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As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. 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. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Toilet training All new puppy parents expect toilet training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Select Options How to treat your newborn Boxers during their first 8 weeks If you have a litter of a newborn Boxer puppies you should prepare to be close to them at least for 8 first weeks of their life. It is the crucial time when you have to be ready for any situation, as it is the time when the health of your puppy is shaped. Day 1 During this day mother-dog will feed her babies with Colostrum. This is a milky liquid that contains a lot of nutrients, providing the puppies with vital antibodies. This day can be called a " sleepy day", as the puppies will sleep almost all the time when not drinking. If the puppies' bodies are warm, they breathe naturally and make soft noises, they are full and fine. On the first day the puppies cannot eliminate waists from their organism themselves yet, so their mother will lick them to stimulate this process. Boxer puppies have their eyes still closed and it will stay this way for days. The umbilical cord still remains, as it is rather damp and not ready to fall off. Day 2 On this day your puppies can lose weight. Don't be afraid, it is absolutely normal. However, take care that the larger puppies don't push the weaker puppies off the nipple. Day 3 If you decided to dock your puppies' tails, it is the best day to do it. Consult with your vet and consider carefully your decision. It is also the day when the cord is dry enough to fall off. On this day you should remove the dewclaws, if you decided to do so. Remember, that it should be done only by your experienced veterinarian. Week 1 During this week you should weigh your puppy each day. Take a basket lined with a soft and clean towel and measure it first. Then put the puppy into the basket. Thus, you will be able to calculate accurate number. Each day your puppies must gain weight. If there is no increase, contact your vet immediately. The nails should be trimmed each day as they grow very quickly. Please, do it very carefully for not to hurt your dog. You must trim off only a small "hook" of the nail. Week 2 It is the time when your small Boxers begin to open their eyes. It is a slow process so be patient. The puppies still hold close to their mom, but they already make their attempts to communicate with you. Week 3 It is a "chatting time". Now the puppies should fully open their eyes. The ear canal is also should be fully formed so the small Boxers start hearing their voices and barking. Be ready that your little travelers will make an attempts to leave their place. Now they have everything to learn the world better! Although it is not desirable to allow them to run about the house as they can harm themselves. Connect one or more boxes together, thus, making a big "playing ground". This way, your puppies will have enough place to communicate and play with each other. And it will be a safe place! Week 4 On the 4th week you may start feeding your puppies with solid food. Make a mixture containing 14 of puppy dog food and 34 of water. Begin with small amounts. You should habituate your puppies to solid food gradually and slowly as their digestive system cannot accept it at once. You can also remove extra heating. The temperature in the room must be 72 F 23 C. Week 5 It is the time when you can give toys to your puppies. You still have to check their weight, but not necessarily each day. Normal weight should vary between 2 lbs. Gradually make the food more solid by adding more puppy dog food and less water. Mother-dog is tired and exhausted so she would like to spend less time with her children. It is a perfect time for your interaction with the puppies. They will be very happy to play with you. Week 6 On the 6th week you may introduce your puppies a new world. Be ready that your small Boxers will become more active and start eating a lot. However, it is still too early for training. It is better to involve them into outdoor walkings. Try to walk them separately and beware of other dogs. Your puppies will be really fascinated to feel the warmth of the sun and soft touch of the grass! Week 7 You Boxer puppies do not require nursing any more. It is a great time when they grew up enough to involve you in their quite active games. Outdoor walks must become a daily routine. You should also take mother-dog with you as well. She will start educating her children all necessary skills. This week is perfect to pass to the usual routine of dog feeding, grooming, exercise and playing. Week 8 During this week the puppies should have their first vaccinations. If you are not going to keep all the puppies, it is a good time to find a new home for them. Make sure that you give them to the kind and loving people, who will take care of their small Boxers. If you are going to keep all or some puppies, you can begin training them as well as falling back into your normal dog care schedule. This gives the owner an opportunity to see their dog at such a young age and then watch them quickly grown into strong and large adults. If you are purchasing a Boxer puppy, the dog should be at least 8 weeks old. In many regions it is illegal to have a puppy at a younger age. Up until 8 weeks, the puppy will need to be nourished by its mother. We're Home! That Boxer newborn puppy that you picked out has rapidly matured into an 8 week old and it's time for your new family member to join the household. Bringing a puppy home should be well planned in advance. If you have a large family, other members must be told to keep the environment calm and peaceful until your Boxer puppy has a chance to gain their bearings and become used to its new home. Have everything you need so that you do not need to suddenly run out to the store for a forgotten item. Do not allow the puppy to be rushed at by many people wishing to hug, pat and smother him or her with kisses. That can come a bit later. Your new Boxer must be approached gently and with warm voices. Puppies are a good, robust size but are still fragile. It is very sad when a puppy is stepped on accidentally; this can cause great harm. From birth to the 1 year mark, trauma is the leading cause of fatalities with this breed. Children must understand how to gently treat a pup. Very young children should be watched during interaction. All members of the home must be very aware of what may be underfoot. Your Boxer puppy should be given a tour of the home. Do not expect your new pup to know where everything is! Show him or her where they can find their water, where to expect their meals to be served, their dog bed and their toys. A puppy needs the security of knowing where to find what they need. Puppies will need quite a bit of care from you. This includes: Feeding - A puppy should be fed times per day. More feeding information can be found in our Feeding section. Only high quality puppy food must be given. This will be a time of rapid growth and your Boxer puppy needs the right dog food for optimal health. Vaccinations - All puppies will need the full schedule of vaccinations. This is absolutely vital to the health of the pup. If the budget is tight, your dog's veterinarian should be able to provide a discount or recommended animal clinics which provide shots for a very minimal fee. This includes that absolutely necessary Heart worm prevention medication, as well. Comfort and safety - Boxer puppies are rambunctious. They will jump, bounce and play. They will need loving attention and interaction with their owner or owners. Plenty of room to play, lots of toys and acts of love are crucial to the physical and emotional growth of a pup. A puppy is just learning about its world; yelling or hitting is never called for. Through love, patience and understanding a puppy will learn what is expected. Negative reactions from its owner will simply teach the puppy to be afraid. Housebreaking - This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Read more in our housebreaking section. When started early and with consistency, your Boxer puppy will soon learn where it is appropriate to eliminate. A schedule - Puppies know nothing about the world except for what you show them. It is important to keep a puppy on a schedule that they can depend on. Normal times for baths, exercise , walks, feedings, grooming , play time and sleep time are recommended. Some Things to Expect The first year will be full of changing behaviors and a change in physical appearance. Here's what you can expect: A Boxer puppy will whine if he is hungry, wants attention or once he is learning house training, if he has a bathroom need The time to instill training for barking and other behavior is now - before habits can form Puppies are super hyper , but will also sleep quite a bit - Anywhere from 15 to 18 hours per day including night time and daytime naps The first year is one of rapid growth, but do expect starts and stops. As your Boxer reaches adolescence, there is sometimes a brief period of stalled weight gain at which time a Boxer may appear too skinny. This typically only lasts a few months before that final gain happens that allows him to fill out. Puppyhoood is the time to do socialization training - You'll want to introduce your puppy to as many people, other dogs, events and situations as possible so that he learns control and gains self-confidence. Health Check A Boxer puppy should be checked over every day to check for certain issues. Eyes- The eyes should be clear and bright. Any excessive discharge is a reason to go to the veterinarian Ears and nose - These areas should be cleaned each day with a damp, soft washcloth. Discharge of any color is a reason for a checkup with the vet Breathing - A puppy's breathing should always be clear and easy. Forced breathing, wheezing, coughing or other strange sounds must be taken care of immediately through the dog's veterinarian or closest animal hospital Limping - Puppies may be a bit clumsy or wobbling when very young. However limping is never normal. This must be brought to a vet's attention ASAP Tank - 9 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Jaymie Conner Skin - It is normal for a Boxer puppy to have some loose skin around the neck area and there will be some facial folds. These areas can hold in moisture which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. Moisture can accumulate when the pup drinks or when he drools. Keep the area nice and dry to prevent any problems.
Deafness is relatively rare in dogs, but it can be congenital or acquired later in life. If your puppy is congenital deaf , it will be born deaf. However, if your puppy is acquired deaf, it may lose its hearing later in life. There are a few things you can do to check if your puppy is deaf. Hearing and vision loss can progress at a faster rate than changes in behavior. If our dog is selective in hearing or behaves strangely, we may suspect he is engaging in a pattern of behavior. Dogs of any age, gender, or breed may experience hearing loss. When a person does not recall clearly, this is frequently the first indication that they are hearing impaired. The symptoms of an ear infection may manifest in all parts of the ear. Infections can progress to the middle and inner ear if the eardrum is crossed. As ear hairs become clogged, dogs with too much hair may develop hearing loss. Puppy deafness typically manifests itself in puppies between the ages of 6 weeks and 8 months. If you suspect your dog has hearing loss, see a veterinarian. If you are deaf, you can be diagnosed with it by taking a non-invasive test that measures brain activity in response to sound. A CT scan may be recommended if there is a suspicion that the ear is infected. If your dog has hearing loss, you may need to walk him on a lead or in a place where he is safe. When you approach the puppy, his behavior may change: he may jump or hide. If a puppy cries or disappears when approached from behind, it is most likely deaf. In addition to genetics, a number of other factors can play a role in acquired deafness. Some medications may be toxic to the ears if taken in doses that are too high. Some animals may be able to regain their hearing after taking these drugs for a short period of time. Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to become deaf as they age, and many dogs begin to lose their hearing at a young age. Some breeds have been linked to increased genetic susceptibility to deafness, including the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Dalmatian. Consonant present at birth or acquired deafness, as well as cochlea degeneration, can all result from infection, trauma, or degeneration of the cochlea. By the time they are born, dogs and other animals have a genetic predisposed to hearing loss. In order to diagnose deafness in animals, sound cannot be observed in isolation. In general, it is difficult to detect hearing loss in one ear unless you pay close attention or perform an electronic diagnostic test. When the external ear canal is blocked due to deafness, surgical or medical treatment is usually the most effective option. If noise or trauma persists for an extended period of time, a person suffering from deafness will not recover. Because of their deafness, dogs with congenital deafness may communicate more slowly with their owners and other family members. Furthermore, they are more likely to develop other behavioral issues such as anxiety and aggression. A DNA test and a hearing test are two of the many tests available. You must go above and beyond to help your deaf dog communicate with you. You should provide your dog with plenty of verbal stimulation as well as tactile stimulation in order for him to understand what is going on and be responsive to your commands. If you cannot provide adequate care for a deaf dog, consider adopting one or finding a shelter dedicated solely to its care. Photo by — dogvills. It has the potential to cause ear damage whether one or both ears are present. If your dog has partial or unilateral hearing loss, they may be unable to hear where sound is coming from and tilt their heads when they hear it. Puppy puppies who are deaf or who are genetically predisposed to hearing loss are less likely to survive. Ear infections, ear mites, and chronic otitis can all cause hearing loss. The ear of a dog such as a Dalmatian or a Jack Russell Terrier can be affected by a nerve disorder. Merle or piebald coat patterns are frequently associated with congenital deafness. In deaf dogs, the voice may be odd, and their barks may be lower than in other dogs. Dogs with deaf ears may be able to hear special whistles or the vibration of a stomped foot. A hearing-impaired pet can be made simple to accommodate with simple accommodations, and we do it for our friends as well. The first step toward caring for a deaf puppy is to understand how deafness affects him. Puppies with deafness are born with the condition, which affects them from a young age. A deaf puppy will be unable to hear until it is around days old, when its ear canals begin to open, and it should be able to hear normally again. Most deaf puppies do not require special care other than regular vet visits or vaccinations, as long as they are properly cared for. If your puppy is deaf or has other health issues, such as a respiratory infection, you should consult with a veterinarian first. Here are some things you can do to make life easier for a deaf puppy. One of the options is to keep them as quiet as possible. They should be kept at a minimum from hearing loud noises, should be allowed to play games that make a lot of noise, and should be given plenty of time to rest. If you want them to enjoy quiet environments, you can also provide them with low-noise toys and games, or you can purchase toys specifically designed for deaf dogs. One is the response test, where you make a loud noise like clapping your hands and see if your puppy looks in your direction or startles. Puppies may experience deafness as early as six months of age, or older dogs may experience deafness gradually. There are several warning signs that an older dog or puppy may lose hearing. If the owner takes certain precautions, a deaf dog can be kept as safe as possible. Shepherds, terriers, sheepdogs, settlers, great Danes, dalmatians, and cocker spaniels are examples of a wide range of breeds. There is evidence that dogs with white coats have a higher rate of deafness. Dogs can become deaf if they have hereditary causes, ear infections, or both. If your dog is deaf, it is critical that you take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible to have a proper diagnosis made and begin treatment. You can help your dog live a happy and comfortable life even if there is no cure for deafness in dogs. A healthy dog requires both water and food, so keep those things in mind when feeding it. Giving your dog plenty of fresh water will help his ears, mouth, and energy levels as well as keep his ears and mouth clean. If you have a deaf dog, you must ensure that he gets proper exercise. Walking or playing on the playground every day can help keep him mentally and physically active and help him to stay high on energy. Furthermore, give your deaf dog appropriate toys and puzzles to keep him occupied. If your dog becomes deaf as soon as possible, he should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. You can help ensure that your deaf dog has a happy and comfortable life by following a few simple steps. Dog Deafness Test There is no surefire way to test if a dog is deaf, but there are a few methods that can be used to get a general idea. One common method is the hand clap test. To do this test, stand a few feet away from your dog and clap your hands loudly. If your dog does not react, it is likely that he is deaf. Another test is the doorbell test. Stand next to your dog and ring a doorbell or knock on a door. If your dog does not react, he is probably deaf. Hearing loss in dogs can make parents unsure of what to do or treat their pets. Your dog should be evaluated for hearing loss if any of these symptoms are present, especially when combined. An infection of the ear canal can also be detected through lab tests and x-rays. Almost all dogs are born deaf also known as congenital deafness and one or two dogs are even born deaf. Bull terriers, English setters, Australian cattle dogs, whippets, and Dalmatians are just a few of the breeds that are more prone to deafness. If you suspect your dog has partial or complete deafness, your veterinarian will advise you. When you have finished the test, simply clap your hands from a distance away as you look out the window. When your pet responds to loud noises, you should not be concerned because he has full hearing. If he does not react, he may have some hearing loss or partial hearing, so he should be checked by a veterinarian. The Pet Acoustics Home Pet Hearing Test is an excellent way to ensure that your pet is receiving the necessary attention and care he requires. By standing in a location where you are not able to see your dog and making a sharp noise, you can see how well your dog can hear. Dogs can be trained to hear better using a variety of methods, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and cochlear implants. Our website contains additional information. How to Tell if Your Dog is Deaf: A Guide to Hearing Loss in Dogs August 12, in Uncategorized All dog owners want to make sure their pet is healthy and happy, but one ailment that may be hard to determine is hearing loss in dogs. Deafness can strike puppies quickly or gradually come on for older dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of dogs in the U. Owners need to stay vigilant when it comes to their dog's hearing. Fortunately, there are several signs to watch out for. These symptoms are key to understanding your dog's hearing issues. There are also some solutions to communicating with a dog that has suffered hearing loss. It might be difficult for people to wonder, "Is my dog deaf? Working with a veterinary expert, you can monitor your pet's hearing and ensure a high quality of life. What are the signs of deafness in dogs? Dogs with deafness begin to lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds first, so if it doesn't respond to a whistle, try attempting other sounds like claps or clicks while facing away from your pet. You may also notice a general lack of activity and have trouble waking your dog. What the signs of deafness in puppies? It can be harder to determine deafness in puppies - after all, they are distracted, energetic and a little wild by nature! But there are a couple of simple tests you can try. Watch your puppy walk through the house. If it doesn't turn its ears toward sounds, that is a sign of hearing loss. You can also shake keys or play with a squeaky toy to see if your puppy will react to the sound. A deaf puppy will not react to "exciting" noises or voices. Your vet will know more about how to tell if a puppy is deaf after that. What breeds of dogs are prone to deafness? While all dogs can suffer from deafness, there are more than 30 breeds of dogs that have a higher rate of hearing problems. Some of the breeds include Australian and German shepherds, terriers, sheepdogs, settlers, great danes, dalmatians and cocker spaniels. Studies have determined that dogs with white coats have a higher rate of deafness, with two genes - merle and piebald - playing a role in hearing loss. What should owners know about sudden hearing loss in dogs? While sudden hearing loss is rare, there are a couple of exceptions. If your dog experiences some sort of head trauma, it could lead to damage to the bone surrounding the ear canal, which can then result in acute loss of hearing. Certain medicines can also have adverse effects on canine hearing - check with your vet if you have any questions about applying medicine in your dog's ears. Is there a dog hearing test? You may be wondering how to tell if your dog is deaf at home, but if there is any question, you should head to your veterinary provider with your concerns. It detects electrical activity in the cochlea along with checking the auditory routes in the brain. The test involves placing electrodes on your dog's head and then sending a slight stimulus through earpieces. It is the best way to determine the hearing capacity of your pet. Deaf dogs can function normally, as long as owners take certain steps to keep them safe. You will have to train your dog to understand hand signals. They shouldn't be left unleashed or placed in unfamiliar situations, since sudden touches or movements may startle them. With some adjustments, your dog can continue to live a happy life even with hearing difficulties. If you're beginning to notice that your four-legged friend isn't responding to your calls or is slow to react to commands, connect with us. Knowing how to tell if a dog is deaf for certain is nearly impossible without taking a trip to your experienced veterinary provider. We had a female GSD who went deaf as she got on in age yo and she didn't really change at all in behavior except that she had to be looking at me to obey, of course. I think i might do a vet check to make sure that nothing else is going on. Toozer turned 12 at the end of January. She goes to the vet every other week for acupuncture. I am sorry that I missed your post about Dante's hearing loss. I have been out of the loop with school, sick cats, broken vehicles, etc etc.It is indeed extremely difficult to watch our friends get old. Re: handsignals.Tooz does know hand signals for most of her obedience commands. It is hard to communicate though if she isn't looking at me. Do they make an electronic collar that just vibrates? I know most of them have a vibrate feature but I would be paranoid that I would zap her by accident. There is nothing we love more than off leash hikes in the woods. My yard isn't fenced but she doesn't leave the property. I would hate to think that her off leash days may be coming to an end for safety reasons. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Because of his severe separation anxiety, he was using everything as a chew toy: the couch, items in the home gym room, walls and molding, carpet and dining room table legs. What they didn't know until we got there was that the real cause of his poor behavior was not his lack of hearing but their other dog's frenzied state of mind rubbing off on his new brother. Luckily we were able to help them restore harmony in their home by addressing both dog's issues at once, as a pack. First, we started them off by teaching the Respect Walk. We noticed that their rescue was actually very good while walking but their other GSD was a bit of a nut once she got outside on the leash. The owners had given up walking them entirely because she would constantly pull and also try to lunge and chase after cars as they drove past. Fearful of getting themselves or the dogs hurt because of these behaviors, they stopped taking walks together. Thankfully they had a treadmill!! We immediately went to the treadmill and trained both of their GSDs on it. Both pups were very happy to have a way to let out their pent up anxiety and energy. Once each dog was accustomed to the treadmill, we began to work on the deaf dogs separation anxiety. He hated his crate! It was no problem to get him re-introduced to the crate. By simply moving the location of his crate and showing him that the crate was his "safe place", he began to realize it wasn't just somewhere he went when his family was leaving. At this point, we noticed that a lot of the deaf dog's anxiety was actually stemming from their other dog! She was extremely anxious and paced the house constantly, never sitting still. We showed the owners how to work on teaching her a "Down, stay" so she could just relax in the house instead of frantically trying to control her owners every movement. The deaf dog also had a little fear of new people that we showed the owners how to overcome. We taught them "door control" so that their dogs would patiently accept a new person coming over and not go into a "puppy rodeo" all over the house. Previously the deaf dog would hide behind the owners or growl and using "door control" helped make the owner's new expectations very clear and he complied very quickly. These owners had a lot on their hands with one GSD being overly anxious and spastic and the other deaf and in fear. Now, they know how to conquer all these issues and consistantly work with both of their dogs in a calm, loving way the dogs will respond positively to. With no more anger and frustration in the house. The deaf dog is now crated without issue while they are away now that he can love his crate instead of fearing it. We love staying in touch with the owners so we know that everyone is happy and living in harmony and even after checking up with them a few times, everyone is doing great! Thank you to the owners for giving this amazing pup a second chance at life and for allowing us the privilege of helping their home be unified.
Oh, the humanity! Fret not, this article should shed a bit more light on this uncommon occurrence, why it happens and how it affects you. What are normal purebred German Shepherd eye colors? Different shades of brown, green, hazel …and blue are normal eye colors. But green, gray and hazel-colored eyes are also normal. More importantly, although blue eyes are rare, depending on the circumstances, they can occur naturally in German Shepherds. The recessive gene or a mutation therein, is typically the main reason as to why every once in a while, a black German Shepherd with blue eyes comes out of a German Shepherd litter of mainly brown-eyed offspring. If you still remember your biology class back in high school with your teacher endlessly droning on about Gregor Mendel and his genetics work, then worrying about your black German Shepherd with blue eyes is a textbook example of this application. German Shepherd eye color changes happen much in the same way that eye color changes happen in normal dogs. Recent research has shown that the amino acid melanin is chiefly responsible for lighter or darker shades of eye colors in dogs. Melanin also determines coat color. More on this later. Is my German Shepherd still a purebred if it has blue eyes? Yes, but not necessarily. To understand why blue-eyed purebred German Shepherds are such a controversial topic, it pays to know why purebred dogs are so highly-valued. Continuing on this line of thinking, blue eyes are a common trait inherent to the Siberian Husky breed and may be a telltale sign that your German Shepherd is not purebred. Purebred dogs are typically associated with the following traits: Well-socialized Prone to suffer genetically-acquired diseases Typically the only kinds of dogs recognized and supported by kennel clubs While mixed-breed dogs are known to exhibit the following: Prone to suffer fear-based behavior problems Have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases Generally accepted as being more hardy than purebreds It is important to note, however, that white German Shepherds also known as White Shepherds are recognized as their own breed, and should not be confused with mixed-breeds or an offshoot genetic mutation. See also The German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Breed Guide And Information If you find cause for concern regarding your white German Shepherd with blue eyes or any kind of dog with unusually colored eyes for that matter , do some research, reach out to your local vet and inquire about genetic testing for your pet. Is it normal for German Shepherd eyes to change color over time? Melanin as a contributing factor to German Shepherd eye color change was a fact mentioned earlier. This happens because melanin takes time to produce. Because this is the case, it is not uncommon for a baby German Shepherd with blue eyes to have its eye color change over the course of a few months. On the same note, it is normal to find puppies with blue eyes regardless of breed because of this lack of melanin. In addition, it should also be noted that other eye conditions may result in eye color changes for your German Shepherd. All the more so if your German Shepherd is a puppy! More often than not, there are plenty of conditions that account for German Shepherd eye color changes or blue eyes outside of breed. See also The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Breed Guide On the downside, this may mean that there is a small chance your German Shepherd is experiencing some kind of degenerative eye disease or disorder. But in any case, with the advent of modern technology, it should be easier than ever to inquire about your German Shepherd with blue eyes, including requesting genetics tests. 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. Jul 22, Share You have probably seen a cat or husky with blue eyes, but have you ever seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes? Probably not. To learn more about German Shepherds with blue eyes, read on. This article covers everything you could possibly want to know about German Shepherds with blue eyes. The majority of both purebred German Shepherds and mixed German Shepherds have brown eyes because it is the dominant trait. In contrast, the blue eye color is a recessive trait. For a recessive gene to appear, both parents must have the same trait. Interestingly, the recessive trait that causes German Shepherds to have blue eyes is also found in humans, but it is simply more common in humans. Thus, the German Shepherd has a bluer appearance, and its eyes are blue instead of brown. Although it may sound weird that blue eyes are blue due to lack of pigmentation, the same is true of human blue eyes. Whereas humans with blue eyes can come in all sizes and races, German Shepherds with blue eyes tend to look the same, but they look different from the classic German Shepherd. German Shepherds that end up having blue eyes are called Blue German Shepherds. A Blue German Shepherd can come in three colorations, including blue and black, blue, and dark brown, and blue and tan. Often, the blue and black coloration makes the dog appear dark gray all over. It is considered very rare for German Shepherds to have blue eyes. Not only must the German Shepherd have the recessive gene, but it also must have blue eyes. Plus, most breeders prefer not to waste time breeding Blue German Shepherds for reasons we will discuss next. This recessive gene can be seen in other dogs, such as Dobermans. In Dobermans, the gene can cause the dog to have certain skin conditions. In German Shepherds, there is no negative health link between the recessive gene and the dog. That being said, many breeders avoid breeding Blue German Shepherds because kennel associations view them as a defect. What this means is that you cannot present your German Shepherd at dog shows because the blue coloration is a fault. Of course, you can always find a Blue German Shepherd if you want one specifically and have no intention of showing it. Final Thoughts If you have seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes, you have seen a real treat. German Shepherds can have blue eyes only if they have the recessive gene. Even though the gene is not associated with any health defects, kennel associations view the color as a defect and most breeders view it as a waste of time to breed these dogs. Despite the rarity of blue-eyed German Shepherds, they will bring you just as much fun, love, and companionship as a classic German Shepherd. Related Reads:. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! A German Shepherd can have blue eyes due to a genetic defect that causes one or both eyes to be a different color. Their piercingly blue eyes have little to no effect on their temperament, so you can expect the same characteristics as a typical German Shepherd. Watch This NOW! The genetic site that causes the blue color is the D dilute locus. The diluted pigment lightens coats from black to blue. It causes, in effect, a watered-down version of black. The two alleles connected with dilution are D dominant full color and d recessive dilute. It takes two recessive alleles dd to lighten black pigment to blue. In simple terms, both parents must carry and pass on the recessive D gene for a German Shepherd to have blue eyes. It is, therefore, impossible for a blue-colored dog to have any black on its coat. While these dogs are beautiful, the American Kennel Club classifies their eyes as an issue, docking points or refusing to let them rank in conformation. So although blue-eyed German Shepherds can enter events, they are seldom seen. This causes controversy among owners of blue GSDs, who often feel discriminated against. A German Shepherd with blue eyes is extremely rare because both parents must carry the recessive D locus gene, home to the dilution gene. When a dog is homozygous for dilute, a black dog will become blue. So it is highly uncommon to get two mutated copies of the gene that causes blue eyes. While many dog breeds can also lose pigmentation in their eyes to make them look blue, a German Shepherd can have truly blue eyes, albeit unique. German Shepherds with blue eyes can be purebred or mixed. This trait is much more common if mixed with a husky since these dogs can naturally have blue eyes. However, a purebred German Shepherd can have light brown, dark brown, golden, hazel, or blue eyes without another breed in the mix. Send a quick sample and find out if your pup is mixed or if his blue eyes are a purebred genetic rarity. All GSDs have striking features, but adding blue eyes makes them even more beautiful. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can also be quite confident and brave. When raised in the right household, these dogs will feel proud of themselves and their territory. Common Health Problems German Shepherds with blue eyes are prone to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and digestive issues as they age. All of these health concerns can be minimized or managements with the three following tips: Healthy food is crucial from birth through their senior years. German Shepherds need up to two hours of exercise daily. Attention and affection prevent the anxiety that can cause stress, seizures, and blood pressure problems. I also recommend you invest in a good orthopedic bed suitable for large breeds as they help prevent mobility issues and ease pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Some owners might be concerned that blue eyes in a German Shepherd cause additional health concerns. But are blue eyes in the German Shepherd breed a health concern? These lovely dogs are just as healthy as the standard brown-eyed German Shepherds. Their health predictability is based on their genetics, diet, activity, and affection. So what causes the confusion? Some dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and Great Dane, carry the M-locus Merle gene that causes mottled white patches of fur, solid or piebald, on the face and body. Breeding two Merle gene carriers is, therefore expressly forbidden and deemed inhumane. However, this presents an opportunity to bring a gorgeous pup into your home. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. The few with blue eyes owe their eye color to a recessive gene that needs to be inherited from both parents. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can have two blue eyes, or they can be odd-eyed with one blue eye and one brown eye. Dogs with odd eyes are sometimes described as having heterochromia. A Blue German Shepherd is one with a color variation caused by a recessive gene. It dilutes black pigment so the fur will appear blue-gray or silver-gray rather than black. On the other hand, powder blue German Shepherds have lighter colors. Blue GSDs can be blue-and-black, blue-and-tan, or blue-and-sable dark brown. Strangely enough, Blue German Shepherds can appear in litters containing prototypical black-and-tan pups. While the blue color is a normal variation, both the AKC and many breeders consider it a defect of sorts. Well sometimes at least… The Dog Breed Info website includes a list of dog breeds that are known to have blue eyes on occasion. While all puppies are born with blue eyes, the breeds listed can actually retain their blue eyes as adults. A German Shepherd mix can inherit blue eyes from the GSD parent, or from the non-Shepherd parent if the breed has been known to have blue eyes. These dogs, which are also known as Siberian Shepherds or German Huskies, often inherit blue eyes from their Husky parents. Generally speaking, blue-eyed German Shepherds are as healthy as their brown-eyed relatives. There are, however, some unfortunate exceptions. While this sounds harmless and even attractive, dogs that inherit the merle gene from both parents often have birth defects. Mating two carriers of the merle gene is thus considered inhumane and strictly forbidden. However, a German Shepherd mix can have the merle gene. Such examples of breeds affected by the merle gene include the Australian Shepherd, the Collie, the Great Dane, and the Shetland Sheepdog. An albino dog will thus not only have pure white fur, but the skin around their nose and eyes will be a very pale pink. The eyes may have some pigment and be a very pale blue, or have no pigment and appear pinkish. The pink color is actually due to the blood flowing beneath the skin. Albino dogs of any breed are generally healthy, but they are very sensitive to light and are vulnerable to both sunburn and skin cancer. Are White German Shepherds Albino? In most cases, no. That gene has two alleles or versions: white and non-white. White is recessive, so a puppy would have to inherit the trait from both parents. One big difference between white German Shepherds and albinos is that the gene for albinism affects the skin and eyes as well as the coat. Those that do have blue eyes are the result of another recessive gene. Cataracts, for example, cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and appear to be a hazy blue. Glaucoma can also make eyes appear cloudy blue. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are born with blue eyes! In fact, all puppies are born with blue eyes, no matter what breed their parents are. This is because the reason behind puppies having blue eyes has nothing to do with inherited genetics. Blue eyes are caused by a lack of melanin in the irises. It is natural for puppies to be born with this imbalance, as melanin is something that develops as they age. This is why puppies are born with blue eyes but will grow out of them by the week mark. But, the irises are never really blue. They are actually clear, but they appear to look blue. However, some dog breeds can retain blue eyes as they grow older. Full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, however, this is very rare. Blue eyes in German Shepherds are caused by a genetic mutation in the breed line, as the majority of German Shepherds will have brown eyes. However, this genetic mutation does not mean that your German Shepherd has something wrong with them. In some dog breeds, blue eyes can be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. But, German Shepherds are one of the few dog breeds where blue eyes are relatively common. So much so that a sub-breed is recognized for these German Shepherds with blue eyes. So yes, full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, and these dogs are just as healthy as any other kind of German Shepherd. How much is a German Shepherd with Blue Eyes? As German Shepherds with blue eyes, or blue Shepherds as they are otherwise known, are relatively rare, you can expect to pay more for them than a regular German Shepherd. This is because blue Shepherds are viewed as a premium dog breed. They are very rare, so when a breeder manages to breed this type of German Shepherd successfully, they will want premium prices for the puppies. Additionally, you should expect to pay higher prices for a German Shepherd that has a single blue eye, as this is also considered premium. Does a Blue eye mean a Dog is blind? No, a blue eye in your dog does not mean that your dog is blind, or that it is going to go blind at some point. Blindness is rarely the cause of this. You might also think that blue eyes are a sign that your dog is deaf. This is probably because blue eyes in cats have been linked with deafness. So, no blue eyes are not a sign that your dog is blind. In fact, there are no health concerns linked with blue eyes in dogs, it is simply a genetic mutation. Often used by police forces and militaries due to their physical strength and protective nature, the German Shepherd has also become a household favorite for millions of Americans. But can these dark-eyed beauties have blue eyes instead? A German Shepherd can have blue eyes, though this rarely happens. German Shepherd puppies are almost always born with blue eyes, but they grow out of this stage within a few months. Genetic mutations or cross breeding practices may also result in a blue-eyed German Shepherd Dog. In most of these instances, the blue eyes fade into dark brown eyes over time and are only seen in very young pups. However, in some rare cases, blue eyes have been seen in purebred, adult German Shepherd Dogs. This pale coloration is the result of an extremely uncommon genetic mutation carried by both breeding parents. The only other way to get a German Shepherd with blue eyes is to crossbreed it with a similarly-sized dog with naturally blue eyes. Still, dark eyes tend to be dominant over light-colored eyes, so the chances of breeding a puppy with mixed German Shepherd genes and blue eyes are minimal. Generally, blue-eyed German Shepherd Dogs fall into one of three categories. This biological certainty means that virtually all German Shepherd Dog puppies will be born with blue eyes. Well, for most growing puppies and adults, this is the truth. But GSDs are the product of more than a century of inbreeding, and this practice is infamous for bringing forth recessive genetic abnormalities. As such, breeding parents with recessive genes for blue eyes may still have mostly dark-eyed offspring. However, if you were to breed a German Shepherd Dog with a naturally blue-eyed breed like the Weimaraner, Australian Shepherd, or Siberian Husky , your chances of seeing blue-eyed offspring could be increased two-fold. You can increase your chances of getting light-eyed shepherding dogs by understanding Punnett squares , genotypes, and phenotypes. A phenotype is a physical characteristic that can be seen and categorized. Genotype directly influences the phenotype. For example, if you carry the genotype for tall height, your phenotype will reflect this, and you will be taller than the average person. Dog breeders benefit from being able to view the phenotypes of their animals and the resulting offspring. Using this information, they can begin to determine genotypes within their breeding pairs. This data allows them to choose breeding couples based upon genetic likelihoods. Of course, canine genetic testing is also available. Still, it may be worthwhile to perform canine genetic testing on your most prized German Shepherd Dog and a purebred breeding partner with a long ancestry of blue eyes. These dogs also tend to be medium-to-large in size and have robust, sleek bodies. Like other types of shepherd dogs, the German Shepherd has a relatively slim snout and pointed face. However, unlike other modern shepherd pups, the GSD almost always has dark, coffee-brown eyes. This difference is a stark contrast to the bright-eyed Australian Shepherd or the heterochromia -prone Blue Merle Collie. History The s was a very different time. In Germany, the various kingdoms and princedoms were still getting accustomed to being unified into a single nation. And a nobleman named Max von Stephanitz was opting to learn about veterinary medicine rather than military wit. In particular, Stephanitz had a deep love for German shepherd dogs. However, there was no such standardized breed when he was growing up. At the age of about 25, Stephanitz changed that. He then proceeded to breed that pup and create the German Shepherd Dog breed. Appearance German Shepherds are medium-to-large in size. They have dark brown or black coats that trail from their heads to the tips of their tails. Beneath this dark layer of fur is a creamy, brownish-beige layer. They tend to have muscular bodies built for running, jumping, and warding off larger predators. In many ways, their appearance is very similar to that of a wild wolf. However, generations of inbreeding have resulted in a standard coloration that is difficult to miss. Bi-weekly trips to the local dog park and daily walks are a must. This breed can become aggressive when not allowed to exercise and release pent-up energy. Inadequate training can also result in negative behaviors, including biting. Early training is necessary to curtail these unwanted behaviors. Still, German Shepherd Dogs are quite intelligent and tend to train very quickly. Nutrition Like many large active dogs, a German Shepherd Dog needs a rich, wholesome diet full of protein, heart-healthy oils and fats, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates. As such, a standard diet of store-bought dog kibble may not be enough to sustain them and keep them fit. Incorporating fresh foods like yogurts, lean fish, and dog-safe grains and veggies is an excellent way to keep German Shepherds in tip-top shape. Care German Shepherd Dogs have medium-length coats that are extra thick to help them survive cold and wet weather. They require weekly brushing, but sometimes could benefit from bi-weekly grooming as well. They only need bathing every four or five months. It is beloved for its loyal nature, intelligence, physical strength, and gorgeous appearance. Typically, a German Shepherd Dog has dark brown eyes. However, a GSD may have blue eyes when born or due to a rare genetic mutation. A mixed German Shepherd pup may also have blue eyes, and the likelihood of this result increases when the non-GSD parent is blue-eyed. They can occur thanks to a genetic variant in purebred dogs. This fact automatically makes them less valuable to breeders than dogs that can be shown in competitions. Because they are considered a fault, blue eyes are becoming rarer and rarer. Instead, most of them are neutered and sold as pet dogs. A breeder may continue to use a blue-eyed dog for breeding in rare cases, but only if they have exceptional features otherwise. The rarity is increased even more due to the recessive nature of this trait. Both parents have to be carriers of this gene for their puppies to have blue eyes. Brown eyes are dominant, which means that they will cover up the blue eyes trait. A dog may technically have blue eyes — but still, end up with brown due to a dominant brown-eyed gene. Instead, many of them focus on matching the breed standard — which means not using dogs with blue eyes in breeding programs. Breeders that breed show dogs will not have blue-eyed dogs available. However, you may be able to find them produced by breeders that concentrate on pet dogs. These people may even purposefully breed them because they are sometimes sought after by those looking for a pet. German Shepherds usually have brown eyes. This color is the most common and recognized by the breed standard. When many people breed German Shepherds, they aim to breed dogs with brown eyes. The brown-eyed gene is dominant. This means that the dog only needs to inherit one gene for its eyes to be brown. On the other hand, most other eye genes are recessive; the dog must receive two to develop the other eye color. The shade of brown can vary widely, though. Some dogs have dark brown eyes, while others are more of a tan. It largely depends on the amount of melanin a dog produces. More melanin equals a darker shade. There are multiple traits involved. Whether they are brown or blue is pretty easy to work out, but all the traits determining the shade can make determining their end eye color rather tricky. They may look like one of their parents — or they may not work at all. When they are first born, a puppy will not produce all the melanin that they will when they get older unless their eyes are a very light color — in which case they may never increase their melanin output. Therefore, most puppies will be born with light eyes, but they will darken as they get older. Usually, their eyes will reach their final color by the time they are about ten weeks old. This can vary widely from dog to dog, though. Some dogs may have their final color much earlier. Others may develop them much later. Some puppies may even be born with blue eyes — but these rarely stick around into adulthood. Typically, they will darken to brown within a few weeks. Instead, they happen to have blue eyes instead of the usual brown. This is a recessive trait, so your best chance of getting a puppy with blue eyes is to breed two blue-eyed adults. You may occasionally end up with a few blue-eyed puppies from breeding two brown-eyed dogs — assuming that they both have a recessive blue-eyed trait. Some German Shepherd mixed breeds also have blue eyes. Siberian Huskies are a typical example of this. Many Siberian Huskies have blue eyes. Therefore, if you breed them with a German Shepherd, your odds of getting a blue-eyed puppy are much higher. Of course, brown-eyed dogs are much more common. Finding two German Shepherds with blue-eyed traits is much more difficult than finding a Husky with blue eyes. At the moment, it is unknown. There have been few studies done on blue-eyed German Shepherds simply because there are so few of them. Most German Shepherds with blue-eyes are also mixed breeds. There are some health problems associated with blue eyes in other breeds, though. This is primarily because of the decrease in melanin that these dogs produce. For instance, German Dalmatians with blue eyes are more likely to have sensorineural deafness. However, this study also found that there was obvious inheritability even when eye color was controlled for. Therefore, other genes involved caused the deafness — not just the blue eye color itself. It may be that the blue-eyed gene itself has a large enough effect to cause deafness — or German Shepherds may not be affected at all due to their lack of this other deafness gene. Dalmatians also have an increased chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. There have been other physical traits linked to increased deafness in Dalmatians in dogs, including the amount of spotting in their coat. This may suggest that German Shepherds will have an equal chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. However, this is not known for sure. What About Merle German Shepherds? There are no merle German Shepherds. However, mixed-breed German Shepherds may have the merle gene — depending on the dog they are bred with. Sadly, the merle gene causes quite a few health problems. However, the science is pretty clear on this topic. Many proposed health problems may come along with a merle coat. However, only a few have scientific evidence supporting them. Dogs with the merle gene are nearly twice as likely to be deaf or blind than those without it. Multiple studies have drawn these conclusions. These health problems likely stem from the decrease in pigment the dog creates, leading to problems with their eyes and ears. Many breeders will not attempt to create merle German Shepherds for this reason. And these canines would not be purebred. It makes the dog worthless since they cannot be shown. Finding a blue-eyed German Shepherd is extremely difficult. For the most part, these dogs are rare. Most breeders produce dogs to be shown in the show ring. Instead, they are focused on producing pet-quality dogs. In this case, they may purposefully breed dogs with blue eyes, as many potential pet owners are willing to pay a high price for these German Shepherds. These breeders are few and far between. You may have to travel quite far to find one. And the waiting list may be substantial. If you want a dog now, you should probably settle on one with brown eyes. Due to their rarity, some people assume that this is a defect. However, it is caused by a recessive gene — it just happens to be a rare one. There may be some health problems associated with this gene. In other breeds, dogs with blue eyes are more likely to have certain health conditions. Plus, the current need for studies is relatively low, as these dogs are often not very common. If these dogs do have different health problems, the odds are likely not substantial. They might have a slightly higher chance of being deaf, for instance — but this chance will be meager. However, you may want to keep this in mind if you decide to adopt one. Conclusion Blue-eyed German Shepherds are very rare. The blue-eyed gene does exist in this breed. However, it is not nearly as common as the brown-eyed gene. Therefore, finding these dogs is difficult. Many breeders do not produce German Shepherds with blue eyes because they cannot be shown. They will avoid breeding these dogs where possible, though some blue-eyed dogs may pop up occasionally. These breeders usually market their dogs to pet owners. Stay on the lookout for more studies, which may be published as this dog becomes more popular. 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. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
Our dogs are x-rayed and certified through the orthopedic foundation for animals OFA and they are also PennHip certified. We participate in conformation shows through the United Kennel Club and have several champions. Learn more about our breeding program here Knowledge in raising the finest puppies There is more to producing amazing puppies than just careful selection in breeding. We strive to produce perfection in the way we nourish, train and enrich our puppies lives from birth. What sets us above the rest is the enrichment we provide for our litters. We go the extra mile to make sure that our puppies have the best start in life as possible. We focus on quality over quantity by never having more then 2 litters at a time. We have been raising these magnificent dogs for over 20 years. Learn more about how our puppies are raised here Located in beautiful South Carolina We are located in the beautiful midlands of South Carolina. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! Learn more about GSD colors here We hope you enjoy looking around our website and getting to know about us, our dogs and the unique way we raise our puppies! Visits are by appointment only. If you are in California and want a puppy from us we can still make it happen as we can deliver! My husband got this made for me in .German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston sc can be found by many different sources. They are a very intelligent and well-mannered breed of dog. They are very loyal, dependable, and incredibly affectionate. When you buy a German Shepherd Puppy for Sale in Charlestown, you are buying into a loving and happy family of dogs. If you want a puppy with as much love and care, as they are, then you need to be prepared to pay a higher price than you would if you bought a purebred puppy from a pet store. You can go to your local pet store or breeders, but most breeders will not even let you look at their German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charlestown. The reason is that you will not get what you want, no matter what it is. Breeders do not have a large amount of choice when it comes to the breeding of dogs , so they sell puppies as quickly as they can. If you are looking for a German Shepherd puppy that is close to the one you would get from a rescue, it may not be possible to find. The best place to find purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charlestown is on the internet. When you go to these online pet stores, you will have more selection and fewer choices. The selection will include puppies as well as adult dogs. The puppies may come in a more natural and cute appearance than an adult. The only disadvantage is that the puppies will be smaller. The larger the dog the bigger the puppy, and the puppy is considered the prize possession of the breeder. The puppy is cute and cuddly when the puppies are young, but the closer you get to the actual time of maturity, the more tough and athletic the puppy becomes. If you buy the perfect puppy from an online German Shepherd puppy for sale in Charlestown, then you are likely to get the perfect puppy for yourself. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC are the perfect family pet for you and your family. These dogs make wonderful companions because of their loyalty, intelligence, and gentle, loving nature. It is easy to fall in love with them and the German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC are sure to make this happen. German Shepherd puppies are a perfect fit for any home because they require little or no daily exercise at all. Because these dogs are used to living outdoors, they need a more indoor life but that does not mean that they cannot enjoy all the pleasures and activities that come with owning a dog. As you browse through German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC, you will find that there are many different breeds to choose from. You will probably also notice that there are so many different sizes as well. The breed can be large or small and most of the time, the breed will depend on the size and age of the puppy. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC are usually very healthy and active dogs. They can become destructive if left alone for too long and it is easy to let them out of their crate and go out into the yard for a little run or walk. However, if you find yourself with a young dog with a lot of energy, you will likely want to keep an eye on them until they get to know each other better. They will often follow you around and when you leave your house, your dog will follow. Because they do not need a lot of exercises, you can expect them to be extremely active and will probably spend most of their time lounging around. As long as they have their regular meal times and get enough exercise, you can expect to have a dog that is healthy, active, and very faithful. If they are raised with people who care about them, they will be very respectful of other people and will try to please other people even if their owners are the only ones in control. Because these German Shepherd dogs are so friendly, they do not like being alone and will make friends quickly. They can make friends with almost anything and will not try to scare people away. If you are interested in finding these German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC, you will find that you are not limited by this breed. These dogs can be found in every location you are looking for and will be just the dog you need. German Shepherd dogs for sale in Charleston SC can be found at pet stores, online shops, and even in some veterinarian offices. You can also look in local newspapers as well as magazines. The breed is known for its intelligence and many people that own them claim they are quite intelligent. When considering German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC, you will want to check out the breed and see how you would like to train the dog. Most of them will need a lot of attention but some can be very friendly and cuddly. This breed of dog does not usually need a lot of exercises and can make wonderful family pets. They are very loyal to their owners and will be faithful to your family. If you decide to get a German Shepherd for sale in Charleston SC, you will want to make sure you get one that has been spayed or neutered. This will ensure that your dog will not get pregnant. The breed tends to get along well with other dogs but if the dog you are looking for is not friendly, you may want to consider another breed. This breed is good with children because they tend to get along very well with children and other dogs. Although this breed of dog is very loving, you should also consider taking the time to socialize with other dogs before bringing the dog home. You can often find German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC that are friendly and will not fight with other dogs. This breed of dog is not aggressive but you will need to know how to handle it so that your dog does not feel like they are in an animal fight. They are very protective and you will need to know how to handle them if you want a dog that can protect you. German Shepherds make very good pets and are highly intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs. They make great companions and guard dogs. They also are very comical and playful dogs and are easy to train. Most dogs in shelters and rescues have been trained by their previous owners and some have even been taught by their foster parents. These courses will train your dog according to the highest standards of the American Kennel Club. Herp courses are usually held twice each year. The first training course takes place in April and the second in October. Most owners who look for German Shepherd puppies in Charleston SC prefer those from local animal shelters. However, these are often full and do not have room for all the puppies the shelter has to take. If your local shelter does not have any German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC, then you may be able to find a willing owner by attending your local pet adoption fairs. Pet adoption fairs are typically sponsored by the local SPCA and are attended by dog owners who are looking to purchase a purebred puppy. Before you bring your German Shepherd puppy home with you, it is important to carefully vet any potential owners. You can ask the vet about vaccination records and check if the dogs have had any health issues in the past. The shelter or the local breeder should have the dogs checked out by a licensed veterinarian as well. Ask about the living conditions for your puppy and the number of times your German Shepherd has been spayed or neutered. German Shepherd dogs that have been altered do not get along very well with other animals so it is important to establish whether your new addition will fit in with other dogs and people in your household. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC may also come from breeders or shelters that require immediate foster homes. Sometimes a breeder will decide to euthanize a dog rather than give it up to a loving family. You will want to be sure that the breeder is not going to simply hand over your German Shepherd to a pet store and get money back for it. It is also a good idea to visit the facilities where the German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC are being cared for. You should also have the option to discuss terms with the breeder before signing on the dotted line. A reputable breeder will want to meet the prospective owner before agreeing to buy any German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston SC. Be sure to ask the breeder to provide documentation of previous breeding or to provide references. A reputable breeder will also be good to speak to and provide sound advice if needed. The breeder will be a good guide to what type of dog you should be looking for and how to go about finding one. It can also be a good idea to talk to people you know who own German Shepherd dogs and see if they know of any good breeders in the area. Once you have located a good breeder, you should be able to arrange for a visit and see the puppy in person before making your final decision. It is important to make an informed decision when choosing a German Shepherd puppy for sale. You could also adopt them from a pet shelter. The answer is research. You should start by researching German Shepherd breeders in Charleston SC and the puppies that come from those breeders. Most puppy mills are out of state, on tax liens, or are not licensed to sell puppies. German Shepherd breeders that sell puppies legitimately have no problem with providing quality German Shepherds for sale in Charleston SC at affordable prices, but you should ask around first and do some digging to find out if these breeders really have dogs that will stand up to your active lifestyle. Many national and international German Shepherd rescue organizations have websites. These sites often have a large photo gallery of dogs from various German Shepherd Breeds. Some are in tiny photos, while others are in large, proper size. You can often contact the website through their contact page and get an immediate response if you have a serious interest in looking for German Shepherd puppies. Some national, German Shepherd rescue groups also have websites. When it comes to looking for German Shepherd puppies in Charleston SC, you should be prepared to spend quite a bit of money. There is a high price to pay, but if you are willing to do so, buying puppies is an excellent investment that you will likely be glad about. German Shepherd puppies are known for their coats, their loyalty, and their ability to protect you when needed. A good breeder will be able to tell you all about these traits and help you choose the puppy that is best suited for you and your lifestyle. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston are also available at pet stores. Pet stores can sometimes be an excellent option because most of them have large walking areas where the dogs can go-to exercise. Most pet stores have experienced staff members on hand who are knowledgeable about the breed. This knowledge can help you find German Shepherd puppies for sale in Charleston sc that are healthy and happy. Online breeders have sprung up across the country in recent years and many of them are more than ready to ship their puppies right to your door. You can usually learn about reputable breeders through online reviews or other methods. Your local pet store may have a few German Shepherds for sale in the spring, or you may want to check with the national chain of pet stores that have German Shepherds. Remember that taking care of a German Shepherd is a lifelong commitment. A dog from a bad breeding pair should never be allowed to get near your family. Share this:. Welcome to the South Carolina state page on TrustedPuppies. With its beautiful coastline, charming cities, and a variety of dog-friendly activities, South Carolina is an ideal place to find and raise your new German Shepherd companion. Our mission is to connect you with the best South Carolina German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our SC breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the vibrant dog-friendly scene in South Carolina, featuring welcoming restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Carolina Foothills Dog Show Cluster provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of German Shepherd canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. South Carolina, with an estimated dog population of around 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable German Shepherd breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in South Carolina. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your German Shepherd puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy on TrustedPuppies. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Lowcountry location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite Lowcountry recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite Lowcountry offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Lowcountry training method. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Lowcountry uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Lowcountry training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! Dog Training Elite Lowcountry helped us train our Bernedoodle as a service dog. They worked with our busy schedule and truly met the needs of our family. I now have all the tools necessary to maintain her training. Lana was trained from a very energetic dog that lunged towards strangers to say hello and pulled on walks to a service dog for PTSD. I recently took her on an international flight and she behaved perfectly and sat under my seat the whole flight. The crew said that she was the most well behaved service dog they have ever seen. Lana has become a new dog and now we take her everywhere. Steve was so helpful and went above and beyond to help train our dog. We recommend him to everyone and cannot say enough about the training Lana received! He drove out to our house for every lesson and worked with our schedule to make it work. Thank you!
Her focus is on news and trending pet interest stories. When she's not writing about adorable animals, you can find her at concerts, art museums, and outdoor climbing spots all around the Midwest. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on September 7, Puppies may be precious, but they can also be stone-cold rock stars. OK, there's a little less head-banging, but a new viral TikTok shows pups can keep a good rhythm. The video posted by Imperial Point Animal Hospital of Delray shows the sweetest black Labrador retriever pup you've ever seen perched over an upside-down dog bowl. As an eccentric drumming sound plays, a veterinarian staffer takes the puppy's absolutely enormous paws and makes them pat along to the beat. It's game over. We could just about die happy right then and there. Since posting on Aug. It has all the makings of a great viral video: an adorable puppy, a catchy beat, and a replicable trend. But if you record your own version, make sure to be gentle with your pup's paws. One family went the extra mile by employing five golden retriever puppies to drum on a table in unison. Talk about a cuteness overload. We're patiently waiting for all these dogs to form their very own band, but until then, giggling at these TikToks will do just fine. Was this page helpful? Anyone can rock air instruments, but this little puppy might just take the cake. Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" is great by itself, but add a puppy and it's ten times better! When you think about it, anything a puppy does makes it automatically the cutest thing ever, so when introduced to the craft of imaginary music you have to know this puppy's talent will melt your heart. This video is an instant classic that not even the grumpiest person could hold a smile back while watching. Personally, I see no shame in watching this video over and over. When it comes to puppies, once is never enough. And if you haven't met your cuteness fill watch these adorable kittens try and fight off their sleepiness or this little guy at bath time! You can never have too much adorable in your day! As the leading platform for native advertising and content recommendation, Revcontent uses interest based targeting to select content that we think will be of particular interest to you. We encourage you to view your opt out options in Revcontent's Privacy Policy.
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. 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:. 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. 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. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article. 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.
How to Discipline a Pug Overview It would be nice if our Pug puppies and dogs would automatically listen well at all times, however this certainly is not usually the case. While there are some things that a dog can instinctively know, many things do need to be taught. And part of teaching a puppy or older dog is the chosen method that is used for discipline. Whether your Pug is biting, nipping, destructively chewing, barking, excessively licking you or having bathroom accidents… the way that you correct your Pug will play a huge role in how well you can teach him right from wrong. In this section we are going to cover: Commonly used methods of disciplining a dog and exactly why these techniques do not work The 3 things that a Pug needs to truly learn something The most effective way to discipline your Pug for fast success Discipline Methods that do NOT Work and Why There are many ways to discipline a dog; however the problem is that many of the commonly used methods rarely work. If you use any of these techniques, things can backfire. In addition, new issues can arise. Timothy Photo courtesy of Diane Darch Never do physical intervention, slapping the Pug's bum or tapping the nose- Some owners will slap a puppy's rear end or thump a dog's nose as a way to 'spank' a dog and let them know that they did something wrong. Whether you use your hand, a newspaper or another item that you deem 'safe' this is a form of physical abuse since there is no clear line of what hurts and what does not. Having the intention of hurting a dog is a cruelty to animals. And if your intention is to simply startle the dog into listening, this will not solve that the original issue that you are trying to correct. In addition, dogs that are hit in any fashion may have eventually have increased aggression. Never yell - When things seem out of control, it's easy to lose your cool. Yelling at a Pug will often scare him and this may appear to work at first. After all, a dog that is screamed at will stop what he is doing…however he will have no idea why you are yelling or what you are saying. Being shouted at will increase his anxiety and stress level, which decreases his ability to focus and learn. Never give timeouts in severe isolation - There are two types of isolation discipline methods: physical and social. Physical isolation involves placing the Pug into a small area such as a crate that is away from other family members both human and animals. This does not work, because when a dog is punished in this way, he will often become scared and anxious. He will have no clue as to why he has been 'locked away'. A Pug will be under duress during this time and will only be focused on getting free, not on learning what was expected of him. Social isolation is a different type of discipline and we will go into that ahead. Never take away a toy - Dogs have very few possessions in comparison to us humans. They have their beds, their food and water bowls and their toys. Beds are for comfort, food and water of course is for survival and toys are a dog's most prized possessions as they can become very attached to them. Can you make a Pug listen by taking away a favorite toy? This does not work because one of two things will happen: 1 If the Pug cares about what just happened, it moves the dog into a mindset of wanting to have his toy back, when this time could be better spent actually teaching the Pug what he did wrong and what he should be doing instead or 2 Some Pugs will take this in stride because there are other toys to play with and if you take away all of his toys, he may very well think you are just playing some sort of odd game. Again, there are better ways to discipline your Pug that actually work well. Never rub a Pug's nose in his feces or urine - Far too many people think that this works when a dog has a bathroom accident and this may be due to copying what they saw their parents or grandparents doing in the past. Before the wonderful invention of computers and the transition of having them everywhere yeah, there was a time like that! Sure, some dog owners would purchase training books, however the majority of them just did what they saw others do due to a lack of knowledge regarding proper training methods. This is an old-fashioned punishment that can scare the heck out of a dog or confused him and it does not work. While it may make perfect sense to you that your Pug should only pee or poo in a designated outdoor area, your puppy or dog will not know the difference between that spot of grass and the carpeting in your living room unless he is clearly taught. And while it may seem logical to you that your Pug should not chew on the leg of the kitchen table, he has no idea why that is wrong, but chewing on a toy is okay, unless it is clearly taught to him. The reason why all of the above listed punishments do not work, is because while they may startle a dog, or scare him or even make him know that he misbehaved, they do not show him what he should do instead. Bubloo, 9 months old Photo courtesy of The Krish's Family In addition, for a Pug to be well-behaved, he needs to respect his leader, which will cause him to want to listen. If a dog is punished in a way that causes fear, he will be afraid of his leader which is not the same as respecting him. If a Pug has full run of a house and access to everything in it, he will have so many choices that he's bound to do things wrong. With 4, 5 or 6 rooms to possibly pee or poo in, if he has to go, surely he will not automatically wait until he is taken out or go right over to pee pads. If he has access to laundry piles thrown on the floor, how will he know that those are not 'toys' left out for him? This should be placed in well-lit room that is commonly used by the family such as the kitchen or living room. In cases of a Pug moving the pad onto his bed some do this as if it is a blanket or chewing it up, it can help to 1 duct tape the pad securely in place works with hardwood or linoleum floors or 2 forgo the pad and simply place the gates in the kitchen where the floor is easy to clean or on top of an appropriately sized cut-out piece of linoleum this can be purchased at a home supply store. Keep in mind that housebreaking is a temporary phase and by the age of 9 months or so, a puppy can hold his needs for 8 hours or so while you are at work. If not, how else is he to learn right from wrong? However, this should be done with the owner as his guide and along with discipline methods as shown ahead. An email from an owner comes to mind that let us know that his young Pug puppy that was in his teething phase, kept chewing his shoes. He had a collection of running shoes that he liked to place in a row near the front door for easy access when he'd leave the house. Any time that he turned his back on his Pug, the puppy would scamper over to the shoes and start chewing on them. The question was: how to discipline the puppy to stop doing that. While he could have put a lot of effort into teaching the lesson between those shoes and toys and it would have eventually worked… it was a lot easier to simply move the shoes to a shelf or onto a stand-up shoe rack where they were no longer accessible. The lesson here is to choose your battles wisely, especially with a teething puppy. Not only should the house be puppy-proofed, all objects that can be tucked away, should be. Leaving a Pug with tons of chewing options aside from toys is the canine equivalent of letting a child loose in a candy store. Non-movable objects such as furniture legs, that dogs for some reason love chewing on, can be sprayed with a safe deterrent spray; apple bitter works well for this. Velvet, 10 months old Photo courtesy of Abby 2 Stop. You do want a method to stop your Pug from doing an action that is wrong. There are 2 ways to do this. In some cases, an effective discipline method is to clap loudly. This works well for house training and chewing issues. Clapping is usually enough to startle a Pug momentarily, which is all that you need as long as you are ready for the next discipline step. You can add a firm 'No! For nipping and other such behavior , if a clap does not work, simply standing up from a sitting position may be enough to stop a Pug, since you are limiting his ability to reach you. If the puppy is really out of control, this would be the time to instill the social isolation discipline that we touched on above. This involves placing him in his playpen for a short while. In either case of standing or putting him in his pen, part of this will involve ignoring him. You may wonder how in the world ignoring a dog will teach him anything. To a dog, his humans and any other animals in the house are his 'pack' and being part of the pack is everything… It is his safety, his security and his family. When a dog is ignored, he will start to worry that he is being banned from his pack and this will cause him to rethink his behavior. You do not need to do this for very long… some Pugs notice right away and others take much longer to figure out that they are not being spoken to, etc…. A dog will never learn what he is supposed to do, unless it is shown to him. While words such as 'No' can cause a Pug to pause, the most important part of discipline is to clearly show your Pug what you expect. Just as important, a dog needs to understand why he should do it. Give a Pug motivation and a reason to follow the rules, and you'll find success every time. It's really that easy: Show what to do and why to do it. Once he has noticed that he is being 'temporarily banned from the pack' as described earlier, and you let 5 minutes go by, allow him access to you again. If he nips again right away, he is ignored again and this time for the maximum of 10 minutes. If he behaves well, after just one minute of good behavior reward him with praise and a small treat if he needs extra motivation. Say a word that he can learn to associate the action with such as "Bathroom"… and as he is peeing, give praise that includes the affirmation of what he is doing by saying "Good, bathroom. Good boy, you're going to the bathroom! Immediately offer him a tempting chew toy. As soon as he mouths it, praise him in a happy voice as if he is doing the most wonderful thing in the world. While it may seem a bit silly to act so happy that a dog is playing with a toy, when you are teaching right from wrong, Pugs learn best if an appropriate action is met with tons of enthusiasm and delight. Once the dog has had a few weeks to learn what is expected, you can tone things down and give 'normal' positive reinforcement with a simple 'Good boy' or 'Good girl'. Do make a note to apply apple bitter spray or other safe deterrent on any non-movable item that seems to be too tempting to your Pug for him to leave alone. We'll dive into more details on each of these: 1 Illness or injury. As with any sort of strange behavior, health issues are always a top concern. Not feeling well almost always manifests as changes in mood. Any physical issues such as limping, favoring a certain part of the body, or inability to walk or run as usual point to some sort of injury or condition. What to do: When in doubt about any possible health issue, contact the vet. Eating changes or gastrointestinal issues are just a few reasons to contact the veterinarian and schedule a checkup. If you have a female Pug that has not been spayed and is therefore entering in and out of heat cycles , this can cause her to feel moody. Heat typically occurs twice per year. It can last 2 to 3 weeks. In addition, it is believed that some dogs feel abdominal cramping, which can lend to the bad mood. What to do: You can help by allowing your Pug to retreat if she wishes, being sure that she has a great bed to rest on, and if she appears to be in discomfort placing a warm heating pad next to her abdomen can help be sure that this is set on warm, not hot, and that your Pug cannot chew on any cords. Ky Ky, at 2 years old, photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 3 Loss of a companion If a Pug no longer sees a friend animal or human , this can have a huge impact on him. This is generally most severe if a person, dog, or other is no longer part of the household. But, a Pug can also feel quite down even if he does not see a regular visitor. If your Pug is feeling sad or down for this reason, it will be important to allow him to grieve the loss. If it was a household member that is gone, it will be normal for a Pug to roam the house looking for him, or to gaze out of a window waiting for that person to arrive. What to do: It can be hard to watch a Pug feel unhappy like this. While you will want to give him time to accept the loss, there are some things that you can do. It can help to engage your Pug in an activity that is new to him. This can be a walk in a new neighborhood, or a visit to a new place. Any sort of safe location in which he can see new things, hear new sounds, and smell new scents can help to perk him up. This can be a lake shore, hiking trail, pet store… any place that is novel. When you find a spot that your Pug seems to enjoy and that has let him shake off his bad mood for a while, try to make that a new ritual for both of you. Take him there as often as possible, but at least once a week at minimum. And of course, this is applicable to a negative change. Some examples include: Spending less time with his human A new household member human or pet A move to a new house Changes in the household vibe such as more noise, more visitors, etc. What to do: How you help your Pug come out of a funk will depend on what type of change triggered him to start to feel depressed. But, if the situation is already occurring, you can: Be sure to keep both pets separate in regard to where they eat, rest, and sleep. Even if you envisioned your Pug having a new best friend, that sort of bond cannot be forced. Until the two are ready, they should feel as if they have their own areas for food, and to rest both during the day and at night to sleep. If this is a matter of having two Pugs or two dogs, you may need to help them decide who the leader is. Hopefully, your Pug already sees you as the alpha. But with more than one pet, there is also an alpha dog, the leader of the animal pack. Normally it is the older dog; but, it is not always so and can also depend on gender. If the dogs are unclear about where they stand, you can help them by doing things for the alpha first. This applies to the order in which the food bowls are placed down, leashes are attached, dogs are let out, etc. Bowls in a certain corner of the kitchen, toys to the side of the sofa, etc. Dogs can feel wary until they understand that they are occupants and not just visitors, so it can take some time. Each day, walk your Pug from room to room. And when you take him outside, walk him around the perimeter of the yard. He may seem irritated or withdrawn. Any sort of commotions should be kept to a minimum. And if some of these sorts of things cannot be avoided, set up an area for your Pug to retreat to if he has the urge to get away from things. Now, this kind of odd behavior is just fine! Lilly 2 years old and Ky Ky 2 years old , photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 5 Boredom While a Pug may be perfectly happy to sit by you while you watch TV, and may seem just fine laying down while you do some household chores, ongoing monotony can really start to wear on a Pug. Some windows of down time are just fine. Days, weeks, or months on end can end up making a Pug rather depressed. Also, as a Pug matures, issues with boredom can increase. This is because as he ages, his comprehension of the world strengthens. What used to satisfy a puppy may not be enough for an adult Pug. He should have at least 2 walks per day, a session of some type of learning commands, a trick, heeling, etc. Pugs should have toys that encourage independent play. Some great ones to get are those that speak or make silly noises. The Animal Sounds Babble Ball is great too; this lets out 20 funny animals sounds, including frogs, goats, horses, and more. That is just one, the Multipet line of toys has a bunch of different animals, each is a good sized stuffed animal, sturdy, and lets us fun sounds. Are there any errands that you run without your Pug that you actually could take him with you for? Are you sure? As long as you have a safe car seat for your Pug , and keep him on leash and harness, let him to be your companion for shopping and running errands as much as possible. When a Pug Acts Restless The Pug breed can get a bad rep sometimes, being thought of as a touch lazy and inactive. But, Pug owners know that this breed actually has a pretty good energy level. With Pugs, there is usually a good balance of activity and rest. Mood changes that include agitation, restlessness, or irritation definitely point to some sort of problem. Reasons for acting restless include: Pent-up energy most common reason Health issue or injury possible We'll dive into each of these: 1 Pent-up energy The Pug is often underrated in this regard. But, Pugs can get very disturbed if they are not allowed to release their natural energy. This is very common in the winter , when weather keeps both owners and dogs inside more often, but can also happen just from not getting outside enough for his daily walks. Frank, photo courtesy of Nina Coley What to do: 1- If you do not take your Pug for two walks per day, now is the time to start. If cold weather is getting in your way, place a lined vest on your Pug like the Kuoser Waterproof Windproof British Style Plaid Dog Vest , be sure that his paws are protected from the cold and he has traction via a good paw wax, and dress warmly yourself. Of course, a concern with this breed is overheating; however, as long as your Pug appears to have the energy, you take a break every 15 minutes, and bring along water to for him to re-hydrate, you can often extend walks. Playing fetch or teaching commands are always good choices. If your Pug knows all of the basic commands, take it up a notch by teaching him some tricks. Any of these sorts of odd behaviors may be red flags of a hip, bone, back, or other physical issue. However, if a Pug suddenly acts afraid for no apparent reason, this can be worrying. Whining and cowering down Reasons for acting afraid include: Actually being startled or scared Feeling uncomfortable, mostly due to temperature We'll dive into each of these: 1 The most common cause is the one you assumed; the Pug is afraid of something. The tricky part is trying to figure out what it is, if the reason is not clear. In some cases, this can be related to the incredible sense of hearing that canines possess. A puppy or dog may have heard an alarming noise that his human simply did not pick up on. This may be other dogs barking, police sirens, or other such noises. If so, the episode should be over quickly. In other instances, the cause can be a mystery. It can be random things… a dog may see his reflection in a mirror and get spooked studies show that canines cannot identify their own reflection , or even a former tumble down steps that now make a dog wary when he goes near them. What to do: How you act will have a big impact on how your Pug interprets things. Since you are his leader, he will look to you for cues on whether or not his behavior is valid. If you coddle him, swoop him up, and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. It is best to acknowledge that he has sensed something. And then, show him that all is well and re-direct his attention. Be sure that your body language conveys what you are saying. If you coddle him, swooping him up and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. Sometimes shivering, cuddling up close, and other such behaviors can be misinterpreted as a Pug being scared, when he is actually trembling and seeking warmth due to feeling chilled. Though this breed has a thick coat, this does not make him invincible to the cold. And being a small dog, cold intolerance is not uncommon. What to do: Check your house for drafts and air currents. In the winter, some spots that you do not normally access, but your Pug does, like the floor can have drafts. You may wish to place clothing on your Pug like a soft shirt or vest. Once he has another layer on his core body, he should feel more comfortable. Or use his eyes to follow unseen things across the wall? If so, you are not alone. Lots of dogs react to things that their humans cannot see or hear. The reason for this is due to incredible canine hearing. Dogs hear things that we cannot hear without special instruments. We only hear things in the frequency range of , Hz. But, your Pug hears things in the much larger range of , Hz. And, your Pug can hear noises from 4 times the distance that you can. So, if your puppy or dog is reacting to something that you can neither see or hear, changes are that he is behaving that way for good reason. What to do: Do the exact same thing as stated above in cases of a Pug acting afraid with no reason. Acknowledge that he is noticing something, and then re-direct his attention. This is a pretty even-keeled breed, so any sort of strange, weird, or odd behavior usually has a root cause that should be assessed. Other Articles: Pug Dog Tails - An interesting look at the unique features of this breed's tail and several tail-related issues that can happen. Fun Things to Do with a Pug - 10 super-fun things to do with your Pug that both of you will enjoy. Includes idea for both indoors and outdoors. Pug Dog Paws - Do you pay attention to your Pug's paws? If not, you should. Read about common paw issues and what you can do to prevent them and keep the paws in great shape. Pug Dog Care Tips - A great round-up of top tips and advice to take good care of your Pug puppy or adult dog. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pug biting Stubborn Temperament The great thing is that not every Pug owner is going to struggle with these issues. From my personal experience of owning one, Mindy had a great personality. Yes, she had some issues, but not a ton of issues that made me regret the decision of getting a Pug. Pugs are sociable dogs that love human companionship. Mindy was overly dependent and wherever I was, she was right there at my feet. There were a couple of times when I almost tripped over her because she was right under my feet. Whenever they whine, ignore their behavior and turn your back. You can also give them a treat when they stop whining and praise them. Eventually, they will realize that they get rewarded when they are not whining. The lack of a regular routine can lead to separation anxiety issues. This will help calm them down so they know what to expect. It takes time to get your dog to calm down, but with patience and love, you can eventually get your dog to calm down and understand your daily routines. Uncontrollable Barking Barking is a form of communication and also a way to alert you of danger. The great thing is that you can teach your dog to stop barking so much or not bark at all. After doing this several times, she stopped barking and developed a little dove cry when she wanted something. It was cute and it was nice to know that you could actually teach Pugs not to bark. Just remember, it takes patience and a lot of practice to get them to stop that excessive barking. Jumping on People Pugs love attention, at least ours did. When she was about 4 years old, she had a bad habit of jumping on people because she wanted them to pet her. Whenever someone came over, she would jump on them. We hated this behavior problem because we realized that not everyone likes dogs. We realized that dogs usually jump when they are excited or have too much energy. So, we started taking Mindy for long walks and made sure that she got plenty of exercise. This helped us get her to stop that unwanted behavior. Growling Issues A Pug is a has a docile temperament, but there are times when they may growl at you such as when they are eating or playing with their favorite toy. You may not think anything about it, but growling is a form of aggression, that needs to be dealt with. According to experts, growling is usually a form of communication. At times you may experience the growling issues if they are experiencing some type of pain. Unfortunately, Pugs have quite a bit of health issues and as they get older, they may experience aches and pains that can cause them to growl. Pug Dominance Issues Pugs are stubborn dogs and if you let them, they will try to become an alpha dog. You have to let them know that you are in control and they have to listen to what you want them to do. One thing we noticed about Mindy was she loved chewing the strings of our rugs and our hair when we laid down with her. A puppy chews to help them relieve the pain from incoming adult teeth. The best thing you can do is buy them chew toys that they can chew on to help them relieve the pain. Check out some of the best chew toys for Pugs that will help stop this destructive behavior. Older pets will chew if they are bored or dealing with separation anxiety issues. One of the best ways to get them to stop is to give them their favorite toy. If they are bored and have too much energy, put a harness on them and take them for a long walk. Pug Biting According to Canine Journal , over 4. They also have a tendency to bite if they are scared, feeling protective of if they are not feeling well. This is important to know if you have children and they are playing with the family pet. The dog can become excited and accidentally nip them while playing. If this happens, make sure that your dog understands this behavior is not acceptable. They are extremely adorable with those wrinkles. All puppies love to bite and let me tell you, it hurts! We also had to deal with issues of stubbornness with Mindy. This can make training them challenging. However, every pet owner needs to learn how to discipline their pet. No parent would let their kids run their household, you set rules that need to be followed. The same goes with your furbaby, you need to set the rules you want them to follow. Frequently Asked Questions Are Pugs territorial? However, every dog has its own unique personality. Some people have had to deal with aggressive territorial issues when they added a second Pug to their household or a dog that is the same sex. Dogs are fairly easy to train if you can stay persistent and train them properly. The most important thing is to make sure that you start training them and correct bad behavior as soon as you see it. You May Also Like. March 30, by Susan Most dogs usually have a hyperedge to them, but some can be a bit too hyper for most people. Seasoned pug owners can all come to agree that their dogs can be pretty active and curious most of the day, and that can raise questions for new and confused pug owners. Why Are Pugs So Hyper? Hyperactivity affects all puppies, regardless of breed. Excessive hyperactivity in pugs is usually a result of extreme excitement or reaction to someone or something else being hyper as well. Pugs are companion dogs, therefore they are more susceptible to separation anxiety , which may lead to excessive hyperactivity. It is most detectable in puppies, but it can also affect adult pugs too. Pugs with high energy can be very active and even aggressive, but this is completely normal. It just means that it will happen less often, as older dogs will just want to cuddle next to their owner. The zoomies are considered to be normal behavior for breeds like pugs. With that being said, there is no need to be too concerned about it, especially since it only lasts for a few minutes at a time. There is still a need to be a bit cautious though, as too much activity can get out of hand fast. What Triggers Frenetic Random Activity Periods in Pugs As mentioned above, pugs can get pretty excited from the sight of someone or something else getting excited. If people are being playful and fun with one another, the pug will want to join in and get in on the action as well. It is just a natural part of their DNA. Pugs can also become really excited and hyper when certain things in the atmosphere make noise or commotion. This includes things like doorbells, people, kids, and more. Most pugs will react by squealing or running around the area. Another thing that can easily trigger the zoomies in most pugs is bath time. Many Pug owners will tell you that your pooch can become overly animated after bath time. This hyper behavior is an expression of happiness that the bath is over. That is usually because dog bathing requires the owner to restrain the dog for a while and use water that may be uncomfortable for them. This can easily make any dog pretty stressed out and fearful. When the bath is over, they are relieved. Mindy my Pug would get the zoomies whenever we would try to dry her off with a towel after her bath. An episode of hyperactivity will involve a short burst of energy when your pooch runs around in a wild run. Here are some of the signs to watch for your Pug has a case of the zoomies. They suddenly break into a gallop from standing still. Excited eyes A squatted run like they are going to attack something. They will run in tight turns and spins to change direction quickly. Watch this video to see what the zoomies look like. Are Zoomies Dangerous? However, if you live in a small space, your dog can knock over things and make a mess in their frenzy. They may slip on a rug or your hardwood floors and bump into your coffee table, or other furniture and hurt themselves. As a Pug parent, there are some things you can do to help control this type of behavior to keep them safe. Some pet owners will notice their Pugs become more hyper at night or in the early morning hours. A hyperactive Pug can be hard to calm down, but it is possible to settle your dog down. A long day of playing and exercise will make the dog tired at the end of the day. In that case, it is best to try to set up some sort of playtime area or routine that the pug can do to keep itself entertained for a certain amount of time during the day. If you have a fenced-in backyard, you can install a pet door and allow Fido to play outside, just make sure there are no dangers in your backyard. That gives the owner a break and the pug the ability to exercise and wear itself out. Another good idea would be to take it to a dog park for a day of fun and exercise. It is best to try to reach for 30 minutes of daily exercise. This can be easily achieved with two 15 minute walks or two 15 minutes games of fetch. Create a Daily Routine If a pug is working on a daily routine with the owner, this may help lower stress and anxiety. It is best to try to stick to a consistent and easy schedule from morning to night. Include everything from waking up and eating breakfast to settling down and eating dinner. Routines usually help dogs get a sense of belonging and comfort since they know what to expect of the day. Some pug owners can tell what time of day the zoomies usually happen. Some pugs get it in the morning while others get it at night. If that can be identified, give the pug a distraction at that time to settle down. Separation Anxiety You can usually find various techniques and tips online to help lessen separation anxiety with pugs. Smart toys and interactive toys may be perfect for this type of dilemma. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it will subside as they become older. References And Further Reading. Last Words Are Pugs Hyper? Yes, they can be. Why Are Pugs Hyper? There are tons of reasons why your Pug might behave in a hyperactive way and each pet is different. If your Pug is feeling excited they will make a show and dance about it. In fact, most dog breeds experience periods of hyperactivity. This kind of behavior is nothing to worry about — especially if your Pug is still young. These bursts of activity usually last for just a few minutes so unless your Pug is displaying an excessive amount of hyperactivity on a daily basis, you can rest easy. Typical triggers for the zoomies include: Excitement — did the doorbell ring? Is the postman round the corner? Whatever gets your Pug excited could trigger the zoomies. Queue hyperactivity. Anxiety — Does your Pug get the zoomies every time you arrive home from work? This is not uncommon. Pugs are prone to separation anxiety. Having a bath can be uncomfortable and stressful for dogs. Once the job is done they will celebrate their freedom. Some Pugs will run all around the house, others will spin in circles, and some will jump here and everywhere. Check out this video. Pablo the Pug has the zoomies! When people get a Pug puppy for the first time, they often ask me: will my Pug ever calm down? And the answer is yes. Although it can carry on into adulthood, canine hyperactivity is most prevalent in puppies. This is a natural and important part of puppyhood. Most Pug puppies will start to calm down as they mature. They will still get the zoomies from time to time, but the days of their puppyish antics should diminish considerably. In most cases, the zoomies are nothing to worry about. Random bouts of hyperactivity are part and parcel of being a dog. The zoomies are usually over in a few minutes, and your Pug should remain relatively calm for the rest of the day. However, there are some practical considerations to take note of. Many Pug owners find that they can predict when their pup is going to get a bout of the zoomies, giving them a window to remove any hazards ahead of time. How To Keep Pug Hyperactivity At Bay Even though periods of hyperactivity are completely normal, there are some things we can do to keep our Pugs as calm as possible and moderate that frenetic behavior. Regular exercise Daily exercise and playtime will use up your Pugs excess energy and reduce the chance of a hyperactive episode. Aim for between 20 and 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Aim to split this into two e. Once they are all tuckered out, your Pug will just want to snuggle on the sofa with mum or dad. If you spend a significant amount of the day away at work then try to ensure that your Pug has plenty of opportunities to engage in independent play. You might wish to create a designated play area or provide some treat-dispensing toys. Daily routines Keeping to a solid routine is really beneficial for Pug behavior. Routines alleviate stress and anxiety and promote consistent behaviors. By reducing stressors, your Pug is less likely to indulge in anxiety-driven hyperactivity. Additionally, if you know when your Pug is likely to act out, you can provide a fun distraction to divert their attention. Socialization Socialization with people and other dogs is essential for healthy canine development. Socializing provides mental and physical stimulation and makes use of all that excess energy. If not, why not buddy up with a dog-owner friend or visit a dog park a few times each week. Reduce anxiety For some Pugs, the key to reducing hyperactivity is treating the root of the problem — anxiety. As social animals, Pugs are particularly prone to separation anxiety. Finding ways to minimize the distress your pet feels will help them to calm down. Distractions are great that could be a fun toy or puzzle. Some Pug owners have even tried canine aromatherapy. Last Words Are Pugs hyper? Yes, they certainly can be. But a moderate amount of hyperactivity is nothing to worry about. Most of the time the zoomies die down after puppyhood. However, there are ways to keep hyperactive behaviors at bay. Exercise, moderating anxiety, adequate socialization, and consistent daily routines can make the world of difference. What Do I Do? Oct 13, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. What do I do? One reader says: We have a 7 month old Bichon Maltese mix puppy…potty training is going very badly. We do everything that is recommended. We use a crate. We reward her after she does her business outside. We have her on a regular feeding schedule. She still routinely pees and poops inside including in her crate. She is showing no improvement. We have had many dogs and trained lots of puppies in the past. Out of control? Lack of exercise — Raven has gotten less exercise recently. Are you exercising your dog regularly? Are you working on new things with your dog daily? Did something change in your life? Dog Breed — Raven is a Golden Retriever, an energetic sporting breed. Understanding your breed may help you put together a better training plan for your uncontrollable dog. Health — Raven is in great health — there could be some underlying health issues. Recently my wife and I took a vacation and left Stetson and Raven with my parents. When we returned home we were told that Stetson was a good boy, but Raven was out of control. She definitely still has some puppy in her. Raven is not untrainable, but she can be out of control. So how can I get my dog to calm down? I decided to focus on how to keep Raven under control when new visitors come to the house. Sit-Stay before eating her meals. Lay down nicely while we have meals. Focus on one behavior at a time — We want to focus specifically on keeping Raven calm when guests come over to the house. We have 2-month-old twins and we have visitors all the time. Our plan is to have her go to her mat or bed, use a tie-down, and give her a puzzle toy or bully stick for the first 10 minutes when people come over. This will give her a chance to have a calm energy when greeting new guests. Time to get back into a daily exercise routine to get some of that pent-up energy out. Make sure everyone in the house is on the same page — Training was easier when it was just me. Now we have my wife, the in-laws, and my parents over regularly. Six steps! Are Some Dogs Really Untrainable? Hmmm…well, I never want to say never, but we have never oops! Some dogs are definitely more difficult than others. Some dog breeds are known to be more difficult to train. An interesting read, Coren includes a list of top dog breeds ranking in obedience and working intelligence. Hint: the breeds we most commonly train as Service Dogs: German Shepherds 3 , Golden Retrievers 4 , and Labrador Retrievers 7 are all considered highly intelligent. Our reader should take a step back and start from the beginning with crate and potty training. My recommendation would be to review these articles.
Black, silver, apricot or fawn, with black muzzle and ears Size Height: 25 cm — 30 cm Weight: 6. Originally bred to be a lap dog, these small but sturdy dogs are known for their large round heads, large, protruding eyes, short noses and deep and distinct face wrinkles. These wrinkled brows also result in very humanised facial expressions like happiness, curiosity and surprise. Pugs come in three colours, silver, apricot with a black muzzle and ears or all black. They also have high set, tightly curled tails and fine, smooth, glossy coats. Pugs are known for their stubborn personalities and are often difficult to train. They carry themselves with dignity and play well with others but are also happy being the only pooch in your family. These dogs are also incredibly adaptable and make a great house pet. They can be happy in the city or the countryside and make great companions for both children and older people because of their sturdy bodies and loving nature. Pugs may be playful, but as a typically sedentary dog, they are happy to just sit in your lap or receive a nice cuddle. It is typically easy for pugs to get along with your other pets, making them a great addition to your family. Pugs love their food and will overeat if you let them. The breed is prone to becoming overweight, so it is important to monitor their diet and exercise carefully. Mild climates are best for them, making the UK a perfect home for your new furry friend. Pugs have short fur, but they have what is called a double coat. This also means that pugs shed quite a lot and require a lot of grooming. Brushing their coat as regularly as every three days with a soft bristle comb can help this. Bath time with your pug Pugs should be bathed once every three to four weeks. You should however clean their ears , eyes, and in between their wrinkles multiple times a week. Their wrinkles, as adorable as they may be, are prone to yeast infections. How much exercise does a pug need? However, this is a lively and intelligent breed, so pugs do need both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and prone to heat sensitivity and should be observed for heatstroke during hot weather. Your pug should not be exercised during the hottest part of the day, so exercising either early morning or late evening time is advisable. How much does a pug cost? The big price range is largely due to differing demands depending on fur colour, size, and age. As puppies are more in demand, they are more expensive. This also applies to teacup pugs; these small dogs are highly sought after for their small frames. The apricot coloured pugs with black muzzles and ears are the most popular coat colour and as a result, breeders will typically charge more for them as well. For Pedigree dogs such as pugs, it is important to find a reputable breeder. This means your dog will have been bred ethically and for good health rather than trendy physical features. What health problems can a pug experience? This causes folds and wrinkles which obstructs the airways. They will breathe heavily and noisily. Pain when swallowing and regurgitating food can also be symptoms. Surgery to remove the excess tissue is the only way to treat BAOS. The problem can be managed by keeping the dog at a healthy weight. Hemivertebrae A hemivertebra is a deformed vertebra backbone , which is caused by the fusing of two or more vertebrae, or it develops unevenly. This causes a wedging effect that twists and compresses the spine. Signs of the condition include weakness of hind limbs, pain and incontinence. Some dogs can live with hemivertebrae and not experience any of these symptoms. Rest and anti-inflammatories can be helpful for mild cases. Severe cases will need surgery to relieve the compression on the spinal cord. Keratoconjunctivitis Dry eye This condition develops when there is a problem with the tear glands. A lack of tears causes dry eyes, which are sore and often become infected or damaged. Treatments vary but they all aim to prevent the eyes from drying out. If left untreated, scarring and pigmentation will occur, which can lead to blindness. Affected dogs will hop rather than use the affected leg and are prone to other knee-related injuries. In some cases, the problem is temporary, but usually surgery is needed to correct the alignment. Looking to buy a new Pug? Explore our Pug insurance policies today. Insurance for dogs Share this with your friends As with all insurances terms and conditions, monetary levels, excesses and exclusions apply. For full details of cover and exclusions please refer to the Policy Document. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Be first to know the latest deals. They have distinctive physical features characterized by a wrinkled face and a compact square body. These companion dogs have been around since BC. Over the years, they have grown to become a fashionable breed. Below is a detailed look at everything you need to know about pugs. History Pugs are one of the oldest breeds. They are originally from China and date back to the Han Dynasty. Some historians believe they were related to the Tibetian Mastiff. Pugs were highly valued by ancient Chinese emperors. Such that, they had luxurious accommodations and were even guarded by soldiers. They were also popular in Tibet and Japan. In fact, they were welcome in Buddhist monasteries for companionship. The first pug entered Europe in the early s, as trade between China and Europe began to open up. The short-nosed animals quickly became a favorite among the royals. Over the years, they spread worldwide and have become a popular pet breed in the modern world. Pugs are a part of the American Kennel Club. Pug Life Expectancy On average, pugs have an year life expectancy, with females having a longer lifespan than males. Their lifespan can be cut short by accidents, diseases, or lack of care. However, with proper care, they can outlive their estimated life span. Physical Features Pugs have a square, compact, and square body with well-developed muscles. Their chest is relatively wide. They have a fine, smooth, and glossy fur coat, and their tail is curled upwards over the hips. Some are black, while others are different shades of brown, ranging from light brown, tan, silver fawn to apricot fawn. A pug dog has a distinctive face. It is wrinkly and short. Their ears are small and circular, while their deep brown eyes bulge out. Their ears either have a button or rose shape. Most of those bred in the US have button-style ears. Another distinctive feature is that their teeth have an underbite — the lower teeth protrude outwards more than the upper teeth. Their legs are short and strong, and they sit well under the rest of the body. The ankles are also strong and provide adequate support for the body. They have small feet and toes. The toes are well split-up, and they have black nails. Generally, they are small animals classified under the toy group. Adults weigh no more than 20 pounds, with males heavier than females. On average, they weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and grow to a height of 10 to 11 inches. Personality Pugs have an outgoing, loving disposition. They do well with kids, adults, and other pets. However, they can be strong-willed at times but not aggressive. They are fond of children and often play with them. Pugs thrive on human companionship and require lots of quality time. They like to follow you around or sit on your lap. They respond to your mood by either being docile and quiet or playful and teasing. With that said, some pugs are shy and a little aggressive. You may come across one that likes to hide in the corner or bite his littermates. Growth and Development of Pugs Pug pregnancies are on average 63 days long, with pugs per litter. However, a range of pug puppies per litter is considered normal. Newborn pugs, like other dog breeds, do not have any senses and cannot move their legs. They are completely blind and fully reliant on their mothers in the first two weeks. Due to the natural makeup of their face, they may have difficulty breathing. Within weeks, they gain their senses and can move around. Pugs are considered puppies in the first year only. They portray curious and mischievous behavior at this age as they are excited and eager to explore the world. They may present some puppy behaviors in the second year, but their personality tends to be a bit mellow. The age for a senior pug starts at years when they become less excitable and may develop mobility and breathing difficulties. While it is still important to ensure they exercise at this age, only provide moderate exercise. Finding the Perfect Pug There are several ways of becoming a pug owner, including buying one from a breeder or adopting from a rescue center. Whichever option you choose, you want to vet the pug to ensure it is healthy and has favorable genetics. Ask the pug breeder or rescue center for a health history, vaccination records, and history of the pet. Keep in mind that, unlike a reputable breeder who will have a detailed record and history of the pug puppy, a rescue center or puppy mill will not have that much information. Do not buy pugs over the internet without meeting the breeder and seeing the dog in person. They require specialized vet care to prevent or catch the diseases in the early stages for effective treatment. They also need to stay up to date with the various vaccines. Below is a look at some of the most common pug diseases. Common Pug Diseases and Health Problems While some pug health problems are due to their anatomical structure, others are unexplainable. For instance, the protruding nature of their eyes predisposes them to dryness and a myriad of eye infections, such as proptosis, distichiasis, and pigmentary keratitis. Similarly, the folds on their face are susceptible to infections such as skin fold dermatitis due to the accumulation of moisture and dirt. These flat-faced dogs are short-snouted with elongated palates. These features can restrict airflow when breathing. They are prone to respiratory health issues such as brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BAOS and pharyngeal gag reflex. These conditions cause laborious breathing, and in some cases, the dog may pass out due to blocked airways. It is an inflammation of the brain common in other small dog breeds, such as the Maltese, Yorkshire terrier, and chihuahua. The disease has no cure, and although it is linked to genetics, scientists have not yet established its exact cause. Other common diseases in pugs include: Obesity. November 19, iStock. Just look at them! These little dogs have wrinkly, happy faces and delightful personalities. Instantly recognizable for their smushed-in faces, expressive bug eyes and curlicue tails, the Pug dog breed can be traced back more than 2, years when they were the highly regarded pets of Chinese emperors. While Pugs undoubtedly are adorable and popular dogs, knowing a bit about the breed before bringing one home is essential to ensure that the pup will be a good fit for you and your family. While cute, their face shape requires some maintenance and are responsible for some of the health issues that Pugs tend to face. Pugs also are known to be prolific shedders, so managing their coats takes a little extra work. Invest in a good de-shedding dog brush and consider bathing your Pug with shed-control shampoo, like the Shed-X dog shampoo. Pugs Can Suffer From Breathing Problems Pugs can suffer from breathing issues associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this syndrome have shorter noses than most dogs, and while this gives Pugs their adorable smushy-faced appearance, it also means that they must work harder to breathe than their longer-snouted brethren. Brachycephalic issues can include shortened airways, a narrowed trachea and nasal passages, as well as issues with the soft palate and voice box. Wylie says. Wylie also recommends walking Pugs on a dog harness to limit pressure placed on the upper airways and trachea. If a Pug sounds like the right fit for your family, Dr. Wylie recommends establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early on to see if your dog may need surgery related to brachycephalic syndrome. Pugs Are Prone to Weight Gain Pugs are hearty, muscular little guys, and they are prone to weight gain. There are foods, like the Royal Canin Pug dog food, specially formulated for Pugs to help them maintain a healthy weight. Wylie adds. By Kate Hughes. The Ultimate Guide to Pets Share Sure, pugs are adorable, but they also have some unique characteristics. Here are some things to consider before you adopt one. When I first saw Rosie, I knew we were soul mates. She came bounding into the kitchen, tongue lolling and eyes bulging, and gave me a big wet pug kiss on my nose. I was hooked. Fast forward two days and I learned what a lot of new pug owners discover quickly: she never leaves my side. A few months later, I learned the breed has some other unique traits. So, before you decide to go pug wild here are 10 things you should know. They will follow you around everywhere. If you're someone who would get irritated by lap dog behaviour, think twice about getting a pug. Whether I'm taking a quick jaunt to the kitchen or a trip to the bathroom, Rosie is right by my side, curly tail wagging. And then when I sit down, she wants to be right up on my lap. They're prone to health problems. Pugs aren't health nightmares but "they can have a variety of health issues, which, if you're not familiar with, can lead to devastating results," says Blanche Axton, president of the board at Pugalug Pug Rescue in Toronto. Things to be watch for include: - eye scratches - a higher-than-normal tendency to react to vaccines - eye- and nose-fold care - breathing problems In short, pugs can be high-maintenance canines. Get familiar with their health issues and research their breeder before you adopt Fido. They need a lot of attention. Any dog needs your time and attention to be a happy pet, but many pugs require more face time than other dogs. They're not couch potatoes mostly. While they do enjoy naps, pugs thrive on activity, including regular playtime and walks. So if you work hour days, find a dog walker because a pug can't hold its small bladder for that long. They shed—a lot. Need proof? Come to my home and take a look at the carpet, couch, chairs, kitchen, clothes and bed…. They can be intrusive. Pugs are what I like to call "space invaders. They're smart. Just because they haven't been bred to be work dogs, doesn't mean pugs are stupid. Pugs can be trained just as easily as other dogs, including agility, scent detection, tracking and working with seniors. Axton recounts that she had a pug named Pete who, "ended up being a palliative dog, working with people who were at the end stages of their life. They can take time to house train. Pugs aren't fond of inclement weather, so you may have to deal with a dog that refuses to go to the bathroom during a snowstorm. Take the time to reinforce outdoor pottying, no matter how much they resist going outside Sticking to a schedule will help your pug learn what he or she should be doing. Remember, pugs respond to positive reinforcement, not punishment. Pugs are motivated by food, so give yours a treat and lots of praise when he or she goes potty outside. They will eat almost anything. I've seen Rosie eat sticks, gum, doughnuts, pasta noodles and even lollipops wrapper included. Pugs are food driven and they won't give up their treat easily if you're trying to get them to drop it. To avoid a trip to the vet, make sure not to leave food lying around. They're total love bugs. Once you get a pug, he or she will be your bestie for life. They love belly rubs, head scratches, giving kisses and snuggling with their human, and they will gaze at you as if you're the best person in the world. Give them the love they deserve and they will love you forever. I've had Rosie for two and a half years and despite her quirks, I don't regret having her in my life for a second. You could say she has me wrapped around her little paw. If you're looking to adopt or buy any dog, research the breed to avoid heartaches and headaches. Head over to the Pug Club of Canada, recommends Axton. Come prepared with questions, such as what the dog's temperament is like, what kind of health testing they've done and if they've seen any health problems with the parents. Or if your cat is anxious? Our pet experts reveal what your pet's feeling. Caring for your Pug Pugs can be highly entertaining dogs due to their big personalities and clownish nature. They generally do well in family environments where they have lots of company all of the time as they love to spend time with everybody. Pugs and barking As with any dog, your Pug is likely to make noise in one form or another. How much your dog barks will be down to them as an individual. Training and socialisation When it comes to training Pugs, although they are a clever breed they can also be very strong willed. Training needs to be ongoing and firm but fair. You can start positive, reward-based training from day one, whether you get your Pug old or young. Exercise Pugs can be prone to gaining weight that can make breathing problems worse, so it is important to keep them active and avoid any weight gain. Your Pug will need up to an hour of exercise a day. This should include shorter walks, with extra playtime and lots of brain-stimulating activities. Several shorter walks throughout the day can help to stop them from becoming too tired or overheated, which is a great way to keep them active throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your Pug as they can tire easily due to their difficulties getting enough oxygen. As soon as you start to notice them struggling to breathe, stop and make sure they get enough of a rest. You will also need to avoid exercising them in the heat as this can cause even more problems since they can be at higher risk of heatstroke. Grooming Even though their coats are short, Pugs can still shed loads. Luckily, they tend to love being groomed as it means a lot of attention all on them. Pay close attention to the folds in their skin, as these are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections if left damp. You can teach your Pug from an early age to love tooth brushing and nail clipping so you can keep those pearly whites and paws in great condition. Pugs and children Pugs adore company and really love people of all ages. They often get on well with children, especially if the Pug loves to play. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Always supervise children and vulnerable people with your Pug and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. Pugs and other pets Pugs are known for getting along well with other pets and dogs. Introductions still need to be done carefully, though, just in case. Good, kind training will also help them become well-rounded dogs that keep calm in new situations. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards for breeding. See our advice on what you need to know about flat faced pets and how to choose a healthier pedigree pet. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, some centres will vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will have already neutered the dogs they rehome where appropriate. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or if your dog outgrows them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catching any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. A group of Pugs is called a grumble! Pugs are an ancient breed, dating back to Ancient China where they were bred for Emperors. Pugs were bred to be companions, which is why they love people so much. Getting a Pug Do plenty of research before you get a Pug. Although they are loveable and friendly, they are sadly likely to get a lot of health issues more so than many other breeds. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Pug. Breed-specific rescues specialising in Pugs are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any existing health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will have been well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if a Pug is the right pet for you? Pugs grow to between 10 and 13 inches tall, weighing in between 14 and 18 pounds. Character: The Pug temperament is friendly, loving and adaptable - Pug puppies are the perfect best friend to their humans and have been for centuries. The short, glossy coat is prone to malting, so a quick, weekly brush should do the trick, along with regular nail trimming. Pugs experience chronic dry eyes which can often lead to corneal ulcers, plus like many flat-faced dog breeds, they suffer from breathing problems. With a happy-go-lucky disposition, Pugs should be trained with positive reinforcement which these dog training treats are particularly handy for , and should never be harshly punished like any pooch, of course. Energy levels: Well-established lap dogs of the human world, Pugs and Pug puppies would happily snuggle up with their pack all day long with the odd playtime , if they had their way. But due to their short snouts, Pugs are prone to snoring, so if your pooch sleeps near you, you may want to invest in ear plugs! Below is their slightly unfortunate squashed snout which sadly causes various health issues , along with an endearing over-shot jaw, whereby the lower teeth jut out slightly further than the top. Around these unmistakable Pug features are a set of adorable wrinkles that set in rather early! Now onto that stout, stocky body. And when it comes to Pug colors, white Pugs are incredibly rare, while black Pug puppies along with fawn and sometimes brindle are much more common. How to take care of a Pug puppy Pug puppies when not napping or pining for snacks , like their adult counterparts, will happily follow you around the house between naps. Due to their snooze-loving nature, Pugs are pretty low maintenance, mainly after pet parents who are willing to share the love and attention they crave. Along with TLC, what about feeding and training your Pug puppy? And feeding your puppy Pug is no exception. So, how much should you be feeding your puppy Pug? As a general rule, try to stick to around one ounce of food per one pound of body weight. So, a positive reinforcement-based potty training regime will be your best bet. A good potty training routine starts the night before - to avoid any unwanted accidents, take your puppy outside right before bed to remind them that the outdoors is where the toilet is. Then in the morning, take your pooch out first thing so that they associate the outdoors with going to the toilet. Then during the day and especially in the early puppy days , take your pooch outside every 30 minutes to an hour. This will help your new pup to understand that going to the toilet happens outside. Many parents will opt for puppy matt training, which can be useful in the early stages of puppyhood. Well it helps your pup to understand that only parts of your living area are right for toileting. Some pet parents will also opt for crate-based toilet training. This can be effective for teaching your puppy to avoid going to the toilet in the space they associate with sleeping and relaxing. And while each pooch is different, there are a few you can look out for. And while this might be their downfall in some ways, it can be beneficial for training scenarios. So when puppy training , take a positive reinforcement-based approach, rewarding your pup when they behave in the way you intended. Getting a Pug puppy Like with any pooch, welcoming a Pug puppy into your home is a forever responsibility. Before making the decision, be sure to learn as much about the breed as possible, making sure that you, your home and the rest of your pack are right for these spunky little cuties. The result? Many cute Pug puppies and adults are waiting in shelters for forever homes. When do Pug puppies calm down? Do Pug puppies sleep a lot? If you thought adult Pugs liked their sleep, puppy Pugs are on a whole other level! For the first five months or so, Pugs will sleep between a whopping 18 and 20 hours per day. How much exercise does my Pug puppy need? Great question! Especially for new pet parents, gauging how much movement your pup needs can be challenging. Find out their exercise needs and balance it with meals, snacks and training for a happy, healthy Pug pup. Pugs Are Royalty In ancient times, pugs were bred as companions for Chinese emperors. Later, they lived with ruling families in the Netherlands. Get a Lint Roller Pugs shed… a lot! Some pugs even come with double coats, meaning they have both an undercoat and topcoat of fur. Make sure you stock up on lint rollers, and invest in a good vacuum cleaner. See here to learn how to deal with a shedding pug. On your lap, in your bed, even at your feet while you use the bathroom. Get used to never being alone again, and forget about your personal space. Feeling Hot Hot Hot Like all flat-faced breeds, pugs sometimes have breathing issues. They do best in moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Here are some tips on how to help them stay cool. Their big eyes can lead to corneal ulcers or dry eye, their smushed face can lead to breathing issues, and their wrinkles must be cleaned. Trips to the vet for general check-ups are a must, along with regular grooming nail trims, wrinkle wipes, and ear cleanings. They live to eat, and are prone to obesity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are super important, as is watching their weight. Always use positive reinforcement when training them, but definitely expect some push back. Learn to Love the Pug Symphony Pugs wheeze, snort, sneeze, and snore. These creatures will keep you laughing, and put a smile on your face every single day. They give unconditional love, and make great family dogs. Their size, temperament, and great personalities make them the perfect pet. Photo by Pets by Petra Do you have a pug? If so, what makes them great?
what size harness for a labrador puppy - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:.
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what size harness for a labrador puppy - As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds. Bruno's 14th week—20 weeks old, 47 pounds, 21 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. Although it had been a challenge to get Bruno to walk by another barking dog without him getting very excited and pulling toward the dog, I am happy to say he is getting much better with this. He has been learning to ignore and just walk. Bruno went on a walk with a week-old Shepherd puppy and of course his older sister Allie. All dogs did well, however Bruno was a bit harder to walk with the other puppy that another person was walking because he wanted to play. A half-hour into the walk he settled down and walked much more nicely. Bruno is just a pup with a lot of energy unlike my older dog Allie, who walks quite a bit slower. Allie the Boxer is 7 years old, has arthritis in both knees and has had two hip surgeries in the past. Therefore, while Bruno likes a fast pace, Allie needs a slower pace. In the beginning of our walks I feel as if I am constantly reminding Bruno to slow down with a short tug on the lead and dragging Allie along behind me, making her walk faster than she should. She seems a bit sore after a walk. I went out and got Bruno a dog backpack to help slow him down and make his walks more meaningful. I put a couple of water bottles inside the pack for Bruno to carry. Bruno tries out his new backpack for the first time. His very first reaction was "Mommy put a brand new toy on my back! A couple of short corrections and Bruno realized it was not a toy and started to walk very nicely with it on his back. Isn't he handsome?! Bruno's first walk with his backpack, and boy what a difference! I put two oz. Bruno appeared to be concentrating on carrying the pack and did not walk faster than his sister could keep up with. It's amazing how just a simple backpack can slow a dog down, giving them a sense of a job along with a better workout. Allie's also happier, as she can walk at her own pace. Bruno and Allie after their walk. Bad-Puppy Moments The only piece of furniture we allow Bruno to jump up on is the glider out on the porch. I was standing there when Bruno jumped up on it. He then started casually biting on it. He looked at me. Then he started chewing a different part of the glider! Once again, "Aaaatttt!! Dogs are all about the moment and what they are doing at the exact time of correction. I had told Bruno he was not allowed to chew the arm of the glider, so he decided to chew the base. Remember the half a sponge I found last week? Well, I found another piece to it, which shows promise that Bruno didn't eat the sponge, just chewed it all up and spread out the pieces. More Sponges Found What happened to my puppy breath? He looked so cute sitting there, so I went over and sat down next to him. Bruno gave me a big lick on the neck and YUCK, his breath smelled like a skunk! What were you into this time?! The next day, when I bent down to hug my big, cute puppy, his breath smelled like dog poop! Must you eat all that other crap?