black mini labradoodle puppies
Yorkshire Terrier: 3 puppies How many puppies can a Pug have in their first litter? For example, Pugs younger than 7 years old can have smaller litters, and in most cases, the first ever litter will tend to be on average smaller than most. Can Pugs have their puppies naturally? Because of their history as a breed, Pugs tend to suffer from a variety of health issues that could make bearing and delivering puppies naturally a bit of an issue. One of these factors is their hips, which can be narrow and prone to dysplasia, making natural births painful, dangerous and even potentially fatal if complications were to occur. Because of this, smaller dogs such as Pugs will often undergo caesarean sections, especially if they have had multiple litters. Breeders usually choose caesarean sections for their breeding dogs for the safety and wellbeing of both the mother and the litter, although this can prove costly. If you are concerned about your dog giving birth naturally, speak to your vet who will be able to recommend the best course of action for your dog. But what about the lead up to the delivery? Well, here are some more details that you should also need to know when asking how many puppies Pugs can have. Handy Hint: Before you think about buying a Pug, please read my guide on what to look for plus the questions you need to ask a breeder. Signs that your Pug is pregnant The signs of pregnancy in dogs, while not necessarily universal, are usually very similar from breed to breed. Unexpected labour can catch owners off guard, with no whelping box or supplies prepared for the new arrivals. Knowing and recognising the signs that your Pug is expecting sooner rather than later is very important to the health and wellbeing of your dog, her puppies and also your general household. Here are some signs: Loss or change of appetite: A dog losing its appetite is a common sign that something is wrong, but an additional surprising symptom may also be a sudden increase in appetite. The appetite of your dog is particular to them, so if you notice any sudden change in the amount that they are eating then it could be a sign that something is up with them. Acting out: Because of the changing hormones in their body from the pregnancy, you may notice that your dog is acting differently than normal. For instance, a usually independent or standoffish dog may be more affectionate or needy, or a typically amiable and affectionate dog may become snappy or want to be left alone. This is because of increased blood flow to the beasts, which may also lead to lactation leaking of milk later on into the pregnancy. Enlarged abdomen: The most typical and classic symptom of pregnancy, although this can often be mistaken as overeating or your dog gaining weight. If your dog had suddenly gained weight it may be best to keep an eye out for other changes in behaviour and a quick visit to the vet to check whether that additional belly fat is actually fat. Nesting behaviour: Towards the end of the pregnancy you may notice that your dog has made herself a nest, either in the whelping box, her dog bed or another secluded area of the house. Loss of energy: While a pregnant dog may be as active as normal during the early stages of pregnancy, you may begin to notice her becoming less and less willing to jump around, go on long walks or play around the house. This is definitely for the best as increased activity could potentially damage the puppies, but walking should be encouraged up until the final days of pregnancy to keep your dog healthy and exercised. How long are Pugs pregnant for? Like most dogs, Pugs are typically pregnant for between 53 to 63 days on average, although this can vary depending on the size of the Pug and her general health. However, it is important that you keep an eye on your Pug once she starts heading into the final week of the pregnancy for signs of imminent labour, including nesting behaviour. Puppies are usually fully formed at around day 58, meaning that labour can happen at any time. Labour in dogs occurs in three separate stages: Stage one: The uterus begins to contract, but there will be no outward sign of this. The mother will be restless, may lose her appetite as well as vomiting and panting. This lasts between 12 and 24 hours. Stage two: Lasting up to 24 hours, this is when the puppies will begin to be born. Typically, dogs give birth to a puppy between half an hour and an hour at a time, giving you and your dog enough time to clean the puppy, ensure its healthy and stimulate it to wake up and start moving. Stage three: Usually occurs around the same time as stage two, this is when the placenta appears. The placenta itself will be delivered shortly after the end of stage two, when all of the puppies have been born. How do you help your Pug give birth? Once this has occurred, labour will begin within the next 12 to 24 hours. If you have decided for a caesarean section or a vet hospital birth, this is when you should take your Pug to the veterinary surgery. However, if you have decided to help your dog give birth at home then you need to make sure that you have a whelping box prepared, as well as clean towels, heating pads, blankets and emergency medical supplies recommended by your vet such as gloves, sterile scissors and antiseptic solutions. If your Pug is showing signs of labour, including a greyish sack dropping from the vuvla, but no puppy emerges within the next hour then it is recommended that you call your vet who will be able to advise you. Also, if your Pug is showing contractions for more than two hours without any puppies being born, call your vet immediately. When a puppy is born it will be covered in a thin layer of membrane that needs to be broken open and removed so that they can start breathing. Your dog will most likely do this herself through instinct, licking the puppy to stimulate its breathing. However, if your dog is too tired to do this then you may need to do it yourself. Break open the membrane before rubbing the puppy vigorously with a towel to trigger its breathing. Again, if the puppy is not showing signs of breathing when doing this please get on the phone to your vet immediately. The puppy will also be still attached to the umbilical cord. Normally your dog will chew through this herself, but if not then you will have to do so yourself with a pair of sterilised scissors. Cut or rather crush to reduce bleeding the cord around an inch above the belly of the puppy and tie off the end with dental floss and dip the end in an antiseptic solution. After each Pug puppy emerges the placenta will also be discarded, around fifteen minutes after the birth. This can be immediately discarded, although your dog may try and eat it. Once a Pug puppy is born and is breathing, place them in either the whelping box or in a lined laundry basket along with blankets and a heating pad. Once all the puppies have been born and you are sure that the labour is over, take your dog outside to urinate especially if the labour has taken several hours before returning to the whelping box and allowing her to start nursing her pups. Again, your vet will be able to offer advise over the phone if you are concerned about any of the puppies. Conclusion Pugs make for amazing pets, however due to their popularity increasing there as been a surge in unscrupulous breeders who use irresponsible practices. It can lead to a lot of health problems for the Pugs. If you are thinking about buying a Pug and have seen the puppies in the litter with the mother, please also do additional research before you go ahead. I will be publishing a guide soon on what to ask the breeder… You might also like…. Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Rating: Not yet rated Rate this answer: Pugs can have large or small litters, the large litters make it easier for the Mom, but most of the time all of the babies do not make it. Over a long period of time it has been proven that Pure Breed Pugs are Homozygous both genes inherited from parents are the same. You can have a Hybrid black, but a fawn is a fawn. NO hybrid fawns, I still think the smutty fawn should be Hybrid, but the t gene put tiny flecks of black hairs in the coat. I also think any one that has a Pug or any canine that does not plan on breeding, should have them fixed. You people that have Pugs and breed them with any thing else need to be fixed, just kidding,but if you have a Pug don't get any other breed. I also think if you want to breed Pugs or any thing else this is your right, but if you think you are going to love them and make money WRONG. Lets see, first you will miss at least one week of work and at least three hundred for Vet bills before the babies are even born, then you have to find good parents for them, send for AKC papers,thirty or more, first shots, that is another two hundred if they are no problems, if they are problems you can count on spending at least another two to five hundred, now food the puppies will eat four meals a day, another one hundred or more just for the puppies, now lets talk about all the cleaning you do, you clean after them from morning until you go to bed 7 days a week for 8 weeks, 24 hours a day for at least eight weeks. You have to paper train them and train to sleep without their Mom, listen to a puppy cry half the night, if most people had to make a living raising puppies, they would starve to death. Most breeders are not breeders and do not like the word, they try to breed pretty, healthy Pugs for people to have good healthy Pugs. At a good price. Not they are some that think they are going to make a killing and maybe they do, but a true Pug lover spends more on the Pugs than their human children. I know I am one. My babies have their own bedroom, their own TV and most of all they I have them and have me. If you are a true Pug lover than they are only one breed for you and that is a Pug. Sure you love all the other breeds, but the Pug is the only one you want. For the rescue Pugs yes these babies need to be cared for, but they also cost. You pay any where from one-hundred to three hundred to adopt and after that the rescue will help with some of the Vet bills, but most of the time you are on your own. The health problem and Vet bills for all canine can be very taxing, that is why all of us need to understand that just because they are cute and we want one, does not mean we will be able to afford one of any breed at certain times in our life and until you can PLEASE do not make this commitment. Wait until you can. A stuff animal only cost about ten dollars and they do not need a Vet and they do not eat. Whether you purposely breed or she gets pregnant by accident, this article will guide you through the basics of pug pregnancy. Pug Pregnancy Age Female Pugs go into their first heat between months and during this time, they can get pregnant. If you breed your Pug too young, it can result in smaller litter sizes and can cause health problems for the mother. A normal Pug pregnancy between a range of 60 to 65 days. Natural birth is challenging for female pugs because of the puppies larger head and shoulders. Average litter size for a Pug is between three and five puppies. However, it is not unusual for a Pug to have only a single puppy. However, there is no surefire way to determine how many puppies your pug will have before birth. She needs time to recover physically and emotionally from giving birth. Breeding her too often will cause excessive stress on her uterus. Unfortunately, there is no home Pug pregnancy test kit like there are for humans. Regardless, of why you might think your pug got pregnant, you need to know what to look for. Pug Pregnancy Stages Find out what to expect from your pooch from these Pug pregnancy week by week stages. Week 1 and 2: The early stages of the pregnancy, can be difficult to even tell that your Pug is pregnant. Although some dogs may start showing signs of slight nausea and a decrease in appetite. Week 3: You may notice Fido is more tired than usual and just want to lay around. Her nipples are enlarged and darkened preparing her for nursing. You may even notice that the nipples will hang down as they fill with colostrum. Her hormones have triggered strong nesting behaviors. At this point, she is seeking for a safe place to give birth and care for her puppies. These behavioral changes are common in all pregnant canines. Weeks 5 and 6: Coming to the end of the gestation period, your Pug may show the following signs: She becomes fatigued easily and quickly. Her bed has become her sanctuary and she is not as social as she used to. During this period is when she puts on the most weight gain. The extra weight gain is comprised of the pups which will weight under one pound, a few ounces , but also tissue amniotic sacs and fluids amniotic fluids and water. Caring for A Pregnant Pug Dog A pregnant dog requires more care, in the form of diet, sleep, and some will require supplements. Do not try to minimize her food during this time. She needs more calories and nutrition for her pups. Supplements — Some people provide prenatal vitamins for dogs during pregnancy, however, you want to check with your vet before giving your dog any type of supplements. Avoid giving her extra calcium, it has been shown to: Increase her chances of developing postpartum hypocalcemia, also called eclampsia. It is a life-threatening condition which involves seizures and high blood pressure. Cause her labor to be more intensive. Joint abnormalities in the pups. Instead of calcium supplementation, your Pug should be fed a well-balanced puppy or performance food during the latter half of gestation. Supplementation should only be instituted at after whelping giving birth , after consulting your veterinarian. Activity — You can continue walking your Pug daily at a normal pace or slower unless exercise restrictions have been put in place by the veterinarian. Daily exercise will allow her to stay in fit and becoming sedentary can cause her joints and muscles to weaken. Comfort — Provide your Pug with her own personal space. Put her bed in the corner where the family hangs out. Pugs love being a part of the family, so avoid putting her in a corner or in her own room. During this time, we would give her a dental dog treat which she absolutely loved. Pregnant Pug Giving Birth Deciding to breed your pug is a difficult decision. Make sure you do your research and read all the online guides you can about dog pregnancy. Pug Dog Delivery Period? The actual delivery times of the birth will vary from breed to breed. Dogs with slim heads tend to have faster delivery times than the Brachycephalic breeds. Once the pregnant mother starts contracting, you should start seeing the puppy emerge from the birth canal in about 10 minutes or so. When a Pug or Brachycephiclic breed goes into labor, they usually deliver one to two pups right away. After the first pups are born, she may take a break before delivering the rest of the litter. This article will help you determine the gender of the pup. As you can see, the actual pug dog delivery period can take up to hours, as long as there are no complications. If you allow your pug to give birth, you should know about the possible complications it can cause. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to this condition because the large had and shoulder size of the puppies. There is a good chance that your Pug will need to have a C-section. Dystocia requires immediate veterinary assistance. This only happens when the pregnant female experiences issues delivering naturally because her uterine muscles prevent her from delivering the pups through the uterus. Prepare a quiet corner in a room or creating a whelping box to get ready for the birth of the pups. This video will show you how to build a whelping box. If possible, have someone in the family with you, in case you need something. Some Facts and Trivia About Pugs Pugs were kept as lapdogs by Chinese emperors, who provided them with all the comforts of royal life. These spoiled dogs occasionally received their very own little palaces and guards! Their pushed-in noses are a familiar feature, but that also means they are brachycephalic. Although adorable, these compressed features often cause respiratory difficulties. Pugs may breathe noisily while rushing about because of their facial anatomy, which makes it difficult for them to breathe deeply and for lengthy periods of time. Contrary to what many people think, pugs are not related to bulldogs. About the only thing they have in common is that they are both wrinkled. It turns out that the Pekingese and pugs have the closest relations. A Pug will have on average 5 puppies in a litter, and the range is usually between 3 and 6 puppies. On very rare occasions, a Pug can give birth to up to 10 puppies in a litter, like this dam in Liverpool, England. The size of the litter can be influenced by the breeding lines; some lines tend to have larger litters than others. Pug owners who are considering breeding their dogs should talk to a veterinarian or breeder about the size of the anticipated litter. Many other variables, which I go into more detail about in the sections below, will also affect how many puppies there are in a litter. At birth, a pug puppy weighs around 2. The breed standard for Pugs is between 14 and 18 pounds 6. All dogs, including Pugs, do not go through menopause and are able to reproduce right up until the moment of their passing. Their heat cycle typically lasts between 5 and 8 months or around twice a year. However, just because they are capable of doing so does not imply that they should mate twice a year. Your Pug will experience a lot of stress from overbreeding, which can result in a range of health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and infertility. Also, stopping early is necessary in order for it to be spayed and to enjoy a happy life even after retirement. Add to the fact that there are nations where it is illegal to breed a dog more than four to six times in its lifespan, and you should understand the importance of not overbreeding. In the US, the American Kennel Club AKC does not accept registrations for dams that are bred over the age of 12 and under 8 months, and sires that are over the age of 12 and under 7 months. Age of the dam Typically, as the dam ages, the size of the litter decreases. Oddly enough, the first 2 litters are often smaller than the following ones, so once your Pug breeds again after the first two litters, you should likely see your dam having one or two extra puppies. If at all possible, have your dog spayed long before then to improve its overall health. Occasionally, breeders have to rely on artificial insemination to aid in breeding older males, which is why it is better to only breed when they are younger. Health of the mom Only when the mother is healthy may a puppy be born healthy too. Not only that, nutrition also has a significant impact on the number of puppies in a litter. A high-quality, protein-rich diet should be consumed all year long in order to increase the likelihood of having a larger litter. Dams with unhealthy diets, especially those who are overweight, tend to have smaller litters. Size of dog Bigger body sizes in terms of build, not weight are often associated with larger litter sizes within a particular breed. Being a small breed, the Pug is not physically capable to have a big litter of puppies as compared to for example a Doberman. Generally speaking, Pugs with larger frames may have slightly larger litter sizes, though this would only be a minor factor given how little difference there is between their sizes. Litter in which mom was born The level of fertility of your Pug has a thing or two to do with the litter it was born in. If she was born into a large litter herself, she will likely have a larger first litter. On the other side, you may generally anticipate that your girl will have a small first litter if she was born in a small litter herself. Type of breeding Actually, it might be better to save this topic for a later article given how easily it could become complicated. But for now, just be aware that the method of reproduction can significantly affect both the number and caliber of puppies. The health of the puppies will be impacted not only by reduced litter sizes but also by shorter lifespans and a greater likelihood of genetic diseases. These problems are more likely to develop as the ties between the dogs get stronger. Linebreeding , on the other hand, aims to maintain sufficient genetic diversity while preserving the best genes from a bloodline, making it frequently a safer method of dog breeding. Time of breeding It is said that a dam is more likely to have a larger litter size the closer she is to ovulation. This is defined as the period after the estrogen period when the Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any studies supporting this theory, so at this point, I would say this factor is probably not that significant. Although Pugs can begin reproducing once they reach their first heat cycle, it is not a good idea at all and must be avoided. Wait until your dog is at least in her second or third heat cycle to give her enough time to develop sexually and gain weight and size. Most ethical and responsible breeders will wait till a Pug is at least 2 years old before breeding them as they would have completed all the necessary medical checks by then. Most female Pugs go through their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 9 months. A useful rule of thumb is that it will go into heat at about the same age that its mother did. Numerous symptoms, including bloody discharge, receptivity to male dogs, restless behavior, and others, can indicate that a dog is in heat. Dog Health By Ben Team 13 min read June 3, 21 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. If you have a pregnant pooch, you have probably started wondering how many puppies will be popping out in a few months. After all, you have to start getting ready for all those adorable pups and buying supplies, so it is important to know whether to expect. The average number of puppies produced in a litter appears to be between five and six. However, the number of puppies a given doggo mama will have depends on a variety of things, including her breed, age, and overall health. Many dogs have litters that fall outside this range; some dogs only birth a single pup, and others have been known to give birth to more than 20 puppies. A pretty exhaustive study of the topic was published in .The researchers analyzed over 10, litters representing breeds and found that the mean average litter size in this group was 5. Miniature breeds typically produced litters of 3. In , a Neapolitan mastiff named Tia became the mother of the largest litter ever documented , when she delivered 24 puppies via Caesarian section. This is obviously quite the anomaly, as most dogs produce much smaller litters than this. In fact, Neapolitan mastiff litters typically number between 6 and 10 puppies. A few other notable cases involving huge litters include: A Springer Spaniel gave birth to 14 puppies in .A white German shepherd named Mosha gave birth to 17 puppies in .In , a Maremma sheepdog gave birth to a litter of 17 — which set the California state record for litter size. A bullmastiff produced a litter of 23 puppies in .In , a 3-year-old Great Dane gave birth to a litter of 19 puppies. It is difficult to empirically determine how much these various factors influence litter size, and it is likely that the various factors influence each other to some degree. Simply put, larger breeds produce larger litters. Size Within a given breed, individuals with larger body sizes in terms of build, not weight typically give birth to larger litters. For example, a pound Labrador retriever may produce a litter of only five or six puppies, while an pound Lab may produce a litter of 10 or more. Age While dogs typically remain fertile for their entire lives, they are most fecund during early adulthood — usually between 2 and 5 years of age. In fact, it is imperative that any female slated for breeding trials be in perfect health to ensure she and the puppies will survive the birthing and whelping process. Diet Diet likely has a strong influence on litter size. Feeding your dog a nutritious, well-balanced diet will likely yield larger litter sizes than feeding a homemade or poor-quality food. This means that dogs from lines that have been inbred extensively will slowly develop smaller and smaller litters. Individual Genetic Factors Dogs are all individuals, who vary in countless ways; sometimes, this can include litter size. This is very difficult to predict, but dogs who produce large first litters and likely to produce large second and third litters, assuming all other factors remain constant. Note that most of these traits relate to the dam female rather than the sire male. However, the sire does have some influence on the litter size. His health, age, and individual genetic makeup will partially determine the size of the litter he sires. Some females can produce multiple litters within a month period. A handful of canines will cycle three or four times a year, but most dogs only have two cycles per year, spaced about six months apart. But, breeding a female twice in the same year is frowned upon by many breeders. Accordingly, many will allow their dog to produce a litter, and then give her a breather during her next heat cycle. However, other breeders see no reason to avoid breeding dogs in heat, as long as they are healthy and in good physical condition. Accordingly, many conscientious breeders will only allow a given mom to produce a handful of litters. Some breed registries may even reject registration applications if the mother has already produced too many litters. Theoretically, a single female dog could produce quite a few litters in her lifetime. That means that — again, theoretically — a single dog may be physically capable of producing upwards of 70 puppies! However, this would be madness. Breeding a dog this many times would almost certainly compromise her health, and this type of pedal-to-the-metal breeding is more characteristic of puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders than conscientious breeders who value the well-being of their pups. Additionally, some of the registration organizations will not allow you to register an unlimited number of litters. For example, the Kennel Club of the UK will only allow you to register up to six litters from a single mother. What Breed Produces the Most Puppies? Larger dogs produce larger litters, so it stands to reason that breeds with larger average size will produce more puppies than breeds with smaller average body size will. Simply put, Great Danes will usually produce larger litters than Chihuahuas will. This is partially due to the fact that small dogs routinely live much longer than large breeds do. A Pomeranian may, for example, live to be 15 years of age, while Irish wolfhounds usually only live for about half as long. Additionally, small breeds tend to experience their first heat at a younger age than larger breeds do sometimes an entire year earlier. They also tend to cycle more quickly, which also makes them more likely to produce more litters than larger breeds. Pregnancy usually lasts about 58 to 68 days in dogs. It can also be difficult to determine the exact time of conception, which can introduce a bit more wiggle room into this figure. But for most purposes, you can figure that your dog will be pregnant for about two months, or perhaps a bit longer. Some of the most common signs that indicate pregnancy include: About one month after mating, your dog may produce a mucous-laden vaginal discharge. Some dogs will begin exuding a semi-clear fluid from their nipples about one month after mating. Around week four, your dog will likely begin to gain weight. However, this is not always obvious, particularly for dogs carrying small litters. Your dog will likely exhibit an increased appetite during the second half of the pregnancy. Of course, if you suspect or hope that your dog is pregnant, the best way to know for sure is to make a trip to the vet. Most breeders recommend visiting the vet about two to three weeks following mating anyway. It is also possible to start visualizing the puppies via ultrasound around this time perhaps a few days later. This will allow him or her to verify that there are puppies in her uterus. Rough handling of the developing babies may injure them or trigger a miscarriage. By day 45, your vet can X-ray the mother to see the developing babies. This will not only allow the vet to count the number of puppies present, but to inspect their bone structure and note any abnormalities. First Time Mothers: What to Expect While most dogs are excellent mothers for their second, third and subsequent litters, first-time moms often have a bit of trouble figuring things out. For example, dogs from breeds who typically produce litters of five puppies may only produce one or two for their first litter. This makes it much easier to keep an eye on everybody and nip problems in the bud. Life History and Litter Size Large litters may seem like a beneficial adaptation for any species, but in practice, things are rarely so simple. For example, some animals — humans, elephants, and hippopotami are a few of the best examples — typically give birth to very small litters, consisting of one or two individuals. These animals live long lives, have high survival rates and typically invest a lot of resources and effort into each offspring. At the other end of the spectrum, other mammals produce huge litters of tiny babies. For example, the tailless tenrec — a bizarre insect-eating mammal from Madagascar — usually gives birth to about 15 babies, but litters numbering more than 30 have been documented. These animals have high mortality rates, live relatively short lives, and invest relatively few resources in each individual offspring. Dogs fall somewhere between these two ends of the spectrum, as the average litter size across all breeds is about five. They invest a moderate amount of resources in each offspring and live moderately long lives. The One-Half Rule The various processes shaping litter size also influence the number of nipples that a species has. As a general trend, the maximum litter size usually matches the total number of nipples present, yet the average litter size is usually about half of the number of nipples available. The one-half rule is pretty reliable for dogs too. Most dogs have eight to 10 nipples, and the average litter size is about five. But understand that this is a statistical correlation, not a way by which you can predict the number of puppies your individual dog will have. I once had a relatively small chocolate lab who produced a litter of 9 and a litter of 10, which proved to be quite the handful. In those kinds of situations, puppy milk replacement formulas and feeding devices are pretty essential for keeping the full litter alive and not driving poor mom out of her mind. Tell us about your puppy litter experiences. Have you ever had a dog that produced a huge litter? How did the whelping process go? Let us know all about it in the comments below! Like it? Share it! Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Play now Pug dog owners are being driven barking mad after a huge litter of puppies took over their home. Shocked Sarah Robson and her mother Sylvia were astonished when pet pug Belle gave birth to ten tiny puppies - the biggest litter a local vet had ever seen from the small breed. Such a large litter is very rare, although one of the pups died. An average female pug gives birth to six puppies but litters are often much smaller. Sylvia, 64, called Sarah to her home in from Walkergate, Newcastle, when Belle started having the puppies. But after she had given birth to eight, Sarah left to get some rest. And then Belle gave birth to two more puppies, leaving Sylvia amazed. View gallery Sarah, 33, and Sylvia were told by vets it was impossible that all puppies would survive. The mother and daughter had to hand-feed the adorable puppies because mother Belle can't feed all her pups at the same time. But the rest of the puppies, who have all been given names including Louie, Pixie and Will, have been running riot at their owners' home while tired out Belle looks after her litter. The tiny pups are still only the size of an adult's hand. North East pug breeder Kathy Newsome, who is to be a championship show judge at Crufts , said the size of Belle's litter was rare, but not totally unheard of. She added she has seen litters of that size before but that some puppies often die. Owner Sylvia has been prepared for the hard work after taking time off her job as a nurse to stay at home and look after the pups. Sarah added the litter has "taken it out of" Belle who was the daughter of their first pug. But she said she wouldn't be keeping the puppies. We've got Belle's mother who had her and we kept Belle so that's enough for now. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow Liverpool Echo.
Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. When your German Shepherd is the ideal weight, you can feel their ribs, although they are not easily seen, and they are not covered in a layer of fat. There should be a defined waistline when your dog is viewed from above and a noticeable tummy tuck when they are viewed from the side. Underweight German Shepherds While German Shepherds are growing, they will be thinner and look gangly until they fill out in adulthood. It is sometimes recommended to keep your growing German Shepherd marginally underweight but not unhealthily thin while their joints grow and strengthen. Purina defines two levels of underweight: thin and slightly underweight. Thin: Ribs, hips, and spine are easily felt, and there is no fat covering the sides and back. There is noticeable muscle loss around shoulders and thighs, an overly pronounced waistline from the top view, and an overly pronounced tummy tuck from the side view. Slightly underweight: Ribs can be easily felt, hips and spine may be slightly visible if your German Shepherd has shorter hair, but there is no fat covering. There is an obvious waistline from above and a marked tummy tuck from the side. If your German Shepherd is underweight or thin, speak to your veterinarian. It could be that they are just growing quickly, often becoming lightly underweight after a growth spurt and then putting weight on until the next growth spurt. You may just need to change their food or feed them larger and more frequent meals. However, their low weight may indicate parasites or another underlying medical condition. Elderly German Shepherds can struggle with being underweight. This is why senior dog foods typically have a higher calorie count. Overweight German Shepherds It is important to prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight while they are growing. Extra weight on developing joints and muscles can cause problems. German Shepherds can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is worsened by excess weight. Other excessive weight-related conditions include diabetes, pancreatitis, heart problems, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and arthritis. Related: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calorie intake. When your German Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you may need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. A helpful tip is to switch to low-calorie treats during this stage, especially considering training needs to intensify, and people often use treats for positive reinforcement incentives. And instead of switching to a calorie-restricted food or reducing the amount you feed your German Shepherd, speak to a veterinarian about switching from puppy food to adult food. Purina defines four levels of overweight: slightly overweight, markedly overweight, obese, and clinically obese. Slightly overweight: Ribs can be felt slightly, but there is an obvious layer of fat covering the ribcage and back. There is a slight waistline when viewed from the top, but it is not clear. There is a slight tummy tuck towards the hind legs when viewed from the side. Markedly overweight: Ribs are not easily felt, and there is an obvious layer of fat over the ribcage. There are fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. Obese: Ribs are difficult to feel because of the fatty layer covering them. There are significant fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. And the tummy bulges outward and sags slightly when viewed from the side. Clinically obese: Ribs cannot be felt under the fatty layer. There are significant fatty pads around the neck and legs, along the lower back, and at the base of the tail. The waistline is absent when viewed from above. The tummy significantly bulges and sags when viewed from the side. Miniature German Shepherds are much smaller and have completely different development requirements and problems. Final Thoughts The weight and growth charts provided in this article are designed to provide guidelines for the developmental milestones your puppy should be reaching in the first years of its life. Male German Shepherds are bigger and heavier than females, and from weeks old, these differences become apparent. Although males and females have different weight and height targets at each stage, they should hit the same percentages of their adult weight at the same age. If your puppy is slightly above or below the average weight or height at a given age, it does not mean that there is a problem. However, if your German Shepherd puppy starts to fall more and more behind, or if they miss other developmental milestones other than weight and height, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you will need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. Deficiencies in weight can compromise growth and the general condition of your German Shepherd, and excess weight can cause joint injury and other serious medical conditions. Keep all of these things in mind and be observant of your growing pup and how you approach feeding and training in accordance. By doing this, you will ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted German Shepherd for many years to come! Tweet How big will my German Shepherd get? Along with hundreds of submissions from others lucky enough to be owned by a GSD. What the heck is FCI? Keep in mind that dog growth can be affected by genetics and environment, so take that into consideration when comparing your pup to the data in the German Shepherd growth chart. What is the normal size of a German Shepherd puppy? A German Shepherd dam will normally whelp give birth to between six and eight puppies. Puppy Growth Chart A healthy large breed puppy will normally double her birth weight during the first week. And moderates to an ultimate weight of around 70 times the puppy's birth weight. Check the puppy growth chart for an explanation of the different puppy development stages and puppy growth rate. German Shepherds normally reach physical maturity at months. Curiously, some Eastern European lines mature more slowly and do not reach full maturity until 36 months of age. Their growth rate slows noticeably at 6 months and continues minimally after .Puppy to adult in 40 seconds Here is a great time lapse video that shows GSD Dunder's growth from 8 weeks to 1 year. Standard, MO. If you have any doubt that your puppy is not changing according to the above German Shepherd growth chart, the best thing to do would be to contact your trusted vet. If you are providing adequate exercise and quality dog food , your German Shepherd's dog growth should be normal and she will have no trouble reaching her full potential. Not sure if you're feeding your GSD enough? Check out this breed specific dog food calculator to make sure. Is your GSD growing by the numbers? How is your pup progressing? Enter The Title of Your puppy growth story ex. Just type! Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Show off your puppy! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it. Note: Submissions without at least one picture, will likely not be published. Your Name. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. 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These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. CZ Jinopo. CZ is a group of professional breeders with 21 years of experience in breeding German Shepherds at former z Pohranicni straze z PS kennel. Our work is focused on breeding the traditional type of German Shepherd with the objective to produce progeny with versatile utilization and high degree of trainability. Our aim is to have dark pigmented healthy and strong progeny. To accomplish these goals we use proven ways of breeding and the basic method is to carry out breeding selection of German Shepherds with required features and traits such as strong bones, solid nerves, dark pigmentation and also strong hunt, prey and defense drives. You can view our available adults here and current litters here. We provide health guarantee for all the puppies and adult dogs purchased from us! It devaluates decades of work on breeding and improving working line GSDs. The event took place April 22 - 24 in Prestice and total number of 31 dogs and handlers competed. This is a great success for our team. The event took place September 16 - 20 and total number of 80 dogs and handlers competed. March .A'BRUNO pod Blanikem handled by Jiri Novotny participated in this competition and were able to achieve points earning them 5th place in overall performance. In the cathegory of tracking they won 1st place with 97 points. In total there were 47 dogs and handlers. FANT earned total of points in the competition and ended on nice 15th place. FANT performed very nice tracking with 90 points. His obedience was very happy from beginning to the end and because of some innacuracies he earned 75 points. His protection was very strong and confident and was evaluated with 88 points. FANT was the younges dog that took part in the competition. We congratulate Alice Nelibova and we wish lot of training successes in the coming years. National Championship will be held in June at Roudnice. Congratulations to A Bruno and Nada! Out of 46 dogs he finished on 25th place and he was the 5th most successful German Shepherd of the whole National Championship. The club awarded this prestigious title to Jiri Novotny in deep appreciation for his years of dedication and hard work with German shepherds dogs, both as a breeder and as a trainer. Jiri Novotny has been involved with German shepherds dogs since , working to both improve and protect the breed. Since , he has been elected and appointed into numerous functions. To mention a few: For ten years, he directed the breeding of dogs for the department of Ministry of the Interior security where he generated and perfected and supervised the breeding program of thousands of dogs for Czechoslovak police and border patrol which were bred under the protected name z Pohranicni straze. In , he was the conformation judge of the German shepherd dog where he promoted the working structure of the German shepherd. From until today, he has been a breed survey judge of the German shepherd dog. Jiri also titled more than working titles and participated in the Nationals of Czech Republic with seven dogs. Jiri traveled to the United States to present working dog seminars to police personnel and other German shepherd enthusiasts on several occasions. Every year Jiri judges hundreds of males and females GSDs in shows and breed surveys. Jiri and the teams he supervises produced thousands of puppies and working dogs. These dogs are now working and in demand all over the world for their characteristic look, tremendous working ability, and for their superior health. These characteristics all reflect Jiri's vision of a working German shepherd dog. Thank you and good job, Jiri! Granule z Jirkova dvora owned by Czech Republic Police forces has achieved the following results in 1 Explosives detection Champion 2 Scent work Champion 3 Overall winner of Czech Police K9 competition We want to thank this way her handler Jindrich Urban for large piece of hard work done with Granule. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Hades and Kids: Versa, Voodoo, and Venice! Photo credit to Janette Arevalo! For over a decade now we have been breeding, training, and importing the Working Line German Shepherd. We specialize in Czech, Slovak, and West German working bloodlines, with our first litter being born in .Our dogs are carefully selected for balanced drives, excellent workability, and most importantly strong nerves. All of our dogs are health tested and certified for healthy hips, elbows, and full correct dentition must be examined before breeding. We also test our dogs for DM. A sound mind in a sound body is our philosophy. Our bloodlines are founded on dogs that are known for consistently producing high quality offspring. The goal here is to produce totally sound dogs with the versatility to work in whatever job necessary; whether it be sport, police work, personal protection, SAR, or loving family guardians. Our dogs live inside the home with my family and I will not breed a dog that cannot settle. My preference has always been a well balanced dog that is easy to live with in the house and engaging on the field. This page has a collection of useful information and research regarding nutrition, joint health, and training supplies. We have some very exciting upcoming litters for ! Upcoming Litters What customers say about our puppies "Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives.Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words. Audrey and I discussed her breeding line and I was most impressed! She took the time to explain her dog's lines, what some of them had gone on to do : police, detection, protections, pets - it was impressive. I was beyond happy that Audrey not only had the experience, but also had the educational degrees to back up what she was saying. I did not meet Audrey when this litter was born but instead there were a few male puppies available black and sable but none had been actually chosen yet. Audrey put me down for a sable male per my request. I knew I would not see whatever puppy was to be mine except through videos, pictures, etc….She would send videos, pictures, and just general updates. Audrey was always available and responded quickly to any correspondence. I sometimes wondered when she slept with all these clients and pups. Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives. One day Audrey sent a particular video and I fell in love. It is the fairest way to allow clients to choose. Audrey and I continued to correspond sometimes daily and she was amazing. A day or so later, Audrey let me know that this little guy was mine. I believe that Audrey does everything within her power to ensure that clients do receive the puppy they want if the fit is correct. Now, we had to transport this little man. Audrey and I communicated a lot! I had never had a puppy brought to my door physically unseen. This was completely new to me yet, I know dogs are flown all over the world. Together, Audrey and I navigated this last leg of the journey and I could not have asked for more from her. Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words to use when describing how Audrey was during this process. Audrey ended up keeping my pup who was named Malachi for an extra week. While he was there, she taught him his name and sent pictures and videos often. They certainly made my day! Since Malachi has arrived home, he is nothing short of amazing! He is exactly as Audrey described him and the litter Daisy x Maverick focused, well behaved, eager to learn, and dark stunning sable! Exactly what a great breeder should do. My experience with North Mountain Kennels was wonderful. If you are looking for a well bred high quality working German Shepherd l highly recommend North Mountain Kennels. Audrey is in a class all of her own and I am grateful that the stars aligned so that I was able to be blessed with one of her pups. He is a true gift and I look forward to all the days ahead with him. Thank you Audrey! Currently Available Puppies.
Things to do with your English Bulldog North Dakota is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in North Dakota that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in North Dakota that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in North Dakota, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in North Dakota, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in North Dakota, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in North Dakota, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses North Dakota has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in North Dakota. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, North Dakota is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in North Dakota? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Welcome to the North Dakota state page on TrustedPuppies. Located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, North Dakota is known for its stunning landscapes, wide-open spaces, and a variety of dog-friendly activities. Our mission is to connect you with the best North Dakota English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our ND breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the diverse dog-friendly experiences that North Dakota has to offer, from inviting restaurants to spacious dog parks and engaging dog shows. Share a meal with your furry companion at dog-friendly establishments like The Toasted Frog in Fargo or the Fireflour Pizzeria in Bismarck. For those interested in the dog show scene, events like the Fargo-Moorhead Kennel Club Dog Show offer fantastic opportunities to connect with fellow English Bulldog enthusiasts and admire these remarkable canines. In the rankings of dog ownership among the states, North Dakota occupies the 40th position, boasting an estimated thousand dogs. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders offer secure and affordable flight delivery. A dedicated flight nanny accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they travel to their new home in the Peace Garden State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option ensures your English Bulldog puppy is brought to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Many of our dogs end up around the world, including the great state of North Dakota. With affordable shipping, we can get you happy, healthy, and socialized Olde English Bulldog puppies in North Dakota. A premier breeder with unbeatable guarantees, customer service 2nd to none and of course our amazing quality bulldogges makes us the best spot for your North Dakota Olde English Bulldogge puppies. If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .For avid facebookers you will also be able to interact with siblings of your pup and watch how they grow! Look no further! Happy, Healthy and Socialized Bulldogge puppies come from One of a Kind Bulldogs Truth is, we have an epidemic of puppy mills and backyard breeders. Our customers have done the hard work and inspected our facility for you out of state clients. I love to follow all of our friends and the adventures they have with their dawgs. Anyone else interested please do the same. Hes mellow, smart a huge :. We couldnt be happier with him and with Ary. Ary is always available to help answer questions of give advise and loves to keep up with his pups as they grow and beyond. In researching, we found Ary and the Olde English breed and could not be happier with the decision to get Bruce. Ary was incredible throughout the process, explaining everything we needed to know about the breed and the process of importing him into Hong Kong. He checked in with us several times before the flight and was in constant contact via text when we went to the airport to pick up Bruce, who arrived a little skeptical of his new surroundings but perfectly healthy and happy. The extent to which Ary cares about every one of the amazing dogs he sells is clear through his attention to detail and willingness to put in any extra effort to make sure his puppies get to, and stay in, good homes. He took to his kennel training and potty training so fast! In searching for our puppy, we did our due diligence researching online and then visiting your property in person. I was impressed with how happy and healthy all of your dogs are. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet the parents of our puppy; they both seemed to have great termperments. Thanks for a wonderful puppy! Lauren W. I recently adopted her from Ary, and it was great! Ary is so devoted to all of his dogs, he even knows them by their bark! His property is a dog haven, dog runs, kiddie pools, and toys for days! He truly loves what he does. When I heard that Ary had rescued a litter of puppies i had to take a look! I fell in love with them all, as i do with all of his litters! He knows the background of each and every one of his dogs, he is so knowledgeable about the breed and is always there to answer any questions i have about Pepper. I will definitely be getting another bulldogge from Ary in the years to come. Thanks Ary! Jenna S. Iowa Hey Ary We just want to say thank for are boy Kane. He one of the best we gotten. He is are first bulldogge and wont be the last. Im just glad you made my day by letting take Kane home to live with use. S im looking forward to the day we get are girl from you. He is pounds and a real joy to have around! Ary is so helpful and we are grateful for him introducing us to this wonderful breed. There really is no better breed of dog! If you are looking for a bulldog and you should be! Shane S. Cares deeply about the health and well being of his dogs. A quality breeder with amazing dogs!! Cinda G. Brea, CA Just want to start off by saying: Ari, isnt just a Breeder hes a good guy and now a friend of mine!!!! I bought a puppy from him last feb !!! Since that time he taught me a lot about the breed to the point where i want to start breeding oldies!!!! So if you looking for a quality olde you have came to the right spot…. One of a Kind is now actively helping save shelter Bulldogges in high risk of euthanization, this is our way of giving back! Check our rescue site www. We are helping the olde English Bulldogges that were relinquished to shelters and ironically clening up a lot of the mess irresponsible backyard breeders are making. We always have olde English Bulldogges needing a home, if you dont wanna buy a puppy, help save a shelter dog. Follow Us on Social Media! Paypal Secured Payments.
More VaGolden Retrievers Hello, I hope you enjoyed my website, and have taken the time to review all my pages , from text,photos and videos. You can find answers to most of your questions on my site. Placing you and one of my puppies together is something I take very seriously. Knowing you are happy and that one of my puppies has made that happen, means a lot to me. I do hope each family takes the time to get to know me and the line of adult Golden's I have. This is my line. A strong line of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers make perfect family pets. They always enjoy being part of the family's company and show love and devotion to all members of the family. They crave love and affection. Companionship is their top priority and they are totally devoted to their human family. Puppies For Sale If you're interested in my coming litter,, please call I have litters arriving thought out the year. Once they arrive, I will have videos of the puppies on this website. It's always best to plan taking a puppy home and contacting me in advance is always best. He has been the most amazing dog and are so blessed to have him in our life. He is going to turn 10 months old and looks so much like his Mom and Dad. Thank you Grayland for such an amazing dog! We named him Hook because we are a Disney family and he is the Captain of our new home. We will definitely recommend you to future Golden owners. Hello, it's been 3 weeks since our Penny came home. I just wanted to thank you for this precious pup. We love her very much and she's become an integral part of the family. She's doing great with house training and is even using door bells to let us know when she needs to go out. She can sit, lay down, and shake. Penny has an awesome personality and loves everyone even our cat! She just had her 10 week check up and our veterinarian said "she's perfect in every way. She's exactly what a golden should be. So thank you so very much. We are so thankful to have our little Piper. She is quite a gem that has added that extra spunk to our Golden family. We now have 4 and plan on adding to our brood with just one more from VA Golden Retrievers. We have had such a positive experience. You can definitely see that Mr. Nelson loves his Goldens. They are friendly, energetic and well bred. Thank you for sharing a part of your family with us. We purchased our golden back in April and we named him Theodore. We are so happy with him! Theo has the sweetest disposition and learns quickly. He does well on the leash, sits, stays sometimes! Our girls absolutely love him I just wanted to let you know what a blessing our puppy has been to us! Hello Mr. We meet before back in .Bailey is such a blessing to our family. First off he is the most loving and sweetest dog in the whole world! We could Not imagine life without him he has truly given our family so much happiness! I just wanted to thank you so much for our sweet boy! We brought Beamer home in December and he has been such a blessing to our little family. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Williamsburg like? A Golden Retriever is a majestic and loving breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature. These dogs are excellent family pets who love to play and love attention. They get along well with children and other pets and can make great therapy dogs. They are also often used as hunting, tracking, and search and rescue dogs. Equipped with a thick and wavy coat, they are equally adept in water and on land. Prime body characteristics of a Golden Retriever include broad heads, strong muzzles, blocky chests, and straight tails. Will Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Williamsburg cause me to have allergies? It is possible that a Golden Retriever may cause you to have allergies, however this is not a guarantee. Allergies are a result of an individual's unique biology. The most common allergy symptom associated with Golden Retrievers is to the proteins they secrete, known as dander, which is found in their saliva, urine, and fur. If you have allergies, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms when first introducing a Golden Retriever to your home environment to see if the dog may be a triggering factor. What should I feed Williamsburg Golden Retriever puppies for sale? A Golden Retriever needs a diet that is high in quality proteins and fats, and is also rich in carbohydrates. Look for a food that is specifically made for large breeds. Make sure it has plenty of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your pup healthy and happy. Choose a brand that you trust, as it should be both balanced and nutritious. Try to avoid artificial flavors and colors, as well as fillers and preservatives. Additionally, ask your vet about advisable amounts and any nutritional supplements that they would recommend for your pet. Am I ready to adopt Golden Retriever puppies in Williamsburg? One of the most important steps in preparing for a new Golden Retriever is to make sure that your home environment is safe and secure. To do this, start by doing an inspection of your home, making sure all wires are tucked away and that all objects on shelves are installed securely -even small items too. Be sure to child-proof your home; put breakables off the floor, cover electrical sockets, and be sure to keep all medications out of reach. Are Golden Retrievers for sale in Williamsburg considered small dogs? No, Golden Retrievers are generally considered to be a medium-sized breed of dog. They are classified in the sporting group and usually measure from 20 inches to 24 inches in height and between 55 to 75 pounds in weight, as recognized by the American Kennel Club. While they may appear somewhat small and cute during their puppyhood, they eventually grow into athletic and loyal adult dogs with a strong protective nature. Despite their size, Golden Retrievers are still known as one of the gentlest breeds of dogs, making them ideal for a wide variety of owners, environments and activities. How many minutes per day should I walk Golden Retriever puppies near Williamsburg? It is generally recommended that Golden Retrievers get at least one hour of exercise each day. Ideally, that hour should be split into two minute walks. Keeping in mind the breed's activity level and building up their endurance is important. If your pup needs more activity to be stimulated, then perhaps a few shorter walks with some playtime thrown in. Also, always be sure that the environment is safe when walking your pet. Are Golden Retrievers in Williamsburg good with kids? Absolutely, Golden Retrievers are known for being incredibly patient and loyal companions, especially with children. Not only are they one of the most popular breeds for families, but they have a naturally calm and gentle demeanor that makes them ideal around children. It's important to note that even with Golden Retrievers being exceptionally docile, they still need to be trained and socialized well since they can be quite rambunctious. With the right care, these dogs make great family pets that are loyal and responsive to commands and are sure to be a joy to any child. Is training Williamsburg Golden Retrievers for sale easy? Training a Golden Retriever is not always easy, it takes dedication and consistency. Despite their natural intelligence, Goldens are headstrong and can often be stubborn, requiring patience and guidance from their owners when learning. The key is to provide your Golden Retriever with positive reinforcement along with positive reinforcement any time they do something correctly. Consistency is important it helps to establish routines and keeps your Golden Retriever from becoming confused and discouraged in their learning process.
Front and back Long lines are best attached from the back The back-attachment point is ideal for long lines. Attaching it to the front risks the entangling of the front legs. A front and back harness gives maximum flexibility. Double ended Two leash attachment points Using a back-attachment point lets you use a double-ended leash. A single-ended leash can tighten the harness when only attached to the front. Different harnesses have variable tightness degrees. One with front and back attachment reduces gaping by balancing tension. Clipping the leash attachments at two points sounds too much, but it is best. Optimal control comes from a properly fitted dog harness. Handling large pets become effortless. Material Material quality is the first factor. Nylon, polyester, and breathable hybrid materials are a few options. The harness must not put much pressure on the neck and throat. The pull should be evenly distributed throughout the chest and body. Look for a harness guaranteeing sturdiness and comfort. Strength A 6 month old lab can also drag you in public. Labradors are naturally inclined to swim, play and have high energy. Labs are famous military dogs. Dogs without no-pull training can be challenging to maintain in long walks. A harness with extra padding provides the required strength. Look for safety features, reliable buckles, and quality stitching only. Size Labradors are medium-sized dogs that mature at six months. But they grow after maturity too. A harness with an adjustable strap is handy. A labrador retriever continues to grow for two years. Opt for a flexible harness that can be adjusted. Adjustability Adjustability is a vital consideration for young pups. Adjustable harnesses fit any body type or size. Ensure the clips are adjustable and well-built. A strong and popular breed like a labrador can break cheap clips. Comfort Double padding is a must for both young and old dogs. A soft harness is comfortable and prevents injuries. Some are only made for running and keep your dog in great shape. Safety Safety features like reflective material is a must-have. It increases dog visibility during early morning or night walks. Labrador retrievers who are likely to escape are more secure with such features. Some come with attached handles for more security. It is easier to grab your pet if they take off. Harnesses with seat belt features are also becoming popular. Durability Durability becomes vital if you buy a harness for the lab puppy. Always pick harnesses with a higher durability rating. An extremely durable dog harness will last from puppyhood to adulthood. Go for fully adjustable ones for the best results. Cost Budget is essential but comes second to quality. Buying cheaper products will make you spend again. Though cheap pet products are pocket-friendly, they lack quality. Get a good harness instead of going for cheap ones. Soft vests are best for puppies and older labradors. A front, rear, or dual clip harness is great for adult labs. From dual clip to step-in harnesses, there are several. Labrador Vest Harness These are basic walk harnesses. They are simple, lightweight, and inexpensive and made of mesh, plastic, or nylon. Dog owners with well-behaved dogs on leashes can get these. But the front and back clip harness can be attached at all the points. A double-ended leash is required for the front clip attachment. One point is attached at the front and another at the back. It provides more control over your escape artist. A no-pull dog harness minimizes the pup pulls without hurting them. Tactical Dog Harnesses These are popular for training, trekking, and hunting. Besides labs, it is ideal for other dog breeds, like German Shepherds. Military and service dogs wear tactical harnesses often. Tightening and Control Harness These harnesses are more aggressive than standard ones. They will tighten when your dog pulls. Dog chests can be squeezed on tightening. Experienced trainers and dog handlers use them best. Not sure which chest piece is right for your dog? Our list comprises of the 10 best harnesses for labradors. They are made from sturdy material and have the necessary safety features. Now lets look at all the harnesses one by one. A good labrador harness requires time, effort, and patience to buy. Avoid cheap harnesses that can snap, fall apart, or break. Ensure the chest piece fits well and is not tight. The dog must move with ease wearing the harness. The no-pull harness alone is not enough. Train your labrador retriever for adequate results. Measure the neck and the chest for an accurate fit. Add two inches to the chest measurement in case your lab gains weight. Check the tightness after fastening the clips and buckles. Your two fingers must fit to ensure it is comfortable. If not, then it is too tight. But a harness is comfortable and makes training straightforward. Lab puppies may bite the leash too much initially. However, showing patience will go a long way. Here are a few tips to acclimatize dogs:- Positive reinforcement training is best to accustom your lab. Giving them treats or toys when they follow commands is beneficial. Start slow and small. Place the harness on the floor and let them explore. Let the dog get used to the buckles and leash. You can treat them for being brave and sniffing. Put on the harness if you see progress. Let the dog walk around wearing the harness. Even if it is for a few minutes, treat them. Start with small neighborhood strolls if the dog is confident. Increase the walk durations gradually for smoothness. Irrespective of their style, you need the best harnesses for effective energy management. These athletic dogs are up for everything from trekking to hunting. You need a high-quality harness for your lively pooch. The best harnesses for labradors are:- RabbitGoo is best if you want to control your large lab easily. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart is for labradors having frequent car rides. Eagloo dog harness provides maximum comfort with its breathable material. Each harness offers unique features and benefits. The final call comes down to your requirements. Harnesses are better suited for walking dogs. Collars are more comfortable and hold the ID. Vets suggest using a harness for many dogs with breathing issues. Should a Labrador wear a harness? Labradors are athletic and sturdy. Having a harness makes them easier to manage. Be it walks, hikes, or treks, they are secured. What size harness for lab puppy is best? You will need at least a 9-inch long collar for a lab puppy. Most labrador retrievers fit into the large harness category. For accuracy, take labrador measurements. How do I stop my Labrador from pulling on the leash? Starting leash training with a harness early is suggested. Teach them self-control and practice attention. Treat them when the position is correct. Do not let pulling reinforce. Should I use a collar or harness for my Lab? Dog Harnesses are considered humane for pets. They give more control than collars. Different harness types also make it easier to choose for your lab pup. What size harness for 8 week lab puppy? The size range for a small harness for an 8-week-old Labrador puppy is: Chest: inches. They are friendly, playful, eager to please, and make great family dogs. While today most Labs are known for their ability to play fetch in the backyard for hours, labradors are a sporting breed with working roots in Canada and Britain. Modern Labradors are descendants of the now-extinct St. According to the AKC, the breed standard for Labradors is their height is between .Males generally weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, and females between 55 and 70 pounds. Of course, some labs will be larger or smaller than the breed standard. Energy Level and Exercise Requirements Labrador Retrievers are an enthusiastic breed with a high energy level. They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. In addition to frequent walks daily, Labs should also get plenty of exercise like swimming and playing fetch. Because of their history as working dogs with a sturdy build, Labrador Retrievers are a strong breed that requires proper training with the right tools. For most Lab owners, the best and safest way to walk their dog is with a harness. What is the Best Harness for a Lab? For a strong and energetic breed like the Labrador Retriever, the best harness for Labrador Retrievers is one that is comfortable for both you and your pooch. Labs have a stocky build, so you want a fully adjustable harness that will give you a proper fit, making the harness escape-proof. You also want a harness that will help prevent pulling, which will help keep you safe and comfortable while walking your dog. At Joyride Harness, we created our harness with Labs in mind. Our harness has a three-ring design meant to prevent pulling. You can attach a standard leash to one of the side rings to stop your Lab from pulling forward. You can also use a double-ended leash attached to two rings to give you even further control. The other benefit of Joyride Harness for strong, energetic Labradors is our built-in handle. When you choose a handle dog harness for your Lab, it gives you the option to quickly grab your dog, even if you accidentally drop the leash! And the best part? If you have trouble keeping your loveable Lab out of the water and mud, our heavy-duty harnesses are durable and easy to wash! Most adult Labs will fit in our XL dog harness, which is suitable for dogs between 60 and 85 pounds. Most customers choose this size as the best harness for their Labradors. However, larger Labs may find the XXL a better fit. For smaller Labs and puppies still growing, you can utilize our size chart to find the best harness to fit them at their current size. Here are reviews from real pet parents who love Joyride Harness for their Labrador Retrievers! I love how easy the harnesses fit on our pups a Labrador and a Golden Retriever. Perfect harness for my Labrador Bear is still a puppy and loves going for his daily walk. The harness is easy on and off and prevents collar pulling. My labrador Absolutely Awesome no pulling every now and he forgets he has it on then he will stop right away. I highly recommend this harness. Thank you for saving my arm from falling off. Have tried several different harnesses over the years for my dogs and they always seem to be a struggle. We often see the vet's office and the folks at doggy day camp struggle with the harnesses as well. We purchased for our Labrador retriever puppy before we brought her home and introduced her to the harness before she was 9 weeks old. Have already purchased two more sizes for her, as Lab puppies grow pretty quickly in the first several months of their life. Incredibly easy to hook the leash on two and several of our friends have already asked us where we purchased the harness. Also a must have if you are going to use doggy seatbelts in your car. Highly recommend! Joyride has the best harness to offer. There are similar brands, however, they are not made as well or not as comfortable for the pet. Gaston and his sister, Sadie, also enjoy wearing these vests versus the choker collar they were wearing. They are both very energetic strong Labradors and these harnesses offer a much safer solution for my friend when walking her pets. Thank you Joyride!! Learn more about what we do to help our local furry friends by clicking Learn More below. Learn more about what we do to help our local furry friends here. Here is your Coupon code : W.There is therefore no risk of the harness rubbing behind the legs. There are no martingale attachments anywhere on this harness, so there is nothing to tighten anywhere when the dog pulls. The Balance harness has both front-and-back attachment points. Just like all front-and-back attachment harnesses, this gives you great flexibility. The harness is really good quality and the metalware is likewise. This means that dogs that dislike having something placed over their heads, can have the Balance put around their neck in a similar way to a snap-up collar. Any gaping really is very minimal when both attachment-points are used, even less than on the Freedom. It is essentially always a black harness, but the vertical strap on the back comes in different colors. If you have multiple dogs, the colored back strap is sufficient for telling you which harness belongs to which dog. But if you are someone who loves different colored harnesses, the Balance may not suit — check out the Freedom. According to the manufacturer, you can attach just to the front-attachment point. But the Balance works best when used in conjunction with a double-fastening leash. So you will need to purchase one separately. The Balance harness does tend to rotate slightly when in use. The neck and girth straps slightly pull the colored back strap off vertical. If this troubles you, check out the Perfect Fit below. Similarly, it would be really hard for even a seasoned escapologist to back out of a Perfect Fit harness. For a growing Labrador puppy, it is possible just to purchase and replace one piece of the three needed for a harness. Should the chewing-machine that is your Labrador puppy, succeed in chewing through the front of the harness, again, just that part would need to be replaced. The Perfect Fit also has a 40mm thick option. This is a very comfortable and stylish-looking harness for large or strong Labradors. The Perfect Fit harness has both front-and-back attachment points, just like the Freedom and Balance, giving the same flexibility. It is safe to be left on the dog when running off-leash. The harness is webbing, backed by soft fleece. This makes for a really comfortable and soft harness, for your Labrador. This means that dogs which dislike having something placed over their heads, can have the Perfect Fit put around their neck. The front-attachment is a large metal D-ring. My plan is to wrap the metal D-ring in duck tape, to silence it. You will need to purchase one of those separately. I anticipate this getting worse with the next few washes. This does not affect the comfort or function of the harness, obviously. Labs love to swim, and have been known to roll in stinky things! Ordering Issues? Lastly, I should say that I had heard about the Perfect Fit harness for about a year before I finally bought one to trial. Selecting three different-sized component parts for a harness and choosing a width of strap is a much more involved process than choosing one size. The Dog-Games website has become a lot easier now, with breed recommendations, but some buyers might still find it confusing. And my top three picks of front-and-back fastening harnesses for Labrador Retrievers are:.
A puppy can be the perfect addition to a home to give and receive love and build a strong mutual bond of devotion. Welcoming a new puppy into your forever home is an exhilarating time, but it also brings a wealth of responsibilities. At Almond Blossom Doodles, we want this homecoming to be a beautiful and joyous occasion, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We ensure that these adorably perfect family companions receive an abundance of love and affection from the moment they enter this world. Our hands-on approach helps socialize the puppies while also aiding in the development of their loyalty and trust. We put a piece of our hearts into each puppy that we raise and share with you so the transition into their forever home will be seamless. Our sweet and lovable puppies are ready to come home with you eight weeks after birth, and all puppies come with the following services: Two-year health guarantee A Start on crate training-one week before you take them home ENS Early Neurological Stimulation Age-appropriate shots and worming with records included Collar and leash Almond Blossom Doodle Swag Bag. We have the tremendous opportunity to raise these little mini goldendoodle nuggets of joy for Sacramento, California. These mini goldendoodles have the deep wiring to find joy in almost anything. Familiar person; joy. New person; joy. New toy; joy. Sunny day; great. Rainy day; awesome chance to play in the mud. They have been intentionally bred to make beautiful companions for families, so that they can flourish and enjoy great health in Sacramento. We also know that these joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies - and adults - raise the joy of the people who meet them. These beautiful mini Goldendoodles end up becoming a dear part of the family unit, and get their own particular piece of our hearts. We do not take this lightly. As a breeder, all of these different clubs, groups, and programs are aimed at raising as much joy as possible in our mini Goldendoodles for Sacramento. Happy and Healthy Sacramento Mini Goldendoodles We know that there is much more to breeding healthy, confident, flourishing mini Goldendoodles than just getting a dam and sire together at the right time. These organizations serve as a source of accountability for us, in order to help us breed for mini-goldendoodle puppies with the puppies health in mind. So our mini goldendoodle parents must pass hip, elbow, patella, cardiac, eye, and genetic screening in order to be a part of High Desert Family Doodles. Our mini Goldendoodle parents - Brownie and Rosie - have passed their health-testing and are ready for a litter of puppies in the next couple months. These puppies will be in the pound range, and we will have a variety of coat colors and textures in the litter. Your mini Goldendoodle puppy would be a day trip away, if you wanted to drive up to pick them up. We can meet you at the airport with your mini goldendoodle puppy so that you can just enjoy the brief flight north to Oregon. We look forward to our joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies joining you in Sacramento, California. From that point, we begin to integrate different exercises and exposures that help the mini goldendoodle puppies with overcoming fear responses to become both brave and confident. We give them practical problems to solve - such as navigating obstacles in order to get to their meals - in order to nurture problem solving and trouble-shooting. Mini Goldendoodles come from the hybridization of two intelligent breeds- poodles and golden retrievers - which tends to lead to a highly intelligent puppy. Our hope and desire is to encourage this intelligence as much as possible, and to to teach the mini Goldendoodle puppies that the world - especially Sacramento California - is a trust-worthy place that is safe. In the final weeks we have these mini Goldendoodle puppies, we begin to work with crate exposure, and potty training. We help them begin to understand that their crates are safe places for them as well. They begin to quickly pick up on potty training. The mini Goldendoodle puppies also get a large amount of early socialization with different people in order to help them trust the wide array of humans. Hat: yep. Beards; oh yeah. Tall people; indeed. Kids; all the way. We do all this stuff so that these mini Goldendoodle puppies can handle all the Sacramento California has to offer. Our mini Goldendoodle puppies go home when they are 8 weeks old. The next month is an important window for you to continue to work on exposure with new situations and people to help them continue to grow confident and brave in Sacramento, California. Windsong breeds Goldendoodle puppies that are healthy, happy, and well-socialized. We help each family select the right puppy for their lifestyle while keeping the individual needs of each puppy in mind as well. Love Our babies receive round-the-clock care from birth until they join their new family at 8 weeks. In fact, our babies spend the first weeks in our master bedroom as this makes for easy nighttime checks! They are loved on from their first day of life by children, cats, and most of all me! At 4 weeks they move to my living room where they can observe and interact more closely with our family. Health A high-quality diet, proper supplements, and the necessary genetic testing is our key to raising healthy puppies. We are passionate about health and are proud to offer a 2-year health guarantee on all our puppies. More info Happiness The happiness and well-being of our moms, dads, and puppies are extremely important to us. All of our breeding dogs live in our home or in loving guardian homes with their forever families. We believe there is a right and wrong way to breed. We are not a kennel, all of our dogs are well-cared for and cherished family members. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle 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! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Placerville California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Their dames and sires undergo extensive medical and behavioral screenings. How to Choose a Mini Goldendoodle Breeder in California We have performed extensive research and trust all of the above breeders for miniature Goldendoodle puppies in California. If you live in an area of the State that is not near any of the breeders mentioned above, check to see if the breeder can bring the dog to you. Trust your gut if any red flags stand out to you when looking into a breeder. Do the prices seem comparable to other breeders? If you find a breeder selling a Goldendoodle puppy for significantly less, that may be a red flag. Learn more about Goldendoodle puppy pricing here. Does the website seem legitimate with information that is up to date and wording that accurately matches photos? Do they ask for the total amount upfront? Most breeders require a deposit but will not expect to be paid in full until you come to pick up your new puppy. Do they have a puppy contract? After adopting one of their puppies, most breeders will expect things from you, such as proving that you got them spayed or neutered at an agreed-upon age. Learn more about puppy contracts here. How many types of dogs do they breed? If you notice any of the above red flags, proceed with caution when looking into a breeder. While it would be great for there to be a single price tag associated with getting a mini Goldendoodle puppy from a breeder, the truth is that the price varies based on the breeder you go with. Factors such as papered vs. Goldendoodles with curly hair are usually more desirable than those with straight hair, making them more expensive. In addition, specific coat colors can increase the price of the puppy. Miniature Goldendoodle puppies tend to cost more than medium or standard-sized puppies, and buying from premium breeders could result in a higher price point. Looking at breeders in California may also hike up the price point, as there is higher demand than in more rural areas such as the midwest. What to Do to Prepare for Your New Puppy The biggest thing you can do to set yourself up for success is puppy-proof your house before bringing your new pet home. Ensure you have all the appropriate gear collars, leashes, puppy pads, etc. Talk to your breeder about what they recommend you have ready to go and the types of puppy food you can have on hand to make sure the transition goes smoothly. Where to Get Your Puppy Luckily, this step in the process is what this entire article is about! Finding a responsible breeder is half the battle when getting your new mini Goldendoodle puppy, and the right breeder will be a wealth of knowledge and an excellent resource for you. They will also care for the long-term success of your new pup. In case of unavailability of Goldendoodle puppies within California, you may try to look for trusted Goldendoodle breeders in some other nearby states, like New Jersey , Iowa , and Los Angeles. The best thing to set you and your new pet up for success is to focus on appropriate outlets for their energy and start training early. Consider researching effective ways to potty-train and crate train your new puppy. Look into appropriate training methods to keep them from barking or jumping up. The benefit of getting a puppy is that you get to work on all of their socializing and behavior training from an early age. The work you put in at their beginning stages of life will ultimately save you trouble down the line. Final Thoughts We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to your top 7 mini Goldendoodle breeders in California! Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Mini Goldendoodle via sullytheminigoldendoodle How To Find A Reputable Mini Goldendoodle Breeder Selecting a breeder is a major decision that everyone who wants to bring a Mini Goldendoodle into their home has to face. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Mini Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Mini Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Mini Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Mini Goldendoodles these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Mini Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Mini Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Mini Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Mini Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Mini Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.
New Pet Alert from AdoptaPet. What is This? Yes, I would like to receive communications from the Petco Love regarding their lifesaving work. By signing up for the New Pet Alert, you are allowing Adopt-a-pet. You can also optionally sign up to receive email communications from Petco and Petco Love as well. You can save up to 15 New Pet Alerts, and you can cancel or change them at any time at adoptapet. In fact, together with Petco and our community partners, we help find homes for thousands of dogs, cats, and rabbits and other pets every week. Learn More Let Petco store associates be your post-adoption support network. Petco's Welcome to the Family New Pet Parent Starter Guide provides new pet parents substantial benefits with hundreds of dollars worth of coupons for everything a new pet needs. And our Petco store partners will be there today, and every day, to answer all those new pet parent questions and make sure every adoption is a successful one. If adoption isn't possible for you right now, don't worry. You can still be part of our lifesaving work by making a donation. Not sure about adoption yet? Learn why it's a great way to welcome a pet into your home-and how we can help. Large lbs kg pet id ask group about this pet My story Ruger is an 8 year old yellow lab. He is a svelte 77 pounds. He has a happy laid back personality and a tail that never stops wagging. Ruger was turned into DLRR by his owner who was moving out of state. He gets along with dogs he has met but he would be fine as an only dog as well. Ruger enjoys the company of people and he has been gentle with children. It is unknown how he feels about cats. He has however tried to chase a rabbit and is a large dog so perhaps he would do best in a home without a cat or little dog. Ruger has a moderate energy level. He has tremors at times in his legs especially when he is excited but he is unaware of them and they do not impede him in anyway. Ruger 4 is a perfect gentleman in the house. He is housebroken and his owner reported that he can use a doggie door. He has not counter surfed or jumped up on any furniture. He has had full roam of the house when left at home alone and has been nondestructive. He is fearful of crates but will go in a crate for a treat. He has been trustworthy in the house so there has been no need to crate him. He rides well in the car. Ruger is always excited to go for a walk and he will pull on the leash especially to greet passing people and dogs. I have been using an easy walk chest harness on him but he will need more leash work. He knows the sit, down and shake commands very well. Ruger loves to play fetch or tug with his rope toys. He loves to be brushed and bathed. If you are interested in this dog, please fill out an application at www. Someone will call to schedule a home visit so you can become an approved adopter. Also, visit our Facebook page at www. If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ruger, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.
We have a very high quality litter of puppies sired by one of Germany's top young performance males. See video. For family companionship and security there is no finer quality. Training packages are available on all puppies. Solid Blacks. Available for pickup or delivered to your door. Limited Availability. He is a beautiful dog with a great temperament and expertly trained. I was comfortable with the whole concept of a well-trained protection dog.Wayne was a real pro.Thanks Wayne. It's been great working with you. Cash is by far the best thing we've done. He does such a great job and is now part of the family. We love him. He sleeps in bed. We are very pleased. The companionship and security provided by Leena is beyond compare. Thank you Wayne. She's perfect. And it can easily distinguish between a foe and a family member. In the dark. Protection Anywhere Our dogs are not only powerful protection for your home but can also travel with you or loved ones wherever they are needed. Feel Loved Our dogs are loyal and loving as well, helping you feel loved and adored with that special bond you will develop with them! Protects you anywhere you go World Class Dogs from World Class Trainers Our team takes great pride in bringing security and peace of mind to our clients with world class protection dogs. Family protection dogs, executive protection dogs, and home protection dogs are all available for purchase, and dogs with protection training are waiting for placement. Protect yourself and your family with the best protection dog available. Recently viewed. Trina is doing great. We have continued to bring her out as much as possible. She is very outgoing and does great around strangers. We had her tattooed on Sunday. The lady who did the tattoo USA club commented how nice and outgoing Trina was. Moments after the tattoo was done, Trina came right back to the tattoer, showing no fear. Loretta and I love the rich dark colors she is taking on. She is doing great. I measured and weighed her last night. She is 22 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 56 pounds. She is the most solid built dog we have ever had. She was an offspring of Cliff and your Xina that you imported from Berlin in welp. As you know from our conversations, I was seeking a replacement for my late faithful companion Tina II who passed on near the age of 12 years. An entire liter was just discarded alongside a road about 30 miles from my location. Barely weaned from his mother, this bedraggled puppy amazingly survived the dangers of wildlife in the foothills of the Sierra, hence the name "Tuffy. The first thing he did was "christen" my van on the way home. But I got even Ha! Hurts me to even think about it. However, my love for the German Shepherd breed, and finding a replacement for Tina II, was foremost in my mind. I decided to keep Tuffy but still look for "another Tina. They are faithful companions, calm yet always alert and protective without fear, and other attributes too numerous to mention. They will literally lay down their lives to protect you. I am still looking forward to meeting Jim in person, but our schedules never seemed to coincide. So beware Jim, some day I will catch you at a less busy time. When I learned that Xina had just been imported from Berlin in welp, I asked to be put on Cindy's and Jim's list of prospective new owners for one of Xina's puppies. I was truly impressed with the spacious, well organized, clean kennels at True Haus. I knew at first glance that this was not just another "puppy mill. They were truly dedicated to raising and training healthy animals before all other considerations. I knew I found the "right place. I in turn made several trips to True Haus Kennels during the litter's suckling period at the most inconvenient hours such as 7 AM. Cindy's commitment to her animals was never more apparent than at that early hour, but Cindy was always cheerful and gracious, when other people would have complained loudly and shown me the gate. I do have one "protest" however, because the Reed's unknowingly put me to work! The beautiful pool at True Haus Kennels where their dogs enjoy frolicking in the water, makes it imperative that I construct a permanent pool for Tina III. I had to purchase a temporary plastic pool for her. She shows no fear of water, and does not hesitate to get right in and dip her muzzle right up to her ears. I have to laugh at her antics as she blows bubbles all the way down. I'm really not complaining Cindy. They learn quickly. For example. When I have a treat in my hands, all I need to say is "go to your house," and Tina, from any distance, goes running into her doghouse eagerly awaiting her treat. That took all of two tries for her to learn that command, while Tuffy is still trying to figure out what I am saying. We had a special game where I would hide her "special treat dish. I would tell her "lay down pad" and she would run to her carpet scrap and wait for me to fill the dish. Then when asked "want treat" she would give a two-toned sound that sounded just like "uh huh. At eight weeks Tina III has already learned to "sit and stay" while a bowl of food was placed before her and Tuffy, a real tough test for a hungry puppy who is all stomach at this stage in life. She catches on quickly and you can almost "see her thinking" while she looks at you with those bright eyes and tilted head, listening to you intently. More proof that the GSD breed has an ingrained desire to please its owner. Grooming was also a snap. Tina just loves to be brushed and comes running when I get the gear. She is also becoming accustomed to having her teeth brushed every other day. Although several months older, Tuffy is actually learning by watching Tina, which I did not expect. Tina is already "leap-years" ahead of Tuffy. This is additional confirmation about the intelligence of well-bred GSD's that True Haus Kennels is committed to raising. I do not hesitate to recommend these "gentle giants" raised by Cindy and Jim to anyone. For unsurpassed quality, honesty, integrity, and straight-forward answers to your questions, you would be hard-pressed to find nicer and more committed people than Cindy and Jim, and I thank them for that. They take care of "their babies" from birth until they face the tough task of turning over the puppies to their new owners. They get them off to a good start right down to providing all the necessary shots to keep them healthy and disease free. It is this dedicated and unselfish attitude that makes the Reed's stand out among breeders. I attribute that to a well bred GSD line from a dedicated kennel that "puppy mills" will never match. In closing, I invite all owners with puppies out of Cliff and Xina, who is True Haus Kennel's "New Girl In Town," and other GSD owners, to email and share pictures and experiences about this wonderful breed with all of us collectively. We're all related now you know! Bob If you just can't get enough puppy pictures, you can see past litters at these links. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!
black mini labradoodle puppies - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. When should I change my German Shepherd puppy to adult food? Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. This is a very controversial topic. I'll bet if you asked 10 dog owners this question you'd get 10 different answers. Growing puppies should only be fed a high quality puppy diet which you need to continue feeding until your dog reaches 80 to 90 percent of his anticipated adult weight. For many German Shepherd puppies, this occurs usually around 8 to 9 months of age. Keep in mind that individual German Shepherd puppies growth rates will vary greatly from dog to dog. If your puppy is growing exceptionally quickly, you might want to ask your vet about switching your GSD puppy to adult food even sooner. And how will you know if your puppy is growing faster than most, you may ask? Well, for one thing I would check with your own GSD breeder. And if you didn't get your German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, for example, if you got your puppy from a rescue organization or from a shelter or maybe some other source I would then suggest speaking with your veterinarian about your pups growth rate and when the change in diet should occur. You may wonder why you don't just start feeding your puppy adult food in just one meal or so. That's just asking for trouble. There's a really good reason for this slow transition from one type of dog food to another - to avoid upsetting your dog's intestinal tract or causing diarrhea. If you were to just drastically switch from one food to another without this transition period you will have runny poops and just overall messy poops and a puppy with an upset stomach. And this can be easily avoided by following the transition as suggested above. And for adult GSD's, I always suggest feeding a good quality dry food only. You don't need to supplement a good quality dry dog food with any type of canned food. A good dry food is an excellent choice for a growing German Shepherd in many respects and it is very beneficial to their teeth as canned foods can cause many problems with tooth decay. What puts man in a higher state of evolution is that he has got his laugh on the right end. Your puppy should have access to clean water throughout the day, but it should be taken away at night. Puppies between the ages of eight and twelve weeks benefit from being fed three or four times per day. Any changes in the amount of food a puppy consumes should be implemented gradually. A German shepherd puppy needs a lot of food between 6 and 8 months to grow into an adult. Adult food provides numerous superfluous nutrients that the puppy does not need at that time. Feed him tiny servings of puppy food per day. After a year, you can switch him to adult food. It is recommended to feed your dog as directed by the manufacturer. These instructions may vary by brand and composition. Make sure your dog stays fit. To feel the spine, ribs, and pelvic bones. A noticeable waistline is a must. German Shepherds are capable of consuming a wide variety of human meals, including beef, chicken, pig, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots , peas, and pumpkins are also permitted. Additionally, you can feed your GSD additional foods such as rice and noodles, yogurt, and cheese. This procedure should take two to four weeks to finish. Supplements should be avoided since they may add too many nutrients to the diet that are already there. If you wish to provide a treat, eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt are excellent additives for improved digestion or flavor variation. Although it is natural for young German shepherd pups to be hungry, persistent hunger should be a matter of concern. Worms can make your dog be ever hungry. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. According to Total German Shepherd , all feeding changes should be made gradually to ensure the best possible results. The food recommended by the breeder or rescue organization should be used for the first few weeks to avoid digestive disruption, and kibble should be mixed with a little water. Clean water should be available to your puppy all day but taken up at night. Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old do best with being fed three or four times daily. After 12 weeks, feeding your puppy twice a day is fine. Any changes to the amount of food a puppy eats should be done gradually. Puppies will experience their most significant growth rates between three and six months old. In most cases, this will be around a year old, although larger males might take longer to reach this size. The Happy Puppy Site states that a lot of problems German Shepherds can encounter are due to bone growth that occurs too rapidly. These issues include hip dysplasia. Choosing the right food and feeding the right amount both play a leading role in making sure your puppy grows at an acceptable rate. A raw diet might prove beneficial once your dog has reached adult size. One of the possible benefits is reducing the possibility of hip dysplasia. When your puppy has a growth rate that follows a proper pace, the dog will reach the appropriate proportions when they are supposed to. Even though all dogs run the risk of injury, a puppy that grows at the appropriate rate has healthier bones. Puppy food for large breeds with a high protein level is best for German Shepherd puppies. Whenever possible, it is always a good idea to continue the same brand and essential formulation, but to switch to the adult version when appropriate. You will not only avoid any issues with finicky behavior but will also help ensure that your puppy continues to meet its essential nutritional needs. The outcome of taking these steps will be better overall health for your dog. Then, you will replace half the food for two days and three-quarters for two days, ultimately making the switch totally to the new food. This process should take two to four weeks. This video helps put the process of switching your dog over to another food into perspective. This relatively simple step is an essential way of making sure that your dog is nourished. Avoid adding supplements, because they may add too many nutrients that are already present in the food. Eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt make suitable additives for better digestion or flavor variety if you want to provide a treat. Amanda J. These guidelines may vary depending on the brand and formulation. Make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight. The spine, ribs, and pelvic bones should be easy to lightly feel. All GSDs should have a visible waistline. If the food your puppy is eating seems to be leaving them unsatisfied or they do not appear to be gaining healthy weight levels, you may need to consider following up with your veterinarian. Medium-length beef marrow bones can be a tasty treat in addition to their food, especially if stuffed with pumpkin without any spices or peanut butter. However, avoid pork or poultry bones, because these can splinter very easily. Gravy should never be given as a treat because of its potential to cause diarrhea. Another concern is that gravy might contain spices possibly toxic to dogs. Avoid feeding table scraps for the same reason. There are concerns about some kibble-based dog foods that owners should be aware of, according to Anna Burke. These foods include grain-free varieties high in potato and legume content like lentils or peas. Such ingredients increase the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Large dogs like Shepherds may be somewhat more prone to this condition. If you want to consider this diet, wait until your dog has achieved adult size. Avoid homemade diets, as these are mostly deficient in crucial nutrients that growing puppies require. Melissa Smith notes that timing is everything when it comes to switching from puppy to adult food, and your vet will play a leading role. One of the reasons why timing is so important is because the calorie content of puppy food is so high. This can make the young adult dog gain weight too quickly, in the wrong places, particularly the belly area, where fat can be dangerous. A growth spurt after a year is possible in German Shepherds, particularly males, and your vet may have a good idea of when the growth will finish. However, what about Shepherds that are not purebred? This question is very reasonable, as it is a little more difficult to guess when a mixed-breed is done growing. Compare your measurements to popular GSD growth charts for reference. Consider making sure your vet is on-board as you make the transition from puppy food to adult. Your vet will be able to spot any nutritional deficits that require addressing. Another advantage is being able to ensure the dog has proper bone growth. If your German Shepherd has needs that require a special diet, your vet will be able to provide valuable guidance about the appropriate timing. Even though you might find it challenging to think about obesity when your dog is transitioning out of puppyhood, this stage is not too early by any means. Early prevention is key to stopping many conditions besides hip dysplasia. Both obesity and being underweight can come with their share of problems for your growing dog. Obesity, when unchecked, can not only lead to bone and joint issues but can also lead to heart disease and diabetes. If your dog is underweight, Amber King recommends a high-protein diet with a moderate amount of fat. Follow up with your vet to help uncover the cause of the low body weight. Another possible health issue of concern, according to Dr. OCD is a condition that involves abnormal cartilage growth at the end of a joint. Wobbler syndrome is another condition that may have its origins in overly rapid growth. This disorder is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck area, often leading to difficulties with walking. When you have a growing German Shepherd, the right nutrition makes all the difference in their growth and development. Even though it may feel as though the amount of information on nutrition is overwhelming, it is essential. Making the right choices early on will mean greater health and happiness for your dog. A dog that grows at a reasonable, healthy rate will do much better in life. Recommended reading:.
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black mini labradoodle puppies - Although she stands no more than 10 inches tall and weighs between 4—6 pounds, the Toy Poodle has a big, playful personality that can fill up a room. While frequently associated with France, Standard Poodles were first developed in Germany, where they were used in duck hunting. They have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Poodles of all sizes have curly coats with extensive grooming needs. Their coat grows continuously, calling for a trim every four to six weeks. However, there is no such thing as a completely "hypoallergenic" dog. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before officially bringing home a Toy Poodle puppy. But during this long life , they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care. Pet parents may benefit from investing in pet insurance early in life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of the photoreceptor cells rods and cones on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but the condition can cause blindness over time. PRA is an inherited disease and there are currently no effective treatments available. Patellar Luxation The patella kneecap is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves luxates outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This movement can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis. Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. While some cases will correct themselves, in more severe cases the patella remains out of place. In mild cases, joint supplements such as fish oils and glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended. This causes pain and limping occur as the bone breaks down. In some cases, pain can be controlled with medications. In severe cases, surgery to remove the head of the femur may be recommended. Symptoms include visible debris, redness, odor, head shaking, and scratching. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam. In most cases, ear infections can be resolved by cleaning the ear and with topical medications. Toy Poodles develop ear infections more often than most other breeds. This may be partly due to Poodles having long ear canals with excess curly hair to trap in moisture and debris. Trimming not plucking the hair from the ear may help reduce the incidence of ear infections. Dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections frequently have allergies that should be addressed. Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Dental disease occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque build up, leading to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth—and eventually to tooth and bone decay. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also help prevent plaque and tartar. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea commonly called the windpipe flattens. This happens due to weak cartilage rings or the sagging of a membrane along the trachea. Most cases are treated using medications, but in severe cases where breathing is impeded, surgery may be necessary. Toy poodles are likely genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse. When on walks, use a harness instead of a collar, as pressure on the trachea can cause further damage. The condition causes a deficiency in a protein called the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to stick together and form a clot. In dogs that are deficient in this protein, the blood may have difficulty clotting, which can lead to bleeding from the nose, vulva, bladder, or gums. Additionally, dogs with this condition may bleed for a long time after trauma or surgery. If there is concern about VWD, a screening test may be performed. This test measures how long it takes for a small cut in the mouth to stop bleeding. If the time is longer than usual, additional testing is needed to confirm VWD. Because some dogs with VWD do not have notably prolonged bleeding until later in adulthood, blood levels of von Willebrand factor can be measured to help with diagnosis. Most veterinarians recommend testing for VWD prior to any planned surgery, including spays, neuters, and dewclaw removals. Puppies should be fed a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages. For Toy Poodle adults, dental-focused diets may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease. Toy poodle puppies, however, should eat three to four small meals per day on a consistent schedule to help maintain their blood sugar. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on the dog food provides valuable information for pet parents. Just remember: In small breeds like the Toy Poodle, calories in treats add up quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are playful and self-confident when socialized at a young age. While relatively calm, Toy Poodles enjoy playtime and exercise with the family. The breed is gentle with children and other pets, though all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised. Because these pups are so tiny, they can accidentally be hurt during playtime. Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Toy Poodle Behavior Toy Poodles bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be sensitive to stress, and sudden changes in the home environment may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, because Poodles are so smart, they need mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained—and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark, jump, be destructive, or misbehave. Toy Poodle Training Toy poodles want to please their owners. Paired with their smarts, this makes them an easy breed to train. As always, training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats. Fun Activities for Toy Poodle Obedience training. Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Toy Poodle is remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, it is said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Sweet, cheerful, perky and lively, it likes to be with people. Delightful, very amusing and keen. Socialize these dogs well. They make very good watchdogs for their size. Without the proper type and amount of exercise they may be high-strung and timid. Toy Poodles are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless given rules to follow and limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do, this breed will tend to bark a lot. Do not let this small dog develop Small Dog Syndrome , human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes varying degrees of behavior issues , including, but not limited, to snapping, growling, guarding , demanding, untrustworthiness with children and sometimes adults, sensitive, nervous, reserved with strangers and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to tell the humans what it is HE wants THEM to do. This little dog can be good with children, however is usually recommended for older children who know how to display leadership skills. The reason is that most humans treat the dog in such a way that makes it unsure just who the pack leader is in the human-dog relationship. The dog, in his mind, is convinced HE is the leader to humans. Height, Weight Height: up to 10 inches .The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle that is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Toy Poodle. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can cause blindness. Skin conditions, possibly due to unskilled use of clippers. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. Given enough exercise, they are not active indoors. They will lie right next to you and are more sedate when indoors, although they love to play outdoors and are a highly intelligent breed, so they do like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate their mentality. They will do okay without a yard. Exercise These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Life Expectancy. Post by: Emily W. While many may associate Poodles with being prissy indoor dogs, that could not be further from the truth. Poodles will happily go on a hike or jump into a puddle of mud like any other dog. History of Toy Poodles For years people have associated the Poodle breed with France, but these curly-haired canines actually originated in Germany. In fact, the pom pom haircut that these dogs are known for was inspired by their first job as retrievers. The fur around their organs and joints would be left longer, in order to protect them from the cold water temperatures. The rest of their hair would then be trimmed to lower resistance and lower the risk of getting caught on something when they were in the water. Although they originated in Germany, Poodles quickly made their way to France, where people fell completely head over heels for the canines. Over time, many people began wishing for a smaller, more manageable size of the Standard Poodle. Breeders began pairing the smallest Poodles from different litters, and as a result, the Miniature Poodle came into existence. While the larger, Standard Poodle was used for hunting and retrieving purposes, the Miniature Poodle was used to sniff out truffles a type of mushroom in the woods. After the success of creating the Miniature Poodle, people once again wished to create an even smaller version of Poodle. Breeders followed the same pattern as before, and they bred together the smallest Miniature Poodles. This soon resulted in the creation of the Toy Poodle. Unlike their larger ancestors, the Toy Poodle was not used for any type of job or service. Instead, people simply wanted Toy Poodles as companions and lapdogs. Considered to be the same breed, the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle were bred to be identical versions of one another, but just at three different sizes. Besides a few slight variances, chances are, if you have enjoyed living with a Standard Poodle, you will equally love living with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Attributes of Toy Poodles The Toy Poodle is an old dog breed that has remained popular among families everywhere, since nearly the day they were created. Learn more about what makes these dogs such a great choice. While living with an intelligent dog can be an extremely helpful trait when it comes to training, Poodle parents should still take heed. For instance, if you choose to feed your Toy Poodle scraps from the table, they will quickly begin to expect scraps every time you sit down at the table. Chances are, they will also turn their nose up to their own food because they will quickly learn to expect delicious human food. Besides creating poor manners, feeding your dog from the table can also be dangerous, since a large amount of human food is toxic to dogs. Toy Poodles are friendly and outgoing, so they are often happy to meet new friends. Toy Poodles are also known to get along well with other pets, but take note that if they live in a multi-pet household, they will generally want to be the center of attention. Toy Poodles cap out at 10 inches in height, and they typically weigh between pounds. They can also be found in nearly any solid color, including apricot, cream, white, brown, red, silver, grey, and black. Poodles can also be found in a phantom pattern or a two-toned pattern, consisting of a combination of colors. One of the many reasons why people are drawn to these dogs is because of the claim that Toy Poodles are hypoallergenic. In truth, though, no one type of dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, Toy Poodles shed very little when compared to the majority of other breeds—which means there will be less dander present. People with dog allergies will oftentimes experience less of an allergic reaction, or none at all, when they are around Poodles. How to Groom a Toy Poodle Even though they do not shed excessively, Toy Poodles still require regular brushing in order to minimize mats in their coat. These weekly or more often, if needed brushings should be done in addition to your Poodle being professionally groomed. Clipping is recommended to be done about every three months, and about every month for the face and feet. Some Poodle parents have even learned how to do these trims on their own. When it comes to Toy Poodles, brushing their teeth is essential. Due to them having a small mouth, their teeth may become cramped, which in-turn can cause dental issues. One of the best ways to help your dog have a healthy mouth is to brush their pearly whites at least once a week. On top of brushing, clipping, and teeth cleaning, your Toy Poodle should additionally be given regular baths and nail trimmings. Caring and Exercise Although a small dog, Toy Poodles still require daily exercise. Walks are always a great choice, but these little pups do equally as well with a game of fetch in the yard or some playtime inside. Besides physical exercise, it is just as important that your pup receives mental exercise. Keep in mind that a bored Poodle will become a destructive and sometimes disobedient Poodle. Training Your Toy Poodle When it comes to training, three of the most important items to keep in mind include: 1. Start as soon as possible Whether you adopt your Poodle when they are four months old or four years old, it is important to begin training as soon as possible. In fact, an ideal time to begin training is the very day you bring them home. By starting training early-on, this will help establish good manners, it will deter bad habits, and it will serve as a good time to build the bond between you and your dog. Be consistent Consistency is key, especially in how often you have training sessions and the words and motions you use for commands. By remaining consistent with your techniques and how often you train, this will allow your Poodle to quickly learn what is expected from them in their new household. Use positive reinforcement Toy Poodles thrive off of positive reinforcement. Great rewards for your dog can include a treat, a toy, or affection. By receiving rewards, your dog will better understand that they are doing the correct command, and chances are they will become more eager to practice the command again. Poodles are known for being among the most intelligent dog breeds, so chances are they will catch onto new commands and tricks rather quickly. Common symptoms include excessive drooling, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and loss of appetite. While gastrointestinal issues can stem from a variety of causes, regardless, most will clear up in just one week. Ear infections: With their floppy ears, Toy Poodles can be prone to getting ear infections. Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can also develop allergies to pollen, dust, dander, grass, perfume, and food, among many other items. Common allergy symptoms can include: excessive itching, red or watery eyes, frequent sneezing or wheezing, swollen pads, and paw chewing. With food allergies, you will want to keep an eye out for vomiting or diarrhea. Skin irritation: Many Poodles are prone to having sensitive skin. Various household products such as carpet cleaners, detergents, and various grooming products can cause dry, itchy, or irritated skin on your dog. A quick fix for some households is to simply switch these products over to the hypoallergenic option. However, since puppies are born with this condition, veterinarians are often able to catch the problem when your dog is still young. While these are the most common health conditions among Toy Poodles, that does not mean that your Poodle will be affected by any or all of these conditions. Nutrition and Feeding Small dog breeds , such as the Toy Poodle, have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide. Grooming Toy Poodles Toy Poodles do not shed and are often though not always tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care, though, generally requiring professional dog grooming , as well as regular combing and brushing at home. The poodle should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks to be clipped, or you can learn how to do it yourself. A groomer will also advise on ear care. Training Toy Poodles Poodles are a joy to train as they are clever, quick to learn and love working with their owner. They can also turn their paw to dog sports such as mini agility, heelwork to music and even obedience with no problems whatsoever - and in fact training and working with their owner will keep this often-busy little dog happy and relaxed. Best Family Dog Breeds The Toy Poodle can make a fabulous family dog but are better for older children and quiet households as, especially as puppies, they are very small and easily injured by rough or boisterous play. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. Poodles - especially the ones you see in the show ring - seem to have all kinds of crazy hairdos but these often flamboyant-looking styles all started off with a purpose. Poodles were originally water-retrieving dogs but their coats could easily get water-logged and pull them down. The answer was to clip off all their hair but leave some around their vital organs to keep them warm, and around any vulnerable joints to protect from injury. Similar breeds:.