for potty breaks or show them where to go in the house. Also, ensure you plan ample playtime to keep your high-energy pup entertained. Running around in the backyard and lots of playtime is healthy for Goldendoodle pups. Puppies tend to sleep most of the day. When your Goldendoodle pup is full and calm, it can sleep for 18 hours a day. Also, you can have a specific time when your pup goes to bed. Health Care Having a Goldendoodle or any other pet requires health care. A Goldendoodle is a cross-breed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Cross-breeding makes the new breed less prone to breed-specific conditions that their parents can experience. However, some health conditions can affect your Goldendoodle. So, healthcare and some pet insurance will come in handy. Some of the illnesses include: Sebaceous adenitis skin disease Subvalvular aortic stenosis heart condition Progressive retinal atrophy Glaucoma Cataract Always be cautious about the breeder you interact with when you want a puppy. Separation Anxiety Goldendoodles are an affectionate breed that loves being around people. While such temperament is good for a family dog, it can also lead to separation anxiety. While other breeds tend to cope better with separation anxiety, Goldendoodles go the opposite way. This leads to destructiveness, lots of noise, and anxious behavior. Often your dog is bored and wants some company. So, always have this point in your mind when getting a Goldendoodle. It might be better to start with a puppy to engage in lots of training. Note the signs of separation anxiety like chewing things, going to the bathroom anywhere, trying to escape, whining, and lots of barking or howling. When you note this, start simple training and remember to give lots of cuddles. It takes time, and your whole family needs to participate for this to work. Price of a Puppy Reputable breeders take time to choose the right Poodle and Golden Retriever to mate. As a result, they charge specific amounts for Goldendoodle pups. Therefore, always take time to have a budget before you buy one. The price variation is because of the generation and size of the puppy you want to buy. Apart from buying puppies, you can adopt a Goldendoodle. Shelters have many dogs that need a new home, so try to find out if they have a Goldendoodle. Cost of Grooming and General Care Many folks love Goldendoodles since they are a low-maintenance breed. All dogs need grooming and proper care to ensure they live a comfortable life. Goldendoodles need regular brushing each week. Start grooming your Goldendoodle as a puppy to set a routine and get them accustomed to the process. As part of your welcome-home kit, get some grooming tools to help ease the process. Some of the best Goldendoodle grooming items to have include: brush. Although the breed status may change in the future, these dogs are not currently recognized as standardized by any major kennel club in the world today. Breeders were working on this project as a way to develop guide dogs for people with visual impairments who had severe animal allergies. Because the standard poodle is considered hypoallergenic, the hope was to create a dog with less dander without sacrificing the trainable attitude. There is no guarantee that a goldendoodle will inherit the coat traits of the poodle, including the non-shedding coat. The guiding traits are not a given either. What you will discover in these pros and cons is that this cross-breed can make for an excellent family dog. List of the Pros of Owning a Goldendoodle 1. Most goldendoodles see less shedding than a golden retriever. Although some goldendoodles do not exhibit the hypoallergenic coat that you can find with the standard poodle, most of them do inherit less shedding as a common trait. The amount of actual shedding that you can experience varies from dog-to-dog, but there is typically less with this option compared to full breeds. Pet parents will need to incorporate regular brushing, the occasional bath, and some fur trimming to ensure that they are looking their best at all times. There is less of an allergic response to goldendoodles. Because there is less shedding with the goldendoodle, fewer dandruff flakes make their way from the body of the dog. That means individuals with allergies have a lesser response to contact with the animal. The actual response that a person experiences depends on the nature of the pup itself. There are still some heavy shedders with this cross-breed that could be problematic for some households. If you have concerns in this area, then you might want to consider a dog in the range of years old instead of a puppy to gauge your reaction. Goldendoodles have three primary coat types. You have three different coat types from which to choose when deciding on a goldendoodle to add to your family. You can also choose from the curly or straight coats that trend more toward one parent or the other with this cross-breed. All of them provide the same allergic response and shedding benefits at some level, so you can keep looking for an option that suits your personal preferences. There are multiple color options with the goldendoodle as well thanks to the coat variations found in the standard poodle. The most common colors are gold, cream, white, grey, red, black, and brown. You can still enter goldendoodles in some performance events. The established breed associations around the world, including the AKC, UKC, and CKC do not recognize the goldendoodle as a breed — which is the same approach they use to any designer cross that are used today. Despite this fact, most kennel clubs do allow for the registration of a mixed-breed dog to perform in agility or obedience events. There is one exception to this rule. If you can produce paperwork for both of the parents of a goldendoodle, then the Continental Kennel Club accepts and grants a pedigree. There are multiple size options available with this cross-breed. You can find goldendoodles of almost any size if you look at all of your options. Miniature ones are usually under 20 pounds and the perfect size for apartment living. Almost all of them work well with kids and other pets because of their intelligence and sociable nature, even if there are times when it seems like they might want some alone time. If you see a small goldendoodle, then that typically means a breeder crossed a miniature poodle with a golden retriever instead of a standard poodle. You will still see the same generational status with this option. Goldendoodles love a good snuggle. Goldendoodles love to receive attention from their family. You could be watching TV, trying to go to sleep, or even in the bathtub. You will find the pup nuzzling you for a head scratch. They love to be lap dogs whenever possible. Some puppies might resist the urge because of their adventuresome nature, but most of them love to spend time every day snuggling with you. These dogs tend to be quiet most of the time. Most goldendoodles limit their barking to the times when they feel threatened, when you walk in the door after being gone a while, or to let you know that they need something. Even if the other dogs in the neighborhood are barking for some reason, yours prefers to stay quiet unless something exciting is going on — like a squirrel or an exciting game of fetch. Your goldendoodle will love you forever if you take them swimming. If you have a pool at home, then this is where your pup will want to be most of the time. Your children will have an instant companion in the pool that can help them to develop healthy water habits too. Their speed in paddling is such an advantage that some organizations train this cross-breed to become rescue dogs. Goldendoodles are excellent with children. Although goldendoodles tend to be high-energy dogs that can forget about their boundaries when they get overly excited, there is still patience and gentleness practiced when they are around their people. This advantage is beneficial for families with children since they can still have antics that make you fall in love with them all over again. There can sometimes be a little nipping during play times, but these pups have the gentle mouth of their retriever parent. This cross-breed works well in homes with other pets. Goldendoodles are rarely aggressive. If you have cats at home already, then your new pup will adopt them as part of their pack. These dogs are easy-going when meeting other doggos as well, although there can be some separation at first when figuring out who will be the alpha. These dogs are easy to train too, which means you can use their eagerness to please as a way to encourage healthier behaviors. List of the Cons of Owning a Goldendoodle 1. You will need to pay attention to the F-status of your goldendoodle. When you start looking for goldendoodles to bring home, then you may notice that some animals have an F-status associated to their designation. This lettering is a generational designation that provides a better understanding of the lineage of each dog so that you can tell from a glance how much retriever and poodle is there in the mix. If you have an F1 goldendoodle, then that means it is the direct offspring of a golden retriever and a poodle. If you see an F2 goldendoodle, then that means it is a second-generation dog that had two goldendoodles as parents. If you see an F1B goldendoodle, then that means back-crossing occurred, which is usually done to get the softer, curly coat from the poodle. There are issues with hip dysplasia with the goldendoodle. When breeders take a knowledgeable approach to the goldendoodle, then the dogs tend to be rather healthy. Most will live years with adequate care, medical help, and lots of love from their families. The problem that happens most often with this cross-breed is hip dysplasia since poodles and retrievers both encounter the issue in their genetic history. If you are bringing a goldendoodle puppy home, then ask the breeder for the results of this exam before agreeing to any contract or price. When this information is not available to you, then you should treat the transaction as suspicious. Goldendoodles can need a lot of exercise. If the traits of the retriever are strong in your goldendoodle, then you will need to get that pup outside to get some exercise every day. Veterinarians prefer about 60 minutes of time each day for walks and supervised play. If you are unable to get outside for some reason, the intelligence of these dogs allows you to train them to use a treadmill. When the dogs keep their energy pent up, then it will usually release in an explosive burst of running around indoors. Because of this disadvantage, the medium and large varieties may not see much success in smaller homes. Social anxiety is fairly common with this cross-breed. Goldendoodles get very anxious when they are by themselves, even if they are in a familiar environment. If you leave them alone every day to go to work, then their worries or boredom can result in destructive behaviors. These dogs love to chew anything that is within their reach, so you might discover furniture vandalism, broken dishes, or shredded shoes waiting for you. Some people are still allergic to these dogs. Although the goal of developing the goldendoodle was to create a hypoallergic alternative for people who need a support companion or a guide dog, there can still be problems with allergic reactions. Some of the dogs, especially the ones of larger size, can see even more shedding with their coat compared to what the golden retriever experiences during the changing of seasons. You will want to look at the miniature options in this category or pursue one with a B-status designation to reduce the risks of this potential disadvantage. The popularity of goldendoodles makes them an expensive dog. You can pay more for a goldendoodle from a reliable breeder than you would for a standard poodle or a golden retriever. Conclusion of the Pros and Cons of Owning a Goldendoodle The pros and cons of goldendoodles prove that they are friendly pups who only want to please their family and have a safe place to live. Their quiet personalities are far from introverted, but they are almost always gentle and kind. You will find a wide range of colors, coats, and sizes, which means this cross-breed can find a place in almost any home. If you are looking for a goldendoodle to adopt today, then the first stop would be to check with your local shelter, adoption agency, and registered breeders. You can also become a new pet parent by browsing through sites like adoptapet. Speak to a member of our team to learn more You Should Know the Temperament of Goldendoodles Both the standard poodle and golden retriever were originally bred as a sporting breed. The Standard Poodle was originally bred as a retrieving dog specifically for the water! The Golden Retriever as its name would suggest was also bred to accompany his master on the hunt to retrieve game. Retrieving is a skill that requires dutiful obedience on the part of the dog and an active, alert disposition. In recent decades, the vast majority of poodles and golden retrievers have been bred for family pets rather than hunting companions, but their original roots remain. Golden retrievers in particular have been frequently bred for their obedience and service dog potential. And both breeds are quite athletic, tend to like retrieval games like fetch, and are overall moderately active dogs. Bred specifically for its small size and companionship, the Miniature Poodle tends to be more demanding of attention and can be more excitable and less docile than their standard-sized counterparts. Miniatures are still known for their intelligence and affection and combined with the little extra spunk they pack, they can make an ideal addition to the right family. This is something to consider if you are wanting a smaller version of the doodle. An amazing dog! Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, gentle dispositions and their eager-to-please attitudes. They are incredibly people-oriented and easy to train! They have a charming sense of humor and an uncanny ability to know when their humans could use an extra snuggle. This type of coat is very similar to the Golden Retriever hence the shedding. Wavy coats are still prone to some shedding but are fairly easy as far as grooming - typically only requiring brushing a couple times a week to avoid matting. This type of coat is a good middle blend between the two breeds. The curly coat will be ultra-low shedding and is best for people with allergies, but it will require more frequent brushing to prevent matting. We find that they shed about as much as a human — so you will see hair in the brush when you comb them, but it will not be all over your floors and furniture as with most other non-doodle dog breeds. Your breeder should be able to tell what type of coats the pups have from an early age. At JLDD we love our multigenerational litters. Adding more poodle generally equates to a curlier coat and less shedding as seen in a F1b or multigenerational doodle. When bred down correctly such as coat testing completed on parent dogs then a breeder can ensure to only pass on the non-shedding gene to the next generation, so the result is an ultra low-shedding dog! Helpful Tip Alert! The trademark temperament and low-shedding coat of this breed do not necessarily mean this is a low-maintenance dog. When considering the athletic breed backgrounds of this dog as well as their very high intelligence, its no surprise that goldendoodles do require a lot of human attention. This is what makes the breed incredibly easy to train and great for first time dog owners but it also means that your goldendoodle will not be happy to spend his days alone in the backyard. The same intuitive, sensitive nature that makes the goldendoodle an excellent therapy dog candidate, also means that your pup will want to be with you all the time! If you are not prepared to never watch Netflix alone again, then the goldendoodle may not be the best fit for you! Most goldendoodles tend to be a second shadow to their owners and follow them around the house and are up for being a companion on any adventure! This is not a sedentary dog and will require some kind of physical exercise several times a week in order to be at his best. Finally, many people are attracted to the Goldendoodle for its minimally shedding coat. But this does not mean the coat is low maintenance. We have had owners groom their doodles themselves to save on costs, but it is certainly still a significant commitment to keep your dood looking fresh and mat-free! In conclusion, if you are prepared for a dog that enjoys an active lifestyle, lots of human interaction and mental stimulation and you have a plan for coat maintenance, the Goldendoodle is a great fit for you!

Boxer Barking Overview This breed is rambunctious and vocal during the puppy years and adult Boxers are capable of very deep barking. Most Boxers make for excellent watch dogs, so do expect some territorial barking in regard to certain triggers. However, excessive barking should be addressed as soon as it starts, otherwise things can get out of control. Many owners wonder how much barking is normal and why it seems that a Boxer will bark for no apparent reason. Though dealing with barking may seem overwhelming, luckily, once you understand all of the possible causes some you may have never thought of action can be taken and training can begin to correct your dog's behavior. So let's dive in to understand this issue and see if and when you can take steps to control this. Many people are aware that a dog's hearing is much more keen than a humans. How much more? A Boxer can hear detect noises that you will never be able to hear; these will be those of a higher frequency. Noises can be heard at frequencies approximately twice the range of humans. They will hear anything up to 60Hz compared to humans top capacity of 20Hz. Hz stands for Hertz; and 1 Hertz equals 1 vibration per each second. Also, a Boxer will pick up on noises that originate at a further distance than the human ear can detect. Therefore, when your dog is barking loudly and seems to be on alert, there is a good chance that they are detecting an unfamiliar noise and associating it with potential danger. Training Solution. The Boxer makes for a very good watch dog. It is wise to not dismiss barking in the case that your dog may be displaying correct behavior in attempting to warn you. If you quiet your dog down each time he tries to warn you, this may backfire. If your dog eventually learns that barking to warn you is un-wanted behavior, you may find yourself with a silent dog while an unwanted "guest" is breaking into your home. Appreciate this type of bark. When your Boxer barks, take a look around the home and outside. If there is indeed a stranger walking by or on your property, even if it is the neighbor retrieving something from your yard, let your dog know that you appreciate the warning. A quick pat and a "good dog" will instill your approval that the warning bark was welcomed. If you see no danger and there is not a valid reason for the barking, you should then train your dog to quiet down. They may be barking because of a car alarm 6 blocks down or a bird feet away. Your dog can be taught that this type of barking is not appropriate. It is important that you do so in a calm manner. When an owner yells or becomes frustrated, this simply makes the puppy or dog think that their human family member agrees with the barking and is making a commotion also! It is your actions and reactions that will show your Boxer that their barking is unwarranted. This is done by gently patting him or her; not in a reward action, but in a calming motion. The tone of your voice must be calm and relaxed, as you give your Boxer a pre-planned command word. The most common and effective word is "Shh" or "Calm Down". The command should be short. Dogs only pay attention to the first syllable of words. If you make your command a long sentence, you will confuse your Boxer and be speaking to no one. Self protection barking will ensue when a dog feels that his belongings are in danger. A dog can become very attached to his toys, dog bed, blankets or other objects that he uses daily. Your dog's things should not be rearranged or bothered with, other than to clean them. A Boxer will also become protective of his food and water. The eating area should quiet and out of the way of foot traffic. Boredom is often the cause of barking and whining problems ; many owners falsely assume that a dog leads a simple life and does not need stimulation and socialization like humans do. Most often these 2 elements will combine. However a dog will feel neglected or bored if: He is left alone for long periods of time He is not taken outside for a good burst of exercise at least once per day He is not receiving interaction with humans, such as play Interactive and interesting toys are not available Training Solution. There should be a daily schedule that your dog can depend on. This should include daily walks, exercise , play and interaction with his owner or owners. If you go for walks each day, spend some time throwing a ball to him, wrestle around, give him baths, groom him and talk to him while you go about your business in the home, he will receive the stimuli that is needed. This is best if a certain time is chosen for each activity. For example, a walk in the morning and a half hour of fetch every evening 1 or 2 hours after dinner. Once he is internally satisfied that he is receiving attention and can count on interaction and exercise, a dog will usually be more than happy to settle down at other times to play with his toys or just relax. Having a great selection of toys is vital for all but the oldest of senior dogs; these are not just for pups. Dogs of all ages should have interesting and interactive toys. Kongs and others that hold treats hidden inside can keep a dog busy for hours. Illness or Injury When a dog barks or bites and this behavior is completely out of their normal behavior, it may be because the dog is in pain. Canines often feel vulnerable when weak and will act out in this way. If your dog suddenly displays behavior that is out of character, it is best to bring him for a complete examination with his veterinarian. Never just go by clinical symptoms and factor in behavior as well when assessing if a vet visit is warranted. Y Overview While many owners are concerned about a dog being too vocal, it is not uncommon for just the opposite to happen. Is it normal for a Boxer dog to not bark at all? If your Boxer puppy or older dog is super quiet and doesn't respond to any triggers by barking, does this mean that something is wrong? Here we'll discuss why a Boxer may be very quiet and why some Boxers are very laid back. We'll also touch on the subject of training a Boxer to bark at the door and if this is a good idea. First, Rule Out Other Issues Most applicable to white Boxers, but something that should be checked with any colored Boxer, is the possibility of hearing issues. If a dog is not hearing any triggers, he may not be vocal. That aside, there can an issue with the vocal cords or larynx. Dogs that have had a lot of strain on the neck due to choke collars can have nerve damage to the pharynx and larynx that could limit their ability to bark. While these issues are often accompanied by breathing issues, not barking is indeed one of the symptoms. Much more than adults, they are often lost in the moment and may have trouble focusing. For this same reason, a young Boxer puppy may seem perfectly okay when left home alone, but issues of separation anxiety may develop as he grows older and fully realizes what is happening. From the age of 8 weeks to just about the 5 month mark, it is not all that uncommon for just about nothing to bother a puppy. At this age , he may not be aware enough of his extended world to find a reason to bark. If his needs are being met interaction, plenty of toys, food, water, warmth, comfort he may not bark at all and this is perfectly normal. In fact, if your Boxer puppy doesn't bark, consider yourself very lucky and do know that this may change very soon. In regard to age related reasons of not barking, senior Boxers may also be exceedingly quiet. For some older dogs, the triggers that used to cause barking are old news. Those squirrels? Seen them thousands of times, no big deal. The mailman who comes up to the front steps? Well, he's done it about times and so far he's never actually broken into the house, so no reason to bark anymore; I trust him. The senior Boxer has heard it all, seen it all and has been exposed to just about every event, situation and element that he is likely to encounter. So, if a senior Boxer doesn't bark, this is usually just a sign that the dog is relaxed, confident with his environment and generally a pretty happy canine family member. While it's highly recommended to expose your Boxer to as many stimuli as possible so that he can learn about the world and all that is in it, in some cases a Boxer may not be introduced to anything that would trigger barking. If a dog is at home most of the time and is only taken outside for walks in a very quiet neighborhood, he may not bark simply because he has not been presented with a reason to do so. In addition, all needs are being met and the dog is feeling content. It is however, suggested to start bringing the dog to new places and to expose him to other people and other dogs; this is not done to make a Boxer bark but rather is healthy socialization to the world so that he can learn how to react and learn to handle himself well in situations outside of the house and immediate area. What's really cool about dogs is that every one is so unique and even with a particular breed like the Boxer, there's some that are hyped up, some that are super calm and many that are somewhere in-between. There's some that will only bark at really random things like when an owner sings or when seeing just one particular type of person. It just means that the dog has a calm personality; he's not bothered by things and is displaying easy-going behavior. While an owner may wish for their Boxer to at least bark at strangers that come up to the house more on this ahead , you may just want to consider yourself lucky. While behavior can be a bit unpredictable with rescues, many will have inhibited behavior which manifests as being really quiet, not barking, acting shy, timid and even showing signs of anxiety or fear. We rescued a dog that was about 10 years old and the previous 'owner' claimed the dog was mute. He didn't make a noise for a full 6 months; when he finally did and it wasn't really quite a bark, it was more like a 'booop' sound , we just about had a heart attack and then celebrated that he found his voice. Even so, he was always a rather quiet dog, never really barking at anything and only making soft noises when he did want to vocalize. Should You Train a Boxer to Bark? Here's the thing about teaching a dog to bark. To do this, you have to increase his level of territorial awareness and encourage the dog to become frustrated enough to bark at a trigger. And once this behavior is praised and rewarded, it often can domino to many other elements. If you want to train your Boxer to bark when someone's at the door, this can develop into him barking at other people in all other situations and even to other triggers like cars and other animals… and you may find yourself wishing you were just content with a quiet dog. With this warning well in place, if you do want to train your Boxer to bark, it can be done. This is for owners who want their dog to bark when strangers approach the house, simply to announce to them that a dog is indeed present. How to Teach a Boxer to Bark Keep in mind that this training is only to bark if someone is outside the house at the door and in no way involves any sort of aggression that would lead to biting or out-of-control behavior. You'll need an assistant to be outside. Your helper should announce his arrival with 2 to 3 rings or 5 seconds of noise… wait for a count of 15 and then repeat. You'll be ready inside with your Boxer, with treats hidden in your pocket but easy to access. Be sure to use something special that would not usually be given. Crisp, microwaved bacon often works well be sure to blot out the grease and to have this in a zipped plastic bag so that your Boxer can't pick up the scent. Be in a relaxed vibe, giving no indication at all that anything is about to happen. When the noise begins, immediately jump up and in a very serious and concerned voice, say' What is that? Some Boxers move into a more alert mood if the owner does a 'stage' whisper. If your Boxer does not bark at all for these sorts of things, expect him to be rather confused in the beginning. He may pace a bit and even may make a soft whining noise. At first, that is all that is needed, just for him to be aware that someone making noise at the door was cause to be alert. Give him a pat and then be sure to change the vibe to a relaxed one. You can let in your helper and be sure to speak in a happy tone to that person to convey that after being on alert, the visitor can turn out to be a friendly one that is welcomed into the home. As you move on, at some point your Boxer will let out a bark and at that point, you'll give the special treat immediately. It's important that the treat be given within just a second of the bark, so that the dog realizes exactly what he's being rewarded for and importantly, learns that no more is needed nor expected. Be sure to use a 'release' word such as 'Okay' or 'Clear' and then use a happy, relaxed voice to indicate that there is not a threat. If at any time your Boxer seems anxious instead of simply alert or gets too revved up, it will be time to stop this sort of training, since you really don't want to risk your dog's normally happy state of mind simply to get him to bark Summary If your Boxer puppy does not bark, he may very well outgrow this and it's recommended to not encourage barking since it can spiral out of control. If you wish to teach your normally quiet Boxer dog to bark at the door or another trigger, do be careful and stop if aggression is shown. Remember that refraining from barking is not a bad quality to have. Having a calm, content and relaxed dog that feels comfortable with his environment is much more appealing than a dog that barks at every little thing. This is not a breed that should be expected to intimidate people; even if his size and a bark caused someone to stand at attention, his wet sloppy kisses and expressive eyes would give away his friendly personality soon afterward. Things to do now.Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information and submit photos of your Boxer to be placed on the site. Browse Boxer Dog Supplies - A round-up of our recommended products for optimal care. Check out our book - Simply the most comprehensive, helpful Boxer dog book that exists. Print Are you wondering whether your Boxer will bark a lot or not? You will be happy to know that they are not yappy dogs. Boxers are known for their unique ways of communicating with their human family. Boxers are generally not big barkers, but they are vocal in the sense of growling and whining. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Boxer is a medium-sized dog breed with a short and tight-fitting coat. This powerful and high-energy dog is square-jawed and muscular. Do Boxers Bark a Lot? Reasons for Boxer Barking Issues Boxer dog barking is due to many reasons. It can represent anything from excitement to stress. All dogs barks do not mean the same thing. Boxers have several distinct vocal communications they use depending on the situation. There are certain situations when you will find that Boxers tend to start barking more than usual. They will do everything in their power to protect their family. If they sense danger, they will start barking to alert you. Greeting bark Boxers bark when they greet people or another dog. Greeting bark is high-pitched and repetitive, with brief pauses. It is a friendly bark and Boxers usually get excited with relaxed bodies and wagging tails. When lonely for a much longer time Boxers are affectionate companions and need the attention of their owners. Boxer puppy barking may simply be attention-seeking behavior. If a Boxer is kept alone for a long time, it may start barking to draw some attention. Your furry member might be barking in the hopes of getting a treat or some playtime. Playful bark is accompanied by a wagging tail and a happy body position. Communal bark If your Boxer answers when he hears other dogs barking , it is usually a social response. Anxiety and stress No matter how happy-go-lucky your Boxer is, they all get anxious and stressed from time to time. They will start barking more often when under stress. Illness bark Not all Boxers are vocal when they are sick. Many Boxers often bark or whine in response to pain. Illness bark means your dog is feeling ill and is looking to you for comfort. Keep in mind that barking is natural and a means for your Boxers to communicate and express themselves. Do Boxers Bark A Lot? The best way to stop this is to prevent this habit in the first place. Try to figure out potential causes of barking and give your Boxers better things to do. Here are some tips to help you stop excessive barking in Boxers. If your Boxer keeps barking when he sees something outside, you might want to make a barrier to remove the stimulus. Cover the windows with curtains or blinds. You can also use spray-on glass coating or removable plastic film that makes windows opaque. Use privacy fencing to block views to neighboring yards or the street. You can give your Boxer an activity so that he is not focused on the stimulus. Teach quiet command Train your Boxer to stop barking using a command or sound. These commands are useful to train your Boxer to be quiet on command. Stay patient and consistent until your Boxer learns it completely. A relaxed Boxer is a well-behaved dog. If you teach your Boxer emotional impulse control, it will be more pleasant to live with. Impulse control is the ability of dogs to resist excessive barking. Challenge your Boxer physically and mentally Barking in Boxers is often the result of pent-up energy. Your Boxer might need physical and mental stimulation to release its pent-up. Give your Boxer plenty of physical activities and mental stimulation to reduce their physical or mental imbalance. Physical activity can be long walks, running at the dog park, games of fetch, tug of war, playing flyball, or backyard agility. There are plenty of interactive toys including chew toys or puzzle toys that will reduce excessive barking. Set up a quiet zone If your Boxer barks when left alone in the house, set up a safe and quiet place for them away from the front door. You can also use a white noise machine to mask external sounds while producing soothing sounds for your Boxer. Rule out anxiety Boxers who suffer from anxiety might bark excessively. They need extra support, love, and patience. Give your anxious Boxer a sense of security and safety. Avoid leaving a lonely Boxer by itself for long periods if possible. You can also try natural supplements to keep your Boxer calm. If your dog still seems to be anxious or stressed, you speak to your vet. Check their health Every Boxer is different but a healthy Boxer usually appears relaxed and comfortable. If your fur buddy is having some type of health problem, you need to examine it and take it seriously. Discuss with him if you suspect there might be an underlying medical issue. The causes of barking and subsequent action plans also vary with age. A senior Boxer will have different needs than a Boxer puppy. Seek professional help If training and other methods are not working for your Boxer, you should seek professional help. You can call a dog behaviorist for expert opinion and professional guidance or organize obedience training. Pet parents can also manage excessive barking by enrolling in dog training classes. This may actually stimulate the dog to bark even more. Do not hit your Boxer or use harsh devices like shock collars. This is not only painful but also unkind. It is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies. All these methods are harsh, unkind, and cruel. Boxers often bark because they are trying to tell you something. If you can figure out the cause, you can fix the issue. Barking can be a real pain in the ears, but the right combination of techniques and training will help your Boxer learn when to keep quiet. Regardless of the reasons for excessive barking, there is always a solution if you know where to look. Unfortunately, excessive barking is a common reason many dog owners rehome their furry friends. Barking can annoy your neighbors as well. Hope you enjoyed reading this article! Did you find it helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts with us. Copyright CaninePals. All Rights Reserved. References and Further Reading:.

Health and breeding information What diseases can occur in a Box-a-Shar? These mixed breeds are brave, stubborn, intelligent and loyal, which makes them excellent family dogs. Unfortunately, they can also suffer from various diseases, so it is important to be aware of any potential risks. One of the most common health problems with this hybrid breed is respiratory distress syndrome. This is a condition in which breathing becomes obstructed, which can have serious consequences. Symptoms include severe emaciation, shortness of breath, coughing, seizures and a general malaise. Treatment can be difficult, but usually there is a good prognosis with proper care. Other possible conditions in this breed include skin allergies, atopy and heart disease. Atopy is an allergic reaction to certain allergens in the environment and usually requires lifelong treatment. Allergic skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema can be recurrent and cause severe itching. Heart disease can lead to serious complications that can go untreated and even be fatal. It is important that owners of Boxer Shar-Pei mixes have their puppy examined regularly for findings. Finding potential problems early can help manage them effectively. Additionally, it is important that dog owners follow their veterinarian's vaccination recommendations to prevent potential diseases. With proper care and vaccinations, owners can provide their dog with a happy and healthy life. What does this mongrel look like? The coat texture and color of a Boxer and Shar-Pei mongrel are very different. In general, they have short, dense and shiny fur. The color varies from light brown to black, sometimes with white markings. However, there are also cases where the dog has a combination of both colors, with the light brown color dominating. Sometimes they also have brown spots that resemble tiger stripes. The coat is tough and it is resistant to different weather conditions. They have a prominent lion's mane around their face and a shaggy coat on their tail. What are breed characteristics of this mix dog? This mix dog grows to be about cm tall and kg when it reaches adulthood. It has a flat, narrow face with a thin mouth and a very short muzzle. The head is slightly domed at the forehead and medium sized ears will protrude from the fur at the back of the head. His body is square and muscular, with short smooth coat, short tail and a few loose folds of skin around the shoulders and middle of the back. His color ranges from deep red to light brown with white markings in various places. Fur length. To make this calculation easier, all dog foods produced and sold in the United States have a feeding guide on the packaging that will allow you to see just how much food your dog needs. You will also find that most premium brands offer a variety of age-specific products that will ensure that your pet gets the right balance of vitamins and minerals that they need to live a happy and healthy life. Typically, a nice long walk around the neighborhood or a run in the park is enough for them. If you are extremely active, your Box-a-Shar will quite happily exercise with you. Of course, you should remember that just as exercise is important for good human health, it is also an important part of keeping your dog fit and healthy, which means that a dog that exercises more frequently is likely to stay healthy longer than one who gets less regular exercise. Also, these dogs can occasionally become a little stubborn, and as frustrating as that is, the best way to move past this may be to change up what it is you are doing and try to turn the activity into a game for your dog. Ideally, you should brush them at least once or twice a week to remove any loose hair from their coat. When it comes to bathing, it is best to limit their baths to when they need it. Box-a-Shars should also have their teeth brushed once or twice a week with a canine toothpaste, their ears checked for obstructions regularly, and their nails clipped every other month to prevent them from growing too long and breaking. With hybrid breeds, it is difficult to say with any certainty whether conditions that typically affect one of their parent breeds will be passed on to your puppy, but unless you have veterinary advice to the contrary, it is always best to assume that they can. Careful and selective breeding practices can reduce the impact of many hereditary health problems. For this reason, you should always purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder. The conditions to which the Box-a-Shar is susceptible include: Minor Conditions. Black, golden, light brown, merle Suitable for: Families with children and pets who want an affectionate breed Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, great with other pets and children This breed is ideal for families that already have other pets or children and are looking for a large, affectionate dog. Although this breed is large and strong, it is really affectionate, loyal, and gets along with almost any member of the family. If you are considering reading a Boxpei, read this article first. This complete guide tells you everything you need to know about Boxpei ownership so that you can decide whether or not this adorable breed is right for your home. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Even though Shar Peis and Boxers alone are really popular dogs, this mix is not. Because of the rarity of this breed, finding a Boxpei puppy can be a bit challenging. There is almost no chance that you will be able to find this attractive breed in a local shelter, especially if it is a puppy. Occasionally, you can find an adult Boxpei at the local shelter, but even that is not a given. In addition to paying for the puppy, you will have to pay other puppy prices, such as getting the dog vaccinated, licensed, and comfy in your new home. They are incredibly loving and loyal, even to other animals and children. At the same time, they are moderately intelligent and want to please. Together, these factors make Boxpeis one of the more loving and easier to train dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are patient, gentle with children, and like rough playing with older members of the family. These facts make Boxpeis a great addition to any family, whether the family includes adults, children, or teenagers. With that being said, socialization is really important for any dog. If you socialize the Boxpei early, it will be more likely to get along with every member of the family. Even though Boxpeis tend to be a very gentle breed, that does not mean that an individual dog will not act aggressively to a child that is pestering it. At the same time, make sure that you teach your child how to play with dogs respectfully and appropriately. In addition to being great family dogs, Boxpeis tend to be really great with other animals as well. When it comes to other dogs, they are much more friendly than other breeds of its size. For best results, get puppies at the same time so that the two dogs grow up together. For cats and other small animals, the Boxpei is likely to get along with them too. Many Boxpei owners claim that their cats love to curl up and snooze with their dog. Once again, socialization with cats and other animals is an important step to ensuring your Boxpei gets along with them. This is true in terms of exercise, training, and grooming, though they do eat a lot. These facts make it a great dog for people who want a low maintenance breed or who have never trained a big dog before. Because of their large size, you need to fuel them with the right amount and type of food. Make sure to always provide your Boxpei a lot of water. Taking your Boxpei on a walk once a day will be enough to keep it happy and healthy. At the same time, your Boxpei will be more than happy to be active with you if you are an active person. With working roots, these dogs can keep up, even though they tend to be a bit lazy by choice. This makes them a great breed for both active and moderately active families alike. These dogs are very eager to please their owners and are moderately intelligent, resulting in an easy training experience. Focusing on encouragement and praise goes a long way with these dogs. On the other hand, negative reinforcement does not work very well with Boxpeis. Because they want to please their owners so much, negative reinforcement often causes them to withdrawal from the task. Remember to be patient with your Boxpei and use as little negative reinforcement as possible. Brush their coat once or twice a week to keep it healthy and minimize shedding around your home. Only give your Boxpei a bath when they need it and use a dog approved shampoo. One thing you have to be careful about when it comes to Boxpeis is their dental help. This breed is known to have poor dental checkups. Brush their teeth once or twice a week using toothpaste formulated for canines. Also, clean out their ears as necessary, and clip nails every other month. However, to unhealthy parents will often result in an unhealthy puppy. Talking to your vet for screenings can help you rule out severe illnesses from an early age. Reputable breeders make sure to use parent dogs that are healthy and never abuses them. Still, there are a couple of illnesses that are most prevalent in Boxpeis. These conditions can range from minor to serious. Minor Conditions. Height: 18 - 20 inches at the shoulder Weight: 40 - 65 lb. Lifespan: 9 - 11 years Boxer Shar Pei Mix - Boxpei Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed. Both of these parent breeds can be strong and powerful and have very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Dalmatian mixed with the Shar Pei might be prone to Eye problems, Hypothyroidism, Cancer, skin problems, bloat, patellar luxation, OCD, Joint dysplasia, Swollen hock syndrome, Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. This will be a more challenging dog to groom due to the wrinkles with the Shar Pei. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in.

Another common condition to cause bad breath is known as halitosis. Underpinning disorders, such as renal disease and diabetes may cause your Frenchie to have bad breath. Specific food allergies can also help in the development of halitosis. To ascertain the source of any stinky breath, your French Bulldog should have a comprehensive medical examination. While a normal mouth contains bacteria, plaque encourages the development of bad bacteria, which generate undesirable odors and cause bad breath. Unless the plaque is removed, it may cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, which are the first symptoms of gingivitis. If left unchecked, gum disease can be harmful to your Frenchies welfare. While gum disease is avoidable using a daily oral hygiene routine, it is reported that approximately 80 percent of dogs develop gum disease by the age of three. Unsurprisingly, this is a painful and unpleasant experience for your Frenchie, but it can be prevented. However, French Bulldog habits like eating poorly may often be the culprit. A much more severe source is when plaque and tartar accumulate on their teeth, contributing to an accumulation of bacteria that causes really bad breath. Lumps or Bleeding: Gum disorder in your French Bulldog may cause pain and bleed around the muzzle. It may lead to the development of oral lumps such as epulis in the mouth of your Frenchie. If you spot a mass anywhere on your French Bulldog, make sure you take them to your nearest Veterinarian. So they conduct an urgent examination as it could be cancerous. Discolouration Teeth: Teeth with yellow and brown deposits are an indication that plaque and tartar are being accumulated and should be removed. Your nearest Veterinarian will provide your Frenchie with a clean and polished treatment to remove the current build-up. This gives you a clean slate before you start brushing your Frenchies teeth at home. Gingivitis: A clear sign that your Frenchies dental disease is advancing is that its tartar is developing into its gums, which creates inflammation and bleeding. Predictably, experiencing sensitive and irritated gums can be unpleasant for your Frenchie. If left unchecked, it may escalate and lead to premature dental decay. Loss of Appetite: When your Frenchie has stopped eating or has trouble chewing their dry kibble, it may be an indication that they have dental disease. Which is causing them oral pain and reducing their desire to eat. Again make an appointment with your nearest Veterinarian for a clinical examination to see what is causing the problem, which may contribute to early loss of teeth. Dogs, just like yourself, may benefit from getting their teeth brushed once per day. Cleaning their teeth and gums helps to reduce the build-up of plaque and bacteria. Buy your Frenchie some dog tooth-friendly chew toys to enjoy. Small, bendy chewing strips or soft rubber chewing strips and toys are good options. Do not use tough chew toys such as antlers, snouts, whitened bones, or tennis balls. If uncertain, ask your vet what toys are a healthy option. Yes, Kidney failure happens when your Frenchies kidneys are unable to perform their job of removing toxins from their body. There are two forms of renal failure: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure is always abrupt and develops quickly, while chronic kidney disease is much slower to present. Acute renal failure may be down to injury or poor blood flow to the kidney. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Symptoms Renal Disease Bad Breath: Your French Bulldog will start to develop bad breath that can be very obvious due to toxins produced in their bodies. Urinating More Frequently: This is one of the earliest symptoms of acute and chronic renal disease. If you notice yourself taking your Frenchie out more to pee, then it might be something to keep track of. Suppose your Frenchie appears to lose interest in their normal dog kibble and consumes only scrapes and snacks. It might signify chronic kidney failure. Then this may mean acute renal failure, particularly if a recent kidney injury follows it. Extreme Thirst: If you find you are having to fill your French Bulldogs water bowl more often or notice your Frenchie looking for additional sources of water, it may signify chronic renal failure Diarrhea and Constipation: Since the kidneys control fluids in the body, you can see complications and differences in your Frenchies bowel movements. Renal Disease Treatment Management of Renal Disease relies on blood work outcomes and various procedures designed to correct particular irregularities. In certain instances, the kidneys are irreparably damaged before diagnosis, and medical care will be unsuccessful. That being said, with early intervention and diligent care, many dogs may have a decent life for months or even years to come. Treatment typically happens in two stages: initially flushing the kidneys, eliminating the concentrated contaminants from the blood, and then delivering medication to control the disease and slow its progress. There are three main results from the first stage of treatment: The kidneys may continue to operate and will continue operating for several weeks to a few years. The kidneys will continue to work throughout therapy but will fail again after treatment ends, typically within three to 14 days. The Kidney function will not recover. The second level of therapy is to keep the kidneys working as long and as normally as possible. This is done using a combination of the following. Phosphate Binder. Foul odor can indicate a health issue in your Frenchie so it is best to do your research, be well informed, treat the cause and prevent it from happening in the future. Just as human beings, the development of plaque and tartar can prompt bad breath. A lot of plaque and tartar can push the gums from the teeth, uncovering new microscopic organisms. This arouses the canine's gums, and can prompt gum disease, and discharge. Obviously, it will come with incredibly, terrible breath. Dietary Habits - where has your dog been? Dogs once in a while will get into things they shouldn't have such as: drink from a toilet, get into trash and even eat their own feces. Some pooches eat the feces of other canines, a condition called coprophagia. In addition to the fact that this is foul, it is incredibly unhygienic. The above will cause awful breath in dogs and every so often even make them sick. Diabetes -If your Frenchie's awful breath has a sweet or fruity smell to it, you should see your veterinarian. Sweet, fruity breath is an indication of diabetes. Kidney Disease -If your Frenchie's awful breath has a has a pee scent to it, you should see your vet. This can be an indication of kidney disease. Liver Disease -If your French Bulldog's gums have a yellow tinge it may indicate of liver issues and you need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Infected or blocked anal sac gland -can produce a foul smell. Fish Oil -can have a fishy smell linger around your Frenchie's mouth. Facial Folds -can produce a bad smell if not cleaned daily. Ear Infections -like any other infection can produce a bad odor and needs immediate medical attention. Paw licking -can cause odors especially is the paw is injured. Treating your French Bulldog's Bad Breath As critical as it is to apprehend the underlying issues of your Frenchie's breath, what we really need to understand is why it is happening and how we can prevent it. Curing awful dog breath relies upon the cause. Your veterinarian may run blood work and other tests to be certain your Frenchie can endure anesthesia. Prevent bad breath in puppies The most effective manner to prevent bad breath in your Frenchie puppy is to brush the dog's teeth on a regular basis. Tooth brushing reduces plaque and promotes higher oral hygiene. With a bit of training most puppies learn to adjust to having their teeth brushed. Offering your canine with plenty of chew toys can also be helpful. Chewing prevents plaque and tartar construct-up and relieves boredom, maintaining your dog healthy and happy. Smaller dogs may require extra dental care than large dog breeds as they are more prone to periodontal disease, according to the akc health foundation. Smaller breeds have a tendency to have teeth that are closer together, which promotes plaque and tartar build-up, so make certain you provide them with lots of bite toys from a younger age and brush their enamel frequently. Feeding your Frenchie a well balanced diet and providing plenty of exercise will prevent health issues like diabetes. There are different oral health products apart from dog toothpaste in the marketplace. Talk in your veterinarian about the options and what is best for your French Bulldog. When was your dog's anal sac gland checked? It is possible your Frenchie has an infected or blocked anal sac gland. If the anal sac s are not operating properly, the fluid builds up inside those glands and might result in a foul smell. What are anal sacs glands? Despite the fact they are usually known as anal glands, they're technically not glandular in structure. Anal sacs are small sacs located on both aspect of the anus between the inner and outside anal sphincter muscular tissues. There are instances, however, that they may not function the way they were supposed to and turn into bags of fluid. If your dog has been experiencing watery stools or diarrhea chances are that no sufficient strain is being applied and the sac can possibly get full. A tell tell sign your Frenchie's anal glands are full: A fishy smell may not be the most effective and only sigh that your French Bulldog has a full anal sac s. Another sign that you could watch out for is your canine dragging his or her bum throughout the floor. We've all seen it before and even though this may seem funny to some, it is probably a sign that your dog is stricken by a blocked anal sac and is experiencing pain. Other signs your French Bulldog's anal sac glands might be blocked A foul odor. Butt scooting or sitting awkward and uncomfortably. Red accompanied by swelling around the anus. Dog scratching or nipping at the rear. Are blocked anal gland sacs in French Bulldogs dangerous? A full anal sac s can inflict bodily pain on your Frenchie making him or her act out of the ordinary. If a full anal sac is a reoccurring occasion and left untreated it may cause an infection on your dog. What can be done to relief a dog's blocked anal gland? Proper diet and regular exercise is key. As referred to above, a healthy bowel movement is greatly affected by your Frenchies' diet. You can try increasing your dog's fiber intake if the stool is not firm enough. Raw food diet may help your dog to have a ordinary bowel movement. Treating your French Bulldog allergies to prevent anal gland infections. If your French Bulldog gets sufficient amount of exercise and has healthy bowel movements, but still experiencing blocked anal glands, you might want to consider allergies. Your likely wondering, how do allergic reactions causes my Frenchie to have a blocked anal gland? Allergies are a reaction of the immune system when it releases histamines that cause swelling and infection. The swelling and infection precipitated from hypersensitive reactions and can cause your dogs anal glands to become blocked and inflamed. If your dog suffers from a blocked anal gland,we recommend seeing your vet. There are natural remedies you can try but we suggest you first see a vet to rule our other causes. Visit your vet Your veterinarian can manually empty your dog's glands. Although this method will work in emptying the gland, it does not solve the issue of why the gland didn't empty on its own in the first place. Your vet will help you identify the core issue until it is resolved. In some cases with chronic anal gland blockage, you may choose to surgically remove the gland. Why does my French Bulldog's breath smell like fish? It is possible that a blocked anal gland can cause a fishy smell in your Frenchie's mouth indirectly. A natural response of your Frenchie dog would be to bite and lick their rear ends in an attempt to relieve the discomfort due to a blocked gland. As gross as it may sound some fluid in the anal sac can release onto your Frenchie's tongue or mouth which can ultimately affect their breath. Treating the source will fix the bad breath in your Frenchie. If the source is stemming from a blocked anal gland you need to treat the condition in order to see improvement. Are you giving your Frenchie fish oil supplements? Fish oil can have great health benefits for your French Bulldog however giving it to your dog does come with a fish breath price. Your Frenchie dog or puppy just like humans do and with that may come the foul linger fish smell. Good Frenchie oral hygiene may be helpful in preventing fish breath. Brushing your French Bulldogs teeth on a daily basis will prevent plaque and tartar and prevent any bad odors coming out of your dog's mouth. You should check your dog food ingredients to see if it contains fish products. If you see omega-3 or omega-6 then there is a good possibility that it contains fish product. Other ingredients to look for that might cause fish smell in dogs: Fish oil. No comments Does your Frenchie have bad breath? The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dogs to share a home with due to their unique personality and loving nature. However, they are not immune to certain ailments that affect other dog breeds, bad breath being one of those. In fact, Frenchies are even more susceptible to bad breath than some other breeds due to their tendency to vacuum up crumbs, dirt, and other bits and pieces, all getting stuck in their loveable jowls! The good news is most cases of bad breath are easy to fix. Just be aware that bad breath could be a sign of other, more serious, health issues , so if symptoms persist be sure to visit the vet. Of course, if your dog exhibits inflammation, soreness or deformity in its gums, as well as bad breath, you should always consult your family vet. If your dog shows any other signs of illness, like vomiting , poor appetite or drastic attitude changes, alongside bad breath, consult your vet as soon as possible. However, bad breath can really hinder your relationship with your pup. Dental hygiene is the first, logical step. There is a wide variety of puppy toothbrushes in most pet stores and online. Also, make sure they are drinking enough water, especially when they wake up with that horrid morning-breath! Chewing on or eating foreign objects from outside or elsewhere could cause your French Bulldog to come home with bad breath. Wrapping up While French Bulldogs are excellent companions, every dog owner will encounter inconveniences with their relationship. Bad breath can drive a wedge between you and your furry friend. This might seem, at first, a relatively small annoyance, however, it could be a symptom of a bigger health concern. If their health checks out, then your pup could simply need to practice better dental hygiene and eating habits. There you have it. By following the tips in this post, you can get back to giving your Frenchie the love they deserve. Like rotten meat. Like a sewer or dumpster. My french bulldog has really bad breath: learn below what the smells could mean. The most common reason for stinky Frenchie breath The most common Frenchie bad breath smell will be a slight stinky odor. If you cannot see any loose teeth or sore gums, then it may just be down to bad dental hygiene, particularly due to a build-up of plaque. Just like humans, Frenchies also need a regular dental hygiene routine. It could be easily remedied halitosis, gingivitis, or a more serious periodontal disease which I will describe more later down. Older dogs can get kidney problems which occur when their kidneys are unable to breakdown protein. The proteins will then get into the blood, and this can attribute to blood urea nitrogen. You need to call the vet in cases like this. After all, has your Frenchie been eating fish, do you live near a pond? Probably not, so what causes the fishy smelling bad breath then? Well, it might not be actually be coming from inside of mouth as such, but rather because they have been licking themselves. Anal glands can become blocked and will express by themselves. When your Frenchie then licks himself clean, he will transfer that fishy smell into his mouth. So, the result, as you would expect, is your French Bulldog then has breath that smells like fish or a stinking fish tank. Pretty grim I am sure you will agree. The best way to cure fishy smelling breath in a Frenchie will be take them to a vet for a professional opinion on whether the anal glands need expressing fully or not. This could be a sign your dog has diabetes. Dogs with diabetes are unable to breakdown the sugars in their system to give themselves energy. Instead their body will break down the fats instead, with ketone bodies getting into the bloodstream. Those ketones will then get released from the body by breathing, and they will often have a fruity and pleasant smelling odor. You should call your vet with this breath smell. Severe periodontal disease will typically be conjunction with loose teeth, receding gums, exposed bone around the teeth, and possibly even pus. They can also quickly spread to other parts of the body, and whilst more common in larger dogs, can affect Frenchies too. If your French Bulldog has bad breath and is going to the toilet more often. If your French Bulldogs has also lost weight and is vomiting. If your French Bulldog is drinking more than usual. What to give a French Bulldog with bad breath? Once the professional has done a thorough job, you should develop your own dental hygiene routine for your Frenchie. You can now buy specialist dog toothpastes to clean their teeth once or twice a week. This homemade toothpaste is created by mixing baking soda and water. You can get some vet formulated doggy toothpaste on Amazon. Let your Frenchie get used to the toothpaste with a small taste at first. Brush gently making sure to get all surfaces of their teeth and the gums. Give your Frenchie a reward afterwards to normalise the routine. Older dogs should have their teeth professionally cleaned a couple of times a year. This is important as their gums will start to recede and teeth can become loose. Just like humans! However, always be cautious and try to ascertain exactly what the bad breath smell is. But the main reason is usually the poor dental french bulldog hygiene. In case your fluffy have an issue with bad breathing, then how you will treat the french bulldog bad breath? Causes Behind French Bulldog Bad Breath Even though I advise you not to jump to any conclusion regarding bad breaths in Frenchies, understanding the basic reasons might help you to prepare yourself. Before you find an answer on how do I get rid of my French bulldog bad breath, learn why bad breath occurs in the first place. Dental Hygiene One of the potential reasons behind your French bulldog bad breath will be gum disease. So, the only way is to maintain his dental hygiene to prevent and treat gum-related diseases at the same time. In case your dog exhibits any soreness, inflammation, or gum deformity, then consulting the vet is the only option. These issues can get serious if you fail to catch them at the early stages. You will see your dog drinking more water and urinating a lot. Vets will prescribe some medications to treat the problem from its core. In case your dog starts showing some signs of illness like attitude change, poor appetite, or vomiting along with foul breath, then you better immediately consult your vet. Initial Steps To get an answer on [how do I get rid of my French bulldog bad breath], there are some basic steps I have mentioned for you. After checking with your vet, if your Frenchie has a clean cheat along with bad breath, then that is nothing to worry about. But, bad breath can hinder your relationship with your fluffy friend: Dental hygiene is the first step to consider. There are various toothbrushes available for puppies online and from pet stores. If dental hygiene is not the reason behind bad breath, then try switching food plates. That might keep the issue at bay and prevent it from coming back. Ensure that your French bulldog gets to drink a lot of water, mainly after he wakes up from a morning nap. Always remain vigilant and see that your puppy never gets to hold anything which he is not supposed to from your walk or from the garden. Eating foreign objects or chewing on them can cause bad breath. Food stuck in between teeth, or collected tartar and plaque might be some of the reasons too. As Frenchies are known to have multiple folds on their faces, it is mandatory for the owner to clean those folds regularly. They might smell bad if food gets stuck in between those folds. I advise you to clean those folds regularly with wet baby wipes or with safe cotton wet clothes. It is the best way to prevent infections. For picking up excess moisture or oil, you can put a bit of cornstarch between each one of the folds. Finally, here is my recommendation for the best dental chews for french bulldogs:.

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Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Advertisement Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. They will help you redecorate your floors Do you have a hardwood floor? Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. Playing around is no game The German Shepherd is a very active breed and needs lots of physical stimulation and playtime. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies who are also busy bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. Their calm, confident demeanor paired with their recognizable looks makes them wonderful family pets and undeniably cool sidekicks. One even lives in The White House , so you know they're a big deal. Whether you're celebrating National German Shepherd Day May 10 or just need a pick-me-up with some smiling pups , you've come to the right place! Luna the Longhaired German Shepherd Luna's long mane looks absolutely stunning against the rocks. Plus, with a smile like that, this pup can steal anyone's heart. Who doesn't want to be lounging by the pool with a cup of coffee and getting some online shopping, er, work done? Just look at her stunning black coat and long tongue! Duke Enjoying a Pupsicle This German shepherd knows how to do summer right with a delicious homemade dog popsicle. Save some for us! Krut the Adventure Doggo What's more relaxing than hiking with your dog next to a beautiful waterfall? Krut's Instagram page is full of gorgeous pictures of his mountain adventures that have us itching for a weekend camping trip. Cliff's Boop-able Nose Now this is a snoot we need to boop! Cliff's Instagram always shows the smiling pup on tons of outdoor adventures. No wonder he's one of the happiest German shepherds we've ever seen! Koa's Beach Day This has everything you need in a cute German shepherd picture: a gorgeous background, floppy ears, and an adorably fluffy puppy with her tongue out. What more can you ask for? After only a few short minutes of brushing , it's like you have enough fur for a whole new dog! German shepherds have thick, double layered coats that are prone to shedding , so it's even more important for their owners to keep a regular grooming routine. You may just need to book an afternoon for the task. Sebastian the Birthday Boy Time to light the candles! Sebastian's first birthday bash included a matching bandana , banner, and birthday hat, as well as some adorable custom cookies. All he needs left for his big day is a dog-approved birthday cake. Flash's Floppy Ears German shepherds are known for their signature perked-up ears. But in their first few months, German shepherd puppies sport floppy ears until around the time they finish teething. So German shepherd puppy owners: take all the photos with those adorable floppy ears while you still can! But Odin here is clearly proud to be a German shepherd K.And based on his Instagram posts, this good boy gets the job done right. These good boys are clearly enjoying their day outside at the park and we couldn't be happier for them. Ace the German Shepherd Service Dog German shepherds are incredibly smart, making them wonderful service animals! When your job includes going to Disney, how could you not look as happy as this guy? Apollo Soaking up the Sun Apollo might be the coolest dog we've ever seen. From the effortlessly stylish sunglasses all the way down to his customized shoes, we know this good boy is living his best life. Was this page helpful?

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior.

We are a small hobby breeder of West Showline German Shepherds with only a few litters a year. Our dogs are part of our family, share our home, and travel with us. We are located in Halifax, PA about 30 minutes north east of Harrisburg. I was impressed with their working ability and superior intelligence along with a loving demeanor that was absolutely unmatched. As I was learning more about the breed and looking for my perfect addition to my family, I saw the Long Coats for the first time and fell in love. Our dogs have brought pure joy and happiness into our home and it is our goal to bring the same joy and happiness into yours! They have sound temperaments, are very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, and protective. Everyone is encouraged to stop in for a visit of our home, meet our family, and see our GSD's. It is our goal to produce top quality German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat with loving personalities, outstanding character, and family protection in one perfect package. Integrity is Very important with us, you will Never feel pressured into getting a Puppy, we are very honest and direct with our process and time table when we will have Puppies available. All the Information Posted about our Dogs can be verified through Documentation. Our Pictures are Never Altered or adjusted to mislead you into thinking our dogs are better than they are, and to be Honest we do not need too : The day you pickup your Bergerhaus puppy you will be invited into a Secret Facebook page called Bergerhaus Puppy Club if you so choose to accept here you can interact with others Bergerhaus puppy owners, watch littermates of your baby grow, become friends with other puppy owners, and ask advise from everyone in the group! Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. They are all a part of our everyday life. We have put a lot of time in finding the right dogs for our breeding program so we can provide quality puppies. Our puppies will make exceptional family companions or working class dogs. Upon viewing our many pictures on our site you will see how happy and healthy all of our dogs are. Our main goal is to provide happy, healthy puppies that make excellent companions. They need lots of personal attention so when considering to buy one of my dogs you need to be willing to have another FAMILY member. Why Choose Us We Strive to Provide We strive to provide our puppies with owners who love and cherish them as much as we do. My puppies mean a lot to me, they are a passion that I love, they are not a business. People have asked me how I let my puppies go when it is time for them to go to their new homes. A Wonderful Dog to Add to Your Family Once you have owned a German Shepherd it is very hard not to have one in your life, they are the most dedicated dog there is. I grew up with German Shepherds in most of my childhood life and my husband and myself have had them in our life together for over 30 years. If you would like to come and visit let us know, we would love to meet you and have you meet our FAMILY, and if you ever decide to make one of our puppies your own, you will know that they were given the very BEST start in life. Take a tour of our site if you have any questions or comments about any of our dogs or puppies feel free to contact us. We feel this step will be VERY beneficial to both puppy and new owners. I am amazed at how well behaved and taken care of they are. Easy and honest people to work with…Simply Amazing! Our Dogs Info We specialize in the best quality long coat king German Shepherd's that have a large bone structure, straight backs and stunning long hair around their main. We love the fact that our German Shepherds are not only very large but come in stunning black and red mahogany color, and no two are ever the same! As you can imagine we fell head over heels for this world champions stunning intelligent breed. We use our experience as a reputable breeder to specialize in long coat German Shepherds for quality not quantity. We strive to produce not only great quality but also German shepherds with great health and great temperament that is tested with every litter. All our puppies are carefully checked by my vet for all the genetic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, breathing problems, cherry eyes, heart murmurs, any sign of infection and come with a health guarantee and health certificate. They come home with full medical records, shots, dewormings, microchipping, and the full starter package! Our puppies are healthy, happy and come with a great amount of love to give. Our shepherds are raised indoors and are socialized by our whole family, they love kids and other pets. Our shepherds are never kenneled, even at night we put them in a doggy pen inside our home. Our shepherds are part of our family and without them the house would seem empty. We start potty training the new puppies at an early age and put them on shedueles so that when the puppies go to their forever homes they are pretty much potty trained. Caution If you have never owned a King German Shepherd you will see that they are great companions, love attention, intelligent, lovable and love to learn; you may even find that they are like potato chips — you can never have just one! Click pictures for more info about our dogs Puppies.

They are also popular choices for families with allergies, as they do not shed as much as other breeds. Poodle Mixes come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. While all Poodle Mixes share some common features, their individual personalities can vary widely. Some Poodle Mixes are confident and outgoing, while others are more reserved and shy. Some breeds tend to be independent thinkers, while others are more eager to please. The best way to determine what personality type is right for you is to meet with a local breeder or rescue organization that specializes in Poodle Mixes. Poodle Mix Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Poodle Mixes for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Poodle Mix puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Of course, not all Poodle Mixes will develop these conditions, but it is important to be aware of them. Finding a Poodle Mix puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Regardless of the type of Poodle Mix you have, there are a few things you need to know about coat care. First, regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Finally, Poodle Mixes need to be groomed every weeks by a professional groomer. This includes a bath, brush out, trimming of the coat, and nail clipping. By following these simple coat care tips, you can help your Poodle Mix look and feel his best. Meet Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale. If a Mini Poodle Mix takes after their Mini Poodle parent, they will be a small dog that is affectionate, loving, and playful. Miniature Poodles are intelligent, sensitive dogs with cheerful dispositions. They tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. They even tend to be good with strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. They do tend to alert you of things, which can make them prone to barking. Working to train your dog to stop barking early on can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Miniature Poodle Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what temperament she has and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started socialization and training. However, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home to ensure they grow into a well-rounded dog. A Miniature Poodle is a highly adaptable dog that does well in apartments as well as larger homes and in most climates. Because they are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can also expect a high adaptable Miniature Poodle Mix. The other breed in the mix is likely to have their own quirks, so you do still want to ask the breeder about them. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit some combination of them or all of them. Make sure you ask about the health history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles tend to be intelligent dogs that are eager to please and easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. As long as the other parent breed is also a good fit for all experience levels, then you can expect a Mini Poodle Mix to be highly trainable as well. If the other parent breed is more difficult to train, then you will want to prepare for that possibility in a Miniature Poodle Mix. A mixed-breed can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is some combination of them both. If a Miniature Poodle Mix inherits the Poodle coat, it will be low-shedding, require daily brushing, and require professional grooming every weeks. Once or twice monthly nail trims keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth daily or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Although they are small, Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require daily walks plus playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy breed, then you can expect a Mini Poodle Mix to also be a high-energy dog. If the other parent breed has a lower energy level, a Mini Poodle Mix could take after them, but you still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Miniature Poodle is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Miniature Poodles generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Mini Poodle Mix. Featured Miniature Poodle Mix Article.

Translation missing: en. There are dogs with little heads, like Yorkies. There are dogs with huge heads, like Saint Bernards. Some dogs have rounded heads, while others are almost square; some heads lead into a long tapering nose, and others have a flat face. But all dogs have a bump on their heads. In some dogs it is more noticeable than others, but it's there. And people have noticed it for a long time. So much so that some folklore has developed around it. Even the Disney cartoon dog Pluto has a large bump on his head. What Is a Knowledge Bump? The bump on a dog's head is sometimes referred to as a "knowledge bump," a "knowledge knot," or a "wisdom bump," so it should come as no surprise that it was once thought to be an indication of a dog's intelligence. Some breeds of dogs have a more prominent bump than others. Hounds, especially Bloodhounds, have a very large bump. Since the bump was so large, and Bloodhounds' sense of smell is so keen, some believed there was a correlation between the two. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and English Setters are other breeds which sport an exceptionally noticeable bump. Officially Called an "Occiput" This bony protuberance has an actual name: an "occiput. Its primary purpose is to protect the bones of the dog's skull and, in turn, his brain. Predators would often try to crush a dog's skull, so the more protection the skull had, the better the chances of survival for the dog. The other use it serves is to assist the dog's head movement in relation to the spine. The bump is also the home of several nerve endings. Some who practice therapeutic canine massage and acupuncture believe this area of a dog's head is worthy of extra attention. Occiput Issues to Look Out For Although the existence of an occiput is necessary and natural, any change in the appearance of it can be a red flag. Since it protrudes, it may get bumped. If the blow is hard enough it can cause a bruise, which can make the area appear larger than usual. Muscle atrophy can also cause the bump to appear more pronounced. It's important that the underlying cause of muscle loss be discovered and treated, unless it is due to old age. As adolescent dogs mature, their bump can become larger temporarily. Hair loss around the area can make the bump appear larger as well. If you notice any changes in your dog's occiput, take him to his vet. It could be something harmless, as in a growing dog, but it could be the first sign of a serious ailment that requires the vet's attention. Whether large or small, your dog has a bump on his head. Keep an eye on it and watch for any changes. And regardless of its prominence, it's just one more little feature that makes your dog the dog you love so much. Pam Hair Pam Hair is a pet industry copywriter with Fuzzy Friends Writer , where she combines her three passions: a love of animals, a strong desire to help other people, and the joy of writing. She has been a pet parent over the years to dogs, cats, and a variety of rodents. Currently she and her husband share their home with two guinea pigs. Share Post. Now is the time to go over the dog with your hands. Particular attention should now be paid to the head. The Boxer standard, even though explicit in the head qualities desired, is also confusing to many people. It is the head that gives judges and breeders alike, the most trouble. If shown a selection of photographs of different heads, most good judges and breeders would agree which ones were the best. So why is it that head type varies so much? This was the profile of the head that was said to be laid down by the country of origin of the breed, and most breeders still regard it to be of excellent type. You can run a ruler on the balance of muzzle to the whole of the head and it will come out .In plain terms this means that the muzzle if half the length of the skull. The depth of muzzle is correct and so is the depth of skull. Heavy wrinkles are not evident anywhere on the skull. Note the planes of the head, with the deep stop and tip tilted nose. NB: The standard calls for the tip of the nose to be higher than the root of the muzzle! Note also the rounding out of the upper lip and chin in front of the nose. The head on the right is a European head of years ago and you can see the influence of the Munich Silhouette also on the English dog below from the 70's. A very nice puppy taken at 7 months of age. Notice the arch of skull, depth of muzzle and chin in profile. Same Female as a puppy and an adult A good Boxer head should not coarsen as the dog ages. Female - 5 years Now consider the head of the dog in front of you.Does the size of the head look in balance to his body? Can you distinguish the gender.Looking down on the head, does the skull merge smoothly into the muzzle? Does the head give you the impression of a smaller square attached to a larger square? Are the cheeks muscles smooth and not exaggerated? Is the chin visible from the front and of correct depth, making the whole muzzle from the front as deep as the width of the muzzle, but not unduly swept up and protruding like an English Bulldog. The chin should NOT be hidden by lips and flews? Of course no teeth will be visible! Does the muzzle look neither too narrow or too shallow in relation to the skull? Can you feel bone and substance in the muzzle, not just heavy padding as you lift the flews to look into the mouth. The same also applies to a young puppy. Mouth When you open his mouth.The Boxer is undershot but does not have a reverse scissor bite. The underjaw should have a gap of about the width of a pencil between his top and bottom teeth. Are the bottom teeth in a straight line, with the canines set wide apart? When checking the mouth of each side, is only one upper tooth visible between the canines? If there is a difference in spacing on one side than the other, check that the mouth is not wry. A very good mouth It is not uncommon for Boxers to have 7 or 8 teeth in the upper jaw between the canines. Excellent explantions of the mouth. Twitter By Shannon Wilkinson The lampshade, satellite dish, or cone — no matter what you call it, it is hard not to alternately laugh and feel sorry for any dog wearing one. Often used after surgical procedures, these cone-shaped collars are designed to keep dogs from licking sutures or wounds, potentially opening the wounds or tearing the stitches. They are also used to keep a dog with an injury or surgical site on his head from scratching it with his paws. In most cases, dogs wear the protective collars for a few days post-surgery until the incision has healed. Other times, dogs wear them for longer periods to help with problems such as lick granulomas, excessive itchiness, hot spots, or other wounds that take longer to heal. Some dogs are just fine with wearing these protective collars, and others go bonkers. My Boxer, Tyler, is one of those dogs that goes bonkers with a traditional Elizabethan collar. First he freezes. Then he starts pawing at it and fighting it until he threatens to hurt himself or someone else. This past spring, after surgery to remove a growth on his elbow, we had the opportunity to try out a number of different types of collars and other products to keep him away from the incision. He came home from the surgery with the vet-supplied Elizabethan collar. But as soon as we unleashed him in the house, he started trying to remove the collar forcibly. Then we started exploring our options. Following is a summary of the products we used to restrict access to his incision. We readily ascertained that all of the products were effective for certain purposes thus our top rating for each , although Tyler was more comfortable with some than others. When considering what to use for your dog, keep the location of his wound in mind some products are better than others at preventing his access to different parts of his body. But also take into consideration his personality, energy level, and general ability to adapt to different circumstances. Finally, if your dog has to wear some sort of collar for longer than a few days, you might want to try different products for different circumstances. Conventional cones Veterinary clinics usually provide their clients with classic Elizabethan collars made of thick plastic. They can be made somewhat more comfortable by taping the sometimes sharp edges. Some dogs may bump into door frames or walls with the stiff collar, which can be jarring and noisy. There are plenty of dogs that do just fine with a traditional Elizabethan collar. He fought this collar at every opportunity. It also upset our other dog, who acted wary of Tyler in the collar and startled at the noise it created when Tyler bumped against things. The traditional Elizabethan Collar was provided by our veterinarian. On the advice of a friend, I looked for and found a very similar collar for less money at our local Petco. The E-Collar also comes in translucent colors such as blue and pink. It is padded with a layer of vinyl around the neck for increased comfort, and uses plastic snaps to close the collar at the proper size. For some dogs, the E-Collar could be a good option because of the increased visibility and lighter weight. Tyler however, reacted to this collar much like he did the traditional model. We purchased the E-Collar from a local Petco. It is a vinyl-covered foam pillow that prevents the dog from reaching his incisions or wounds. This does depend somewhat on the flexibility of your dog and the length of his muzzle and tongue. It is much easier for a dog to go about his normal business with the Soft-E-Collar. Your dog can still play catch, tug, and other games while wearing the collar. It also is less noisy and jarring if the dog bumps against anything while wearing it. When we tried this collar on Tyler, we made the mistake of looping the string around his regular flat collar. This nearly caused a serious problem when Tyler used both front paws to swiftly push the Soft-E over his head, which caused his regular collar to start to choke him. If your dog is really committed to trying to get the collar off, this is not the most secure choice. It has a nylon chest strap that fastens behind the front legs to keep the collar properly in place. The Bite Not collar works by limiting the extent to which the dog can bend his neck to reach various parts of his body. This means the collar works well to prevent dogs from licking their rear ends — back, rump, base of tail, flanks, chest, abdomen, genitals — but, depending on the flexibility of the dog and the length of his legs, he may be able to lick his feet. He played tug with our other dog and even fetched his ball a few times while wearing it. He also was not able to lower his head much and therefore was not able to pick up anything from the ground. Bite Not Products sells its collars through veterinarians and through some catalog outlets. You can ask your veterinarian to order one for you; we ordered direct from the Omaha Vaccine Company at or www. Given its design, the coat is not indicated for protecting head wounds or preventing paw-licking; the manufacturer recommends using it over dressed wounds and for allergy and hot spot control. An optional, detachable panel can be purchased to cover a spay or neuter surgical incision. The Lycra Bodysuit was the most expensive option we found, so it may be a better solution for long-term problems such as allergies than post-surgical healing. In a few cases where the Lycra Bodysuit is indicated, a simple T-shirt might work, too. However, it worked for our Great Dane, Booker, after gastropexy stomach tacking surgery for bloat, even though the T-shirt covered only about half of his long incision. Over time, the dogs charmed their way into family homes as guard dogs and companions. The breed became officially recognized by , when the Boxer Club was founded in Germany as selective breeding became more intentional. From then on, the breed grew in popularity. As of , the Boxer is the 14th most popular dog breed in America. Boxer Breed Traits The Boxer is a medium-sized breed that weighs, on average, around pounds. White boxers have a 1 in 3 chance of being deaf in one or both ears , and they do not meet the breed standard, but can still make wonderful pets. Boxers are naturally born with floppy ears and a long tail. Historically, the dogs have surgeries as puppies that involve cutting part of the ears and taping them to ensure they stay upright, and docking their tail to a short bob. These modifications serve the purpose of preventing injuries in working dogs. For companion dogs, cropping and docking is not medically necessary, but some pet parents may choose to have these procedures done at weeks as a cosmetic choice. This can leave them prone to respiratory issues like an elongated soft palate that partially blocks the airway and stenotic nares narrow nostrils. Boxers are prone to developing heart issues, especially Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy ARVC , a condition that is rarely seen in other breeds. Heart failure and sudden death can happen. With annual testing, ARVC can be caught early, and the condition can be successfully managed with medication. How To Care For Your Boxer Boxers are high-energy dogs that need at least an hour of exercise per day, which can be a culmination of walks, jogs, and play sessions. Boxers are also enthusiastic eaters, but will typically maintain a healthy body condition with sufficient exercise. Like other deep-chested breeds, they are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas. Gulping food too quickly, and eating immediately before or after intense exercise are known risk factors for bloat. Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent your Boxer from eating their food too quickly. Due to their short muzzle, Boxers are unable to pant as efficiently as other dogs to maintain their body temperature in extreme heat. Do not leave your Boxer outside for long periods of time, and avoid exercise in hot weather. Snoring is common in Boxers, and many pet parents see it as one of their lovable quirks. While snoring is typically harmless, it can be an indicator of a health issue. See you veterinarian for annual wellness checkups to monitor your Boxer for respiratory and cardiac issues. Why We Love Boxers Boxers are loyal, protective, and people-oriented. From awkward, bumbly puppy to noble, regal, and still-so-goofy as adults, Boxers have a special way of winning over every member of their family. Or, look for a breed specific rescue near you. Some limitations and restrictions may apply.