a black pug puppy

a black pug puppy

A Goldendoodle with a rare Parti coat Chocolate and white. Note the dense wavy coat that is almost curly. F1 Goldendoodles are puppies with a golden retriever mother and a standard poodle father. F1b Goldendoodles are puppies with a Goldendoodle mother and a standard poodle father. This is good news for potential pet owners with allergies searching for that perfect pup. Their website is also helpful as it provides suggestions for healthy, holistic approaches to raising your doodles. Visit their site for adorable close-up shots of their available pups. Pricing updates and availability information is also found there. Their many accomplishments are documented on their website. So are their upcoming events and competitions. Puppies start their wonderful lives in a quiet room and are later moved into the socialization phase when they are ready. Stone Run Standard Poodles do not believe in kennels and all of their puppies interact with their families and people. Stone Run Standard Poodles are vaccinated and given a full health evaluation. They are laser-focused on preserving purebred standard poodles. Photos of their poodles and application information are available on their website. Poodle Puppy Details. Usually a teacup is any dog weighing less than 4 lbs when fully grown. Temperament: The Poodle is one of the most intelligent breeds out there. They are extremely quick to learn tricks and commands, and are also very loyal and close to their master. High value treat rewards while training are a good way to do this. They are a very sweet breed, always chipper and cheerful. They tend to be comical and entertaining, since they enjoy praise and attention. Poodle puppies for sale in PA are very good with children and with other pets and make wonderful lapdogs, although they do enjoy outdoor activity and can keep up with an active family. Grooming: For long coats, brushing is needed daily. Also keep ears clean and free from hair. For shorter coats, regular clipping is recommended every weeks. Shedding: Poodles are a non-shedding dog, which means they might shed little to no hair, so they are ideal for a person with asthma or allergies. Larger Poodles have been represented in paintings as far back as the 1st Century. All three sizes of this breed were officially recognized by the AKC for the first time in

Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. She has beauty radiating off of her from every angle. Bonnie has gorgeous crystal blue captivating eyes that are beyond velveteen rare. Baby Bonnie is truly a once in lifetime German Shepherd. We frequently save Black German Shepherds. In fact every month we meet people who are looking specially for a Black German Shepherd Dog. To help someone adopt a Black German Shepherd we evaluate their temperament and then place them in a loving foster home. Every month we meet a family that is looking for this most beautiful of dogs. Probably the main reason we are involved in Black German Shepherd Adoption is that we love the breed. Over one hundred years later the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty, trainability and strength. With the right owners they are magnificent family dogs. They are active dogs that need attention and a consistent owner. If you do right by your German Shepherd you will rewarded with the loyalty of one of the most amazing dogs. Our team has saved thousands of dogs over many years. Like you, we love German Shepherds. We are proud that none of our dogs go to kennels and that we can place them all in loving foster homes before they go to their forever homes with their new family. However, we also have volunteers on the Peninsula and South Bay. By considering a Black German Shepherd Adoption you are saving a life. Sadly, there are some unscrupulous breeders causing many to be unwanted and abandoned and that is where we and you come in. Thank you for thinking about Black German Shepherd Adoption. We love it when a family does adopt a Black German Shepherds, they have a very distinctive look. Home German shepherds for sale The German Shepherd is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. Our main objective at Royal German Shepherd is to produce the best German Shepherd litters of puppies for sale in the world. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany. As a German Shepherd breeder of German Shepherd puppies for sale, we strive to be consistent with the quality of our German Shepherd puppies for sale which means breeding with top rated German Shepherd breeding stock of some of the best German Shepherds in the world. Breeding quality German Shepherd puppies is our passion and we are committed to offering our clients excellent German Shepherd puppies for sale with a dedication to increasing the quality of puppies with each selective breeding. Our German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale are excellent for families —good with children, adaptable to any environment. Our German Shepherd puppies have super character, rich black and red color and of course sound temperament. They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German Shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. As a German Shepherd breeder, we strive to breed German Shepherd puppies for sale that will have rich black and red color along with excellent temperament and structure. We also breed our German Shepherd dogs to produce puppies for sale that are good for sport and show and excellent with families. Our German Shepherds puppies for sale are intelligent and eager to please their owners. We specialize in German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale for Family, companionship or working dosg and we can ship our German shepherd litters of puppies for sale and our German Shepherd adult dogs for sale worldwide. Royal German Shepherd is a highly regarded German Shepherd Breeder and has German shepherd litters for sale all throughout the year. We are the best select German Shepherd breeders producing German Shepherd litters for sale for family, show, or companion dogs. Focusing on super character, rich black and red shepherds. We are the premier, select German Shepherd breeder in North America, producing strong, sound, healthy German Shepherd Puppies for family, show, or companion dogs. Focusing on super character, rich black and red German Shepherd puppies for sale. We breed, import and ship world-wide. Many of our dogs and puppies are imported directly from Germany from west German Shepherds breeding stock. Pedigrees and Progeny photos are available for viewing for each stud dog and breeding female. All shepherd puppies are home raised and socialized. Temperament of our dogs and puppies are unmatched by any other breeders. We sell only top quality puppies and provide the best written warranty for all sales. Our goal is your satisfaction with your puppy or dog. We have usually have several litters available. Available German Shepherds. I have been a well respected and very successful German Shepherd breeder for more than 40 years. To be an excellent breeder takes a lot of knowledge and skill. Because of this, I am able to produce the very best quality and temperament for my German Shepherd puppy buyers. I want YOU to be happy, and I want my puppies to be happy and in forever homes. Most people that buy my German Shepherd puppies do so to because my dogs are very loving and loyal family dogs, but also have very well developed natural protective instincts to guard their home and family. Those are very lovely dogs, but as the saying goes, they will ask the burglar or attacker to please throw the ball for them once they are done with their dastardly deeds. Most people get a German Shepherd with the expectation that the dog will protect them…. They no longer have the needed protective instincts that made the German Shepherd famous in the first place. This way the breed maintains the character and protective traits that made the German Shepherd famous in the first place. I am very careful as to what dogs I include in my breeding program. I studied the German language in college so I could talk to the breeders directly each time I traveled to Germany to select new stud dogs and bloodlines to import back to my kennel. I carefully selected which dogs to add into the breeding program generation after generation using world famous working and show dogs, mostly from Germany. Some of my puppies have been from direct imports, and others have up to 9 generations of my selected breeding program behind them. I get very consistent results. That is when I simi-retired and moved to Kansas. No one has ever matched the accomplishments of my foundation sire Eros! I have many accomplishments with my dogs, all raised, trained and shown by me. I hope you will go to my About Us page and read more details about my experience and my dogs as I want you to feel confident that if you buy a German Shepherd puppy from me that you will be happy with your puppy. .The more you know about me and my dogs, the better choice you can make as to if you feel one of my German Shepherds will be the right dog for you. My German Shepherd puppies are well socialized and handled daily so they are very well bonded to people. This means they will adapt to your home and family easily once you take your puppy home. I make sure every one of my dog babies gets off to the best possible start! My puppies come with a written sales agreement and written health guarantee, as well as detailed Puppy Care information, and guidelines on how to teach your puppy proper manners. By following my guidelines, you will not have to put up with nipping, jumping up, etc. It is better to teach the puppy how to behave from the beginning so the puppy learns manners in the first few weeks. Sure, they are babies and will not be as well trained as an adult, but they will be well on the way to being a blessing to your home rather than a curse. I will share a story here. I retire me females from the breeding program while they are still young. Many of my girls go on to a second career as a service or therapy dog. Of course, Bristol was laying quietly and calmly on a loose leash next to me in the waiting office. We waiting to get her heath certificate so she could move to Hawaii to be a service dog there. I felt sorry for the owners of the dogs as well as the dogs. Life does not have to be like that. I owned and ran an all breed dog training school for over 25 years as well as running my German Shepherd breeding kennel. I told the Golden owner that it is training, not age that makes a well behaved dog. And yes, it is easier if you start with a puppy that is selectively bred to have a high desire to please and is highly intelligent like mine, but all dogs can learn polite manners. My guidelines will help you achieve that happy level of control where you will be able to take your dog with you anywhere and know it will be a pleasant experience for you both! Service Dog Bristol in her new home in Hawaii Please take some time and read some of the other pages on my site. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! I love to talk to dog lovers, and especially German Shepherd lovers! I post a lot! Haus Amberg Shepherds is a family-based kennel that breeds for the love and preservation of the German shepherd dog GSD. We offer show and working dogs, as well as family pets and service dogs from high-quality German bloodlines. Patrick, a military veteran, and his wife Alishia have spent years learning the proper methods to compassionately breed, preserve and train German shepherds. They believe it is of the utmost importance to uphold this standard and have spent countless hours to achieve and maintain a quality breeding program. Haus Amberg emphasizes proper care and upbringing of each of our puppies to ensure the correct development of personality and socialization. As breeders, they are happy to help you find a perfect new addition to your family. The best lines of German shepherds are located in Germany, bred under the SV. Owning a quality German shepherd makes a world of difference. Haus Amberg Shepherds can help you find what exactly you are looking for as they work with many local breeders and kennels here in Germany. Whether a family pet or top of the line German shepherd show dog, Haus Amberg is able to match you with the perfect dog. One of their priorities is to be sure that the personality and temperament of the dog matches its owner and what they are looking for in their German shepherd. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

This week, I come to you with some useful less information about Brindle Labs- something I only recently discovered exists. How did I come by this information? I know, I know. Santa Hat. The smile on that pups face. Are you melting?? Now focus a little closer and look at the paws on these pups. Black lab in the face, something else on the paws. Yes, I know the next question- and yes, they are pure bred Labrador Retrievers. The Labrador Retriever, according to the American Kennel Club is ranked 1 in popularity out of breeds. They are sporty, friendly, social, and most commonly referred to as the top of the line when it comes to family pets. With their amazingly soft ears and what looks like a never ending smile — how can you not like them? Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black- Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow- Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate- Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification. If only the 3 colors are permissible, then what is a brindle lab? To answer this question, let us first lets looks at what makes Lab coloring. Unlike what you might think, Lab coloration is not based on just one gene. It is actually the result of two different genes, one coding for Black and Chocolate and a separate gene coding for yellow. These are referred to as the B gene and the E gene. Before your eyes glaze over like my husbands did , here is a visual graphic to help bring home the basics. The basics of this image shows that if the dog has at least 1 B and no ee, it will always be black. If the dog has ee, regardless of the B gene, it will always be yellow. And if the dog has bb two copies of the recessive b it will be chocolate unless in the presence of ee. This is why chocolate is the least common, due to the fact that it cannot have a B or ee in order to show this trait. Black is most common, because all the dog needs is 1 B and at least 1 E and it is black. Though the presence of two recessive ee will beat out any combo and make the lab yellow. So what is brindle? Brindle is defined as : a brownish or tawny color of animal fur, with streaks of other color. It is fairly common in breeds, such as Boxers, but incredibly rare in pure bred Labs. My first example of this cool coloration comes from our newest addition to the family, Rosalee a. My little girl was 1 of 3 brindle labs to come out of her litter. Check out her beautiful brindle coloration, she has slightly more golden colored fur on her left paw. So are brindle labs pure bred? The simple answer is YES. Although, even our vet had assumed that there must be a mix of something in there. Most people, like me, have never seen a pure bred brindle Lab. When you see a pure bred Labrador Retriever, most think of solid coloration. The mixed color of a brindle can often be confusing. But lets take a look at our girls parents: Mom, is a pure-bred black Lab left image and Dad is pure-bred yellow Lab right picture These two have mated before. Their previous litter consisted of 8 pups: 4 black, 3 yellow, and one chocolate. Looking at that in genetic terms, we know that Dad has the ee gene making him yellow, but also that he must carry at least 1 b gene. Mom must carry at least 1 e gene, to make yellow pups, and 1 b gene creating the 1 chocolate pup. So what gene is responsible for that? This is actually due to another gene, not the standard B and E genes that we think about when predicting lab coat color. What we have learned is that this gene is actually at the K locus. For most labs their K gene is dominant, which is why we note most labs as solid colors. In the case of brindle labs, they have the recessive version of the K gene, known as kbr. These genes are so rare to show up in the litter because the K is completely dominant over the kbr. Meaning that the only way for brindle to show is if both parents donate a recessive, meaning the pup has a kbr from both parents. As you can tell, this makes it very hard for any breeder to know the likelihood of brindle pups. Has this gene always been a part of pure-bred Labs? Again, the simple answer is yes. The majority of Labs in the beginning were black, with yellow being the less frequent color. According to vetgen. They have always been there, simply at a very low frequency. Making it a little confusing why they do not recognize it as they did when the chocolate coloration came about, since it is just a matter of recessive genes being passed down. Are brindle labs desirable? Obviously this is a matter of preference. Some breeders may use the uniqueness of the coat color to charge more for dogs like this. It could even be something that they breed for if demand for unique Labs is up. I had never heard of brindle before picking out my Rosie. We were planning on getting a yellow until my kids saw pups with brown feet and they were in love. For us, we thought they were so different and embraced that. The AKC does not permit brindle coloration, making me believe the majority of breeders do not prefer this in their litters. Many might even give a discount for pups that do not come out with solid coloration and cannot be pedigree dogs. I guess it is all comes down to a matter of preference. Do you have a brindle Lab? Leave a pic in the comments of your brindle, tan point, or unique colored pooch. Share this:. Brindle is a way of describing a unique color marking on animals. Brindle can occur with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and horses. What are Brindle Labs? Labrador Retrievers with with brownish, gold, or tan coloring, typically found on their muzzle, chest, and legs , are referred to as having brindle patterns. Long haired dogs with brindle, like Labradors, are typically uncommon, and is much more common in short haired breeds such as Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Welsh Corgis, Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, and Mixed breeds. Otherwise your dog will not show any other differences in traits or personality. Keep in mind your dog may be a breed mix, which can also contribute to being a brindle carrier. What are the Breed Standard colors for Labradors? What Causes Brindle? Your dogs color patterns is determined by genetics, and research has found that brindle is caused by a recessive trait originated from the K-locus gene. Carriers of this trait are more prone to having brindle, and its most commonly found in short haired breeds. Currently, there is no way to test if your dog is a carrier of the brindle gene, other than observing their coat pattern and that of their offspring. Are Brindle Dogs Any Different? They are the exact same breed with minor color differences. If you are considering a show dog, then be aware that brindle is considered a mismark and will disqualify you from showing. Liam J. Barnes Liam is a dog trainer, owner, and lover with over 20 years experience. His passion for dogs and business make him uniquely suited to help move the world forward with canines and humans. Related Posts. However a small white marking on the chest is also permitted by the AKC. What is Brindle Coloring? Brindle is actually a type of pattern that can be seen on Labradors. In fact, it can even be seen on rodents and horses. Brindle pattern appears as irregular dark brown or black stripes and flecks over a brown background. This is when brindling is so extreme that it seems like the shades have reversed. Dogs with reverse brindles look as if they have lighter stripes over a dark base of fur. Not all brindle dogs have this pattern all over. You might find Labs with slight brindling on parts of their bodies, and solid color fur elsewhere. Brindle Lab Genetics So, how does such an interesting pattern occur in dogs? For this pattern, we need to look at the K locus. There are 3 alleles that interact at this locus. These are K or Kb dominant black , Kbr brindle , and k non-solid black. K is dominant to Kbr, but Kbr is dominant to k. If a Lab has either of the combinations above, any phaeomelanin in his coat red pigment will be brindled. But the appearance of this depends on certain genes at the A locus. If you want to show your Lab, you will have to avoid the brindle pattern. AKC only accepts the three standard colors: black, yellow, and liver. The only marking that is acceptable on Labs is a small white marking on the chest. This is only really a problem if you want to show your Lab at AKC shows. As long as they have been bred responsibly from healthy parents, they will be as healthy as any other Lab. For a closer look at Labrador health, you can check out our breed guide. But at a glance, here are some health conditions to know about before you bring home a brindle Lab. Sep 30, Jun 2, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Have you ever seen a Brindle Labrador Retriever? As far as I know I have not seen one in person. Just about everyone has heard of the Labrador Retriever breed. However, have you heard of or ever seen the other Labrador Retriever coat colors? The coloring is very similar to a Rottweiler or a Doberman Pinscher. If you want to see a picture of Egan take a look at the article on Black and Tan Labrador Retrievers. Brindle Labrador Retriever The second unusual color variation in the Labrador coat color is brindle. As I mentioned in my previous article the brindle coloring is seen less often. Labs with brindling have tan speckling on their forelegs, muzzles, and chest. Here at Puppy In Training we were lucky enough to receive some pictures from one of our readers who has a couple brindle Labrador Retrievers. Each leg has a different pattern. Her inner thighs have yellow hair as does her butt area. At 8 months I began training her to hunt pheasant, quail and chukar. Often times she will hold a strong point and I have hunted her with some professionals and she holds her own. At nearly six months she swims like a fish and retrieves very well. Raising a guide dog requires a specific training program as we prepare our puppies to lead their blind handlers in many different places and situations. One thing that caught my interest after reading the short snippet about Maia and Tora the Brindle labs is that they are being trained as hunting dogs. I would be interested to see exactly what kind of training a hunting dog goes through. What do you think of these Purebred Brindle Labrador Retrievers?

The Labradoodle makes a very good companion dog and does well as a service animal. This dog is becoming very popular in the average home environment. The Labradoodle is extremely intelligent, taking on both characteristics from the Lab and the Poodle. The Labradoodle is friendly, loyal, and a very loving dog. They make great watchdogs as well. Labradoodle's are great with children, elderly adults or people with special needs. Care: Care of the labradoodle coat is very easy. All that is needed is a regular brushing of the coat, if you choose to keep the coat long. Sheering or shaving is not necessary, but some families prefer the ease of it, as no brushing is required. Multi-gens see below for definition have superior coats over lower generations. Lower generation coats can be prone to shedding or may not be allergy-friendly. They do well in agility sports or as aid or therapy dogs. The Labradoodle is very easy to housebreak because of their extreme intelligence, typically housetraining with little to no effort. Activity: The labradoodle loves long walks with his owner and loves a nice jog. This dog makes an excellent companion for an owner who loves the outdoors and does well on hikes, outdoor trips or camping. Labradoodles love water! Able to be a homebody as well, they are also content to stay in and warm your toes by the fire! Seriously, they love companionship and are always happy to do whatever their owners are interested in, just so they can be with them. Generations: We are currently breeding only Australian Multi-Generational Doodles, because of their superior coats. We do not breed lower generation doodles. F1 Labradoodles for informational purposes only, we do not breed this generation F1 puppies are a first cross Labradoodle. They are half Standard Poodle, and half Labrador Retriever. They can have short to long hair, that is straight or wavy, seldom curly, and most do have mild shedding, nothing like a Labrador Retriever though. F1 puppies tend to have a shaggy "Benji" look to them, some with a bit more curls and waves. They are a very hearty, intelligent cross, with few health problems. They have wavy to curly coats, and most are very low to non-shedding. My F1B's tend to be smaller and weigh less than the F1 puppies, and have a fleece or wool coat. F2 Labradoodles for informational purposes only, we do not breed this generation F2 Labradoodles are accomplished with an F1 Labradoodle and F1 Labradoodle cross. This combination will provide the same percentage of Lab-Poodle mix as you would in an F1 Labradoodle. In essence, you are breeding a first generation to another first generation, instead of breeding back to a poodle as designated by F1B. Coat results will be the same as F1 generation coat results. F3 Labradoodles for informational purposes only, we do not breed this generation F3 Labradoodles are accomplished with an F2 Labradoodle and F2 Labradoodle cross. Note: F3s also fall into the MultiGen category. Because of the low percentage of poodle in both the F2 and F3 generations, coat quality can not be insured in this generation. MultiGen Labradoodles Multi-generation Labradoodles are accomplished with an F3 or higher generation Labradoodle and F3 or higher generation Labradoodle cross. Multi-gens have a superior coat over all other generations. NOTE: When breeding a lower generation to a higher generation, the resulting puppy will be one generation above the lower parent. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Alexandria Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Your spouse wants a dog that looks like a dog, not a small stuffed toy. Perhaps you want something more like a designer dog. The affable and adorable Australian Labradoodle dog is known not only for its personality and trainability, but especially for its coat, which can be easy to keep clean and sheds far less than other dogs. Most people know that the Australian Labradoodles hardly ever shed. That means your house cleaning routine just got easier, and the likelihood that you or your family will react to dog allergens is significantly reduced. You have two options: First, you can purchase a puppy to raise with your family. Of course, you can rescue a Doodle for less. The only problem is that the rescue may come with a host of issues you are not ready or willing to deal with, including everything from physical challenges to questionable emotional stability. How big were they? How healthy will your dog be? What kind of coats did they have? What kind of coat will your dog have? Will the dog shed? Before you start calling breeders and purchase the first brown-eyed pup you find, you should know that not all Labradoodles are created equal. First, there are two types of Labradoodle — the American Labradoodle, which is considered a hybrid dog, and the Australian Labradoodle, which is considered a purebred. Our focus is on the purebred Doodle, the Australian Labradoodle. The purebred Labradoodle from Australia is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Standard Poodle. Do you really need to understand the different generations of Australian Labradoodles? The resulting litter is expected to have the best characteristics of both parents, including better health. This generation of pups, however, could still present with health issues specific to their parents. Like the Standard Poodles and Labrador Retrievers, your puppy could develop hip dysplasia as it grows older. It could also have some of the eye problems Poodles are known for. Conscientious breeders are aware of these possible challenges, and so they health test their dogs to make sure they are not perpetuating physical weaknesses; breeders want to produce the healthiest offspring possible. The characteristic that makes Labradoodles desirable is their coats. Some offspring may look more like the Labrador Retriever, with hairlike coats, and some may be more similar to the Poodle, with tight curls. Pups from the F1 Generation are not recommended for people wanting a dog with fewer allergens and less shedding. The F1 Generation pups are most low maintenance Labradoodles. Other than that, grooming your F1 Labradoodle is simple and easy. That means that an F1 dog has been bred to a purebred dog, either a Labrador Retriever or a Poodle. The purpose behind backcross breeding is to enhance the characteristics of one purebred dog or the other. Breeders aim for the hypoallergenic wool and fleece coats. This is more similar to the coat for which Poodles are known. Theses dogs shed minimally, produce little dander, and make great canine companions. In the F2 Generation, your pup could have any type of coat — fleece, wool or hair, and it could be straight, wavy or curly. Unfortunately, you may experience more shedding than you had hoped for, so the way to correct this deficiency is through crossback breeding once again. The F2B dog that has been mated to a Poodle will have the soft, curly coat so coveted by Australian Labradoodle owners. This coat, which will be fleece or wool, is much softer to the touch, and it feels thicker, too. As you might expect, these dogs share equal parts of Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The offspring of these matings is the famed F3B Generation that saavy breeders and owners look for. These are the nearly hypoallergenic dogs that pet lovers adore. The most common choice for backcrossing is the Poodle, obviously for its coat. The dogs are rarely crossed back to a Labrador Retriever. These multigenerational dogs develop great coats of curly fleece. They shed very little, and they are perfect for those people who have allergies. Breeding beyond the F3B produces multi-generational litters of puppies , and these dogs are highly coveted because of their consistency in health, form and coat. They always look predictably like their parents. Opt for a dog from the F3B Generation, and you have less chance of having a throwback pup, which means a dog that looks more like its original purebred parent from several generations ago than the cute and hypoallergenic Labradoodle you were hoping for. Dogs from the F3B Generation will cost more, but in return, you get a designer dog that will be healthy and as hypoallergenic as a dog can be. The multi-generational Australian Labradoodle will be the smart family companion that will be funny, lovable, easy to train — just the kind of canine companion kids should grow up with.

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts.

The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Kansas City, formed in and incorporated in October .Kansas City is the third-largest city in the state of Kansas, the county seat of Wyandotte County, and the third-largest city of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is situated at Kaw Point, which is the junction of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Their trainable nature and innate desire to please make them stand out as ideal candidates for these diverse responsibilities. Beyond their impressive abilities, Labradors radiate an aura of warmth and approachability. Their expressive eyes and wagging tails seem to convey an unspoken promise of unwavering companionship. Whether engaging in brisk outdoor activities or sharing tranquil moments indoors, the Labrador Retriever offers a steadfast presence that enhances every facet of life. Their coats come in an array of colors and patterns, adding a touch of personal style to their already endearing presence. These dogs are like walking sunshine, spreading cheer wherever they go. Thanks to their Poodle lineage, they inherit a sharp intellect that makes training a breeze. I have to say you were spot on! Not only that, but in this day and age, the fact you spent the time to handwrite out a note to us made us feel very special and so we wanted to do the same. During these times Ollie has been such a joy. He knows every routine of mine in the house from morning till night. I caught him looking and waiting for the alarm to go off at am the time I usually get up to go to work. I will put 5 or 6 items on the ground in the backyard, and when I tell him to get these items, he retrieves them back to me, one by one. What a Retriever! Click now to visit our upcoming litters page and be one step closer to welcoming an adorable new addition into your home.

How Is Skylit Different? There are a number of ways that Skylit Labradors are different from other Labradors and breeders out there. Each of their pedigrees was unique. Several were the sons or daughters of show Champions. Others came from strong working lines. Skylit Labradors pedigree lines are unique to New Zealand. At Skylit Labradors I have the ability to produce a range of different shades — the darkest and lightest of yellows, the traditional black, chocolate, and yellow colours, as well as dilute versions of those colours. I do not breed strictly for colour but am aware that people have personal preferences. Health, temperament and fit-for-purpose are my primary focus with colour next on the list. I love developing their special traits and sharing their abilities with the community. I have a purpose and goal for each litter that I produce as well. That purpose may be to produce a litter of fantastic family members. Or it may be to produce great candidates for therapy or service dog work. It may be to produce a litter that will work well for active families, competitors or weekend hunters. It may be to find the next best scent dog candidate. I look for the natural tendencies in my Labs… what they gravitate toward… and that is where they are likely to excel. This in turn allows me to make better matches for those looking to add a Labrador puppy to their family. Life at Skylit If you want a Lab that will live outside or in your barn, then by all means, get a puppy that started life outside or in a barn. If you plan on keeping your dog in a kennel, then be sure that its parents were raised that way as well. Skylit Labs begin life immersed in both dog and human family life. They begin life in our shared home on 40 acres in the Manawatu. The dogs spend their days lounging around and playing with each other, me or friends but they also go on playdates, hang out at cafes, have visitors over, plod around the property, go for swims in the pond, lay by the fire, curl up on the couch, go on road trips across country, have sleepovers, and regularly run often boring errands with me. Health Testing I am a strong advocate of health testing. My Labs are genetically health tested for the common diseases found within the Labrador breed as well as several other diseases. Their elbows are also assessed by OFA. Hip and elbow evaluations help me to ensure I am making good breeding choices and reducing the risk that offspring will develop hip or elbow dysplasia due to a genetic predisposition. Note: No breeder can guarantee that their puppies will not develop hip or elbow dysplasia as both conditions can be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Breeding for good health is a non-negotiable rule for each of my litters I plan. What that means is that I feed what I feel is the most applicable species appropriate diet for canines — raw meat, bones and organs. They primarily eat beef, chicken, fish, lamb, duck, venison as well as the occasional quail, rabbit and wallaby. They are fed twice each day. Raw feeding plays a major role. The Puppy program Pre-Birth Producing a great litter begins long before the breeding takes place. It begins with properly assessing your dogs to ensure they are fit to breed. Are they healthy? Have they fully recovered from any previous pregnancies? Are they physically mature? Are they mentally mature? What are their weaknesses? What are their strengths? Do the potential mother and father compliment each other? The care of the mum-to-be before and during her pregnancy is paramount to a successful whelping. I have been blessed with wonderful mums and I hope that continues for as long as I breed! By taking the best care of them, they take amazing care of their babies. My key role in the early days is to support the new mum. That way she can do an exceptional job whelping, raising and nurturing her babies as life intended. Weeks Once the babies are born, their weight is tracked daily for the first two weeks to ensure proper growth. Each puppy wears a different colour collar so that I can be aware of each puppy individually. This helps with things such as fireworks, children crying, doorbells, thunderstorms, and much much more. Around 3. At 4 weeks of age the puppies begin separating themselves from mum and start exploring the outside. At this age the door is removed from their cubby so that the puppies can come and go as they please to use their potty boxes or to begin exploring outside. Weeks By 5 weeks of age the puppies are spending full days outside in their puppy play yard. Their mum is primarily nursing them in the afternoons and I am providing meals for them. Typically my mums finish nursing around 6 weeks of age but the puppies still have much to learn before they are ready to leave Skylit! This consists of my removing the potty boxes and putting the door back onto their cubby. Now at night time they are placed into their cubby and I will let them out through the night as needed. Within nights the puppies are sleeping through the night without needing to go out and they are alerting me if they DO need to go out to go toilet during the night. At this point I begin separation conditioning by initially splitting the litter into two cubbies and then three cubbies etc. I have found this process makes the departure from Skylit so much easier on the puppies AND their new families. Puppies are settled in their crates which is especially important for those puppies that fly to their new families. Other key events happening during this time period include a variety of visitors interacting with the puppies, exploration walks around the pasture and main house yard, as well as water play in the puppy pool. The puppy play yard adjoins the adult dog yards so the puppies frequently have doggy visitors as well. The puppies have their full vet checks based upon when they will be leaving Skylit and that involves their first car trip into town and lots and lots of cuddles at the vet clinic! Puppy Placement The Right Fit Labs vary considerably in their build, energy level and natural tendencies. Some live to retrieve, others to swim, and still others to cuddle up on the couch. Others are happy-go-lucky. Some are incredibly smart and love to learn. Others… not so much. Some are food driven. Some are toy driven. Some have big thick blocky bodies and some are built like extreme athletes. Like humans, each Lab is an individual. There are some traits and tendencies that tend to pass from parents to offspring. There are also signs of what that puppy may be like as an adult that begin developing from a very young age. As a Breeder I strive to get to know my puppies and look for how they are similar or different from their parents or other puppies I have raised. I have an application process for my puppies. They are not placed on a first come, first served basis. Instead I look for families who will embrace that puppy as a member of their family, loving and caring for it as fiercely as they would any family member. But my diligence is to your benefit. If approved for a Skylit Labrador, you have an advocate at your side that will do all in her power to ensure your puppy is a good fit for your family. I made a promise to my girls when I started breeding that I would only ever place their puppies in environments that would be at least as good, if not better than, the life I could give them if they remained here. New Family Guide In order to help each new family through the process of adding a Skylit Lab to their family, I have developed a step-by-step guide for my families. As new questions arise, I continue to add to the New Family Guide so that it can hopefully be a wonderful resource for each new Skylit Lab family! While the Sales Agreement may change slightly depending on the litter, the terms and conditions are fairly consistent. This is to protect the integrity of my program. I have invested countless hours and money into building my breeding program. It requires little to no thought and very little if any investment to throw two dogs together in a backyard and produce a litter. That is not how I breed and those are not the type puppies I produce. Breeding in that manner can do irreversible damage to the reputation of my program and its future success. If a family should desire a puppy from their Skylit Lab, I encourage them to reach out to me and we can look at whether it may be possible in partnership. This is due to several of my foundation Labs carrying the Dilute gene. While other kennel clubs around the world are more accepting of this gene, Dogs NZ has chosen to not permit the registry of dilute-coat-coloured Labradors nor any litter that had the genetic potential to produce dilute-coat-coloured Labradors. To learn more about this colour gene and the controversy related to it, click HERE. I register all litters with Dogs NZ that meet their dilute gene requirements. I do not breed to any Labradors that are not kennel club registered unless they were born here at Skylit and I can therefore be assured of their pedigree. If at any time you can no longer maintain or no longer wish to maintain custody of your Skylit Lab, they are to be returned to Skylit. They will either remain at Skylit for the rest of their life or should I happen to find a well-suited home for them, I will place them. If there are any proceeds from their re-homing I will return them to you. You can see a sample copy of the guarantee HERE. My puppy families know that they can reach out to me at any time, night or day, days a year. I take my commitment to my Labradors and their families very seriously. I WANT to know if they are struggling. I may be able to help. I am not a vet but my experience with my own Labs, all the puppies I have raised, my puppy families experiences and also the research and learning I do gives me a unique advantage to possibly be able to provide insight into what may be going on should a challenge arise. The same goes for training. I am not a professional trainer but I am happy to share what I know and perhaps it can help or perhaps I can recommend a resource that may be able to help. I truly care. The Skylit Labrador family is a community of puppy families across New Zealand, the UK and Australia that have one key aspect in common: They all have added a Skylit Lab to their family. They very likely followed your puppy from birth, may have a relative to your puppy, and have been in your shoes with raising their own Skylit Lab. Given that they may have a relative to your puppy or even a littermate! Many Skylit families reach out to others in their area for play dates as well. There are Skylit families who are more than happy to watch your Skylit pup for you should you be going away on holiday. Here we share in the joys and challenges of raising our Labradors. It is a devoted group that is truly interested in you and your puppy. We also have regular social get togethers with our dogs and even Skylit road trips! Being part of the Skylit family is a wonderful and unique benefit of adding one of my puppies to your family. Manawatu, New Zealand. They currently are:- Hip and elbow Radiographed and scored by a recognised panel DNA test for PRA [ or both parents DNA clear ] So this means if you breed a puppy that is by a clear over a carrier that meaning it can only be clear or carrier you can then put it to a clear dog A current eye certificate. Owners should not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties. Owners should ensure that their dogs should wear properly tagged collars and should be kept fully leashed or under effective control when away from home. Owners will clean up after their dogs in public places or anywhere their dogs are exhibited. Owners should agree without reservation that any veterinary surgeon performing an operation on their dogs, which could alter the natural confirmation of the animal, should report such an operation to the New Zealand Kennel Club. Owners should not agree to breed from a bitch in any way which is deleterious to the bitch or the breed. Owners should take care to ensure that when selling dogs there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life and will help with the rehoming of a dog if the initial circumstances change. Owners should provide written details of all dietary requirements and give guidance concerning responsible ownership when placing dogs in a new home. Owners should not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow dogs to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind. Owners will not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise dogs nor mislead any person regarding the quality of the dog. Owners will ensure that all relevant New Zealand Kennel Club documents are provided to the new owners when selling or transferring a dog. Advises new owners about the NZKC Register that the dog is recorded on and explains any endorsements that may be applied to the puppy and why they have been applied. Permanently identifies breeding stock by DNA profile and microchip or tattoo. Makes use of health screening schemes as they become available , relevant to their breed, on all breeding stock. Ensures their puppies are well socialised before going to their new homes. Provides written advice to new owners on feeding, worming, socialization, exercise and future training of their puppy. Provides a written record from a veterinarian on the immunisation measures taken to date on the puppy. Is available to give reasonable post sale advice to the new owner. Provides the new owner with a Sale and Purchase Agreement, detailing any of the endorsements that may have been placed on the dog. Advises the new owner about the requirement and recommendations that apply to them as an Accredited Breeder and also make the buyer aware of the NZKC Complaint Process. Provides written advice, in the Puppy Sales Wallet on the continuation of socialisation, exercise and future training. Important — The Labrador Club is not liable or responsible for any puppy bought from a breeder promoted on the Labrador Club website. If you do feel that a breeder has not honoured the above declaration please correspond with the Club in writing. The Labrador Club does not guarantee the service of breeders on our Breeders page and the buyer should review and take responsibility for all contracts with the breeder. The Labrador Club does have a Code of Ethics and we strongly suggest you read it. Display Email Mistybrook Labradors are excited to announce that we are expecting a very special litter very early September !! Litter of 7 has arrived, all black! Our main interest is in producing happy, healthy, sound and typical Labrador Retrievers with exceptional temperaments. We breed, exhibit and compete with the dogs we love that are raised in the family environment. Our aim is to build a distinctive line of Labrador Retrievers we can be proud to take anywhere, do anything with and relish in the beauty and love at the other end of the lead. Puppies going off to their new homes will be DOGSNZ Registered, fully health and vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and will have already started to have been integrated into our family environment. Generous Puppy Feeding Packs will also be available as well as feeding instructions. Jan and Peter Wallace are always available for any questions or advice. Extensive written instructions and advice on puppy Labrador rearing within the Puppy Pack. Visitors are always welcome at Mistybrook Labradors. For all further details, you can ring or email mistybrooklabs gmail. Display Email We David, Anne and son Andrew have been involved with Labradors since the early 80's - shooting over them, showing and occasionally breeding. We are a small kennel who have imported several from England and Australia, one from Sweden and semen from both England and Australia, all in the interests of breeding the best we can. We breed to the highest ethical standards and only from parents who have acceptable results from the health tests required by Dogs NZ. We breed primarily for us to have something for the show ring, although some do not make the grade! Despite our focus on showing most of our pups are sold as pets to approved homes. We have some yellow and some black bitches no dogs available for stud at present and typically produce pups in those colours too. We do not usually breed chocolates. We very occasionally have older dogs available for re-homing to approved homes. Please contact us if you would like to discuss buying an adorable Charing puppy, or taking advantage of a Lab who is a bit older. PS We are delighted that we have a litter of yellow puppies expected at the beginning of October. We are happy to take enquiries from people who want family pets.

Black German Shepherd — Important Information Puppy Price There are numerous german shepherd breeders as they are very popular dogs in many parts of the world. However, it is often hard to find breeders producing black german shepherds. Most of the time you will need to find someone who specializes in the breeding of black german shepherd puppies. The fact that these all black german shepherd puppies are quite rare, and are simply not available in numbers that can meet demand, makes them a lot more expensive than your classic colored german shepherd. It is important to look into the pedigree of the parents, as well as inquire with the breeder about health testing and registration of the dogs and the facility. Rescue Price When it comes to rescuing a black german shepherd, it is hard to provide an accurate price range as the cost will depend on a number of factors. Temperament German Shepherds as a breed are often considered by people to be naturally aggressive, perhaps because they are used by most police departments as criminal trackers and chase dogs. The truth however, is that they are genuinely kind-hearted animals, but have been bred to be incredibly protective to the point of being potentially dangerous to anyone threatening their people. German Shepherds are known for their unwavering devotion, as well as the fact that they are incredibly intelligent and as a result are one of the easiest breeds to train. When trained properly, they are one of the most responsive and obedient canine breeds on the planet, which is made evident in their high-quality police work and other occupations. It is important to ensure that as an owner you are actively socializing your german shepherd from a very young age so that they are accustomed to people, both strangers and familiar presences. This is crucial because if they have not been properly socialized, strangers will make them uncomfortable and cautious, which can in some cases lead to bad situations. Origin The German Shepherd comes from a generalized group of European herding dogs that were used frequently in the early to mid s. Throughout the s, people were making attempts to standardize dog breeds in order to target specific characteristics and preferred genetic traits. At some point that year, a dog named Horand von Grafrath sparked the creation of the Society for German Shepherd Dogs. This organization was founded by believers that the German Shepherd dog breed, postered by Horand Von Grafrath, was a breed that could provide incredible working ability and intelligence. From here, the German Shepherd breed standard was developed and became known as one of the highest quality all around breeds. In a few short generations, the German Shepherd became one of the most common and highly populated dog breeds in the world. Honrand fathered many litters of puppies in his time, to the point where a large part of German Shepherds today would be descended from him. Dimensions The relative dimensions for Black German Shepherds will vary slightly between males and females. They will end up having the same build and grow to be around the same sizes as the more commonly colored version. Males will usually grow to weigh between 70 and 90 pounds, whereas females will end up at a full grown weight of 50 to 75 pounds. This weight range classifies these dogs as a medium to large breed. Take this into consideration when deciding whether or not you have the space and capacity to properly provide for your German Shepherd. In terms of height, Black German Shepherds will typically grow to be about 22 — 26 inches. This is true for both males and females, however the males will inherently be much bulkier than the females. Their body length will usually fall within the range of 36 to 42 inches, which will also remain true for both genders. Grooming Grooming recommendations and the relative extent of which you as an owner will need to groom your Black German Shepherd will depend significantly on the type or length of coat that you would like to maintain. German Shepherds with medium-length coats will only need to be brushed on average two or three times a week, unless they get extra matted for some reason. Dogs with a longer coat will typically need to be combed at least once a day to prevent mats and maintain a nice comfortable, good looking coat. German Shepherds have a double coat, and are known to shed excessively. Do not purchase or adopt one of these dogs unless you and the others living in your household can deal with the extra hair. People with allergies may be significantly affected by a high volume shedding dog breed living with them. You can employ anti-shedding shampoos and try high-quality diets in order to try to regulate the amount of shedding that your dog will experience. Lifespan The average lifespan of a Black German Shepherd is expected to be somewhere between 9 and 13 years of age. This is around the running standard for dogs of this size, although there are other breeds that have longer life expectancies. These dogs have a variety of commonly known health issues that will play a part in their relative lifespan. Things like hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and CDRM spinal cord degeneration are often found in this breed of dog. In general however, they will be the same dimensions and proportions as a run of the mill German Shepherd dog. The main difference, as the name itself makes quite clear, is the fact that these dogs have a coat that is completely black, as opposed to the common black and tan color combination that we see in a standard German Shepherd. This feature is quite rare, and is the reason that this type of German Shepherd is significantly more expensive than the standard style. The Black German Shepherd is actually incredibly rare, as opposed to other breed alternatives that appear when recessive genes show through. It has been estimated through data analytics that as little as 6. If you are after one of these rare and incredibly striking dogs, it is best to find a breeder who specializes in this color of German Shepherd. One of the most important things for breeders and hopeful owners to remember is that just because you have a parent that is a black German Shepherd, does not mean that you will end up with all black puppies. The truth is that you are much more likely to end up with the standard black and tan color in your litter of puppies. This is the main reason that these dogs are so rare and hard to find, and as a result are a lot more expensive. Grooming Tips For Black German Shepherds One of the most common tips provided for Black German Shepherd owners is the fact that grooming will be accompanied by lots of hair! These dogs are known for shedding excessively, as they will typically have longer coats than the standard colored German Shepherds. It is important to invest in a high quality comb that can easily comb through longer pet hair without causing pain or discomfort. Make sure that you are properly grooming both the thick top coat, as well as the undercoat. More grooming will not only make these sessions easier and more pleasant for both parties, but will also leave them feeling more comfortable and allow them to show off a beautiful coat! Dan J. Dan is a well respected content researcher who has vast experience working projects in the pets niche. He is a frequent contributor to dogtemperament. Check out our. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

By Falinia Adkins Updated September 26, Boxer runts of the litter are the result of being the last egg fertilized during the female boxers fertility cycle. While runts are the smallest of the litter during the first 8 weeks of the litter's life, runts have the potential to be the largest boxer of the litter. Because all boxers are bred to meet breed characteristics, nutrition can have a significant influence on how large or small a boxer runt will grow to be. Boxers are described as being lean-muscled, medium-sized dogs that should not weigh under 55 pounds or over 70 pounds when fully mature. Runt or not, a quality breeder expects all boxer pups to meet the breed standard when mature. Facts While breed standards inform boxer owners of the acceptable limits of height and weight, companion boxers not used for breeding or show can be any weight as long as they maintain a healthy body mass index level for the runt's overall size. Boxers should have a lean, thick-muscled neck that should not show signs of obesity or undernourishment. Some runts can reach up to 85 pounds as a mature adult, and while this weight is not correct for the breed standard, it does reveal how large a runt can grow to be. Health and Nutrition Many of the health problems that are common in runts are directly related to nutrition, such as failing to thrive. Weak bones, under ideal weight and slow growth are a result of the runt being too small to access food -- not because he is the runt. Quality breeders recognize runts within the first few hours, and to prevent nutritional deficiencies, they ensure all pups have access to the mother's first milk and continue to ensure that each pup takes in enough nutrients to maintain excellent health until weaned. Considerations Because many of the problematic illnesses and undesirable traits that are a result of nutrition, it is important for runts to maintain an quality diet within the first two years while the boxer pup is still converting nutrients into growing energy and body mass. Good-quality dry kibble can be fed as a stand alone or as a supplement with a raw-food diet. Organic and raw diets are a quality source of natural vitamins, minerals and protein that canines require to be healthy from puppyhood to adulthood. Additionally, raw and organic diets are quickly processed by the body, which means pups eat less, stay fuller and produce less waste. What Is A Miniature Boxer? A Mini Boxer is often achieved using specific breeding practices. Relatively new to the canine scene, the Miniature Boxer is making waves for his family friendly nature, adorable appearance and devoted temperament. And this brings us to the origin of the Miniature Boxer and what you should know about controversial breeding practices. Keep reading. On paper, the Miniature Boxer sounds like the perfect companion. This is especially true if you already have an affinity for Boxers and all their endearing qualities. The Boxer was inspired by ancient war dogs dating as far back as 2, BC. Traditionally, Boxers were bred to be versatile working dogs. They served as guard dogs, cattle dogs, war dogs, and even guide dogs and service dogs. And this brings us to the Miniature Boxer. Miniature Boxers are still relatively new, which is one of the reasons they have yet to be considered an official size variety of purebred Boxer. They are also somewhat controversial, as the practices for breeding Miniature Boxers come with some amount of risk. According to most experts, there are three methods a breeder could use tocome up with a Miniature Boxer. These methods include the following: Breeding Dwarfism: Breeding dwarfism is a very controversial method some breeders use when attempting to create Miniature Boxer dogs. While this method does keep a Miniature Boxer litter purebred, it also puts the puppies at a much higher risk of serious health issues like spinal problems, breathing difficulties and muscle development. Purposefully breeding dwarfism into dogs like Boxers can cause other issues as well down the road, which may lead to devastating and costly problems for owners. For this reason, most reputable breeders will refrain from purposefully breeding dwarfism into their dogs. Breeding Runts: The other common way some might go about breeding smaller than average Boxer dogs is to breed runts. When puppies are born runts, they are also usually born with other underlying health issues. Breeding runts to create a Miniature Boxer means that these dogs have a much higher risk of being born unhealthy and going on to live unhealthy lives. Again, because of the health risks and moral implications of breeding runts, most reputable breeders will stay away from this method for how to create a Mini Boxer dog. Crossbreeding: The last way, and perhaps safest way, of creating a Miniature Boxer dog would be through crossbreeding. If combined correctly, the resulting puppies would be smaller than the traditional Boxer while still maintaining that unique Boxer-like appearance and temperament. While crossbreeding is the safest and healthiest way to go about breeding smaller Boxer dogs, there are still some cons to this method. For example, many traits of early generation crossbreed dogs will be unpredictable, including traits like health, appearance and temperament. And while crossbreed dogs may be viewed as healthier than purebred dogs thanks to what is known as hybrid vigor the idea that they have a wider genepool than their purebred counterparts and are thus less susceptible to genetic disease , they also have a longer list of health issues to contend with. That said, if you are keen on getting a Miniature Boxer to call your own, we would recommend looking for a crossbreed Mini Boxer as opposed to one of the other types listed above. The Miniature Boxer — Temperament and Personality Traits For the most part, Miniature Boxers have many of the same characteristics as their average sized Boxer counterparts. Regardless of how your Miniature Boxer was created, the truth is that the majority of his temperamental traits should be the same as his standard Boxer counterpart. As a breed in general, Boxers are known to be intelligent, affectionate, playful and family oriented. They can be high energy dogs and do well in active families and in homes with large, securely fenced yards where they can run and play freely. When properly socialized, the Miniature Boxer can get along well with other dogs and children. In fact, the Miniature Boxer may be a better option for those with younger children, as full sized Boxers can be a bit overwhelming for small kids. Still, Miniature Boxers are not pocket pups. They are considered medium sized dogs, which means they may not be the best suited for apartment living, especially if all of their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. That aside, when in the hands of the right owner and when trained, socialized, and exercised properly, the Miniature Boxer can do well with active families, novice dog owners, singles, couples, and active retirees. How To Train and Socialize a Miniature Boxer Training should be done utilizing positive reinforcement techniques and consistency. For the most part, Miniature Boxers are sweet and affectionate dogs, but without proper training and socialization they can develop serious behavioral issues down the road. How To Socialize A Miniature Boxer Socialization should begin as early as you get your Mini Boxer and will continue on with your dog throughout his lifetime. Making sure you properly socialize a dog means that you should try and introduce that dog to as many new people, places, sights, sounds and experiences as possible as young as possible. Ensuring these first impressions are positive for your Miniature Boxer are also important, so refrain from forcing your Boxer into a situation that he is clearly frightened of or this could lead to fear-based behavioral issues down the road. They are eager to please and quick to learn, especially when training is kept light, fun and game-like. Just as with socialization, you can begin training your Miniature Boxer as soon as you bring him home. Use treats and praise as opposed to punishments and scolding , as positive reinforcement training techniques have been shown consistently to work better than aversive training methods. Worse still, negative reinforcement training techniques can lead to a breakdown in your bond with your dog, and even hinder his learning progress. Just like their larger counterparts, Miniature Boxers are energetic dogs who require routine exercise each and every day. The best exercise for a Miniature Boxer will be a routine walk for 40 minutes to an hour each day. Mini Boxers might also enjoy light hikes or trips to the dog park. Most importantly, this harness is safe for your dog and will not cause choking. It also helps to teach him good walking manners, especially when paired with treats, praise and consistency. Boxers are intelligent dogs, and the Miniature Boxer is no exception. If not kept properly exercised and mentally stimulated, the Miniature Boxer may be prone to some serious destructive behavioral issues including barking, marking and chewing, as well as some dangerous behavioral issues like anxiety, which can lead to aggressive behaviors. Investing in puzzle toys, KONGS, and keeping up with routine training can help ensure your Mini Boxer is happy and healthy both metnally and physically. The good news is that grooming a Miniature Boxer is relatively easy. Brushing them once or twice a week can help combat any loose hair, as can ensuring you keep your Miniature eBoxer on a quality dog food. This will help keep ear infections at bay and reduce odor. Your Miniature Boxer should also have his teeth brushed at least once a day using a dog safe toothpaste to help keep dental disease at bay. We also recommend you invest in a quality dog shampoo. Wahl Dry Skin and Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Sale Buy on Amazon Some Boxers can be prone to allergies and skin issues, so we would recommend a soothing dog shampoo made with quality ingredients and specified for dogs. The above dog shampoo by Wahl is made with all natural ingredients like coconut oil and oatmeal. It is also free of any dyes, parabens, and alcohols that could exasperate already sensitive skin. However, keep in mind that irresponsible breeding practices can lead not only to shorter lifespan, but also a lesser quality of life that can be devastating and costly. Because the Boxer is a rather large dog for technically being a medium breed , the growth rate for Boxer puppies greatly varies. Until a Boxer dog is 2 years old, you will not know the adult weight, size and physique that your dog will have. Just as there will be dogs that are larger than the breed standard. If there are no underlying health conditions with your Boxer, as long as a dog is receiving all of the proper care, these smaller dogs can be just as healthy. This is often caused by damage to the pituitary gland. Females will have a height measured floor to shoulder of inches cm and a weight of pounds kg. Therefore, if a male is 53 or 54 pounds 24 to .Adult females can be 48 to 49 pounds .Low Growth Hormones A low production of growth hormone may be caused by several factors: A lack of developmental growth of the pituitary gland Cysts on the gland Infection of the gland Tumors Growth hormone has many effects within the dog's body including controlling the growth rate, maintaining the hair coat, and bone and teeth development. Boxer Dwarfism If a Boxer truly has canine dwarfism, would be caused by a health condition known as achondroplasia. With achondroplasia, the bones of the dog do not grow to otherwise normal and expected size. There is a dysfunction with the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene. What are the Signs? The difference between a dog that is smaller than breed standard and a Boxer dog that actually has dwarfism, is that not only will the size of the dog be affected, but the proportion of the dog as well. This is rare with the Boxer breed and is more common with breeds including the German shepherds, Basset Hound, Beagles and others. A Boxer dog with dwarfism will not grow at the proper rate and proportion. The dog will generally be much smaller in size than the other dogs in its litter. Treatment Options Studies have been done to see if the growth hormone that is give to humans would work with dogs. This has had very limited and varying success. For those who wish to try this treatment should be aware that it is very expensive and there are no guarantees. Surgery has been performed on some dogs to attempt to resolve issues with bone deformities; though results are not usually very successful. Dogs that are experiencing pain from misshapen bones may need to be given anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. Some people are crossing a Boxer with a Boston Terrier and calling the dog a Miniature Boxer; when in fact the dog is a crossbreed. Even stranger than that, some are crossing a Rat Terrier with a Pug and for some reason calling that dog a Miniature Boxer though some do call it a Puggat In regard to a purebred Boxer dog , there is no such thing as a purebred Miniature Boxer. There is no reason for a legitimate breeder to purposefully try and create dogs that are smaller than the standard. Since buyers do want Boxers that fit the breed standard, it would not be logical to pair together 2 smaller-than-average Boxers in order to produce smaller-than-average puppies. So while you may see advertisements or hear about Miniature Boxers, there is no such thing and of course, this dog is not -and never would be- recognized by any legitimate Kennel Club. It is only the American Canine Hybrid Club and its counterparts in other countries that 'recognize' these 'designer' dogs. Adopting or buying a runt Runt puppies hold a unique appeal in our hearts. We want them to thrive so that we can share in their triumph. Sometimes a runt is the smallest, but healthy, sibling. But some runts are dangerously underweight, and this can be caused, or accompanied, by very real health problems. The most important resource for giving a runt puppy the best care and quality of a life is a great vet. Not every runt puppy will make it, but those that do will have a special story for the rest of their lives. Does your puppy seem a lot smaller than his litter mates? Are you worried that the tinest dog might have the biggest problems? Then check out our complete guide to the runt of the litter. We are going to explain what is meant by a puppy being the runt of the litter. Our mental image of the runt puppy in a litter can stir up some mixed emotions. As defenceless newborns, they grab hold of our instinct to protect small and vulnerable things. In books, TV and film, runt animals are often plucky survivors who become popular heroes. But when it comes to actually bringing a runt puppy home… suddenly their small size can become intimidating. What is the Runt of the Litter? This is the traditional meaning of being a runt, as a breeder would understand it. And by this definition, a litter can have more than one runt! In fact, all the puppies with an abnormally low birth weight are runts. These puppies often struggle to gain weight after birth and are slow to reach important developmental milestones. Whilst it is possible for puppies within a litter to be sired by more than one father, the eggs fertilized later catch up with the other embryos quickly in the very earliest stages of pregnancy. As well as the supply of nutrients they receive from their mum while in the womb. A runt puppy might have failed to develop quickly enough because of a congenital defect which impeded their growth. Once a puppy is outside the womb, a congenital defect might become apparent, or more likely it may never be clear why a puppy was born underweight. What Happens To Runt Puppies? If a puppy is small but healthy, then with a little care, the consequences of their size should be minimal. Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother for at least the first three weeks of their life. Sometimes — especially in large litters — it can be a battle to get enough attention from mum. The breeder might need to be on hand to make sure no puppy gets left out. Small puppies might also benefit from a heated pad underneath them, or a heat lamp over the whelping box. We will look in more detail at this later. The breeder will need to watch her female dog with her smallest puppies carefully for any sign that you need to intervene and help her look after them. Problems With The Runt Of The Litter Sadly when a puppy is abnormally underweight at birth, they are likely to be confronted with many more problems. Across all breeds of dog, low birth weight consistently increases the chances of a puppy dying. The more underweight they are, the more at risk they become. Rather than invest in a lost cause, female dogs will often reject an abnormally small puppy from birth, to conserve energy for feeding and caring for her remaining puppies. Runt of the Litter Health As we already touched on, a runt puppy might be small because of an underlying congenital problem. On top of this, their small size makes them vulnerable to further health problems outside the womb. Top of the list in their first few days are dehydration and hypothermia as they compete with their siblings for food and warmth. On top of everything, a runt puppy who misses out on this milk is more susceptible to life-threatening bacterial infections. Runt disease is a genetic problem experienced by some experimental animals in laboratory settings — it is not a problem for runt puppies! All of the puppies should be checked over by a veterinarian in their first couple of days, to identify any problems early. At this check up, the vet will be able to help you distinguish those puppies who are perilously underweight from those who are small but healthy. They will also give detailed instructions for any puppies who need special care. If a runt puppy is too small to latch on to their mum, your vet might advise you to express her milk by hand into sterilized cup and feed the puppy with sterilized bottle or syringe. Alternatively they might recommend a suitable brand of puppy formula. Human baby formula and cows milk are not rich enough enough in calories or protein for puppies. Only ever give puppies milk approved by their vet. Keeping Runt Puppies Warm Puppies have no mechanism for keeping themselves warm when they are born. Away from their mum, small puppies lose heat faster because they have a large surface area relative to their size. Your vet might also recommend using a heat pad or heat lamp to help a runt puppy stay warm. These might include starting vaccinations earlier than usual. Do Runt Puppies Stay Small? Are you tempted to bring home the smallest puppy from a litter in the hope they stay petite into adulthood? For example, a Labrador might be a bit big for your home, but a little Labrador might just fit? Indeed, online dog forums are awash with anecdotes from owners who brought home the smallest puppy in the litter, then watched in disbelief as they reached the highest weight ranges for their breed. So a small but healthy puppy is by no means guaranteed to become a smaller than average dog. You have been warned. Buying the Runt of the Litter Our special fondness for runts means that many of us will one day search specifically for a runt puppy to bring home. If that just means the smallest but healthy puppy, then no problem. But think very carefully before bringing home a puppy who was significantly underweight at birth. Is a Runt Puppy Bad? Abnormally small puppies who are likely to suffer health complications in future, or could pass on congenital problems if they survive and breed are often euthanized at birth. At the other end of the spectrum, some VERY irresponsible breeders and puppy farms are all too keen to sell malnourished and underweight runt puppies. In fact, they try to sell them for more money than a healthy puppy from the same litter, by passing them off as special teacup varieties. Before bringing home an undersized runt puppy, ask to talk directly with their vet about their health. A caring breeder will not have any objection to this. Ask yourself if you can afford any additional vet care a runt might need over the course of their life. Check with you pet insurer if it will be covered.

a black pug puppy - Maltese Pregnancy Overview If you have a female Maltese, you probably have a lot of questions about Maltese pregnancy. This section will cover: The age a Maltese should be for a first pregnancy How long pregnancy lasts Signs of pregnancy and how to be sure that a Maltese is expecting Litter size Care tips Whether Maltese puppies on the way are a surprise, a well-planned event, or you are thinking about breeding your dog, this section should help you. Best Age for a First Pregnancy There are 3 ages to keep in mind: The age that a Maltese can become pregnant: As soon as a female enters puberty, which is signaled by her first heat cycle , she can technically become pregnant. For this breed, this will be between 4 and 8 months old. However, it is not recommended to breed a female during her first cycle. A Maltese will not be at her full adult size , her pelvic width will not be at its maximum size, pregnancy can be extremely overwhelming for such a young dog, and breeding may not be successful at any rate since eggs are immature. Still, this is very young for all reasons listed above. Recommended age: It is generally recommended to wait for until a Maltese has had her 2nd or 3rd heat cycle and is at a minimum age of 2 years old. Maltese Pregnancy Stats and Facts Length of gestation is the same for all dog breeds; a Maltese will be pregnant for about 63 days; anywhere from 58 to 65 days is considered normal. The average size of a Maltese litter is 2 - 5 puppies; however having just 1 puppy is not unheard of. Every now and then, a litter can 6 or more pups. A female dog can become pregnant at any time during her heat cycle. Her most fertile time is generally 10 to 15 days from the start of heat. A female can carry a duel-sired litter if she mates with two males within a short window of time. Pseudopregnancy false pregnancy is possible. If so, signs such as enlarged belly and swollen breast tissue typically dissipate after 3 weeks. Pre-pregnancy testing should be done. Aside from a general exam and determining pelvic width, both a cardiac exam and a patella evaluation should be performed to rule out hereditary health issues with this breed and these are AKC recommended tests. For example, a 6 lb. Maltese will gain 1. Signs that a Maltese is Pregnant A female dog's pregnancy will last 9 weeks. Signs will start to be noticeable in weeks 2 and 3. By the beginning of Week 4, signs are very obvious. Swollen stomach. This begins toward the end of Week 2, with a very noticeable distended stomach by Week 4. Nipple changes. Also beginning toward the end of Week 2, with clear signs by Week 3, nipples may become larger, pinker, and some that were previously flush with her skin may now be popped out. There may be some 'morning sickness' that can occur at any time of the day. This is typically seen in Week 2, but may carry into later stages as well. Appetite changes. Increased appetite usually begins by the end of Week 3. Mammary glands become enlarged. Due to milk production, mammary glands will start to fill with colostrum. While this is a gradual process, it is generally noticed in Week 3, with increased fullness as each week goes by. Behavioral changes. Nesting tendencies may been seen as early as Week 3. A Maltese may start to gather up items and keep them together in one spot. She may be more clingy, or want to retreat and rest by herself. Confirming a Maltese is Pregnant If you want to know for sure if your Maltese is pregnant without waiting the 2 to 4 weeks for obvious signs to emerge, there are several tests that can be done at the vet's office. If a pregnancy is suspected, and particularly if it was not planned, a veterinary visit is recommended ASAP to check her overall health, have her pelvic width examined, and discuss her diet. If recommended pre-breeding testing was not performed, this will need to be discussed as well. Maltese Pregnancy Care Tips 1. Do not give your pregnant Maltese any extra calcium food or supplements. Increased calcium during pregnancy excluding right before labor has been connected with eclampsia, more difficult labor, and both calcium deposits and certain joint abnormalities with newborns puppies. Keep her exercising as normal to maintain muscle and endurance which will help her with whelping. Limit jumping. You may want to obtain pet steps or ramps to place against sofas or chairs. Nesting instincts will be strong; if your Maltese does not have her own bed, now is the time for her to have one. Keep other dogs in the house away from her if she seems troubled by them. And, if the sire is present in the house, he should be segregated away from her by Week 5. Also, do not allow him access to her during delivery and do not allow him access to the newborns until they are at least 4 weeks old. Do not use any flea or tick treatment on her without vet approval. By Week 4, the veterinarian may recommend a switch to puppy food to offer a diet higher in fat. As you get closer to the expected whelping time Week 6 or 7 , speak to the vet about starting to offer calcium-rich foods such as whole cottage cheese do not give this earlier in the pregnancy, and do not add this at this time without vet approval. The sign that a Maltese will be ready to give birth will be a drop in body temperature. Therefore, her temperature should be read daily starting on Day .By Day 60, this should be done twice per day. When it drops from its normal and .By Chris Poodles are a fantastic breed of dog — they are intelligent, loyal, and adorable. These dogs are some of the most popular species in America for a good reason. How many puppies can a Poodle have? There are two parts to the question of how many puppies a poodle can have. The first is how many puppies are in a poodle litter. This answer varies, depending on the size, health, and age of your dog. Poodle litters can be anywhere from a single puppy to upwards of ten—these dogs have been known to surprise breeders with their litters! With the number of litters in mind, a standard poodle can generally have anywhere from twenty to thirty puppies in her lifetime. A miniature poodle will have twelve to twenty puppies throughout her breeding career, and a toy poodle can birth four to ten puppies total. These numbers vary, of course, but they are accurate estimates. There are different shades of black coat. How Many Puppies are in a Poodle Litter? As a general rule, the smaller the dog, the fewer puppies she will have. Toy poodles tend to have between one and three puppies per litter, rarely going above three. Most toy poodles give birth to one puppy at a time and are more prone to health issues after breeding. Miniature poodles can have three to five puppies in a litter. Miniature poodles are pretty sturdy breeding dogs. Of course, full-size poodles can have larger litters. These poodles have the largest litter size and have been known to birth from two to fourteen puppies. More than five litters can hurt a dog and increase their chances of post-birth injury and unhealthy puppies. However, if your dog is healthy and well cared for, it will be able to breed up to five times with ease. This rule is especially true for smaller dogs, whose bodies are more fragile and sensitive to pregnancy. Factors That Affect Litter Count Of course, many factors affect how many puppies are born in each litter. These are generally related to the genetics of both parent dogs and the atmosphere surrounding the pregnancy. A healthier, happier dog is more likely to give birth to more puppies because she is surrounded by love and peace. While these factors affect each litter individually, they are only guidelines for taking the best care of your breeder dog. However, it will improve the overall health and happiness of both mothers and babies. Choosing the best dog food for Poodles is tricky — got to look after that coat! Breeder Which breeder you choose can increase the health of your dog. A reputable breeder will have all the information you need to make a decision. You need to be able to trust the breeder with these things. The healthier and happier a mother dog is, the greater her odds of delivering large and healthy litters. Most dog breeds go into heat about twice a year, and it lasts for a week or more. The process can affect how many puppies are in the litter. Does a dog have to be in heat to get pregnant? Yes, but it is a little more complicated than you might think — see our article on dog heat that explains everything you need to know. Some breeders will couple the dogs a few times over these days to ensure that the result is successful. After two heats, a poodle will be fully grown and ready to give birth. The ideal age for a mother is between two and four years old. Dogs become less able to have puppies as they grow older, much like humans. It can also affect how many puppies are in each litter and how many litters the breed dog can have. A healthier sire will decrease risks in pregnancy and birth. The healthier a dog is, the more puppies she could potentially have. A professional breeder knows this and pairs sires and dams based on mutual age, health, genetics, and sometimes even personality. A Miniature gray Poodle enjoying the outdoors. Some breeders can also run tests for potential fur color and ancestry. Good genetics will not only increase the health of the puppies but could also increase the litter size. Healthier poodle mamas will be able to have more puppies and more litters without risking their health. Time of Year Believe it or not, the time of the year that the puppies are born can impact the size of the litter. This phenomenon is one of the great mysteries of breeding dogs, but the trend continues year after year. If your dog is going into heat for a winter litter, be aware that it may be smaller than her spring or summer heat. Plus you will need to consider a heated whelping pad. Final Thoughts Poodles, depending on their size, can birth up to ten puppies in a litter. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Beige Blue Hues There are two different eye color possibilities that your dog may possibly come in they are: Blue The most common color of the Maltipoo nose is black. Maltipoo Size This small dog can grow up to 14 inches in height .Remember that each dog may vary slightly in size. Most of the time, you will get a very small dog that will stay small most of its life. Maltese Poodle Mix Health Problems If this dog is cared for properly and does not inherit any health conditions from its parents, the average life expectancy is between years. There are no known health conditions of the Maltipoo; however, to choose a healthy dog, its parentage must be checked, and potential owners need to ask reputable breeders whether the parents have been screened for genetic diseases. You should be aware of a few conditions that your Maltese Poodle mix could inherit or get. Patellar Luxation — Patellar Luxation is a common problem associated with small dog breed like the toy versions. It is a knee joint issue where it dislocates and causes pain in the dog. You will need to see a vet to get pain management for your dog for this issue. White Shaker Syndrome — Sometimes smaller dog breeds have issues with separation anxiety, which can cause higher stress like the white shaker syndrome. This is common in small dog breeds and basically, what happens is that the breed has tremors. This does not cause pain in your dog but can get worse as the breed gets older. Skin Irritation — Skin irritation is common among a lot of dog breeds. This usually means your dog will have sensitive skin to shampoos or products used. If that is the case, make sure you are using hypoallergenic products for your dog. Epilepsy — Epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain activity, and that is what makes these seizures. The Toy Poodle is actually known for having this issue, and it does not correlate to anything specific. So just be aware that your Maltese Poodle mix has a possibility of getting this. In addition, you may already know that mixed breeds often have a longer life than the purebred parents due to the breeding out common diseases in the mixed. Living Conditions The Maltipoo dog does not do well in extreme heat, and if it is in a country where it can get very hot, they need to remain in cool and air-conditioned rooms. It is fine to keep this dog inside an apartment or a small condo as long as it gets to go outside on a daily basis as these dogs get bored very easily and like to have a change of environment. Maltipoo Exercise Maltipoos do not need much exercise as they are easily able to tire themselves out through playing. A short daily walk outside is sufficient to allow them to stretch their legs. However, they do have quite a lot of energy, so a small yard would do wonders for the breed as you can play fetch or toys with your dog outside to get your dog tired. Exercise can, of course, combat bad behavior. However, this dog breed does like to have attention on it, so if you are busy and have no time to play, then you may find some mischievous behavior from your dog. Try to take 30 minutes a day from your schedule to play with your Maltipoo, as well as take your dog out for a walk. Maltese Poodle Feeding This is quite a small dog breed, so it will not need a lot of food each day to sustain itself. One cup of high-quality food broken up into smaller meals should be perfect for the Maltese Poodle mix. This designer dog breed needs dog food that is going to have a good source of complete protein, either from beef, chicken, or fish. As a rule of thumb, this dog breed needs 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, so a pound dog will need calories a day in dog food. Pro Tip: When looking for dog food options, search for small breed dog food as this will have the ideal composition of protein, carb, and vegetable ratio to ensure your dog is getting complete nutrition. Maltese Poodle Mix Grooming Depending on what kind of coat the Maltipoo has depends on what kind of grooming is needed. Just like the Poodle, the Maltipoo has very sensitive ears and needs to be kept dry and clean. It is a good idea to have its ears checked every time they have a visit to the vet. Long nails are actually pretty painful for dogs. It will make it harder for them to walk. Make sure you have them clipped at an appropriate level. Do not take too much off, or you will end up cutting into a nerve. Maltipoo Training The Maltipoo is a dog breed known for its loud annoying bark. This is something you can combat if you have walked through the necessary training steps. Training is very important for any dog breed to learn tricks and commands and to learn basic things like socialization and obedience. If you can, start training your Maltese Poodle mix as a puppy. Begin with easy things such as socialization, friendliness, and potty training. After consistent training, your Maltipoo will have it down in no time. Remember to always train with positive reinforcement not to frighten or scare your dog. If you plan to leave your dog at home while at work for long periods of time, we suggest crate training your dog from an early age. If you train your dog at an early age, your Maltipoo should have no problem picking up some of these commands. Again the mixed dog breed can be mischievous when left alone, so crate training will keep your dog in a safe place until you return home. Maltese Poodle Mix Puppies Before running to the closest breeder to you, you need to do some research and make sure you are not purchasing a puppy from a puppy mill. So many people avoid puppy mills due to their inhumane breeding practices and the fact that the puppies are not healthy and either are the parents of the breed. Do some extensive research and find a breeder that can provide proof of their healthy dogs. Ask questions to the breeder you find and see if you can visit the kennel or facility. Mixed breeds are certainly cheaper in price than a purebred breed. Maltese Poodle Mix Litter Size This is a smaller dog breed, so a female will not have as many puppies as a large breed dog will have. You can expect a female to have between three and four puppies in a litter. The puppies will be small and only weigh between 15 and 20 pounds when an adult. Suitability This is a great dog if you want a loving animal for small children. It has a playful nature, and it does not require much exercise, which is why it suits less active families. However, this breed can suffer from separation anxiety , so if you can have someone in your household, giving this dog breed attention would help. Make sure you start training from an early age, as this dog breed may take longer than others. Key Takeaways In this section, you will find the main points that you can remember from the article. The Maltipoo is a combination of both the Maltese and the Toy Poodle. This will result in a very small dog. The temperament of this dog is very good as it is both lovable and affectionate. This will make a great family companion. The coat of this hybrid dog breed can result in daily brushing due to its wavy and curly nature. Maltipoos are a sometimes a needy dog breed as they will want your attention and can be quite yappy when not receiving that attention. Yes, the Maltipoo is a fantastic family dog. Good with children of all ages and other dogs. Just remember when your Maltipoo is a puppy that you teach it to be friendly around children, pets, and other people. This mixed dog breed is known as a pleasing dog, which means the breed tries its hardest to please its owners and other people. This would be a mixed dog breed to get your kids at a young age as it has a lot of energy, just like children, so they could play together for long periods of time. Do Maltipoos Shed? The Maltipoo was actually designed to be a low-shedding dog with a hypoallergenic coat. That is one of the major reasons the Maltese and the Poodle were even bred together to create this low allergy hypoallergenic dog breed. Consistent grooming can also help with shedding. Does the Maltese Poodle Mix Bark? The Maltipoo is known to bark and be yappy at times. This can be from a variety of things, lack of training, or the dog is just trying to tell you it wants attention. Most of the time, the barking will happen out of boredom from your Maltipoo, and the dog is trying to tell you to come play. This is why having children in the home who will constantly want to play with the dog is a very good. Yes, the Maltipoo is a very affectionate breed. If you have very handsy children that grab animals, you can rest assured that your dog will not mind as it loves to be helped and loved on. This type of dog is perfect for owners that like to curl up on the couch with their dog and watch a movie. Close relatives of the Maltipoo Here are a few breeds that act very similar to the Maltipoo: Maltese. While Maltese mama dogs can potentially have up to five puppies in a litter, the more typical litter size is one to three puppies. Because the Maltese dog is such a small dog in adulthood, it is safer to have smaller litters. Watch a Maltese Dog Give Birth to Puppies While it can be hard to visualize how such a small dog like the Maltese could possibly carry puppies, actually these dogs have been doing so successfully for thousands of years. Unlike some toy-sized dog breeds, Maltese dogs are perfectly capable of carrying a litter of puppies to term and having a natural birth, as this short video showcases. The Unique Maltese Heat Cycle While adult female dogs from many dog breeds will go into heat as often as every six weeks starting as early as four months of age, this is definitely not the case for the Maltese dog breed. The Maltese typically only goes into heat is receptive to becoming pregnant about once every six months. It is important to wait until a Maltese female has had at least one full heat cycle before making an attempt to breed her. However, because Maltese dogs are so tiny, many breeders feel it is safer to wait until the dog is at least two years old. A number of different factors can come into play in determining how many puppies a mother dog might deliver. For general purposes, larger dog breeds tend to have larger litters of puppies. According to the Guinness Book of World Records , the largest litter of puppies ever on record was a whopping 24 puppies. The mother was a giant breed of Neapolitan Mastiff. Compare that with the average size of a litter of Maltese dogs, which is one to three puppies. Use of in vitro fertilization But dog breed is not the only factor that can influence how many puppies a female dog of any breed might have. For people, artificial in vitro fertilization in humans are often more likely to produce multiple births. However, in dogs, the opposite tends to be the case. Veterinarians and breeders believe this is because there is more risk of sperm being less viable when there is a delay in insemination. Age of the female dog Yet another factor that can cause the number of puppies in a litter to go up or down is the age of the mother dog. There are two times when a mother dog tends to have a smaller litter. The first time is when the mother dog gets pregnant the first one or two times. The second time is as a mother dog gets older. However, the litters in between — typically those that are delivered between age two and age five — will be larger than the other litters, if any. Age of the male stud dog Even another consideration that can influence the size of a litter of Maltese puppies is the age of the male dog. Older male dogs tend to have less viable sperm. A male dog that breeds between two and five years of age will have the greatest chance of producing a larger litter of puppies for the dam. Timing of delivery For some reason that veterinarians and breeders do not fully understand, many dog breeds tend to have a larger litter when they give birth in the spring season than in the fall season. Parent dog health and nutrition The diet and overall lifestyle of both parent dogs can also influence the size of the litter and the health of the puppies. When the dam mother dog and sire father dog are fed a healthy, complete, and balanced diet and get enough exercise, they are more likely to produce a larger litter of healthy Maltese puppies. When the mother dog is overweight or obese and does not have a healthy diet and exercise regimen, it is likely the litter will be smaller. Canine genetics Finally, there is no doubt that genetics can play a part in the size of a Maltese litter. Some dogs simply seem to deliver more puppies even when everything else seems to be equal. The typical gestation period pregnancy is around 63 days for female dogs. The average range is from 58 days to 65 days. Her belly will start to swell a bit as the puppies begin to grow. She may also start to feel a bit nauseated — morning sickness happens between weeks two and three of pregnancy. This is due to the start of milk production. This typically takes place between weeks three and four. Four weeks By week four, you will start to see definite behavior changes in your pregnant Maltese. She will be nesting and may start to have mood swings ranging from wanting to be alone to wanting to be everywhere you go. You will see a visibly distended belly by week four, and your Maltese will start to gain weight as the puppies grow. It will be important to monitor her food and fluid intake since she may still be feeling nauseated from morning sickness. You may need to switch her food — always ask your veterinarian for guidance on this. Five to seven weeks By weeks five to seven, your Maltese will have a round tummy and noticeable weight gain. She may be spending more time in her bed or nest, and you should be getting the whelping box, and whelping supplies prepared. A sudden plunge in body temperature is regarded as a reliable sign that your dog is ready to give birth. Until that occurs, be sure to keep your Maltese from jumping for her safety and the safety of the puppies. Sequester her away from other pets if they bother her. You may also want to rearrange your work schedule to be available around the time you expect your Maltese to give birth. One question many new Maltese owners do not even know to ask is whether it is safe to have a female Maltese dog fixed spayed while she has a heat cycle. The heat cycle in female dogs is much like the menstrual cycle in female humans. There is bleeding internally as the uterus sheds its inner pre-pregnancy lining. One of the key signs that a female Maltese is starting her first heat cycle is some amount of vaginal bleeding. For many first-time Maltese owners, this can be scary to see. It is smart to take your dog to the veterinarian just to confirm it is in fact the first heat cycle and not a health issue in the making. Breeding your Maltese can be exciting and rewarding. It can also be scary and heartbreaking. What you want to avoid at all costs is an unplanned pregnancy, which can be expensive, dangerous, and stressful for both you and your dog. Understanding the special challenges of breeding Maltese can help you make the best choice for both you and your female Maltese. I am passionate about all things related to fluffy dogs and love sharing my knowledge with others. I first discovered my passion for fluffy dogs when I adopted a Shih Tzu over 10 years ago, and I have been an avid fan ever since. Post navigation. Good overall health. What is the Maltipoo Pregnancy overview? The first heat cycle sets in as soon as the female Maltipoo reaches puberty, between months old. It is, however, not recommendable to breed a Maltipoo during her first cycle because they will not be at their full adult size. The pelvic width is not fully developed to bear pregnancy. According to the AKC regulations, the best age for a Maltipoo to get pregnant is eight months. Although the AKC regulations state otherwise, it is best for Maltipoo to get pregnant at two years old when they are in their 2nd or 3rd cycle. The Maltipoo gestation period lasts between 58 to 65 days. This dog litters two to four puppies on average. The most fertile time for a Maltipoo to get pregnant is 10 to 15 days after the onset of heat. Pregnancy Testing Pre-pregnancy testing is vital. A patella evaluation and a cardiac exam should accompany the general pregnancy examination. These tests rule out all genetic and hereditary health issues that may be present. Pseudopregnancy is a possible case. The Maltipoo may display an enlarged belly which will dissipate after weeks. Therefore, breeders should monitor the female closely and ensure that all pre-pregnancy tests have been done. It is possible to notice pregnancy signs by the beginning of the fourth week. Below are the obvious signs to look out for. Enlarged nipples— Towards the end of the second week, the nipples become larger and pop outwards. Swollen Stomach— A distended stomach is visible towards the end of the second week. Nausea— Morning sickness may occur at any time of the day. Although this is noticeable within the second week, it may carry on into the later stages of the pregnancy. Enlarged mammary glands— The mammary glands start to fill with colostrum and enlarge. This is seen within the third week of pregnancy. Change in appetite— A pregnant Maltipoo has increased appetite by the end of the third week. Behavioral changes— You will notice a behavior change as soon as the third-week sets in. The Maltipoo may become clingy or shoe nesting tendencies. Maintain regular exercise to help the Maltipoo have endurance. Limit a lot of jumping. Keep the other dogs away from the pregnant one. Do not use any pest control method unless instructed by a vet. Keep your Maltipoo within the right temperature range of .Maltipoo Birthing Issues Unlike other large breeds, Maltipoos are a miniature breed. Therefore, they are prone to some birthing issues since their pelvic canals are not wide enough to facilitate normal birth. This leads to dystocia. Other causes of dystocia in maltipoos include; oversized fetus, abnormal position of the fetus, and short uterine contractions. All Maltipoo puppies attain maturity between 11 and 13 months of age. Feeding these puppies a dry food diet high in natural ingredients will help them thrive. Regular exercise: Ensure your Maltipoo puppy gets at least 30 minutes of active play daily. Regular exercise keeps obesity and heart illness away. Regular vet visits: Make sure to take your puppies to the vet at least twice yearly for a check-up. Also, vaccinate your puppies to protect them from infections. What is the Price for Maltipoo Puppies? The Maltese poodle originated in the United States around , with the breeders intending to create a more low-maintenance lap dog for companionship. The intelligence, affectionate nature, and easy trainability of the Maltese are combined with the low shedding and more hypoallergenic nature of the poodle to create this designer dog. Maltese poodles are small and bred to be fun playful lap dogs. While Maltese poodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or other purebred dog kennel clubs, there are several organizations hoping to help Maltese poodles obtain recognition with the American Kennel Club by adhering to certain breeding and appearance requirements. However, this is still a work in progress as reputable breeding organizations work toward creating a crossbreed with desirable traits and a consistent appearance. They are affectionate, fitting well into families, and they are a perfect apartment-sized dog, which makes them a perfect addition to the home for people in more urban areas. Plus, Maltese poodles come in a range of colors and coat patterns due to their crossbreed heritage, making each dog as unique as their loveable nature. Since Maltese poodles are a cross between the Maltese and toy poodle dog breeds, they have a similar small stature. They stand between 8 and 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, depending on lineage. Most Maltese poodles will have medium to long hair that is very soft, fluffy, and may contain a wavy pattern. Maltese poodles are available in a number of different patterns such as bicolor, tricolor, tuxedo, sable, and merle, and the colorations of Maltese poodles range from black, brown, and grey to red, blue, cream, white, gold, and fawn. What Size Is a Maltese Poodle? They grow between 8 and 14 inches tall, though occasionally, you will find one as small as 5 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds. This breed has a single-layer coat that will continually grow, hence the increased grooming needs of this pup, but is less likely to shed as much as a double-layer coat would. The Maltese poodle is known for being a sociable, friendly, affectionate, and loyal pup. For the most part, Maltese poodles are gentle and love to receive attention from their family as much as they love to give attention. Maltese poodles are quite alert, a trait that comes from the toy poodle in their genetics. However, they are not prone to aggression or a high prey drive. Your Maltese poodle may bark more when they are bored or anxious, but these behavioral issues can be fixed with proper care and training. Are Maltese Poodles Affectionate? Maltese poodles are highly affectionate pups. They love to sit with their humans and spend time lounging around in addition to spending time playing outside, taking walks, or visiting dog parks and dog-friendly areas. Maltese poodles have a need to receive lots of affection from their families, and they will certainly give just as much affection back. You should remember that because the Maltese poodle is such a people-loving and affectionate pup, they can be prone to separation anxiety and may not handle long periods of separation from their families well. Maltese poodles are good with kids, thanks to their relatively gentle and calm nature. They can be playful and affectionate and easily get along with children who want to play or spend time properly petting them. It is important to note that children who play rough with your Maltese poodle may hurt the dog due to their small and more fragile size, so older children and children who know how to treat animals properly are likely a better match for this pup. Maltese poodles are generally good with all other animals that they may meet or live with. They are outgoing and sociable and unlikely to become aggressive, though they may bark at first if they see the other animal as suspicious. Larger dogs may not be the best choice for a companion for Maltese poodles, as this dog breed can be easily injured by rough play or accident. Are Maltese Poodles Aggressive? They may bark at things that frighten them or find suspicious, but they are unlikely to bite, growl, or nip unless they are being directly threatened or accosted. Do Maltese Poodles Bark a Lot? Maltese poodles can be quite the barker in certain situations. This breed tends to bark at things they find frightening or suspicious, but they will stop after they see what the item is clearly or the unfamiliar person is proven to be friendly. Maltese poodles can develop anxiety and behavioral issues when left alone for long periods of time, which can result in excessive barking; proper training and care can reduce the amount of barking and make this pup happier. Are Maltese Poodles Intelligent? Maltese poodles are reasonably intelligent dogs due to the genetics of the toy poodle. Toy poodles are known for their above-average intelligence and the ease at which they pick up basic obedience training or more advanced skills. Are Maltese Poodles Easy to Train? Maltese poodles are fairly easy to train thanks to their average to above-average intelligence. They pick up basic obedience commands quickly and may even be suited for more advanced skills and commands. They also love to show off to their owners and spend time with their families, which makes training them a good time for all. Are Maltese Poodles Energetic? Maltese poodles are quite an energetic dog, but their exercise needs are moderate. They love a quick minute playtime with their toys inside or outside the home, and they require a 15 to minute walk at least twice daily to stay happy and healthy. You should also take your Maltese poodle to dog parks regularly in order to get them to socialize with other dogs in a safe, contained manner. Maltese poodles are one of the best breeds for apartment living. They may bark from time to time when hearing noises from other apartments or seeing things outside, but with proper training and care, your Maltese poodle should not cause too much noise or disruption in an apartment. Are Maltese Poodles Good Watchdogs? Maltese poodles are pretty good watchdogs; they are alert, bark at anything suspicious they see, and are fiercely loyal to their family. You can expect your Maltese poodle to bark at unfamiliar strangers or things they perceive as threats which can be helpful when you want a small dog that can alert you to potential trouble around your home. Maltese poodles may be good service dogs in certain situations. This dog is quite small, so they are not suited for mobility or guiding-related service tasks, but due to their trainable nature and constant want to help out their families, they can make good medical alert or emotional support dogs. The Maltese poodle is pretty emotionally perceptive, something that helps them relieve conditions such as anxiety and depression, and they can pick up medical alert commands easily, in addition to learning more advanced skills such as fetching medications, phones, and water. How to Care for a Maltese Poodle Caring for your Maltese poodle requires spending time with your pup exercising them, loving on them, and providing them with the nutrition they need. You should take your dog out on walks at least twice a day and spend time playing with them and their toys whenever possible. Regular visits to dog parks and walking in public can help socialize your dog, and you should always remember to stay up to date with veterinary care. Your Maltese poodle will likely need regular bathing and grooming services to keep their hair clean and free of mats. You will also need to feed your Maltese poodle two meals a day, supplemented by treats and other highly nutritional additions. You should remember not to leave your Maltese poodle home alone for long periods, as this can cause behavioral issues and upset your dog. Maltese poodles do need to be groomed. Their hair grows constantly, and since it is on the longer side, it can become matted and dirty easily. Brush your Maltese poodle several times a week, bathe them approximately once every month or so, and take them to a groomer on a regular basis to get their hair brushed out and trimmed so that it stays clear of their eyes and out of the way. Do Maltese Poodles Shed? Maltese poodles shed a small amount, but they are considered a low-shedding and more hypoallergenic dog breed. This lack of shedding is attributed to their single-layer coat that continually grows instead of shedding small hairs all over the place like a double-layered coat often does. What Should a Maltese Poodle Eat? Your Maltese poodle should eat high-quality dog food divided into two to three meals daily. Like many crossbreeds, the Maltese poodle may present health issues inherited from its parents and health issues resulting from being bred into a small-sized dog. Maltese poodles are prone to health problems such as mitral valve disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, bloat, and allergies. Proper care of your Maltese poodle and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your pup stays in top shape and may help you to catch a developing health problem before it turns into something more serious or life-threatening. Maltese poodles have a life span that ranges between 10 and 13 years. In order to give your pup the longest, happiest life possible, you should be taking proper care of your dog, ensuring that regular vet visits are maintained, and keeping an eye on your Maltese poodle for potential emerging health issues. Are Maltese Poodles Expensive? Maltese poodles are considered a designer breed and can be more expensive to purchase as a result. How to Find a Maltese Poodle Breeder? To find a Maltese poodle breeder, you can perform internet searches for both local and national reputable breeders. Most of the time, you will be put on a waiting list for a puppy, and the breeder will keep you updated on when your puppy can come home. Keep in mind that you should attempt to gather as much information about the breeder, their licenses, and the conditions in which the dogs are being bred to ensure that you purchase from a breeder that properly cares for their animals. Can You Adopt a Maltese Poodle? While you can adopt a Maltese poodle from a shelter, this breed may not often turn up at local and national organizations. This is because Maltese poodles are considered designer dogs and are typically purchased directly from breeders; owners who spend money on a dog like this are unlikely to rehome them. That being said, there may be several rescue organizations dedicated to rehoming this breed when they have been given up due to unfortunate circumstances; keep an eye out on the websites of local and national organizations to see if any have Maltese poodles available for adoption. Are Maltese Poodles Purebred? Maltese poodles are not purebred dogs. They are a crossbreed, created from a mix of the Maltese dog breed and the toy poodle dog breed. Can You Show Maltese Poodles? You cannot show Maltese poodles as they are not official purebred dogs and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They may be recognized by specific mixed and designer breed kennel clubs; you will need to search for these organizations and see if show opportunities are available. Maltese poodles are usually a pretty good choice for new dog owners. This breed is gentle, friendly, and affectionate and is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They love spending time with their families and are quite playful, in addition to fitting well into apartment-style living. The only things new dog owners may be overwhelmed by are the higher grooming needs of this pup and the fact that they are companion dogs, meaning they cannot be left alone for long periods. Deciding whether or not the Maltese poodle is the right dog for you can be a difficult choice. Below, we make a list of points about when this dog may or may not fit into your lifestyle; review these items carefully to determine whether or not the Maltese poodle is the best dog breed for you. The Maltese poodle might be the right dog for you if: You want a friendly, loving, and sociable dog that loves to spend time with you and give affection as much as they receive it. You want a dog that is easily trained for basic tasks and has a playful, more energetic outlook on life. You want a dog that fits in well to apartment-style living. The Maltese poodle is not the dog for you if: You plan on leaving your dog home alone for long periods of time; Maltese poodles need social interaction and plenty of time spent with their families to stay happy and healthy. You want a dog that will mix well with any larger breed dogs in your home; Maltese poodles are generally too small to play well with larger dog breeds, though it is possible. You want a dog that can spend plenty of time outdoors with you hiking, hunting, or generally being active; Maltese poodles are playful and energetic, but they are too small for labor-intensive outdoor activities. Once you review these items and our complete dog breed guide, the decision of whether or not to add a Maltese poodle to your family should be clear. And, no matter which dog you decide to adopt, as long as you take proper care of it and provide it with ample love, you and your pup are sure to live happily together for as long as possible. What are the stages of a Maltese pregnancy? There are various stages in a dogs pregnancy as it progresses from day 1 through to the whelping of the litter. This is a brief summary of what to expect at each week of the pregnancy: Before pregnancy : You should get pre-breeding checks done for your Maltese and get advice on the best way to improve the chances on the breeding of your Maltese. Week 1: Mating occurs and your Maltese is impregnated. This will involve fertilization of the litter. Week 3: The embryos of the puppies embed themselves into the lining of the uterus. The initial signs of pregnancy may start to show on your dog. Week 4: By the time you reach the end of week 4 you can visit the vet to get an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is on track. Week 5: The embryos take the form of fetus during this week. Week 6: The embryos will continue to gain in weight, skeletal and muscles will begin to form. Week 7: Hair will start to form in this week. The fetus will continue to gain weight and increase in size. Week 8: At this late stage in the pregnancy your vet may recommend an x-ray to confirm the number of puppies in the litter. Milk will also start to form in the Maltese teats. Week 9: This is the final week and whelping should occur. Keep an eye on your Maltese and keep an eye on their temperature as this is a good sign the birth is about to happen. Whelping : This is when the puppies are born. Ensure that you are ready for puppies and consult your vet for any specific advice around your Maltese pregnancy. Post birth: Keep the mother and the litter away from the father for a while as it is in their best interests. Make sure the vet checks the mother to ensure she has recovered from the births. Keep the puppies warm and safe and can an eye on the mothers condition to ensure all is going ok in the days after whelping. When is the female Maltese most fertile in the heat cycle? A Maltese female will be the most likely to get pregnant in the second week of being on heat. The exact best time is usually between 10 days and 15 days of her heat cycle. How do I know my female Maltese is pregnant? How do you know your Maltese is pregnant? If you suspect your Maltese is pregnant or you are trying to breed your Maltese you can wait 2 weeks to 4 weeks and the obvious signed will start to show. These obvious signs will include a swollen belly and swollen nipples. They may also have Nausea and you may notice behavioral changes. If you want to know earlier than waiting for the obvious signs then from Day 22 you can use a blood test to determine if the Maltese is pregnant. By week 4 a palpation and ultrasound test can confirm the pregnancy. At Week 7 an x-ray can confirm the litter and confirm the number of puppies to be born. If you have any concerns, or the pregnancy was unplanned, then you should consult a vet to get an overall check done and confirm the Maltese is able to mother a litter. The vet will be able to give you good advice on what is going to happen, whether your Maltese is in a good condition to deliver the puppies and some tips on caring for your dog both during and post pregnancy. What is pre-breeding testing for a dog pregnancy? If you are intending to breed your Maltese then there are a few checks you can perform to ensure that there is no genetic diseases or predispositions that will be passed onto the pups. Pre-breeding testing will help ensure that the puppies produced by breeding will be fit, healthy and have the best chance of life. The checks will best be determined by your vet but a few things they will consider is the weight of the dog, the pelvic width and blood samples. The blood samples identify any infections and any high concentration on minerals which may affect the pregnancy such as calcium. The vet may also want to do a fecal exam to look for intestinal worms. Also your vet will ensure that all vaccinations are up to date. If you are labelled as a top breeder you may want to get official certifications for the dog include eye, hip and specific breed certifications. Your vet can arrange these for you. There are also other tests which can be done to ensure there are no bacterial infections such as brucellosis which can cause still births and infertility. These checks are worthwhile so that your dog is in a good condition to give pregnancy and since breeding can be an expensive hobby it will also lessen the chance of the litter having issues which means you will not be able to sell your puppies. Also note if you are thinking of breeding you should know the laws in your city,state and country about what certifications, registrations and checks you need to go through before being able to sell the puppies. These can be extensive in some areas and are there to stop random breeding which results in lots of puppies being given up to the dog shelter and having to be put down. Be responsible and do your checks before breeding your Maltese. What is a false Maltese pregnancy? A false pregnancy is when the body reacts as if the female Maltese is actually carrying a litter even though she is not pregnant. This will result in common pregnancy signs such as a swollen belly but they will disappear by around week 3 of the false pregnancy. A false pregnancy is also known as a pseudo pregnancy. How long does a Maltese Pregnancy last? The length of a Maltese pregnancy is the same as other small dog breeds which means the Maltese is pregnant for approximately 8 to 10 weeks. From 8 weeks the Maltese litter could be delivered at anytime. A vet will become concerned with a prolonged Maltese pregnancy after 10 weeks. What is the Youngest Age a Maltese can get Pregnant? Technically a Maltese can get pregnant as soon as they have their first heat cycle. This generally will come in the age of 4 months to 8 months which is an extremely young age. It is not recommended for a Maltese to get pregnant in their first heat cycle as their body has not developed properly and it is dangerous at this age. Breeding at this age has many complications and reputable breeders will always warn against allowing a Maltese getting pregnant during their first cycle. The main reasons this age is not recommended is that the Maltese is still a small puppy itself and its body, especially its pelvic region, has not developed into full size. Another reason is that the eggs in such a young dog are not always of the best quality and will not produce the best offspring. The last reason is that a pregnancy is a traumatic event and it can have an affect on the Maltese puppies mental state as they are still puppies themselves. What is the recommended age for breeding a Maltese? While the youngest age a Maltese can get pregnant is the first heat cycle, it is usually advisable to wait for at least the second and preferably the third heat cycle before breeding a Maltese. It is safer to extended this another cycle which may be in the 24 — 30 month old range. A Maltese dog who has gone through a couple of heat cycles and has fully formed their body is much better placed to have a successful pregnancy. What is the oldest age that a Maltese can get Pregnant? As long as a Maltese is in heat it can get pregnant. As a dog gets older the length of time between heat cycles may increase but they never stop. Technically your Maltese could get pregnant at any age but there are more complications and serious risks as the Maltese ages into a senior dog. If you have a Maltese that is getting on in age and are considering whether they should be breed there are a few things to take into consideration. These include that most vets suggest that 8 years is the oldest age to breed a puppy. Some kennels will not register litters from any female which is older than 8 years of age. In fact many vets will suggest you should retire a dog from being impregnated at the age of five. It is also noted by vets that smaller breeds should be removed from breeding at a younger age than larger dogs due to the stresses it puts on the female Maltese body. Vets recommend small breeds to only breed up to the age of five. A final thought is that most kennels and vets recommend that a female Maltese not produce more than 4 litters. If the dog had been bred from the age of two then it would be around the age of five when the dog has reached the accepted maximum number of litters. What is the best time to breed a Maltese? A Maltese female dog will be the most fertile between 10 days and 15 days which is approximately the second week of her heat cycle. But a Maltese dog can become pregnant at anytime in the heat cycle. How many puppies are in a Maltese litter? How many puppies can a Maltese have? The average size of a Maltese litter is between two and five puppies. This is the average sizes but the litter can be only one puppy or even more than six puppies. It depends on nature and how fertile the female Maltese is at the time of impregnation. Most pregnancies will ave at least 3 puppies. As the litters get bigger there is a chance for more complications with the pregnancy and with the puppies as they will have to fight for nourishment in order to grow and thrive in the world. What preparation activities should be taken breeding a Maltese? Before you intend to breed your Maltese you should see a vet and get a few pre-pregnancy tests done. These will differ per breed but for a Maltese this will include checking the pelvic width, testing the heart and also having a patella evaluation. Your Vet may recommend blood tests and talk to you about diets which can help with improving the chance of the pregnancy being successful. The American Kennel Club has a set of recommended tests which should be done for each certified breed. What changes occur to my female Maltese during pregnancy? During a Maltese pregnancy your dog will gain about one fifth of their body weight. This will be a gradual gain over the pregnancy but you will start to see the gains by week 2 of the pregnancy. The signs in the second week are generally just starting to develop but by the time the pregnancy has moved through to week 4 there should be a very noticeable weight gain. Other changes which can occur during the pregnancy include the Maltese nipples becoming larger and will start to pop out from the skin. This is obviously so she is ready to feed the Maltese litter when it is born. The nipples will start to change by week 3 of the pregnancy. Also just like human pregnancies the Maltese pregnancy can have nausea and vomiting. This can be brought on by certain smells, foods or times of the day. The nausea will present itself in week 3 of the pregnancy and will generally disappear as the pregnancy continues. It is not unheard of though of dogs have nausea through the pregnancy. Appetite changes are likely to occur around the third week. Other behavioral changes can also occur as the pregnancy progresses. Nesting is one of these signs and your Maltese will gather up toys and food and keep them in her spot. Some dogs do react differently in a pregnancy so make sure you notice if your Maltese is becoming clingy and attached to your side or if she wants to be by herself in a corner. If she wants to be by her side you should encourage it to reduce the stress on your Maltese during this important time. There are some studies that show that stress during pregnancies can make the offspring less likely to handle stress in their life. For these reasons you want to try and provide a stress free environment while your Maltese is pregnant with her litter. There are quite a few things you can do during the pregnancy to help your Maltese have an easier time: Ensure that you keep up regular exercise although make sure you take into consideration how your dog is handling it. They will help maintain the muscle definition and allow her to have the endurance when she is whelping. Try to limit any sort of jumping your Maltese needs to do. There are a variety of products that can help with this during the pregnancy such as pet steps and ramps. Check them out as limiting jumping will stop the strain on your Maltese body considering the additional weight she will be carrying with her litter. Limit calcium intake during the pregnancy. A high calcium intake during pregnancy has been connected with eclampsia and difficult labor. It can also cause abnormalities in the puppies. Towards the end of the pregnancy, as you approach the whelping, your vet may suggest to increase the calcium. Only do this on your vets advice and your vet will only recommend this after week 6. Your vet will only recommend this if there is a need to increase the calcium in your Maltese. There are a few options to increase calcium but most people find cheese such as cottage cheese an easy choice which the Maltese will like. But it should be stressed calcium early in the pregnancy and without vets advice is a very dangerous thing to do. Calcium after the birth may be suggested to prevent eclampsia. Check with your vet on any medications or treatments you give your Maltese. This includes flea and tick treatments, as well as shampoos and soaps. Your vet can guide you on the best alternatives during the pregnancy to ensure a safe pregnancy for your Maltese. Diets during pregnancy can help with certain aspects of the pregnancy so talk to your vet to get their recommendation. Generally the food later in the pregnancy from about week 4 should be high in fat. This can be easily given by steering towards the puppy foods but your vet will have a good recommendation on the best food for your pregnant Maltese dog. Maltese pregnancies can bring on nesting characteristics in your puppy. If your Maltese does not have a safe place that is hers such as a nice warm bed to herself then it would be a great idea to get something for her. She might like a warm blanket as well if it is cold. Relationships with other dogs can sometimes be a problem during the pregnancy as the Maltese will not feel comfortable and have less tolerance levels. You should try and keep your pregnant female Maltese by herself if she is annoyed by the other dogs in the house. If the sire is also in the house you should keep the mother and father away from each other from week 5. The father or sire should be kept away from the actual pregnancy and the puppies until they have grown significantly. This is usually around week 4 after the pregnancy but may be longer if needed. You should be careful reintroducing the puppies and sire and do it through a fence, and on a leash to gauge the reaction from both the father, mother and Maltese puppies. How do I know my Maltese is ready to give birth? You Maltese pregnancy is coming to an end when her body temperature starts to drop. This temperature drop is a clear sign the female Maltese body is preparing itself for the delivery. Starting around Day 57 of the pregnancy, the temperature should be taken daily. Twice daily is recommended after you progress past day .The normal temperature for a Maltese is to degrees Fahrenheit which is equivalent to .When the pregnancy is within 24 hours of happening this temperature will drop top degrees Fahrenheit which is equivalent to .It might only be 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit but this is the clearest sign your dog is ready to give birth. Another less obvious sign of an impending birth is that the milk will start to fill the teats of your Maltese. This means the birth is likely to happen within a few days as the body of the female is getting ready to take care of the soon to arrive Maltese puppies. What are the Best Tips for Looking after a female Maltese after the pregnancy post pregnancy? Once your Maltese has given birth there are a number of things you can do that will help her post pregnancy: Remove any soiled bedding and blankets. These will have bodily fluids from the birth and allowing your Maltese puppies and Maltese mother to sit in the fluids will increase the likeliness of an infection occurring. Use a warm damp towel to clean off the mother. Use a dry towel to gently pat her dry to make her comfortable. Removing the body fluids from her will lessen the chance of any infections occurring. Provide lots of water in the next few days as your Maltese will be producing milk to feed her puppies. She can get hydrated without adequate access to clean water. The mother may ignore food for a day or two but after that she should be eating. Ensure that you feed her adequately as she is providing the nutrients for the litter. She will need larger than normal meals. If she rejects her food beyond a couple of days get vet advice. Take your Maltese and her puppies to the vet for a checkup. The vet will be able to confirm the mother is healing well and that the puppies are all healthy. For a couple of weeks keep an eye on the drainage of your Maltese. The teats of your dog can get infected and inflamed. This is commonly known as Mastitis. It occurs whenever bacteria gets into an cracks in the skin near the teat due to feeding. This can be very painful so if it occurs see your vet immediately. Talk to your vet about eclampsia and how to prevent it as its a common in small breeds. Eclampsia is especially common in smaller breeds such as Maltese so be very careful. While calcium during the pregnancy was not advised eclampsia is a condition where your Maltese is not getting enough calcium. Symptoms include disorientation, not nurturing the puppies, fever, whining, panting, walking funny and laying with straight legs. If any of these symptoms occur in the weeks following your litter arrival while the mother is feeding them then take it very seriously. Is there anything cuter than newborn Maltese puppies? We think not, either. How many litters can a Maltese have? Since the whole point of breeding is to do it responsibly without ever putting the Maltese mama at risk, most breeders will allow a Maltese to have litters at the most. Other breeders use age as their indicator and will retire her from breeding around age 8. Part of responsible breeding , however, is to adjust your schedule to her needs, as shown by her but also a vet or another experienced professional. Not only is it dangerous to the health and longevity of the mama, but breeding a physically exhausted Maltese can also put the puppies at-risk. Another detail is that retirement age either goes by age or litter size, but these two things are not directly connected. How many times a year can a Maltese have puppies? Maltese mamas get pregnant when a stud male Maltese impregnates them during the proper stage of her heat cycle more on that in a bit. Since a Maltese goes into heat twice a year, this means that she can have puppies up to twice a year. That being said, she should not have puppies that often. You should normally space out her pregnancies to be at least 1. Maltese are toy dog breeds and their size in combination with the number of puppies expected in a litter can often put them at risk of complications. These include health issues and body stress. The more litters she has, and the closer together they are, the more at-risk of issues she becomes. At what age do Maltese go into heat? You may be delighted to learn that Maltese, along with many other dog breeds, reach their sexual maturity at the age of 4 months old, though they typically have their first heat at about 1 year of age. That means that she can enjoy her first pregnancy then, right? Wrong, unfortunately. Even if she has her first heat cycle right at the 4-month mark, you should never pair her with a stud during that time. She should get at least 2 heat cycles under her belt before you considering her a mating option. How long does a Maltese heat cycle last? This is marked by a bit of bloody discharge. Estrus This day stage is where the breeding will take place. Anestrus In normal cases, this is the third stage. In this one, her body will return to normal for months before her next heat cycle starts. Luteal phase Technically overlapping with other stages, this stage is when she actually gets pregnant. The egg is released and that meets with the sperm that comes from the stud during mounting sessions. This stage, along with the pregnancy lasts months until birth. Her body is still developing right up until she is about a year or two years old. As mentioned, a pregnancy in and of itself is taxing for a toy breed like a Maltese, and this is made even stronger if she is not full-grown. This puts her and her pups at risk if she were to get pregnant and attempt to deliver the puppies naturally rather than a c-section or other medical intervention. As well, the younger and smaller she is, the more strain it puts on her body. This could lead to puppy injury or death as well as even a lost pregnancy. The younger she is, the less infertile she is. If she does get pregnant successfully at a young age, she will most likely have a smaller litter with smaller puppies as well. Maltese pregnancy signs to watch for Excited for your Maltese to become a mom? These include physical signs such as the swelling of her nipples or breasts as well as weight gain that is out of character. They also could include attitude changes such as an increased appetite and even acting protective of herself around other animals, or protective of her favorite nesting spot. In reality, it was just a false pregnancy! This is part of why making sure that the stud mounts her several times during the right stage is so important. IT happens in humans, too, after all. Never punish her for this. How long is a Maltese pregnancy? Pregnancy lasts about weeks or 60 days in most cases for Maltese moms. Anything that goes beyond 65 days should get a check from the vet to make extra sure that everything is going according to plan! These factors can include genetics from her parents, but also things like her size and age and even just her individual needs as a dog. The only thing cuter than your Maltese is Maltese puppies! This guide will help you know what to expect if your Maltese mama is about to deliver a litter for herself.


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a black pug puppy - Intelligent Sweet Because Dobermans and Poodles have such wildly different temperaments, if you want to adopt one, you should find out as much as you can about the pup in question. This is one of the big advantages of adopting from a rescue; the rescue coordinators and foster pet parents will have been working with the Doberdoodle and will know more about how they react to different situations. Some of the puppies were good with other dogs; others were shy. These dogs can be amazing companions, but you do have to socialize them a lot as puppies to help them be comfortable around other animals. Doberdoodle Size Doberdoodle size can vary widely depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Doberdoodles are usually between 60 and 80 pounds, although 90 pounds or more is possible. They are usually about inches tall at the shoulder. However, even crossbreeds have health conditions to look out for. Here are some of the most common health concerns that affect Poodles and Dobermans. Do you want to make a Doberdoodle your next best friend? The best place to find one of these crossbreeds is actually going to be a Doberman rescue! Doodle and Poodle rescues may take them in as well, but because there are a lot more Doodles than Dobermans out there, rescues and fosters that focus on Dobermans are likely to be more knowledgeable about these dogs. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from dog lovers about them! How big does a Doberdoodle get? Doberdoodles can get fairly large. Dobermans are between 24 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Males should weigh between 75 and pounds, while females should weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. Standard Poodles are slightly smaller than Dobermans. Fully grown males weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, while fully grown females weigh 40 to 50 pounds. Both males and females should be at least 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Doberdoodles with Standard Poodle parentage will fall somewhere in this range. Are Doberdoodles hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Poodle dander, like Poodle hair, gets trapped in the tight curl of their coat, so Poodles may be less likely to trigger dog allergies. However, this is not necessarily the case for Doberdoodles. What 2 dogs make a Doberdoodle? The Doberdoodle is a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the Poodle. Do Doberman Poodle mixes shed? All dogs shed, even purebred Poodles. This is why you need to frequently brush dogs with this coat texture; otherwise, their hair forms mats. Some Doberdoodles have this curly coat; others do not. What is the best food for a Doberdoodle? Doberdoodles are large, energetic, athletic dogs, and they need good nutrition that can support them. As a large breed, raw food is a great choice. A high-quality raw diet can provide many benefits, such as better improved digestion, cleaner teeth, and a softer, healthier coat. We recommend the brand We Feed Raw! What are the best toys for a Doberdoodle? Doberdoodles are smart and tenacious dogs, so puzzle toys and heavy-duty, chew-resistant toys are a good choice for this breed. Doberdoodles also need lots of room to run and play and appreciate going on long walks. The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. We sometimes earn money when you click an affiliate link and make a purchase. This is at no extra cost to you and helps us to create quality content. Thank you so very much for your support. The Doberdoodle is a hybrid breed, that is a mix of Dobermans and Poodles, that is known to respond very well to training and provides protection for families. The Doberdoodle is not a registered dog breed with the American Kennel Club. Many refer to it simple as a Doberman poodle mix. When trying to trace the exact origin of the Doberdoodle, many come up short. A Doberdoodle puppy is much like other puppies, it needs proper nutrition, healthy boundaries, house training, and obedience training. Many people search out a doberdoodle breeder if they are looking for a security dog that also makes an excellent family pet. They can be described as an active dog, tenacious with a stubborn streak and a loving dog protective of its family unit. Many associate the Doberman with military use and police dogs. Doberman owners found they make excellent guard dogs. The cornerstone of high-class Doberman breeding in America was laid by Annagret II v Thueringen and female Claudius v Thueringen, two of the first quality Dobermans imported to the United States in .The Doberman is a highly protective dog and dedicated to its family making them great family dogs. They are loyal companions that will come across indifferent to strangers. Another dog breed native to Germany is the Standard Poodle. They have long history with the American Kennel Club and were accepted as an official breed in .People were drawn to their intelligence and beauty. They also make wonderful water dog that were often trained as duck and bird hunting dogs. Physical Characteristics of the Doberdoodle Now the Doberdoodle breed is considered a unique designer breed. Dog owners are attracted to its short coat and floppy ears. Dog owners could get a Doberdoodle puppy that favors the appearance or personality of either parent. Doberman genes allow for the coat to be smooth medium-length coat. While the standard Poodle genes will pass down a curly and long coat. The coat variations of the Doberman Poodle mix can be black, tan, red, grey, or a combination of those colors. Each dog is different, however most have either a tan, black or brown muzzle. One feature of both the Doberman parent and Poodle parent is a long neck. The Doberdoodle could have a deep chest characteristic of the Poodle or the strong muscular build favoring the Doberman. The head features almond shaped eyes that can be brown or hazel with droopy ears. The parent breeds also pass down whether or not the Doberdoodle will have the smooth coat of the Doberman or a curly coat of the Poodle. Is the Doberdoodle hypoallergic? If you are highly allergic to dog hair and dander, this might not be the best breed for you. Although the Doberman Pincher is low shedding as the hair loss is minimal, it still daily loses hair and dander. The curly coat of the Poodle still requires regular grooming even though it sheds very little hair on a daily basis. This Doberman Poodle mix can be best described as a medium to large dog that has a long muzzle and floppy ears. The coat can be curly or medium long depending on the dominant genes. The brown eyes and bushy eyebrows give this dog a playful appearance. Dog owners have been attracted to this mixed breed as it is known to be courageous and confident. The mixed breed dog has a calm temperament making it suitable for people that like to be active with their dog. Dog owners love that the Doberdoodle can be affectionate and a wonderful loyal companion. Another plus is the Doberman genes make this mixed breed a good guard dog. One of the lesser desirable traits is separation anxiety. It is not uncommon for doodles to experience separation anxiety when they see their owners prepare to leave the house. If left unattended for long periods of time, the puppy can develop bad habits and begin to chew on furniture and other household items. As with any dog, training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved and obedient Doberdoodle. Here are some important considerations for training a Doberdoodle. Firstly, socialization is crucial for Doberdoodles. They need to learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs and people to avoid aggression or fear-based behavior. Early socialization with positive reinforcement techniques is highly recommended to ensure that the Doberdoodle develops into a confident and friendly dog. Thirdly, leash training is essential to ensure that the Doberdoodle can be taken for walks without pulling or running away. It is also important to train them to come when called, particularly in case of emergency situations. Fourthly, crate training can be helpful in housebreaking and providing a safe and comfortable space for the Doberdoodle to retreat to when necessary. Lastly, advanced training can be beneficial for Doberdoodles that are used for activities such as therapy work, agility, or obedience competitions. Specialized training can help to develop skills specific to the activity and strengthen the bond between owner and dog. Doberdoodle Health Conditions Before bringing a dog into your life, learn about any breed specific health problems. Every dog breed is genetically predisposed to certain health issues. The Doberdoodle, a Doberman Pinscher Poodle mix, is no exception. The Doberman Pinscher is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some common health issues that can affect Doberman Pinschers include: Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM This is a heart condition that affects the ability of the heart muscle to pump blood that leads to eventual heart failure. Doberman Pinschers are particularly susceptible to this condition. Dogs can exhibit symptoms such as excessive panting, lethargy, and improper breathing. Dog owners might notice stiffness in the neck, uncoordinated gait, and weakness in limbs. As with all dog breeds, Poodles are susceptible to various health conditions, some of which are an inherited condition and some of which are acquired. Here are some common health conditions that Poodles may be prone to: Hip Dysplasia As mentioned, this is a genetic condition that affects the hip bones and can cause pain, limping, and arthritis. Eye Problems Poodles are prone to several eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. Ear Infections Poodles have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and lead to ear infections if not cleaned regularly. Skin Issues Poodles can be prone to skin allergies and skin infections, especially if they have a thick or curly coat that is not properly groomed. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus as known as Bloat This is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow to the organs. Poodles are at increased risk for bloat due to their deep chest. Symptoms could include vomiting, visible pain, inability to burp, and restlessness. This can be life threatening if not noticed right away. Epilepsy Poodles can be prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Training Your Doberdoodle When people decide to add a dog into their life, they should expect that it will need some form of training. Dogs need to know boundaries both in the home and outside the home. Participating in a puppy obedience class will allow your new Doberdoodle to begin learning to become a well-mannered adult dog. Doberdoodles exercise requirements are versatile as they enjoy changing things up with walks in the neighborhood, swimming, hiking, and running. As the hybrid mix of two very intelligent breeds, they like brain games and challenging dog puzzles. These dogs can be trained to participate in canine scent sports which appeals to their natural instincts. Keep in mind the Poodle parent breed was once trained to be a bird and gun dog. They respond well to obedience training, and some might enjoy retrieving. Grooming Your Doberdoodle Dog owners usually like to bath their Doberdoodle once a month to keep the skin and coat healthy. Professional dog groomers can advise on additional grooming recommendations. Brushing: Doberdoodles have a thick, wavy coat that needs to be brushed from daily to at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling. You may also need to brush them more frequently during shedding season. Two tools that work well are a wire slicker brush and a metal comb. Both parent breeds have a single coat which allows for minimal shedding. Bathing: Doberdoodles do not need to be bathed frequently, but they should be bathed every few months or when they get particularly dirty or smelly. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner for curly hair. Teeth brushing: All dogs are prone to dental issues if their teeth are not properly maintained. As a large dog, there is more room to work so they can tolerate a larger brush. Ear cleaning: Doberdoodles have floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, leading to ear infections. Their ears should be cleaned regularly with a dog-specific ear cleaner and dried thoroughly after bathing or swimming. The best cleaner is from your veterinarian. However, if you need a quick or less expensive solution, we like this one. Hair trimming: Doberdoodles may need occasional hair trimming around their face, feet, and sanitary areas. You can either do this yourself with grooming scissors or take them to a professional groomer. Owning a Doberdoodle No one is certain if the original purpose of breeding the Doberman Pincher and Standard Poodle was to make a excellent family pets that has protective instincts or if it was done unintentionally. Owning a Doberdoodle can be an excellent choice for those seeking a loyal and affectionate companion with a unique look. However, it is essential to consider the all aspects of ownership before deciding to bring one home. The cost of purchasing a Doberdoodle can vary depending on the breeder and location. Generally, breeders who specialize in Doberdoodles tend to charge more than those who breed purebred Dobermans or Poodles. Maintenance costs for a Doberdoodle can also be high. Due to their unique coat, they require regular grooming to maintain its quality and prevent matting. Grooming costs can vary, depending on the type of groomer and the frequency of grooming. Additionally, Doberdoodles require regular exercise and proper nutrition, which can add to the cost of ownership. Special training for a Doberdoodle is necessary, as they are a cross between two highly intelligent breeds. Early socialization and training can help prevent behavior problems down the road. Medical costs for a Doberdoodle can also be high. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care can help keep medical costs down. Finding a reputable Doberdoodle breeder can also be a challenge. It is essential to do thorough research and ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Owners should also be prepared to travel to find a breeder that meets their needs. Drawbacks of owning a Doberdoodle can include their personality traits, a high energy level, which can make them unsuitable for apartment living. They can also be prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior. Doberdoodles require an experienced owner who is willing to devote time and attention to their training and exercise needs. Additionally, they are intelligent and trainable using positive reinforcement, making them suitable for various tasks, such as therapy or service dogs. This is a tough question to answer. The short answer is no, because there is no dog that is completely allergen free. When people are allergic to dogs, it is mostly because of the dander, or otherwise known as shedded skin cells. Every dog, even those that are fur free, will shed skin cells. That said, there are some breeds that shed dander less than others and those are considered to be hypallergenic. Furthermore, the Doberman Pinscher is not considered to be hypoallergenic. Conversely, the Poodle IS considered to be hypoallergenic. Therefore, whether your dog is going to hypoallergenic depends on which parent breed has contributed the most DNA to your dog. If you are considering getting a Doberdoodle puppy, and there are people in your home with known allergies to dogs, you may consider a different breed. Also, before you get any dog, you may test to see if you or your family members are allergic to dogs. Rehoming a dog due to allergies is stressful to the dogs and also to the family members who may have fallen in love with the dog. How much does it cost to buy a Doberdoodle? The Bottom Line on the Doberdoodle All dogs have unique personalities. This mixed breed dog is loyal and most enjoy interacting with their family members. Early socialization is very important for this mixed breed; positively expose your dog to all kinds of people, moving objects, and sounds. People that live in a small space might reconsider owning a Doberdoodle. They are a large breed dog that needs a large space, adequate exercise and mental stimulation. The Doberman Pincher is a protective dog meaning it will guard its people and other animals living in it. Your Doberdoodle does have some protective traits and may respond to real and perceived threats, this includes people and animals outside the family. Dog owners of this hybrid breed like them for their protective nature, playfulness, intelligence, which make them great family pets. Doberdoodles are a good fit for people with active lifestyles, as these dogs like both mental and physical exercise. Both parent breeds have long life spans, living an average of between years. However, this mixed breed also has some disconcerting health issues such as susceptibility to bloat and Wobbler syndrome. The lesser desirable traits include over-protectiveness of its human family, health issues, and a high barking level. A Doberdoodle that gets regular exercise will be easier to train and adapt quicker in the home. Expert dog trainers recommend asking good questions from the Doberdoodle breeders before deciding on bringing this type of dog. Find out if they specifically breed doodles and how familiar are they with the parent breeds. Breeders that practice early neuro-stimulation would be beneficial for these hybrid puppies. Exposure to numerous sights and sounds during the first two months of their life will help them adjust to their new home. They will be less likely to be frightened of storms and sounds in the neighborhood. Owning a Doberdoodle can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its challenges and costs. Doberdoodle dog owners often research the parent breeds and are prepared to invest in this active yet protective hybrid breed. Please read our Legal Disclaimer Share it:. Pyradors Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. The Doberman Poodle mix can inherit physical traits from both parents, resulting in a unique appearance. The Doodleman Pinscher has a muscular and athletic build, with a broad chest and deep ribcage. The ears of the Doodleman Pinscher are typically floppy, but they may also be semi-erect. To get erect ears, some owners may tape and post the ears when they are puppies. This is not the same as cropping. How big does the Doberman Poodle Mix Get? On average, a full-grown Doodleman Pinscher will stand between 24 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. The size of a Doodleman Pinscher can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent. How big does the mini Doodleman Pinscher get? Full grown Mini Doodleman Pinschers are smaller than their standard counterparts, standing between 15 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. Surprisingly, most examples of Doberman Poodle crossbreeds have short coats with a few long wiry guard hairs and beard. In fact, they look a lot like a German Wire-Haired Pointer. The coat colors can range from white, black, brown, gray, blue, fawn, chocolate, tan, red, cream, or a combination of these colors. The Doodleman Pinscher is a low-shedding breed, making it a good option for people with allergies. Overall, the Doodleman Pinscher is a unique and athletic breed that can make a great companion for active individuals or families. The confusion arises from the popular misconception that Doberman Pinschers are aggressive, dominant, and scary guard dogs. But this is rarely the case. For most of them, this could not be further from the truth. Unless a Doberman comes from very rare European working dog lines, these dogs actually have a temperament similar to a Poodle, meaning that the Poodle mix has a more predictable personality than most mixed breeds. Most Dobermans are surprisingly soft and sensitive dogs. They can be a little wary of strangers and sometimes still have a decent guarding instinct but not as much as you might think. They are really energetic family dogs that thrive with older children and active lifestyles. These dogs do not do well with harsh treatment. The Poodle is quite similar in temperament, being even more sensitive, intelligent, and energetic. One point to note is that these dogs can be a handful until they reach mental maturity between two and three years old, with females maturing faster than males. This can make them difficult to handle as they are often rambunctious and exuberant, and easily bored, leading to destructive behavior. We recommend plenty of activity, training, and socialization for these dogs, who can be fantastic family members with gentle guidance and commitment. The Doberman Poodle Mix is a highly intelligent and loyal breed that may be a bit more protective than most Doodles. This breed is a mix of two highly energetic breeds, and as a result, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. See our article on how to discipline dogs safely if you have trouble in the early years. They are gentle and patient with children, but as with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs. Teach children how to properly interact with dogs, such as not pulling on their tails or ears. Also be careful with smaller children as these are excitable dogs that can knock kids down while playing. They should also be socialized with kids from a young age. Interaction with Other Pets The Doberman Poodle Mix can get along well with other pets if properly socialized at a young age. However, they have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals. It is important to supervise interactions between this breed and other pets to prevent any injuries. Overall, the Doberman Poodle Mix is a highly energetic and intelligent breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They can be great family pets as long as they are properly trained and socialized. Health and Lifespan Common Health Issues The Doberman Poodle mix is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. One of the most common health issues in this breed is hip dysplasia. Other common health issues include genetics issues that could affect either the Doberman or the Standard Poodle, and we will refer to Dr. Pica: This is a condition where dogs eat non-food items, which can lead to intestinal blockages and other health problems. Nervousness: Doodleman Pinschers may exhibit signs of anxiety or nervousness, which can manifest in behaviors like excessive barking, pacing, and destructiveness. Fear Aggression: Fear aggression occurs when a dog feels threatened and responds with aggressive behavior. It often requires careful behavioral training to mitigate. They can be reactive toward other dogs or have a low tolerance for busy children. A deficiency in L-carnitine, an amino acid important for heart health, can contribute to DCM. Studies show that Dobermans are very prone to L-Carnitine deficiencies. Atrial Fibrillation AF : This is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart disease and other complications. It can cause blood to flow improperly through the heart. Skin Problems Sebaceous Adenitis : This is an inflammatory disease that affects the sebaceous glands in the skin and can cause hair loss and skin infections. Allergies: These can cause a variety of skin issues, including itching, redness, and hives. Ear Infections: These are common in dogs, especially those with floppy ears, and can cause discomfort, discharge, and itchiness. Blastomycosis: This is a fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, fever, and respiratory problems. Color Dilution Alopecia: This is a genetic disorder that causes hair loss and skin problems in dogs with dilute coat colors. Studies show it is very common in the Standard Poodle, which can pass it on the Doberpoo. Hypothyroidism: This condition is caused by an underactive thyroid, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, and hair loss. Diabetes: Diabetes in dogs results in high blood sugar levels, and can lead to excessive thirst, increased urination, and weight loss. Gastrointestinal Issues Chronic Hepatitis: This is inflammation of the liver that persists for a long time, leading to decreased liver function. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and sometimes twists, trapping the gas inside. Parvo: This is a highly contagious viral illness that causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Portosystemic Shunt: This is a birth defect in which blood bypasses the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. Dogs with this condition may need a special dies. Dogs with this condition have trouble forming clots, leading to excessive bleeding. So be proactive about this to prevent tragedy. Patellar Luxation: This is when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position, causing discomfort or lameness. Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint is malformed, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. Cancer Various cancers, including stomach cancer, osteosarcoma bone cancer , lipoma fat tissue tumors , breast cancer, and melanoma skin cancer , may affect Doodleman Pinschers. Neurological Issues Epilepsy and Seizure: These are disorders that cause recurrent seizures, which can range from mild to severe. Dancing Doberman Disease : This is a specific condition in Dobermans where they intermittently flex one rear leg when standing. Cervical Vertebral Malformation Wobbler Syndrome : This condition affects the vertebrae in the neck and can cause a wobbly gait or even paralysis. Deafness: This can occur due to a variety of causes, from old age to specific genetic disorders. Eye Problems Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a group of diseases that cause the retina of the eye to deteriorate over time, leading to blindness. Cataracts: This condition causes cloudiness in the lens of the eye, impairing vision and potentially leading to blindness. Remember that while these health issues may be potential risks for a Doodleman Pinscher, not every individual will experience these problems. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing many of these conditions. How long does the Doberman Poodle mix live? The lifespan of a Doberman Poodle mix is typically between years. However, this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. To ensure a long and healthy life for their Doberman Poodle mix, owners should provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of love and attention. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and early detection and treatment of any health issues can help to extend the lifespan of this breed. They need high-quality dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They may need extra taurine and L-carnitine in their diet for a healthy heart, as they are prone to DCM. Other common problems, like liver shunts or diabetes may also need special diets. It is recommended to feed them dry food twice a day and provide fresh water at all times. Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems. Exercise Requirements The Doberman Poodle Mix is an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. It can be a brisk walk, jogging, hiking, or playing fetch. They also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. Lack of exercise can lead to boredom, which can cause destructive behavior. Grooming Needs The Doberman Poodle Mix has a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. They need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting and tangling. If they have the longer Poodle coat, they need daily brushing with a slicker brush. They also need to be bathed every three months or as needed with canine aloe vera shampoo. It is essential to trim their nails regularly with a pet guillotine nail clipper to prevent them from growing too long and causing discomfort. In conclusion, the Doberman Poodle Mix is a wonderful breed that requires proper care and maintenance to stay healthy and happy. By providing them with a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper grooming, they can live a long and fulfilling life. Training the Doberman Poodle Mix The Doberman Poodle Mix is an intelligent and energetic breed that requires proper training to become well-behaved and obedient. Training should start at a young age to establish good habits and prevent bad behaviors from developing. Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method for the Doberman Poodle Mix. This involves rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, and affection. It is important to be consistent with rewards and to avoid punishing the dog for bad behavior, as this can lead to fear and anxiety. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel should be taught early on. These commands can be reinforced through repetition and consistent positive reinforcement. The Doberman Poodle Mix is a quick learner and should be able to master these commands with ease. Socialization is also an important aspect of training for the Doberman Poodle Mix. They should be exposed to different people, animals, and environments from a young age to prevent fear and aggression. Socialization can be achieved through puppy classes, playdates, and walks in different areas. Consistency and patience are key when training the Doberman Poodle Mix. It is important to establish a routine and stick to it, as this will help the dog understand what is expected of them. Training should be done in short sessions throughout the day, rather than one long session. In summary, training the Doberman Poodle Mix requires positive reinforcement, basic obedience commands, socialization, consistency, and patience. With proper training, the Doberman Poodle Mix can become a well-behaved and obedient companion. This section will cover the two most common ways to find a Doberman Poodle mix puppy: adoption and finding a reputable breeder by contacting the Designer Breed Registry. However, we must warn of backyard breeders that may be adding to the shelter dog population by not responsibly breeding dogs. So we strongly encourage anybody interested in a Doodleman Pinscher to look into adoption. Adoption Options Adopting a Doberman Poodle mix puppy is a great way to give a dog a second chance at a happy life. There are many animal shelters and rescue organizations that specialize in finding homes for mixed breed dogs, including Doberman Poodle mixes. To start your search for a Doberman Poodle mix puppy, check with your local animal shelters and rescue organizations. You can also search online for rescue organizations that specialize in Doberman Poodle mixes, like:. Their muscular build will require larger than average amounts of protein, which is best acquired from lean meats. There is protein inside commercial kibble, but it is usually derived from vegetable sources and is thus somewhat inferior. This means you should aim to give your Doodleman the best possible quality dry kibble possible, ideally supplemented with canned food or meat. This will help provide your Doodleman with additional moisture, though as with any dog, constant access to fresh, clean water is essential. Dairy products, excessive grains, and fatty meats should also be strictly avoided, as these can swiftly lead to health issues. This exercise should be regular and consistent and combine high-intensity exercise, like running, walking, and cycling, with mentally stimulating games. Without this regular physical and mental stimulation, Doodlemans can become agitated, causing them to become destructive and even aggressive. The intelligence of Poodles combined with the protective nature of Doberman breeds means that they will notice changes to their routines and can become confused and distressed when this is not adhered to. These parent breeds have a long history of specific tasks, and they will thrive when given important and specific instructions. Early obedience training is essential for Doodlemans. These dogs are in-tune with human emotions and will pick up even the most subtle shifts in energy from their owners. This means you need to be confident and display leadership with these dogs so they are fully aware of whom is in charge. That said, they are also eager-to-please animals, and this will work hugely in your favor when training them. They will benefit from plenty of praise for good work, rewards, and exciting and high-energy tasks. Any form of harsh physical correction should be strictly avoided with these dogs. Not only does this break trust between you and your Doodleman, but it can also cause aggressive behavior and make training something dreaded as opposed to enjoyed. Basic command training can begin as early as 10 weeks with these intelligent dogs. Daily brushing is needed to prevent matting and skin issues. Bathing should be kept to a minimum, and we recommend bathing only when necessary to prevent dry skin. The ears of Doodlemans should be especially paid attention to. Due to the lack of airflow on the floppy ears of Doodlemans, there is a high risk of infection, earwax buildup, and mites. They should be checked regularly for any redness or discharge, as these are early signs of infection. If they are exercised regularly and have balanced diets, they will usually live a good life with few health issues. However, there are common problems that are reported among Dobermans and Poodles that may carry over into Doodlemans. Dobermans commonly suffer from dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a swelling of the heart. Von Willebrand disease is another common hereditary disease that may be passed on to your Doodleman. Cervical vertebral instability is a common neurological disorder caused by the compression of the spine in older Dobermans. Milder conditions include hypothyroidism and bloat. One of the most common problems that affect around half of Poodles worldwide is sebaceous adenitis, which is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands. This disorder can lead to skin disease and hair loss. Neutering males and spaying females have a host of health and behavioral benefits , including the prevention of some cancers. Minor Conditions. November 29, Are you inerested in a Doberman Poodle mix dog? This mix combines the loyal, robust Doberman Pinscher and the whip-smart, people pleasing Standard Poodle. These are two good-looking, hardworking dogs with engaging personalities in their own right. So is there anything gained by crossing the two? Before we talk about the history of the Doberman Poodle mix, we must acknowledge that any discussion around a mixed breed dog is likely to invite some controversy. Advocates of mixed breeds point out that the inbreeding of purebred dogs often results in dogs with serious health problems. They point to scientific studies which indicate that dogs with a genetically diverse background are healthier than purebreds. Advocates of mixed breed dogs state that a truly responsible breeder will encourage traits that make the dog healthier and happier, even if that means straying from the traditional breed standard. What about the other side? On the other hand, advocates of purebred dogs claim purebred dog breeders encourage the betterment of the breed. It is worth bearing in mind that all the breeds we see today started as a mix at some point in history, which is somewhat ironic considering how heated the debate can get. Controversy aside, what about the Doberman Poodle mix? Exactly when this mix first appeared is not clear. However, it is thought that this mix had its beginnings in the United States. The histories of Poodles and Pinschers are better documented though. And we can look at these for clues about what their hybrid puppies will be like. Pinschers Past The Doberman Pinscher is actually a relatively new breed of dog. It was first developed in the mids in Germany. The man who developed the breed mixed a variety of dogs together in the hopes of creating a strong and loyal companion to protect him in his work as a tax collector. Soon these dogs gained a reputation as intelligent working dogs. They were first registered with the American Kennel Club in .Poodle Histories The Poodle has a long history. It is first mentioned in Germany, where it was used on duck hunts as a retriever. Their showy looks, intelligence and trainability made them entertaining companions. Over the years, smaller Poodles were bred to bring about the Miniature and Toy Poodle varieties. They also found another role as truffle hunters , thanks to their keen sense of smell. In the s a film was released called The Doberman Gang. This movie represents everything corny and cringeworthy about the 70s. Add to that a wholly unbelievable plot, a gang of bank robbing Dobermans, and you have a spectacularly bad film. But it did perhaps highlight their intelligence. Poodles, on the other hand, are often assumed to be lap dogs, or little pieces of fluff to be carted around in the handbags of celebrities. Doberman Poodle Mix Appearance Both these dogs are tall, lean and athletic. The Doberman is larger, but they are fairly similar to one another in build. A Doberman will stand around 24 — 28 inches at the shoulder. It weighs from 60 to pounds depending on the gender of the dog. The Standard Poodle stands anywhere above 15 inches at the shoulder. It will weigh from 40 to 70 pounds according to build and gender. Both breeds have long, slender muzzles and a deep chest. The most obvious way in which these breeds differ is the coat. Poodles come in a variety of solid colors such as greys, browns and creams. The Doberman comes in black, red blue and fawn with the distinctive rust colored patches above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, chest, lower legs and tail. A mix of these two could lead to a dog with any combination of these coat colors and textures. Doberman Poodle Mix Temperament As a mixed breed, the personality of the Doodleman Pinscher will fall somewhere between that of a Poodle and a Doberman. As such, an examination of the traits of both breeds is worthwhile. One characteristic that both breeds have in spades is intelligence. Both breeds are smart and very trainable. Training these dogs in the right way is vital if you hope to have a happy and well-mannered dog. Doberman Traits Dobermans are known to be loyal and fearless. Their use as guard dogs and police dogs has also backed up the assumption that they are inherently aggressive. Their temperament has been refined a lot since the days they were bred primarily as guard dogs. There has been an emphasis on breeding out traits such as aggression and shyness. Poodle Personality The Poodle is active, smart and dignified. They are loved for their cheerful, even temperament, which has made them a popular companion dog. This perhaps makes them a perfect counterbalance to the more serious-natured Doberman. Whatever the case, the combination of these two breeds is sure to produce a dog that is very intelligent and will thrive when given plenty of attention and time to bond with their family. While Poodles will love fetching thanks to their history as retrieving dogs, the Doberman just needs to run. Whether it be on a hike, a jog or canine sports, any kind of activity will keep a Doberman happy, as long as there is plenty of it. An emphasis on good socialization is important when training your Doodleman Pinscher, especially if the dog has taken after the Doberman parent in temperament. Thankfully, both these breeds are eager to please their owners. If training is done properly, it will be hugely rewarding for both you and your dog. If you would like to learn more about how to train your dog, then please check out these articles which will answer most questions you have. Doberman Poodle Mix Health Both the Doberman and the Poodle are fairly sound breeds, and both have lifespans over 10 years, with the Poodle sometimes living up to 18 years of age. Both breeds can be susceptible to bloat , which is a life-threatening emergency. Be aware of the signs of bloat so you can take your dog to the vet immediately. Other than these conditions which these breeds share, it is a good idea to check that neither parent suffered with an enlarged heart, eye diseases, albinism, hypothyroidism, epilepsy or sebaceous adenitis. If your Doodleman has inherited the longer coat from their Poodle parent, they will need daily brushing to prevent their coat from matting. A Doodleman Pinscher can make a great family dog, as long as you have the time to spend training and exercising them. Ideally, these dogs would be good for people who have some experience owning and training dogs. They are sound dogs with plenty of energy and intelligence but cannot be classed as low-maintenance. Rescuing a Doberman Poodle Mix You may not find a rescue group dedicated specifically to the Doodleman Pinscher cross. However, if you are looking to rescue one of these dogs, check local rescue groups dedicated to the parent breeds. Sometimes these groups will help find homes for crosses as well as purebreds. Otherwise, check general rescue groups and ask about this crossbreed. Make sure you meet any dog before you take them home, so you know you will make a good match. Finding a Doberman Poodle Mix Puppy When looking for a mixed breed pup, you may find them in a pet shop. Sadly, those cute puppies you see in the pet shop window often come from puppy mills. Similarly, sellers who have mixed breed dogs which are suspiciously cheap, or who have loads of puppies constantly available, may be running a puppy mill. When looking for a puppy, please steer clear of puppy farms. The dogs in these establishments are housed in appalling conditions and often suffer untreated injuries and health problems. Not only are they often neglected physically, but these dogs are deprived of the chance to socialize and play. If you would like to know how to avoid getting a puppy from a puppy mill, check out this article. It has plenty of resources to help you find a puppy that has been raised in conditions that are clean and healthy. Raising A Doberman Poodle Mix Puppy If you are ready to introduce a Doodleman Pinscher into your home, then you will find these resources helpful when it comes to raising and training your new puppy. Should a Doberman Mix take after their Doberman Pinscher parent, they will be a large, powerful, and protective dog that is affectionate with their families. They may look imposing as they grow, but they are playful, energetic dogs that can make great family pets. Doberman Pinschers are quintessential protectors. As such, they require a lot of training and socialization to become a happy, well-balanced, and well-mannered dog. A properly socialized and trained Doberman is fiercely loyal to their families and is also a loving companion with a fun personality. As long as they are properly trained and socialized, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and even other pets. If a Doberman Mix takes after their Doberman Pinscher parent, then you can expect a similar temperament. However, the other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential traits and quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of her temperament and to see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should be starting socialization and training. Dobermans are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their large size and high energy, they are better suited to homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to making sure they get the exercise and attention they need to be happy and healthy. Doberman Pinschers do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because of their short coat, they may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm on walks during the winter. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar in terms of adaptability, then you can expect the same from a Doberman Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you have a better idea of what mix of traits and quirks a Doberman Mix puppy could end up with. Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes healthier than purebred dogs. The other parent breed will have their own set of potential health concerns, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to help avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be planning to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any relevant health tests or clearances that have been done. Doberman Pinschers are also one of the dog breeds at a higher risk for developing bloat and a Doberman Mix will likely have the same risk. Bloat in dogs is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal if gastric torsion occurs. Although Dobermans are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they are also strong, powerful dogs with a strong will as well. If they are not socialized properly or well-trained, they can become unmanageable, destructive, and pushy. Because of this, a Doberman Pinscher is usually better suited to more experienced owners. Novice owners can do well with this breed, but obedience classes or enlisting the help of a professional trainer is highly recommended. The other parent breed could make a Doberman Mix easier or more difficult to train. Make sure you ask the breeder about them and then be prepared to enroll in training classes either way. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should a Doberman Mix end up with a Doberman coat, it will be short and will shed a little year-round. A quick daily brushing and the occasional bath is enough to keep this coat healthy. Good dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Doberman Pinscher is a high-energy dog breed that needs a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run or another activity are usually enough for this dog. But, they are happy to be active with you, so they will likely be up for activity if you are. These dogs are powerful, athletic, and versatile. So, once puppies finish growing , you can try a wide variety of activities with them. You can try hiking, swimming, running, playing frisbee, training for dog sports, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect your Doberman Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed has a lower activity level, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A fully-grown Doberman Pinscher is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you want to ask the breeder about them and also pay attention to which breed is the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Doberman Mix. A Doberman generally lives for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Doberman Mix. Featured Doberman Mix Article.