pug puppies alberta

Less - Aussie Bulldog Australian Bulldogs have stout, compact bodies that are very strong and well-muscled. Generally, the bodies of female Australian Bulldogs should be longer than those of their male counterparts. Australian Bulldogs have a level top line and a broad chest with the brisket well let down. Their tail cartridge is straight off the back, and their tail may or may not be docked. Australian Bulldogs have a very strong, square head that is substantially deep and wide at the muzzle. They have a pronounced stop between their large, wide-set eyes. This breed has nose wrinkle. Australian Bulldogs bred for show have a near level bite and large teeth. Their wide jaw structure should be square at the top and bottom. Australian Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that exists in a variety of colors. There are at least five shades of brindle that are suitable for show. Australian Bulldogs may also have a pied coat, meaning there is one coat color on the body that is more prominent than another. Australian Bulldogs often have a series of patches on their body. The Australian Bulldog is a medium sized dog that loves being part of a family. The Aussie Bulldog is intelligent, loving and loyal with a sound temperament. Good with children and fun-loving, this breed is pretty easygoing. It will enjoy playing with a ball or Frisbee and loves to play or swim in water. It is a good watch dog but not a guard dog, though its appearance can be a deterrent. Given the alertness of this breed, the Aussie Bulldog does have the ability to be a dependable watch dog at a mature age. With its intelligence and loyalty it is a very easy dog to teach at home, but obedience training is recommended as with any breed of dog. The Aussie Bulldog has stamina and its personality is one everyone could get attached to. This breed craves leadership from its owners. Like all dogs, they need a firm, but calm, confident and consistent pack leader and daily mental and physical exercise to avoid any behavior issues. The pair decided to cooperate together and breed a well-rounded bulldog. Their predominant focus was to construct a dog with a typical bulldog appearance, but one that also had a terrific personality. Despite the fact that this breed is not yet recognized by the ANKC as a pedigreed breed, the Australian Bulldog is recognized as a breed by the general public. Other Fun Facts about the Aussie Bulldog Breed Australian Bulldogs look like their fellow English bulldogs at first sight; their large heads, big muzzles, and flat faces are what make us mistake them for each other. The Australian Bulldog is larger and heavier than the English bulldog. A number of breeders were involved in the process of developing this new version of bulldog. They intended to create a dog that can handle many roles such as being obedient, family companion, loyal, watchdog, and friendly. Such characteristics were easily achieved due to the fact that bulldogs in general have durable body structures. Breeders created this new kind of bulldogs by molding the traits of the English bulldog, Bullmastiff, Boxer, and British Bulldog into a new bulldog breed: the Australian Bulldog. Each kind had something unique to offer the new breed. Features like good appearance and affection are originally from the British Bulldog; Boxer and Mastiff provided the traits of a watchdog. And the Staffordshire Bull Terrier had to offer the well-built body muscles. In fact, it takes much time to create a new dog breed and achieve the required characteristics. Participation between breeders was fruitful throughout the development process. Luckily, the breeders succeeded in making health a priority and did not sacrifice it for gorgeous looks. In short, they have developed a dog that is perfect by all accounts. Physical Characteristics of the Australian Bulldog The Australian Bulldog — also called Aussie Bulldog — is a pleased-looking dog which has an easily recognized nature and is fond of socializing with its adopters. The Australian Bulldog has very distinctive looks and physical traits. This medium squish, in fact, helps the dog breathe easily. It offers the bulldog more freedom and naturalness when moving. Its head is large, containing a large nose, round and dark eyes, and average-sized, fold-over ears. Teeth are partly covered; that is, they are not completely protruding. The body is rock-hard, the neck is thickly sold, and the chest is deep. Similarly, the legs are solid, strong, and muscled enough to run, move and chase. Its tail is usually straight and thick. The main reason for breeding the Australian Bulldog was to come up with a new breed that is healthier than the English bulldog. The non-bulldog blood that had been added to the new version helped breeders reach that goal. The being said, numerous efforts have been exerted to help the Aussie Bulldog avoid any congenital conditions. It still until this moment suffers from many issues that the English bulldog suffers from. Taking into account the fact that it has a short face, the Australian Bulldog is vulnerable towards some breathing issues that it can be subject to heat exhaustion compared to its fellow breeds. Experts recommend wiping its face with a cloth every day so that the wrinkles on its face are cleaned. This will also help the dog avoid any skin issues from accumulating and deteriorating. However, almost similar to the English bulldog, this breed can suffer from the following health issues: 1. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is considered one of the most common health issues the Australian Bulldog can suffer from. This health issue is usually caused by a malformation in the hip joint. In a perfectly healthy dog, the upper leg bone fits perfectly in the acetabulum, both of which are coated in a layer of cartilage. This cartilage prevents these two bones from rubbing against each other. Although such a condition is genetically inherited, there are also some external risk factors that can lead the dog to suffer from it. The following are the common risk factors: Weight: overweight dogs are more likely to develop this condition than normal ones. Size: large dogs are more prone to develop Hip Dysplasia. However, the condition can be present from birth. Build: dogs with thick bodies are more prone to Hip Dysplasia. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia is a genetically inherited condition that affects the Australian Bulldog, especially the big-sized, giant ones. The risk factors that can lead to this condition include the following: Weight: overweight dogs are more likely to develop this condition than normal ones. Entropion Entropion is deemed one of the most common genetically inherited visual issues that affect the Australian Bulldog. The condition causes the eyelid of the dog to rub up against the surface of the eye. Over time, the rubbing itself can cause pain and damage the eye that, if left untreated, can cause blindness. The factors that can lead to this condition are listed below: Genetics: as aforementioned, this condition is genetically inherited. Wrinkled skin: dogs, like the Australian Bulldog, with skin folds are more prone to develop this condition. Facial structure: dogs with flat faces and short muzzles are more likely to develop this kind of disease. Size: giant dogs are more prone to develop Entropion. Age: although this condition is present once the dog is born, older dogs can develop more symptoms and suffer more severely than young ones. Allergies Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder that affects the immune system of the dog. Allergy reactions are featured by the excessive activation of specific white blood cells, leading to an extremely inflammatory response. Common allergies include eczema, fever, asthma, food allergies, and hives. The most common symptom of this condition is recurring seizures which start at a young age. Ectropion Ectropion is another common condition in bulldogs that usually impacts the lower eyelid. Other common conditions include:.

Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. 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! Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Then you're in the right place! Because you can find loads of great German Shepherd pictures, of both puppies and adult dogs, all throughout this website. And the purpose of this page is even more specific. What do I mean? Well, because this page allows you, as a German Shepherd owner, to not only look at other adorable German Shepherd puppy pics, but also the chance to upload your own pictures of your own German Shepherd puppy and the ability to tell us all about your own little furry friend. Come on guys, now is your time to brag a little even about your own German Shepherd puppy. It's okay - we all do it. And we all understand how "our German Shepherd" is the best one on the planet. And now is the perfect time to let us all in on your own special secret. Plus you get the chance to have a whole web page dedicated to nothing but your very own German Shepherd puppy. And what German Shepherd owner wouldn't love that opportunity? So if you have a German Shepherd mix puppy or dog, we would love to hear about them too. Just use this page instead to tell us about your German Shepherd mix puppy or dog. So here's what you need to do next and it's pretty simple : Just fill out the form below, add your own German Shepherd puppy pictures, and click the Submit button when you're through. A new web page all about your German Shepherd puppy for the whole world to see. Be sure and tell your family and friends to come and visit. Plus they can leave comments too! She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches.

The 6-year-old pooch is the star of a Fall Out Boy music video and is a New York Times best-selling author — along with his owner, Leslie Mosier, that is — and that only scratches the surface of his impressive resume. However, Mosier is quick to point out that Doug is also just a happy little pug. And, for her, that fact alone is a dream come true. Mosier, who lives in Tennessee, brought Doug home as a puppy in the summer of .In her job at a record label and artist management company, she was already in charge of managing the social media pages of several clients. While this taught her skills that would eventually help make Doug a star, it also left her with little interest in spending her free time on social media — at first, anyway. By July , though, she gave in to the lure of Instagram and created a personal account. Two things were abundantly clear: Doug was a natural in front of the camera, and his pictures were the most popular ones on her account. On my account at the time, it might get to 1, likes. In the fall of , one of her emails found its way into the inbox of Brian Koerber, a reporter for the digital content outlet Mashable. One look at her inbox makes it clear that their mission is being accomplished. Susan Segrest of New York City has one such story. They shot a short video of Doug with the balloon, and, to their surprise, that simple footage took the internet by storm — it now has 21 million views on Facebook. When pressed to name a career highlight, Mosier and Chianelli agree: Shakira. But his team always places his well-being first. Hitting creative roadblocks is her biggest challenge. And that means acting quickly, like in January, when a photo of an egg broke the world record for the most Instagram likes, previously held by Kylie Jenner. Mosier and Chianelli set up every shot using a plush pug toy in his place for lighting when needed before bringing in Doug, which keeps his part quick and fun. This year will also see the launch of The Doug the Pug Foundation, benefiting children with cancer. So, we just let her live her best cat life. And, yes — much of it was captured and shared on Instagram. Email Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Then give them a treat. Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. I'm In See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. Petstagram all-star Doug the Pug has taken on the worlds of influencing , voice acting , and book publishing. An year-old pup, Doug has been feeling better than ever, surrounded by the loving holistic health team that inspired this grooming line. Since Leslie adopted Doug as a puppy in , the pair have been inseparable. Over 18 million people tune in on the daily for a dose of his floppy tongue and infectious grin. Doug also started The Doug the Pug Foundation in to support children and their families who are dealing with life threatening illnesses. By visiting kids in person and allocating funds to alleviate financial burdens associated with care, Doug, Leslie, and the whole Doug the Pug team hope to bring smiles and levity to those who need them. With all the curly-tailed flair Doug brings to the internet, of course his pet care brand is a delight in equal measure. Nonipup helps pets live long and happy lives by equipping their owners with the resources and mindset to approach pet care holistically. Our all-natural, ethically developed, and sustainably sourced products celebrate our furry friends and turn mundane moments into precious memories. Nonipup is launching with four products. They are all formulated with all-natural and human-grade ingredients. The shampoo formula is truly the best we have ever tried on Doug. We get compliments all the time on how soft he is. The lavender shampoo is very soothing, and the lemongrass is incredible for protection against outdoor pests. We have used them on him for years, and we have never found anything that works the way that they do. The Calm Balm is an incredible salve that I even honestly use on myself! These salves work together in tandem, with one treating dry conditions and one treating wet. A post shared by Doug The Pug itsdougthepug What made you decide to launch a product line? Why was now the right time to do so? We had a big health scare with Doug the Pug a few years back. He developed something called immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. His immune system almost killed him because of the allergy medication he was on. Luckily, after stopping the medication and a lengthy stay in the ER, he was able to bounce back and no longer has the condition. This experience opened our eyes to the importance of giving him all-natural, non-toxic products for his day-to-day needs. It also led to us finding a health team for Doug: an herbalist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, you name it. We completely revamped his food, grooming, and supplement protocol to reflect a more fresh lifestyle. His coat became softer and shinier, he does not have much graying for his age, and best of all, he is happy and running around like a puppy. I also personally have a disease called endometriosis, which has forced me to re-examine the quality of products in our home. It turns out ingredients, like synthetic fragrances, are detrimental to not only my personal hormone health, but to our dogs, too. Doug has taught me a beautiful gift of going for our dreams, and this was a dream we had talked about for a while. Courtesy of nonipup Why did you want to get into grooming products specifically? Once we saw how well these formulas worked on our Dougie, we knew we had to share them with the world and give people a clean and trustworthy option. The exciting thing about Nonipup is that we have big plans to expand beyond grooming and develop Doug-approved and tested supplements. So, stay tuned! What is special about Nonipup as a Doug the Pug brand? Doug recently shared that he lost over five pounds, and the response from the dog community has been amazing. We all want the best for our dogs, but sometimes it can be hard to sift through all that is out there. We know that Doug The Pug is a trusted voice with a large platform, and we take immense pride in having Nonipup be a trustworthy brand that we can recommend. A post shared by Leslie Mosier lesliemosier Has Doug been part of the development process? All of these products have been tested on Doug for years and once we saw the magic of them, it gave us the confidence to start an entire new brand around it. What are you most excited about with this launch? I am truly excited about the salves getting into the hands of dog owners and seeing the before and after photos. I know others will feel the same when they get their hands on them! Plus, they smell so good.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. What should I know about French Bulldog puppies for sale near Duluth? French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs today. They are sociable, loving creatures that make wonderful companions. French Bulldogs require regular grooming to keep their soft coats healthy and looking their best. They also need regular exercise such as walks or playing at the dog park to stay healthy and fit. French Bulldogs generally get along well with people and other animals, but it's important to be sure that they're properly socialized. Are French Bulldog puppies for sale in Duluth non-shedding? French Bulldogs are considered to be a low-shedding breed, with most of their shedding happening during periods of seasonal changes. They do produce some fur but much less than some other breeds, such as Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. French Bulldogs typically only lose a small amount of fur on a regular basis, and their grooming needs are fairly minimal. Therefore, they are a great option for those looking for a highly-affectionate, low-maintenance companion. What should I not feed Duluth French Bulldog puppies for sale? French Bulldogs should not be fed foods that are high in fat and should avoid salty treats. Table scraps should also be avoided, as they can be too calorie-rich and unhealthy for French Bulldogs. Any foods containing grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and certain other toxic foods should be avoided, as these foods can be poisonous for dogs. French Bulldogs should also avoid foods with artificial sweeteners, as this can cause a number of different health problems. What are some essentials I should buy before getting French Bulldog puppies in Duluth? Before you bring home your new French Bulldog, be sure to get some essential items. A cozy and comfortable bed is a must-have since your pup will be spending a lot of time sleeping. You'll also want to look into some gentle grooming supplies like a brush, shampoo, and nail clippers. Additionally, secure some high-quality food to ensure they grow up healthy, and select a tasty treat for positive reinforcement. Bowls for food and water are also important so they don't have to eat or drink off the ground. Are French Bulldogs for sale in Duluth considered big dogs? French Bulldogs are not typically considered large dogs. They usually only weigh between 15 and 25 pounds and stand about 11 to 12 inches tall. While they may appear larger because of their body type, French Bulldogs are often referred to as "small bully breeds" and are considered to be small-medium dogs in size. They can also adapt well to a variety of living situations, so they can thrive in an scenery whether it be a large rural area or a small urban locale. Despite their more diminutive physical size, French Bulldogs have a big heart and are an incredibly intelligent and loyal breed. Are French Bulldog puppies near Duluth active dogs? French Bulldogs are moderately active dogs, but they require far less physical exercise and activity than some other breeds. They are content to sit in your lap for hours on end if you let them, yet at other times they may get the urge to play or take a short walk outside. They can be quite active and playful indoors while expending minimal energy. Although they are not a high energy breed, they do often enjoy a moderate amount of activity and can be good running and walking companions. Are French Bulldogs in Duluth good with kids? French Bulldogs can generally make great companions for kids, as they are affectionate and docile but can also be playful. They have a low tendency to bark and usually make good companions for families. In addition, they tend to be patient, laid-back, and enjoyable to cuddle with. However, it is important to remember that all dogs, regardless of breed, need to be taught proper manners before they can interact with children. That said, it is best to provide consistent and gentle guidance to ensure that French Bulldogs can develop a healthy relationship with kids. Are Duluth French Bulldogs for sale smart? French Bulldogs are widely known for their intelligence and often cited as being amongst the most clever and trainable of all breeds. They are observant and learn quickly, so it's not surprising that they have developed a reputation for being one of the smartest breeds out there. Their quick-witted personality and agility has been likened to that of the working dog group, despite their small stature. Moreover, they really enjoy activities that challenge them mentally, which makes them highly trainable and able to grasp commands with relative ease.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Maine Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Maine? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Maine? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We are dog lovers and entrepreneurs that specialize in quality Golden Retriever puppies. We are located in beautiful New England; in Hampden, Maine. We like to consider ourselves collectors, if you will! Our British Cream aka Euro Cream retrievers are almost pure white, with some light shades of tan. We do invite you to compare, and ask any questions you may have as well. Our Golden Retrievers are happy, healthy, obedient animals of only the highest quality! Our program concentrates on the traits of the family dog first; health, trustworthiness, gentleness, loyalty, beauty and longevity. Then, we incorporate the correct and proven genetics, imported and genetic lines that are proven through generations, not by just a few individuals, to pass on the history of the breed to their offspring. Show champions along with champions of the field events. These bloodlines are gathered from around the world! This results is an European bred Golden Retriever that is very beautiful, strong, athletic and extraordinarily capable and willing to please. These are wonderful animals with the history of the breed embedded in their very soul. They come from genetic lines that formed the foundation of the Golden Retriever breed! They are truly loving dogs that live to be loved, and will be a pleasure for you to work with. Over the years, we have developed many friendships with happy owners and quite a following on Facebook. We have many repeat customers and referral customers. We also breed dogs which become service dogs. NEADS places a high premium on these qualities because our assistance dogs need to be structurally and psychologically sound in order to assist someone with a physical disability. Our program places dogs with those who can benefit from both the functional and emotional support the companions provide: picking up a dropped article, opening a door and holding it open as the client passes through in their wheelchair, retrieving a bottle of water from the refrigerator, and many other tasks. Many of these tasks help people who have limited dexterity or mobility. Our rigorous standards are based on 35 years of experience training assistance dogs for those with a physical disability, autism or hearing loss. These qualities begin with a breeder who pays attention to quality breeding and early development practices. Director of Programs and Communications PO Box West Boylston, MA — You will find lots of pictures of Goldens to enjoy, and important questions and discussions about food, health, play, and events. Please visit us on facebook at:.

The History of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix Like most relatively new hybrids in the canine world, this dog has an unknown origin. Some say they were probably created during the s when purebred crosses were made to produce healthier dogs. Another good thing that happened when designer dogs started showing up is having mixed breeds that are little to no hair, smaller, and softer. But what do you think of this doggie? Parent Breed: Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland in the midth century, where they were used as hunting dogs to retrieve waterfowl. They are the third most well-known breed in the United States and rank fourth in the world-renowned canine psychology book "The Intelligence of Dogs. There are also two categories for Goldens — one bred for the show ring, and the other are field dogs. According to breed standards, the average size of a Golden Retriever is .Parent Breed: Rottweiler Rottweilers take their name from the German town of Rottweil, where they were originally bred to herd cattle for butchers. According to their breed standard, they are considered medium to large dogs and have a much different temperament than Golden Retrievers. Rotties are obedient, confident, intelligent, and protective dogs. Due to their watchdog instincts, many consider them to be aggressive. However, a study showed Rottweilers to be average regarding aggression, but it also indicated that the breed showed above-average aggression towards strangers. As with most pets, aggressive behavior stems from an irresponsible owner. Things like neglect, abuse, and lack of socialization will inevitably lead to aggression — regardless of breed. But don't be fooled by their robust and rugged appearance. They love their humans and have even been known to act clownishly around them. Although Rottweilers are still bred to herd livestock, they also have an important place in today's society - police dogs, guard dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Rotties can measure up to 27 inches 69 cm and weigh up to pounds 60 kg. Appearance of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix Mixed breeds can have varying looks as they may inherit physical traits from both parents or favor one over the other. However, there are some aspects that we can predict based on the parents. Most of them have the build of the Golden Retriever. If not, they still won't be as muscular as the Rotties. The Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix has delicate facial features — loose, folded ears with small tufts, bright, intelligent eyes that can be amber or brown, and black noses. To complement the athletic body of this doggo is a long feathered tail. How big do Golden Rotties get? Most Golden Rottweiler mixes are large dogs weighing around 70 to 90 pounds 32 to 41 kg and growing to a height of between 24 to 28 inches 61 to 71 cm. But this fido cannot be taller than its parents. This doggo will fit best in a large house. It may also fit in smaller homes with spacious yards, but they are NOT suitable for apartment living. No, they are not hypoallergenic and are considered moderate shedders. Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix has a thick, dense, straight, and soft coat that can be medium or long in length. Coat color is yet another example of the genetic inconsistencies of this mix. You can also find them in solid colors such as black, brown, red or fawn, and brindle, but Golden shades are also possible, such as golden brown. They are bright, athletic, and protective of his master. Golden Rotties are generally good with children and other pets, but you should start obedience training them as early as possible. The good thing is that they will pick up the lessons quickly since they are smart. What can be problematic is that the Rottweiler Golden Retriever cross can be overprotective at times. Pay attention to their guarding nature and distrust of strangers, which can be signs of aggressive tendencies. Another quirk is that they are known to bark, chew, and bite excessively, especially if he doesn't get enough daily exercise. Try a chew toy that dispenses treats to satisfy your fido's teeth and jaw. They are also prone to separation anxiety, so you will need to make sure there is someone home to accompany your pet. The Best Care for Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix is considered low maintenance dogs, but if your dog has a long coat, expect a decent amount of shedding. You will need to brush your Golden Rottweiler mix times per week, but if your furry friend has long hair, this will need to be done daily. It is best to be prepared with grooming tools such as a slicker brush, ruffler, or pin brush. Golden Rottweilers are odorless, so you should only bathe your pet when necessary. Ear care is also necessary with this water-loving canine. Moisture can get stuck in their ear canals, which can cause infections and irritation, so ensure they're dry after every swim or bath. Please trim your Golden Rottweilers nails every two weeks or when you hear them slamming against the floor. Although this may not seem like a big deal, you would be surprised at the number of dogs that develop health complications due to neglected nails. Exercise: How active is this dog? The Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix inherited energy from its parents, so this crossbreed requires hours of daily exercise. If you like to take long walks or hikes, your Golden Rottweiler mix will be happy to accompany you. Alternatively, a simple fetch game will suffice if you prefer a lighter frame. And since he is one of the most intelligent hybrids, he will also need some mental stimulation. One of the best ways to prevent destructive behaviors from developing is to prevent your pet from becoming bored. Also, offer him a puzzle! The amount of dog food should be based on your pet's age, size, activity level, and health. Most Golden-Rottweiler mixes eat 3 cups of high-quality kibble spread over three meals daily. Rottweiler mixed with Golden Retriever Rottweiler mixed with the golden retriever Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is a large-scale gun dog that recovers shot waterfowl during hunting and shooting parties, such as ducks and upland game birds. Golden retrievers enjoy water naturally and are easy to train to simple and advanced levels of obedience. They are a long-coated breed with a thick inner coat that gives them ample outdoor heat and an outer layer that lies flat against their bodies and repels rain. Golden retrievers are ideal for living in suburban or country settings. The breed of purebred dogs is a famous participant in conformation shows. The Golden Retriever is popular as a dog with disability assistance, such as being a blind guide dog and a deaf hearing dog. They are trained as a hunting dog, a tracking dog, and a partner in search and rescue. It is a medium sized, solidly built breed with a dense, water repelling wavy coat. Some regional variations have emerged in the kind as a dog with pedigree breeding origins due to its widespread historical popularity. Hence, the three Golden Retriever subtypes reflect the typical variations in dimensions and coat. The Rottweiler The RottweilerIt is a amazing dog breed, considered to be a large breed here in America. German Rottweilers are top bred dogs just like the Serbian Rottweilers. Rottweilers are used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. Rottweilers make great family pets and great guard dogs. Grooming needs are ver simple. Rottweilers all have similar looks but you must know the breed standard to really see the differences. They are medium to large standard size. Golden Rottie The loyal and friendly Golden Rottie is a dedicated and protective family pet that combines the best of two large breed dogs. The downside of having Rottweiler mixed with golden retriever may be that this becomes an issue when, when young, he is not socialized and becomes ultra-sensitive to sudden sounds or new faces—responding aggressively and continuously barking or becoming violent. Your big boy can be welcoming to children, other family pets and dogs when socialized adequately and is a joy to have as a family pet. Features of golden Rotttie Size, height and weight An adult male Rottie can weigh between 95 and pounds and stand between 24 and 27 inches in height. A Rottweiler female can weigh between 80 and pounds and stand between 22 and 25 inches. Golden Rottie crosses such a variety of heights and weights, the best way to predict the weight and height of your adult Golden Rottweiler puppy is to know as much as you can about the length, height, and weight of each parent dog. A diet rich in protein is best with your Golden Rottie being a muscular, highly active pooch. And within an hour of feeding, no workout or intense activity should be expected. This dog is highly vulnerable to common problems later in life, so you must create and maintain an ideal weight by not allowing him to over-eat. To avoid the problems that may arise when an always hungry dog is around people or food, it is essential that while his food is high in protein that satisfies his hunger, it is also low in carbohydrates. Training The parent breeds of the Golden Rottie are both very intelligent. When you combine the ease to please temperament of the Golden with the skill of the Rottie to follow instructions without the need for constant repetition, this pooch learning is a relatively simple process. Today, some believe that dominance training is required for a dog like a Rottie, where the pack-leader is known as the owner versus the dog. This type of training should never be aggressive and can be done by setting rules and boundaries and then using a firm, consistent approach to reinforce them. It can be as easy as having him hold his ball, a stick or a bag on your ride or run. Given its large size, when properly socialized, this dog is kind and loving, getting along well with kids and other animals. He should bark if what he sees as a threat—like new faces or sounds. While this makes him a good protector, it also means that unless his interaction has helped him accept new faces and become relaxed in different situations. He can become a nuisance barker. Golden Retrievers are known to be suffering from anxiety about separation. You may well experience that with this dog, and it may be something you need to look for and work. Stress from being alone, like a lack of exercise or mental stimulation, can result in destructive behaviors. This is because they were crossed in an attempt to limit or eliminate known medical problems. That said, you must understand what your new family member will inherit from the line and the Golden Rottie. Which can include joint issues from both parents, other Golden Retriever tumors and allergies, as well as Rottweiler bloat and aortic stenosis? Life Expectancy The Golden Rottie will need regular exercise. Top-quality food tailored for its age and size, and preventive maintenance checks with your veterinarian to ensure a long, healthy life. As a result, you can expect him to live for 10 to 12 years, which is quite typical of a bigger dog. ACK is solely devoted to the development of pure breed dog breeds. At this time, none of the other, lesser-known registries recognizes this dog as well. Puppies It can be expected that Golden Rotties will have a litter size between 6 and 10 puppies. Litters may be to large to be handled gently from birth. Because these babies come from two smart dog breeds, they are going to be easy to train. Start teaching basic commands from a few months of age. Socialization will be an essential part of raising a well-adjusted dog. The earlier the better, that will get along well with children and other animals, and this process can begin from an early age as well. Exposure to new faces, other animals, sights and sounds that are done slowly and over time. Typically between the ages of 2 and 4 months. It will help the new pup build trust in a controlled environment. Golden Rottie breeders are hard to find. Depending on the quality of the breeder i. The strength and endurance of the parents. When you decide to buy a dog instead of a puppy, it might be a little better for him or her. These dogs are a perfect choice for a family pet. The Golden Rottweilers can be a good watchdog due to its protection. Whenever he perceives danger, he will not hesitate to bark to warn his family. It would be better if at least three times a week you brushed them. They are protective of making Golden Rottweilers a good watchdog. If he perceives a threat, he will not hesitate to bark to alert his friends. Reasons why most households do not prefer Rottweiler mixed with Golden Retriever 1. If you have young children or other sensitive pets, a big and powerful dog is not great. Doggypedia list reasons why you should NOT get a rottweiler retriever mix. If you have young children or elderly animals living with you, it can be quite challenging to have this pet. Golden Retrievers, although Rottweilers tend to be aggressive, are considered sweet. Having a Golden Rotties as a pet is quite a gamble. You may not know which trait is going to be more dominant. Diet and exercise These hybrid animals on both sides of the parentage are incredibly active. In other words, you need to prepare for a lot of fetch games and long daily walks. You may also face the risks of getting soaked because they have a golden retriever passion for swimming. Major health issues of Rottweiler mixed with Golden Retriever There are some significant risks you need to know about your safety. There is an obesity threat that may shorten their lifespan. Besides this, due to their heritage, there is also a notable concern about elbow dysplasia. Rottweiler Boston Terrier Mix Share on facebook. Hemivertebra Rottweiler And Golden Retriever Mix Food Requirements Every dog should have a nutrient-rich diet that is designed to meet its needs from size, activity, and age. A Golden Retriever Rottweiler Mix needs a high-protein diet ideally because of it being muscular and a highly active dog. It is also crucial that you feed your dog smaller meals staggered throughout the day for they are prone to bloat. Because of the health issues of the Golden Rottie, especially with joint problems, it is essential that you establish and maintain ideal weight by not allowing it to over-eat and no exercise or heavy activity should happen within an hour after eating. With an ingredient list that includes: chicken, turkey, and salmon. Aside from this, it also contains high-quality, complex carbohydrates and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid to maintain the beautiful fur of your dog. The good thing about this dog food is that it contains chondroitin and glucosamine which can help in stable bone growth and promotes joint health. Being a responsible dog parent means making sure that your dog, big or small, is always happy and healthy, so you want to chose the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food appropriately. If your dog is still a yapper, check out our list of best puppy food brands. This big crossed breed dog needs a long, pleasant walk, jog or run of at least 1 to 2 hours a day; it can be at one time or combined. It will help if you also do some agility training such as catching a ball or a frisbee to keep it mentally stimulated. Lack of exercise can make it restless and bored which may lead to it picking up destructive behaviors such as urinating or defecating in your home, barking or chewing. Another excellent way for your dog to interact and socialize with other dogs is an off-leash visit to the park, which can also help in burning off some of his boundless energy. With the size of the dog, it is essential that you teach it the basic commands like: come, sit, stay and down. It is crucial especially when they are young for it will soon become a nuisance behavior after he has reached adulthood. Here are other tips to consider when training your dog: Training should never be aggressive. You can achieve this by establishing boundaries and rules and reinforcing them using a firm, consistent approach. Offer them a job that will make them fulfill their role in the pack like letting it carry his ball or stick. Provide loads of verbal praise and treats when he did a good job. Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix and Families The Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix is considered to be a good family pet because of his affectionate nature and protective instinct. Golden Rott is a loyal and devoted dog; the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix is quite popular with an active family. With its playfulness and dynamic traits, your kids can enjoy a Golden Rottie at home. If you are kind to these dogs during their younger years and have helped them established their place in your family, then for sure they will respond with loyalty, kindness and a playful nature making them one of the softest family-centered dogs. Playful Friendly Other than being watchful over you and the house the Rottweiler Golden Retriever is awesome with people of all ages. You can never go wrong with too much training. Exercise needs of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix The Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix exercise needs are high, they need at least two very long walks per day, and or one to two long runs per day. Retrievers also love the water so keep that in mind, the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix is also pretty smart. So while exercise and play are great you also need to hone in that mind of theirs. Otherwise, they will find a way to amuse themselves so whether that means herding, search and rescue, obstacle course, or just learning new tricks is a great way of keeping him or her out of trouble. Health Concerns for the Rottweiler Golden Retriever Bloat — Bloating happens when he has eaten and is then exercised this can make the stomach turn over and twist which can be very deadly if not immediately caught and fixed. Cataracts — A natural thing that happens with age Arthritis — Some Rotties can get arthritis at an early age Bone cancer — Sadly the Rottie has one of the highest rates of bone cancer. So instead of brushing them once every week. So they would need to be brushed every day during those months. During the changing of summer to winter coats or vice versa you will differently need the vacuum during those times. Make sure to clean the ears whenever you wash your dog. His teeth are also very important so brushing them should be every two weeks. Sadly yesterday Colby was diagnosed with congestive heart failure from a grain-free diet. I am broken-hearted. Please let me know if you can help. Thank you. But I have to say Colby is the most lovable, loyal, kind, fun-loving, kids and family-friendly dog I have ever owned. Should a Rottweiler Mix take after their Rottweiler parent, they will be a larger and strong dog breed that has a sweet, lovable personality and a protective instinct. Rotties tend to be calm and aloof. They also love their families and are lovable, playful, and affectionate with them. As long as they have been properly socialized, a Rottweiler will still be alert and protective of their families, but they will also be open and friendly to new people, especially once they have been introduced. The other parent breed will introduce some traits that could affect this in a Rottweiler Mix, so you want to make sure you ask about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to see what her temperament is like and the manners she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started training and socialization, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Rottweilers are moderately adaptable dogs that are better suited to homes with fenced yards. They are more sensitive to heat and do not tolerate extreme temperatures very well. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed could introduce the potential for a Rottweiler Mix to be more or less adaptable. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit all of them or any combination of them. From the Rottweiler side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Rottweiler Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. The other parent breed will introduce its own set of conditions and you want to be aware of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Although the Rottweiler is a highly trainable dog breed that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please, they can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. They need structure and consistency in training and a confident leader to train them. As such, puppy training classes are recommended. The other parent breed could make a Rottweiler Mix easier or more difficult to train, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, and also offer socialization opportunities. A Rottweiler Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. If they inherit the Rottie coat, they will shed a bit year-round and heavier as the seasons change. Due to a lack of good dental care for dogs , gum disease is one of the most common health issues for them. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Rottweiler is a working dog breed with moderate exercise requirements. They need a job to do in addition to daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity. If the other parent breed also sits in the moderate range, then you can expect something similar from a Rottweiler Mix. But, if the other parent breed is a high-energy breed, then you will need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Rottweilers usually stand inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. So, make sure you ask the breeder about them. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Rottweiler Mix. Rotties generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should still be able to expect a similar life span in a Rottweiler Mix. Featured Rottweiler Mix Article.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lancaster Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Reserved by Michael B. Welcome to Creek Hill Farm! We are very serious about making sure our pups go to homes where they will be loved, have adventures, and be able to stretch their legs. We feel our responsibility is to make sure they are healthy, safe, and used to a variety of situations, but most of all that LOVE people! We do ask that each puppy go to homes that have yards or close access to a dog park. They would not be suitable for being in a crate for long hours. They are eager and intelligent and although we feel that crate training is a good idea, Labradoodles are not a good fit for hours in the crate. We bred her to a standard poodle so the pups are F1b. A little more about the parents: Dixie is our family dog and supervises our three acres here in Lancaster County. She follows the kids faithfully around the barn as they do chores and amuses herself chasing barn mice. She is — although we might be biased — ridiculously smart. We took her to an 8-week training course and she easily outperformed all the other dogs in the class. We felt like champs because the lead trainer kept picking her to do all the demonstrations. We are always impressed by his lilting gait and the elegant way he carries himself. From prior experience we expect the puppies from these two to be a good combination of both of them. We expect the pups to grow to about pounds. They will be up-to-date on shots and will be dewormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks and will have had their vet check before pickup. They come home with a starter pack of puppy food they will be eating Great Lakes and a blanket that smells like their mama and littermates. They can also be microchipped upon request. Here we raise and show quality Boer goats, plus we raise and show rabbits on a national level and have been involved in the county 4-H program for nine years. Feel free to google us online to see that we are real people and that you can trust us. Ourdog, Ben, is absolutely the best! He is gentle and loves to play. He is off leash trained in our yard, but uses his leash well for walks. He is very smart and is a true family dog! The Kunjappu family takes great care of their animals. We continue to keep in touch and update the family with pictures and they are thrilled to hear from us. We got our F1b labradoodle puppy from here at the end of and it was nothing short of an amazing experience. Our puppy is just under 1. This means that every breeder offers a health guarantee up to 30 days after purchase. Here at Creek Hill Farm, puppies will have their health record explaining what shots the puppy has had at the time of sale. To preserve your rights of the dog health guarantee, you must take your newly-purchased dog to a licensed veterinarian for examination within 10 days of purchase. If a veterinarian determines, within 10 days of purchase, that your dog is clinically ill or has died from an injury sustained or illness likely to have been contracted on or before the date of sale and delivery, you may return the dog for a complete refund. Once you have been approved as eligible for a remedy under a Pet Purchaser Protection Act, you will receive a list of potential remedies available to you.

As always patterns are just the icing on the GSD cake!! Blue long coat with Panda type 1 pattern Another example of 2 patterns at once, this one has color and 2 patterns. Panda German Shepherd Information I had never heard the term Panda German Shepherd much less know of their existence until my best friend Dawn got one. Her name was Franka. It is a dominant gene which means it only takes one parent to reproduce the pattern. The pattern is secondary to the color and the original pattern of the Dog. Puddin was born here and lived with another breeder for a couple of years and is now back home. He is a big sweet always wants to be right with me Chocolate Teddy bear. He is a 7th generation GSD with the Panda pattern. Currently being bred to a few select girls. His photo is below sitting facing the camera. I have onwed several Panda Patterned GSD over the years and find that many like the white markings as it helps the breed to have a sweeter expression so to speak. Some people are afraid of GSD visually, however with the white pattern on them their appear less intimidating. Some that do therapy work prefer the softer look that the white pattern provides. Others cant have a GSD as per insurance reasons but can have mixes, by the GSD having the white pattern insurance companies can be told they are a 'mix'. Even though we know they are not. After all we know that a good GSD will deter and even prevent breaking and entering more times than being an actual Shame on insurance companies for preventing families that want to keep their things and family safe. The Panda gene does not change any internal workings of the GSD, it is merly a white pattern over the color that would normally be there if this gene were not present. Any health issues that crop up are or would be due to anything other than the Panda gene itself. Panda's can have one blue eye, partial China eyes, 2 blue eyes or traditional colored eyes that accompany the actual coat color of the GSD. UCDavis currently has a test on the market that is available to the public now to see if what you have had born in your litter is affected by the Panda gene or the white spotting gene. My recommendation is to test for the recessive white spotting gene and the Panda gene, so that you will know which gene caused the white spotting on your dog. So when you sell your puppy you advertise it for what it is and not as something it is not Panda. Remember all Panda's are related as they stem from one dog named Franka. The test a simple cheek swab. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. What Is a Panda German Shepherd? A panda German Shepherd is basically the German Shepherd you know and love, except with an interesting color combination that is not often seen in the breed. It has black and white markings, especially around its eyes, similar to its namesake panda. Contrary to the connotations of the word panda, not all panda German Shepherds are born black and white. A lot of them can sport a third color, commonly tan, distributed throughout their bodies. Panda German Shepherds, just like their standard-colored counterparts, originated from Germany where they worked to herd sheep until the late 19th century. With their hardworking and intelligent nature, they have since become one of the preferred breeds for service dogs for people with disabilities, as well as for police and military assistance. Since they can also have a third color in their coat, they are also referred to as the tricolor German Shepherd. What makes the panda German Shepherd distinct is that it carries a mutation of the KIT gene, which leads to its unusual markings. Otherwise, it is the same as regular-colored German Shepherds, and its coloring has no bearing on its pedigree. Studies showed that the dog was purebred but had the mutated KIT gene, which is said to be dominant. The panda German Shepherds are characterized by symmetrical markings of black and white around the face, which resemble those of a panda bear. While the amount of white may vary per dog, these patches are often seen on the forelock, the muzzle, chest, abdomen, and the tip of the tail. Panda German Shepherds can stand as tall as 24 to 26 inches, with females being on the lower end of the range. Healthy dogs can weigh anywhere between 75 and 90 pounds. Purebred German Shepherds are longer than they are tall, and the panda German Shepherd is no exception. Despite the name, most panda Shepherds are not only black and white. They can have a third color, which leads to them often being called tricolor German Shepherds. As the dog grows, the ear cartilage gradually develops further, and usually by the time they are one, their ears stand up fully. Photo from nordicsheps IG Whether two-toned or tricolor, a characteristic of the panda German Shepherd is the patches of black around its eyes, making it resemble its namesake bear. The amount may vary per dog, which is what makes them unique. Since panda German Shepherds are a recent discovery in contrast to how long German Shepherds have been around, they are currently considered rare. The gene mutation that gives them the piebald coloring is not present in many German Shepherds. As a result, many breeders often hesitate in breeding panda German Shepherds. Their white markings are considered as severe faults and are not allowed in the show rings. Panda German Shepherds enjoy an excellent reputation for being hardworking and obedient dogs. They are naturally curious, fast-learners and eager to please, all of which have made them a popular choice for police and military assistance, as well as service dogs for people with disabilities. They are also loyal and affectionate, which makes them ideal family pets. They crave human company and affection, so they are suited for medium to large-sized families that can give them the attention they deserve. They also make great companions to people with active lifestyles, as they are full of energy and require regular exercise. Given their size, they thrive in homes with enough space for them to run around, but they can quickly adapt to apartments and smaller spaces as long as they are taken on frequent walks. Panda German Shepherds also tend to be alert and watchful. Even if they are raised as family pets, they will make sure to guard their homes well. Just like with most dogs, they need to be socialized properly at an early age, especially if you have young kids. Given sufficient care and training, they will reward their families with loyalty and protection. Dry kibble is easy and convenient for dog-owners, and a high-quality brand will ensure your panda German Shepherd gets all the vitamins and minerals that it needs. You can alternate it with canned dog food to give your pet variety. If you prefer to do away with commercial dog food, go for protein-rich foods and some nutritious fruits and vegetables. Here are some foods you can feed your panda Shepherd: Beef.

Full size table Discussions The incidence rate of swimmer puppies in this study was 3. The rate reported so far was 2. Although it was not possible to simply compare them, the incidence rates were considered to be almost similar. In the comparison of body weight at each period, swimmer puppies were showed significantly heavier than non-symptomatic puppies on the 10th and 28th days. On the other hand, the litter size, which had been suggested to be associated with the onset [ 1 ], was also shown to be significantly reduced in the swimmer puppy group. It was also reported that in dams with a small number of offspring, the properties of the milk were altered, and the calories also became high [ 10 ], which might lead to weight gain in puppies. In our results, negative correlations were found between the number of littermates and body weight in all individuals, indicating that the early weight gain due to the smaller litter size might have caused overweight and be involved in the onset. However, the causal relationship between the two had not been clarified, further investigation was needed for the elucidation. Most of the affected individuals in this study had a good course except for one that died, and many of them stood up or walked in about one month. The Hokkaido Guide Dog Association had taken the following management protocol based on the knowledge so far. With these simple nursing care measures, many affected individuals gradually began to raise their upper body, chests became rounded, and they were able to stand up. This might be effective as a treatment for the early stage of swimmer puppies in retriever breeds. It was possible to create a family tree based on a huge amount of kinship data and conduct a detailed examination of genetic factors. The posterior hereditability of the swimmer puppy onset trait showed a high value of 0. It indicated that the onset of swimmer puppy was mostly influenced by heredity. Subsequently, the posterior heritability of the 10th-day body-weight trait also showed a high value of 0. It is generally said that the heritability of growth-related factors tends to be high, and the heritability of mature body weight was already reported as 0. In addition, under the guidelines of the Hokkaido Guide Dog Association, the breeding environment of the mother dog was almost the same in all breeding volunteer households. Therefore, the environmental factor was relatively small compared to the genetic factor, and it might contribute to the high heritability of two traits. On the other hand, the genetic correlation between these two traits was poor at 0. Although the details were unknown, it was possible that new other genetic factors were involved in the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in retriever breeds. In this study, it was not clarified what is the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome. Besides, histopathological information could not be obtained for many of the healed individuals. As a result, it was difficult to identify the affected area and comprehensively analyze it. In swimmer puppies, the changes in neuromuscular synaptic function, inappropriate myelination, poor development of peripheral motor neurons, and delayed muscle development were highlighted in previous reports [ 3 , 8 ]. It has also been suggested that the other genetic factors are involved in locomotive abnormalities. To elucidate the detailed pathogenesis of this syndrome, further studies are needed in the future. Conclusions This study revealed that the litter size and weight gain might be involved in the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome found in one breed dogs, Labrador retrievers. Most swimmer puppies could walk by simple nursing care at early stage. In addition, it was considered that the genetic influence on the onset was extremely high. Although the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome in Labrador retrievers still remains unclear, it is expected that this syndrome will be elucidated by further detailed analysis in the future. Methods Dogs Detailed postnatal records among the puppies born between and were used in the Labrador retriever breeding colony at the Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan. It was excluded from this study for the dogs which could not be tracked with accurate postnatal records. Inclusion criteria for swimmer puppy Based on the inspection data by the veterinarian in charge of the Guide Dog Association, a swimmer puppy was defined as followed. Dogs that were seen to have all the following three symptoms at the same time between the 14th and 28th days after birth: 1 the forelimbs, hind limbs, or all four limbs are laterally deployed, 2 flat chest, 3 unable to stand. All individuals were inspected by the same veterinarian. Data Analysis Data were collected for incidence rate, prognosis, breed, sex, weight, and the litter size. The incidence rate of swimmer puppy was expressed as a percentage by dividing the number of affected individuals by all births. The prognosis survey was traced back with all postnatal data. The litter size, and body weight records at birth, 10 days, and 28 days after birth were used and compared between litters where swimmer puppy appeared swimmer puppy group and the litters without swimmer puppy non-symptomatic group. The correlation between the litter size and the body weight at each period was statistically analyzed. Inbreeding coefficient The inbreeding coefficient was calculated based on the assumption that the onset of swimmer puppy is a qualitative trait and a hereditary disease due to a single recessive gene. An ancestor that frequently appears among the blood relatives of the affected individual was identified, and when that individual was designated as the common ancestor A , the inbreeding coefficient derived from A was calculated for all individuals with records using the following formula. The program was modified for estimating the inbreeding coefficient originated by common ancestor A. In order to search for the causative common ancestor, individuals with golden parents were excluded from consideration, and only Labradors and hybrids were included. Heritability and genetic correlation Assuming that the onset of swimmer puppy is a quantitative trait, the heritability was calculated. Heritability is a measure of how much an individual's phenotypic value is determined by additive genetic effects. A total of records with 10, individuals in pedigree records were used to estimate genetic parameters of Labradors. The onset trait of swimmer puppy in retriever species was estimated using the best linear unbiased prediction BLUP animal model below [ 13 , 14 ]. The body weight on the 10th day was also regarded as a phenotype, and the heritability was calculated in the same manner Formula 2. The genetic correlation between the above two traits was estimated according to the bivariate BLUP animal model analysis. To calculate the posterior means and standard deviations of co variances, heritabilities and genetic correlation, samples after a burn-in of iterations were used. Convergence was determined by using visual inspection of the plots of Gibbs samples. Availability of data and materials The data containing information on common ancestry that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request and with permission of Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan. Source Once upon a time, a wee little pup diagnosed with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome was viewed as a lost cause. There are now many innovative techniques and home therapies that can help an affected puppy overcome this unusual syndrome. The first step to treatment is beginning as soon as possible. The earlier you treat the symptoms, the more promising the outcome for your pup to live a healthy adult life. Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to rehabilitating your swimmer pup. Home-care treatment is recommended, which involves three methods: 1. The idea is never to lay her on a flat surface. Keep your puppy on a non-slippery surface, so she can practice standing without falling about. Laying down carpet is one solution. As well, you can confine your swimmer pup to an area where towels have been bunched up to prevent sliding. Use cotton pads for the puppy to relieve herself on and change them frequently to keep the area clean. Swimmer puppies tend to develop painful lesions on their bodies from laying in their urine and feces. Wipe her down regularly and apply baby powder to dry up any existing rashes. Too much weight gain will put unnecessary pressure on the joints. Do not allow her to nurse excessively. Ask your vet about introducing helpful supplements, such as Vitamin E or Selenium. I stress talking to your vet about this first because Selenium can be toxic if overdosed. Physiotherapy Physical movement has been shown to be a huge factor in healing Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. If not done, there is a slim chance that a swimmer pup will survive past eight weeks old. There are many successful methods to try out- devise a plan with your vet for what works best for your pup- and then stick to it every day. Massage therapy: Beginning each treatment with a full body massage will help relieve tension in the muscles and coaxes proper body alignment. Supervision: Discourage positioning that promotes flatness. When the pup is sleeping, move her onto her side, so she is not splayed out. This also makes breathing easier for her. Strap a swimmer puppy syndrome harness on your pup to keep her chest well-suspended from the flat ground. Swim sessions: Hit the pool three times a day. Swimming will help strengthen muscles without added pressure on the joints. Stimulate: Those paw pads need stimulation! As mentioned, sling suspension helps the pup to get her paws on the ground, but you can also use a toothbrush to tickle those nerves and increase tactile sensation. Sock method: This is similar to putting a life vest or harness on the pup. The idea is to keep the chest from being on a flat surface. Take a sock and cut holes where the legs can come through, then let your pup wear it like a sweater. Stuff the chest area with foam to keep it elevated. Tape the legs in the correct position to encourage proper growth and put a cone on her neck if she tends to chew at the tape. This should be done from 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Remember, the earlier you notice symptoms, take her in for a diagnosis. Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can improve with therapy, a proper diet, a safe environment, and an owner that has a lot of love to give. Aside from that, make sure she gets the exercise and hands-on massage she needs to help her breathe, swallow, and grow properly. It may take hours, days, and weeks, but the payoff will be worth it when you see your pup stand and take her first steps after all of that dedication and hard work. Share your stories about Swimmer Puppy Syndrome and help fellow dog owners! Just type it all on the comment box below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. 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. They are maturing normally but their body functions are not. Going to the vet but I just was kind of wanting to get all the information I could first. Thank you. DOI: .Since swimmer puppies were observed infrequently but continuously among the Labrador retriever colony at the Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan, based on their birth record and pedigree, factors related to the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in Labrador retrievers were examined. Results: The total number of offspring over seven years was , of which 16 were swimmer puppies. Most of the affected puppies except one recovered steadily. As for the swimmer puppies, the litter size was significantly lower, and the body weights on the 10th and 28th day after delivery were significantly higher than the non-symptomatic puppies. These results suggested that the onset may be related to weight gain in the neonatal stages due to a small litter size. According to the genetic analysis, 26 ancestors common to the affected individuals were confirmed, but the causative individual could not be identified with the inbreeding coefficient. The heritability of the swimmer-puppy onset trait was 0. Conclusions: In this study, the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in the Labrador retrievers was associated with litter size and early weight gain, and result of study suggests that genetic influence might be involved. Keywords: Dog; Labrador retriever; Swimmer puppy syndrome. The Author s. Affected dogs show laterally abducted limbs and are unable to stand and walk on their own. The current knowledge of this condition derives from few case reports or small case series. Therefore, the aim of this study was to collect data on the clinical course from a large cohort of dogs with SPS with an online questionnaire supported by video footage. Potential risk factors were compared between litters with SPS and unaffected litters. SPS was reported in dogs from 48 different breeds comprising a wide range of small, middle, and large breeds. Litters with SPS were significantly smaller than unaffected litters. Cesarean sections were reported more frequently in affected litters, but the overall rate of reported birth complications did not differ significantly from unaffected litters. Most puppies were able to stand and walk at a median age of 4. Puppies from large breeds showed faster recovery than puppies from medium and small breeds. Occasionally, residual deficits were reported and only three dogs failed to recover. The study shows the benign clinical course of SPS in a large cohort of puppies from multiple dog breeds. Potential risk factors including reports on birth complications, size and muscle mass compared to littermates and diet of the dam during pregnany were evaluated and no influence on the occurrence of SPS was identified. Introduction The Swimming Puppy Syndrome SPS or Swimmer Syndrome has been described repeatedly in dogs in the veterinary literature in case reports or small case series 1 — 3. The largest report to this point includes 52 dogs with SPS in Thailand 2. The disorder received its name from the characteristic swimming movements of the affected limbs, and is also known as Flat Puppy Syndrome 4. Brachycephalic dog breeds, particularly English Bulldogs, are reported as being predisposed 2 , 5. Male and female dogs are equally affected 1 , 2. Similar conditions are reported in other animal species, e. The signs of SPS are usually noticed by the breeders when puppies begin to walk at two to three weeks of age 2 , .Puppies with SPS are unable to adduct the affected limbs, lie in sternal recumbency with laterally splayed limbs and show paddling movements when trying to move 3 , .Neurological examination, complete blood count and serum chemistry are unremarkable except for a mild two-fold increase in creatine kinase compared to healthy puppies 3 , 12 , .Therefore, the diagnosis of SPS is usually based on the characteristic clinical signs inability to stand and walk, abduction of affected limbs, paddling movements of the limbs resembling swimming movements when attempting to move noticed in the first weeks of life and exclusion of other orthopedic angular limb deformity, congenital elbow luxation, fracture, malunion or neurologic inflammation, brain or spinal cord malformation, trauma, early onset neurodegeneration diseases via thorough clinical examination supported by further diagnostic methods e. Physical therapy is frequently employed to help recovery, e. Information on the etiopathogenesis of SPS is scarce. Environmental, orthopedic and neurological factors have been implicated as causes for SPS 3 , 5 , .Furthermore, various hypotheses proposed that rapid weight gain, high bodyweight compared to littermates, nutritional or genetic factors could play a role in the development of the syndrome 1 , 16 — .In piglets with a similar splay leg syndrome, a recent genome-wide association study identified four promising candidate genes but no causal gene variant were identified so far 19 , .Similar attempts in dogs have failed 1 , 21 , and although there are first insights and clues to SPS in dogs, the underlying cause of this syndrome remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to collect data on affected breeds, clinical course, and risk factors for SPS by means of an internationally distributed questionnaire. Materials and methods A call for dogs with signs of SPS was published on the university website and distributed via social media and breeding clubs in German and English language to dog owners and breeders in Germany and other German and English-speaking countries in .Respondents were asked to fill out an online questionnaire and to provide video footage of the affected puppies. A control group unaffected litters was recruited with a similar approach to compare potential risk factors litter size, rate of birth complications, nutrition of the dam. Only litters with puppies without problems to stand or walk were included in this group. The study was conducted with ethical permission AZ —.Questionnaire The questionnaire for puppies with SPS consisted of 96 questions and was structured in six categories. The categories included: 1: general information about the puppy e. The questionnaire for the control group concentrated on questions about litter size, complications during pregnancy and birth as well as diet of the dam during pregnancy. The questions were reviewed by German and English native speakers eight veterinarians and six dog owners or breeders regarding understanding, phrasing, and structure of the questionnaire. Inclusion and exclusion criteria 2. Dogs with signs of SPS Only dogs in which the owner stated that the dog was a Swimmer Puppy, and that the dog could not stand and walk on its own, showed the characteristic swimming movements with the affected legs and the characteristic onset of the signs of SPS were included in the study. Puppies which did not show swimming movements, or with an onset later than 28 days of age, or puppies, which were able to stand and walk before the first signs of SPS appeared, could not participate. Video footage provided further support of SPS when available. Videos were reviewed by two of the authors LR, AF who decided by consensus whether the dogs showed the characteristic signs of SPS and which limbs were affected. Control group unaffected litters Only litters without any puppies with problems standing or walking could participate. The control group consisted of a large variety of breeds matching the distribution of breed sizes of the SPS group. Diet of the dam during pregnancy Information on feeding of the dam during pregnancy was collected with the questionnaire. The requirements for adequate nutritional supply for pregnancy regarding protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals were used as defined by the National Research Council .Statistical analyses were performed in R version 4. Data were checked for normality with Shapiro—Wilk Normality Test. Not-normally distributed data were analyzed with nonparametric methods, such as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann—Whitney U test. The association between selected factors small vs. The Mann—Whitney U test was used to compare the recovery times between puppies with and without deformations, the litter size between litters with puppies with signs of SPS and unaffected litters from the control group, and the number of affected littermates between litters from dams with adequate nutrition vs. Results 3. Dogs with signs of SPS questionnaires and video footage from 26 dogs were submitted. Thus, finally questionnaires were available for evaluation. Review of videos confirmed the signs of SPS in all videos. Control group unaffected litters questionnaires of healthy litters without occurrence of SPS were submitted, whereof one was excluded because one puppy in this litter had problems walking. Descriptive data The dogs with signs of SPS were born between and and originated from litters five siblings and from kennels. Forty-eight dog breeds were represented with 55 large breed dogs .The most common dog breeds were Golden Retriever .Six mixed-breed dogs were included. Comparison of potential risk factors between litters with swimmer puppies and unaffected litters. In the control group unaffected litters , litters were analyzed from 48 different breeds. Four mixed-breed dogs were included. The control litters were born between and .Fifty-seven large breed dogs .The most common breeds were Golden Retriever .All limbs were affected in 56 dogs .In five puppies limbs were asymmetrically affected no videos available. The owners reported deformations in 61 of the swimmer puppies .Swimmer puppy from a large breed Irish Wolfhound, male, 3 weeks. The puppy was able to stand and walk at 4 weeks of age printed with permission of the dog owner. The owners considered 49 swimmer puppies .This information was unavailable for two dogs. Owners described the muscle mass of swimmer puppies as more prominent in four puppies 3. No difference was noticed in 48 puppies .Physiotherapy was performed by the owner, physiotherapist, or a veterinarian in swimmer puppies .Commonly applied methods were taping of the splayed legs, placing the puppies on their sides during sleep and rest, change to a non-slippery or uneven ground and passive movement of the limbs. Most owners .Three owners failed to answer this question. Clinical course The swimmer puppies were able to stand and walk on their own at a median age of 4. At the median age of six weeks range 2—12, mean 6 the puppies were free or almost free of signs of SPS. When considering only dogs older than 12 weeks at the time of data acquisition, then .Overall, dogs with SPS .The signs of SPS had disappeared completely .Residual deficits were intermittent slipping on smooth or wet surface when walking, a slightly unsteady gait, a wider stance, and a minor paw deformation. Clinical signs were still present at the time of data collection in six dogs 5. Three dogs were younger than 12 weeks three, six and seven weeks old and therefore in the age range where recovery is still likely, while three other dogs 2. His owner reported on poorly developed acetabula on radiographs. The pug 4. The American Bully 14 weeks old was only able to crawl and unable to stand and one tarsal joint was reported to be dislocated. Factors potentially affecting recovery time were evaluated for their influence on shortening or extending the time until recovery. Recovery time of swimmer puppies. Swimmer puppies from large breeds recovered significantly faster than puppies from medium or small breeds. Affected litters The mean number of puppies with SPS in each litter was 1. In 76 litters .No information on affected littermates was available for three litters. Five litters in the SPS group 4. For litters with swimmer puppies, the median litter size was four range 1—11, mean 4. Significantly larger litters were reported in the control group median six dogs per litter; range 1—13, mean 6. Comparison of litter size between litters with swimmer puppies and unaffected litters. Litters with swimmer puppies were significantly smaller than unaffected litters. The age of the dams at parturition was known for litters with SPS. The median age was three years range 2—7, mean 3. In the control group, the median age of the dams was four years at parturition range 1—8, mean 3. The Body Condition Score BCS of the dam before pregnancy was evaluated for 95 dams by the owners using a scale from one to nine. Birth complications were reported in 42 litters with SPS .Information on birth complications was missing for one litter. Complications were mostly stillbirths 25 litters or cesarean sections 15 litters. In the control group, birth complications were reported in 37 litters .Diet of the dam during pregnancy Information about the feeding of the dam during pregnancy was provided for affected litters. Ninety-six dams .Of these, 28 dams .Five dams 5. In the control group unaffected litters , slightly less dams .Of these, 18 dams .Nineteen dams .The brands of the commercial food were known for 80 dams in the SPS group. Most dams were fed with well-known brands. The food brands of 19 dams .Minor deficiencies in iron and iodine as well as copper and zinc were most common. Protein amount was sufficient for pregnancy in all diets. Information on related litters Information on related litters was available for 94 swimmer puppies. The owners of eight swimmer puppies 8. The other owners .The eight puppies with known affected relatives in other litters originated from seven litters and from four different kennels. Each of the eight puppies had fully recovered from SPS. One Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breeder four dogs from that kennel participated in this study reported on one dam with three litters with swimmer puppies. The half-sister of this dam same mother, different father also had one litter with swimmer puppies. Both dams also had healthy litters without occurrence of SPS. In another breeding of Golden Retrievers one dog in this study , the breeder indicated one dam as the source of SPS. The dam had four litters with swimmer puppies and two of her daughters who did not have SPS themselves also had litters with swimmer puppies. One breeder of Norwich Terriers one dog in this study reported on the occurrence of SPS in litters of different dams but provided no information about the sires. In another breeding of Miniature Bullterriers two dogs in this study , a sire had two litters with swimmer puppies with different dams. Discussion The data from dogs with signs of Swimming Puppy Syndrome in this questionnaire study indicate that SPS occurs in a wide variety of breeds from many geographic regions. Furthermore, our results confirm an overall good prognosis. Previous studies reported brachycephalic breeds to be predisposed to SPS 2 , 5. Similarly, in our study, two brachycephalic breeds French bulldogs and pugs were among the four most common breeds with SPS. The frequent description of SPS in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers in our cohort is probably related to the popularity of these breeds. The Golden Retriever was also the most common breed in the control group. However, other breeds appeared more affected 1 , 2. Our data support an association between SPS and litter size. SPS-affected litters were smaller than the litters of the control group, thus confirming observations in earlier studies 1 , 2. Frequently only one puppy per litter was affected, but in some litters more than one puppy showed clinical signs of SPS and on some occasions all puppies within a litter were affected by SPS. More cesarean sections were reported in litters with SPS compared to control litters, but the overall rate of birth complications was similar in both groups. The higher rate of cesarean sections in litters with SPS may be due to the smaller litter size in this group, and thus a higher risk for dystocia .Larger puppies are also more likely to cause problems during birth .Moreover, brachycephalic breeds, that were overrepresented in the SPS group, are also more likely to have cesarean sections 23 , .These factors might contribute to the higher number of cesarean sections in the SPS group. Previous observations from other authors indicated that larger and heavier puppies and puppies with an excessive weight gain were more frequently affected by SPS 1 , 2. Accordingly, many puppies in our study .On the other hand, some puppies .In line with these observations, other authors also described SPS in puppies of smaller size .The clinical signs of SPS reported in the dogs from this cohort and previous reports are indicative of weakness, decreased muscle tone and strength resulting in increased limb abduction. Behavior and mentation were described as normal in the swimmer puppies from our cohort. Thus, peripheral weakness consistent with a disorder of the muscles, neuromuscular junction, peripheral nerves, or motor neurons needs to be taken into consideration. Approximately half of the puppies were reported to have less prominent muscle mass than their siblings. Almost half of the dogs .These observations are in line with a Brazilian study, that also mainly reported puppies with clinical signs of SPS in all limbs .In contrast, earlier studies and case reports reported that the hindlimbs were predominantly affected 2 , 3. A large number of puppies in our study showed a flattened thorax, which may be the consequence of immobility 11 , .Floppy infant syndrome in human newborns shares clinical similarities with SPS. It is characterized by general hypotonia presenting as abnormal frog-like postures, reduced resistance to passive movement and excessive range of joint movement 26 , .It can be caused by multiple disorders of the muscles, the peripheral and most commonly the central nervous system 28 , .A self-limiting and remitting course is characteristic for benign congenital hypotonia. SPS in dogs also shares similarities with the splay leg syndrome in piglets. Affected piglets are also unable to stand and walk shortly after birth, and the affected limbs are splayed laterally 6. Later development of hindlimbs during embryogenesis has been suggested as the cause for predominantly affected hindlimbs in splay legged pigs 6. Due to the greater economic impact, more research has been performed on porcine splay leg syndrome. Abnormal and delayed development of muscle fibers has been described as a potential cause for the syndrome as well as a myofibrillar hypoplasia, possibly associated with incompletely matured muscles 6 , 30 — .There are only rare reports of postmortem histopathologic examinations of swimmer puppies in the veterinary literature due to the self-limiting character of the disease. So far, pathological findings have been inconclusive 4 , .There are several hypotheses in the literature: Nganvongpanit et al. Other authors discussed delayed and prolonged muscle development as cause for SPS 3 , 5 , .However, the inability of swimmer puppies to walk properly could also result in decreased muscle mass. Therefore, decreased muscle mass in swimmer puppies could also be a consequence of immobility, and not part of the original problem. These included reports on dogs which appeared to produce swimmer puppies repeatedly in subsequent litters. Yet, breeding of these animals did not always result in litters with affected puppies and the number of affected puppies varied. Sometimes only some puppies of the litter showed signs of SPS, and sometimes all puppies within a litter were affected. Signs of SPS were reported in male as well as female dogs. In a previous study investigating the heritability of SPS in a population of Labrador Retrievers with 16 affected dogs, data from the analysis of the pedigrees supported a genetic influence on the occurrence of SPS 1. Genetic investigation of four affected and three healthy Siberian Huskies failed to document any genetic variation .Recent investigations on the genetic background of splay leg syndrome in pigs identified potential candidate genes, but no causal gene variants 19 , .In rabbits, splay leg syndrome presents with similar clinical signs and is considered a genetic disorder influenced by environmental factors .In a colony of rabbits, it was possible to completely eliminate the occurrence of splay leg syndrome by removing the affected animals and suspected genetic carriers .Our data support a genetic background of SPS in several kennels of different breeds. Our questionnaire study asked for information on long-term outcome. It is notable that most dogs recovered completely with no or only minor residual deficits in a few dogs. These results confirm previous reports on the overall benign clinical course of SPS and characterize SPS as a reversible disorder. In our study, the puppies were able to stand and walk without support at the mean age of 4. By the age of three months 12 weeks , almost all puppies had largely or completely recovered. On rare occasions three dogs , the owners reported that the dogs failed to recover despite initial consideration of SPS. Two of these dogs had deformations of the limbs, namely deformed elbow joints and a dislocated tarsal joint. It remains unclear whether these deformities developed as a consequence of severe SPS, immobility and abnormal posture of the limbs and joints over prolonged periods, or whether the deformations were already present at birth. Ramos et al. These observations suggest that puppies with suspected SPS should be thoroughly assessed by a veterinarian for any deformities of the limbs which could interfere with recovery, and the need for special treatment or a preventative approach. Regarding recovery, the size of the breed was the only factor predicting the speed of recovery. Puppies from large breeds recovered significantly faster than puppies from medium and small sized breeds, with dogs from small breeds being the slowest to recover. Small and large breed dogs express general differences in growth and development. Puppies from large breeds display a more rapid growth as they need to achieve a larger form 36 , .This is partly due to higher growth hormone concentrations stimulating the growth of the musculoskeletal system .This may help puppies with SPS from larger breeds to stand and walk earlier than puppies from smaller breeds. The affected legs front legs, hind legs, or all legs had thereby no influence on recovery time and neither did the presence of a flattened thorax. A less prominent muscle mass was also not associated with a longer recovery time, and the same applies to the size of the puppies compared to their siblings. Most participants of this study reported that they had performed physiotherapy and were content with the outcome. Most commonly, the affected legs were taped together to avoid lateral abduction. This method has also often been described in previous cases in dogs as well as pigs as an effective therapy 3 , .Other methods like placing the puppies on their sides while sleeping might help to prevent a secondary flattening of the thorax. Switching to a rougher surface with more grip helps the puppies to place their feet in a normal stance. Because no on-site clinical examinations were possible, the conclusions on the effect of physiotherapy in the study population were limited. Nevertheless, performing physical therapy and assisting with movements could prevent deformations and complications associated with the non-ambulatory state and the immobility of swimmer puppies. It also prevents muscle shortening and helps to maintain the mobility of the joints .Other authors promoted the benefits of an early start with physiotherapy 3. Therefore, we encourage breeders and owners to start physiotherapy with swimmer puppies as early as possible. Physiotherapy and exercise is also suggested for children with congenital hypotonia to prevent muscle shortening and improve motor function 41 , .Interestingly, most dams were fed with high-quality commercial food that met the requirements for pregnancy according to the NRC. The dams which received food not fully meeting the requirements did not produce litters with more affected puppies compared to dams fed according to NRC requirements. Other nutritional factors like excessive milk intake and a rapid weight gain are discussed by others as potential causes for SPS 1 , .We did not evaluate the nursing and weight gain of the puppies, but our cohort also included swimmer puppies that were the same size or even smaller than their littermates. Limitations and future directions A limitation of this study is the lack of on-site neurological and orthopedic examinations of the affected dogs and the limited number of available videos. Yet, review of the submitted videos confirmed the presence of clinical signs compatible with SPS in each case. Swimmer puppies were included based on the characteristic clinical signs, and we were not able to rule out other diseases which could present with a similar phenotype, because many puppies had not been presented to a veterinarian or the medical records were not available for review. Furthermore, breeders might be biased when answering certain questions e. The evaluation of the diet of the dams during pregnancy was based on optimal caloric intake and the data provided by the food companies for their brands. For further investigation of the etiology of SPS studies with electrodiagnostic analysis and muscle and nerve biopsies for investigation of peripheral causes of weakness including evaluation of muscle fiber type composition, peripheral nerve, nerve roots and neuromuscular endplates , as well as investigations of muscle metabolism, gene expression profiles and investigations for reversible metabolic defects are possible tools. Conclusion Our data show that SPS affects puppies from many breeds. We confirmed that SPS is a benign reversible condition in the majority of dogs. Most puppies recovered before 12 weeks of age. Affected dogs usually come from smaller litters. Dogs from larger breeds recovered faster than dogs from smaller breeds. The reports suggest that the diet of the dam probably has no major influence on the incidence of SPS. A genetic predisposition was suggested in some litters. Therefore, further investigations with metabolic and genetic profiling of affected dogs and litters may be indicated. Furthermore, affected puppies should be examined thoroughly to recognize any limb deformities as cause or consequence of SPS. Data availability statement Data sets are available on request. The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation. LR performed the study. YZ and LR performed the statistical analysis. LR wrote the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. Conflict of interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher. References 1. Factors contributing to the swimmer puppy syndrome found in Labrador retrievers. BMC Vet Res. Swimmers syndrome is an uncommon development in dogs or cats, also known as flat-pup syndrome or swimming-puppy syndrome. This syndrome leads to a deformation in their limbs, beginning with the hind limbs. This type of deformational development makes the legs twisted and results in the inability to stand or walk. Although smaller and dwarf breeds are more prone to the syndrome, larger breeds may also suffer from it. Breeds that are more likely to produce puppies with swimmer puppy syndrome include English and French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds. In newborn pups with swimmer puppy syndrome , milk is often regurgitated. Swimmer puppies often experience difficulty with the entire digestion process; many have difficulty eliminating and develop constipation as a result. Without treatment, a swimmer puppy is also at risk of developing painful joint deformities caused by holding their legs at abnormal angles for long periods of time. It will only lie on its stomach, not on its side. Its legs, both front and back, will be splayed out. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be able to stand or walk, and may struggle to move. When it does move, it may look like it is trying to paddle or swim. The puppy will be putting a lot of pressure on its sternum, which will contribute to the flattening of the chest and ribs. This causes swimmer syndrome puppies to have difficulty breathing and low energy levels. They will also be weak and may have problems with circulation. The puppy may also have difficulty eating. Because of the pressure on its chest, it may also struggle with keeping food down. Additionally, swimmer puppies may have sores or lesions on their bodies from lying in urine or feces. Swimmer puppies are often lethargic. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be developing the ability to stand and walk like its littermates. Small and dwarf dog breeds are more prone to swimmer puppy syndrome that large breeds. Some veterinary experts believe that the issue is hereditary, while others point toward environments that prevent puppies from moving enough to develop their muscles properly. Others believe that swimmer puppies are born with congenital defects that occur prior to birth. Many veterinarians are willing to intervene and give the puppy a chance at having a happy, healthy life as there are quite a few treatments for swimmer puppy syndrome. Use a harness or sling to suspend the puppy for up to 20 minutes at a time, up to four times per day. This treatment is intended to strengthen muscles while taking pressure off the chest and abdomen. Every case is different; however, this is normally done gradually, for just 15 to 20 minutes per day, and only 3 to 4 times per day at first. Avoid slippery surfaces that prevent the pup from gaining traction. You can also create a soft vest for the pup to wear by cutting leg holes in an old sock and stuffing the sock with fluffy material to keep the chest elevated. Encourage the puppy to sleep on its side rather than resting on its abdomen. When you are with the puppy, help it change positions while nursing and sleeping. This gentle stimulation can help with nerve development and encourage the puppy to move its legs more, as well as to exert more force with each movement. Massage the puppy frequently, particularly after feeding. All-over massage can help stimulate muscles and nerves while aiding the digestion process. You can also encourage these movements while the puppy is suspended in a sling. Ensure that the puppy is being fed adequately, but not over-fed. Excess weight makes recovery more difficult. Keep the puppy clean. This can lead to painful lesions and cause complications with treatment. Apply a moisture barrier cream or unscented baby powder to help prevent irritation, if your vet approves. To begin with, taping should only be worn for 15 minutes at a time, times a day. While taped, you should use a sling or harness to support your puppy. Encouraging your puppy to sleep on their side as much as possible will relieve pressure on the chest. Even if they are not sleeping, repositioning is a good way to reduce complications from constant pressure on the chest. Maintaining a Healthy Weight It may sound simple, but helping your Swimmers dog to maintain a healthy weight is more beneficial than you might realize. The more extra weight your pup has to hold up, the slower their progress with therapy will be. Massaging your puppy after a feed can also help the digestive process along and help to resolve problems like constipation and gas. Failing to clean up after your Swimmers pup immediately after their accident can cause infection as well as urine burns and painful sores. Environment Scientists that studied this condition strongly suggest that appropriate flooring is extremely important, particularly non-slippery floors that prevent slippage and further injuries in puppies. Applying baby powder and wiping the dog can also help to prevent fecal scalding. Water Therapy Water therapy is recommended for Swimmer dogs that have developed a swimming reflex this happens around 6 weeks old. Keeping the pup secured, submerge them in water up to their chin. Be sure to keep hold of the puppy but let them paddle. This helps to build up muscle in the legs and can be done for short periods, two to three times a day. What is the management? Slippery floors may worsen, or in some cases, may even cause swimmer puppies. Egg crate bed liners work well. Bunch up towels and blankets and keep pup confined to a small area. Puppies should not become overweight, as this may further the weakness in the rear limbs. Most swimmers have a flattened chest from laying flat. Taping the legs in the correct position should be done asap. You will see almost immediate progress. If the pup is a chewer you will have to put a cone on while legs are taped. Swim sessions three times a day will help with building muscle. Note — the swim reflex may not develop until pups are 6 weeks or older. Submerge pup to his chin this kicks in the survival instinct to kick. Since there may be a hereditary component to this condition, dogs who were swimmer puppies would not be optimal breeding animals. Please follow and like us: Tags.