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The English Bulldog — Quite a Chap! The English Bulldog can be expected to have certain traits: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Quiet—not much of a barker Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions Outgoing and friendly personality You may also these characteristics in your bully buddy: Can be gassy and drool a lot Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and she may snore Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy Sensitive, matures slowly Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance She is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership , she is a social and cheerful addition to any family. The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull-baiting in .The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your English Bulldog looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Bulldogs Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Bulldogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! When Bulldog puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your English Bulldog. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Spinal Deformities Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Unfortunately, Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Bulldogs. The tear glands no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, which results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Symptoms include a thick discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry appearance of the eye. This is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs. Dogs have a third eyelid that contains a gland that produces about one-third of the fluid that bathes the eye. If the gland is sore or swollen, it looks like a red blob in the corner of the eye. This condition is called cherry eye, and it can occur very suddenly in one or both eyes. If this happens to him, we may treat it with ointment first, but surgery is often the best option. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Reproductive Difficulties Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. If you are interested in breeding your English Bulldog, speak with us first. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Heart Disease Bulldogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Multiple Skin Problems Your English Bulldog is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Laryngeal Paralysis Older Bulldogs may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. Watch for noisy breathing, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather. In severe cases a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing. Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your English Bulldog will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Dental Abnormalities Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Bulldog. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Yes, dogs can get braces! Taking Care of Your Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your English Bulldog live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Her deep wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult she can have a tendency to be lazy, so you must ensure she receives adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. She is sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Bulldog needs help. Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. Following these recommendations will help you raise as many healthy pups as possible and make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for both your family and your Bullbitch. When you raise a litter, you will feel an enormous sense of having accomplished a difficult task. You will enjoy many pleasurable hours with your pups, if you also make a profit, that is fine. But go into this venture with the realization that you may do everything right and still not raise a single pup. You may be emotionally traumatized by having your favorite pup die in your hands. You may lose every dollar you spend. Do not breed your bitch unless you are sure that you or a responsible person will be available to care for the bitch when she is ready to whelp and have time to care for the pups for the first few weeks. This may even mean having someone to care for the pups for 24 hours a day. If you anticipate your bitch will be due for her boosters at about the time of her season or during her pregnancy, have her boosters given early before the time you expect her to be in season. Before she comes into season, have her checked for intestinal worms and deworm her if necessary. This is for the bitch's good. It will not keep the pups from being born with worms. They will still need to be checked and dewormed. Your bitch should be checked for heartworms within the last 12 months. She should be on heartworm prevention. There is a fairly common misconception that heartworm preventive medicine causes infertility. This is nonsense! Heartworm infestation and heartworm disease cause infertility. Heartworm prevention is an absolute necessity. We recommend either Heartgard or Interceptor monthly. Go to dog shows and compare your Bullbitch to the champions and winning dogs. Decide what your bitch's faults are. Long back, small head, narrow jaw and light bone are the most common faults. Now select a stud that does not have any of the same faults your bitch has. It is not wise to breed to a closely related dog father, brother, uncle except in very special circumstances. Breeding to a very good quality more distantly related relative grandfather, granduncle many times will produce better pups than breeding to an unrelated dog. Breed to a dog that has produced some good quality pups. A champion stud that meets the above criteria will be a better choice for stud than a non-champion. We can provide you the names of serious breeders in the San Antonio area who have proven champion Bulldog studs. See as many studs as possible and choose the one that fits your breeding purposes THE MATING On a normal heat cycle, a bitch is ready to be mated the first time about the eighth to the thirteenth day. There is a lot of variation among bitches. Breeding according to the day of heat alone is not an accurate way of catching her at the right time. Vaginal smears can determine when a bitch is ready to breed. The cells lining the vagina change types when a bitch ovulates and is ready to mate. Bring your bitch in for us to do a vaginal smear about the fourth day of heat for the first vaginal smear. Then we will tell you when she will need the vaginal smear checked again. Do not be concerned if your bitch has a bloody discharge throughout her season. This is not unusual in bullbitches. We breed on the first day the vaginal smear indicates ovulation, skip a day and breed again. If there is any doubt that these were the best days, we will skip a day and breed a third time. Particularly when breeding a bitch that has failed to conceive before, it may be best to breed more than twice. We use only artificial insemination to breed bulldogs. Artificial insemination is easier on the bitch, the dog and the person doing the breeding. When people talk about "natural breeding" of bulldogs, they are really referring to hand breeding. This involves strapping the bitch to a breeding board and physically helping the stud dog mate her. We breed only by artificial insemination, Breeding boards are not used in artificial insemination. Serious breeders who have experience artificially inseminating with their own stud are usually very capable and can do the AI at their house. After you take your bitch home after breeding, continue to keep her away from all males for at least a week. For any bitch that has failed to conceive on a previous breeding, we strongly recommend using Progesterone tests to determine the correct time to breed. This is more expensive than breeding by vaginal smears but is worth the cost. The liver during their season increases fertility, during pregnancy reduces the chance of pups with cleft palates and makes for healthier pups with bigger livers of their own. This increases their chance of surviving any neonatal problems. Either beef, pork or venison liver is fine. Cut the liver into 1 ounce pieces and freeze them five pieces to a bag. That way you can thaw out a new bag every five days and make a pound of liver last 16 days. Some bitches will not eat liver the first day. Try again tomorrow and she will eat it. Some bitches will get loose stools from liver. Stop the liver and give cottage cheese with her food until the stools firm up and then start the liver again. During pregnancy, feed your bitch a good quality food. We recommend Purina Pro-Plan. Feed adult dog food for the first four weeks of pregnancy, feed half adult and half puppy food Purina Pro-Plan Puppy the fifth week, then puppy food through the rest of pregnancy and throughout all the time the mama is nursing pups. Do not feed generic or store brand dog food. With a good quality dog food, we feed no supplements other than the liver. Do not give bone meal or any other calcium supplements. They are not needed and can be harmful. With a bitch that will relax and cooperate, we might be able to feel the fetuses in her abdomen at 3 to 4 weeks. From 4 to 7 weeks, there is a lot of fluid around the fetuses making it difficult to feel them. By 7 weeks, most pregnant bitches will be obviously showing it. Almost all bitches will have some mammary enlargement 3 to 4 weeks after their season whether they are pregnant or not. If her vulva does not decrease much in size after she is out of season, she is probably pregnant. We can x-ray the bitch anytime after 45 days after breeding to determine pregnancy. Withhold food by 8 PM the night before the x-ray and be sure she is given a chance to move her bowels before bringing for the x-ray. Let her have all the water she wants. A sonogram done at 28 days is a very accurate way to determine if she is pregnant. We can refer you to a veterinarian who can do a sonogram if you wish. Even if your bitch does not look pregnant, bring her in one week before her due date for us to examine. A large bitch with only one or two pups can hide them up under her ribs and not appear pregnant. If there is any doubt, have an x-ray taken. If her season and discharge last longer that 3 weeks, bring her back for a check-up. She might be a bitch that just has a longer than 3 week season. Or the extended discharge might indicate an infection. If any time after her season she has a vaginal discharge again, bring her back for an exam and a white blood cell count. She could be aborting pups. She could have a minor vaginal infection or a serious uterine infection. A uterine infection needs immediate attention. The Cesarean Section is scheduled 60 days after the last breeding. We will make the appointment for 8 AM. We will also schedule an appointment for a week before the Cesarean to examine her and answer any questions you have. We can also do the pre-surgery lab work at that time. While this 60 day schedule works almost every pregnancy, occasionally a bitch will start labor before the Cesarean Section appointment. If your bitch starts labor during our regular office hours, call us to let us know you are coming in and bring her to the hospital. We will do the Cesarean. If your bitch starts labor during the night, weekend or holiday when our office is closed, call one of the emergency animal hospitals and take her there for the Cesarean. When you call our regular office number, the answering machine will give you the numbers of three emergency hospitals. We do not do emergency Cesarean surgery during non-office hours. A Cesarean requires a full staff of personnel that we cannot provide during non-office hours. Labor is not nesting or passing a mucus plug. Labor is seeing her abdomen contract and seeing her push. She may pass some fluid or you may see part of a puppy. This is labor and indicates she needs her Cesarean. Bullbitches have a difficult time trying to whelp naturally for a number of reasons. The pups have large heads. The bitch has a small pelvis. A bullbitch that has any breathing difficulty can find that labor is too strenuous for her. A bitch with a large number of pups can get too tired and exhausted before she has the last one. When there are only one or two pups, they are usually larger and more difficult to deliver. Many bulldog pups die during attempts at natural whelping. They could have lived if delivered by Cesarean section. A bitch that becomes exhausted trying to whelp naturally is then not a good anesthetic risk for Cesarean section. It is better to plan for a Cesarean ahead of time rather than make it an emergency procedure. It can be scheduled at a more convenient time than 2 AM some morning. Of course, saving only one pup with the Cesarean that might have been lost free whelping pays for the Cesarean. Most bitches will start nesting a week or so before they are due to whelp. They will gather up towels or scratch in the carpet or dig a hole in the yard to make a nest. This does not mean labor is imminent. While your bitch is pregnant, she has had a mucus plug in her cervix to seal it. She will start passing this clear mucus the last week of her pregnancy. This is normal. At the appointment for the Cesareans section, bring a box full of towels to take the pups home in and a sheet to lay the bitch on in the car on the way home. The bitch will have a heavy discharge for 3 days - red, black, green, almost any color is normal. After 3 days, the discharge should be no more than a little spotting - several half-dollar size spots a day at the most. A heavy discharge after 3 days or a brownish-red tomato soup discharge with a bad odor anytime is an indication of trouble. Bring your bitch back to the hospital. If the bitch has any discharge from her surgery incision, wash it with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before nursing. If the incision is dry without a discharge, leave it alone. If the incision should gap open more than a quarter of an inch or if a lump develops under the incision, bring her back to the hospital. It is not unusual for bullbitches to lie on pups and smother them. Some bullbitches will accidentally step on a pup and kill it or badly injury it. A few bullbitches will intentionally harm pups. For these reasons, we keep our pups in a puppy box and put them with the mama only while nursing. An adult or older child must be there watching all the time the pups are with her to be sure she does not harm the pups. Of course, this is a lot of trouble and takes a lot of time. But bulldoggers have found that this is the best way to raise as many pups as possible. We use a wooden puppy box. If you anticipate raising only one litter, a cardboard box will do. Our puppy box is 32 inches long by 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep. It has a Plexiglas window in the lid. There are holes in the side that can be opened for ventilation. There is a 60 watt light in one end of the box for heat. The light has a rheostat so that the heat can be controlled and adjusted. If you use a cardboard box, you can adjust the heat by using different watt light bulbs and by moving the light closer or farther away from the box. The important thing is to have a rectangular box with the light in one end. Adjust the heat by watching where the pups stay in the box. If the pups stay right under the light, adjust the heat higher. If the pups stay in the other end of the box to get away from the heat, adjust it lower. The box temperature will need to be about 95 degrees the first week, 85 degrees the second week and 75 degrees thereafter. However, it is important to adjust the heat according to what the pups do, rather than according to the thermometer. If pups lie on a hard flat surface all the time, they will become what we call swimmers. Their chests flatten out and their legs spread out sideways. They cannot get their legs under them. When the chests flatten they start having breathing problems. To prevent swimmers, it is important for the bottom of the box to be soft and irregular. We line the bottom of our box with foam rubber egg crate mattress pad material and cover it with towels. Two alternatives to egg crate material are rubber hot water bottles half filled with air and covered with towels or to wad up newspaper into balls to fill the bottom of the box and cover with towels. The first few days the pups should nurse every 2 hours. Put an old quilt on the floor for mama to lie on. If there is any discharge from mama's Cesarean incision, wash it off with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before putting the pups down to nurse. The first few times, squeeze the nipple to get a drop of milk to come out on it and put the pup's mouth to it. Watch to be sure all the pups get attached. Be sure the big pups do not push the little pups away. Allow the bitch to lick the pups to stimulate urination and defecation and to clean them up. If the mother refuses to lick and clean pups, you must use a cotton ball dipped in warm water to stimulate elimination. Rub the pups' sides, genital area and anus with the cotton ball. Pups can not eliminate freely on their own for the first 2 to 3 weeks of their lives. Someone must stay with the bitch all the time the pups are nursing. After you can see that the pups are gaining weight and are sleeping longer than 2 hours before they awaken and cry, you can start slowly lengthening the time between feedings. If the pups are not definitely gaining weight nursing on mama, start tube feeding them. If one pup is not growing like the rest, tube feed him. Also if you tube feed, you can go a longer time between feedings than you can nursing. We will be happy to show you how and help you start tube feeding and get you the equipment you need. Tube feed Esbilac Puppy Formula. If necessary, use Similac baby formula until you can get Esbilac. If for any reason you are tube feeding the pups exclusively, do not neglect stimulating their bowel and urinary functions. Either let mama lick them or use the cotton balls. Put Esbilac in a shallow bowl or pie pan. Put a pup up to the edge and spoon a little formula up to his mouth. Some of the pups will start eating on their own right away. Others will take a few days to learn. Grind the Puppy Chow in a blender to a fine meal. At first, mix just a little ground puppy chow with the Esbilac to make a thin gruel. When all the pups are eating this, gradually make it thicker. To get as close as possible to providing complete protection for your pups from preventable diseases, follow this vaccination schedule until you place the pups in their new homes and recommend that the new owner continue this schedule: Start vaccinations canine distemper, hepatitis, coronavirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus at six weeks old. Repeat this combination vaccination every three weeks till the pups are sixteen weeks old. The last vaccination should also contain Leptospirosis. Rabies vaccination can be given anytime after twelve weeks. If you have pups that did not nurse on the bitch during the first 24 hours of life, start their five-in-one combination vaccine at 3 weeks of age. However the time from 6 weeks to 12 weeks is a very important age for the behavioral development of the pup. During this time the pup must have both interaction with other dogs mother and littermates and interaction with people. Therefore 8 to 10 weeks is the best time for the pups to go to their new homes. Pups that go too early to a new home that does not have another dog in it may later in life have a fear of other dogs or be aggressive to other dogs. Pups that stay with their litter too long before being placed in their new homes may have a hard time adjusting to their new home after 12 weeks of age. If any pups are not going to their new homes by 10 weeks of age, be sure to socialize them to people. Separate them from the litter and give them individual attention for at least 30 minutes every day. All pups should have some contact with children before they are 12 weeks old so they will not be afraid of children later. Of course it is important that they are not hurt by a child early in life. If I send prospective puppy buyers to you, that means that I have recommended you and your pups to the prospective buyer. It does not mean that I am recommending the prospective buyer to you. It is not my place to screen buyers for you. It is up to you to interview prospective buyers and determine which ones can be entrusted with your precious pups. Ask about other dogs in the household. Do they have a fenced in yard? Do they know bulldogs need to be inside air-conditioned dogs? Will they continue the vaccination series? Do they know bulldogs are generally more expensive to care for than other dogs? Is the prospective buyer buying a pup for himself or is he a broker that is going to resell the pup? When you know the new owner is not going to breed or show, encourage the new owner to spay or neuter their pets. Spaying females prevents mammary cancer, uterine infection and accidental pregnancies. Neutering males prevents perianal cancer, perineal hernias and prostate problems. Be sure you are satisfied that your pup is going to a loving home. Tell the new owner that if something happens that causes them to have to give up their bulldog that you will take him back or help them place him in a good home. Fill out the dam's part and send it to the American Kennel Club. They will send you individual forms for each pup to be registered. This takes two to six weeks. The early care and environment of the English Bulldog newborn puppy are very important. Reasons a English Bulldog puppy might die early on are usually due to difficult whelping, congenital or genetic defects, environmental factors i. Things to have handy in case of an emergency: a box of Amoxi-Drops anti-diarrhea medication like Biosol, Kaolin-Pectin, or Neo-Pectilin thermometer Karo syrup or honey tube feeding kit 10 feeding tube and 10cc feeding syringe several cans of puppy formula like Esbilac; however, it is very important that a English Bulldog puppy get its mother's milk if at all possible during the first 5 days to protect it from infection and give it antibodies from the mother's milk You can purchase pre-made formula from your vet and outside of the mother's milk, it is best. However, the following formula is cheaper and provides all the nutrition. It's been used by many people and gives good results: l can Carnation evaporated milk some prefer canned goat's milk. Many use it instead of evaporated milk - both can be found in the bakery section of your grocery store. If this seems to be, change to bottled water to make the formula. Keeping the litter box tempature between degrees with no drafts for the first few days is usually adequate. Other sources of warmth can be heating pads or heat lamps. If using a heating pad, monitor the intensity of heat, as pups have been known to cook on pads set on high settings! There are many excellent heat lamps on the market, but remember that caution is needed. Heat lamps have been known to start fires! The temperature on the English Bulldog puppies 1 inch above the bottom of the box should be about degrees with a corner that is slightly cooler and allow them to scoot to wherever they like best. There should also be plenty of clean blankets, as this will allow for regulation of temperature. If a English Bulldog puppy has its mouth open, it's too hot. If a English Bulldog puppy is too cool, it often won't show anything - but it can be deadly. Hydration is one of the most important things to monitor in new bulldog pups, as it can be one of the first signs of problems. Check hydration by by pinching the skin on the back of the neck or on the top of the back. If the pinched skin stays creased, the English Bulldog puppy is dehydrated and needs fluid replacement. Also, a dehydrated bulldog pup's coat will sometimes have a ruffled or scruffy appearance. Dehydration can either be a result of inadequate nourishment, too much heat, or sickness. It is strongly suggested that you use regular newborn or infant bottles and nipples. The ones available for purchase for cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. Bottle feeding is far more preferable. The sucking on a nipple, the handling and holding of the English Bulldog puppy is so very important to their overall development. The English Bulldog puppy should be held with his head upwards and his body and tail down in a 45 to 90 degreee angle when bottle feeding. If English Bulldog puppies and their blankets are not kept clean, it is very easy to come down with a staph infection and diarrhea - which is serious, as bulldog puppies can go downhill quickly. As mentioned before, it is equally serious if the English Bulldog puppies get chilled so avoid drafts. Even if you have them in a basket with a heating pad, you need to cover the basket with a towel to keep out drafts. A chilled English Bulldog puppy must be warmed up. Put it in a pocket so that it's warm and jiggled as you walk around, or if you are a woman put it in your bra for your body heat. There are lots of little ways to accomplish it. Don't worry about feeding formula to a chilled English Bulldog puppy because it will have the opposite effect: their body cannot handle the food and makes it all the worse for the English Bulldog puppy. Priority should be to get the bulldog puppy warmed up slowly. Newborn English Bulldog puppies cannot regulate their body temperature or body functions like urinating and stools. It is important that they are pottied at each feeding. They might not have a stool each time, but they will urinate. This is what the mother does when she licks them. But some mothers don't want to be bothered, especially the first few days. After that, she will become a good mommy. Some might start off being good, then after a few days, or even a couple of weeks, not want to be bothered and might even be nasty to the puppies such as snapping and biting them. Always be careful and watch. Don't leave her alone until the bulldog pups are big enough not to be laid on, or big enough that you know that the bitch is a good mother. If the mother will not clean the babies, you must be sure to do it. Using a kleenex, gently rub the area to stimulate their potty. Then be sure to clean them well. Make sure to check them even if the mother cleans them. Often the stool will get stuck to the tail and be dry. If that happens, or if the English Bulldog puppy seems to be straining and constipated, try the following: Run warm water in the sink slowly. Put a drop of soap on their behinds, and wash and massage their behinds; it will get the tail and poop unstuck, clean them up, and cause them to potty very well. Make sure they are well rinsed, and dried thoroughly so they don't get chilled. If the little bottoms are red and sore, use some Desitin ointment. You may see green puppy stools and stools that have an appearance of bunches of tiny seeds. If all else seems normal, this seems to be harmless and short-lived. However, watery diarrhea can be very serious if left unchecked. There can be many causes, like the mother's diet, or infection. Diarrhea together with vomiting usually means infection. For the first 3- 5 days an average English Bulldog puppy ouncer will take about 10 cc's every hours. It should be broken into feedings every 2 hours 5cc per feeding. If it is a good sized bulldog puppy 1 lb. Towards the end of a week, you should increase the food needed to about cc or more. For the first week they should eat every two hours. If they are good size bulldog babies, you can sometimes go longer. By the second week, as long as you don't have any problems and they are of good size, you can usually go hours between feedings. An average weight for newborn English Bulldog puppies is around ounces. Good size puppies are oz.

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We are a non-profit, no-kill shelter c 3 organization located in the heart of Long Island, New York founded in by Dori Scofield. All of our dogs for adoption are lookin for a new home. With two locations on Long Island, Shake A Paw guarantees customers the most extensive and diverse selection of puppies. Our puppy store, located in Huntington, Long Island NY, is family owned and operated with over 50 years of puppy experience! All of our puppies are from USDA licensed breeders; however we go beyond the licensing factor and check with the state every 30 days that our breeders are FREE of any direct or indirect violations with the Department of. Nothing would be better than to give a new dog a loving home. Island Puppies has puppies for sale in Long Island and surrounding areas. May 04, , pmUpdated 4m ago. Our puppies come vet checked, with all their vaccines, papers and microchip. Petite Pets is a high-end puppy boutique that has been serving Long Island for over 21 years using the same breeder producing the most healthy and beautiful puppies. Dogs for Sale in Long Island. Maltipoos for Sale in Long Island. We work with dog breeders in Suffolk County and beyond in our dedication to giving your family the best dog possible for you. All of our puppies are from USDA licensed. Our staff is here seven days a week to help you with all aspects of dog ownership. In addition, we host off-site adoption events at multiple New York locations through the use of our mobile adoption vehicle. Puppies for sale Long Island. These puppies will be available on a first come, first choice. The pups will be trained as service animals and matched with veterans and first responders searching for service and companion dogs. Our goal: a no-kill world where all homeless pets find loving homes. Welcome to LongIslandPuppies. Very sweet girl with a great temperament. Store Hours: Due to corona virus are new hours are as follows. Canine Corrals latest puppies for sale Huntington NY. The 14 puppies are part of a group of dogs that were saved from deplorable living conditions. They include safety risks for staff and. Bringing home a Long Island rescue dog is a great way to add some extra love to your life. Selling puppies and kittens. Our passion is exhibiting, breeding and promoting our beloved Bulldogs. HOME .Contact us today for more information at .The 1 Place to buy your new puppy! Canine Corral. Dog ban on Long Island's state beaches could be lifted under …. German shepherd puppies are a large breed that usually stay around 80 lbs. Come visit and find your new best friend. Give us a call or stop in, new pets in need arrive every day. Teacup Shorkiepoo puppy puppies Long Island. We have been providing people across Suffolk and Nassau County with dog adoption opportunities for years and we love each and every person who has adopted one of our dogs. Long Island Puppies For Sale. With two locations on Long Island, The 14 puppies are. Boxer puppies sale Long Island NY. Best health guarantee in the industry! Please complete the form below and a puppy consultant will contact you shortly. Dutchess county putnam valley ny id. The pups will be trained as service animals and matched with veterans and first responders searching for service and. All of our dogs for adoption near. For sure, they're not hand hand raising this quality life-long companion Labrador, one that represents the best qualities of the breed. Your child deserves the best pups at their puppy party! So please be sure you want the puppy or can have it before your purchase or before a non-refundable deposit is. We are the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. A state parks spokesman declined to comment on the legislation but said dogs are prohibited from Long Island beaches due to numerous management issues. All our breeding dogs are genetically tested and are from champion bloodlines sexxuria. Thank you for asking about our amazing dogs and for understanding about the adoption process. Breeder german shepherd puppies puppies for sale puppies on long island. May 05, , amUpdated 1d ago. Adorable Puppies for Sale. Positions are available with backups for more than 7 available. Our focus on five-star customer service results in matches made in heaven when you. Our award winning bulldogs are a testament to the incredible dogs we provide our clients. We provide spay and neuter services for Long Island feral cats and any necessary medical care for pets. Puppies for Sale — Long Island Labradors. German shepherd dogs adopted on rescue me. Sportsman's Kennels — American puppy breeders. Paws of War rescues 14 dogs from Alabama puppy mill, bring. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Our focus on five-star customer service results in matches made in heaven when you welcome your new canine friend home. She is ready for her new loving home. Contact us today for more information at ! We are supported solely by public donations and every dollar makes a difference. We Love Labrador Puppies Our puppies are loaded with love! These puppies are hand raised in our home and given the best nutrition, exercise, and socialization! At our Long Island animal shelter, we believe it is our moral responsibility to protect and improve the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless cats and dogs, and to place them in loving permanent homes. Contact us today for more information at ! All our breeding dogs are genetically tested and are from champion bloodlinessexxuria. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Yorkshire Terrier Puppies For Sale. Shorkiepoo puppy puppies Long Island. It is our intention to provide you with the most current and the latest. What Makes a Pet Posh? Every animal deserves love. The American Boxer Club was established in .Contact Us Monday: ampm Tuesday: ampm. Paws of War rescues 14 dogs from Alabama puppy mill, bring them to Long. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Brunswick Georgia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale.

Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD. German Shepherd Puppies Price Range The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high. Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners. Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. Purebred GSD s have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. Is It Normal? All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood. Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD. Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color. Why Does the Cost Vary First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy. Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color. Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD. Food The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat smaller meals each day. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy. Shelter Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first. Other factors to consider Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider. Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo toys, and other unforeseen problems. You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications. Conclusion Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression. Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. You can get this puppy elsewhere for a lesser price, but you want to ensure you receive a healthy dog with great genes. Should you buy a German Shepherd puppy or an older dog? The answer to this will be based on your preference and lifestyle. But there are also pros and cons to buying a puppy or an adult dog. Adopt whichever feels right to you. If you intend to buy a German Shepherd, know that the breeding of dogs is more involved than just putting a sire and dam together. Reputable breeders look into the health and genetics of the parents. When the puppies are born, they get them health-tested, too. For example, the puppies get hip x-rays, elbow x-rays, thyroid tests, cardiac tests, and a canine ophthalmologist exam. In most cases, the breeder will ensure that the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations before going to their new owners. Are large GSD dogs more expensive than small ones? No, because a purebred German Shepherd is a large dog and only comes in one size. Male GSDs can grow to be 24 to 26 inches 61 to 66 cm , with female GSDs being slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches 59 to 61 cm. Do German Shepherds that train as service dogs cost more? Yes, German Shepherds that are trained as service dogs are more expensive. This is because they are selectively bred and go through special training. Bloodline affects the purchase fee. The West German Show Line is bred based on the breed standard. They make great house protectors, are social, and need a high amount of physical activity. Working line German Shepherds are fully trained with various skills and excel in obedience. Some of the most expensive German Shepherds are the ones that look different. For example, this pooch can come in a few rare coat colors. The colors may include Panda, Isabella, or Black. In addition, some German Shepherds might have one or two blue eyes. Take into account whether you want your German Shepherd as a family dog or a working protection dog. A companion will be less expensive. In addition, the litter size of German Shepherds is about 6 to 10 puppies. Therefore, the more puppies in a litter, the less the puppies will cost. When searching for a German Shepherd puppy, your best bet is to go through a reputable breeder rather than a search aid site. This is because you can get to know the breeder during the process. There is nothing wrong with being a hobby breeder, but they may have less experience than a professional one. For example, test their knowledge of the German Shepherd breed as a whole. Ask them about the family tree and the health history of the parents and the puppies. In addition, discuss the temperament and traits of the dogs as well. Finally, ask if the puppies have been crate trained and gone to the vet. The breeder should be able to answer these questions flawlessly. Alternatively, you can find a German Shepherd rescue. In addition, you might find puppies as well as adults. These factors include traits of the dog, but it also depends on where you adopt the dog as well. Age Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing a German Shepherd. A puppy is more costly than an adult dog. German Shepherd puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks will be the most expensive. This is because owners want to train the puppy to their lifestyle. Therefore, puppies older than 12 weeks will be more affordable. Adopting an adult GSD dog is less desirable, but these pups need loving, forever homes, too. Size German Shepherds are a large dog breed, growing up to 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall. If a breeder advertises Miniature German Shepherds, they may cost more, but there is no such thing. That pooch is most likely a mixed breed, or the purebred has dwarfism. Since purebreds are more desirable, they cost more. However, hybrids are often healthier than purebreds. Lineage and bloodlines If your puppy comes from a champion bloodline and is a show-quality German Shepherd dog, then you can expect to pay more. Breeder certifications, registration, and pedigree When it comes to looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to do your research. A responsible breeder will care about finding the puppies a loving, forever home rather than making a profit. A qualified breeder will charge their puppies higher but at a reasonable fee. Gender Believe it or not, male and female German Shepherd dogs cost about the same price. Male GSDs are stronger and have more energy. Coat Colors and Markings German Shepherds with different colored coats and markings will be more pricey. This is because they are more difficult to breed since they rely on recessive genes. Did you know this doggo can also be long-haired? You can learn more about long-haired German Shepherds here. Health screenings and medical expenses Most reputable breeders will get the puppies health screened and take care of certain medical expenses, such as their first vaccinations. If they do, then you can expect to pay more. For instance, if the breed is in high demand where the breeder is, you can expect to pay more. Other factors The litter size is another factor. For instance, if there are more puppies in a litter, the cost will decrease because the breeder has more puppies available for adoption. In addition, if the parents have a proven record of being show dogs or breeding dogs, that will increase the puppy prices. A friendly German Shepherd dog with a veterinarian Health care and veterinary bills: how much are vet expenses for GSDs? Fortunately, German Shepherds are generally healthy. This includes general physical exams, vaccinations such as rabies , and heartworm and flea prevention. GSDs also need additional vaccinations. For example, Leptospirosis if they are exposed to wildlife. Medical Expenses for German Shepherds Range. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. This is the space between the shoulder blades. They will continue to grow at a less rapid pace up until their first birthday, when they will likely have achieved both their adult height and weight. These are the Mini or Micro and Teacup ones. The smaller dogs are created by breeding the runts of various litters and can weigh as little as 5 lbs and certainly no more than 18 lbs. Be cautious about getting one of these Frenchies, though. However cute they may seem, runts are often the weakest dogs of the litter and, as such, are more susceptible to various health conditions. They can also develop specific problems related to their unnaturally small size. Photo by J oshua McArthur on Unsplash Aside from breeding variations, there are also slight size differences between male and female Frenchies. Males tend to be a little larger — mostly in terms of body size and weight than height. Although this is not as noticeable as with some other breeds of dogs. French Bulldog Growth Patterns Growth patterns for a healthy French Bulldog follow the same progression as for many other smaller dogs. While the chances are good that your Frenchie will hit their adult size somewhere between 8 and 12 months, a very few may keep growing outwards beyond this as they bulk up on muscle weight. Check out these guides on best dog food for puppies here. All of this, though, is very dependent on their physical health, exercise levels, and the type and quality of the food they receive during this time. Depending on whether your Frenchie falls on the lower or upper end of the scale, they will likely reach their adult height somewhere between 8 and 12 months of age and their adult weight between 10 and 12 months of age. There is also a chance that larger dogs could continue to gain muscle weight a couple of months past that. For this reason, we can estimate that they will be fully grown around 12 to 14 months. Photo by Deric Yu on Unsplash If you want more specific information about your pet, you should be able to calculate their potential adult weight and height at 3 months by taking their measurements at that age and multiplying them by two. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. Hopefully, the information included here has proven useful whether you are thinking of adopting a Frenchie or have already welcomed one into your home. Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Call Vic Kasser or Email! A French Bulldog is considered a small to medium breed dog depending on the Sire and Dam size and weight. One of the first questions anyone asks when considering purchasing a dog or puppy is how big will it get? This is a very relevant and important question considering your need to ensure your puppy is cared for appropriately in your home. Double Up: Generally, an adult dog will weigh about twice as much as he did when he was 4 months of age; giant breeds will double what they weighed at 5 months. Four Fold: The weight of your puppy at 8 weeks is a quarter of his adult weight. You can also obtain the weight of the sire father and dam mother of purebred puppies. Female puppies will weigh about what their dam weighs. Male puppies will weigh about what their sire weighs. Try Puppyweights. Factors Affecting Growth While much of a French Bulldog's growth is determined by genetic factors, early environmental factors also affect growth. Puppies who nurse frequently in the first weeks of life get better nutrition and are more likely to grow quickly. A healthy diet after your puppy is weaned can also affect her growth rate. Puppies who don't get enough food or who get low-quality food may end up smaller. Overfeeding can cause your dog to become obese. Medical conditions may also affect growth. French Bulldogs who are sick in the first few weeks of life tend to be smaller. Estimating Adult Size You can estimate your puppy's adult size by weighing her at eight weeks. Be sure to get the weight in ounces, since French Bulldogs don't grow very large and a few ounces can make a difference. Double this number and then double it again. For example, if your French Bulldog is 88 ounces at six weeks, double it to get ounces, then double the number again to get ounces. Divide this number by 16 to get your dog's weight in pounds. The ounce puppy will be about 22 pounds as an adult. Growth Rate On average, French Bulldogs tend to grow to their full size height at the withers and length from the base of their neck to their rear-end between the ages of 9 months to a year, and then they tend to "fill in" and bulk-up during their second year, fully maturing by the time they're around 2. During their growth stages, puppies can certainly grow to be heavy, and then they start getting leaner and more toned in their second year, so it's not unusual for a puppy to be heavier when they're under a year, and then drop a couple of pounds in their second year. Small-breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, do not have room in their bodies for large litters, therefore they tend to produce only two to four puppies per pregnancy. Large-breed dogs, such as Great Danes, usually have larger litters, 10 to 12 puppies being common. Breed type also impacts the size of the newborns. Small-breed puppies are typically several inches smaller than large-breed puppies, regardless of the number of dogs in the litter. Small Puppies the Mother's Health Unusually small puppies are not a result of large litters. Instead, their size can usually be traced back to the health and nutrition of the mother dog before and during her pregnancy. Because the unborn puppies share the nutrition she takes in from her food, she needs an ample diet to properly nourish the puppies. Without sufficient food, the puppies will not reach appropriate size and may suffer health problems. According to veterinarian Kathleen Hefner, writing for the American Kennel Club, most puppies who die soon after birth were probably born from malnourished mothers. Litter Size Problems Even though litter size does not impact puppy size, large litters can cause problems for the mother dog and her new babies. If the mother's uterus attempts to carry more puppies than she can physically handle, her life and the puppies lives can be threatened. Also, large litters tend to produce more stillborn puppies and runts. With so many neonatal puppies vying for nutrition, those in the center of the womb often do not get sufficient nourishment, which can cause them to be born small or to die. Great Pyrenees breeder Catherine de la Cruz warns that large litters can trigger earlier-than-expected whelping, which can be a problem for the puppies unprepared human grandparents. Predicting Litter Size While accurately predicting the size of an expectant mom's litter is difficult, some other factors do contribute. Research shows older mother dogs have smaller litters than younger canine moms. Also, dogs who had their first litter at an older age will have smaller litters. The mother's weight can be a factor. Obese female dogs tend to have smaller litters than healthy-weight dogs. However, any pregnant mom can experience a large litter relative to normal within her breed. Dog litter sizes vary from one puppy to more than a dozen newborns. The recorded largest litter had .While litter size can impact many aspects of whelping and raising puppies, it does not actually impact the size of the individual puppies. The parents genes, the puppys breed, and the mother's health and nutrition determine the puppies size at birth. This is just a tool to be used along with observations of mom and dad weight, bone structure, previous puppy mature weights and more! However, we'll still link The file. Your French Bulldog will grow very fast in its first 37 weeks. At 37 weeks, your French Bulldog will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight. Then your French Bulldog will slowly stop adding more weight. The above discussion is general, and it applies to both male and female French Bulldogs. However, male dogs usually grow at a different rate compared to female dogs A male French Bulldog will grow very fast in its first 38 weeks. At 38 weeks, a male French Bulldog will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 38 weeks. A male French Bulldog will then slowly stop adding more weight. Similarly, a female French Bulldog will grow very fast in its first 37 weeks. At 37 weeks, a female French Bulldog will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 37 weeks. A female French Bulldog will then slowly stop adding more weight. See the growth graph of a French Bulldog below. As you can see in the French Bulldog growth curve below, the French Bulldog grows really fast in its early weeks, and then its growth levels off till it reaches percent of the adult weight. This French Bulldog growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a French Bulldog shown above. The calculator assumes that your French Bulldog is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight. Weight of the French Bulldog. Weight in the dark green region is typical, though weight in the light green region is also possible Adult French Bulldogs typically weigh between 16 to 28 pounds. Above is a graph that shows how much a French Bulldog should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your French Bulldog falls in the graph for its age. It is totally fine if the weight of your French Bulldog falls in either the dark green or light green region of the graph. However, weight in the dark green region is more typical for French Bulldogs. If the weight of your French Bulldog falls outside both the dark and light green region for its age, then you should consult a vet. Also, you can use the French Bulldog weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of French Bulldogs, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and weeks. The calculator will also tell you if your French Bulldog is within the normal weight range for the French Bulldog. This French Bulldog weight calculator uses information from belpatt. What is the Height of the French Bulldog? The adult French Bulldog is 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. This is the average adult height of the French Bulldog. This is How to Tell Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. Doing this with your French Bulldog will give you a clearer picture of how your French Bulldog is growing. Our tool will also let you know if your French Bulldog is growing normally. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your French Bulldog will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your French Bulldog will become overweight or underweight. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in French Bulldogs. You can compare your French Bulldog growth trajectory against these references to see if your French Bulldog is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool. The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your French Bulldog, is to use a dog weighing scale. Having a scale for weighing your French Bulldog will make it easy for you to weigh your French Bulldog regularly without any trouble. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your French Bulldog. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your French Bulldog. This method is illustrated in the picture below. However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your French Bulldog if your French Bulldog is very heavy or if your French Bulldog is the type that would not stay still while being held. Starting at 4 months, your French Bulldog will gain 0. At 5 months of age, your French Bulldog will grow at a rate of 0. Then at 6 months, your French Bulldog will gain 0. See the growth rate chart of the French Bulldog below Age Months. Some are genetic and others are environmental. Male dogs of each breed tend to be larger and heavier than female dogs of the same breed. Just like humans, dogs can become overweight or obese. And just like humans, there are serious health effects from obesity in dogs. So be sure to feed your dog a healthy diet and help him get the exercise he needs for good health. To get a much more accurate puppy weight estimate for you specific breed, use our Puppy Weight Calculator. The puppy calculator takes breed into consideration, but here are a few examples of what you might expect depending on the breed of your pup. Remember that where there is a range, the females will generally be on the smaller end and the males on the larger end, but there is a lot of overlap between individual dogs. Toy Breeds Chihuahuas will generally not exceed 6 lbs. Puppy Breed Size The speed at which your puppy will reach his adult weight depends on his overall size. In general, toy and small breeds will mature more quickly than large and giant breeds. Toy breeds might reach their adult size at as young as 8 months, while the largest of the giant breeds will continue growing until they are 2 years old. Small, medium, and large breeds will fall in line along that spectrum. Using a puppy growth chart like these from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute can help you determine whether your pup is at the right weight for his breed and size. Keep in mind, however, that these weight charts are good as a rule of thumb but that there will be some individual variance. Your vet can help you decide whether your puppy is underweight, overweight, or just right. Check Their Ribcage As he becomes an adult, you can use the method where you feel his ribs. For most dogs, you should be able to easily feel his ribs without pressing inward; you should not see his ribs. Some breeds tend to be leaner or heavier, however, so again, this is something your veterinarian should help you determine. Double Their Weight at 4 Months If you want to guess at how much your puppy will weigh as an adult, you can double what he weighs or weighed at 4 months of age. Still, it will give you a good ballpark estimate if you are curious. As with everything else pertaining to your puppy, keep in mind that he is an individual. Your vet is your best source of information pertaining to your specific puppy and what he should weigh. If you like our puppy growth chart and want to share it, just copy and paste the code below the chart. We also have a Great Dane Growth chart , chihuahua growth chart , and labrador growth chart. One of the things we found interesting in building our puppy weight calculator was researching the breeds that people most frequently search for when it comes to puppy weight gain. Breeders bred the standard bulldog down to a toy variety, creating the Frenchie of today. Donning a smooth, brilliant coat and a compact and muscular body, the Frenchie may be small but he makes a wonderful watchdog. His watchfulness instead can be attributed to his natural alertness and the fact that he barks only when warranted. His head is typically large and square with heavy, adorable wrinkles above the short nose. He sheds but not heavily, so he can be easily taken care of with daily brushing. When your French Bulldog is born, she will be both blind and deaf. Play will become important as the puppies in the litter become aware of their surroundings. Six Weeks to Two Months Between six and eight weeks is when puppies should start receiving their vaccinations, including distemper and parvovirus. This is a good time to begin socializing her, gently exposing her to new people and environments, and controlling any aggressive behaviors like nipping at people. This is when she will want to chew on everything, so be sure she has plenty of chew toys and cold treats. Five Months to Eight Months Between five and six months, your puppy will reach sexual maturity. This is a period of fast growth and many changes, so remember to be patient. Your dog may act like a teenager and get into trouble now and then. Many will recommend waiting until your puppy has finished growing to avoid interfering with musculoskeletal development, which occurs around nine months to a year. Nine Months to 1 Year The growth rate slows at this point, but your puppy will continue to put on weight as she fills out. Between 10 and 12 months is when your puppy will reach her full adult size. She may get bored with her established routine and need new stimulation. Try walking and exploring new areas, taking her on new adventures, or trying out some new toys. By a year old, she should be well socialized and well-behaved, though she may still have the energy of a puppy. These foods provide the proper nutrition for a small dog like a Frenchie. A diet that includes protein from real meat, like poultry, beef, or fish is important. Keep in mind that your puppy may eat a bit, wander around, then come back and finish. This can be due to his flat face and breathing issues. Leave the food down for at least 30 minutes before taking it away. Owners often find that feeding their Frenchies in enhanced bowls with tilted rims and elevated legs makes mealtime easier. After six months, you can reduce the feeding schedule to two meals a day. Large meals can lead to gastric distress or even a twisted stomach, which can be life-threatening. Frenchies will also have an easier time eating soft wet foods, but they need dry kibble to keep their teeth clean. A combination of the two may work best for your dog. This breed is prone to obesity , which can damage their physical structure and put them at a higher risk for health issues. Particularly as your puppy gets older, watch his calorie intake and weight. Give treats only in moderation, and avoid giving table scraps, cooked bones, and foods high in fat. When your dog reaches one year old, switch from puppy food to adult food. Puppy food will be too high in calories at this point, so adult food is healthier and more likely to keep your dog at the right weight. Do choose quality food made by a conscientious company. A well-balanced diet is key to the health of your dog. He should have a bigger rib cage tapering to a defined waist. If you notice him looking too round, offer a bit more exercise or cut back on his food just a little. If you can see his ribs, he needs more food. The standards of many breeds include a range of height and weight. Any dog that weighs over that is considered disqualified by the AKC. Next, consider gender. As with many other animals, males are typically larger than females. Genetics plays a large role in determining what your dog will look like. Typically females will look like their mothers and males like their fathers. You can also use our puppy size predictor to find out how big your puppy might get as an adult. When Do Frenchies Stop Growing? Most French Bulldogs have reached close to their adult height and weight by nine months of age. They are likely to continue to fill out after that, though, and may gain a few more pounds until they reach one year old. This breed has a relatively high tendency to gain weight, so watch his food and daily exercise level carefully. Make sure to feed your puppy a diet formulated for his life stage. Allergies: French Bulldogs can be prone to allergies. If you notice excessive skin itching, sneezing, or other signs of allergies, check with your veterinarian for solutions. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your pup. Overfeeding: Overfeeding can cause your puppy to gain too much weight too soon. This can cause problems that affect growth rate, including joint and back problems, breathing difficulties, and heart diseases. Genetics: Some health issues are inherited. Check with your breeder to be advised of any that may affect your puppy. Short walks and frequent playtimes are the best way to exercise your dog. French Bulldog Weight Calculator.

Share 0 Shares When purchasing any new puppy from a dog breeder, it is crucial that you look into them to make sure that they are reputable before actually buying a puppy from them. When it comes to Golden Retrievers, the best breeders will health test their dogs before breeding them and offer new owners a health guarantee. Good dog breeders also make sure that puppies are up to date on things like vaccinations, vet visits, and other types of preventative care. All of their dogs come from established pedigrees, and they are all cleared through health testing before being bred. This ensures that their adult dogs and puppies are all in genetically sound health. Of course, puppies are all kept up to date on all of their age-appropriate and vet-recommended vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. This gives them plenty of room to run, play, and explore. It is important to note that you will likely need to be placed on a waitlist and put down a deposit before purchasing a Golden Retriever puppy from Meadow Grace Goldens. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia? 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 Virginia? 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. More VaGolden Retrievers Hello, I hope you enjoyed my website, and have taken the time to review all my pages , from text,photos and videos. You can find answers to most of your questions on my site. Placing you and one of my puppies together is something I take very seriously. Knowing you are happy and that one of my puppies has made that happen, means a lot to me. I do hope each family takes the time to get to know me and the line of adult Golden's I have. This is my line. A strong line of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers make perfect family pets. They always enjoy being part of the family's company and show love and devotion to all members of the family. They crave love and affection. Companionship is their top priority and they are totally devoted to their human family. Puppies For Sale If you're interested in my coming litter,, please call I have litters arriving thought out the year. Once they arrive, I will have videos of the puppies on this website. It's always best to plan taking a puppy home and contacting me in advance is always best. He has been the most amazing dog and are so blessed to have him in our life. He is going to turn 10 months old and looks so much like his Mom and Dad. Thank you Grayland for such an amazing dog! We named him Hook because we are a Disney family and he is the Captain of our new home. We will definitely recommend you to future Golden owners. Hello, it's been 3 weeks since our Penny came home. I just wanted to thank you for this precious pup. We love her very much and she's become an integral part of the family. She's doing great with house training and is even using door bells to let us know when she needs to go out. She can sit, lay down, and shake. Penny has an awesome personality and loves everyone even our cat! She just had her 10 week check up and our veterinarian said "she's perfect in every way. She's exactly what a golden should be. So thank you so very much. We are so thankful to have our little Piper. She is quite a gem that has added that extra spunk to our Golden family. We now have 4 and plan on adding to our brood with just one more from VA Golden Retrievers. We have had such a positive experience. You can definitely see that Mr. Nelson loves his Goldens. They are friendly, energetic and well bred. Thank you for sharing a part of your family with us. We purchased our golden back in April and we named him Theodore. We are so happy with him! Theo has the sweetest disposition and learns quickly. He does well on the leash, sits, stays sometimes! Our girls absolutely love him I just wanted to let you know what a blessing our puppy has been to us! Hello Mr. We meet before back in .Bailey is such a blessing to our family. First off he is the most loving and sweetest dog in the whole world! We could Not imagine life without him he has truly given our family so much happiness! I just wanted to thank you so much for our sweet boy! We brought Beamer home in December and he has been such a blessing to our little family.

Despite their ancestry, English Bulldogs are not ferocious anymore but laid back and affectionate. Bulldogs are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. They are medium-sized dogs with low-hanging, thick bodies. They are perfect for inexperienced owners due to their relaxed personality, moderate exercise needs, and easy grooming. Of course, there are some negatives to owning English Bulldogs, like health problems caused by their flat muzzle and their unusual body shape. This is the English Bulldog price range for a puppy from a small-scale but reputable breeder. Gasping at these numbers is an appropriate reaction, but there are multiple reasons why Bulldog puppies are so expensive. We will cover the high costs of breeding later, but the price of English Bulldogs also depends on market laws — the popularity of the breed drives the price up. Four British Bulldog puppies on a run While the adorable Bulldog is low-maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, various health problems can make them expensive to care for. You should also avoid buying puppies from pet shops since they usually come from puppy mills. Buying a puppy directly from a reputable breeder is the best way to go. Ethical breeders provide health screenings for their puppies and answer all your questions regarding their parents, breeding, and living conditions. Bulldogs from reputable breeders cost more due to high breeding expenses. Other breeding costs include genetic testing, vet bills, and preparation expenses. On the other hand, when you adopt from a Bulldog rescue, the dog is usually spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations. Age: Caring for a newborn Bulldogs takes time, money, and energy. Older puppies or adolescent Bulldogs will cost less than newborns. Gender: The price for female English Bulldogs might be slightly higher in some cases, but the difference is usually negligible. Coat Color: Coat color can seriously affect the price of the dog because some colors and patterns are pretty rare. Standard coat colors include white, fawn, red, brindle, and their combinations. Bulldogs with these colors and patterns fall within the average range price. Meanwhile, rarer colors and patterns are more expensive. The newest colors, like merle or lilac, are even more costly. These numbers are based on the essentials like supplies, food, grooming costs, medical expenses, training costs, with microchip and license included. As a result, breeders need to factor in the cost of birthing by a qualified vet to make sure mum and pups are all safe, which contributes to the cost of the puppies. Other Costs of Bulldog Ownership Besides the purchase price of your puppy, the other major cost of Bulldog ownership is the cost of health care. Bulldogs are known for recurring health illnesses such as breathing problems, spinal, eye, skin and dental conditions, which can cost their owners hundreds or even thousands of pounds to treat. For this reason we recommend that you also budget enough for pet insurance. One form to fill out. How much are English Bulldog puppies? We think the additional cost is well worth the extra cost as a healthier pet will save you money in vet bills and pet insurance in the long run. How to pick an English Bulldog puppy When choosing an English Bulldog puppy, you'll first want to make sure the puppy came from a good home and breeder—not a puppy farm. That means visiting the puppy's home and ideally meeting both its mother and father. Be wary of anyone who wants to bring a puppy to you—even if they pitch it as for your convenience. Also, look for a puppy that has been health checked. When will my Bulldog puppy calm down? Puppies tend to act like puppies until 12 to 18 months of age. Until that time you should expect chewing, nipping and other puppy behaviour like the "crazies" when they run around the house like a lunatic! By two years old, they should be very settled and well into "adult" dog behaviour. How many times can a French Bulldog have puppies? Legally , a dog cannot have more than 6 litters of puppies—however the more common guidance for the mother's health is to limit the number to a maximum of 4 litters, or even 3. Before buying a puppy ask how many litters the mother has had. Increase in Number of Bulldog Puppies for Sale To get an idea of how many more bulldog puppies are for sale now than a few years ago, we looked back in time at the Pets4Homes website using the Wayback Machine , a tool that saves snapshots of webpages at various points of time. There we found snapshots of the French and English Bulldog 'inventory' from .This shows there were 1, French Bulldogs for sale in compared to 2, today. So there are essentially twice as many puppies for sale on that platform now than 4 years ago. Methodology To find out how much the average Bulldog puppy costs in the UK, we gathered over data points on the cost of French and English Bulldog puppies for sale from Pets4Homes. We looked at the most recently posted ads. This included a mix of puppies that have been health checked and puppies that have not. We analysed this data to determine average costs for each type of Bulldog and also for the additional cost to buy a health-checked puppy, as well as the costs of premium colours. For the to analysis, we compared data we gathered in early to data we gathered in November .Is my Bulldog from a puppy farm How long do Bulldogs live? English bulldog puppies can live for up to 12 years, while a bulldog can live for up to .English Bulldog Puppies should be vaccinated at a younger age. Puppies should be vaccinated at eight weeks of age, with the second vaccination taking place three to four weeks later and then an additional vaccine in six months. Is bulldog insurance worth the money? Yes, British bulldog insurance is definitely worth the money as long as your English bulldog puppy has any health issues that bulldog insurance will cover. If your English bulldog has any health problems at all and requires surgery, etc. Is my Bulldog from a puppy farm There are a few ways of checking if your English bulldog puppy is from a puppy farm. If you are comfortable paying higher amounts you may want to buy your bulldog from a pet store or responsible breeders. English bulldogs bought from a puppy farm may be inbred, poorly socialized, and even suffer from genetic disorders. When grooming English bulldogs, they should be washed once a week and brushed daily. Bulldogs do not need to have their coat trimmed or shaved, though this is something you can choose to get done at the groomers if you prefer shorter hair on your bulldog. Bulldogs do best when kept in small or apartment living spaces and will not require long walks through the day as bulldog breeds tend to be lazy. Bulldogs are known to have breathing, skin, and eye issues due to their flat faces so it is important that you take your dog to the vet regularly, bulldog insurance will help with veterinary costs if any health issues arise. Bulldog feeding guide A key to having a healthy dog is feeding it the right food, bulldog feeding guide can be found online. The bulldog breed is known to be the best family pet due to their friendly nature but they do require someone who has time for them as bulldogs are not very active dogs. English bulldogs love nothing more than lying around with their owners which makes them perfect pets for families What colours can a Bulldog be An English bulldog puppy can be found in a range of colors. Although bulldogs are associated with being white, you can find them in other colours such as brindle, fawn, and pied colourings too! Living costs of a Bulldog English bulldog price can vary depending on your location. English bulldog price changes a lot depending on the bulldog owners. Common Bulldog health problems Bulldog puppies may develop breathing problems due to their flat noses, they may also have skin allergies and require special food. Once your English bulldog reaches ages four to five he or she may develop problems with their joints and bones as they are prone to joint issues including but not limited to hip dyspnia. How to purchase a Bulldog If you are looking to buy an English bulldog make sure to purchase one from a reputable bulldog breeder. You want several things when looking at buying your new addition, you will want to check the parents of your bulldog puppy for health conditions that are possibly hereditary such as hip dysplasia or patellar luxation. The English bulldog average price may fluctuate depending on pet stores or if you have bought it at a puppy mill. Are Bulldogs good pets English bulldogs bought from a reputable breeder are likely to make great pets. They are calm and easy-going, non-aggressive towards other dogs or pets. However, they do require a lot of attention! Make sure that you have the time to give them at least an hour each day for exercise so they can get out all their energy. If possible it is best to be home during the day with your English bulldogs or french bulldog puppy. You should look for a good breeder when purchasing your English bulldog as it may increase your chance of getting a pleasent dog. What is a similar breed to a Bulldog Dogs similar to English bulldogs include pugs, french bulldog puppies, Shih tzus and chihuahuas. They can be kept in small spaces or apartments without too much trouble due to When will my Bulldog become an adult English bulldogs are considered adults after their first birthday. English bulldogs training may include house training, leash and collar training, crate training. In Conclusion English bulldogs are a very popular pet because they are small, but also have lots of personality. One downside to this is that these pets require special care and attention due to their unique needs. Our team has created an easy way for you or someone close to you to get excellent coverage at affordable rates so there will be no need to worry about how things would work out if anything were ever to happen with your furry friend. Buy our insurance today and feel confident knowing that everything could go smoothly even when accidents happen without worrying What caused a huge Increase in Bulldog Prices? The cost of bulldogs has increased over the years due to an increase in popularity, their size is one of the most obvious reasons they are becoming more popular. English Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom. The cost of owning an English Bulldog, however, can be quite high. There are many health risks that come with having this particular breed and there is also a chance that you will need to get English Bulldog insurance. If you want to learn more about what it costs to own a bulldog or how it could affect your finances long-term, keep reading! French Bulldogs are popular companions and family dogs worldwide for their spunky personalities and affectionate temperaments. If you have the money, though, and are willing to use it to ensure that your Frenchie lives the best possible life, read on to find out how much French Bulldogs cost in the UK. French Bulldog: Traits, Care, and General Info French Bulldogs are characterized by their short, wrinkly noses, little, stocky bodies, perky ears, short legs, and soft, fine coats that come in a variety of colors and patterns. Coat colors include varying shades and mixtures of brindle, fawn, chocolate, blue, black, white, and cream. Not all of these colors are accepted within the outlined breed standard, mind you. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS is one such condition Frenchies are predisposed to because of their short noses, but this is just one of many. Apart from possible health issues, keeping up with a dental care schedule for your Frenchie is important, as is providing quality dog food and most of all, plenty of time and attention. French Bulldogs are sensitive to being left alone for long periods of time. Female puppies tend to cost a bit more than males. Please note that the prices in this table are standard UK prices that may differ depending on the breeder, rehomer, or adoption center. The adoption costs are also donation fees that help rescue and adoption centers continue their important work. In some cases, like when the Frenchie is more than 7 years old, the adoption agency may accept a donation amount of your choice rather than a set one. For these reasons, you may want to consider offering a new home to a rescued French Bulldog rather than pay breeder prices. Additional Costs to Anticipate In addition to the initial purchase or adoption donation, there are a few other factors to consider, money-wise. Again, please note that the cost of the services below can vary and that these are just the general standard costs. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. But what about all the extras? Do you go on holiday every year? Where will your new Frenchie stay when you do? Since the breed is in high demand, you have to research your options carefully to find breeders who charge reasonable rates. Image Credit: Mylene, Pixabay Free You could end up adopting a Frenchie in an unusual way, like a friend gifting you the dog or giving it away because they cannot care for it. If you adopt a dog you suspect has been abused or neglected, caring for them as they heal from their past trauma can be costly in vet and behaviorist bills. French Bulldogs are pricey, and the younger you get them, the more expensive they will be. Adopting will always be less expensive than buying from a breeder, but make sure you use a reputable website to avoid scams. Dogs bred to bad breeders sometimes called puppy farms often have medical and behavioral problems. Research your potential breeders carefully before jumping into a purchase. You can visit The Kennel Club to check breeders in your local area. However, he is more simply known as the Bulldog because he is the original and forefather of all Bulldog breeds, including the French Bulldog. English Bulldogs originated in England in the s. They were descended from bull-baiting and fighting mastiff-type dogs. The modern English Bulldog is a wonderful companion dog, unlike his ancestors who were aggressive and vicious. He is one of the most popular breeds in the world not only because of his adorable appearance, but also because of his gentle and laid-back characteristics. English Bulldogs are low-maintenance in grooming and only need weekly brushing. Training these dogs can be difficult, as they are known to be very stubborn. The lifespan of the English Bulldog breed is 10 years. Are you thinking of getting an English bulldog puppy? Here is a brief background of this gentle, iconic companion dog. History The English Bulldog breed is considered the original and ancestor of all breeds of Bulldogs. He is also known as the British Bulldog or Bulldog. He originated in England in the s from mastiff-type dogs. The earliest English Bulldogs had a violent history. They were created for the sport of bull-baiting and fighting. These tenacious and fearless dogs that were immune to pain would grab on to the bull's nose and shake it roughly until it dies. In , bull-baiting was finally illegalised in England. The English Bulldogs faced extinction because they were no longer needed. Fortunately, breeders re-engineered English Bulldogs from ferocious and savage fighters to gentle and affectionate companion dogs. It is now hard to believe that the English Bulldog who used to be merciless has become one of the mellowest breeds. Some of the English Bulldogs were transported to Germany to become herding dogs. Some Bulldogs arrived in the United States in the s for the same purpose. The English Bulldog was officially recognised as a standard purebred dog in by the American Kennel Club. It was then followed by the establishment of the breed club called Bulldog Club of America in .In , the Bulldog Club of England was formed. The breed is considered the national breed of the UK. American presidents like Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding were also fond of the breed. Appearance and Grooming The English Bulldog dog breed is a mid-sized canine. He has an iconic appearance, which is why the breed often becomes a mascot or a part of cartoon shows. English Bulldog is a compact and broad canine with a massive head and a wrinkly forehead. Male English Bulldogs weigh around 22—24 kilos 50 pounds—53 pounds and grow approximately 30—40 centimetres 12 inches—16 inches tall. Female English Bulldogs are slightly smaller than their male counterparts. They measure about 22—23 kilos 49 pounds—51 pounds in weight and 30—33 centimetres 12 inches—13 inches in height. The average litter size of female English Bulldogs is 3—4 puppies. Birthing is difficult for them because their pelvis is often too small for a foetus to pass through. Moreover, English Bulldog puppies have large heads, which add to the problem. Thus, pregnant English Bulldogs need to undergo caesarean sections. The English Bulldog breed is medium in size, thus he matures faster compared to larger dogs and a bit slower than small breeds. It would take around 18 months for English Bulldog puppies to fully reach maturity. English Bulldogs have thick shoulders and chest. They have sturdy limbs but are short-legged. They have a droopy upper lip and an undershot lower jaw. Because of their short, flat nose, expect a lot of snorting, snuffling, and flatulence. According to the Kennel Club breed standards, the colour of the English Bulldog breed should be whole or smut with a black mask or muzzle. The standard colours of the English Bulldog are brindle, red, fawn, white, fallow, as well as pied. Black, Dudley, and black with tan are considered highly undesirable. The grooming needs of the English Bulldog breed include cleaning his face daily. Use a damp cloth or baby wipes to clean his wrinkles and tear stains. Keep his wrinkles clean and dry to avoid infections. Consider providing him with dental chews, which can help in maintaining good oral health. English Bulldogs are heavy droolers especially after exercise and during mealtime. Always have a clean towel with you to wipe off his slobber. Placing a mat under his food and water bowls is also a good idea. Also trim the nails of the English Bulldog breed every week to prevent painful overgrowth. His ears should be cleaned once a week. Are English bulldogs hard to take care of? When it comes to caring for their coat, English Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance. They are clean and moderate shedders. Their short, smooth, straight, and glossy coat only requires brushing 1—2 times a week. Bathing the English Bulldog can be done as needed, when they are visibly dirty or they have that doggy smell. Temperament and Intelligence Modern Bulldogs are great family pets despite their rough past. They get along well with everybody and are very good with kids, including young ones. These tough-looking but gentle dogs are patient with children. Instead of becoming aggressive when hurt or fed up, English Bulldogs will just walk away. However, always teach kids how to properly handle a dog and avoid pain-inflicting gestures. The English Bulldog breed can live harmoniously with other pets provided that both of them are properly socialised and introduced. Some male English Bulldogs can be aggressive towards same-sex dogs. Neutering can help reduce this type of aggression. The English Bulldog has food-guarding behaviours as well. Feeding your English Bulldog in a separate room, away from other pets, is advised to prevent them from fighting. English Bulldogs can be slow learners because of their immense determination to do things their own way. On the brighter side, these stubborn dogs can retain what they have learned. Training should involve a lot of patience and treats as positive reinforcements. The English Bulldog dog breed tends to be lazy and stubborn and would prefer to be a couch potato than do physical activities. However, a few minutes of light exercise daily is important to avoid obesity, which he is prone to. Before getting a dog, it is important to do your research and learn about the general characteristics of the dog breed that you chose. Other factors will help determine the overall personality and temperament of a dog. It is best to provide a loving home and set out rules to bring out the best version of your pet. Are English Bulldogs good pets? Yes, English Bulldogs are good pets. They are one of the most popular dogs in the world because of their adorable appearance as well as their sweet and gentle nature. As people-loving companion dogs, English Bulldogs may develop separation anxiety if they lack social interaction. They are not fit to live outside in kennels as they need to stay close to their family. Are English Bulldogs dangerous? No, English Bulldogs are not dangerous so long as they are properly trained and socialised. They are courageous watchdogs, but they are also friendly and even-tempered. However, if English Bulldogs feel that their family is in danger, their protectiveness will replace their amiability. They will do whatever it takes to keep the threat from hurting their loved ones. Do English Bulldogs bark a lot? No, English Bulldogs are not heavy barkers. Their appearance is definitely enough to frighten away trespassers. But they can be noisy dogs due to their smushed faces, which affect their breathing. Thus, most English Bulldogs tend to snore , wheeze, snuffle, and grunt. They may not be the best pick for dog lovers who are sensitive to noises. But note that the amount of food depends on several factors like age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. The English Bulldog breed is a heavy eater and can easily become obese, so you have to make sure that your dog is not overfed. Since the English Bulldog breed is prone to hip dysplasia , make sure to start providing your puppy calcium and phosphorus from the start. Health and Exercise The English Bulldog breed has an average lifespan of 10 years. Sadly, due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed, many of these dogs have shorter lives. Although it is usually not a painful condition, it can obstruct his eyesight. Affected dogs can be treated through surgery. Cherry eye should not be ignored as it can cause several optical disorders including conjunctivitis. Brachycephalic Syndrome This is a widespread health problem in short-muzzled or brachycephalic dogs such as the English Bulldog. The defects commonly found in this condition are elongated soft palate, stenotic snares, and laryngeal collapse. Corrective surgery along with weight control and medications will help manage this health issue. Eczema The English Bulldog breed has a very sensitive skin due to his skin folds, which are prone to dirt and bacteria build-up. Thus, he is highly vulnerable to a lot of skin problems including eczema. Eczema is a disease that causes itchiness and inflammation on the affected skin. Using medicated shampoos and drugs recommended by the vet can get rid of this skin condition. Negative effects of this disease are lameness , difficulty in moving, and abnormal gait. This can also result in arthritis due to the grinding of bones, which causes inflammation. The vet may recommend surgery to reverse its effects. Pyoderma It is a skin infection caused by bacteria or fungi. English Bulldogs with this disease will have reddish lesions that contain white pus on their skin. Other symptoms to look out for are hair loss , constant itching, and flakiness of the skin. Skin infections due to pyoderma can be treated through antibiotic therapy and topical treatments. The English Bulldog is a relaxed breed that has minimal exercise requirements. Since he tends to breathe heavily when tired and is susceptible to heatstroke , his exercise regimen should be limited to 15—minute walks in the morning or evening. If it is a hot weather, it would be better to exercise your English Bulldog at home, preferably in an air-conditioned room. Indoor games such as hide-and-seek, obstacle course, and shell game are fun activities for him. English Bulldogs can also walk around a fenced back garden in cool temperatures. Fresh water should always be provided for them. Cost of Ownership The English Bulldog breed is one of the most expensive dogs. English Bulldog puppies belonging to the higher price range come from normally top bloodlines. It is always recommended to get your puppy from a reputable English Bulldog breeder. We also encourage you to try finding your ideal English Bulldog in an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It is a great way to give a new life to a dog that lacked love and care from his previous family. Basic dog accessories and equipment, such as collar, bowls, lead, and toys, will help him quickly adjust to his new home. Keeping your English Bulldog puppy healthy means regular visits to the vet. Medical care is one of the most expensive aspects when caring for an English Bulldog puppy. Reduce the cost by getting your dog pet insured. English Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs that are great for first-time owners because of their calm and laid-back temperament. The English Bulldog breed has a short, flat nose, so you can expect a lot of snorting, snuffling, and flatulence. As a lazy breed that would rather lie on the couch, the English Bulldog is prone to obesity, so he must be exercised appropriately. The English Bulldog breed is a slow learner, but has good memory retention. English Bulldogs are extremely patient and tolerant of kids. Are you sure the English Bulldog is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match. Still unsure if the English bulldog is the right pet for you? Our Pet Finder may help narrow down your choices on the best breed for your personality and lifestyle. Disclaimer: The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.

The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Because our pups are in great demand, we really prefer a phone call for any future clients. Most of our pups are paid for before even being born. The demand for a Smoky Mtn Pup across our nation has blown our mind. Today some of the most prestigious athletes and celebrities our now owners of Smoky Mtn Puppies. Individually Priced Sales tax may apply depending on your state. Once we have received payment, you will be placed on our active Smoky Mtn Family waiting list. Once you are on the waiting list, we do our best to be in consistent in communication as you wait for your pup. Typically after reviewing those pups, we will occasionally sale some of them. We usually keep pups in the program. We are old school and prefer a phone call. After you have reviewed our website, just give us a call. Contract and Details of Ownership 2. Sales Receipt for your records. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Guarantee. Smoky Mtn Labrador Guarantee: We guarantee all of our puppies to pass all the appropriate health care clearances on their hips and elbows, or we will replace that puppy with another of the same quality for free. We do not refund any money - we only replace the puppy. We will always take one of our puppies back so that it can have a quality life. There is a specific protocol that we follow if this becomes the case. Many times this can add up to to be thousands of dollars in preparation to ensure we are satisfied with the highest level of breeding, and you are receiving the highest quality puppy as a pet owner. This is a very important decision to make for the care and responsibility of a high quality puppy. We ask that our pet families are prepared to make a solid decision before buying their pup. Our typical wait time is months. It is worth the wait. If you are color specific and gender specific could be longer. We are committed to getting each family the highest quality puppy they desire, which requires a daily, intentional process of purposeful breeding. We do all of this so that our families will be satisfied completely with their decision. It is very important to understand that we allow absolutely NO ONE to pick puppies here, we reserve that right as breeders. Visiting your Pup Prior to Pick-Up: Due to health concerns, we do not allow puppy buyers to visit the litter prior to pick-up time. However, we will send you photos of the litter so you can view the progress of your pup only after their weeks veterinarian check! Call with any questions! As always, we are forever grateful for Amy Walker Wall in taking Moose to a level in his show career that was way beyond our wildest imagination. We always like to inform all of our puppy buyers that to obtain this level of title is absolutely no small accomplishment, and that Moose finished his AKC Grand Champion Degree at only 2 years old. That is remarkable, and is because of the scores of people who were directly responsible in breeding and training Moose. To all of the Labrador Breeders that for decades have stayed true to the English Labrador breed, we say thank you! Gene Wolfenbarger. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

Insufficient relaxation or sleep time Other animals harassing your dog Lack of positive attention from you Inconsistent or unclear behavior rules taught by you Insufficient physical or mental exercise You give incorrect attention during arousal behaviors You can correct the lack of exercise through a balanced German Shepherd exercise routine for health. Boredom, due to lack of mental stimulation, is also correctable. Read this guide on using mental stimulation exercises for German Shepherds to improve their behavior. Motherhood, hypothyroidism, and physical pain all contribute to stress and hostile episodes. While motherhood passes, other medical conditions need treatment. Talk to your vet before trying to address aggression on your own as an underlying medical condition may exist. Triggers are immediate actions or behaviors that increase or begin the act of aggression in your dog. Determine what sets off your dog by watching their body language signs listed above and noting their environment. This requires identifying the trigger, eliminating any stressors, and creating a training modification program that is consistent to meet your GSDs end goals. Use the stress list, found above, to help you figure out stressors that you can control. Track what things cause your dog to react hostile. Use Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury Try a control management tool such as a muzzle or headcollar to regain control when out in public. Gentle Head Collar This control tool provides gentle corrections and prevents jumping, lunging, and pulling. It does, however, provide better safety and control. If you need more confidence in handling your aggressive German Shepherd, then place the head collar on them before going outside. Aggression Treatment To have the best chance of success with training an aggressive German Shepherd, use the entire treatment protocol listed below. Using all the steps of treatment gives you and your dog more positive results. The following chart provides the training step and the action to help lessen aggressive behavior. The program can take many months depending on what issues your dog exhibits and how deep those issues are. Instead, take an approach that touches on all of the daily life skills. In a nutshell, the NILIF technique means that for everything your dog wants in life they must perform a command that you give them. You can make yourself more predictable to your dog by teaching them that rewards only come when he asks nicely with a calm behavior, like a sit. Your dog earns all rewards such as food, treats, praise, and affection by giving you the behavior you want. Most importantly… Teach your dog the basic obedience skills to reinforce your expectations and use this obedience training in your daily routines. Instead, use positive reinforcement that promotes and rewards desired behaviors. Here are some problems and solutions to help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming aggressive. Rather than think your German Shepherd has simply become aggressive, look for the areas of their life that tend to upset her. German Shepherd Aggression Prevention There are many reasons you must consider when wondering why your German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. Use a complete training regimen to ensure success. Aggressive German Shepherds are a potential threat and a safety hazard. Safety is your priority. Both for you and your dog. Your patience and persistence help your GSD become a success story! The correct thing to do is to make sure your dog is kept away from harming any person or animal. Please share this to help others! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Genetics, learning history, and environment all play a role in behavior. Here are the four questions you can ask to get the full picture: 1 What kind of information has the breeder or rescue organization given? Has the breeder become aware of other puppies in that litter showing aggression? Does the rescue have any information on either of those things? Is your GSD puppy showing aggression only when there are items of value nearby, like toys or bones? When do other dogs walk by your house? When his food bowl is present? Keep a puppy behavior diary — make notes of when you see behaviors of concern so that we can identify those specific environments. GSD puppies are typically fantastic communicators — they are born with the ability to use body language to express themselves to us and to each other. A fearful puppy may show his teeth, pin his ears, piloerection, growl, whale eye show the whites of his eyes in a doggy glare but keep his distance. More aggressive behaviors are similar to the above but they are much more inclined to break that space bubble and move in to make contact with the threat. However, a GSD puppy who is struggling with anxiety, pain or neurological issues, may take several hours or days to return to their normal state. These puppies require veterinary assistance to look further into WHY — a Veterinary Behaviorist who is qualified in both behavior and medicine. It is not only scary and upsetting after your GSD has become aggressive with you, but very confusing. They use their teeth for everything, especially while interacting with their people. Encourage him to go into his crate and get him into the car and to the vet for professional help to rule out any medical issues first. The short answer is YES. Whenever you see the behavior of concern, especially in a puppy, the very first thing to do is to see your veterinarian to rule out any chances of an underlying medical issue — medical trumps behavior, always. Ask your vet for assistance in finding the best harness for his body shape. Ask them what their training methods are and what you can expect from your first session with them. A GSD, even as a puppy, can certainly have great instincts to begin to protect his family and his environment — however, he does not yet have appropriate experience under his belt to know what to do with possible threats. Like most GSD puppies, they play, eat and sleep hard. If you have a friend or neighbor with a healthy, stable dog that could teach your GSD puppy how to play, this is always best. If, however, your GSD puppy is hurting your older dog — biting legs and neck to the point of drawing blood or causing a fight between them, separate them immediately and book that vet visit. When it comes to children and dogs of any age, there is no grey area. Is your or any child safe with your puppy? You will then need to contact a qualified Canine Behavior Consultant, not just a trainer, to help you. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. A total of children were identified. The average age was 4. The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger .Almost all .When circumstances surrounding the bite were documented, over half .Truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — however, it happens. Qualified professionals will not recommend euthanasia lightly — they will do everything they can to ensure that underlying medical issues or specific contributing environments are ruled out. Conclusion In conclusion, truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — but not impossible. Hire a qualified behavior consultant to help you figure out the WHY to prevent it from getting worse. Be sure, when looking to purchase or adopt a GSD puppy, to ask about their contracts to make sure that you are covered. If the aggression is based in fear, which it typically is — yes, with the right professionals on your side, your GSD puppy can live a normal and happy life. Fear is complex and time-consuming to work through but it can be done! More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. If you have previously had pets of medium or smaller size, you might be used to lower activity levels. The same applies if the German Shepherd is your first dog. Unless you have had a big dog before, you will almost always underestimate the exercise demands of the breed. He will no longer override commands or ignore etiquette upon exhausting this energy. Taking the dog on a long walk is a straightforward way to channel this excess energy safely. That said, you must create a minute break between his display of aggression and exercising him because the last thing you want is for your German Shepherd to start associating aggressive displays with reward. Now, he gets aggressive anytime he hears a doorbell because the association has taken root, and he is in fear. Unfortunately, a German Shepherd forms most of his lasting associations when less than six months old. That means any older rescue dogs will require a lot of patience to have aggressive defense mechanisms deactivated. It is advisable to use the services of a professional dog trainer if your rescue seems to be aggressive because of PTSD or trauma. In the meantime, avoid being harsh with punishments and do not opt for negative reinforcement as a mode of discipline. Read more on exactly how to discipline a German Shepherd. While sexual aggression is often associated with the male gender, even female German Shepherds get aggressive when in heat. Spaying or neutering your German Shepherd can resolve aggressive displays that occur because of sexual maturity. Nonetheless, before you get your dog snipped to resolve his anger issues, you must be sure that the aggressiveness is indeed a result of sexual energy and talk to your veterinarian first. It helps to look at the aggressiveness levels over a longer period. Suppose the levels of aggressiveness correlate with development and sexual maturity 5 to 6 months and are inconsistent across a few weeks. In that case, you can be sure that this is because of the changes in their body. Sexual aggression can be of two kinds. The first is a result of frustration. It is also the assumption that makes owners wonder whether male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females. Male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females in general, but females tend to be relatively more aggressive during periods of heat. Males remain more dominant even after neutering, while female GSDs lose the bulk of their aggression upon getting spayed. That brings us to the second kind of sexual aggression. When a GSD undergoes sexual maturation, internal changes in their body make them feel anxious. Internal changes can be temporary when the dog gets sick or permanent in reaction to environmental changes around the dog. Either way, German Shepherds are not the best at handling change, internal or external. Showing compassion and making sure they have more routine in their life can help reduce these aggressive tendencies. Poor Training Some aggressive behavior seems abnormal because it is conditional. A German Shepherd might be perfectly well-behaved throughout the day but start being aggressive around strangers. German Shepherds descend from a line of highly disciplined work dogs, making it pretty hard for them to be unpredictable even with average training. However, if an owner gives mixed signals unknowingly, he ends up with a well-behaved GSD who seems to act out unpredictably at times. Your German Shepherd is aggressive towards strangers because he is not socialized correctly. By lowering his threat radar and getting him to meet more friends, you reign in his aggression toward other people, especially strangers. You can also show dominance to get him to stop being too possessive. This happens because some German Shepherds need more emphasis in certain areas than others. When you give a GSD the standard training regimen, you might overlook the fact that certain areas, like socializing and dominance, need extra work. Here are some aspects that your German Shepherd might need further training. Command reception — This is a part of early German Shepherd training, where you establish yourself as the dominant guardian. Dominance management — The German Shepherd should not feel protective to the point of being too possessive. By establishing yourself as alpha, you can discourage aggressive tendencies. By establishing a predictable consequence of aggression, you can get your dog to associate aggressive outbursts, loud barking, etc. Common Aggressive Behaviors Continuous Low-range Barking, Growling, or Snarling Because humans project their own psychology and actions onto dogs, they assume that anger is expressed in volume alone. Dogs barking excessively express intent to attack, especially when their volume is low. So, pay attention to your German Shepherd when his barks barely break a growl. Your dog may also bare his teeth. Snapping, Clawing, or Lunging While clawing can be an instinctive reaction to being anxious, your German Shepherd is displaying aggression when it is accompanied by snapping. This is also a moment or two before the dog jumps at someone, so it is advisable to hold his leash tightly. That said, do not tug on his leash, as doing so might make the GSD more stubborn. If your German Shepherd is the anxious, aggressive type, then his fear-driven anger is visible from his tall posture combined with ears pinned back. Becoming still and rigid or staring are other indicators of dangerous behavior. Check out the below photo of my German Shepherd with raised hackles piloerection. Although piloerection is a sign of aggression, you must look at the whole picture. In this case, it was a simple case of another dog walking past the house, and Willow was excited. Notice how her ears were alert and not pinned back. My German Shepherd Willow with her raised hackles. Having a Tail Held High or Moving Stiffly This behavior is too subtle for most people to notice but displays the kind of anxiety that turns a dog aggressive. If your German Shepherd holds his tail unusually high and moves it stiffly from side to side upon introduction of a specific stimulus like a person , then he may be about to get aggressive. You can read more about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. It is better to manage this before it becomes a problem. The following section on preventing aggression will give more insight into this. This is why it is crucial to avoid judging your pet and instead focus on how to stop him from being aggressive. When this something is external like a stranger approaching , then training is easier, but if the trigger is internal, it becomes hard to discourage specific aggressive reactions. Internal triggers are also hard to see. Still, when it comes to external triggers, you can bring him in decent proximity to the trigger that otherwise leads to aggressive behavior. You want to desensitize him to the trigger — in other words, get him used to other dogs at the park. The treats can be accompanied by praise and a soothing tone. This is known as counterconditioning. So rather than seeing other dogs as scary, your German Shepherd sees them as a chance to earn a tasty treat. Your German Shepherd, already calm, will not likely get mean at this distance. Do not push your luck and try walking him further. The farthest boundary is enough. You will have a chance to shorten the distance between your doggo and the park. The park in this section is a substitute for any external trigger. This could be a stranger, a specific friend, or even a vehicle. As long as the trigger is visible yet far enough away for your German Shepherd to be relatively calm, you can give him treats and have him start associating the previous trigger with a positive outcome. Repeat the Steps While Increasing the Proximity You now have to judge when your German Shepherd is sufficiently secure at a certain distance from a trigger. Then you must decide how much more distance you can cover to bring him closer to the trigger without switching on his aggressive side. I would recommend closing the distance by as little as a few feet per day. If your German Shepherd stays calm, shower him with praise and rewards. Keep repeating until the trigger no longer causes an aggressive outburst. However, you cannot focus on discouraging aggression without thinking about how you can make your dog more comfortable. From taking your German Shepherd to a vet to switching back any recent changes in diet and habitat that may correlate with anger issues, you can do your best to single out the internal source of fear or anxiety in your German Shepherd. While you cannot make your pet associate his internal triggers with rewards such as treats, you can give him compassionate company. Your presence, words, and tone can contribute to calming down your best friend. What To Do if Your German Shepherd Growls: For external trigger management, I recommend taking your dog to a certain distance from his trigger and rewarding him for being calm. At this point, one might think grounding the German Shepherd is a good solution. It is not. Your German Shepherd will get mixed signals if he gets rewarded on some walks and grounded after others. Simply retreating and taking him away from the trigger is the best option when he starts growling at the stimulus. The worst thing you can do is nudge him toward what he seems to be fearful of or anxious about. Even if you have pocketed treats to give him for being calm, you cannot reward him once he has shown even the slightest sign of aggression. However, you can ensure you choose the correct timing when giving treats as a reward, which is a fundamental part of dog training. At the precise moment your German Shepherd stops his mean behavior, such as growling, snapping, or lunging, you reward him. That way, he quickly associates his calm demeanor with the reward. Progress toward the stimulus even more gradually, and keep rewarding your dog disproportionately for being calm. Overall, a growl equals no treats, no grounding, and moving away from the external trigger. In fact, distance is one of the best ways of preventing an aggressive reaction before it occurs. Here are some ways to prevent German Shepherd aggression from occurring in the first place. A well-socialized dog is a well-liked dog, and since German Shepherds are excellent at picking up on body language, they can see if people like them or are cautious of them. An asocial GSD will make people nervous, pick up that energy and become nervous himself. Such a dog can also be aggressive towards other dogs and trigger them to be defensive, leading to altercations. Follow my guide on socializing a German Shepherd to ensure your pet is socialized appropriately even if he is older. Female German Shepherds Male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females owing to their gender traits, energy levels, and overall nature. Sometimes, females can get aggressive depending on the environment or other trigger factors. Black vs. Long-haired vs. Short-haired German Shepherds Long-haired and short-haired German Shepherds are equally aggressive and have similar temperaments. Here are the key takeaways from the article: German Shepherds have a protective instinct that is naturally asocial if not managed with training. Socializing your puppy is critical to preventing aggression. Male GSDs are more aggressive than females unless the female is unspayed and in heat. Spaying or neutering your GSD can significantly reduce aggression. You can lower aggression by gradually exposing a dog to his triggers while rewarding him for staying calm. You can prevent an aggressive episode in a German Shepherd by pre-training him to relax on command. Related Posts You May Like:. Are German Shepherds Aggressive? Fact vs. Fiction German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. But are German shepherds aggressive too? Find out the facts. German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. The German shepherd dog has a devoted fandom of dog lovers around the world — so devoted that this dog breed even has its own acronym, the GSD. The GSD is often associated with loyalty and bravery. The truth about dog aggression is that it can affect any breed of dog, especially if the dog doesn't get enough socialization from an early age. But there are dog breeds that are more prone to aggressive behavior because of their breeding or because of genetically inherited mental disorders, like rage syndrome , cognitive dysfunction , or hypothyroidism. We'll look at the risk factors and statistics surrounding German shepherd aggression. Plus, we'll share tips for dog owners trying to prevent aggression in their German shepherd puppy or adult rescue dog. A Look at the Facts There are three ways to assess the likelihood that a dog breed will have aggressive tendencies. The first is to look at what they were bred for — this is often the best indicator of a dog's hardwired personality traits. Next is to look at the breed's health and inherited disorders to determine whether they inherit conditions that put them at risk for aggression. And finally, look at the data surrounding dog bites to see if German shepherds bite more frequently than other breeds. This data will help us discover the answer to: Are German shepherds aggressive? Were They Bred for Aggression? German shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs, and this dog has a history of succeeding in all types of work — most of which require a stable temperament. Herding These dogs started out as herding dogs where an aggressive dog might injure the livestock. But, part of the job of a herding dog is also to protect their herd. So, they may show aggression when they perceive something to be a threat to their flock, or in the case of a family dog, to their family members. Police Work German shepherds also work as police dogs. While this may bring to mind the image of an aggressive German shepherd, police dogs actually need to have an even temperament and be able to keep their cool in high-stress environments. Otherwise, they would be at risk for biting innocent civilians. This work requires an intelligent dog that pays close attention to its handler and loves the mental stimulation they get from police dog training, including obedience training, scenting, and search and rescue. Guarding Now we come to the one job that most people associate with aggression — The German shepherd breed is often used as a guard dog. These large dogs have an imposing size and appearance that can scare off strangers, and typically they will act to protect their home and family from a perceived threat. What constitutes a "perceived threat" will be different for every dog. A well-socialized dog may welcome strangers into their home and only act if their owner appears to be frightened or in pain. An undersocialized dog may perceive every visitor as a threat and need to be put away in a crate or another room whenever you have company. German shepherds are rarely aggressive towards their owners or family since that is the thing they're protecting. They may at times become overprotective of family members, but this trait should be manageable with proper training. While German Shepherds are at risk for a variety of health problems from arthritis to pancreatitis , they are not prone to rage syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, hypothyroidism, or brain tumors. However, GSDs are prone to epilepsy , which has been linked to aggression when it's left untreated. If you're buying a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder about any history of epilepsy in their dogs and in puppies from previous litters. While a responsible breeder will conduct a variety of health screenings, there isn't currently a genetic test that can predict epilepsy. If you've had a German shepherd for a long time, and it suddenly starts to show signs of aggression, take your dog to the vet. Even if your GSD doesn't have epilepsy or another condition linked with aggression, their new-found behavior problem may be a sign that they're in pain. Many dogs will behave aggressively if they're in pain, and your dog may need medical attention and pain relief. According to recent data, German shepherds rank fourth on the list of dog breeds that bite the most. However, when you consider that German shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the U. And while the study referenced above listed the top breed as unidentifiable, many local reports list Labrador retrievers as the breed that bites the most people. Labs also happen to be the most popular dog breed, which means there are more of them in the U. More Labs means more chance of getting bitten by a Lab — just like how more German shepherds means more chance of getting bitten by a German shepherd. A literature review by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA found a strong link between the prevalence of breed-specific bite incidents and the regional popularity of the breed. For example, in some regions of Canada where sled dogs are the most popular breeds, Siberian huskies caused the most dog bites. The AVMA review also found that with many but not all large breeds, the number of bites by that breed went up during times when the breed's popularity went up. A few years later, around the time that those Rottweiler puppies would have reached maturity, there was a spike in the number of reported dog bites by Rottweilers. This same study found that, compared to their prevalence in the dog population, small and medium-sized dogs were more likely to bite than large dogs. But bites by large dogs were more likely to be reported because they cause more damage. Because an aggressive large dog is more dangerous than an aggressive toy breed, large dogs are also more likely to get treatment and training to prevent their aggression. And lack of training may be part of the reason aggression was more prevalent in small and medium dogs. This research found that situational factors not related to a dog's breed were more likely to lead to biting. The situational risk factors included a dog owner's mismanagement and neglect of the dog, the bite victim being a stranger, and the dog not being spayed or neutered. Because purebred German shepherd puppies come from breeders, rather than rescue organizations, owners are not typically required to get their GSDs spayed or neutered. So, it seems that any increased risk of a dog bite from German shepherds may be based — at least in part — on the increased number of GSDs in the population. And that's if the breed reporting can be trusted at all. Ultimately, any dog can bite if they're not trained and socialized from a young age. However, because German shepherds are large and powerful dogs, their bite will do more damage than the bite of a chihuahua — making it even more important for German shepherd owners to sign their pet up for obedience training. How to Prevent Aggressive Behavior The majority of aggressive behavior is preventable. Here's what you can do as a German shepherd owner: Start Socializing at an Early Age Dog owners can raise well-adjusted pets by introducing their dogs to as many different kinds of people and environments as possible, starting at an early age. Take your puppy to parks, restaurants, sports games, and any other dog-friendly locales you can find. While you're there, ask people of all different heights, skin tones, ages, abilities, and genders to interact with your German shepherd puppy. And make sure your pup gets plenty of treats at each new location and from each new person they meet. Take Your Puppy to Training Classes Sign up for obedience training to further socialize your pet and prevent common issues like puppy nipping. Look for dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training. While dominance-based dog training used to be a popular technique, animal behaviorists now recommend against it, partially because these techniques can sometimes cause dog aggression. Rehabilitate Older Dogs If you're rescuing or fostering an older GSD or GSD mix and the dog already has behavior problems, work with an animal behaviorist to find the best positive reinforcement techniques to rehabilitate your pet. If your adult dog has aggressive tendencies, train them to enjoy wearing a muzzle and make sure they wear it whenever they're around new people. Recognize the Signs of Aggression Even if your dog is perfectly trained, they may still behave aggressively if they feel frightened or threatened. Watch your dog's body language for early signs of fear and aggression , including a lowered head, tucked tail, pinned-back ears, growling, and snarling. Remove your dog from the intimidating situation before the behavior progresses to lunging or biting. As a vigilant dog owner, you can help prevent dog aggression and keep your pet feeling safe and calm. While any dog can show aggressive tendencies if they aren't socialized from a young age, German shepherds don't appear to be more at risk for aggression than any other dog breed. As a German shepherd owner, we know you want the best for your dog — from the best food for German shepherds to the best dog training. These intelligent dogs are easy to train, so sign them up for positivity-based obedience classes to help them become better behaved and better adjusted canine citizens. To learn more about your dog's health and wellness, check out the Native Pet blog. Read more. As well as this, there may be behavioral issues that you have to work through with your dog too. Here are some of the common signs you may notice in an aggressive german shepherd puppy. And remember, one of these signs alone may not be a sign of an aggressive puppy. The more signs there are the more likely it is that your puppy is aggressive. So you should read the situation before jumping to any conclusions. This can normally be a sign that worse things are to come. Biting Or Lunging Another sign of aggression is biting, or snapping the air to try and bite you, and lunging at you. These are all extremely serious signs of aggression and should not be taken lightly. However, once again, apart from actually biting down on you, they may not be being aggressive, but too rough during play. A Stiff Posture If your pup is dead still as you approach them or try to do something then this is another clear sign of aggression. They may also be snarling and showing you their teeth as well. Find out why your german shepherd puppy is barking and what to do! Fortunately, with this kind of aggression, once you know the cause, you can normally find a solution to stopping it. Here are some of the things to look for. The way to tell if the growling is aggressive or not is to see what the rest of their body is doing. It can also be another sign that your german shepherd pup is trying to play. Find out more about what to do if your german shepherd puppy is biting and nipping. There are a lot of different reasons, and each reason may be slightly unique to your pup. Here are some of the most common causes of aggression in german shepherds. In fact, this can often exacerbate the problem. Normally this could just be growling or snapping, but if you keep hurting them then they may end up biting you. If you think that your pup is in pain then you should take them to the vets ASAP. You have to remember, that we all have a fight or flight response. When one of my dogs was a pup, she used to do it over bones until we trained her. Predatory Aggression Aggression could also be predatory in nature. German Shepherds are herders, but also like to hunt prey. If they notice someone moving too quickly especially children that are screaming , then they may chase them. While you may think this is cute. Predatory aggression can be dangerous especially as your pup gets older and more powerful. You should never encourage predatory aggression no matter how cute it is, but instead, teach your pup how to behave properly. Territorial Aggression While territorial aggression generally happens in older dogs it can still happen in puppies. Territorial aggression is when someone enters what your pup considers their space. German shepherds are a lot more likely to show signs of territorial aggression than other breeds, after all, they are commonly used as guard dogs. Hormones While hormonal aggression is a lot more common in male german shepherd pups, it can still occur in females. During adolescence, male german shepherds are going to have high amounts of testosterone in their body, as you can probably guess this is going to increase their chances of being aggressive. One way you can lower the chance of aggression is by neutering your pup. Neutering them does increase the chance of them suffering from certain diseases while reducing the chances of them suffering from others. If you want to know more then check out this article about neutering your german shepherd! Rivalry Sometimes aggression can start when you have more than one dog in your home. This is more common when you buy more than one dog at a time ideally, you should wait two years between dogs. Have you ever wondered how hard a german shepherd can bite? Once again this comes down to their fight or flight. Unable to flee from perceived danger, the only thing they have left to do is fight. Find out more about your german shepherds teething as well as great toys you can give them. Genetics And Temperament Sometimes, just like with people, some german shepherds are just more aggressive than others. However, the chances of this are happening are quite small. Find out how to discipline a German Shepherd the right way! Fortunately, if you want to stop your german shepherd puppies aggression then there are plenty of different methods you can try. Otherwise, you may not get the best results. Speak To Your Vet The first thing you should do when your german shepherd pup is acting aggressive is to consult with your vet. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! If your puppy is sitting patiently, playing nicely by themselves, or just generally remaining calm, give them lots of praise and affection. For every month old they are, take them out for 5 minutes. I use a KONG with my dogs and they absolutely love it. You just fill it up with food and your pup will spend hours of their day trying to get the food back out. Dogs can only do one thing at a time, so by giving her a task, I was stopping her from wanting to act aggressively. Interrupt Them As well as distracting them, another great tactic is to interrupt them. The best way to interrupt them is to do something that startles them which will immediately get them to stop. However, some people also have success rattling a can full of coins. Any noise will do, it just has to be sudden and sharp. Oftentimes this interruption is enough to stop aggressive behavior in puppies. Socialisation One of the most important things you can do for any dog is to socialize them. And the earlier you can socialize them the better. And this is also true with everything else. You can read this article to find out more about socialising your german shepherd puppy. Leave them for minutes and let them back in. Once the time is up, let them back in with you. However, once again this only works with play aggression. And you can do the same. If you give them attention and they start acting aggressive again, once again, just ignore them. What Should You Avoid Doing? This fear and mistrust can grow inside them and cause all sorts of negative emotions. If you hit your dog you may only end up amplifying their aggression in the long run. However, the results you get from these are often questionable. Remember, positive reinforcement is better than punishment. However, dogs will reciprocate your emotions. They may end up barking and growling or becoming more excitable. For the meanwhile you should stop playing these games with your pup until they act appropriately. Recap Now you know all the reasons that your german shepherd pup may be acting aggressively. While most of the time it may just be over-excitability as a puppy, there are times when aggression is more serious. The most important thing you can do is speak to a vet or pet behaviourist to help sort out the issues. And remember, there are a lot of reasons that can cause aggression in german shepherds, but also a lot of solutions! Otherwise have a great day! Related Posts:. This is simply not true. A dominant GSD essentially likes to be the center of attention and will do what it needs to do in order to establish that. It is not acting in a way that is coming from a fear of some sort, instead it acts in a way that is an attempt to prove to the world that it is the leader and needs to be taken seriously. Shows his strength: He will never give up on a game of tug of war, be it with you or another dog. He will show that he is stronger than the next dog or person each and every opportunity that arises. Stare downs: He is all about eye contact, but not as a sign of affection. His intent is to show you that he will not budge and that you should seriously consider submitting to him. He will do this with both people and other dogs. Mounting: He will, bluntly put, mount anything that he can. He will not discern between male and female, as this is not an attempt to mate, but more a showing that he is in control. One of my dogs used to just take bones away from my Rottweiller and go sit with them on his own bed. An aggressive GSD is coming from an entirely different place psychologically than a dominant one. Instead, there is either a primal instinct or learned fear from a past experience that is traumatizing the dog and causing it to lash out with aggression. Types of aggression Possessive: At one time, dogs had to protect their food supply and sleeping dens from other predators. This primal behavior sometimes takes root in the modern dog and it becomes protective of its food and bones, lashing out at anyone who gets near. You may not even know that you are close, but they are the first to let you know. So for my second GSD I made it a point as a puppy to get him used to my hand in his food bowl when he was eating and I would hold onto bones while he chewed them. This resulted in him simply not minding at all. In fact, as he got older, he would bring bones over for me to hold for him so that he could get a better chewing angle. Fearful aggression: This generally occurs when a dog feels that it has to defend itself, but it has nowhere to go. If given a choice, most dogs that exhibit this type of aggression will retreat and remove themselves from the situation. But if they are backed into a corner, they may feel that aggression is their only recourse. Defensive aggression: This is very similar to fearful aggression. It still arises out of fear, except the difference is that the defensively aggressive dog will not use retreat as its first option. Instead of letting itself get backed into a corner, it would rather handle the situation before it gets to that point. Aggression due to pain: This can cause a normally gentle and calm dog to become aggressive in an instant and with no warning. This is may happen if the dog has an underlying medical condition, or if it perceives something as likely to be painful. This is one reason that dogs often lash out at veterinarians. The dog is not really thinking, it is just reacting. A territorial aggressive dog may simply bark at unfamiliar people attempting to enter the home or property, but sometimes they will not just bark but will also bite — regardless of who the person is. Many dogs will instinctually chase something that it thinks is getting away. This can be a kid on a skateboard or bike, a car, a jogger, or any number of other things just moving by. Protective aggression: This behavior is sometimes displayed by dogs, especially German Shepherds, when they feel that part of their family is being threatened. It is this type of aggression that often leads mothers to be protective of their litters as well as any dog being protective over a new baby in the family. Frustrated aggression: A dog may display this when held back from something that it wants. For example, if a dog is excited and wants to interact with another person or animal and you try to restrain it, some dogs may become aggressive out of frustration. The potential for a German Shepherd to become aggressive begins at a young age. It actually begins when they are just several weeks old and under the care of their mother. This job is not an easy one. Consider a human mother being overwhelmed with a child — the mother of a litter of puppies is in the same circumstance. Just like people, first-time moms can have it rough. A GSD who is a first-time mom may just be overwhelmed. This stressful situation is also one which causes a lot of fear in the mother. And when frightened, a German Shepherd mom might not act rationally — she may even act aggressively towards her puppies. If a mother acts aggressively towards her puppies, then the puppies will no doubt also become frightened. It is at this point that her puppies, because of their fear, may also begin to become prone to aggression. This will also make them more difficult to train as they get older. One lesson here is that you need to make sure that your breeder is using the proper dogs for having puppies. If you plan on getting a puppy, make sure that you discuss this point in-depth with your breeder. The actions that you take when your GSD is a puppy and growing up as a young adult are key to preventing aggression. Consistency in Training As your puppy is growing up, it will be exposed to all manner of different things that are brand new to it. There will be new people, new places, objects, new animals, and just new experiences all around. While your puppy is going through all these changes, there needs to be a constant. And that constant is you. More specifically, the constant is you and the discipline that you give to your puppy. Disciplining here does not mean correcting your dog every time it does something wrong. Rather it means positively reinforcing your GSD every time that it does something correctly. And the best way to make sure that your dog is doing something correctly is to associate a reward with something that it wants. The first step to accomplish this is by requiring your dog to perform an action any time that it wants something. Examples Your puppy is approaching you and whining to go outside. Your first instinct may just be to take the puppy outside. Do not do take the puppy outside before making it sit. As your puppy gets a little bit older and accustomed to doing this one simple action, you will need to increase what you require of your puppy. Just as a teenager needs responsibilities to grow, so does your puppy if you want to keep it disciplined and away from aggressive behavior. Your puppy is wanting a treat. Before the puppy is allowed to have a treat, make it lie down and roll over first. Your puppy is coming to you and asking for a walk. Have the puppy go over and sit, lie down, and stay by the door. Your puppy is coming to you and wants to play. Have the puppy shake and roll over, then shake again, and then sit. Use your imagination with all of this, your GSD puppy is very smart. You may even find that your puppy begins to approach you after doing these behaviors for some time and just does them on its own. This is ok — praise your puppy for asking politely. This is a good way to teach it that it cannot always get everything that it wants whenever it wants it. But going down this route will be setting you up for failure. Just like a teenager, if you give them too much and they have to do nothing to earn it, they may begin to feel entitled, and reluctant to work for anything in life. Your puppy really is no different. Depending on the puppy, if you deny it what it wants, some may sulk, some may accept it, and some may express their frustration by growling or even biting. If this occurs, your number one priority is to keep cool. Do not express any negative emotion or raise your voice. Keep cool and stay quiet. And under no circumstances should you get physical with your dog. Do not try to restrain it, and certainly never smack or hit it. Many many people often make this mistake. This could not be further from the truth. When a German Shepherd shows aggression towards someone and is met with aggression back, the dog views it as a challenge — and a German Shepherd will not back down from a challenge. Your dog is simply trying to get your attention. So now this is another attempt and nothing more. Do not read into it beyond that. And if you meet your dog getting physical with you getting physical, you are simply showing it that it has now found a way to get your attention when all else has failed. Maybe I should do that next time. If you do not approach this situation in the proper manner, you will be setting a terrible example for your dog, and creating a pattern that you may never be able to train out of it. So be smart about it, you can keep your cool. And you must. Follow these steps: Remain unresponsive and nonreactive. Do not raise your voice or say anything at all to your dog. Once you are in another room, calmly speak to your dog and command it to sit and lie down. Stay in this place with your dog until it calms down. It may whine at first or even bark. But just stay the course until your dog is calm. Let bygones be bygones. Do not hold a grudge. Your dog loves you and has limitless forgiveness toward you — you should have the same attitude. If you lay each brick carefully, you will have a solid wall. But if you fail to lay a brick, or lay it improperly, you will have an unreliable wall that will not stand the test of time. Understand that this will take time, repetition, and consistency on your part. Just be patient and build your wall properly. And know that if you do it properly, the odds are very much in your favor that this type of aggressive behavior will be trained out of your dog. If you fail to do this properly however, you may be opening a door that down the line could lead your dog biting someone or even worse. Socialization Is Key This topic is addressed a number of times on this site because it is so important. So before we even begin on this topic, be sure to take a look at or bookmark the article linked below: How To Socialize Your German Shepherd A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized may grow up to be timid, it may have anxiety problems, it may be depressed, or the worst-case scenario is that it may become aggressive. One of the reasons that you likely got your German Shepherd is because you love the idea that it is naturally protective of you. Your German Shepherd does not need any specialized attack or protection training for this to happen, it comes instinctually to a German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd was bred to be protective, and they are territorial by nature, so it is its instinct to protect you and your home. When confronted with a new situation, your dog will use its best judgment in determining how to react. But without having the proper foundation for making good decisions, such as a variety of past experiences that you created for your dog, there is no telling how it may react. Because its instinct is to protect you, if it misjudges a situation as one that warrants being fearful, it may well act aggressively in an effort to protect you. Socialization Overview People When a German Shepherd is meeting a new person for the first time, it may not know what to think, and on an instinctual level, it is gauging whether the person is friend or foe. So when introducing your GSD to a new person, your behavior is key, as well as the behavior of the other person. The person needs to be aware of the purpose of your meeting. The person must clearly understand: The purpose of them meeting your dog socializing it. To remain calm and act only in a positive manner. To not make any sudden movements, especially towards you. If you are near your home, then not to make any sudden movements towards your property. I will give you an example from my personal experience when the other person did not do as instructed, and they got nipped. Keep in mind, however, that the following account was with one of my dogs when he was around 1 year old and was being trained to protect our home. Therefore, his natural protective instincts were heightened. It nonetheless serves as a good example of what can go wrong if an introduction is not made properly. I began by introducing a friend of mine to my dog off of our property. They got along well, so we then progressed to the point where I would hand the leash over to my friend and he would walk the dog himself, again off of the property. Then we gradually brought my friend into the yard. Me, my friend, and my dog would sit and the yard and talk while my friend petted my dog. But I advised my friend never to make the first move towards the house and to always let me lead the way. My friend got a little bit too confident because the dog and him and were interacting very well. And because of his overconfidence, he just became absent-minded and decided to make a move towards the house. And for the dog, there was no grudge, no further aggression — no nothing. The situation was over for the dog. To him, he was just clearly defining his boundaries. I had done the same thing multiple times with different people who all followed my direction, and my dog grew to love each one of them. Had my friend in the above instance carefully listened to and followed my instructions, there would have been no problem. He would have been able to come into the house in a matter of minutes and there would have been no issues with the dog at all. The point in relating this story is to make sure that whoever you are socializing your dog with is prepared, and to ensure that all introductions go smoothly. You should introduce your German Shepherd to new people frequently and in different settings. Make one introduction near your home. Make another introduction in your home. Do another while out shopping. Do another inside of your car. Any circumstance that you may ever potentially be in with your dog and another person needs to be covered during this time in his life. Proper socialization also includes your dog being introduced to all different kinds of people. Introduce your GSD to: tall people. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? December 30, German Shepherds were originally bred as protection animals. Therefore, they have protective and territorial instincts that other dogs may not have. There are a lot of mixed opinions about this topic — as well as a lot of mixed science that seems to back up both sides. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. German Shepherds need to be socialized and trained so that their territorial instincts can be harnessed. To accept individuals into their homes, German Shepherds need to be taught that not everyone is bad. In fact, these dogs can be extremely gentle when raised properly. However, not everyone who owns a German Shepherd is responsible. Without the proper knowledge, these dogs may not get the socialization they need to thrive. On the other hand, other owners know perfectly well what the German Shepherd needs — but find it more difficult to provide for those needs than they originally expected. They may get the care they need as adults but then be mostly kept to themselves as puppies. The American Veterinary Medical Association ran a whole study on whether or not particular dog breeds were more likely to be aggressive than others. However, it is essential to realize that these breeds are also more common in the United States. In Canada, most dog bites are attributes to Siberian Huskies and other sled dogs — likely because these are the most common breeds there. Similarly, in Rome, Italy, Mastiffs were found to have the highest bite occurrence. However, they are also one of the most popular dogs in that area. Furthermore, the popularity of different breeds coincided with bite reports. The more popular a breed was, the higher that bite statistic rose. It seems to be largely associated with the popularity of the breed, not their actual aggression levels. Based on behavioral assessments, small breeds seem to be the most aggressive — not larger breeds like the German Shepherd. However, these bites are largely underreported because they do not usually require treatment. Bites on children statistically come from small breed dogs, like Chihuahua and Lhasa Apsos. The statistical difference in bites reported between children and adults likely comes from the fact that children need treatment after a small breed bite, while adults do not. The behavioral assessments for German Shepherds are mixed. This suggests that there is likely high variability within the breed. Some German Shepherds are much more likely to be aggressive than others, in other words. Again, socialization and training play a large role in this. Adopting your dog from a qualified breeder is also important. After all, genetics do play a role as well. There is no evidence that German Shepherds are more likely to bite their owner than any other breed. Like all dogs, German Shepherds will protect themselves if threatened. If an owner is too rough with a German Shepherd, they may try to defend themselves by biting. This trait can be said for all breeds , though. No dog is going to submit to injury if they feel like they can defend themselves. Again, we highly recommend socializing this breed at a young age. Most bites are caused by fear, including those directed at people. For instance, dogs are commonly afraid of umbrellas. At the same time, you should also familiarize yourself with proper dog training. Positive reinforcement training works best, as there is a very small chance that the dog is going to react negatively to treats. After all, dogs bite things they are scared of! Dominance training has been disproven for dozens of years. It can also make your dog react negatively, causing your dog to bite. Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive? They were bred to protect herds of sheep and were then utilized for military and police work. Their protective instincts are still with them today, as they are commonly still used as guard and protection dogs. They are not Labrador retrievers in the least! They are very calm family dogs in most cases, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They are not particularly more likely to bite than other breeds when properly socialized and trained. There is a lot of variation amongst German Shepherds, though. Some are more likely to bite than others. Much of this depends on the training, though genetics can play a role as well. If you purchase a German Shepherd as a puppy, we highly recommend purchasing them from a quality breeder. Breeders are not going to breed a dog if they are overly aggressive and untrainable. Dogs are born with innate instincts and behaviors — including territorial behaviors. All German Shepherds will display territorial behaviors from their birth. These are innate instincts. A little German Shepherd puppy is going to be at least somewhat wary of strangers. It will likely take a least a year for a German Shepherd to get large enough to actually be intimidating. Before this time, these dogs will likely be too small and puppylike. However, it can take up to two years before a puppy is full-grown. The instincts will be there from birth, though. German Shepherds can be great pets — for the right family. However, there are many cases when they can make very poor pets. German Shepherd dogs require significant amounts of training. Not only do they need to be taught how to behave, but these dogs are also extremely intelligent. Therefore, you should continue to train them even after they have mastered all the basic commands. However, it is particularly important for German Shepherds. Sadly, good breeders can be difficult to come by. These dogs are quite popular, so there are lots of breeders out there. Many people mistakenly believe that purebred dogs are healthier than mixed breeds. However, the opposite is true. Purebred dogs are prone to a variety of genetic conditions, including the German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia and a wide variety of other conditions are common in this breed. German Shepherds shed a lot. They require daily brushing in some cases. You should only adopt from a breeder that puts temperament at the forefront. You need to socialize German Shepherds a lot. They need to be introduced to many different people so that they know that not everyone is a threat. You only want them protecting you and your family from bad people — not everyone. German Shepherds usually live between 10 to 14 years. However, 15 years is not unheard of. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have the potential to be aggressive. Every dog does. However, with the correct socialization and training, these dogs can easily be trained to accept others into their territory. However, these dogs are a big responsibility. Be sure to carefully consider whether or not you want a German Shepherd before you adopt one. Your actions will largely determine whether or not they become aggressive. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

As you can see in the photos below, both the red Goldendoodles in our pack Chloe and Ruby had red puppy coats. Also, you can see in the photos that the coat color lightened over time. For our Goldendoodles, the coat color change was very gradual and happened into adulthood. From my research and years of connecting with other Doodle moms, this seems typical of many red Goldendoodles. Coat colors may fade or lighten even through adulthood. Left: Chloe, a red F1B Goldendoodle as a puppy. Right: Chloe as a full-grown adult. I like comparing a Goldendoodle to opening a box of Cracker Jacks. Left: Ruby, a red F1 Goldendoodle as a puppy. Right: Ruby as a full-grown adult. Color changes are gradual. When Chloe was a puppy, I noticed that around five months of age, some white hairs started popping up in her red coat. Over time, her coat lightened from a radiant red to a color I describe as cinnamon red. Some call this graying. I like to call it cinnamon and sugar. Ruby, an F1 Goldendoodle puppy. Red Goldendoodles are so much more than their teddy bear good looks. No matter the coat color, type wavy, curly, or fleece or size mini Goldendoodle or pound lap sitter , Goldendoodle dogs are so much more than their teddy bear good looks. Because they tend to be smart, social, and easily trained, many Goldendoodles become working dogs including therapy dogs or service dogs. Or, take a peek into a day in the life of Harley and Jaxson, two Goldendoodle therapy dogs who comfort patients at a hospital. Many Goldendoodles love exercising, energy burns, adventures, and brain games. Red Goldendoodles, like most Goldendoodles are smart. They require daily exercise and plenty of brain games or mental stimulation. Introducing canine enrichment —giving your dog the opportunity to sniff, chew, play, explore, etc. Typically, Goldendoodles are active dogs and love to play. A Goldendoodle can spark joy in your life. Bringing a Goldendoodle into your home is exciting as well as filled with new responsibilities. The most important things you can do? Give your new family member lots of tender loving care, socialization, time with the family, age-appropriate exercise, positive training, ongoing veterinary care, and your time and attention. Autumn leaves. Red delicious apples. So many amazing things are red…including our dear Goldendoodle dogs. These comical crimson Doodles tend to be quick to learn, eager to fit in with the entire family, and ready to adapt to life with you. Finally, there is one Goldendoodle universal that many parents know. Do you have a red Goldendoodle? Please comment below. It has been updated to include more information about red Goldendoodles. We raise mini goldendoodle and Irish mini goldendoodle puppies. Our miniature goldendoodle puppies are F1 lbs , F1b lbs , or multigen lbs and our mini Irish goldendoodles typically range from lbs, depending on parent size. Our Breeding Mini Golden Puppies has extensive experience raising both standard and mini goldendoodles and labradoodles in the first generation and first generation backcross. We have taken further steps to improve our breeding by introducing multigen mini goldendoodles and mini Irish goldendoodles. Our puppies range in color from light golden to dark red, with Irish mini goldendoodles keeping the darkest red coloring. We no longer raise standard size doodles or labradoodles. Size of Our Puppies Our puppies typically range in size from lbs. We normally get a pound size range within each litter. We consider all our puppies mini goldendoodles since we use the mini size poodle in all our goldendoodle types. Our puppies in the pound range are considered the medium size and puppies in the pound range are miniature size. Many breeders have different definitions for size and some use the terminology "petite" or "toy", which we don't use. We also don't use the smallest size of poodles, which are correctly called toy poodles also referred to as teacup or tiny for the smallest toys. Some of our litters will have a size range that falls within both our classification of miniature and medium sizes, such as a pound range. Our Philosophy We concentrate our program on health, intelligence, social temperaments, and teddy bear appearances for our puppies. Puppies come well socialized in our relaxed rural environment and fit in well with families that have children. We put the most emphasis on our past experience rather than lists of requirements or guidelines set by another breeder or organization. We are not about to conform to a standard that we feel will adversely affect our focus on our doodle puppies and the specific teddy bear appearance, playful disposition, and health we strive for. We also have found most registrations to contribute nothing to the breed, especially our specific focus. We are about 3. Louis, 4. See puppies we have placed in the:. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article.