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For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders listings by area page. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for, so be sure to do your research before purchasing a puppy from an unknown or unlicensed breeder. The best way to find a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Hawaii is to ask your friends and family members if they know of any good breeders in the area. You can also search online for clubs or organizations that specialize in this breed of dog. The breeder should be willing to provide you with a health certificate, registration papers, and a pedigree for the puppy. If you are unable to find a German Shepherd puppy for sale in Hawaii, please contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization. There may be adoptable dogs available in your area. The breeder should be more than happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with whatever information you need. Some good questions to ask include: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any health guarantees for the puppies? What type of training and socialization do you provide for the puppies? What is the temperament of the parents? Are the puppies registered with the AKC or any other breed registry? Can I see documentation that the parents have been health tested? What supplies will I need to bring my new puppy home? How much exercise do German Shepherds require? What type of food should I feed my puppy? Do you have any tips on potty training a German Shepherd? They should be more than happy to help you out. When you get your new German Shepherd puppy, make sure to take him or her to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up. Your Hawaii German Shepherd breeder should be able to recommend a good veterinarian in your area. Be sure to ask the breeder if they have any experience with the vet and whether or not they are happy with the care their puppies have received. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations or search online for reviews. Taking your new pet to the vet for an annual check-up is one of the most important things you can do to ensure his or her health. If you encounter one of these breeders, here are some signs to watch out for: The breeder is not willing to provide you with health certificates, registration papers, or a pedigree for the puppy. The parents of the puppies are not available for inspection. The puppies are kept in unhealthy or unsanitary conditions. The breeder is not willing to answer your questions or provide you with information about the puppies. The puppies are sold at a cheap price without any guarantee of quality. If you encounter a breeder who displays any of these warning signs, it is best not to do business with them. They are likely only interested in your money rather than providing you with a healthy puppy. Before you buy a puppy from any breeder, it is important to ask if the puppies have been health tested and what, if any, health problems they may have. Your breeder should be happy to provide you with information about the health of the puppies and their parents. If they are not willing to do this, it is best to find a different breeder. As soon as you bring your new German Shepherd puppy home, make an appointment to take him or her to the vet. This is an important step in making sure that your new pet is healthy and has received all of Ask You Hawaii German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Before you purchase a puppy from any breeder, it is important to ask if you can meet some of their past customers. Meeting with other people who have purchased puppies from the breeder will give you more insight into whether or not they are conducting business ethically. Taking a few moments to read what other people have had to say about the breeder will help you get an idea of how reputable they are. When buying a puppy through a breeder, it is customary for them to remain their mother until they reach eight weeks of age. If you are not the one who will be taking care of the puppy, it is important to make sure that the breeder understands this and is willing to hold the puppy until you can take him or her home. How to Prepare Your Home for You German Shepherd Puppy Once you have found a reputable breeder and purchased a healthy German Shepherd puppy, it is time to start preparing your home for your new pet. Here are some tips on how to do this: Set up a special area for the puppy in your home where he or she can sleep, eat, and play. Make sure that the area is free of harmful items such as poisonous plants, small objects that can be swallowed, and electrical cords. Put up a fence in your yard to keep the puppy safe when he or she is outside. Purchase a crate for the puppy to sleep in and use it as a place to put the puppy when you are not able to watch him or her. Train the puppy to understand basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. This will help make him or her a well-behaved dog later on. Be Patient With Your German Shepherd Puppy When you first bring your German Shepherd home, he or she is going to be excited and confused about the new surroundings they are in. German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs with lots of energy that need time and patience when they first come into a new environment. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy No matter how well you are prepared for bringing home your German Shepherd puppy, there is always the possibility that they will have accidents when they first come into your home. This can be especially frustrating if you are paying a lot of money to purchase this dog from a reputable breeder in Hawaii The best way to potty train your new German Shepherd is through positive reinforcement along with giving them plenty of opportunities to go outside. If you catch the puppy having an accident in the house, make sure you show them where it is appropriate to use the bathroom at all times. Keep in mind that young puppies may not be able to hold their bladder for more than four hours at a time so take them out often. Socializing Your New German Shepherd Puppy Just like any other breed of dog, German Shepherds need to be socialized from a young age in order for them to grow up friendly and well-adjusted. Some good ways to socialize your new puppy include: Taking him or her on daily walks through crowded areas such as the beach or a park. This way they get used to all different types of people and animals. Playing with them around other pets in your home can familiarize them with having another member of the family around from an early age. This is why it is important to make sure your German Shepherd puppy gets enough exercise to keep his or her mind and body active. Taking them on regular walks through the neighborhood will give them a chance to explore while also giving their mind some stimulation. Playing games like fetch or catch outside with you are great ways for the both of you to bond while your German Shepherd puppy gets some exercise at the same time. Whether this new addition will be joining your pack, or if he or she will simply be staying in another home temporarily until they are old enough to leave their mother, it is always best to prepare yourself ahead of time before bringing a new dog into your life. Having a puppy can be very rewarding but it does come with a lot of responsibility. By following the tips above, you can help make the transition period go as smoothly as possible for both you and your new German Shepherd puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Maui, HI Jess and her family are just amazing at what they do. I could go on forever about how great she is but if you're looking for a German shepherd puppy she is the best of the best. You will not regret your choice. Ashleigh K. We will definitely adopt another GS in the future from them. Wesley S. Engaged loving home for males and females, thoughtful combinations of adults for pups. Smart food and human contact. I asked Jess for a certain kind of female and she heard me and sent the perfect match to my farm on Big Island. Tika is very smart, beautiful with all the alert skepticism a young GSD should show. Very healthy and always happy. Great pack dog. Jess is a good conscious breeder. I will purchase another dog from her in the future. Linda M. Jess pours her heart and soul into her breeding program and it shows in her puppies. From selecting parents with the right temperament to giving the puppies early exposures to car rides and loud noises. These dogs are not only beautiful, but extremely trainable, loving and even tempered. You cannot go wrong with Oahu German Shepherds! Hint: Follow them on instagram for an inside look! Anne W. From day 1 10 days old Jess worked with us and our needs as well as letting us visit whenever we wanted. Amber S. Maui, HI An absolutely amazing experience to work with Jess to bring home our beautiful puppy. I highly recommend them for their ethical and well researched breeding practices that will ensure your puppy is a perfect fit for your family. John B. Our puppies grow up on our property with our young daughters with constant socialization. We prioritize temperament: instability, reactivity and aggression are not tolerated over here! Our puppies are ready to go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We believe that this is the optimal time for them to transition to their new families and begin their training and socialization. At this age, they have received their first round of vaccinations, have already been microchipped and have been regularly dewormed and vet checked. We provide our new puppy families with a puppy goodie bag and a book full of information on how to continue their care and training at home. How much is a Puppy? This deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind for any reason before the puppies are born. We understand that the cost of a German Shepherd puppy can be a significant investment, but we believe that the quality of our breeding program and the health and socialization of our puppies is well worth the investment. We put a lot of time, effort, and resources into ensuring that our breeding dogs are health tested, come from champion bloodlines, and are raised in a stimulating and nurturing environment. Additionally, our puppies are the only GSD puppies on Island that are raised following the Puppy Culture socialization program, which has been proven to produce confident and well-socialized puppies. Our puppies come with a health guarantee, first set of vaccinations, microchip, dewormed, an awesome go-home bag with lots of goodies and a puppy packet with information on how to care for your new puppy. What is the Process to Reserve a Puppy? You can submit a Puppy Application Here. Why shouldn't I buy a cheaper puppy from a Backyard Breeder? These issues can lead to costly vet bills, behavioral rehabilitation, and heartache for the families who adopt them. We truly believe that purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs is a worthwhile investment that will bring you joy and companionship for years to come. What type of German Shepherds do you breed? We specialize in breeding West German Showline German Shepherds, which are widely recognized for their striking appearance, sound temperament, and reliable stability. Our dogs are bred to adhere to the highest standards of health, temperament, and conformation. We believe that by carefully selecting only the finest dogs from Germany, we can produce puppies that grow into amazing companions. West German Show Line German Shepherds are selectively bred for their physical appearance to meet the standards set by conformation shows, resulting in a more refined look and a calmer temperament. On the other hand, Working Line German Shepherds are bred for their working abilities, with a focus on high energy levels and a strong drive to perform tasks at all times. Often Working line German Shepherds require far too much exercise and engagement than a family can provide. Due to their calm and composed demeanor, Showline German Shepherds are a great match for home life as they have the ability to relax and unwind with their owners. Do you Ship to other Hawaiian Islands? Yes, we do offer shipping for our puppies to their new homes. We prefer to have our puppies picked up in person whenever possible. If shipping is necessary, we work with Hawaiian Airlines to ensure that your puppy arrives safely and comfortably. Additional fees will apply for shipping, including the cost of the flight, health certificate, crate, and transportation to the airport. We will provide all the necessary information and support to make the process as easy as possible for you and your new puppy. Personal delivery is an option for an additional fee. Antverpa and Lord v. Listed within is the foundation of our exclusive breeding program designed to produce dogs with working drives, sound nerves, correct structure, classic saddle back markings, as well as robust health and longevity. We have gone to great expense to bring together the stock capable of producing our ideal. Take a look and see, we are sure you will be as satisfied as we are! How to purchase a German Shepherd Puppy We make sure each dog has the health care and worming at the appropriate ages. Worming is done at 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks of age. We will also help to crate train the pups by establishing a morning routine for the pups. We let them on the grass to relieve themselves, feed them, let them have 30 minutes time outside to do their business again, then put them in individual crates to learn how to be relaxed and quiet in a crate alone. We start with a positive 30 minutes on the first day. Then increase the time till the pups can stay in their crate for up to 3 to 4 hours at one given time. If a puppy can hold in the kennel for 3 to 4 hours, this allows for the new owners to be able to have a head start on house training. We give them their first puppy booster shot at 7 weeks then monitor them in separate kennel runs, 5 x 15 feet, for 7 days prior to shipping them to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. This teaches the puppies basic manners and how to continue their routine in new surroundings. Mail to: Alpha K-9 Kennels, P. Box , Hakalau, HI .Venmo Laurel-Smithson-1 Deposits are active for a maximum of 2 years only. Price will be subject to change. Deposits will be forfieted after 2 years. Some clients pass on a puppy when they are contacted. Not intended for breeding. Pick of each puppy is determined by the order in which the deposits are received. You will be contacted once the litter is days of age. Obedience, watch dog, sport or just a good family companion. Pictures will be posted every 2 weeks or so. Deposit 1 will pick first at about 7 weeks of age. Then the rest will follow. Personalities do not show till about 6 weeks, so we need to be patient and let them develop so I can observe and test closer to 7 weeks of age. Complete payment is required by PayPal, Venmo, check or Money order 10 days prior to shipment of each pup. Puppy will have a new crate yours to keep and will be shipped on Hawaiian cargo. Stateside, Guam, Canada Shipping available. Puppies will be ready for shipping at weeks of age. Prior to this time we will contact you to arrange a flight date and time. You may also fly to Hilo to pick up your puppy. We will contact you days in advance to verify flight arrangements. A copy of their shot record 7 weeks ,3 worming dates. A sales contract will be e-mailed containing a guarantee on each pup for hips up to 1 year of age. It is recommended to take the puppy to the vet within 48 hours of arrival to approve the purchase. First name according to the litter letter may be selected by the owner. Limited AKC puppy registration application will be mailed weeks after pick up. If you need any additional information on our dogs, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail alphak9kennels gmail. Thank you again for your interest. Mahalo, Laurel Smithson Our Dogs.

About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. 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 Baxter Minnesota 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 puppy can experience unruly behavior all of a sudden when they enter a new maturity stage. I know how angry and frustrated you get at your dog when they seem out of control. That was me, too! Instead, realize your GSD might not be out-of-control, but they might just be in a new phase. At the same time, your GSD begins to take more interest in the great world around them and ventures into new activities… Which winds them up in trouble as they explore. They also develop more independence and rely on your presence less and less. At some point, you believe your puppy is possessed and feel that all the things he learned are forgotten. Around 12 to 18 months old the out-of-control behavior will pass and all your hard work will start to pay off. Either way, puppy or adult, you need to prepare yourself. So, it all adds up to this: you learn how to control a German Shepherd using the following behavior plan to make it through this difficult time. But… Deep down you know you want to enjoy your GSD again and realize you must follow a training plan to help your rebellious dog become the calm, well-mannered German Shepherd you know he can be. Let me explain how to train an out-of-control German Shepherd using a scientifically-based behavior plan. German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk in scientific terms this is called crespuscular. The best times to exercise your GSD are: early morning early evening The rest of the day your dog is generally less active and sleeping. Shepherds wake up with energy and excitement after a long sleep time. This is why your pup is so excited in the mornings and when you come home from work. German Shepherds are used to walking and running miles and miles, so use an exercise tool called a long line or long leash to let your puppy enjoy running at their own pace. Do NOT force a puppy to run with you or you can damage their bones and joints. Puppies need gentle exercise, the type found here is most appropriate: The 5 Best Exercises for German Shepherd Puppies A German Shepherd over 18 months of age can run with you in short sprints, building up to longer distances. They have a need to do what they were designed for, which means they: generally enjoy chasing toys outdoors exploring different terrain using their noses to find things Most of all, an exercised dog is a calmer dog! And calm dogs are simply less likely to get unruly. Did you know that the German Shepherd Dog is bred with natural instinctive intelligence to solve complex problems apa. Yet many owners have never thought to give their dog mental stimulation. How do you mentally stimulate a German Shepherd? German Shepherds like both physical and mental challenges that are game-oriented. Dogs that have not had the chance to use up their energy are more likely to become difficult to handle, over-excitable, and out of control. A simple brain game to promote mental stimulation in your German Shepherd is to use a food-filled Kong Extreme. This keeps your dog occupied and also lets them use their energy by working for their food. You might say… I train my dog every day and he still acts out of control! And, I totally believe you! But, have you trained calmness? Instead, stay proactive by teaching your pet to perform the behavior you want! The most effective way to stop unwanted and out-of-control behavior is to ignore it. Avoid the battle! Out-of-control German Shepherds love to get you excited! Many times, their greatest pleasure is getting you wound up over some small matter. Remember, what fuels the misbehavior is often the conflict itself. Stay calm and refuse to get engaged physically or verbally. Fold your arms, look away from him, and walk out of the room if possible. Being ignored is a major consequence for most German Shepherds. Hand-feed your dog their meals. Taking food gently from human hands is a valuable life lesson and your dog loves to practice getting food! Hand-feeding your dog is also a perfect way to raise the value of interaction with all people. This simple training builds trust in your dog while showing him that only calm behaviors not nipping or pawing for the food get the reward. Quietly give him a small piece of tasty treat and a very gentle stroke on his side. You also should try these German Shepherd bonding exercises to help calm down your dog and increase their trust in you. Teaching Right is Easier than Correcting Wrong Learning how to train an out-of-control puppy will go more smoothly if you focus on teaching him what is right, instead of punishment. How many times do you correct your dog for a certain behavior, only to be too tired or stressed later to stop the same behavior again? You might think you taught your dog the right way to act, but his out-of-control behavior is telling you another story. This is the point where you brush up on disciplining a German Shepherd the right way. Before we go any further… Let me tell you that discipline does NOT involve physical corrections or punishment. Successful positive German Shepherd obedience training , especially for dogs lacking control, relies on the appropriate use of management tools to prevent your GSD from practicing and being reinforced for unruly behaviors. Some leashes are designed to be hooked to waist belts or clipped to belt-loop with a carabineer. With your puppy near or attached to you, you can provide the constant supervision they need to prevent them from getting into trouble. Click and reward for a calm behavior you like. Like anything else you must remain consistent to learn how to control a German Shepherd. Emphasize Structure and Consistency A German Shepherd puppy acting wild needs structure and consistency in their daily activities. A good behavior training program emphasizes structure and consistency. And why should you care about emphasizing structure and consistency with a German Shepherd that is out of control? Because predictability and structure equal less stress; and less stress is what you came here for in the first place. The more consistent you are with your training and expectations, the less chance your dog will misbehave. Think about this… You can spend the time now training your out-of-control German Shepherd the right way, or you could potentially live in stress and frustration for years to come. Which sounds like the better outcome for you and your dog? There are thousands of owners out there, just like you, who are in the same boat, too. But you must start! You can even create a German Shepherd entertainment plan to keep them busy! Give them the attention they deserve so you can both enjoy each other again. Manage the situation by using either a baby gate to keep your dog away from the front door, teach him to sit for his greetings where he gets the appropriate reward — petting, eye contact, and praise. Learn to train your dog to go to their mat and give them small bits of reward when they are lying calmly. Write out a similar chart of your own and place it where everyone can see it. This helps everyone to know the steps to train your out-of-control German Shepherd. Want more help learning how to control a German Shepherd? Using a combination of exercise, training, management, with a sprinkling of useful tools, and dedication to consistent training, you can help your German Shepherd learn to chill out and become a calm, happy companion who is a joy to be around. So, take the next step… If you want more help training an out-of-control German Shepherd puppy, read Your German Shepherd Month-by-Month to stay one step ahead of your intelligent companion. Stop thinking you have to live with a wild child and get busy training. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. By: David Codr Published Date: April 27, Athena is a one-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd in Fullerton California who gets over excited when people come over and pulls like crazy on walks. She also has developed a habit as a fence jumper and destroyer of furniture and other things. When I first met Athena she was in her kennel as her owner could not control her when guests arrive. As soon as she saw me, her energy went way up and she started to get anxious; whining, barking and pawing at the kennel door. I stood in front of the kennel and waited for her to settle down before I reached to open the door. It took about a minute before she relaxed enough for me to reach for the kennel door. However as soon as I started to reach for it, Athena started to get excited again so I withdrew my arm and waited again. I kept proceeding this way, step by step until I was able to open the door while she remained relaxed. But once the door was open, I stood directing in front of the opening to block her from exiting. By consistently only allowing the dog to exit the kennel in a calm state of mind, we can help the dog learn that the only way to get what she wants freedom from the kennel is by being calm. However her calmness was short lived. About 30 seconds after exiting the kennel her energy level shot up again. If ever there was a dog that met that description, it was Athena. Athena disagreed with the restriction of the leash and let loose with a flurry of energy to try to get free. Now I am and weigh … Well, more than I should. Lets call it over pounds and I had difficulty staying on top of the leash. But I stayed with it and a few moments later, Athena calmed down again. I sat down to discuss the situation with her guardian. My first question was how much exercise the dog was getting. While a dog can certainly burn energy when playing with another dog, its not a constructive form of exercise. However when most dogs play together, they are pretty physical. That was absolutely the case here. Making matters worse, her guardian had resorted to pulling and pushing Athena away when she was doing something wrong. Not only is this method ineffective when dealing with a near lb dog, the dog often misinterprets it as play. I showed her guardian new ways of communicating and disagreeing with Athena without physically touching her. These methods are far more effective as they mirror the communication methods dogs use with one another. Additionally, they can help the dog learn that physically moving or controlling a human is not kosher. Next I went through a few basic exercises to help the dog learn to come, develop more respect for her guardian, practice self restraint and introduce the concept of boundaries. Development of these skills will be a crucial part of Athena learning to listen to and respect the humans in her family. While Athena lacks some manners, obedience skills and social graces, her primary issue is being a high energy dog that is not getting the exercise she needs. I went through some different exercises and activities that her family can use to burn her excess energy in a constructive way that also helps develop her respect for them. We attempted to take both dogs out for a walk, but it quickly become apparent that while their Malamute was a much better behaved dog, she had some behavioral issues too. When both dogs are together, it was almost impossible to get them settled down for a walk. While guardians with multiple dogs prefer to walk them together, I suggested we put the Malamute back inside so we could facilitate a successful walk with Athena. Once we were down to one dog, it was easier to get Athena to calm down, but she was still pretty challenging. After a few moments, it was clear she still had way too much energy so I put on some running shoes and took her for a quick jog. By the end of the session, Athena was listening better, following commands and corrections better and much calmer. Share this:. Why your German Shepherd is crazy Insufficient exercise A common reason for German Shepherds to act in a crazy way is that they are not getting enough exercise. German Shepherds were bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. As a result of this, it can take a lot of exercise to properly stimulate them. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. This will often go hand in hand with not getting enough exercise. In this situation, your best option would be to ignore the craziness if you can and then to reward it with your attention when it is being well behaved. Boredom The cause of the craziness could be that it is bored. The distractions and excitement of being somewhere new can be too much for it to handle and cause it to forget its training. To prevent this it is important for you to make sure to train your German Shepherds in multiple locations. The behavior is being encouraged It could be that you have been inadvertently encouraging the behavior by giving it things that it wants in order to get it to calm down. This can have the effect of teaching it that behaving in a crazy way will get it what it wants so it does it more. Separation anxiety The reason that your German Shepherd acts crazy at times could be due to separation anxiety. This is where your German Shepherd does not like being left alone and it causes it to behave in a crazy way when you are about to leave, when you are gone and when you have recently returned. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? If you think that this might be the cause then you should take it to the vet. Nature It could simply be that your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to act in a crazy way. Even if this is the case, you can still get your German Shepherd to behave more calmly by giving it lots of training and exercise. How to stop it from being crazy There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to calm down that I will mention below. Training To get your crazy German Shepherd to calm down it will be necessary for you to give your German Shepherd a lot of training. By doing this it will get your German Shepherd to be more responsive to your command which will allow you to get your German Shepherd to calm down when it acts crazy. It will also help to reduce the craziness since it will expend energy in looking for your command and trying to remember what you want it to do. It will also help you to have a better relationship with your German Shepherd since you will be able to get it to behave in situations where you really need it to do so such as when you have guests over. There are lots of ways that you can train your German Shepherd. You should start with the basics such as to teach it to sit and stay in an environment where there are not too many external distractions. When you can get it to do the tasks well in a less distracting environment teach it to do it again in a harder one. Once you can get it to do less challenging tasks you can move onto teaching it harder ones such as to teach it to come to you on command. You might be surprised at just how much exercise it can take to get your German Shepherd to calm down. You might want to try giving it a lot more exercise one day just to see how it affects its behavior. A good way to give your German Shepherd lots of exercise is to teach it to play fetch. It can be difficult to teach it to do it at first but it is worth doing since it will allow your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period which should wear it out effectively. You could also consider walking it with other dogs since they will often expend a lot of energy by playing with each other. You just have to do it for long enough for it to stop acting crazy and then you can give it attention. Calming chews There are calming chews that you can get that are designed to calm your German Shepherd down that you might want to try. Crate training If your German Shepherd is misbehaving while you are away then you might want to consider crate training. When done correctly it will give your German Shepherd a place where it can go that will make it feel calmer. Things to consider Its age If your German Shepherd is still young then it is likely that it will be less crazy when it gets older. If you train your German Shepherd once and then neglect to train it for a few weeks then you will struggle to make any progress. Instead, you should find ways to train it easily on a daily basis. Related Questions Why is my German Shepherd acting crazy suddenly? If your German Shepherd is acting crazily suddenly then it will likely be due to a recent event. Perhaps it recently lost a friend, you moved home, its owner changed or it might have gotten injured or ill in which case you should take it to the vet. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog. These adorable pups come in handy sizes, and dole out ample amounts of love. They are English not French. The French bulldog has originated from England where they were first bred. The French Bulldog soon gained popularity among the elites and middle class of France, with many Parisians owning one as a lapdog. Eventually, the Americans bred them and gave them the now famous bat ear, a distinctive feature of Frenchies. This makes the French bulldog an international breed. Frenchies are emotional. Because they were bred as lovable lap dogs, Frenchies tend to emotional to a fault. Emotional in the sense they can become moody if you scold them for doing something wrong. Have you ever seen a dog make a face before? They smile, pout and even Frenchie talk to let you know how they feel. If you have a French bulldog, the best you can do is provide loads of positive encouragement as possible while reducing punishment and negative feedback. They are vocal. From howls, growls, gargles, yips to yawns, these lovely animals are talkative and will always have something to contribute to family discussions. So when you are feeling lonely or need a companion to sing along with you, these garrulous pups will support you with their unique doggy sounds which if often referred to as the Frenchie talk. They will sink in water. While many dog breeds love frolicking in water, the Frenchie is an exception because it is a brachycephalic dog. Brachy dog breeds have a big head and a short skull with tight nostrils that make respiration difficult, especially in water. Always keep them cool on a hot day to avoid obstruction of breathing. French Bulldogs do not do well in flights. Because of their respiratory system, which causes a condition called BOAS, brachy dogs such as the French bulldog have difficulty breathing at heights. When you are going on a trip that requires flights, consider handing your Frenchie to your dog-loving neighbor or hire a dog sitter to keep him happy while you are away. If you have to take your Frenchie on the trip consider these tips we previously mentioned. Extremely brave. They may have little stature but they are bigger than life. We have posted several videos on our Instagram Frenchiestore that prove they really are not scared of anything. In one video the Frenchie was chasing 2 bear cubs out of the front yard, in another video the Frenchie was barking at a lioness through a glass window. Both videos will make you hold your breath but one thing is for sure, Frenchies do not think they are small and do not show any fear whatsoever. We would like to hear what you think we may have missed above that surprised you about your Frenchie. Feel free to email us Hello Frenchiestore. Irina Colella April 14, Thanks for all the great fun facts about Frenchies and all the wonderful information about allergies. Leave a comment. French bulldogs have roots in England. Lace makers in England were drawn to the toy version of the dog and would use the smaller pups as lap warmers while they worked. When the lace industry moved to France, they took their dogs with them. French bulldogs were bred to be great companions. Frenchies are affectionate, friendly dogs that were bred to be companions. This dog needs to stay away from water. Keep in mind that if you plan a beach vacation, your furry friend might feel a little left out. Flying is a problem for them, too. Frenchies should not be frequent flyers. These pushed-in faces can lead to a variety of breathing problems. This facial structure, coupled with high stress and uncomfortably warm temperatures, can lead to fatal situations for dogs with smaller snouts. Many breeds like bulldogs and pugs have perished while flying , so as a result, many airlines have banned them. Luckily there are special airlines just for pets, like Pet Jets. These companies will transport dogs with special needs on their own flights separate from their owners. French bulldogs make great babysitters. Luckily, a 9-year-old French bulldog named Bugsy stepped in and took care of the little guy. The pair became fast friends and would even fall asleep together. When Malone was big enough, he joined the other orangutans at the zoo. French bulldogs are sensitive to criticism. Be nice to your Frenchie. If you scold a French bulldog, it might take it very seriously and mope around the house. French bulldogs respond better to positive reinforcement and encouragement. French bulldogs are a talkative breed. Sometimes they will even sing along with you in the car. French bulldogs have two styles of ears. English breeders much preferred the shape, but American breeders liked the unique bat ears. When a rose-eared bulldog was featured at the Westminster Kennel Club in , American dog fanciers were very angry. This controversy led to the formation of the French Bulldog Club of America. Hundreds of engraved invitations were sent out and the cream of New York society showed up. And, of course, rose-eared dogs were not welcomed. Today, French bulldogs feature the bat-shaped ears American breeders fought to showcase. Most French bulldogs are bred through artificial insemination. Males have a hard time reaching the females, and they often get overheated and exhausted when trying to get things going. As a result, a large majority of French bulldogs are created through artificial insemination. While this measure makes each litter of pups more expensive, it also allows breeders to check for potential problems during the process. French bulldogs often also have problems giving birth, so many must undergo a C-section. The operation ensures the dog will not have to weather too much stress and prevents future health complications. Celebrities love Frenchies. Frenchies make plenty of appearances in the tabloids. Celebrities like Lady Gaga have all been seen frolicking with their French bulldogs. Hugh Jackman had a Frenchie named Dali , who sadly died in .A version of this article originally ran in ; it has been updated for .Related Tags. Here are some interesting facts about the French bulldogs: 1: Frenchies Are Fashionistas French bulldogs are making a huge wave in the dog fashion industry. With a Frenchie, everyday is perfect to play dress up. Owners are into adoring their pets in the latest dog outfits , dog accessories , and easy walk harnesses. They strut their pups all over the city. The little lovers do not seem to mind at all. In fact, they seem to love all the attention. Some of the top celebrities that have been seen playing with their pups include The Rock, Hugh Jackman, and Lady Gaga. Pooches like Taraji P. Looking stylish in the latest designs is just one of the reasons why Frenchies should wear harnesses. Never happening! They feature heavy bones and thick muscles. These breeds have a characteristic smooshed face called brachycephalic, meaning they boast a short, wide skull. Due to their short snouts, they must tilt up their faces higher to remain out of the water. High humidity and exhaustion may also have an impact on the ability of your dog to stay above water. The fact that these breeds are prone to rheumatism, arthritis, and chills is more reason to keep them out of water at all cost. If you do decide to put them in water, make sure they are wearing a proper dog life jacket. Their origin is English, Nottingham to be precise. An English artisan gave these dogs their name after their breeding shifted to France. England provided the solid foundation for the modern Frenchie — also known as the old bulldog. When the lace industry shifted from England to France, they took their pups with them. If you scold him or her, he or she is likely to mope around the house. They respond better to encouragement and positive reinforcement. In fact, they can let it roll off their backs. While this breed is very sensitive, you have to note that the dog is an incredible attention seeker. The pup craves constant companionship and loves people. They are a great protector over little ones. The two of them will make great buddies. In addition to loving kids, frenchies are delicate with them. From the first minute they meet, they become friends. The dogs are great at forming friendship relationships. They really know how to love. It seems these friendly dogs were bred specifically for companionship. While they might be slow to be housebroken, the dogs tend to get along pretty well with others. Originally, the French ones had rose-shaped ears, which is almost the same to their larger English relatives. The thing is, English breeders preferred the shape, but their American counterparts liked the distinct bat ears. One of the most common concerns and fears among new French bulldog owners is wondering whether their dog is destined to have erect or floppy ears. The ears do seemingly do all sorts of wonky things especially during the teething stage. One ear might be up for weeks before the other one stands up. They resemble airplane wings. The point is, when your dog is done teething, generally, his or her ears will stand correctly. The male French pups should weigh 9 — 13 kgs 20 — 28 pounds while the female ones should weight 8 — 12 kgs 18 — 26 pounds. In term of height, both the female and male ones should measure 28 — 30 centimeters or 11 — 12 inches. The ideal weight of your dog is dependent on a number of factors, chief among them being body weight and genetics. So how do you if your French bulldog is overweight? To tell if your dog is underweight, you need to look at his or her rib cage. You must be able to feel every individual rib. Nevertheless, you should not be able to view every rib too easily. Check out this visual from Wiley for a guide on how your dog should look from various angles. The health implications of being overweight or underweight are countless. If he or she is overweight, he or she can be susceptible to an array of diseases such as heart ailments and diabetes. The dog can also experience respiratory issues and joint problems. An underweight dog can be suffering from gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease. To get your dog to shed or gain weight, you can employ a number of strategies. Alternatively, you could try different types of foods to see if he or she will loss or gain weight. Exercises are handy to overweight bulldogs. If you apply different strategies and your dog is still overweight or underweight, you need to take him or her to a veterinarian to get professional advice on what to do. They owned a menagerie of pets. Tatiana gave her dog the run of the household. When the entire Romanov family was murdered in cold blood during the Russian Revolution, Ortino was still alive. S and 1 In The World In terms of popularity, the Labrador retriever and German shepherd have always stolen headlines throughout the world. However, times are changing. Their recent popularity has resulted in a soar in their price. From the normal colored to the exotic ones, all types of frenchies are costly. The mini frenchies tend to be relatively affordable compared to the normal sized ones. To give birth, they need artificial insemination coupled with caesarean section. Their inability to natural breeding is due to them having slim hips, which makes the male one unable to mount their partners and reproduce naturally. Consequently, breeders need to undertake artificial insemination of their female dogs. The average French pup averages three puppies per litter. Sometimes, in one litter, the French bulldog has 7 — 8 puppies. However, it only happens in rare instances. Robert W. Daniel boarded the cruise ship with his Frenchie pup. The poor little dog was last seen swimming futilely for his life in the ice-cold water. The fart — stenchy ones are without a doubt a Frenchie thing. However, the excess farting is not exclusive to this breed only. Other breeds such as the Pugs and Boxers are also notorious when it comes to farting. So what makes bulldogs prone to stench bombs and gas? Their anatomy explains it all! Their farting behavior emanates from their sensitive stomachs, which do not digest their food well. They have a flat face and short nose, which makes it challenging to eat at the correct pace. Due to eating food fast, it results to excess air inside their intestines. Digestion might be a reason why bulldogs fart so much. High-fermentable foods — Soy, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and beans are highly fermentable. They can cause farting to your dog. Dairy products — Dogs are lactose intolerant too. Dairy products such as milk and cheese may cause flatulence in dogs. Excess carbohydrates — Most commercial dog foods are full of carbohydrates, which contain starch and sugar, which can end up fermenting the intestines which results to too much farts. Inexpensive and poor-quality dog food — The last thing you want is to give your Frenchie pup cheap dog food. A good number of them are low in quality. Unfortunately, even some costly foods can lead to farting especially if the ingredients do not augur well with your dog. While there are countless breeds of dogs across the world , their difference and unique nature makes them a darling of many. The Frenchies boast a host of interesting or mind blowing facts. The above are just some of them. If you're interested in learning about different breeds, we've put together a Pugs guide and Poodles guide! If you're also a first time dog parent, make sure you check out our complete guide on how to prepare for a puppy. Written by Sarah Icon. The French Bulldog has bat-like ears to contrast with its compact body. The breed is smaller than the English Bulldog with the Frenchie standing just eleven to thirteen inches tall and weighing 28 pounds or less. Often quite good with children, the French Bulldog can require training, but frequently makes for a good family pet. Beloved by owners and Bulldog aficionados world-wide, there are several fun facts to discover about the French Bulldog. The smaller breed became a favorite companion for the Nottingham lace workers as the small Bulldogs loved to sit on laps and kept the workers warm. When lace-working became mechanized in England during the Industrial Revolution, many of those lace workers moved to France. The small Bulldog with bat-like ears became popular with the French, especially the society ladies. This was one year before the French Bulldog was recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club. The Goldenbergs survived the sinking of the Titanic and still managed to arrive in time for the show. These are: brindle, brindle and white, cream, fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, white, white and brindle, plus white and fawn. Fans can find pictures and online videos of favorite actors, performers, athletes, and artists hanging out, traveling, and doting on their Frenchie. The French Bulldog actually makes a good watchdog. One of the most beloved breeds, French Bulldogs are loyal companions to many around the world, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. Luckily, their rounded red eyes and wrinkled smiles often make them irresistible to us too! Frenchies are particularly known for their: Immediate affection Mild disposition Adaptability These dogs love meeting new people and may even spend more time with a house guest than their owner! Adding water to the mix can be a particularly frightening experience. In water, a Frenchie has to tilt its head upwards to breathe, which means the heavier part of its body can start to sink. So instead of jumping in the waves, this diva dog would much prefer to lounge far up the beach. Similar to the English bulldog , Shih Tzu , and Boston terrier , French bulldogs also have short airways that often leave males quickly exhausted and fatigued. While these dogs do have all the equipment to reproduce naturally, most French bulldogs are born through artificial insemination. This careful process is a safe and routine procedure. In particular, lace artisans in smaller villages like Nottingham were fond of the small breed. With industry and machine production on the rise, the lace trade brought many of its crafters and their companions to northern France. There, these pups become popular in the countryside and cross-bred with other small breeds to become the squishable flat face we know today. Perhaps due to their ability to live comfortably in smaller quarters, these dogs were quickly rebranded as the perfect Parisian city dog. However, English dog lovers turned up their noses at the breed and refused to let the dog revisit its roots. As a national symbol of England, the bulldog had long been a strong English icon. However, Englishmen were appalled and wounded by the fact that their French rivals had laid claim to their national canine without so much as a letter. Tip: A foolproof way to find out which side your Frenchie identifies with most is to leave a croissant on one side of the house and a crumpet on the other and wait for them to sniff out their roots. Yelling at your Frenchie can throw it into a sad tailspin for hours afterward. Frenchies, and most dogs for that matter, experience the world through sensations like smell, taste, and movement. Instead of using a louder voice, try showing your pup what you would like them to do with your body language. Apart from their sensitive emotions, Frenchies also have particularly sensitive skin! The genetics of these dogs makes them susceptible to allergies, which can make their skin dry, itchy, or flaky. Consult a vet to confirm how to recognize symptoms and ensure your dog is comfortable in its present environment. Twice a year they lose their undercoat. In the spring, they shed thicker hair to stay cool, and in the fall, they shed to prepare for new growth to keep warm. Shedding is natural, and most dogs follow a similar pattern. Unfortunately, shedding tendencies mean this breed is not hypoallergenic. This trait is in part due to its non-aggressive volume. Instead of loud attention-grabbing barks, this pup uses subtle noises to spark conversation. You may hear your pup make small yippy noises at the mail carrier or find your pal gargling at you while you prepare food. A playful growl may accompany a healthy play session. Frenchies love to participate in communal sound-making sessions. Dare challenge this little ball of energy to a game of tug-of-war? Be prepared to keep up the fight until one of you drops, and then prepare for rounds two and three. In addition, these adaptable dogs may be the best-suited breed to a fast-paced lifestyle. Lady Gaga is perhaps the most outspoken proponent of the Frenchie fandom. Her three prize pets: Asia, Koji, and Gustave, frequently come up in interviews. Sources: American Kennel Club. Post Popular Dog Breeds of .Can French Bulldogs Swim? French Bulldog Breed Information. Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Post by: Annie M. Of course, our Frenchie friends also have a reputation for being a high-class breed. Historically, the French Bulldog was so elite that one pooch named Gamin de Pycombe was one of only 13 dogs aboard the Titanic. So what are French Bulldogs really like? Want to learn some facts about Frenchies? Keep reading! About the Breed Classified as a companion dog, the French Bulldog is an incredible family dog and one of the top 10 breeds in the United States. These pups are sweet and friendly people pleasers who adore cuddling, enjoy following you from room to room, and love being the center of attention, especially when they have an audience. Fully grown, the average, healthy weight for a French Bulldog is pounds, and they stand approximately 12 inches tall at the shoulder. The average French Bulldog lifespan is years, but life expectancy can be affected by many factors. These pups are cousins to the English Bulldog, which descended from the Bullenbeisser sport dogs, a subfamily of the ancient Greek Molossian breed that was originally used for bull-baiting. When blood sports were outlawed in England in , English Bulldogs emerged as companion dogs and were bred with terriers and Pugs to reduce their size. The toy size became very popular among the lace workers in Nottingham because these docile and loyal pooches would warm the workers' laps by day and rid the workshops of rats by night. The Industrial Revolution mechanized laceworks in England, and many of these skilled workers immigrated to France, taking their pups with them. The curious toy-sized, bat-eared bulldogs were an instant hit with the French bohemians. Soon writers, artists, fashion designers, and working girls all over Paris were requesting the lovable pups. The English breeders couldn't believe their luck—they'd always considered the breed's ears a flaw. So, they happily began sending over all of the bat-eared bulldogs, whom the French began calling Bouledogue Francais, as in boule for "ball" and dogue for "mastiff" or "molosser. The breed first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century. They were very well received, earning the nickname "Frenchie," as well as the affection of notable pet parents like the Rockefeller and J. Morgan families. Attributes Aside from their size and bat-like ears, what makes French Bulldogs unique? In addition to the elongated ears, other key differences from the English Bulldog include more alert facial expressions, rounder eyes, and a wider range of motion. Appearance French Bulldogs keep a low center of gravity with their compact, muscular build and large, square head, and they walk with a recognizable bow-legged gait. A brachycephalic, or "flat-faced" breed, these pooches have those adorable smooshy faces that are just perfect for smooching. Their skin is loose and soft, forming wrinkles at the head and shoulders. Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. Most commonly, their coat color comes in shades of brindle, fawn, or tan. They can also be white with brindle patches, an effect known as "pied. French Bulldogs are easygoing, fun-loving additions to any family. True companion dogs, they thrive on human contact. They are patient with children, friendly with strangers, and loyal to their pet parents—sometimes to the point of being overly protective. Since they can be territorial, remember that socialization at a young age is a good idea. These social butterflies also enjoy the company of other canine companions. Despite yearning for affection, Frenchies make excellent watchdogs because they hardly ever bark without reason. This trait also makes them a good fit for apartment dwellers who might worry about their pooch disturbing the neighbors. Grooming and Care With a short, fine coat, your Frenchie's grooming needs will be fairly easy to maintain. You'll want to brush your pal weekly with a rubber hound glove or soft bristle brush. During the fall and spring shedding seasons, you can remove any excess hair with a stripping comb. French Bulldogs need a bath about once a month. Just make sure you use a high-quality doggie shampoo, and follow these tips for bathing wrinkly dogs. It's very important that you keep your pup's wrinkles clean and always check for scabs or lesions that could lead to infections. Make sure to clean their ears regularly with a damp cloth and keep up with nail trimming, too. Special Care Tips Frenchies are fairly low energy and don't need a lot of exercise. However, make sure your pooch is still getting a couple of minute walks a day and some low-key playtime. They don't need a lot of room; just a ball and a little open space will do. Be that as it may, it's very important to know the signs of heat exhaustion in your dog. Due to your pal's bulky shape, naturally compacted airway, and thin coat, they have a tough time regulating their body temperature and are thus susceptible to overheating. If you live in a hot climate, your Frenchie will be safer if you have air conditioning in your home. Limit walk times to early mornings and late evenings when the temperatures are more comfortable. Also, always make sure your pup has access to shade and water if they are outside. Similarly, in cold weather, dress your canine companion in an extra layer to be safe. If you're planning a trip, be aware that some commercial airlines do not allow French Bulldogs to travel. Due to the low temperatures in the cargo space, it can be dangerous to your Frenchie's health if they were to fly. Additionally, French Bulldogs are not good swimmers, so if you own a swimming pool, make sure your pup does not have access. Training French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are relatively intelligent little pooches, so training can be a positive experience for both of you, especially if you incorporate lots of food, praise, and play. Make training feel like a game, and remember that Frenchies are people pleasers by nature. They are sensitive and respond far better to rewards than criticism. French Bulldogs are free thinkers, which can lead to stubbornness. This also means that they are not the best-suited breed for obedience and agility competitions. But with patience and consistency, housetraining and a few tricks should be easy enough to accomplish. This affects dogs with that classic short head and narrow nostril combination and can result in all that adorable snoring and grunting that Frenchies are known for. But, unfortunately, it can also lead to complete airway collapse. Other respiratory issues include allergies and elongated soft palate, which can obstruct the airways. French Bulldogs are prone to chronodysplasia, a general term for back, spine, and disc issues. Of these, the most common are hemivertebrae, a malformation of the vertebrae that puts pressure on the spinal cord, and Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD , which is caused by a ruptured or herniated disc. These pups also have a lot of experience with hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, or having their kneecap slip out of place. In terms of blood disorders, Frenchies are predisposed to Von Willebrand's Disease, a condition that affects clotting ability. Early signs include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding. No one dog breed is completely immune to all health problems, so it is important to take your pooch to the veterinarian for their regular checkups. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian. With one of these pups around, your life will never be boring. Find out some fun facts about this fascinating breed.

However, prices may vary depending on the breeder and the availability of puppies. This number may vary depending on the popularity of the breed and the number of breeders in a given year. The adoption fee covers mandatory wellness checks and vaccinations by a veterinarian. These organizations only recommend the most reputable breeders who have signed an agreement to abide by their Code of Ethics. German Shepherd Breed clubs are made up of volunteers who love their dogs and work hard to maintain the integrity of the breed. When looking for a breeder, you should always look for one that is recommended by your local German Shepherd club. Visiting this individual is an important part of buying your new best friend, as it will give you a chance to see their home and facilities where the puppies are bred and raised. A clean environment is very important when breeding pets, as it will ensure that your new puppy is free of any illness or parasites. You should also ask to see the parents of your prospective puppies. The adults should be well-behaved and healthy, just like their offspring. The adult dogs should be friendly and come up to meet you when you enter the facility. Most breeders will have one of the parent dogs on site. Make sure that all of the animals appear to be well taken care of and are in good health. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Arkansas Your German shepherd breeder in Arkansas should also be able to provide you with references from other people who have purchased puppies. These references can help give you peace of mind, as they are made up of former customers who have purchased a pet from the breeder. Be Prepared to Wait When buying a German shepherd puppy, be prepared to wait. Most reputable breeders have a waiting list for people who are interested in purchasing one of their puppies. This is because the breeders only want to place their puppies in the right homes. Advertising their puppies for sale too early can result in negative consequences, as it can cause potential buyers to look elsewhere. This may mean that you will have to wait several weeks or even months before you are able to adopt your new pet. You also run the risk of missing out on your first choice if you place a deposit on a pup and then back out later. Ask Your Arkansas German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Another great way to get an idea of what it would be like to purchase a puppy from your Arkansas German shepherd breeder is to ask if you can meet some of their past customers. This will give you the opportunity to ask them questions about their experience with the breeder, and whether they were happy with the final product. Most breeders are more than happy to connect you with their previous customers, as they want to ensure that their puppies go to the best home possible. Meeting past customers is a great way to get an idea of what to expect if you decide to purchase a pup from your breeder. Consider it a red flag if any breeder cannot or will not provide you with any of the information listed above. It is important to do your research before choosing a breeder, as it will help to ensure that you are getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Another good indicator of the quality of your breeder is whether they have a veterinarian that they use regularly. This can be one of the most important questions to ask, as it will let you know if there are any existing health concerns with their dogs and puppies. If your breeder is unable or unwilling to give you the names of their veterinarian, then it may be time to rethink buying one of their puppies. A good breeder will have a close relationship with their local veterinarians, as it helps them ensure that all of their dogs are healthy and happy. On the other hand, a good breeder will have an open relationship with their veterinarian and should be able to freely provide you with their information. Get Your Puppy Checked by a Veterinarian You should also consider getting your puppy checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible after taking them home. This is because it can help you to address any potential health concerns before they become an issue. Some of the most common signs include: The breeder does not health test their dogs prior to breeding them The breeder does not screen potential buyers before selling them a puppy The puppies are being sold at a young age Price is the only factor you are considered If any of these red flags seem to be present, it may not be a good idea to purchase one of their puppies. When searching for your new puppy, always do your research to avoid getting caught up with an unethical breeder in Arkansas. By following this advice, you will be able to find a reputable breeder that will offer you a healthy and happy puppy. They should also be willing to provide you with copies of the results from any health tests that have been conducted on the parents of the puppies. If a breeder is unwilling to answer any of your questions, or if they refuse to provide you with any health records, then it may be time to reconsider purchasing one of their pups. Consider it a major red flag if your breeder is unable to provide you with any health records. This is a mistake because it can cause a lot of stress at such an otherwise exciting time. By following some simple steps, you can ensure that your new puppy is able to settle into its new home as easily as possible: Start by getting all of the supplies that you will need such as food bowls and toys. Next, you should set up a place for them to take care of their needs. This can be as simple as an indoor puppy potty or as complex as a specially designed kennel run. Finally, you should think about what you will do with them while you are at work or school. If they come into contact with other dogs during the day, consider getting your puppy their own set of tags and collar so they can be easily identified as yours. Make sure to use common sense when preparing your home for a new German shepherd in Arkansas. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy in Arkansas One of the most important things to remember when potty training your new German shepherd puppy is that it will take some time and patience. Do not get discouraged if they have an accident in the house, as this is perfectly normal for puppies. To make the process easier on both you and your puppy, try to stick to a routine as much as possible. This means taking them outside to go to the bathroom at the same time each day. Make sure to praise them when they do relieve themselves in the right spot, and be sure to provide them with plenty of treats as a reward. If you are consistent with your potty training efforts, your German shepherd puppy will be fully trained in no time. Just like with humans, their diet plays a crucial role in how healthy they are. There are many different brands and types of food that you can try. Take your time when looking for a German shepherd breeder in Arkansas. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For German Shepherds in rescues, that presupposes great ease in finding a new loving owner and a forever home. If you are looking for German Shepherd rescues in Arkansas, you are in luck! Keep reading to explore the unique features of each dog rescue. However, the state has rescues that save dogs of all breeds. We discuss the three that stood out in the rest of the article. The Rescue is run solely by volunteers. That includes German Shepherds. The dogs are taken from the streets or surrendered by owners who can no longer afford their care. The Rescue also takes dogs from shelters in the surrounding cities, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Central Arkansas. How DogsOnly Works Because it relies solely on volunteers, DogsOnly Rescue does not invest donations and adoption funds into paying salaries. Instead, every penny goes into caring for the dogs and providing welfare services, including: Saving homeless dogs. Providing vet care and rehabilitation. Vaccination, neutering, and spaying. Transporting dogs to their adoptive homes. Educating prospective adopters and providing support post-adoption. In addition, DogsOnly also trains volunteers interested in becoming foster parents of needy dogs. Adopting from DogsOnly While you can support DogsOnly with monetary donations through PayPal, fostering or adopting a dog provides a more permanent form of care. You can learn more about DogsOnly Rescue or make inquiries about how to help by: Sending a mail to the Rescue with the mailing address; , Little Rock, AR .Sending a direct message on their contact page. It was founded in by a volunteer couple, Shannon and Dan Eldridge. Since then, the Rescue has dedicated itself to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming big dogs in the community. Big Paws Special Features and Achievements The rescue is a foster-based organization that does not bring rescued dogs to a physical shelter. Instead, the organization entrusts rescued dogs to foster parents in the Northwest community. Five years into inception by , the Rescue had saved and rehomed dogs. More than 70 fosters collaborated in realizing this achievement. For this reason, the organization has paired rescuing and prevention by starting a dog training academy in .The idea is to offer the best training services to dogs in the community because well-behaved dogs have lesser chances of being abandoned by their owners and families. The Rescue also offers other services at their Fayetteville facility, including: Dog runs where pets can exercise. A grooming station where owners can also groom their dogs. A designated space where prospective adopters and rescue dogs can meet and greet. Applying to be a volunteer. Making a monetary donation. Adopting a dog in need. The adoption process follows these steps: The potential adopter fills out an adoption application. The rescue personnel makes phone contact with the adopter within 2 working days. A meet and greet is organized and involves the entire family, including other dogs. The adopter decides whether to take the dog home and signs an online contract. Care for Animals: Rescue. The Rescue was initiated in by a group of four volunteers. Today, that number has grown to hundreds of volunteers and some employees. A Unique Enterprise Care for Animals is mainly a virtual rescue. However, the organization uses a brick-and-mortar office at Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock, AR , for coordinating rescue activities. Interested persons meet available pets online and then submit an adoption application. By , Care for Animals had rehomed more than pets. Such success relies on fosters, donors, and volunteers. The Rescue has a unique initiative known as Arkansas Paws in Prison. This program engages the Arkansas Department of Corrections by temporarily leaving rescue dogs in prisons. The prisons provide shelter, socialization, and dog training conducted by supervised inmates. The Rescue also provides neutering and spaying services through a voucher program. This initiative has benefited more than 12, pets. Want to Help? If you want to give a hand to Care for Animals, you can volunteer through one of the following ways: Become a foster. Participate in showing adoptable pets. Volunteer transportation services. Work at their gift shop. Volunteering hours of office work. Plan and conduct a fundraiser. Writing an email to [email protected] or directly from their contact page. However, joining the club provides referral chances for reliable GSD breeders, rescues, shelters, and training services.

The Proper Care and Feeding of Goldendoodles Feb 14 Written By Skye Parker There are a lot of different factors you should consider when you are thinking about the right food and the right amount. Like their age, how much they weigh, or what to do if your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. We will talk about the different ages of puppies and how much to feed them as they grow older. We will talk about the different options for dog food and what you should get and avoid. It's also essential to think about what to do in different situations where you have a picky eater or what to do if they ever get sick. When your Goldendoodle is younger, you will need to feed them more often than when they get older; they will eat less at a time too. Anytime you are transitioning your puppies' feeding options, whether it's giving them more, switching brands, or from puppy food to dog food, you will want to do it gradually. For a while, you will mix the two. If you make a sudden change in their diet, it could cause stomach problems for your Goldendoodle. Transitioning will usually take about days. Standard Goldendoodles will need cups per day. This is an excellent guide to follow; however, all dogs are different, and if your dog ever acts hungry or aggressive constantly, this is a sign that you should increase their eating portion. If you can ever see your Goldendoodles' ribs, that is a strong indication that they need more food. Most dogs will stop eating when they get full, but it is still better to have set feeding times throughout the day rather than having one big meal available at all times. Foods That are Unhealthy or Poisonous for Goldendoodles There are a few foods that we may eat regularly that aren't healthy for Goldendoodles. This is very important to know of the foods to be mindful of. Grapes or raisins: These can cause your Goldendoodle to choke, and they will have a hard time digesting them. This also includes prunes. Dairy Products: When dairy products are given in large amounts, it can mess with the digestive system. Dogs' bodies are not used to processing dairy, which could cause problems if they have a lot. However, even though it's best to avoid this, a small amount is acceptable. Cherries: This might seem like a weird thing to be on this list, but they are toxic to Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. Any foods that are raw or uncooked could cause salmonella and other diseases. You should also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. Soda: This isn't the best for humans and even worse for dogs. They don't do very well with carbonation or high amounts of sugar. Chocolate: This is the most commonly known food that is toxic for all dogs, and it is accurate. Whether dark or light chocolate, dogs don't react well to this food. Coffee, avocado, onions, and garlic are all foods Goldendoodles should avoid eating. Any salty foods are not healthy for your dog either. It can cause them to get sick and dehydrated. Foods with a lot of sugar or even constantly providing food containing sugar can cause your dog to get diabetes. You don't have to change your Goldendoodles diet when they get sick, but most vets will recommend switching to white rice and chicken for their meals when they're ill or after surgery. When you are preparing this meal for your pup, you will want to give them only white meat with all bones and fat removed. As for the rice, people will usually say brown rice is healthier because it has more grains, but white rice is easier for them to digest when they are sick. Boil the chicken like you usually would until cooked. Then drain the water, pull off all bones and fat, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. As for the rice, you can boil it like you usually would or use the chicken broth from the chicken earlier. However you decide to prepare it, do not use any seasonings; these can be toxic for your puppy and worsen the condition. When deciding how much to give your puppy, use a one-to-two ratio. You will also want to check the temperature of the food to ensure they don't get burnt. Feeding a Picky Goldendoodle If your Goldendoodle is a picky eater, the solution is usually a quick fix. The common reasons for being picky could be that they are fed too often, they lack physical activities, receiving too many treats, or if your dog is stressed or sick. These are reasonable causes for a picky eater; they also have easy fixes. If you follow all of the guidelines brought out in this article, you will be sure to have a healthy and happy Goldendoodle. Their diet affects their behavior a lot more than some people may realize. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, you can visit our available puppies page. So, do people! However, there are times when eating is a drag for both humans as well as our fine furry friends If your Goldendoodle is eating less they will have less energy to burn, and thus will lead a less active life. In this article we will examine some reasons your doodle may have had a change in appetite, and we will also offer help ideas to help you cope. Thus, it can cause your Goldendoodle to build up some anxiety as well. Stress is the number one reason your Goldendoodle may not be eating. Perhaps another reason could be lack of engagement with their own kind. When you take them for a walk, they get so excited when they see any other dog as they know this is someone built like they are……a friend. Depression leads to lack of appetite. They become anxious and depressed and could begin eating less and less. If your doodle is not yet spayed and they are going into heat twice per year, hormones are affected during this time which also can decrease appetite. It will take a little while, but soon your goldendoodle will be back to normal. Be patient and kind and try and not get frustrated. The doodle always eats when they are hungry. It should only be a concern if when appetite is suppressed, meaning they are also not wanting any form of a treat that is offered. If this occurs, it is best to visit the vet for an examination and let the vet determine if there are any other issues. Among those other issues may be food allergies. If food allergies are the culprit, a visit to your local vet would be a must. You might notice your doodle itching and seeming to scratch more than usual if this is the case. As smart as they are, the doodle can realize food triggering these outbreaks of constant itching and will, in turn, give up eating the food that is put in front of them. The same products may not be in the treats you are offering so they continue to accept the treats. Many varieties of dog food come in sensitive skin formulas for dogs with allergy symptoms or allergy diagnosis. One more cause and this one you may not even realize is a change in your own routine of daily life that causes a change for your doodle. It may be a new job with different hours for you or your partner, or that that one or the both of you have been travelling more in recent months, putting your goldendoodle in care outside of your home more often than usual. It could even be as simple as you changing the times of day that you go to sleep and get up, meaning a simple feeding time change. Goldendoodles, like any other breed are used to routine. Simply altering back to the your original plan may be the answer as well. Also, set aside time during the day for engagement and play. Happy Doodle, Happy You! Remember, all is not lost. There are many tricks and tips that are options for you to try when your golden boy or girl seems disinterested at mealtime. If the doodle is a pup in the last stages before adulthood, they may just be ready for adult food or anything that tastes different. Another tip is to coax them to eat their food by crushing up small bits of the treat they are still accepting. Once they taste the treat, they may begin eating their food again. You might also just serve them up a treat after they obey with a trick you have instructed them to do, ie. Try to continue feeding at the same times every day twice per day. Do not give excessive treats that the doodle will eat as it will fill them up. Thus, they will not respond at feeding time as they think they are full. Another tip we can give you is to use cooked chicken, just a tiny bit to help them decide they are hungry. Cooked chicken without the skin is healthy for your doodle, tastes good and is packed with protein. Just the smell of cooked chicken may entice a good result. In fact, you might also try boiling some chicken bones in water for a wholesome chicken bone broth. Use this as a topper to soften the food. Just a little bit of the broth goes a long way, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for a long period of time. In conclusion, as you can see there are many ways you can help your doodle back to their normal eating routine. The most important thing for you, the owner to remember, is you must have patience. Just try a little tenderness during this unsettled time. We hope we have helped in some way to solve any eating issues your goldendoodle is experiencing. We trust as well that this will help your own frustration when things are not going well. The Goldendoodle breed is one of THE most loving breeds. We need to show them all the love we can especially when they are off course. Use the information and tips above to get your Goldendoodle back on track! In most cases, your dog will rediscover her appetite on her own. Just be sure to watch for alarming symptoms, and know when to take your dog to the vet. Hurt feelings Maybe she got in trouble after chewing your favorite pair of shoes, you recently moved to a new home, or you went on a vacation without her. In the same way that people may just not be hungry, everything may be fine and your dog might not feel like eating. Problems with teeth or gums Although rare, dental disease can cause dogs to stop eating. A sore tooth, injury, or other problem with the teeth or gums may also lead to a loss of appetite. Illness People sometimes lose their appetite when they are feeling under the weather; the same is true for dogs. New food Does your dog have a preferred brand? Maybe a change in dog food is to blame. Sometimes dog foods might be different even if you buy the same brand you always get. There could be a change to the recipe, and you might have to find a new brand for your pup. New home Sometimes it takes puppies a few days to adjust to a new home. Even fun-loving and friendly Goldendoodle puppies can take a little while to warm up to new surroundings. Make sure that food is available and your new puppy should eat when he is ready. Do I need to take my dog to the vet? Most dogs typically start eating again on their own. Your dog should start eating again after a couple of days. A loss of appetite can indicate a more serious health problem with your dog. Watch your dog closely if she stops eating, and talk to the vet immediately if you notice vomiting or diarrhea in addition to a loss of appetite. By Kern Campbell Goldendoodles are not only one of the cutest breeds for dogs, but like many other breeds, they can sometimes be a picky eater. If you are having trouble with a picky eater, it is much more common than you think, and there are a few things you can do about it. It is much easier than you think! You can help your picky eater by not feeding them too often, keeping them stimulated, and being able to understand the needs of your Goldendoodle. In most circumstances, what kind of life your pet leads at home is the root of the cause. Being a picky eater is very common among younger dogs who do not have established routines yet. It can be something as simple as the dog not liking the food they are being fed to something more serious. Here are a few of the most popular reasons why your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. You are feeding your pet too often. Your pet lacks stimulation in their day-to-day life. The pet is receiving too many treats. Dogs can become stressed, which will impact their behavior. The food itself could be making your pet sick or taste bad. By creating a routine in the life of your Goldendoodle, you will not only help them understand a feeding schedule, but it will enrich their lives as well. Understanding some of the leading causes of why your pet may be a picky eater is the first step to getting you and your Goldendoodle back on track Why Is Your Goldendoodle a Picky Eater? Goldendoodles are one of the newest designer dogs out there who were bred with two of the most popular breeds, Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They are a breed that is full of energy, and their intelligence makes them the ideal pet for families and individuals alike. Goldendoodles are no stranger to a sensitive stomach, and this can sometimes lead to becoming a picky eater. Here are some of the most popular reasons why this may have developed in your furry friend, and how you can fix the problem. Your pet should be on a feeding schedule that makes sure they can no more and no less of the amount of food they need per day. Your pet may not be eating food because it just simply is not hungry. Overfeeding your pet can lead to more significant health problems such as bone and joint issues, and heart issues as well. Many dog food brands offer a chart that lets you know how much food your dog should be eating based on their weight. Separating this into a morning feed and an afternoon feed can also help cut down on them, begging for scraps from the table. If your pet spends a lot of time at home alone, they may just be sleeping while you are gone. This can cause them to have a lazy streak. You need to make sure your pet is spending enough time playing and getting plenty of exercise. By taking your pet on a daily walk or giving them stimulating toys to play with, you can make sure that they have a healthy appetite. Feeding your pet too many treats or too often can ruin their appetite and cause them to be a picky eater. They may think that their kibble or food does not taste as good as their favorite treat and refuse to eat it. Give treats as a reward for performing a specific action instead of for any small thing they do. In addition to giving your pet too many treats designated for pets, you should not be feeding your pet anything from your plate or table. Not only are many of the things that we eat bad for our pets, but they can also add too many calories or cause your Goldendoodle to refuse their regular food. Your Pet Could be Stressed Out Just like we get stressed out from time to time, your Goldendoodle can get stressed out as well. Significant events such as moves, changes in the family, and even daylight savings time can all harm your pet. If your pet has changed their behavior, try and reassure them that everything is normal. You also may want to move their feeding area to a place in the house that is calmer and out of the way so that your Goldendoodle has a safe place to eat. If you leave food out for your pet throughout the day, it can go stale and lose any flavor it once had. The particular food could also be causing your pet to have an upset stomach, or they could have been eating it too long and have just lost interest in it. If you suspect that the food is the problem, try to change the food your pet eats. Here are some of the best brands to try! We have gone through three different ones and so far this is our favorite! The best option in terms of food is to either commit to a raw diet or find a kibble that your pet enjoys and has all of the nutritional benefits they need. The only time your pet should regularly be consuming a wet diet is if they are older, have dental concerns or it is suggested by a vet. Lexie would eat it, but not with much vigor. She only ate because she was hungry. Yes, she is a picky eater! Then our breeder sent out a health note about dog foods and a long discussion followed. What a difference. Lexie was gobbling down her food after we switched. This is the exact food she loves , but remember she is a small breed. You need to get the one specifically for the size of your dog. So far this has been working out well for her. If you want to try this yourself, here are 3 products you should consider:. Here are a four steps you can take to help your Goldendoodle achieve a healthy weight. Four tricks to encourage your goldendoodle to eat 1. Try free feeding Goldendoodles often do better grazing rather than having set mealtimes. Generally, goldendoodles tend to be leaner like their poodle ancestors so having continual access to food is beneficial. Observe whether your doodle seems to eat more certain times of the day. Some goldendoodes even like to eat overnight. If your dog can eat a midnight snack without needing an overnight trip to the bathroom, leaving food down for her at bedtime is a great option. Make mealtimes a game Sometimes eating food out of a dish is a bit boring. Slow feeders and doggie puzzles are a great way to liven up dinner. Pick up a snuffle mat , slow feeder bowl or ball , and a fun mental stimulation puzzle to see what your pup likes best. Moisten kibble Sometimes simply moistening food with a little bit of water can make it more appealing. You can also use a few tablespoons of fresh, raw goat milk not cow milk to make food a little extra irresistible. You can experiment by leaving out some dry kibble as well to see which you dog prefers. Since your goldendoodle will only use a small amount each day, divide the milk into pint or quart glass canning jars and store on the freezer until your pup is ready to use it. Will changing dog foods help my goldendoodle eat better? Switching to a new kibble will probably help your goldendoodle eat more for about days. Soon the luster of the new food will wear off and your goldendoodle will return to her normal eating habits. What food should goldendoodles eat? Whatever dog food you select, it is important to read the ingredients and select a kibble that contains no more than one legume ingredient i. When do I switch my goldendoodle puppy to adult dog food? You can switch your puppy to adult food between months of age — whenever in that timeframe that it comes time for a new bag of food, go ahead and order adult instead of puppy. How much should I feed my goldendoodle? Is my goldendoodle too skinny? Consults your dog food bag for a guide of how much your goldendoodle should be eating of that particular kibble. Each dog kibble should have feeding recommendations on the bag of how much your dog should be eating based on her age and weight. If you have any questions about whether your goldendoodle is too skinny, consult your veterinarian. Not every doodle wants to weigh as much as humans think she should. Is your doodle peeing and pooping normally? Does your dog have a normal energy level? Is she playful and happy? If your doodle is a puppy who is 6 months or younger, is she gaining weight each week? Try the tricks shared about to encourage eating, and allow your pup to eat the amount she wants. Disclaimer: this information is not intended as veterinarian advice. Please consult a licensed practicing veterinarian. Share this:. If you are thinking of getting a Goldendoodle puppy and want to know if you will be a challenge, later on, the answer is likely no. In fact, if anything you will probably face the opposite problem because your Goldendoodle will want to eat everything in sight. I wanted to find out just how picky or not picky a Goldendoodle might be so I asked other owners to see what I could find out. Goldendoodles are not known to be picky eaters if given the chance they will eat almost anything. So what could make a Goldendoodle picky, what to do about it, and other surprising questions about feeding Goldendoodle you may want to know…. .Keep reading to find out! How Picky Are Goldendoodles? When most people think of dog breeds that are picky eaters we tend to think of the smaller breeds such as Maltese and Yorkies. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. If you are curious to see how picky Poodles are compared to Goldendoodles check out this article with those stats Here! What is considered a picky eater? If your dog takes more than about 20 minutes to finish his meals or routinely leaves some food untouched even when feeding them the recommended amount by your vet then your dog would be considered a picky eater. The good news is in general your chances of getting a Goldendoodle that is a very picky eater is pretty low, and in most cases having a picky eater is not going to affect their health. Enough of a picky eater to warrant some strategies when it comes to feeding them. If you happen to come across a picky Goldendoodle. Many pet food companies will use fillers like byproducts and additives to make their dog food cheaper to produce. It may be cheaper for you to buy, but in the long run, it could cost you additional vet bills from a sick dog. Dog foods with fillers or byproducts are not a healthy option for your dog. If your dog is refusing to eat, it could be that the food is making him feel poorly. Also, be wary of added coloring in your dog food. Solution: Use high-quality dog food. Many owners recommend Instinct Natural Raw Boost. Underlying medical conditions — If being a picky eater is something that has happened suddenly and you notice other worrisome signs like diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, or lethargy there could be a medical reason your Goldendoodle is not eating. If you notice that your dog is trying to eat but only takes a few bites then backs away, that may be another indication that something more concerning may be happening. Solution: Take them to your vet. Your vet will ask questions about when your dog started to lose his appetite, other symptoms that you have noticed, and recent medical history. Bored of the same food — This one is tricky. If you have ruled out medical issues for your dog and they still have gradually stopped eating the food they once liked it could be boredom. Solution: Start with a high-quality dry kibble. Choose two flavors of the same brand and rotate them every few months. A second option is to add some wet food toppings as a flavoring and change those every so often. Getting a high-quality food topper has been a game-changer for my picky Goldendoodle. Lisa S. Too many table scraps or treats — Feeding your dog your leftover scraps can seem like a good idea, but if your dog is a picky eater think again. Goldendoodles are really smart and they could easily figure out that if they hold out the good stuff will come sooner or later and probably more often. Solution: No more table scraps, no matter what! Just think about how you would feel about having your dinner sitting out on the counter all day long, day after day. Solution: Start feeding your dog on a schedule. When you give them their food allow them minutes to eat it, then pickup any unused food. Depending on the type of food you may have to throw it out. Distractions— If there are other things that seem more exciting and pleasing to your Goldendoodles they are not going to want to take time out to eat. Goldendoodles are smart and love to engage. Playing and giving you attention can be a lot more fun to some Goldendoodles than anything else. Solution: During feeding time make sure your dog is in a calm quiet place free from distractions. Try making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before you feed them. You could also try some puzzle toys to make the food a reward for their working effort. Goldendoodles can be a very sensitive breed. Even small changes like a new food bowl or a different feeding time can cause some stress and make your Goldendoodle lose its appetite. If you have noticed that your Goldendoodle has started to follow you everywhere take a look at this article to know what to do. Solution: When you have a schedule change or big event try to ease your dog into it with smaller changes. Be as consistent as possible with everything else. Some foods like grains, soy, or even different proteins like chicken can cause sensitivities or allergies. Look for other signs like itching, diarrhea, upset stomach, increased aggression. Solution: Choose a high quality grain free food like Taste of the Wild. Check out this article for more information on food allergies in dogs. Their digestive tract is sensitive and when eating a new food their not use to it takes some time for them to adjust. Transitioning over days is ideal. Some additional questions to ask yourself Has my dog always been a picky eater? If something has changed and your dog has gone from a good eater to a picky eater quite suddenly or over the space of a few days or months then there may be some further investigation needed. Are there other signs or symptoms? Pay close attention to see if there is more going on than just picky eating. If you also notice a change in their poop, vomiting, drinking more or less than normal, pain, discomfort, or other abnormal behaviors for your dog you should take your dog to your vet right away. Is his picky eating really a problem? If he goes more than 48 hrs without eating or has other issues like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, contact your vet. This is not true for puppies. Puppies should never go more than hours without food and you should contact your vet immediately. Should I use treats to train? Using treats to train your Goldendoodle is most likely a great idea and will work really well. Goldendoodles are naturally easier to train than some breeds since they are so smart and want nothing more than to please you. On the other hand, if you have a high strung Goldendoodle and he scarfs his food down any chance he can get, then using treats to train may still prove to not work very well. Your dog may be able to focus much more when rewarded with toys and praise. Bring out the food and his concentration is blown, all he can focus on is getting the food no matter what! What if my Goldendoodle puppy is a picky eater? You will still need to use your investigative skills to try and figure out what may be causing his picky eating. One of the biggest differences with treating a picky eater as a puppy instead of an adult is the amount of time you can safely let them carry on with their pickiness. If you puppy is not eating after hrs, you should definitely contact your vet. When you bring home a new puppy you may want to change his food from what the breeder or his previous owner had been feeding him. Make sure you give him some time to adjust to his new home first. Puppies go through a lot of changes and transitions when they go to a new home and may experience a slight loss of appetite at first. Changing their food right away may make it a more stressful transition than it needs to be. After about a month in their new home, you should be just fine to start slowly transitioning their food. Puppies need different food than adult dogs. Raw food- Although controversial some owners have had great success feeding their picky eaters with this diet. A raw food diet is based on what dogs ate before they became domesticated. On this diet dogs eat raw muscle meat and bones, raw organ meats, safe fruits and vegetables, and some dairy products. Warm it up — Sometimes a warm meal will do the trick. You can heat it up for a minute in the microwave, just make sure not to get it too hot! Get rid of the bowl — It sounds strange, but some dogs actually prefer to eat their meal straight from the floor. Pretend to eat it — Yes, dogs can sometimes act like a stubborn toddler, and yes pet owners have actually said when they pretend to eat the food first their dog is more willing to dig in! Check for teeth problems — No one likes to eat when you have a toothache! Check for extra tarter buildup, sore or swollen gums, bad breath, and discoloration or brown teeth. Has the food gone bad? Check the expiration date. You may also want to check to see if there is a recall by looking at this website? Although we do our very best to provide you with the most accurate and fact-based information Pawsandlearn. You should not use this information in place of a visit to your veterinarian. Check out these other articles all about your Goldendoodle!

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. 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.

By Emily A. Fassbaugh, DVM on Jun. The Pug became a favorite of royals around the world, and today they are a very popular dog breed. They are easily identifiable due to their flat, wrinkly face, curly tail, and snorty, loud breathing. A Pug is typically 10 to 13 inches tall and weighs 14 to 18 pounds. They have short coats that are typically fawn tan or black. Caring for a Pug Pugs are a very friendly dog breed that thrive on attention from their owners. They are people pleasers and like to feel included in the day-to-day happenings in their home. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed. This means they have short muzzles, flat faces, narrow nostrils, and narrow airways—and often have an elongated soft palate. The elongated soft palate can cause a blockage to the windpipe entrance, creating the typically loud snoring and breathing noises they produce. Due to their flat faces, Pugs breathe with more effort than dogs with a normal-size muzzle. This creates swallowed air, which leads to Pugs being gassier than most dogs. It also means that Pugs do not do very well in overly hot climates or with extreme exercise. As a result, Pugs do best as primarily indoor dogs, with controlled excursions outside. While their coat is short, they do shed quite a bit. Regular grooming can help to manage their shedding. Pug Health Issues Pugs are prone to many health issues. Most are related to their brachycephalic conformation. Fortunately, many of their potential health problems can be managed with the assistance of your veterinarian. Since dogs use their airways to cool themselves, this increased effort for Pugs leaves them more predisposed to overheating. To keep your Pug safe, follow these guidelines: Avoid taking your Pug outside during the hottest parts of the day Avoid strenuous exercise for your Pug during hot weather Provide consistent access to cool, clean water Excess weight can increase breathing difficulties and make it easier for a Pug to overheat. Keeping your Pug at a healthy weight or on a weight-control diet to prevent obesity—when prescribed by a veterinarian—will help minimize risk. Respiratory Distress The narrow airway of a Pug also means that they are more prone to respiratory distress. If your Pug becomes stressed or distressed, they breathe even harder. This harsh breathing causes their already narrow airways to collapse further, which makes it even harder for them to breathe. Without intervention, this can progress to the point of low oxygen levels and collapse. Avoiding stress and keeping your Pug calm can help to avoid true respiratory distress. If you are noticing heavy or distressed breathing, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately. This is a simple procedure that can be done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery. Your veterinarian may also recommend surgery to correct an elongated soft palate if they have severe respiratory problems. Allergies and Ear Infections Pugs are especially prone to skin allergies and ear infections. These problems can start to show up as early as one year of age. Since Pugs have narrow ear canals and deep folds in the skin around their face, they can collect debris and bacteria more easily. Regular cleaning also allows you to check the ears and skin to identify inflammation and seek care early. Skin allergies are not curable, but seeking medications from a veterinarian and doing preventive bathing and ear cleaning to prevent infections caused by allergies will help to keep your Pug comfortable and happy. Dental Disease Pugs have small jaws, but they have the same number of teeth as other dog breeds. As a result, many of their teeth are crooked and crowded. Just like in people, crowded and crooked teeth can lead to increased buildup of food between their teeth. The result is increased risk for gingivitis, infection, and dental disease. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and pain. Daily tooth brushing is key to control and prevent inflammation. In addition, annual dental cleanings under anesthesia by your veterinarian starting at 1—2 years of age will help to identify infection and periodontal disease early. Ultimately, diseased teeth should be removed as early as possible to avoid pain, but diligent dental care can help prevent tooth loss. Eye Injuries A problem that is unique to Pugs is the risk of eye injury. All of these constitute an emergency, and your pet should be taken to the vet immediately. Without rapid treatment, these injuries can result in permanent damage or even loss of an eye. This condition affects the hips of a dog and happens when blood flow to the top of the femur is restricted, leading to a very painful condition that will eventually lead to arthritis. What to Feed a Pug Diet is an important part of maintaining the health of a Pug, especially since obesity is common for the breed. Obesity increases the risk of heat stroke and breathing problems. To help keep your Pug at a healthy weight , talk with your veterinarian about a weight management or calorie-restricted diet to help prevent obesity. Make sure that you are feeding your Pug a dog food that is appropriate for their life stage puppy, adult, or senior. These age-specific diets ensure that your Pug is getting the nutrients they need to thrive at every age. Some Pugs have food allergies that contribute to skin problems; your veterinarian will discuss feeding trials and special protein ingredients to test for and treat food allergies. How to Feed a Pug Pugs do best when fed 2 or 3 small meals a day. So when feeding dry food, the shape and size of the kibble is important to prevent choking. Some companies make foods specific to Pugs, designed to be easier to eat and help manage Pug-specific medical problems. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more about breed-specific dog food and the best kibble size for your dog. How Much to Feed a Pug Pugs should be fed based on their body size to avoid overfeeding. Typically, this is 1 to 1. Nutritional Tips for Pugs Any nutritional supplements given to your Pug should be used to address their individual health problems. A fatty acid supplement such as fish oil can be beneficial in managing skin allergies. A joint supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial if your Pug has arthritis or other joint problems. They are easily excited and can have periods of high energy. Pugs are eager to please and love spending a lot of time with their owners. They are a very loving breed and enjoy cuddling and being close to their people. Pet parents must remember that their brachycephalic characteristics make them snore, so light sleepers be warned. Pug Behavior Pugs are generally happy, friendly dogs. While they do have moments of high energy, they are generally calm couch potatoes. Without mental stimulation, Pugs can become mischievous and develop problematic behaviors or find destructive activities to keep them busy. Be sure to schedule your outdoor playtime around peak sun hours to avoid risk of your Pug overheating. Aggression is rare—especially if your Pug has been well socialized during their puppy years and has a solid training foundation. Pug Training Pugs are typically very food-motivated, which makes them relatively easily to train. They are not physically good candidates for high-energy exercise, such as running and agility, but low-key activities like casual walks or a quick game of fetch are fun for them. Fun Activities for Pugs. Caring for your Pug Pugs can be highly entertaining dogs due to their big personalities and clownish nature. They generally do well in family environments where they have lots of company all of the time as they love to spend time with everybody. Pugs and barking As with any dog, your Pug is likely to make noise in one form or another. How much your dog barks will be down to them as an individual. Training and socialisation When it comes to training Pugs, although they are a clever breed they can also be very strong willed. Training needs to be ongoing and firm but fair. You can start positive, reward-based training from day one, whether you get your Pug old or young. Exercise Pugs can be prone to gaining weight that can make breathing problems worse, so it is important to keep them active and avoid any weight gain. Your Pug will need up to an hour of exercise a day. This should include shorter walks, with extra playtime and lots of brain-stimulating activities. Several shorter walks throughout the day can help to stop them from becoming too tired or overheated, which is a great way to keep them active throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your Pug as they can tire easily due to their difficulties getting enough oxygen. As soon as you start to notice them struggling to breathe, stop and make sure they get enough of a rest. You will also need to avoid exercising them in the heat as this can cause even more problems since they can be at higher risk of heatstroke. Grooming Even though their coats are short, Pugs can still shed loads. Luckily, they tend to love being groomed as it means a lot of attention all on them. Pay close attention to the folds in their skin, as these are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections if left damp. You can teach your Pug from an early age to love tooth brushing and nail clipping so you can keep those pearly whites and paws in great condition. Pugs and children Pugs adore company and really love people of all ages. They often get on well with children, especially if the Pug loves to play. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Always supervise children and vulnerable people with your Pug and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. Pugs and other pets Pugs are known for getting along well with other pets and dogs. Introductions still need to be done carefully, though, just in case. Good, kind training will also help them become well-rounded dogs that keep calm in new situations. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards for breeding. See our advice on what you need to know about flat faced pets and how to choose a healthier pedigree pet. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, some centres will vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will have already neutered the dogs they rehome where appropriate. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or if your dog outgrows them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catching any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. A group of Pugs is called a grumble! Pugs are an ancient breed, dating back to Ancient China where they were bred for Emperors. Pugs were bred to be companions, which is why they love people so much. Getting a Pug Do plenty of research before you get a Pug. Although they are loveable and friendly, they are sadly likely to get a lot of health issues more so than many other breeds. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Pug. Breed-specific rescues specialising in Pugs are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any existing health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will have been well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if a Pug is the right pet for you? Allergic skin disorder x 5. Pugs are often considered to have a very gentle temperament, and this is supported by the study which showed very low levels of aggression in the breed. While this may make the Pug a good family pet from a human perspective, owners also need to consider the quality of life that the dog endures. Although these results provide evidence for some positive aspects of Pug health, they sadly highlight the Pug overall has substantially poorer health than non-Pugs. The findings suggest that many Pugs may suffer from seriously compromised health and welfare because of the extreme body shape that humanity expects of this breed. To correct this, the body shape of Pugs must shift towards a more moderate, and less extreme, conformation if we are to reduce these health and welfare issues for Pugs in the UK. It is time now that we focus on the health of the dog rather than the whims of the owner when we are choosing what type of dog to own. Widespread ownership of Pugs with extreme facial and body conformations should be discouraged until measures are in place to ensure stricter and more acceptable breed standards. These findings will also play a vital part in continuing to develop ways to encourage would-be owners to do their research and to help them understand the potential health and welfare issues that badly bred Pugs can face. We aim to curb the increasing numbers of rogue breeders, who are outside of any sphere of influence and are producing dogs with no regard for welfare and continue to urge would-be owners and breeders to think carefully about any breeding or buying decisions when it comes to Pugs, and make use of health testing, evidence-based resources and expert advice available on The Kennel Club website. Vet teams see pugs with these distressing health problems — from breathing difficulties to eye ulcers and painful spine abnormalities - in veterinary practices across the UK on a daily basis. While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs. Pug Dog Health Overview The majority of the health issues seen with this breed are linked to the Pug's body structure. There are conditions to be aware of and steps you can take to keep your Pug as healthy as possible. This section will cover: Signs of a Possible Health Issue - Clinical signs and red flags that point to a possible health issue. List of Most Reported Health Issues - From a comprehensive study involving 2, owners of Pug puppies and dogs, the most reported issues. General Health Issues Seen with Pugs - Some of the most common yet troubling health concerns for all breeds including the Pug. This includes allergies, dental issues, ear, eye and skin issues, and stomach problems. Pug Breed-Specific Health Issues, Respiratory-related - This includes BOAS, stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, tracheal issues, everted laryngeal saccules, and general breathing problems related to environmental or care aspects. Health Tips - A summary of the top 6 things you can do to help your Pug stay healthy and live a long life. Signs of a Possible Health Issue If you are looking at Pug puppies to potentially bring one into your home and are trying to determine if they are healthy or are not sure if your Pug of any age is feeling well, there are some general guidelines that point to good health and warning flags that indicate something may be wrong. Fever: Though a dog can certainly be ill without a fever, checking body temperature is an effective method of helping to determine if Pug is fighting some type of infection or is suffering from heat stress. Newborn puppies have lower temperatures than their adult counterparts, ranging from about 96 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit .By the age of 4-weeks old, body temperature is up to about F .Then, by the age of 8 weeks and for the rest of a dog's life, normal body temperature is between and .The most accurate method of taking a dog's temperature is to use a pet rectal thermometer that is first lubricated with petroleum jelly. There are pet digital thermometers, but reliable ones can be quite pricey. Discharge: If you see unusual and excessive discharge from the ears, nose, or eyes this is a red flag. The most common health issue associated with this is allergies, though there are other possibilities as well. Ear discharge is linked to ear infections and excessive eye discharge is linked to eyelash or eyelid abnormalities and certain eye infections. Odor: Healthy dogs have a neutral smell and a slight 'doggie odor' if the coat gets wet in a way that does not involve cleansing products, like getting wet from the rain. Any strong odd odor is a red flag. Smells from the mouth can indicate dental issues, smells from the ears can indicate an ear infection, and smells from the facial area wrinkles or an all-over body odor can indicate bacterial or skin yeast infections. Increased breathing issues: It will be normal for your Pug to pant a bit in hot weather or when exercising and some can have a certain level of noisy breathing even when at rest. This is typically due to one or more of the common issues seen with Pugs including elongated soft palate and stenotic nares, both which may need surgical correction and are explored ahead. With this breed, there can be a fine line between providing enough activity to promote good health and overexertion. If your Pug is panting very heavy, making loud wheezing noises or is seemingly struggling to breath normally, this should not be overlooked. Changes in mobility: This includes a slower gait, limping, trouble rising up, sitting at an odd angle, or holding a limb in an usual way. These changes can indicate something as simple as a strained ligament to something as serious as hip dysplasia or other joint abnormality. With Pugs over the age of 6 or with those that have had past joint or bone issues, these changes can point to osteoarthritis. General vs Breed-Specific Health Issues Dogs in general are prone to certain health issues just as humans are; these are often those related to environment, food intake, and care. With Pugs, the main physical traits connected to health issues include: The Pug is among a group of breeds that are brachycephalic. This refers to a head shape with a compressed jaw, a short muzzle, and a compact skull. This profile consequently causes the upper respiratory system to be compressed which can lead to breathing-related issues. Loose fur and lots of facial wrinkles make the Pug prone to skin issues including bacterial and yeast skin infections. Next, we will cover the most common general and breed-specific health issues that owners of Pugs should know about. Of course, this does not mean that your Pug will be affected by these. Pugs can have a variety of allergies including airborne grasses, pollen, etc. Allergies can often be reduced by making changes to a Pug's environment, limiting exposure, and the use of over-the-counter allergy treatments including specialty shampoos and anti-itch topical sprays. In some cases, prescribed medications may need to be given. Read more about Pug Dog Allergies. Dental Issues Without proper care and upkeep, Pugs can develop tooth decay and periodontal disease. Infections can be localized or they can travel up to the sinuses or even lead to full-body infection, also known as sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Taking care of the teeth is something that should start when a Pug is a pup and continue on through the dog's entire life. Read more about Pug Dental Care. Ear Infections Ear infections are one of the most common health issues seen with all dog breeds and with dogs of all ages. Breeds like the Pug that have drop ears rose or button fold-over in which the ear canal is fully or partial covered are more prone to this than breeds with erect stand-up ears. Keeping the ears clean of excess wax, debris and moisture plays a big role in helping to prevent ear infections. Read more about Pug Dog Ears for information regarding ear set, ear care, and infection prevention. Eye Issues Canines in general can have a wide range of eye-related issues and disorders. In addition to those, breeds like the Pug that have large and somewhat protruding eyes are prone to certain eye issues. Top issues that affect Pugs include pigmentary keratitis, cherry eye, inflammation, keratoconjunctivitis sicca dry eye , corneal abrasions and ulcerations, entropion inverted or folded-in eyelid , distichiasis eyelash es will grow in an odd place , and cataracts mostly seen with seniors. Skin Issues Common skin issues seen with Pugs includes itching, hot spots, and rash, sometimes seen alongside a strong odor. The cause behind these problems may be linked to allergies or a skin infection due to bacteria or yeast. Read more about Pug Dog Skin Issues which covers a wide range of signs and symptoms. Or, read more about Pug Dog Itching which helps owners determine the cause and covers options for giving a Pug immediate relief. Stomach and Intestinal Issues There are lots of things that can cause a Pug to have an upset stomach or a disturbance in bowel movements, ranging from ingestion of table scraps with a high fat content to ingestion of toxins, though an acute bacterial issue or virus are also possibilities. Long-term stomach issues are often related to a dog's diet. Bloat, which is a dangerous twisting of the stomach, is linked to rapid ingestion of food and exercising too close to meal time. Learn how to prevent this, common symptoms, and how to react if you suspect this. Pug Dog Constipation - This refers to very hard or very infrequent bowel movements. Most cases can be treated at home but severe cases or those that do not respond to home remedies must be treated by the veterinarian. Pug Dog Diarrhea - This refers to very frequent or loose stools and needs to be addressed as soon as possible since it can lead to dangerous dehydration. Pug Dog Gas - Excess gas can cause burping or flatulence which may not only be stinky but also uncomfortable for a Pug. Pug Breed-Specific Health Issues, Respiratory-related Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS This is a combination of two or more conditions, and in some cases secondary conditions, that affects the breathing passages and therefore a Pug's ability to breathe. The four main conditions are: Stenotic nares. Elongated soft palate; The palate flap of skin at the back of the throat is too long, partially blocking the entrance to the trachea windpipe. Trachea issues. This includes hypoplastic trachea abnormal growth of the cartilage rings that make up the trachea windpipe is which the airway is abnormally narrow and collapsed trachea a weakening of the cartilage rings which leads to one or more of them collapsing inward which blocks the trachea windpipe to varying extents. Everted laryngeal saccules. Tissue located in front of the vocal cords is pulled into the trachea windpipe , causing a partial blockage. This is not seen as often as stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and trachea issues. Secondary conditions include laryngeal voice box collapse and tonsillar eversion and hypertrophy. BOAS is very common with Pugs. Read more about Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome with Pugs or continue on to learn about each of the conditions seen with this. Also known as pinched nostrils, stenotic nares involves abnormally narrow nostrils that cause a dog to have trouble breathing. Over time, internal pressure can build up, affecting the larynx and lead to larynx collapse which is a very dangerous and often fatal condition. Stenotic nares is a congenital issue, meaning that it is present at birth, but noticeable symptoms may not appear for several years. Signs include noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, and snoring. Minor cases are treated with the use of a harness as opposed to a collar and careful attention paid to exercise limits. Moderate to severe cases are treated surgically. Read more about Pug Dog Stenotic Nares. Elongated Soft Palate This is a condition seen with Pugs involving the palate which is a flap of tissue located at the back of the throat. Because Pugs have compressed internal passages, the palate is often too large, comparatively speaking, and therefore partially blocks the entrance to the trachea windpipe. This means that as a Pug inhales and exhales, the air cannot flow freely as it would otherwise. Elongated soft palate is a congenital issue, meaning that it is present at birth and symptoms may not always be noticeable right away but may worsen as a Pug matures. Signs include newborn pups dribbling milk from the nose, excessive panting, gagging or regurgitating food, snoring, excessive saliva, and exercise intolerance. Minor cases are treated with the use of a harness as opposed to a collar, careful attention paid to exercise limits, and encouraging better sleeping positions. Tracheal Issues - Hypoplastic and Collapsed Trachea Hypoplastic trachea an abnormally narrow trachea is seen more often with Pugs than collapsed trachea rings supporting the trachea collapse inward. Hypoplastic trachea is a congenital issue, meaning that it is present at birth and collapsed trachea can be genetic or acquired. Signs of either issue includes trouble eating gagging on or regurgitating food , noisy breathing gasping, rattling, or wheezing noises , coughing, gasping for breath, and exercise intolerance. With collapsed trachea, there is often a distinctive honking-type cough. Minor to moderate cases are treated with the use of a harness as opposed to a collar, careful attention paid to exercise limits, anti-inflammatory medication, and cough medication. Moderate to severe cases may be treated surgically, but this is an extensive and risky surgery. Read more about Pug Hypoplastic and Collapsed Trachea. With this, tissue near the vocal cords becomes everted inside out. When this occurs, that protruding tissue is drawn into the windpipe, blocking off proper airflow. This abnormality causes internal negative pressure that can put stress on the larynx which can cause eventual collapse, a severe and often fatal condition. Because everted laryngeal saccules is considered to be the first stage of laryngeal collapse, any moderate to severe cases are almost always treated with surgery. General Breathing Issues Though the issues that fall under the category of BOAS are seen with brachycephalic breeds like the Pug, it is not always the case that any of these are severe enough to be causing problems. And, Pugs can also have noisy or labored breathing that is not connected at all to these abnormalities. In some cases, it is a matter of over-exertion and in other cases it can be linked to environmental elements such as air quality or hot temperatures or care elements including the type of accessories placed on a Pug. To make sure you are doing all you can to help your Pug breathe as freely as possible, read more about Pug Breathing Issues. It is usually diagnosed by the age of 1 year and signs include abnormal gait, lameness, limping, odd stance, and discomfort. There are many non-surgical treatment options and surgery is reserved for severe cases. Read more about Pug Dog Elbow Dysplasia. Hip Issues - Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes Pugs are very prone to hip dysplasia which refers to a malformation that causes an ill-fitting hip joint and socket typically seen with weakened support of connective tissues and muscles that creates instability. Signs include limping, holding the leg in an odd position, and mobility issues. Small-sized dog breeds, including the Pug, are prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes which is a degenerative disease of the head of the femur bone on the hind leg the ball that fits into the socket in the pelvis; which makes up the hip joint. With this, there is deterioration of the bone leading to sometimes serious mobility issues. Treatment for these two hip issues can involve certain exercises, OTC medications, supplements, and prescribed medications. Surgery is an option with severe cases. Read more about Pug Dog Hip Dysplasia including the high occurrence rate, age of onset, diagnosis, treatment options, and important prevention tips. Breed-Specific Health Issues, Other Pug Dog Encephalitis Pug Dog Encephalitis PDE falls under the category of necrotizing meningoencephalitis NME and is a neurological brain disorder that causes rapid onset swelling of the brain, death of brain cells, and unfortunately is fatal in all cases. This strikes approximately 1. This is seen more often with fawn Pugs as opposed to those with black coats and age of onset is usually under the age of 7 years old. The main symptom is severe seizures and unfortunately, there is no treatment. Read more about Pug Dog Encephalitis. Health Tips There are things that you can do to help keep your Pug as healthy as possible: 1. Keep your Pug at a healthy weight. Pugs typically have very hearty appetites while not being built for long duration or high intensity physical activity, so this makes the Pug prone to weight gain. Carrying excess weight puts stress on this breed's short, stocky and barrel-shaped body with wear and tear on the knees, hips, and back and is a contributing factor in a range of health issues. Feed your Pug a healthy diet. Feeding your Pug all-natural and nutritious meals and snacks will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and will avoid issues commonly seen with substandard dog foods including allergic reactions. Exercise your Pug on a regular basis. Routine exercise helps helps regulate the metabolism, keeps supporting muscles strong, is great for heart health, and helps strengthen the immune system. In addition, staying physically active is a boost for mental health as well; dogs that are able to release pent-up energy in a positive way are less prone to boredom and negative behaviors such as barking and destructive chewing. Follow exercise guidelines to ensure your Pug is active enough while avoiding heat stress and breathing issues. Regular grooming. Staying on track in regard to all grooming elements including cleaning the facial wrinkles, eye area, and ears and bathing your Pug on time while using high-quality products can help avoid skin yeast infections which are common with this breed. Keeping your Pug's teeth clean and free from plaque build-up will help avoid painful infections and possible tooth loss. Make and keep veterinary wellness checks. Starting at age 1, Pugs should be seen by the vet once a year for routine checks which include a physical examination, blood, urine, and stool testing, breathing assessment, and more. Starting around age 8, these checkups are usually needed twice per year. Always use a harness, not a collar. This brachycephalic breed that is already prone to breathing-related issues should never be walked using a leash and collar which puts pressure on the trachea; always place a harness on your Pug instead which distributes stress over the much stronger shoulders, back, and chest. You may also be interested in: Pug Dog Bad Breath - Reasons why a Pug's breath can get stinky and at-home remedies to fix this. Pug Dog Itching Issues - See the top reasons why a Pug may be terribly itching, along with exact steps to fully and quickly resolve this common problem. Pug Paw Care - How to keep your Pug's paw in good shape and remedies for the most common issues including itchiness and irritation. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. To understand the impacts more, the study looked at 4, pugs and 21, dogs of other breeds in the U. A pug dog stands in the exhibition hall on the final day of the annual Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre on March 13, in Birmingham, England. In addition, .However, pugs were found to have a reduced risk for seven disorders, including heart murmurs, wounds and aggression compared to other dog breeds. But ultimately the study found that pugs' predisposition to disease significantly outweighed their disease protections. It concluded that pugs have critical health challenges and that the "highly differing heath profiles between Pugs and other dogs in the UK suggest that the Pug has diverged substantially from mainstream dog breeds and can no longer be considered as a typical dog from a health perspective. And they're just as popular across the pond. The American Kennel Club currently lists them as the 28th most popular dog breed out of breeds in the U. But experts warn dog-lovers of the increased health issues brachycephalic breeds like pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs experience, and say to consider the health of the animal when looking for a new furry friend. Earlier this year, Norway went so far as to ban the breeding of certain dogs, including English bulldogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels, for health reasons after an animal rights group petitioned an Oslo court, according to USA Today. Trending News. Fitting a whole lot of personality into a small, stocky package — Pugs are fun-loving, affectionate, and cheekily wilful. Well known for their lack of impulse control when it comes to food, Pugs require a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet to keep their waistlines in check. Daily exercise also helps your Pug to stay healthy, but be sure not to overdo it — just a little each day is enough. Respiratory Issues Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome BAOS occurs in dogs like Pugs with a reduced skull length, and results from excess soft tissue in their airways which may obstruct airflow. Symptoms can include your dog gasping for air and struggling to breathe during even moderate amounts of exercise. Surgery can sometimes be required; however, the impact of this condition may be reduced by keeping your pug cool in hot weather, avoiding excessive exercise, providing lots of fresh water, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Eye Problems The bulging eyes of pugs are unfortunately prone to several serious eye issues which can cause chronic irritation and pain. With their large eyes, Pugs are at a high risk of accidentally damaging their eyes by running into obstacles. Symptoms of other eye issues include bumping into furniture and other objects, a discoloured eye discharge, weeping eyes, discoloured spots on the eye, and any unusual appearances in or around the eye. Skin Disorders Pugs are prone to allergies that cause itchy skin. In addition, their wrinkled folds of skin can trap dirt and moisture, providing an inviting place for bacterial skin infections Pyoderma to develop. Pyoderma is a bacterial infection with topical symptoms such as pimples, small red bumps, and blisters filled with blood. It usually occurs near the lips, feet and skin folds in Pugs. Bone and Joint Problems Pugs have small legs that support a sturdy body, and this unique musculoskeletal structure predisposes them to bone and joint problems. Luxating Patella is a condition that causes the knee to become dislocated. Signs that your Pug is experiencing this condition are hopping, jumping, favouring one leg, and having difficulty getting up and down. Severe cases may require surgery. This condition can be brought on by excess weight, so be sure to feed your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet. Pugs may experience spinal problems, which in turn places pressure on their spinal cord, resulting in pain and possible loss of back leg function. Seizures are the main symptom of Epilepsy, which is not uncommon in Pugs, and can be treated through medication and regular vet check-ups. The main symptom of PDE is seizures, but dogs suffering from this condition may also seem lethargic, listless or display a lack of muscle coordination. In consultation with your vet, medication can be used to control the seizures and reduce associated inflammation. Most Pugs live a long and happy life, even if these health issues need to be managed through appropriate vet care and a dedicated treatment plan. Always visit your vet at the first sign of symptoms or behavioural changes in your Pug, as quick action will help ensure your furry friend can get back to being their happy, adorable selves as soon as possible. Do not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your veterinary doctor. If you think your pet may be suffering from a medical condition, seek immediate medical attention. References Bondi Vet. Love My Pet. Pug Dog Breed. Pug Village. Health Issues. Other posts you may be interested in. In conclusion, consider the following if you decide that it is a good idea to buy a pug. The changing face of pugs Records of pugs in the past show they had a longer nose and longer legs. Selective breeding has accentuated the childlike facial features, shortening the nose and skull to produce prominent eyes 1. The short muzzle, undershot mouth top jaw shorter than the bottom and curled tail are now included in the Kennel Club breed standard. Unfortunately, these characteristics lead to health problems. A book reviewing the diseases prevalent in different dog breeds identifies 25 disorders over-represented in the pug 2. The Kennel Club classify pugs as Category 3 for health and welfare issues — this is the highest risk category. There are breeders and pug enthusiasts who are working hard to improve pug health. The Kennel Club have introduced a health scheme originated by the Pug Breed Council to health screen pugs prior to mating. As breeding pugs is a lucrative business, not all breeders are concerned with the welfare of the dog but breed for profit. Therefore, many pugs offered for sale in the UK have debilitating health conditions which significantly impact their quality of life. The PDSA, a charity who treat animals belonging to owners with low incomes, strongly recommend buying a different breed or only considering pug crosses. In the rest of this article, we will consider the most common health concerns. BOAS Dog breeds with short noses are called brachycephalics. This means that it is difficult for them to breathe. Shortening the skull results in excess tissue in the airway. A long soft palate, large tonsils and a swollen larynx all obstruct the airway. This is exacerbated by narrow, closed or slit-like nostrils. The result is limited airflow to the lungs. If you have ever tried to breathe with a heavy cold and sore throat, you can sympathise with how affected dogs feel all the time. Depending on the severity of the obstruction dogs may breathe noisily at rest or exercise, pant constantly or only when playing or walking. Often these dogs cannot cool themselves down in hot weather and are prone to heat stroke. As many struggle to breathe and swallow simultaneously, they have difficulty eating and may regurgitate food or saliva frequently. Big eyes The prominent eyes of the pug mean that tear flow may be insufficient to lubricate the eye. This can result in dry eyes which are prone to painful ulceration by trauma or infection. Constant irritation of the cornea surface of the eye often results in pigment laid down in the eye obscuring vision pigmentary keratopathy. Shallow eye sockets mean that eyes may be more likely to prolapse pop out with trauma or play. Both these conditions can lead to loss of an eye. Eyelid abnormalities entropion and ectropion can occur and constantly irritate the cornea. It is usually fatal. Most cases occur between the ages of but it can present from 6 months to 6 years of age. The disease can progress from depression. It is inherited and even crossbreds with one pug parent can suffer from PDE. Spinal problems Pugs are prone to spinal disease caused by hemivertebrae. The gene that codes for the coils in the tail also causes abnormally shaped vertebrae in other areas of the spine, these are often called hemivertebrae 3. These vertebrae can put pressure on the spinal cord within causing chronic back pain, and sometimes paralysis and incontinence. Severely affected dogs require spinal surgery to remove the pressure on the spinal cord. Many pugs are affected, x-ray or scanning is required to diagnose this cause of chronic pain. Lameness Pugs are prone to lameness due to luxating patellae dislocated kneecaps. This means that their kneecaps do not run smoothly within a ridge but slip out, become stuck and stop the hindleg bending. There are 4 grades of patella luxation; in the mild forms the dog may have a loose kneecap that intermittently moves. The more severe grades can result in permanent lameness and require orthopaedic surgery to correct. Skin disease Excessive skin folds can become problematic for pugs as dermatitis is common if they become moist or chafe. Bacteria and yeast love living in skin folds. Keeping them clean and dry can be difficult. Tooth overcrowding is also common because of the short nose and undershot jaw. Dental care must be meticulous as plaque and tartar build-up can be worse on overcrowded teeth leading to periodontal disease. These are some of the most common pug disorders. Often these conditions are exacerbated by obesity. Pugs are not bred as working dogs, nor do they have a strong prey drive so they can be less active than other dogs. They also have a large appetite, and some are unable to exercise because of breathing difficulties. These two factors can result in obesity , which will make lameness and spinal disease worse. The disease profile of the pug means that insurance premiums are very high. Do not be tempted by cheaper prices, pugs are often victims of inappropriate breeding, puppy smuggling and puppy farming. These pups and their parents often suffer from owners putting profit being welfare. Always insist on seeing the mother and visiting the pups rather than having one delivered. Find a breeder who uses the Kennel Club Assured Breeders Scheme, their dogs will have had a respiratory function test, genetic testing for PDE and may have been x-rayed to check for hemivertebrae before breeding. Choose a lively pup with open, round nostrils. Buy from a breeder who exercises their dogs regularly and has fit, slim healthy dogs. Covering personality traits, real-life costs and obviously the major upsides too. Finally, consider a pug cross to enjoy the wonderful temperament but reduce the problems caused by their conformation. You may also e be interested in;.

How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Curly coat: Dense, thick curls that have no odor and are non-shedding. The Labradoodle can come is a palette of beautiful colors, such as gold, apricot, caramel, white, black, red, chocolate, blue and parti-color. Curious about how to groom and trim that luxurious coat? Check out this video: 2. Medium: 20 inches 50 cm tall; up to 45 lbs 20 kg in weight. Miniature: 16 inches 40 cm tall; up to 25 lbs 11 kg in weight. No responsible breeder will guarantee that their Labradoodle puppies will definitely grow to be an exact size. Both are high energy dogs who love to fetch and swim. Both make wonderful family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labradoodles tend to have shorter coats. The Goldendoodle has a longer, shaggier coat inherited from the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly dogs, but Goldendoodles are highly social and not afraid to run up to anyone, while the Labradoodle can be stand-offish, taking time to get used to strangers. You can compare the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle some more in this video. Bonus: Even More Doodles! These are two other popular Poodle mixes that are similar to the Labradoodle. You can learn more about the Australian Labradoodle here. This Poodle and Schnauzer mix hangs with the small-sized dogs, reaching 15 lbs 7 kg in weight. It makes a great companion or service dog. Learn more about the Schnoodle here. Though not aggressive, Labradoodle temperament can vary. Agility, quick thinking skills and a lustrous coat of hypoallergenic curls have made it an outstanding show dog, as well as a favored breed by those who suffer from allergies. The noble Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are highly popular in North America and the UK, especially for their use as service dogs for the disabled. Highly intelligent and sharp as a whip, this breed is in-tune with feelings and actions, learning quickly, displaying loyalty and taking on the role of caretaker. As a Retriever breed, the Labrador has a reputation for being a phenomenal hunter and water dog. They love to swim! This is a big dog, weighing in at up to 80 lbs 29—36 kg. Its coat is short, dense and water resistant. It can come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Watch those leather loafers! Because of their size and energetic personality, plenty of space is recommended for a Labradoodle to blow of steam. That means small apartments and long hours in a crate do not benefit this stimulated hybrid. Take your Labbidoo out for a jog or let her splash in your swimming pool if you have one. Homes with a fenced in yard are ideal for your dog to have some off-leash time to run about and frolic freely. Add in some early socialization to help curb bad habits and control over-exuberance when meeting with children or other dogs. Ear infections: Floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, leading to painful infections. Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness. Elbow dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint. Epilepsy: Seizures that result from an unknown cause. Diabetes Mellitus: A disease in which the body suffers from a shortage of insulin. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Feeding Specific nutrition requirements differ from dog to dog based on needs and size. For the Labradoodle, use high-quality dog food and divide 1 to 2. Avoid feeding throughout the day, because they have been known to suffer from gastric torsion like the Labrador Retriever. The thickness and length will determine the sort of grooming needed. Longer coats will need trimming every six weeks. Second, soaring popularity has lead to an infection of puppy mills popping up like nasty sores. These are to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the price is cheaper. Do your breeder research thoroughly and visit the premises where the puppies hail from. With puppy mills wreaking havoc, Labradoodle rescues have become more prevalent. Check out these websites for listings:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. When considering bringing a new dog into your life, it is always important to consider how long that dog is likely to live. In this article, we will go through exactly how long you should expect your Labradoodle to live, which is largely determined by whether their poodle parent was a standard, miniature, or toy poodle. We will also go through all the different life stages of a Labradoodle and what to expect in each. What Is A Labradoodle? Labradoodles are crossbreed dogs that you get when you mix a Labrador retriever with a poodle. They are varieties that are a mix between a Lab and all the different poodle sizes including standard, miniature, and toy. They were bred because, while the temperament, intelligence, and trainability of Labrador retrievers make them excellent service dogs, they shed—a lot. This can be a huge problem when it comes to taking them into hospitals, public places such as restaurants, and even cleaning up after them at home. Poodles were chosen to crossbreed because they have a low-shedding coat. Their tight, curly coats mean that instead of leaving hair wherever they go, it gets caught up in their coat. Poodles are also highly intelligent dogs, even more intelligent than Labradors, and also very friendly, having been bred as companion animals. They are less outgoing than Labradors, but overall it was thought that they would add to, rather than subtract from, the characteristics that make Labradors excellent service dogs. You can read more about the Labradoodle coat and shedding in this article. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? All Labradoodles have a lifespan of roughly 12 to 14 years. Various factors influence where each dog is likely to fall within this scale. Labrador retrievers and standard poodles both tend to live around 12 years. So if you have a standard Labradoodle, you should probably expect them to have a slightly shorter lifespan at around the year mark. Miniature and toy poodles often live longer, as small dogs tend to live longer in general. So if you have a Lab that is mixed with one of these smaller breeds, you might expect them to live for an additional year or so. While these expectations are based on the average lifespan of their parent pups, some research suggests that crossbreed dogs live longer than their parents, by about a year or two. There are plenty of examples of Labradoodles living well into their late teens. Labradoodle Life Stages Throughout their lives, you can expect your Labradoodle to pass through five main life stages: puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior. Exactly when they will pass through each of these stages again depends on whether the Labradoodle is a standard, miniature, or toy cross. Smaller dogs tend to grow to maturity more quickly but then live longer. Conversely, larger dogs stay puppies longer but have shorter overall life expectancies. Puppyhood Labradoodles tend to be classified as puppies for the first five months of their lives. But just like with human babies, because they are growing so quickly at this time, they will pass through a number of different puppy stages. It is during this stage that you will find that littermates love to cuddle up and spend the day sleeping one on top of one another. During this stage, they are more interested in their mother and siblings than there are in people, but they do begin to learn that there is a bigger world and might start to explore a little in the later weeks. It is around this stage that they can also start to move onto dog food. This is often a necessity, as the mother will refuse to suckle them as their growing teeth cause her pain. This is a very important time, as they are also very impressionable. So they need plenty of attention, praise, and love. Training them at this stage will also teach them about action and reward, which will make them easier to train to do other things as adults. They will already understand that correct behavior can result in good things. At this stage, you can also start to expose the puppy to new people and new experiences. This is essential to the socialization process, so that they learn what to do when confronted by the unknown. This is a great time to try to take the puppy with you most everywhere you go. Essential training should continue throughout this stage. Adolescence Much like humans, during this stage Labradoodle puppies seem like they are either eating or sleeping all the time to manage big growth spurts, or getting into trouble. This period tends to last from around five or six months until about two years of age. But they also become more unpredictable as hormones start to play a role. Expect them to want to play all the time, to jump up a lot, and to do things that test your limits. Nevertheless, at this stage your Labradoodle should be fully housebroken, should have passed through that biting phase, and should be better at paying attention to you. They also lose their awkwardness around this age and seem more coordinated. Labradoodles in particular will start to show quite a bit of strength and agility at this stage. They should have all their adult teeth, but they still love to chew! This is something they inherit from the Labrador parent. Make sure to have an abundance of chew toys available to focus their otherwise destructive chewing. It is also during adolescence that territorial behavior tends to kick in. Your pup may become protective of their possessions, territorial of their home, and could start to bark at strangers. Also be aware that at some stage during adolescence—it can vary quite a bit—your dog will become sexually mature. Adulthood Depending on the particular type of Labradoodle that you have, you can expect them to settle down into adulthood at between two and three years of age. They should be about fully grown at this stage. So instead of getting bigger, you need to worry about them getting fatter! While it is natural for them to fill out a bit in the early stages of adulthood, it is important to keep an eye on their weight and their diet at this time. They will enter their physical and mental prime during this period, as they are much calmer and more tranquil. If they are being trained as a service dog, they can start working once they reach adulthood. None of this is to say that Labradoodles cannot continue to develop and learn new things at this time. Labradors and Labradoodles are very easy to train and can be taught new skills and behaviors at almost any age. Middle Age Your dog will start to enter the later stages of their life at about the ripe old age of seven years. At this point, Labradoodles still tend to be active and healthy dogs, but they do start to slow down a bit. It is also at this time that their joints might start to become stiff, and they can begin to develop more serious joint problems. You can try and alleviate this by feeding them supplements to support their joints. You can read more about joint supplements here. Senior When your Labradoodle hits nine or 10 years, they are truly senior and they will probably start to need a bit of extra care and attention. Joint pain is a common problem for Labradoodles, so you may need to make some adjustments to your home to accommodate them. Labradoodles also have a tendency to lose their eyesight in later years, and to feel the cold more intensely. Their appetite is also likely to change as this time, as is their metabolism. So again, watch their weight and what they are eating to maintain them at a healthy weight. This is especially important if they are suffering with joint issues, as excess weight will just make mobility even more challenging. Labradoodles are inclined toward a variety of health conditions, inherited from both their Labrador and poodle parents. The main Labradoodle health conditions to be aware of are: Allergies Labradoodles often develop food allergies, usually in their early years before they reach two years of age. This can often be caused by eating too much of certain foods in these formative months. But Labradoodles can also develop allergies in later life, and you might find that at age eight they are suddenly reacting to something that they have eaten their entire life. Labradoodles usually show an allergic reaction with skin itchiness and an upset stomach. If you notice these signs, visit your vet to try to identify what might be causing the problem. Ear Infections Labradoodles have floppy ears that cover the ear tracts. This means they are generally moist, dark spaces, which means breeding grounds for infections. This is also a common problem for Labradors but can be worse for Labradoodles because the curly hair in their ears can also trap moisture and foreign bodies. If they seem to have itchy ears, or if you notice smells coming from their ears, this is a sign that something is not quite right. This will mean a trip to the vet to determine the type of ear infection and the best treatment. Regular ear cleaning, especially after sleeping or bathing, is the best way to reduce the prevalence of ear infections in Labradoodles. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition, of which one of the main symptoms is seizures. Labradoodles are quite prone to this condition. There is no cure, and treatment depends on the severity of the seizures and how often they occur. If your dog rarely has seizures, your vet will probably avoid medication, as it is not worth the risk. You may need to do some things to make your home safer for your dog, making it less likely that they will accidentally hurt themselves in the event of a seizure. Joint Issues Another issue inherited from their Labrador parents, Labradoodles often develop joint issues, especially in the hips, but it can be anywhere. Over time, what was an uncomfortable twinge can develop into serious pain, arthritis, and even lameness. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Sometimes joint supplements can be enough to keep your dog comfortable, while in other cases they might need serious pain medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is a condition where a portion of the eye degenerates, eventually leading to blindness. This is quite common in Labradoodles and will usually affect both eyes, resulting in complete blindness. However, it is known to occasionally occur in puppies as well. There is no known treatment, though it is thought that a diet high in antioxidants may be able to help slow the progression of the condition. Signs of the disease include excessive bleeding and bruising where the dog is injured, but also spontaneos bleeds, for example nosebleeds, or blood in their urine or stool. This poses a risk to your Labradoodle throughout their lives, as they may need to avoid certain medications that can further thin the blood, as well as activities where they are at risk of getting injured. If they need surgery for some reason, such as when they are neutered, they will probably also require a platelet transfusion before the surgery. The Verdict When you decide to bring a Labradoodle puppy in your life, you are committing to love and care for that dog for about 12 to 14 years, which is the average lifespan of this crossbreed. During that time, they will pass through a number of different life stages, from being adorable puppies, naughty adolescents appropriately called the terrible twos , intelligent adults, and vulnerable seniors. But throughout all these life stages, a Labradoodle should give you a great deal of love and fulfilment. Do you have a Labradoodle? What is your experience living with these wonderful dogs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or via our social media. Related Article. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. Key milestones to look out for include teething, going for their first walk, completing potty training, and being ready to start obedience training. Your Labradoodle Puppy Your new Labradoodle puppy may be an adorable little bundle of fur now. But Labradoodle puppies, like all puppies, grow up fast! When will your Doodle puppy reach its full adult size? What about behavioral milestones, such socializing with other dogs, fetching toys, or responding to commands? New puppy owners often have lots of questions about puppy growth and development. Before your puppy even comes home with you, it will have already completed some important early phases of development. The time spent in the womb is called the gestation period. The average gestation period for Labradoodles is around 63 days, or 9 weeks. If your puppy came to you from a breeder, chances are it spent the first couple of months of life with mom and littermates, before coming to you. What went on during those first few weeks? The earliest stages of puppy development are important to the good health and behavior of a dog over its whole lifetime. Neonatal Weeks Newborn puppies are born deaf, blind, and unable to stand or walk. In the first days of life, your puppy will seek warmth, nutrition, and care from the mother. Your puppy will want to be close to mom and is totally dependent on her care and attention. Separation from mom at this stage will cause your puppy distress as it is still too soon to be away from the mother. Your puppy will become more aware of its environment and begin to explore. Interaction with mom will expand to include play, and your puppy will also play with its littermates. After socializing with its canine family, your puppy will also begin socializing with humans. During this time, a puppy can be fearful of new experiences, so introduction to people and animals should be done carefully. Your puppy will also start weaning onto solid food from 3 weeks onwards, and by 8 weeks old, your puppy is old enough to come home and join their forever family. Late Socialization 12 Weeks-6 Months Some Labradoodle breeders prefer to wait until this development stage before giving puppies to their new owners. This is also a time to encourage good behaviors and discourage bad behaviors like biting and aggression. Potty and crate training are key during this time. Puppy Growth Milestones Lots of physical changes happen to a young puppy in the first few months of life. Here are a few important changes that your Labradoodle puppy will experience after coming home with you. Teeth A puppy grows 28 baby teeth also called deciduous teeth that will fall out and then be replaced by 42 permanent teeth. They may begin to fall out while your puppy is still with the breeder, or once they are home with you, at around 12 weeks of age. Like most dogs, Labradoodle puppies like to chew during the teething process. They also chew to explore the world around them. Provide your puppy with a variety of safe chew toys and discourage biting during play. While your puppy will probably continue to enjoy chewing, most excessive chewing behavior will go away by months of age. And is neutering necessary? There is some evidence that there are health issues associated with neutering. Keeping a male or female dog intact is not a straightforward decision. Especially for a female dog that will come i nto heat every six months or so once she is mature, unless she is spayed. Veterinarians take several factors into consideration when advising on the best age to spay or neuter puppies, including the breed, size, and overall health of each individual animal. Recent research shows that early spaying and neutering before 6 months of age can increase the risk of joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia associated with neutering, in larger dog breeds, including the Labrador Retriever. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best plan of action for your individual puppy. Getting Ready To Go Outside Taking your puppy out for their first walk is an exciting and proud moment for many puppy parents. The exact timing of this will depend upon what age they receive their first shots. When is a Labradoodle Puppy Fully Grown? When will your Labradoodle puppy reach adult size? There are three sizes of Labradoodle: standard, medium, and miniature. A full-grown Labradoodle can weigh anywhere from 20 to 70 pounds and stand between 14 and 24 inches at the shoulder, depending on its size category. Many Labradoodle owners report that their puppies reach their adult height at around one year of age, but they will continue to fill out and gain weight for several months beyond that, up to age two. A high-quality diet, plenty of exercise, and good training and socialization in the first year of life can ensure that your Labradoodle puppy develops into a healthy and happy dog. During this time they grow physically, mature emotionally, and learn lots of new skills. For some stages of puppy development, such as socialization, timing is critical. What milestones are they meeting at the moment? Let us know in the comments box down below! Accessed February .They venture into the surrounding environment. Puppies removed too early tend to be nervous, tend to bark inappropriately, tend to bite simply because these lessons a mother and littermates usually provides were missed. Training problems and long-term behavior problems can often be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon. Beginning at 3 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy devleopment: The first lessons learned are dog specific behavioral patterns They will learn various postures meanings and their affects to their mother and littermates. They will learn how to bite and what it is like to be bitten. They will learn what barking and other vocalizations mean and their uses. They will learn how to establish social relationships with other dogs. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Vocalization and tempered activities dog manners usually are learned at approximately 5 weeks of age. They will learn how to be submissive to the leader of the pack. They will learn and refine additional postures, vocalizations, and acceptable dog interaction behaviors. With a few very clear signals and repetitions, the young puppy will learn quickly. At that point, a mothers glare or low growl is all that is needed to keep a young pup in line. Littermates also learn clear signals of communication to each other. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to a happy, well-adjusted dog. Beginning at 7 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Short attention spans. Things learned are permanent and will be resistant to change. Puppy will be eager to learn. What he does and learns now, he will do as an adult. Puppy will be transitioning his education from his mother to his human environment. Beginning at 8 weeks and ending at approximately 11 weeks of age, what is going on: Any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences can have a lasting impact. What You Can Do: Gradually introduce your puppy to new things, environments and people. Do not let others push your puppy or be forceful with them. Provide a secure comforting demeanor. Teach the puppy you are there to protect and lead. He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol? What is going on at this stage of puppy development: Puppy will begin to question authority. Puppy will attempt to move himself up in the pack order. Puppy will try to dominate. Puppy will grab leashes Puppy will try to determine what activities are going to be done and when. Puppy may growl. Puppy may put his mouth on you. Puppy can often become over excited. What you can do: Learn how your actions and body language communicate to your dog. Do not play aggressive games during this phase. Tug or wrestling If puppy becomes over excited, growls or mouths you, you stop all activity. Be very aware of how the puppy interacts with children — do not leave children unattended with the puppy. Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class to redirect some of the energy. He has been aware of where you are and would stay pretty close. During this period that same cute little puppy will decide that he is ready to go solo and take off running quicker than lightening. During this time, teaching the puppy that he must stay close by or come when called is critical. The failure to do this will result in a dog that will not be reliable to come or to stay close by as an adult and very well could lead the dog into a life or death situation. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become more independent. A puppy that previously would never go very far, will venture off. The Puppy will ignore commands to stay close or come. How you handle refusal to come or stay will affect future reliability off leash. Puppy will be clever in attempts to run around loose. Never allow dog loose in an unconfined area. Yes this is redundant to the above, so it must be pretty important for us to say it twice. Being off leash outside of a confined area is reserved for who have been well trained. Enroll in a training class that utilizes positive training techniques. Make coming a very positive experience. Oh… and never allow your puppy to be off leash in an unconfined area. This often is a time when many families start to worry that maybe they made a bad decision in getting a dog. Remember: you get what you put into it. You take the time right now to teach good habits, you will have the dog you always dreamed of for many years. This work will payoff. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become a free and independent thinker. The puppy will continue to review the pack order. The puppy will be very energetic. The puppy will be exuberant and enthusiastic. They turn into clowns with teeth. They will delight in learning new and fun things. What you can do: Appreciate the humor of it all. Have you read the book The Dog Listener yet? It will help. Understand that despite the behaviors it is your time to continue to train and reinforce the things you do want him to do. Reaffirm the family pack order. Be realistic about expectations still very much a puppy in a big boy body Channel all that energy into positive learning experiences. Continue with training classes; explore options for additional training opportunities. This is normal, but you must help your dog figure out how to deal with his fears or concerns. It will also reduce the chances that the things he fears will not be permanently imprinted for life. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy that was so confident will suddenly become reluctant to new things. This period can be subtle. This period can come and go several times over this entire period. It may appear to be unprovoked or unrelated to any specific occurrence. Puppy can become frustrating to owners. You may notice this behavior more in males. What you can do: Avoid extremes in your response no anger or forcing or over comforting Be patient and understanding. We aware of surrounding and potential triggers. Work on desensitizing him with gradual introductions with rewards. Praise with grand rewards for his attempts. Your dog will take his clues from you, if you act frightened or concerned he will too. He will begin to fill out a bit and develop more muscle tone. But, mentally, the dog is still working out some last details of his life and what it means to him. He IS a member of a pack and now begins to find that his turf is worthy of monitoring and protecting. You do not want you dog to take over these responsibilities because in no time you too will be under the rule of the King Dog. Which can lead to aggressive behaviors, protective to the point of creating fear or actually harming someone or another animal as he protects. This is bad news, and often a reason a dog is taken out of the home or destroyed. What is going on: The dog may become more turf protective. Strangers may be greeted with barking. Barking at noises, birds, cars, butterflies, pretty much everything he believe worthy of attention. Playing with other dogs may escalate to fighting. Same sex confrontations of other dogs can occur. Once again, checking the pack order to see if he can move up. What you can do: Reinforce how to greet strangers into your home. Teach your dog to ignore dogs he cannot be nice to. Practice or reinforce dog manners utilizing no threatening dogs Learn to read your dog and other dogs. Circling, walking on toes, stiff tail wags, tense facial expressions — are the signs of aggressive behaviors Rally your family to review that the pack order is clear and very one is consistent with training and corrections. Reward him for good behaviors. Give that dog another job, therapy work, obedience classes, agility. Republished with permission from International Doodle Owners Group. Save Save Ready for your puppy?