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Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Officially, there is only a single type of Boxer dog recognized by major kennel clubs. However, fanciers and breeders have set the distinctions between Boxer dogs bred in different countries. The differences between the types of Boxer dogs in each region are heavily dependent on preferences. Breeders from each location have been cultivating specific characteristics or traits that they want the breed to exhibit. International kennel organizations also contributed to their variation as they prioritize the characteristics of a certain region over the other. Among the three types of Boxers, this is the second variant that has been merited as a standard in by The Kennel Club KC , one of the oldest canine organizations in the world. This substantiates why the UK standard leans more to the characteristic of this Boxer type. One of the defining characteristics of UK Boxers is their small feet, high knuckles, and slender legs which give them a more elegant look. It is considered to be the smallest and slimmest among the three. Nonetheless, the masculine physique which is the core trait of Boxers is still evident. Its slender body also provides more room for agility and precision in moving. It is also expected for UK Boxers to be biddable, calm, fearless, and self-assured. Oddly enough, the standard for this type of Boxer was only established after the two other Boxer types were standardized. Among the three, the German Boxer remains to be the more robust and largest type in terms of muscle mass and bone structure. Their physique has a more defined masculine figure with longer and stronger legs. These traditional Boxer features are probably retained through time since most German Boxers are still bred for their natural talents in herding and hunting. Another key characteristic of German Boxers is that they have a shorter snout compared to American Boxers but wider than the UK Boxers. According to most Boxer breeders, German Boxers are calmer and easier to train compared to the other types of Boxers. The traits and characteristics of the American Boxer were officially acknowledged in by the American Kennel Club. The most defining trait of this Boxer type lies in its coat. An American Boxer has a smooth, tight, and shiny coat that has no wrinkles. With this unique trait, it would be easy to distinguish an American Boxer among other variants. Boxer fanciers claim that American Boxers have a more elegant and balanced look. The reason could be because most American Boxers are bred to be show dogs or champions of conformation events. When it comes to temperament and behavior, the American Boxers are said to be playful yet constrained, patient, and stoic towards family members — especially with children. Also, they are said to be the most energetic Boxer among all types. If you have been searching about Boxers, you might have also heard about black Boxers although there are none in reality. Let me explain to you in this section the different coat colors and markings that Boxer dogs have. Fawn Boxer Dog Fawn coat color can exhibit a range of hues, including shades of yellow, tan, red, and mahogany. It is one of the two standard coat colors recognized by kennel clubs and possibly the most iconic. Too much white on the coat is considered a fault. The common markings for fawn Boxers are white flash and a black mask. The black mask refers to a black muzzle that can also be seen on German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Brindle Boxer Dog Brindle is not a color but a pattern. This is characterized by the presence of streaks of irregular and darker color against the light color background of the coat. For Boxers, the background is usually a color ranging from fawn to deep red. The appearance of the brindle coat will vary depending on the thickness and thinness of the color strips. Some may look like almost solid fawns while some may have more defined patterns in their body. Depending on the shade of the brindle, a Boxer dog may be called a light brindle, golden brindle, fawn brindle, red brindle, or mahogany brindle. The concentration of brindle patterns in Boxers can also be classified into three: tiger brindle, reverse brindle, and seal brindle. The streaks of irregular darker hair patterns are spread across a light background. On the other hand, reverse brindle dogs have strips of irregular lighter color against a darker color background. They differ from a seal brindle Boxer who sports a heavy concentration of dark streaks on their coat. However, for the record, there is no such thing as black Boxer dogs in reality. Purebred Boxer dogs do not carry the black color gene so it is impossible for them to have a black base. Boxers can only either be fawn to mahogany , brindle, or white. The black Boxer dogs that are advertised are brindle in nature. Remember the seal brindle that I mentioned earlier? When the streaks of the darker color patterns are too tight that they seal or shut the light background off, the coat appears to be solid black. In other words, the black coloration is nothing but an illusion. Worst, due to the hoaxes about white Boxers, they were even culled back then. Contrary to popular belief, white Boxers are not albino. Albinism occurs when a dog lacks pigmentation on its body. However, that is not the case for white Boxers. Similar to seal, the white coat for Boxers is produced due to an unusual patterning in the body. In short, they just have large white patches. White Boxers are either fawn or brindle with a large area covered with white markings. Boxers with this coat color typically do not have other markings in their body including a black mask. Those with patches of other colors in their body patches on the eyes, black mask, ears, back are called Check Boxers and are considered to be particolored. Boxers that have more than a third of white color in their coat or are all white are disqualified on conformation shows. The good news is that the AKC now recognizes the white coat color but is still considered to be non-standard. White Boxers are allowed to have limited AKC registration but are prohibited from being used on breeding. Knowing the type of Boxer you have would be easy if you bought from a reputable breeder. However, if circumstances do not allow the aforementioned ways, you can also try observing the unique characteristics of each type of Boxer. As discussed earlier, English or UK Boxers have long, slender legs which give them an elegant look. One of their defining characteristics is their high knuckles and small feet. If your dog sports this appearance, it is probably a UK Boxer. If your dog is large compared to other Boxers you see, there is a high tendency that it is a German Boxer. This type of Boxer is the biggest among the three. It has a dense bone and a larger and more masculine frame compared to the UK and American Boxer. Spotting if your Boxer is an American type would be easy. The defining trait of an American Boxer is its slick, smooth, shiny, tight coat. In terms of temperament, it would be hard to distinguish the three types of Boxers as they exhibit similar behaviors: confidence, patient, calm, and watchful. However, the German Boxer is said to be the calmest Boxer among the three. The American Boxer on the other hand is the most energetic type. If your Boxer sports extraordinary demeanor and composure unlike other Boxers, there is a great possibility that it is a German Boxer. Subsequently, if it acts like a bomb of energy, it is probably an American Boxer. Although all of the types of Boxers can join dog shows, some are more favored by specific kennel clubs. Conformation shows usually set guidelines following the standards provided by these organizations. Thus, Boxers that perfectly adhere to the standards are more favored than the others. If you want to join Boxer shows, the first thing you need to do is to identify the type of Boxer you own as well as the kennel club that sponsors the event. The prices of the three different types of Boxers have no significant differences. Boxer dogs with champion blood are more expensive than ordinary purebred Boxers. When it comes to coat color, the most expensive Boxer puppy would be the one with a seal brindle. As discussed earlier, a Boxer with this coat creates an illusion of a solid black color. Due to their rarity, Boxer dogs with seal brindle color are highly valued and priced. Places to Find Different Types of Boxer Dogs for Sale and Adoption In buying a Boxer dog, you should only transact with reputable breeders and avoid buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills. A professional Boxer breeder only aims to enhance and further the characteristics of the breed. Here are the places where you can find reputable and professional Boxer breeders. This online marketplace is regulated by the AKC itself so you have the assurance that all of the Boxer puppies sold are bred ethically and professionally. Most of the advertised Boxers in this marketplace came from the bloodlines of American Boxers. They have a acre facility dedicated to breeding German and UK Boxer dogs. This breeder is interested in breeding German Boxers that is why all of the dogs in their facility have German pedigrees. Unfortunately, a great number of Boxer dogs also end up in rescue centers. If you are eyeing to adopt one, here are the places where you can apply: American Boxer Club Rescue Directory — The parent organization of Boxer clubs in America has a complete list of the numerous Boxer rescue organizations across the country. There are dedicated shelters for each state and region of the US. Adopt-a-Pet — This is an online pet database that is dedicated to rehoming Boxer dogs. There are hundreds of Boxers posted on their sites every day that are available for adoption. It is affiliated with over 12, pet shelters across the US and Canada. All types of Boxer dogs English, German, and American are pretty common. In fact, kennel clubs do not consider these types as exactly legit. The terms American, UK, and German Boxer dogs are mostly used by breeders residing in a certain location. The boat only tips in terms of coat color. Contrary to popular belief that white is the rarest color for Boxers, seal brindle Boxers are the real gems. The tight patterns of a dark streak of hairs give an illusion of solid black coat color. Due to their rarity, they are also considered to be more expensive compared to other colors. What Is a European Boxer Dog? A European Boxer dog is another term used to refer to German Boxers. They are more masculine and have larger body frames. To be fair, all Boxer dogs are equally good. However, there are unique traits evident to each type of Boxer dog. The physique of a German Boxer dog is more robust than the other types, giving it an impression of a more reliable guardian. On the other hand, the unique features of American Boxer shiny tight coat and UK Boxer high knuckles and slender feet give them a more elegant look. If you are after a sport or a working dog, German Boxers would be preferable. On the other hand, if you would like to join conformation events, the American or UK Boxer will be your go-to. In addition, you should also consider your region as judges favor a certain type of Boxer depending on their origin. For the behavior and temperament, all three are lively yet calm, easily trained, and self-composed. However, breeders and owners testify that American Boxers are more energetic compared to the other types of Boxers. Your preference and lifestyle will be your criteria in choosing which Boxer matches you. Aside from their slight differences in size and appearance, they are all Boxer dogs that exhibit elegance and vigor. Their temperament and behavior will heavily depend on the environment they are raised in and the training they received. In terms of Boxer types according to coat colors, you should carefully weigh your options and refer to what the standard says. If you aspire to enter show events, you should not choose a Boxer puppy that is white or has white patches that cover more than a third of its body as such traits are considered faults. You should take note that a Boxer is not a dog for beginners. It is a breed that requires proper training and attention. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. There are some Boxers that appear to be black. However, a solid black coat is not indicative of the breed. So, how can this be? Read more about what markings and patterns can cause a black-like coat. Fawn- What exactly is the color fawn in regard to dogs? This sample is a typical fawn. However, as you will see, fawn is a range of hues. To the right below on mobile is a medium fawn is the standard hue when referring to this terminology. With nice white flash markings on the chest and with black on the muzzle, this Boxer meets color breed standard very well. Brindle - What is brindle? Brindle is not technically a color, it is a pattern. The base is fawn and there is striping. The stripes may be light or dark, and density of the striping can range from thin to thick. Some brindles will look almost fawn and some will appear so dark that they look black. This Boxer shows the standard brindle striping. With white on his chest, paws and ankles and black on the muzzle, this Boxer also meets breed standards perfectly. This is a red fawn Boxer. As you can see, this fawn is darker and deeper than that the common tan fawn; producing a slight shading of red. What a gorgeous coat. This Boxer is a dark brindle. As you can see, with dark brindle the black is over powering the fawn color. The black striping in this pattern is heavy; which would be called a reverse or even a seal. Which simply means that the dog is not officially a solid fawn; he is a mix of colors. Seal - The Boxer dog you see here on the left is Vesta; this color is often referred to as seal. This is a super tight brindle. Siennna, right, is a fawn. Photo courtesy of Nancy Dark Brindle Boxer. Turkish, at 7 years old, photo courtesy of Renata Boxer Dog Flash The white markings on this breed are called "flash". If a Boxer has a moderate amount, one often refers to this as semi-flashy. Those with prominent white on a good portion of the coat are called flashy. No Markings? Not all Boxers have white markings. These are known as plain Boxers, but the term is misleading, as it refers to the genes at work. Read more: Boxers without White Markings Brindle Explanation Brindle one of the colors of this breed is actually a pattern. Stripes running through the coat partial or full is brindling. These are often black hairs, but may be any color that is a darker shade than the hairs that run under it. Depending on the exact color of these brindling pattern stripes, one may refer to a Boxer using one of the following terms listed in order from a very light brindle to a heavy dark striping : Light super light. Full breed, Tri color - white, mahogany and black. Females, tails not docked, beautiful healthy stocky quality. Please message me or text if interested. We were dog sitting however the owner relocated to another state without notice or warning. He should acclimate to a new home without any issues. Will need shots. He is not neutered. No papers. He is very smart and learns quickly. Knows commands sit, shake, lay down. Potty trained. Good on his walks. Good with other animals. Up to date on all his vaccinations, heartworm negative. AkC registered. Have 5 months of heartworm flea meds to go with him. This is not easy for me to give him up. He is just more than I can handle. View Detail Boxer puppies 6 week old Boxer puppies 4 boys, 3 white, 1 brindle 3 girls, 2 white, 1 brindle Three of the white puppies have a blue left eye, and a brown right eye, they're very cute! They've had exams, and dewormer. Their tails have been bobbed, but their ears are natural. They're completely weaned, and eating dry kibble. Mom and dad are both full bread boxers, but no papers.

We'll dive into more details on each of these: 1 Illness or injury. As with any sort of strange behavior, health issues are always a top concern. Not feeling well almost always manifests as changes in mood. Any physical issues such as limping, favoring a certain part of the body, or inability to walk or run as usual point to some sort of injury or condition. What to do: When in doubt about any possible health issue, contact the vet. Eating changes or gastrointestinal issues are just a few reasons to contact the veterinarian and schedule a checkup. If you have a female Pug that has not been spayed and is therefore entering in and out of heat cycles , this can cause her to feel moody. Heat typically occurs twice per year. It can last 2 to 3 weeks. In addition, it is believed that some dogs feel abdominal cramping, which can lend to the bad mood. What to do: You can help by allowing your Pug to retreat if she wishes, being sure that she has a great bed to rest on, and if she appears to be in discomfort placing a warm heating pad next to her abdomen can help be sure that this is set on warm, not hot, and that your Pug cannot chew on any cords. Ky Ky, at 2 years old, photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 3 Loss of a companion If a Pug no longer sees a friend animal or human , this can have a huge impact on him. This is generally most severe if a person, dog, or other is no longer part of the household. But, a Pug can also feel quite down even if he does not see a regular visitor. If your Pug is feeling sad or down for this reason, it will be important to allow him to grieve the loss. If it was a household member that is gone, it will be normal for a Pug to roam the house looking for him, or to gaze out of a window waiting for that person to arrive. What to do: It can be hard to watch a Pug feel unhappy like this. While you will want to give him time to accept the loss, there are some things that you can do. It can help to engage your Pug in an activity that is new to him. This can be a walk in a new neighborhood, or a visit to a new place. Any sort of safe location in which he can see new things, hear new sounds, and smell new scents can help to perk him up. This can be a lake shore, hiking trail, pet store… any place that is novel. When you find a spot that your Pug seems to enjoy and that has let him shake off his bad mood for a while, try to make that a new ritual for both of you. Take him there as often as possible, but at least once a week at minimum. And of course, this is applicable to a negative change. Some examples include: Spending less time with his human A new household member human or pet A move to a new house Changes in the household vibe such as more noise, more visitors, etc. What to do: How you help your Pug come out of a funk will depend on what type of change triggered him to start to feel depressed. But, if the situation is already occurring, you can: Be sure to keep both pets separate in regard to where they eat, rest, and sleep. Even if you envisioned your Pug having a new best friend, that sort of bond cannot be forced. Until the two are ready, they should feel as if they have their own areas for food, and to rest both during the day and at night to sleep. If this is a matter of having two Pugs or two dogs, you may need to help them decide who the leader is. Hopefully, your Pug already sees you as the alpha. But with more than one pet, there is also an alpha dog, the leader of the animal pack. Normally it is the older dog; but, it is not always so and can also depend on gender. If the dogs are unclear about where they stand, you can help them by doing things for the alpha first. This applies to the order in which the food bowls are placed down, leashes are attached, dogs are let out, etc. Bowls in a certain corner of the kitchen, toys to the side of the sofa, etc. Dogs can feel wary until they understand that they are occupants and not just visitors, so it can take some time. Each day, walk your Pug from room to room. And when you take him outside, walk him around the perimeter of the yard. He may seem irritated or withdrawn. Any sort of commotions should be kept to a minimum. And if some of these sorts of things cannot be avoided, set up an area for your Pug to retreat to if he has the urge to get away from things. Now, this kind of odd behavior is just fine! Lilly 2 years old and Ky Ky 2 years old , photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 5 Boredom While a Pug may be perfectly happy to sit by you while you watch TV, and may seem just fine laying down while you do some household chores, ongoing monotony can really start to wear on a Pug. Some windows of down time are just fine. Days, weeks, or months on end can end up making a Pug rather depressed. Also, as a Pug matures, issues with boredom can increase. This is because as he ages, his comprehension of the world strengthens. What used to satisfy a puppy may not be enough for an adult Pug. He should have at least 2 walks per day, a session of some type of learning commands, a trick, heeling, etc. Pugs should have toys that encourage independent play. Some great ones to get are those that speak or make silly noises. The Animal Sounds Babble Ball is great too; this lets out 20 funny animals sounds, including frogs, goats, horses, and more. That is just one, the Multipet line of toys has a bunch of different animals, each is a good sized stuffed animal, sturdy, and lets us fun sounds. Are there any errands that you run without your Pug that you actually could take him with you for? Are you sure? As long as you have a safe car seat for your Pug , and keep him on leash and harness, let him to be your companion for shopping and running errands as much as possible. When a Pug Acts Restless The Pug breed can get a bad rep sometimes, being thought of as a touch lazy and inactive. But, Pug owners know that this breed actually has a pretty good energy level. With Pugs, there is usually a good balance of activity and rest. Mood changes that include agitation, restlessness, or irritation definitely point to some sort of problem. Reasons for acting restless include: Pent-up energy most common reason Health issue or injury possible We'll dive into each of these: 1 Pent-up energy The Pug is often underrated in this regard. But, Pugs can get very disturbed if they are not allowed to release their natural energy. This is very common in the winter , when weather keeps both owners and dogs inside more often, but can also happen just from not getting outside enough for his daily walks. Frank, photo courtesy of Nina Coley What to do: 1- If you do not take your Pug for two walks per day, now is the time to start. If cold weather is getting in your way, place a lined vest on your Pug like the Kuoser Waterproof Windproof British Style Plaid Dog Vest , be sure that his paws are protected from the cold and he has traction via a good paw wax, and dress warmly yourself. Of course, a concern with this breed is overheating; however, as long as your Pug appears to have the energy, you take a break every 15 minutes, and bring along water to for him to re-hydrate, you can often extend walks. Playing fetch or teaching commands are always good choices. If your Pug knows all of the basic commands, take it up a notch by teaching him some tricks. Any of these sorts of odd behaviors may be red flags of a hip, bone, back, or other physical issue. However, if a Pug suddenly acts afraid for no apparent reason, this can be worrying. Whining and cowering down Reasons for acting afraid include: Actually being startled or scared Feeling uncomfortable, mostly due to temperature We'll dive into each of these: 1 The most common cause is the one you assumed; the Pug is afraid of something. The tricky part is trying to figure out what it is, if the reason is not clear. In some cases, this can be related to the incredible sense of hearing that canines possess. A puppy or dog may have heard an alarming noise that his human simply did not pick up on. This may be other dogs barking, police sirens, or other such noises. If so, the episode should be over quickly. In other instances, the cause can be a mystery. It can be random things… a dog may see his reflection in a mirror and get spooked studies show that canines cannot identify their own reflection , or even a former tumble down steps that now make a dog wary when he goes near them. What to do: How you act will have a big impact on how your Pug interprets things. Since you are his leader, he will look to you for cues on whether or not his behavior is valid. If you coddle him, swoop him up, and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. It is best to acknowledge that he has sensed something. And then, show him that all is well and re-direct his attention. Be sure that your body language conveys what you are saying. If you coddle him, swooping him up and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. Sometimes shivering, cuddling up close, and other such behaviors can be misinterpreted as a Pug being scared, when he is actually trembling and seeking warmth due to feeling chilled. Though this breed has a thick coat, this does not make him invincible to the cold. And being a small dog, cold intolerance is not uncommon. What to do: Check your house for drafts and air currents. In the winter, some spots that you do not normally access, but your Pug does, like the floor can have drafts. You may wish to place clothing on your Pug like a soft shirt or vest. Once he has another layer on his core body, he should feel more comfortable. Or use his eyes to follow unseen things across the wall? If so, you are not alone. Lots of dogs react to things that their humans cannot see or hear. The reason for this is due to incredible canine hearing. Dogs hear things that we cannot hear without special instruments. We only hear things in the frequency range of , Hz. But, your Pug hears things in the much larger range of , Hz. And, your Pug can hear noises from 4 times the distance that you can. So, if your puppy or dog is reacting to something that you can neither see or hear, changes are that he is behaving that way for good reason. What to do: Do the exact same thing as stated above in cases of a Pug acting afraid with no reason. Acknowledge that he is noticing something, and then re-direct his attention. This is a pretty even-keeled breed, so any sort of strange, weird, or odd behavior usually has a root cause that should be assessed. Other Articles: Pug Dog Tails - An interesting look at the unique features of this breed's tail and several tail-related issues that can happen. Fun Things to Do with a Pug - 10 super-fun things to do with your Pug that both of you will enjoy. Includes idea for both indoors and outdoors. Pug Dog Paws - Do you pay attention to your Pug's paws? If not, you should. Read about common paw issues and what you can do to prevent them and keep the paws in great shape. Pug Dog Care Tips - A great round-up of top tips and advice to take good care of your Pug puppy or adult dog. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pug biting Stubborn Temperament The great thing is that not every Pug owner is going to struggle with these issues. From my personal experience of owning one, Mindy had a great personality. Yes, she had some issues, but not a ton of issues that made me regret the decision of getting a Pug. Pugs are sociable dogs that love human companionship. Mindy was overly dependent and wherever I was, she was right there at my feet. There were a couple of times when I almost tripped over her because she was right under my feet. Whenever they whine, ignore their behavior and turn your back. You can also give them a treat when they stop whining and praise them. Eventually, they will realize that they get rewarded when they are not whining. The lack of a regular routine can lead to separation anxiety issues. This will help calm them down so they know what to expect. It takes time to get your dog to calm down, but with patience and love, you can eventually get your dog to calm down and understand your daily routines. Uncontrollable Barking Barking is a form of communication and also a way to alert you of danger. The great thing is that you can teach your dog to stop barking so much or not bark at all. After doing this several times, she stopped barking and developed a little dove cry when she wanted something. It was cute and it was nice to know that you could actually teach Pugs not to bark. Just remember, it takes patience and a lot of practice to get them to stop that excessive barking. Jumping on People Pugs love attention, at least ours did. When she was about 4 years old, she had a bad habit of jumping on people because she wanted them to pet her. Whenever someone came over, she would jump on them. We hated this behavior problem because we realized that not everyone likes dogs. We realized that dogs usually jump when they are excited or have too much energy. So, we started taking Mindy for long walks and made sure that she got plenty of exercise. This helped us get her to stop that unwanted behavior. Growling Issues A Pug is a has a docile temperament, but there are times when they may growl at you such as when they are eating or playing with their favorite toy. You may not think anything about it, but growling is a form of aggression, that needs to be dealt with. According to experts, growling is usually a form of communication. At times you may experience the growling issues if they are experiencing some type of pain. Unfortunately, Pugs have quite a bit of health issues and as they get older, they may experience aches and pains that can cause them to growl. Pug Dominance Issues Pugs are stubborn dogs and if you let them, they will try to become an alpha dog. You have to let them know that you are in control and they have to listen to what you want them to do. One thing we noticed about Mindy was she loved chewing the strings of our rugs and our hair when we laid down with her. A puppy chews to help them relieve the pain from incoming adult teeth. The best thing you can do is buy them chew toys that they can chew on to help them relieve the pain. Check out some of the best chew toys for Pugs that will help stop this destructive behavior. Older pets will chew if they are bored or dealing with separation anxiety issues. One of the best ways to get them to stop is to give them their favorite toy. If they are bored and have too much energy, put a harness on them and take them for a long walk. Pug Biting According to Canine Journal , over 4. They also have a tendency to bite if they are scared, feeling protective of if they are not feeling well. This is important to know if you have children and they are playing with the family pet. The dog can become excited and accidentally nip them while playing. If this happens, make sure that your dog understands this behavior is not acceptable. They are extremely adorable with those wrinkles. All puppies love to bite and let me tell you, it hurts! We also had to deal with issues of stubbornness with Mindy. This can make training them challenging. However, every pet owner needs to learn how to discipline their pet. No parent would let their kids run their household, you set rules that need to be followed. The same goes with your furbaby, you need to set the rules you want them to follow. Frequently Asked Questions Are Pugs territorial? However, every dog has its own unique personality. Some people have had to deal with aggressive territorial issues when they added a second Pug to their household or a dog that is the same sex. Dogs are fairly easy to train if you can stay persistent and train them properly. The most important thing is to make sure that you start training them and correct bad behavior as soon as you see it. You May Also Like. The little one bullies the middle one and is food aggressive with him. How do I change that. Watch your dogs interact — which one takes the best toy goes out the door first gets to eat first and takes the best sleeping place? The alpha dog achieves his or her rank by being smarter stronger or sometimes just more domineering than the rest. Some dogs are born leaders others fall into the alpha role because no one else wants the job. This can be a young dog entering his adolescent teenage stage or a subordinate pack member that senses the alpha dog is getting older weakening or losing his authority. The alpha makes and enforces the rules. Alpha dogs enforce their authority by the use of stern eye contact growling dominant body postures and if that fails biting and fighting. You are alpha in this pack. Most fights though occur in the presence of the owner and are a result of competition over attention food toys and of course pack status. You can help prevent these disagreements by recognizing the highest ranking dog in your pack and favoring it with your attention. This is the dog you should pet first feed first and let out the door first. Giving alpha privileges to a lower ranking dog even if it might be your personal favorite confuses the others and can lead to fighting.

Please learn a bit more about our Boxers on our "Meet Our Boxers" page where you can see pictures, video, and information about them. We are a homeschooling family; therefore we are home everyday and able to provide our puppies with lots of attention and family interaction. Our emphasis here at Box Elder Creek is on doing our very best to provide families and individuals with a quality puppy; one that is healthy, well socialized, has an outstanding well-rounded disposition and has the look of a true quality Boxer. We do not have puppies all the time, as we chose to only have a few litters per year; in doing so we are able to dedicate a lot of time, care, love, and attention to each and every one of our puppies. We know that we have a very limited amount of time before our puppies will be leaving us and joining their new families; we feel it is our responsibility to get our puppies off on a great start in life while they are here with us, this helps ensure they will be ready and able to become a valued and much loved member of their new family. Boxers make wonderful family pets, they are great with kids and have excellent temperaments, but they are not for everyone. They love to be a part of the family and enjoy any activity that involves interaction with people, be that hiking, jogging, agility, games that make them think, lounging, babysitting, learning try clicker training , patrol duty, stealing children's toys to get everyone to chase after them, they are prone to collect shoes into piles they seem to think this is an important job , re-arranging the laundry is a favorite past time Boxers are always very helpful!! Life with a Boxer is never dull!!! They are silly and very much a jokester. Please make sure a Boxer is for you before purchasing one as they will test your patience at times. If you are looking for a dog that is independent, a Boxer is not for you as their family is very important to them and they tend to want to follow you around all day long. Boxers adore their family and it is very important that they be apart of it. I also highly recommend before purchasing a Boxer that you make sure you will have the time for proper training, as lack of training is the 1 reason Boxers end up in Boxer Rescue. We are delighted to welcome you to our website and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you into our Boxer family! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Creative and Unique Bulldog Names For Your New Puppy Last Updated on April 20, Bulldogs are an adorably bashful dog breed characterized by their short legs, wide face, wrinkles, and broad shoulders. As a firm favorite amongst dog lovers, every Bulldog deserves a name that is just as unique as it is. But choosing the perfect name for your pup is often easier said than done. A Bulldog laying outside smiling What should I name my Bulldog? When choosing a name for your Bulldog, you want to pick something that matches the physical attributes and spirit of the breed. Names that start with S, T, and R are most comfortable for dogs to pick up on. Also, as dogs understand brief commands, names that are one or two syllables work best. You also want to avoid names that sound like or rhyme with common commands like sit or stay, which could confuse your pup. If you want the perfect name for your Bulldog puppy, try letting your dog choose. Another way to get your dog to choose his name is by scattering random cards with names around the room and let your dog decide which one he wants. Finally, you could also attach names to trees in your garden, and whichever one your dog pees on first determines his name! Famous Bulldog names A fun way to choose a name for your fido is to take inspiration from famous Bulldogs from TV shows, movies, books, or even history. Here are a few famous Bulldogs to get you going: Angus — the character from the movie Mr. This dog was played by four Bulldogs — three female and one male. Butch — a Bulldog that first appeared in the Pluto cartoon in the s Colossus — the loveable dog character in the movie Van Wilder Hector — the famous Bulldog in the Tweety and Sylvester comic Spike — the giant bulldog features in Tom and Jerry Max — the dog of the main character in the Jake and the Fatman TV series that ran from to Mr. Beefy — a talking Bulldog from the movie Little Nicky Curly — The name of the team mascot in the movie Leatherheads Several universities also have Bulldogs as their mascots. Love a particular celeb? By Emily Schroeder Emily Schroeder has been an animal-lover since…well, forever! She spent the early part of her career at Time Inc. And prior to landing her much-loved role as a staff writer for Daily Paws, she spent several years as a communications consultant. When Emily is not writing about our favorite four-legged friends, you can find her spending time with her husband and three adorable kiddos. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on April 16, The days of naming your dog Sparky, Rover, and Fido have given way to more imaginative times—and pup parents thinking outside of the box. Nowadays, dog owners are letting their creative juices flow, taking cues from categories like pop culture, what's trending, popular baby names—even the Royal Family. For the instantly recognizable bulldog, some of the best names embody qualities of their tough breed. Despite their rugged exterior, bulldogs are sweet and great with kids when socialized early, and their low energy level and generally calm demeanor makes them great for pet parents who live in apartments or condos. If you've recently become a proud bulldog parent congrats! And one that you won't mind shouting at the dog park. Scouring the web for ideas can be time consuming, so leave it to us to help. Below is a list of our favorite English, French, and American bulldog names—from cute and classy to wildly waggish, you're sure to find one that fits! Girl Bulldog Names Female bulldogs may have faces only a dog mom could love, but we still think they're beautiful inside and out.

Now that you know some of the best German Shepherd breeders in New Jersey, you must be wondering how much you will need to pay for a good puppy from a reputable breeder. The price of the German Shepherd Puppy can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder, the location, lineage, and their purpose in life. If you are getting a dog from a high-end breeder with a prestigious line of German Shepherds, you will of course need to pay a much higher price. As this dog breed is extremely intelligent and useful in many disciplines of working life, they are not usually purchased as pets, so you will have to expect to pay a little bit more, as their price increases because of this. Also, the price of a puppy will significantly rise if the breeder has done all the health tests and has each certificate to prove this. These dogs are less likely to suffer from any health conditions later in life, and are therefore, much more expensive. On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a service or police dog, then you can expect to pay a lot. Even though they can be really pricey, these dogs are worth it, believe me — their intelligence, capabilities, great temperament, and companionship make up for the money invested. We have done this research and compiled all this important information in order to help you choose a perfect breeder that will provide you with the best possible puppy. We hate to see our readers regret their decision of getting a puppy, just because they ran into a breeder that does not care about his dogs and clients. A true lover of dogs will never let their pups end up with just anyone, but will make sure that the potential buyer actually loves owning dogs and has the appropriate conditions for raising such a dog. On the other hand, a reputable breeder will also make sure that all his puppy parents are in perfect health, so the future puppies will also be healthy and happy. These are just some of the things you need to be careful of when looking for a German Shepherd breeder. Once you have that little fur pup with you at home, I am sure that you will forget all the stress and time spent in the process of searching for the right one, and he or she will bring light and happiness into your life. Related Content:. This young pups name is ammo she is a3 month old Pure German Shepherd pup! She is in need of a nice loveing home with a lot of free space for her to run around in! She is up to date on all of her vet vaccines and she was dewormed 4 times. Ammo has never been around other dogs or cats she will bark when she meets new people but is not aggressive she is a3 month old pup so she will bite due to her teething! Text me anytime Monday- friday ill get back to you in a 24 hour time frame if i do not Ammo has been adopted : We are located in NJ! Buy Now Zuko the Corgi Zuko is a one year old male corgi purebred with papers. Full first year vaccination with one more vaccination paid already. Trained with some tricks with treats. Giving up bec I am working 16 hrs now with chronic patients and have no time. View Detail Adorable Cavapoo Check out! This adorable female Cavapoo Puppy that will melt your heart with its cuteness and sweet loving temperament! If you're looking for a best friend or the perfect Puppy to complete your family, we would love to hear from you! I'm up to date on shots, and dewormed to keep me in tip top health, She is trained to potty on wee pads. Still learning to walk on leash. Well behaved with children of all ages and other dogs. Puppy is expected to be pounds when mature as adult. She is great with kids and adults, very lovable and friendly. She is already potty trained to go outside. You will get paperwork of her family history up to five generations Certificate of Pedigree. Serious buyers only. We are so sad to have to sell our Otis but we have to care for my MIL in our home and this is the only way. We have 3 beds, a playpen and all his toys to give as well. I hate that I have to do this but since having my Xena we had a baby and I feel my Rottweiler temperament has changed. She is AKC registered has her papers. Xena is free to the right person but you have to fix her. I want her to go to a loving person. I will not give you my dog if…. You have children…. You live in a apartment or town house…. You must have a fence around your property…. You will have to come to my house to meet Xena in person…. My wife and I will have to see your place prior to you getting Xena fixed…. View Detail American bulldog puppy 3mth old American bulldog puppy needs a loving home, hopefully with a backyard so he can have space to play! Very playful, up to date with all his vaccines! Black and tan. Pure bred. Shots up to date. Sweet disposition. Need to rehome her due to allergies. Extremely sweet and loving. Knows some commands such as sit, give me paw, and stay. Needs continuous house training and attention. Very energetic, but will relax and take naps. We can no longer can care for her as we all are at work and school. I am also allergic to her. She is a Pure breed. I have all the paper work in a neat and organized binder, including her family tree. She is Microchipped and AKC certified. Willing to negotiate price. Up to date with all immunizations. Fully vaccinated. I have all paperwork. View Detail Chiweenie Puppy 15 week old puppy. Very sweet good with kids. Other Dogs and cats unknown. Has had first round of vaccines and deworming. View Detail 6 month old Chocolate Doberman - Champion Bloodlines Looking to rehome Netta who is unfortunately to active for our lifestyle. She is a great loving, affectionate, and high energy puppy. Basic obedience training and house broken. Originally purchased for 4, from Marbendale Breeder in GA. She comes from show and champion bloodlines and would be the perfect dog for a more active family. We have a lot going on with my family and caring for this cutie is impossible. .We just got him and taking a finical loss. Potty trained, knows how to sit, lay down, and give five. Loves to play, eat human food, and swim in the pool. Very energetic. View Detail Mariam Gad Six and a half months old purebred siberian husky. Named Cooper. Fully up to date with vaccinations. Loves to swim, go for walks, play in the snow, and play catch. Loves treats and human foods.

They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They make great family pets and are usually very easy to train. Puppies that are bought from a reputable breeder usually have a lower price tag. The price can vary depending on the reputation of the breeder and the location of the puppy. It is important to do your research before buying a French Bulldog puppy so you can ensure you are getting the best care possible for your investment. It is important to find a reputable breeder who will take good care of your French Bulldog and ensure they have the best life possible. Be sure to research the breed before purchasing a French Bulldog, as there are a lot of reputable breeders out there. Feed your French Bulldog a high-quality food to ensure they have the best life possible. French Bulldogs are a loving breed and will require daily exercise. Make sure to provide a safe and suitable environment for them to play in. Be careful of puppies that seem too good to be true or have a price that is too high. French Bulldogs are high in demand, so breeders must spend a lot to get them. French Bulldogs are a popular breed, so there are more people who are willing to pay for them. French Bulldogs are often considered a luxury breed, so they are more expensive than other breeds. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the best dog breeds, so they are in high demand. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so they are in high demand. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most affectionate dog breeds, so they are in high demand. This makes these French bulldogs rare and some breeders consider them to be the true lilac. This color is usually the most expensive due to their unique looks and the variety of rare coats they can have. They are small, but sturdy and have a lot of energy. They make great pets for people who have smaller homes or who are just not ready for a bigger dog. They are typically very loyal to their owners, and get along well with other animals. They are also very playful and have a lot of energy, which can be a bit of a nuisance if not supervised. However, French Bulldogs are considered one of the most affectionate and loving dog breeds. Is There a Mini French Bulldog When a French Bulldog is bred, the goal is to create a well-rounded dog that is strong, agile, and has a good temperament. Breeding a French Bulldog to a Miniature Frenchie will create a smaller dog that is still able to do all of the things that a regular French Bulldog can do. These dogs can be good for families with children that are smaller than the average French Bulldog, as they are usually less aggressive and will not require as much attention. They will also be less likely to damage furniture or other items in the home. When looking for a Miniature Frenchie, it is important to make sure that you are selecting a dog that is healthy and has been bred for the purpose of being a miniature dog. There are many dogs that are advertised as Miniature Frenchie dogs that are not actually miniature dogs. These dogs may have been bred to have a small size, but may not actually be a miniature dog. It is important to do your research before selecting a Miniature Frenchie dog, as there are many that are in need of homes. They are known for their high energy and playful personalities. While this breed may be easier to train and housebreak than male French Bulldogs, they are just as loving and affectionate. Female French Bulldogs are also known for their gentle nature and strong affectionate bonds with their owners. They are great family dogs and make great companions. Overall, the French Bulldog is a great breed for anyone looking for a loving and playful pet. They are known for their loving companionship and intelligence. They are also considered to be one of the most active breeds of dog. French Bulldogs are easy to train, and they will respond well to positive reinforcement. They are not ideal for those who are looking for a dog that will perform obedience tasks or compete in agility competitions, but some French Bulldogs have proven themselves to be capable of doing both. French Bulldogs are considered to be one of the most loving breeds of dog, and they are known to be very friendly and social. They are also relatively easy to care for, and they will not require a lot of exercise. French Bulldogs are a good choice for those who are looking for a loving and loyal companion. French Bulldogs can have any color except for black. French Bulldogs are considered rare because there is a limited gene pool of these dogs. French Bulldogs with any other color than black are very rare. French Bulldogs with black are the most rare. When they cry, they are usually feeling anxious or scared. This is why it is important for you to give them plenty of love and attention when they cry, so that they know they are loved and cared for. They come in a variety of colors and textures, but the rarest of all is the white French Bulldog. French Bulldogs with white fur are caused by a number of different genes, such as Albinism, Leucism, Brindle, and Merle. Regardless of their color, all French Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and friendly. They make great family pets and are excellent watchdogs. How Much Is a Blue Frenchie A blue Frenchie costs more than a standard Frenchie because they are bred for their looks, not their working abilities. Blue Frenchie puppies are not as common as other colors, so they can be more expensive. Some people think that blue Frenchie puppies are cute, and others think that they are more elegant than other colors. One variation is the blue Frenchie. Blue French Bulldogs are just like any other Frenchie, but they have a blue coat. They are small dogs, and they are excellent as house pets or apartment-dwellers because they are so small. They make great companions because they are so loving and friendly. A Warning for Pet Owners! They are known for their loving personalities, playful nature, and large size. French Bulldogs are usually 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. They have a lifespan of years. This is because they are a rare breed, and so the demand for them is high. Additionally, French Bulldogs are quite cute. Are Frenchies High Maintenance French bulldogs are high maintenance and are likely to cost more in vet visits than other dog breeds. French bulldogs often incur spinal disorders, heart defects, joint disease and eye problems. To keep a French bulldog healthy and happy, owners must frequently take them to the veterinarian for checkups and preventive care. Additionally, French bulldogs need a lot of exercise and may require a large yard to run in. Because of their high maintenance requirements, French bulldogs may not be the best choice for people who have trouble with taking care of large, active animals. Many French Bulldogs do not bark excessively, making them excellent apartment dogs. However, it is important to always supervise young children and dogs when they are together. French Bulldogs are companion dogs and thrive when they have human contact. You must set a schedule and stick to it. If you are not consistent, your puppy will be harder to train. In a nutshell A French Bulldog in Australia is an expensive pet. Post Views: .Families with older children What to feed a French Bulldog? The reason for this is diet plays a significant part in the health of Bulldogs, and a good diet should prevent many of the health conditions they can suffer from. French Bulldogs sometimes have problems absorbing nutrients from food, which can lead to a special sometimes costly diet or supplements. Firstly, I highly recommend avoiding any dry dog food containing wheat or cereals especially those with by-products of those grains. All Bulldogs tend to be affected more by bad diet, medications, and antibiotics than other breeds. Related: Recommended dog foods. This gets me to my next point. Supplements are well worth considering for this breed, especially when your budget prevents you buying an expensive premium dog food. Probiotics are a great idea as these will help your Bulldog digest their food far more effectively. Read the full guide on probiotics which will fill you in completely and give you recommendations. Health Concerns French Bulldogs are prone to a number of health conditions. This disorder is caused by one or more anatomical misformations including small nostrils, narrow trachea, everted laryngeal saccules air sacs , and an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the airway. This disorder often gets worse during hot weather and makes Frenchies much more susceptible to heat stroke. Reproductive Problems Reproductive problems are more common than not in this breed. Breeding after five years of age is severely discouraged. Genetic Spinal Deformities Frenchies are prone to genetic spinal deformities such as hemivertebrae, a painful condition where the spinal cord is constricted by misformed vertebrae. Surgery to correct these deformities is expensive, forcing some owners to euthanise. Untreated hemivertebrae can result in paralysis, incontinence, and excruciating pain for the canine. Pulmonic Stenosis Pulmonic Stenosis or narrowing of the pulmonary artery is somewhat common with this breed and can lead to fatigue or collapse during vigorous exercise or in severe cases Congestive Heart Failure. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is common in active Frenchies and can cause limping, pain, and immobility of the back legs. This disorder can be corrected with periacetabular osteotomy surgery or made more manageable with medication Retinal Dysplasia Retinal Dysplasia is a hereditary condition characterised by the malformation of the retina. This disorder causes vision impairment, though it is not progressive or life-threatening. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism also known as under-active thyroid usually presents itself in affected dogs around four years of age. This is usually not life-threatening but it can cause hair loss, weight gain, dull coats, and may require medication. Atopic Dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis also known as eczema is prevalent in this breed. Using hypoallergenic shampoos and bathing less frequently can help control the symptoms. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is extremely common with this breed, because of this French Bulldogs should never be left outside for extended periods during hot or humid weather. The steep prices are due to reproductive difficulties in the breed, causing most breeders to resort to artificial insemination. Natural birth is extremely dangerous for Frenchies, so C-sections are required, which makes breeding quite costly. Furthermore, there is a very small window of opportunity for the females, since it is unsafe for them to give birth after five years of age. This balm uses natural botanicals including organic grapeseed oil, hemp-seed oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E to ease the pain and moisturise affected areas. Often French Bulldogs will develop tear stains; a gentle sodium hydroxide-based stain remover product will work to diminish discoloration, while not agitating the skin. We like the Petpost Tear-Stain Remover products, just make sure you rinse any remaining product with water after cleansing. Frenchies require shampoos with a super-gentle formula to so as to not trigger skin issues, Earthbath Ultra Mild Puppy Shampoo is a top pick for breeders plus it smells like cherries! What do owners have to say about their Frenchie? These groups are also great for finding a reputable breeder highly recommended. If you have a Frenchie yourself, please tell us all about him in the comments section below! This breed can be pricey. Do not look for the cheapest Frenchie to buy. It will more than likely be poorly bred with the many issues listed above. Also, you cannot go cheap on their dog food. She grows tired super quick when out and about, sadly. Tegan loves coming across other dogs, but other dogs look at her sideways since she makes some weird dog noises. Those thinking of buying or adopting a Frenchie should make sure they can accommodate their physical limitations and are prepared to deal with the health risks associated with this breed. Be prepared to feed a good diet which is meat-based and avoid cheap grain-based kibbles. If you do take home a Frenchie, then make sure you stock up on designer mugs, sweaters, and everything you can think of with a Bulldog on it! Calling Aussie pet lovers — join the mailing list! Leave this field empty if you're human: Or join me on:. Research shows that dog owners are more active, have lower blood pressure, experience lower levels of stress and have a greater sense of emotional well being. But owners of our French Bulldogs already know that! Having the best bred dog is something that you and your family deserve. All our special little puppies are microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and have a copy of their breeding papers prepared before they leave us for their new homes. We also include a puppy pack to help you provide a good start for your new family member. Who we are? We are a small in-home registered breeder dedicated to breeding high quality and exotic coloured French Bulldogs. We strive to ensure our dogs are healthy and with good structure, taking great care with our bloodlines and breeding program. We are very proud to be the home of the first Isabella French Bulldogs born in Australia. All our puppies are raised amongst our own family members, and are well socialized with both children and other pets. This helps our puppies transition more easily into their new homes. Socialising you new puppy to vital to helping create a well-adjusted adult dog who can go anywhere, is relaxed with other people and is generally fun to be with. Our set of services in the industry We are not a puppy farm! When you come to our home to visit your potential new puppy, you will also get to see how we live with our beautiful Frenchies. They were sired with imported semen from America. The Testable Chocolate gene has only recently been introduced into French Bulldog lines in Australia and we are thrilled to be the first successful breeder! Why choose us One of the reasons we love our French Buldogs so much is their even-tempered and playful nature. Frenchies are also real charmers and smarmers who just love attention, making them ideal for life with singles, couple or families. As a responsible dog breeder we really encourage all our prospective owners to visit us in our home and meet our puppies and their parents. Ask us about this is you feel a mature French bull dog may be more suitable for your home than a playful puppy. For more information contact us on .The French Bulldog is a cross between the bulldog ancestors from England and the local ratters in France. Behaviour-wise, this dog is adaptable, playful and smart. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Lovely Frenchies ready for a new home, super lively, fun and energetic. All six puppies are adored. They are all vet-check, microchipped and wormed. Now just ready to join a family. Have been toilet trained on astro puppy pee mats and are doing great with it. Our babies are raised in our home as part of our family. Each puppy comes with; Registered papers - are from 5 panel DNA clear families - a puppy pack - are Vaccinated - microchipped - wormed - health checked. These puppies are a beautiful representation of the breed and won't be seen at these prices again. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about these little wonders. Registration number .He has an absolutely beautiful nature, loves people, very devoted. She is so sweet , loves everyone, especially kids. The puppies are raised in a loving family home. They have their own lounge room and access outside to the garden and massive yard. They have had structured play time with the children which they love. Toilet training is going well. Puppies available this weekend or can be viewed prior. Will be have their first vaccination and are wormed regularly. Melissa French bulldog puppies for sale Born 18th August .Two boys and two girls. Taking deposits NOW. We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of our highly anticipated litter of French bulldog puppies, to be born to a magnificent blue Merle father and an enchanting blue dam. Both parents exude elegance and grace with their athletic build, turning heads wherever they go. The father's striking blue Merle coat is adorned with mesmerizing patterns, while the mother's luxurious blue color is simply captivating. Beyond their captivating appearances, both parents possess exceptional temperaments, exhibiting intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their human companions. They have been lovingly raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring that they pass on their wonderful traits to their offspring. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to maintaining the utmost care for the health and well-being of our dogs. Both the father and mother have undergone thorough health screenings, with no history of health issues. As a result, we are confident that their offspring will inherit their robust health and vitality. For those truly seeking a lifelong companion of exceptional quality, we warmly invite you to view both parents in person. Witnessing their captivating personalities and impeccable manners will leave no doubt that their progeny will be nothing short of extraordinary. These highly coveted puppies are sure to attract a lot of attention, and thus we respectfully request only serious and committed individuals or families to inquire. The puppies are expected to be ready to go to their loving homes around mid October , so the journey of unconditional love and joy can begin. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information or to arrange a viewing. We eagerly await the opportunity to introduce you to these precious little ones and ensure they find the most loving and responsible forever homes. The puppies have - [ ] Worming schedules completed to current age. Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies have been hand reared and love cuddles and attention. They will be microchipped, vaccinated and wormed regularly before leaving. Parents are healthy, clear of hereditary disease and have good breathing. Parents are fed a high quality diet including raw food. Each puppy will go to their new home with a puppy pack and registration papers from the ANKC. They are raised on premium nutrition and kept in optimal health. Puppies come with comprehensive health contract, LIFETIME breeder support and impressive puppy pack including food, treats, toys, owner gifts, supplies and so much more. Puppies are hand raised in a kennel free, indoor family friendly environment with THE most care. All our animals are owned by our own family and they are family pets and loved ones first and foremost. We can provide real customer feedback of our healthy animals and impeccable service. We are registered breeders and provide pure breed registration papers with our pooches from Master Dog Breeders and Associates. Our member number is .We start toilet training and placing babies on strict routines as soon as possible to ensure take home is simple and dogs are top quality. We also spread breed education, responsible breeding practices awareness and support local shelters and animal fundraising. Please enquire about mains options. Prices are as a pet only. They are very friendly and playful. Bred in our home in a family environment. Our puppies come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed fortnightly and pedigree registered with MDBA. We will also send our puppies to their new homes with a comprehensive puppy pack with all the essentials to get you started. We are looking for a family to love her as much as we do. She is currently the only dog and I have 2 primary aged children who she is great with. We have had her since a puppy and she is very easy going. She is used to being home alone while we are at work and school during the week and mixes with other dogs well once a week at doggy day care. She is toilet trained. Microchipped and registered Pure bred with papers from a registered breeder Healthy and Happy with no health issues. Born 13th September Nicole Maddison is a sweet and beautiful 2 year old frenchie. We find her very affectionate and loyal. She is toilet trained, desexed, walks well and up to date on all shots and treatments. Justin Sadly due to my partners allergies to dogs we cannot have her anymore. She is roughly 2 years old. She is in good condition and has been well taken care of. Anne French Bulldog French Bulldog, male ,Blue pied, DOB Geoffery is a very well bred boy with a loving nature, His genetic testing shows he has no health concerns, I would like him to placed into a loving home with a single or older couple. They are vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. They're full of quirky and playful energy. The litter includes 4 pure bred Females and 1 pure bred Male. They are fully microchipped and vaccinated If you wants the pups DNA papers that will be at an extra cost But if your just happy seeing mum an dad DNA papers we have that already Pm me for price an can be negotiated Ruby girl Dialga girl Zippy boy Bluey girl this one has the blue eyes Spotty Evan French bulldog Selling my frenchie as I'm now doing night shift work and don't have the time for her that she needs she's good with kids and other dogs and cats pls msg me for more info she's 11 months old and toilet trained she's an inside dog Donna French Bulldogs Pedigree with Papers DNA and pedigree papers of parents available to see. All pups will come Wormed Vaccinated Microchipped Vet checked With a puppy pack containing puppy food and toy bedding and more. I am happy for Personal meetings to see mum and dad and puppies. I am MDBA registered SnuggleMeadows Exclusive puppies for sale Two adorable boys,with an unusual and rare color, are looking for a new loving home! Boys from purebred parents with excellent DNA. No breathing problems and excellent health. Grown with love and care. Wormed treated - 2, 4, 6 weeks. Please message for Main papers welcome for extra. Alla This is George. Selling due to overseas relocation Greg Fluffy French Bulldog Puppy — Jumanji We have a beautiful frenchie named Jumanji looking for her forever loving home. He has been brought up in a loving home and socialized with our kids and now hes ready to join his new family for many cuddles and lots of kisses. Frenchies, as they're commonly known, are all eyes and ears with a large almost square head. The ear shape is unique in the dog world, and without the bat ear shape and set, you don't have a Frenchie. The other important breed characteristic is the short, undocked tail. French Bulldog temperament French Bulldogs are described as intelligent and courageous, however their wilful, stubborn nature can make them challenging to train. They require patience, repetition, and early socialization. They are playful and affectionate and their loyal, loving nature makes them a wonderful companion dog. They thrive on human companionship and are ideal for people that have time to devote to them. Their compact size and calm nature also makes them great indoor pets. Frenchies can easily live with other breeds provided the proper introductions are done. They are good watchdogs, apparently barking for good reason and not 'yappy' like some of the other smaller breeds. The breed is considered very reliable with, and protective of children. How much space and exercise does a French Bulldog need? Frenchies can live happily in a flat and have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require daily walks, even short ones of around 15 minutes, to keep their weight down. French Bulldogs can't swim because of their stocky physique so care must be taken near swimming areas. French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors and precautions must be taken when exercising during hot or humid weather as they are prone to heat stress. French Bulldogs and grooming needs The French bulldog has only a single short coat that does not shed excessively and only needs occasional brushing. Ears should be cleaned regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton ball around the edge of the canal. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly to prevent splitting and tearing. How much can you expect to pay for a French Bulldog from a reputable, registered breeder? According to the ANKC, these breeders tend to exploit the premise of 'Exotic' and 'Rare Colours' by disregarding the breed standard and falsifying colour. When colour is the main and at times only reason for producing a litter, health can and is at times compromised. Does a higher price mean a better quality puppy? Quality to an owner should relate to the health and soundness of the puppy, whether for a pet or a show dog and proof of health testing should always be provided. How well you can talk to and relate to the breeder, both before and after purchasing the puppy, is also of high importance. Potential health issues in French Bulldogs Reputable breeders will ensure that their dogs and puppies are free of issues that french bulldogs can face so be sure to ask for proof that testing has been done for the potential health problems listed below. It should be noted that NONE of these tests are compulsory, but ethical breeders will do whatever tests are available to them to ensure they are breeding healthy, quality animals. The condition is associated with their face shape long soft palate and narrowing of the nostrils , everted saccules and an underdeveloped trachea. Dogs suffering from BOAS should never be used for breeding. Good breeders aim to reduce these traits by selectively breeding for good palates and open nostrils. Breeding with fully tested specimens who exhibit both phenotypical what we see and genotypical genetic makeup healthy traits, helps to ensure that the offspring inherit desirable healthy traits - including good breathing. Hemivertebrae — The French Bulldog has an average of hemivertebrae. These are misshapen vertebrae that can occasionally cause severe instability of the spinal cord. Testing is recommended to reduce the incidence of this occurring. French Bulldogs can also suffer from Hip Dysplasia which can also be tested for to reduce the incidence of unstable hips. French Bulldogs can also suffer from luxating or slipping patellas dislocating kneecaps. This usually requires surgical intervention to give the dog relief. Again, dogs with this condition should not be bred from. Heart conditions - Cardiomyopathy, heart murmurs and pulmonic stenosis are some of the conditions that can occur. Unfortunately, heart conditions are on the rise within the French Bulldog due to irresponsible breeders - for more information see Heart Health, The French Bulldog Club of Qld for more information. Hereditary Cataracts Called "juvenile cataracts" to differentiate them from cataracts associated with old age or degeneration. Juvenile cataracts appear at an early age and because they are usually inherited, can be picked up with DNA testing. Cystinuria Type 3 is a genetic defect in the kidney tubules that causes bladder stones in male French Bulldogs. Neutering is curative in dogs that are affected, but both males and females can be carriers and should be tested. Cystinuria is thought to have arrived in Australia recently via dogs and semen imported from Europe. Increasing numbers of Australian breeders are testing for cystinuria. It should be noted that a specific test is required to detect type 3 Cystinuria - the French Bulldog version of the defect. Standard DNA testing is not sufficient. French Bulldog general facts The French Bulldog is a small to medium domestic dog, around 30cm high at its shoulders, weighing roughly 11 female —.French Bulldog colour variations The only correct colours for the breed Brindle, Fawn, Pied are illustrated in the images provided in the gallery. Fawn — with or without a black mask, ideally fawn should be clean and clear. Brindle — a mixture of black and fawn hairs creating brindle patterning striping. Pied Pattern — White base with either brindle or fawn patches. Ideally, the white base should be clean and clear of ticking or spotting. For Profit breeders are asking very high prices for so called "rare" colours like blue, lilac, black and tan. When colour is the main and at times only reason for producing a litter, health can be compromised. Breed clubs world-wide are united in their concern about the irresponsible and reckless exploitation of French Bulldogs, particularly by those breeders who aim to produce rare colours. If you choose to buy a French Bulldog puppy for colour - ensure that prior to purchase you have proof of the correct and complete health testing of parents and the puppy - including certified radiographs of the spines and hips and DNA testing for all hereditary conditions. Check our listings for Puppies for sale here and click on the links to our breeders below to go to their profile page. You can also click here to search for Registered French Bulldog Breeders by location.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Dog lovers from Montauk to Manhattan come to us for adoptions for Australian Labradoodles. So please, give us a call today for more information about adopting a Labradoodle! The number for our office is .When you call, we can provide you with all the necessary information regarding adoptions. So we treat them as such. They get the care and attention they so truly deserve. We afford them an upbringing to become an outstanding and loving dog. The Labradoodles we breed are treated as a member of our family and live in our home. We are Labradoodle breeders for the joy of these puppies and the eventual happiness they bring to their new families. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Committed Labradoodle Breeders Families are invited to come and visit with both the mommy Labradoodle and her puppies. This way you get a firsthand chance to see how special Australian Labradoodles are. We also want you to acclimate yourselves with them. All of our breeding dogs are tested by a veterinarian to ensure a healthy litter. These dogs are all hip, elbow, heart and eye certified by OFA. Our puppies are vaccinated at an age-appropriate time and receive their 8-week distemper. They are also dewormed and microchipped. And all puppies have a two-year health guarantee. Once they are between 8 and 9 weeks old we can send them to their new home. After six months, we recommend spaying or neutering the Labradoodle. This breed of dog is highly intelligent, loyal and friendly. All qualities of an excellent pet! We have been breeding puppies since and have become a trusted name for many prospective dog owners in the New York City area and beyond! For more information about adopting a Labradoodle, please contact us today. We gladly answer any questions you may have at the moment. The number to call to speak to our office is .When you call, we can answer any questions you have about the adoption process. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near East Rochester New York and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Prevalence: Common Pugs are members of the toy group despite their solid appearance. They range in height from 10 to 11 inches and in weight from 14 to 18 pounds six to eight kilograms. They are square dogs with substantial limbs. Pugs are the sturdiest dogs of the toy group, befitting their mastiff heritage. Pugs are known for their large, round heads, with the shortened muzzles and extensive forehead wrinkles. The vertical wrinkle on the forehead is said to resemble the Chinese character for "prince" and thus known as the "prince mark. The tail curls tightly over the hip. They have a short, but very dense double coat. Colors can range from apricot to fawn, silver and black. All but the black dogs have a dark mask and ears with a trace of darkening down the back. The ears feel like black velvet. Personality: Pugs are not the lively socialites that some of the toy breeds are. They are a bit more serious, with a dry sense of humor. The breed motto is "multum in parvo," meaning a lot in a little, with plenty of dog in a small package. Pugs can be stubborn but normally want to please. These are fairly laid-back dogs, not usually given to extensive barking, digging or chewing. Pugs tend to get along well with other dogs and are sturdy enough to get along with children. They enjoy company and can be quite affectionate. True to their grouping, they are good companion dogs. Living With: Pugs are extremely easy to keep and have a serious tendency to become obese unless their diet and exercise are watched carefully. With the short muzzle, they do not do well in hot, humid weather and must be observed carefully for heatstroke. Pugs do tend to snore, again a result of the short muzzle. The prominent eyes are easily injured and care must be taken to keep them moist. Pugs are fairly robust and often live to 14 or 15 years of age. Pugs do best with some daily exercise to help with their weight problems. Despite their heroic alarm years ago, they are not usually great watchdogs, preferring instead to greet newcomers with a wagging tail. Pugs should be socialized to keep that outgoing temperament, and they do well with other pets. Grooming is important, both for the shedding from the dense coat and to keep facial wrinkles clean. A quick daily grooming, even a swipe with a hound mitt, usually suffices for the coat and a gentle wiping with a wet cloth for the face. History: While the pug is often associated with Holland, the breed originated in China, probably bred down from one of the local mastiff-type dogs. The little dogs with the round heads and expressive facial wrinkles were then transported to Holland via trading ships of the Dutch East India Company. In , a pug sounded the alarm that saved Prince William from the approaching Spanish soldiers, and the breed forever after was tied to the royal House of Orange. Napoleon's wife had a pet pug, and the duke and duchess of Windsor had a pug as a royal companion. Victorian England took on pugs as the latest rage in canine fashion and many pugs can be spotted in paintings of that era. The word "pug" may come from the Latin "pugnus" for fist, possibly describing the round face and head. The name does not fit the breed's temperament, because these are not really guard dogs, but designed first and foremost as companion dogs. Related Pet Care Articles. They thrive on attention and can get pretty worked up and excited if fun things are happening. These are amiable little dogs who want to participate in your activities, too. Pugs with kids and babies are often a great combination since Pugs are fun and enjoy playtime. Finally, when it comes to a career, Pugs may have the best job in the world: being a companion to their loving family. They are average barkers not too quiet, not too much and make fairly good watchdogs. The biggest challenge to Pug care is probably their health needs, which are high. Grooming Guess what—Pugs shed! Black Pugs might shed a bit less than fawn-colored pups, but both shed year-round and not just in the fall and spring as with other breeds. Be sure to clean those wrinkles and skin folds every day with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations; this will help prevent irritation and infections. If you see redness or swelling or smell an odor your pup may have an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe medication to clear it up. A bath about every month is also a good idea. Be sure to dry those delicious folds completely! Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Get the how-to here. If nails are left too long on older dogs, it can make it painful to walk. And be sure to talk with your vet for advice regarding dental health and the use of dental chews. Have your vet professionally clean their teeth every year. Regular dental care will help prevent serious issues later in their life. Pugs are people pleasers, so they want to do a good job for you. You can do this in part by taking your dog to group training classes or becoming involved in a dog sport like agility, obedience or rally. Obesity leads to other health problems down the road. Consider feeding your pup a well-balanced, high-quality commercial diet formulated specifically for toy breeds. Those treat calories count! Finally, consider getting a doggy- Puggy? They are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs. Exercise All dogs need appropriate exercise, and your Pug is no exception. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed flat-faced with a short nose , some may have a compromised airway caused by the extreme facial characteristics in their nostrils, palate, larynx and trachea. Instead, aim for shorter exercise sessions, broken up throughout the day. Pugs have pretty low energy levels, and their exercise needs are also fairly low; they typically need less than an hour of exercise every day. While some Pugs do enjoy doggy sports like agility, a short walk or fun indoor playtime will be plenty. Ideal Environment Pugs are wonderfully adaptable to many types of home settings and will be happy wherever you live. No problem for Pugs. Small homes? Big homes with room to roam? You bet! Country homes with huge backyards? Your Pug will love that too, although they may not need a yard of that size to be happy. Pugs are usually open to meeting strangers, even though they may bark to let you know your guests are here. Pugs really do prefer the indoors. Back to Top Pug Health Toy dog breeds tend to have longer lifespans than large dog breeds, and the Pug is no exception. Pug life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years. However, there are a few health issues you should be aware of, so you can help your pet stay healthy throughout their life. Eye Issues: Since Pugs have such prominent eyes, they are more prone to eye issues. Treatment usually consists of medicated eye drops. Weight reduction, physical therapy and surgery are options for treatment. Patellar Luxation: This is the condition where the knee slides out of the joint. In milder cases, pain medication and weight management are treatment options. Surgery is often needed in more severe cases. Pug Dog Encephalitis: This is an inflammatory brain disease and is fatal. Within a matter of weeks, a dog will experience seizures, circling, blindness, then coma and death. At this time, there is no known treatment for the disease, nor are experts sure how they get it. Skin Issues: Keeping your Pug clean helps minimize skin issues. In particular, the skin folds require special attention to avoid irritation and infections. Ear Infections: Those floppy ears are cute, but they may harbor infections. Check their ears every day and gently wipe away any debris. Signs of infection include redness, swelling or a bad odor. Your vet can prescribe medicated ear solutions to get rid of an infection. Allergies: Pugs can be affected by skin allergies. These can be caused by something in the food they eat or their environment pollen, mold, etc. Thankfully, your vet can treat allergies with either dietary changes or medications, depending on the cause. Back to Top Pug History The history of the Pug dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents. But their not so humble origins began as the beloved companions of Chinese emperors , and they were highly prized and valued for centuries. Some Pugs even had their own guards! By around the s, Pugs began to travel abroad, and they arrived in Europe, where they became quite popular with royalty in Holland. Over in England, Queen Victoria was said to be especially fond of the breed; she shared her home with as many as 38 Pugs. They may be small dogs, but they pack a lot of personality into their small size! The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in , but the popularity of the Pug breed in America declined somewhat around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Pug enjoys steady popularity, currently ranking 28th of the most popular dog breeds in the US. You can also reach out to Pug rescue organizations to adopt a Pug or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. A bit goofy and rambunctious, pugs have also earned a reputation as a canine class clown. Pugs are ideal house dogs thanks to their stable temperament and loving disposition. Although you'll need a quality vacuum, as they shed profusely! Playful but not requiring lots of activity, pugs are content to do whatever their owner wants to do, whether that be watching a movie or going for a walk around the block. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups who remain very loyal to their owners. As a brachycephalic breed, that adorable smooshy face can also be the source of common health problems for pugs, which potential owners will want to understand before they choose to become pug parents. Pugs come in two standard colors with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. The fawn or tan coat color can range from a warm apricot to a cool and rarely seen silver. Their heads feature their signature short, flat, black muzzle covered with deep wrinkles. Their prominent eyes dominate their comical, wrinkly face and showcase a range of emotions, from surprise and happiness to curiosity. They sport moles on their cheeks, called "beauty spots" and a clearly defined "thumb mark" on their forehead. Their short coat is actually a double coat, and they shed like crazy, especially during the summer months. According to the AKC standard , the perfect pug tail has a double curl. Temperament A pug's favorite place to be is right by your side. Bred to be companions, they are completely content snuggling up on your lap and lounging the day away and aren't afraid to hop right into bed with you. But be forewarned: Pugs wheeze, snort, and snore so you may want to invest in some ear plugs. They will be quite unhappy—and will let you know it—if you don't shower them with affection or if you leave them alone for long periods of time. You shouldn't expect a pug to hunt, guard, or retrieve. A pug will have nothing to do with such activities. A funny little dog, pugs often find ways to create their own silly entertainment—but please for their sake pay attention to the show they are putting on—while maintaining a dignified manner when necessary. While they are a toy breed, pugs are a bit tougher than other similar-sized pups and are up for playtime. Avoid disappointment and make sure the kids know pugs aren't likely to play fetch or chase a soccer ball though. Pugs are pretty amenable to getting along with anyone, including other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pugs also make great companions for those living in apartments and older individuals because they don't require too much indoor space for activity. We're not necessarily saying pugs are lazy, but they are known to sleep up to 14 hours per day! They also don't bark much because breathing is a bit difficult for them. Their breathing challenges combined with their short legs make them poor swimmers, too. Although they'd likely benefit from a dip in the pool on hot summer days, as they don't tolerate heat—or the cold—well. So be diligent in helping manage their intake—limit their treats and don't feed them table scraps no matter how cute and pleading their stare may be—because their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly. You should also encourage exercise, although they don't need much in a day. They find creative ways to burn off energy on their own. Bathing about once monthly and regular brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove help manage significant pug shedding. And those sweet facial wrinkles need extra attention because they are a breeding ground for infection if they are damp and dirty. Dry your pug's wrinkles thoroughly after bathing and wipe them out in between baths—a dry cotton ball will do the trick. Pugs also need their nails trimmed regularly, as they don't naturally wear by spending lots of time outdoors. Regular teeth brushing is a must as pugs are susceptible to gum disease. Training can be a challenge, Nichols says. Remember their ultimate goal is simply to spend time with you. If those surgeries are not done, expect a lifelong loud snoring dog. These are symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , which can also cause saliva disorders, sleep issues, and difficulties with regurgitation. Pugs can face a fair amount of other health issues, including back problems, epilepsy, allergies, hemi-vertebrae or misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , patellar luxation,and nerve degeneration later in life. A variety of skin conditions may affect pugs, including yeast infections, staph infections, or demodectic mange. While their big, dark eyes are adorable, they are especially vulnerable. Pugs sometimes face corneal ulcers, proptosis , and dry eye, among other ailments. Skin conditions such as walking dandruff—caused by a small mite—need to be treated by your veterinarian. Pug parents also need to watch that their pugs maintain a healthy weight; obesity can exacerbate their breathing problems. A study released in comparing the health of pugs to other dogs found "many critical health-related welfare challenges to overcome for pugs. Conversely, according to the study, pugs had significantly reduced adjusted odds of having heart murmur or lipoma tumors. One affliction unique to pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis , afatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing. History Pugs are an ancient breed—perhaps the oldest dog breed, in fact—that originated in China. Going back some 2, years, flat-faced, or short-nosed toy dogs like the pug were popular with Chinese emperors and lived lavish lives because of it, the AKC says. They were only given to those outside the Far East as gifts. But in the s and early s, Dutch traders arrived in Europe with the breed and thanks to popularity with royal households they quickly gained popularity across Europe. Their long history reveals a number of different names for the breed including lo-sze Chinese , mopsi Finnish , doguillo Spanish , and mophonds Dutch , among others. The name pug is supposedly derived from the Latin word "pugnus"—which means "fist"—to reflect the fact that a pug's face looks like a clenched fist, the AKC writes. Pugs were also very popular during the Victorian era, featured on postcards, in paintings, and as figurines. For years they remained largely pets of the aristocracy. Queen Victoria had many pugs and bred them , and Marie Antoinette also had a pug named Mops. They were standardized as a breed in the early s. Upon taking over the Chinese Imperial Palace in , the English discovered several pugs and began breeding them back in England to improve the breed. It wasn't until after the Civil War that pugs came to the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Initially very popular, pug ownership and breeding waned until the s when the, the Pug Dog Club of America was created and recognized by the AKC. Fun Facts One legend says the pug became the mascot of Holland's royal House of Orange after a pug barked a warning to save the life of the Prince of Orange before an attack by Spanish troops, the AKC writes. Another legend holds that some pugs were prized in Chinese culture because their wrinkles resembled good luck symbols in the Chinese language. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Not surprisingly, pugs' cute mugs have graced the big screen. In recent years, many pugs have become insta-famous on Instagram as well. Doug the Pug is undeniably the most popular of the bunch. With more than 13 million social followers, the celebrity pup rubs noses with stars like Joe Jonas and Shakira. Pug owners and enthusiasts are just as quirky and loveable as the breed, often dressing up their pups and hosting get-togethers and pug parades.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Sometimes I look at photos of my dog when she was small enough to sit in the palm of my hand. When did she get so big?! Times like those make me wonder, too: how much bigger will she get? Exactly when is my puppy likely to reach her full size and stop growing? If these sound like questions you have asked yourself, then you are not alone as a pet parent. Puppies change so much in the first months of their lives, but then things slow down. As a result, their changing size can sometimes creep up and surprise you. Exactly how long it will take for your dog to reach their full size depends on their breed, and them as an individual. Read on as we look at when different types of dogs reach full size and signs that indicate whether your pup may still be growing or has finally stopped. Puppies can reach their full adult size anywhere between six and 24 months of age. Smaller dogs tend to reach their full size sooner, and live for longer, while larger dogs tend to take a bit longer to fully mature and have slightly shorter overall lifespans, but these rules do not hold true for all dogs. Below you will find a list of some of the most popular breeds and when you can expect them to reach full size. Labrador Retrievers One of the most popular breeds in the United States often used as working dogs, Labrador retrievers measure between .They tend to reach their full size at around 12 months of age. Golden retrievers are another dog popular as both family pets and working dogs. They measure between 20 and 24 inches and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. They will reach their full height at around 12 months. German Shepherds Popular as police dogs, affectionate family pets, and guard dogs, German shepherds measure between 22 and 26 inches and weigh 50 to 90 pounds. They are not considered fully grown until they are at least 18 months old. French Bulldogs These adorable compassion dogs usually stand about 12 inches tall and can weigh between 16 and 28 pounds they have a tendency to put on weight when overfed. Unusually for such a small dog, they need months to reach their full size. Bulldogs A little bigger than their French cousins, people love these dogs for their distinctive faces. They are usually 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh about 15 pounds. It takes them about 18 months to reach their full size, skin rolls and all. Poodles Among the most intelligent dogs, poodles are fantastic companions and are often used in mix-breed dogs because of their hypoallergenic coats. While toy and miniature poodles are common, standard poodles are inches tall and weigh 45 to 70 pounds. They do not reach their full size until two years of age. Beagles These little English hunters with their floppy ears measure 13 to 16 inches and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. They reach their full size at around 18 months. Rottweilers While rottweilers can have a bad reputation because of the ways that they have been used in the past, they are naturally intelligent and non-aggressive. They are big dogs, measuring inches and weighing 80 to pounds. They are slow maturing and will only stop growing somewhere between two and three years old. Daschunds Sausage dogs come in many shapes and sizes, but all have distinctive long bodies with short legs. The standard size is 14 to 19 inches and can weigh between 12 and 30 pounds. They grow up fast and will reach their full size at around eight months. Pembroke Welsh Corgis These little herders from Wales will measure between 10 and 12 inches and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Most will be pretty much their full size by one year of age, but they may have additional growth spurts until they are as old as three. Australian Shepherds These intelligent working dogs from California despite the name measure 18 to 23 inches and weigh between 35 and 70 pounds. They will reach their full size at around 16 months of age. Yorkshire Terriers Yorkshire terriers are one of the smallest dog breeds measuring just inches and weighing just pounds. They stick to the height-related growth rules and will stop growing when they are only months old. Great Danes Great Danes are great in terms of both their size and their personality. These German kings and queens grow to between 28 and 35 inches and weigh between and pounds. They will keep growing until at least 18 months, and will probably be full size before two years. Boxers Boxers are another German dog of medium to large size. They grow to between 21 and 24 inches tall and weigh pounds. They will reach their full height somewhere between 18 and 24 months old. Siberian Huskies These dogs were bred to pull sleds in cold places, but their cute wolf look makes them popular household pets. They grow to inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds. They will reach their full size at 15 months of age. Cavalier King James Spaniels These dogs can look a bit bigger than they are thanks to their flowing locks. They will reach between 12 and 13 inches tall and weigh pounds. They will reach their full size at around 18 months. Doberman Pinschers Regular Doberman pinschers are quite large dogs, measuring inches and weighing pounds. They will reach their full height at around one year old but will continue to fill out noticeably until around two years old. Shih Tzu This Asian toy dog breed from Tibet measures between 8 and 11 inches and weighs pounds. They will be their full adult size by the time they are about 10 months old. Pomeranians Fluffy Pomeranians are inches tall and weigh just pounds under all that hair. Most will reach their full size at six or seven months old. English Mastiffs English mastiffs are big dogs , measuring around inches and weighing up to pounds. They will only reach their full size at about three, but growth slows significantly around the one year mark. Chihuahuas Another of the toy breeds, Chihuahuas, hailing from Mexico, measure inches and weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. They will reach their full diminutive height by around 9 months of age. Basset Hounds The short legs of a basset hound mean that they only grow to about inches, but they can weigh as much as 75 pounds. Maltese These white balls of love and fur measure inches tall and weigh pounds under all that hair. They will reach their complete size at months old. Dalmations Dalmations are known for their distinctive spots, but they are also strong and intelligent dogs. They reach between 19 and 23 inches and have an athletic physique of pounds. Greyhounds There is more to these spindly littler racers than it seems. They grow to between 27 and 30 inches and weigh pounds. They will reach their full racing height at months old. Mixed breed dogs are likely to reach full size sometimes between the time period for their two purebred parent breeds. If your dog is not on the list, you can compare them with dogs of a similar size for a general guide. The best thing to look at as a guide is their paws. Look at the size of paws of similar dogs to help you determine whether they are the right proportions for your pup. If you are desperate to know how big your dog will be, you can also do a dog DNA test that can help you narrow down the possibilities. Factors That Influence The Size Of Your Dog While breed and genetic hereditary factors are the most important factors when it comes to the size of your dog, there are a few lifestyle factors that may result in your pup being bigger or smaller as well. Worm Infections If your puppy becomes infected by hookworms or roundworms as a puppy, this can stunt their growth. The worms steal calories and nutrition from your dog, which means that it is unable to grow the way that it should. Worm infestations are more common than many people imagine, as they are easily picked up in the environment. Poor coat quality, potbelly, and regular diarrhea are all signs that they may have worms. Other puppy diseases such as Parvo can also stunt their growth. Most dogs are vaccinated against Parvo, but it can be a problem when they have not yet been vaccinated. Prioritize food that is rich in protein and healthy fats, and keep carbohydrate intake under control to ensure they can reach their full size in top health. Spaying Or Neutering While many dog owners will tell you that spaying or neutering their dog seems to have stunted their growth, the evidence is anecdotal. In studies that have been run, it seems to have a negligible effect. It is often a good idea to delay spaying female dogs until they are fully grown, rather than at around six months, but this is to prevent related cancer risks as opposed to size considerations. Excessive Exercise Exercising your puppy too much can be detrimental to their growth. While it may not stunt their overall growth, it can cause different parts of their body to grow at different speeds. This can lead to malformations such as elbow and hip dysplasia. This is most common in larger dogs since the puppies have lots of energy to burn off, but as a general rule, until your dog is fully grown you should exercise them for five minutes per day for each month of their life. If your dog is six months old, then, they need just half an hour of exercise a day. If they are still growing at one year, they will need just 60 minutes, rather than the 90 minutes they will want when they are a full-grown dog. You can read more about the right way to exercise Labrador puppies here. FAQs Do dogs double in size from six months? No, at six months old most small dogs will be almost fully grown. Larger dogs, on the other hand, are likely to be about two-thirds of their adult weight at six months. Only very large breeds such as Rottweilers and Great Danes are likely to still be half their adult size at six months. Do the back legs of puppies grow faster? It is true that not every part of your dog will grow at the same pace, and it is not unusual for them to be a bit disproportional while they are growing. Puppies often have legs that are too long for their body. It can happen that their hind legs grow faster than their front legs, but this is not an overly common phenomenon. Do dogs have growth spurts? Rather, they have short rapid growth spurts that make it seem like they grew an inch overnight. They also tend to put on a bit of weight and then lean out as their body goes through its quick growth stage. Their appetite will also increase before a big growth period. If you are worried that your puppy is not growing at a normal rate, you should speak to your vet to see if there really is something wrong. Slower growth could be normal for them. If you want to give your dog the best chance to reach their full size, focus on good nutrition. The Verdict As your adorable puppy seems to just keep getting bigger each day, it is normal to ask yourself when exactly they will stop growing. How long it takes dogs to reach their full size depends significantly on their breed, so there is no single rule for all dogs. As a general guideline, vets will tell you that small dogs grow quickly and will reach their full size between six months and one year. Larger dogs grow more slowly and can take up to two years to fully grow, but there are many exceptions to the rule. It is best to research your breed and see what is normal for them. If you have a mixed breed, their age will sit somewhere between the ages of their two parent breeds. In terms of skeletal growth, paws are generally the thing that the rest of the body is catching up with, though they might still fill out. Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Young labs are the Energizer bunnies of canines. They have boundless energy and seem like puppies for a longer time than many other breeds. But they do eventually calm down. And how you can deal with his energy throughout his youth. Labrador Purpose and Types Labrador retrievers are friendly dogs who love everyone—human and canine alike. No doubt that they make great family companions. They have boundless energy and were bred to work. They were originally bred to help with hunting and fishing and were tireless workers even in the icy waters of Newfoundland, Canada. Labs currently are also used in hunting, to flush and retrieve game. So their origins and current abilities demonstrate that the breed is still energetic in line with its heritage. There is one recognized labrador breed. Even though there is no official distinction, lab aficionados recognize two types of labs : the American lab and the English lab. The American labrador is leaner and was bred to work whereas the English type has a stockier build and is bred for the conformation ring. Because of their breeding, the American type generally is more energetic. If bored, they can become destructive. So you wonder when your tireless, bouncing lab will calm down. Most dogs noticeably calm down between 18 and 24 months old. Generally, smaller dogs calm down at a younger age than larger breeds. Labrador retrievers are a slow-maturing breed. But they will start to show more self-control in the home around two years old. A healthy lab will still have bursts of energy then and even later in life and may do zoomies around your family room. And most labs will still have a lot of energy, exuberance, and enthusiasm until four or five years old. But your pup will have more innate impulse control than he previously had and he will noticeably have less excess energy. Based on our experience, our first black Lab, Stetson began to calm down at around 2 years old. Our current black Lab, Elsa is almost 3 years old and still a ball of energy! Stages of Development As is true with any breed, a lab passes through various stages of development as he reaches maturity. During the first six months, the lab is truly a puppy. He will become increasingly independent and ignore known commands. Between six and 18 months, your lab is an adolescent. He will be full of energy, boisterous, and exuberant and will keep learning new things and socializing with new people, animals, environments, and experiences. By 12 months old , your lab will reach his full adult height. And he will add muscle and fat to his frame and will fill out between 18 and 24 months old. Then he will appear as an adult, not a gangly adolescent. But appearances can be deceiving. Although he may look like an adult, he still needs to develop emotionally and mentally. So he may engage in many unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing and destroying items, jumping on people, and pulling on clothes. After all, they can be dangerous to your lab and others. If he inadvertently ingests something, a vet visit will be in order. And jumping around people can knock them down like bowling pins. But also challenging. These practices will help your lab calm down. Physical Exercise Make sure that your lab has enough daily exercise. This can be a few long walks and some retrieving. Or even using a flirt pole can help. Labs generally love water, so having them swim can be a great way to dispel excess energy. Most will be natural swimmers. Stetson really disliked water and many of the other guide dog pups refused to swim in the pool. Second, we are taught not to allow our guide dog pups to go swimming anytime they feel like it. They are only allowed in the pool if we give them the okay. Just a few thoughts. And doing other activities can help. These include hunting with your lab, field trials, tracking, dock diving, agility, obedience, rally, and flyball. Mental Exercise Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise in releasing excess energy from your lab. It also helps expand his mind. After all, labs are intelligent dogs who need a job and want to work alongside their people. Have him explore puzzle toys. There are many, ranging from easy to more difficult. I set up various puzzle toys for my dogs and, after exploring them, my pups are happily tired and ready for a nap. Obedience Training Training helps communicate with your lab and sets forth behavior rules that he should follow. Manners training also helps with impulse control and calmer behavior. They should be small, no larger than a pea. Always have your reward treats ready before giving your obedience cue. Using a special treat such as small pieces of cheese or boiled, deboned chicken can help a dog have a positive association with something. At a minimum, you should teach your lab to do the following on cue : pay attention, come when called, walk on a loose leash, sit, lie down, leave it, stay, give and drop items, and be quiet. And teaching tricks such as spin or wave can also help. Socialization Socializing your lab is important throughout his life. Labs are naturally inquisitive, outgoing dogs and love to meet new people and friendly dogs. So take your dog out to new places to have new experiences. I teach this after a dog has had some physical exercise such as a walk or session playing fetch. You always want to set your dog up to succeed. I often use my rescued Aussie mix Millie as an example of why impulse control exercises are so important. Teach a place command. Teaching your dog to go to a place, such as a bed, and to lie down and stay there can help him calm down. First decide where the bed will be located. Gradually increase your criteria for when he will get rewarded. After he will readily go stand onto the bed without the lure, praise and reward him for remaining there for longer periods of time. When he knows the commands sit, down, and stay, you can have him perform those behaviors on the bed. Teach sit, down, stay, and leave it. These obedience commands are essential for any impulse control program. After your lab knows these basic commands, you can start adding distractions so that he will be reliable in any setting. And you can then use them in everyday life. Have him sit before releasing him to eat his food and before exiting a door or crossing a street. And have him sit before other activities too such as putting on or removing his leash and harness. Have him leave the rabbit that he wants to reach while on his walks. Capture and reward calm behavior. So have treats ready around the house out of reach from your dog. The goal is to have him naturally perform desirable behaviors. You can play this same game with a flirt pole. Teach a polite greeting. Teaching a dog to greet people calmly is a great way to enforce impulse control. And labs are so naturally friendly, they may be too boisterous when naturally greeting people. First do the training sessions with people your dog knows. This exercise is great for labs, as they are usually so friendly and want to greet everyone face-to-face. You can start out with your dog safely tethered on a six-foot lead to a solid object while wearing a harness. You approach. If your dog begins to jump, turn around and walk away. After a few times, your pup should offer to sit. Instead, you want your dog to think what behavior we want and to repeat it. You can also do a separate training exercise where you are holding the leash as someone approaches and you tell your dog to sit. If your lab goes to jump, the person should turn and walk away. As the person approaches, cue your dog to sit. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Play a TV or white noise machine. Instead, be present to redirect him to a desirable behavior. Reward calm behavior. If you seem too excited, your lab will feed off that energy. And his excitedness will probably be off the charts. So try to keep a calm voice around him. If you wave your arms around or use a high-pitched tone, your lab will probably become so boisterous that it would be very hard for him to calm down. There are many holistic aids that can help a dog to calm down. A ThunderShirt correctly used can help alleviate stress and anxiety. And there are calming tabs and Rescue Remedy that can be ingested to help a dog be serene. Always check with your vet first before giving anything to your dog that he needs to consume. There are specific techniques described in the Tellington Touch that can help your pup relax. Even though you should see your lab become calmer over time, it will take two to four years for him to noticeably calm down. Instead, meet his exercise and training needs. He still acts like a puppy. Is this normal? Labs are a slow-maturing breed and, even though they may begin to appear as adults, they still are really puppies at heart. Your lab will become mentally mature between two and four years of age and will noticeably calm down then. In the meantime, make sure that you provide enough physical and mental exercise to meet his needs. And enjoy his puppy-ness! Why is my six-month-old lab so out of control? Will he calm down? So make sure that he has enough physical and mental exercise and train him. Do impulse control exercises with him. Eventually, over the next few years, he should become calmer. A lab rescue has a four-year old lab for adoption. Is this too old? Will he still be playful? A four-year-old lab can be a perfect companion. By that age, the puppy silliness and over-activity should be gone and he should be calm when needed. A healthy lab is playful and fun into old age. Final Thoughts Young labs are full of vim and vigor. They are constantly in motion and sometimes a blur of activity. Like any dog, they will naturally calm down over time. Between the ages of two and four, your lab should noticeably calm down. But still expect—and enjoy—his natural bursts of puppy-like energy. Do you have a lab? At what age did he calm down? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. As a Labrador owner myself, I know firsthand how energetic and excitable they can be, especially when they are young. I appreciated the detailed breakdown of the stages of development in a Labrador, as well as the different techniques and exercises that can be used to promote calm behavior. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, and for helping us be better pet owners to our furry friends! When are Labradors considered adults? Labradors are generally considered adults when they reach about 18 months of age, though not all Labradors have reached their full size or maturity level by this point. However, this age is hotly contested, and many other Labrador owners have differing opinions. Quick Navigation What makes a Labrador an adult? Determining when a Labrador actually becomes an adult is a surprisingly difficult process. The general consensus is that 18 months constitutes adulthood, but there are many people who disagree with this statement. Labradors reach sexual maturity around 6 months. They can also reach physical maturity before reaching the month mark. Who decided that 18 months is the age we would use to separate puppyhood from adulthood? Labradors just grow, and eventually, they become large enough and mature enough that we consider adults. Many people still consider year-olds to be nothing more than glorified kids. This lack of a legally defined age of adulthood makes it extremely difficult to assign a specific age that Labradors become adults. In my opinion, the best way to decide when your Labrador is an adult is to use your own judgment based on their behavior and growth. Differences between Labrador puppies and Labrador adults Puppies are way more inquisitive One of the biggest differences between young Labradors and adult Labradors is that adults have more or less figured out how their small, contained world works. They know which time food is generally laid out, they know which areas are acceptable for sitting, they know where to go or who to bother when they need to go to the bathroom. This can be a problem for your home, especially if your Labrador puppy is an avid chewer. Despite your best efforts, your puppy will inevitably bite, chew, and attempt to swallow everything in its path. It can be tough to deal with if you have expensive furniture or leave your shoes lying around though. Puppies are oblivious to danger The scariest thing about owning a puppy is how oblivious to dangerous situations they are. For example, adult Labradors are less likely to get themselves tangled up in your feet. They are also more mindful of stairwells and are less likely to fall down them and get hurt. While adult Labradors can still have accidents, they are much more likely to hold it in and wait until they get outside to go to the bathroom. Adult Labradors have grown accustomed to the surroundings of your home and therefore look forward to the wild and interesting adventure that is a walk outside. Puppies are more independent Human beings typically become more independent as the years go on. Labrador puppies go through a stage of life called the flight period. This typically occurs between months old, and is characterized by the following behaviors: The puppy runs away and hides when you call them The puppy stays just out of reach of your hand when you reach out to put a leash on them. The puppy attempts to break free of its leash and run away. If you can successfully train your dog to come to your side whenever you want, the stresses of the flight period will be much less severe. This quest for independence only increases when your dog enters the adolescent phase, which typically starts at around 8 months. It might be a good idea to move any fragile valuables to unreachable places, lest your dog knock them over as he flies around the building. Your dog will become defensive and aggressive toward strange men. Your dog will either become afraid of or aggressive toward other dogs. Your dog may stop listening to commands as it vies for the leadership spot in the pack. Just know that their bond with you might not be as strong as a dog who has spent their entire life living with you and learning to trust you. Do other dog breeds take this long to become adults? Labradors are considered a medium-sized dog, which is where the consensus of 18 months until adulthood comes from. Again, there is no hard and fast rule on when your dog is technically an adult. While there are certain milestones you can use to estimate their maturity level, the best way to figure out whether a dog is an adult or not is to examine their behavior and make your own judgment. When is a Labrador Fully Grown? When is a Labrador fully grown? I was playing with a beautiful black Lab Retriever puppy the other day. It was still quite puppy like in its behavior but was physically quite a big dog. So, when is a Labrador fully grown? Most Labradors reach full physical adult height by 12 months old. Some labs may stop growing at 6 months while others will still be filling out by the time they reach 2 years old. Physical Stage of Growth for a Labrador Retriever Labradors are medium to large dogs with a working background. The tallest male Labs reach almost two feet in height and can weigh as much as 80 pounds or more. Labs were traditionally bred to retrieve waterfowl, which plays a large part in how they look now. The skin between the toes is longer which helps them to swim. Labradors, cute as they are, do grow up to be sturdy dogs. But what about 12 month old Lab? Or an 18 month old? As a rule of thumb, puppies tend to grow very quickly. In fact, the most rapid period of growth will happen at around 4 — 6 months old. By 9 months old, Labrador Retrievers will usually be at their tallest but will continue to grow into their second year. Most of the growing they do in the second year will be related to weight distribution and filling out rather than getting much taller. Generally speaking, Labradors will continue to grow up until around 18 months old. Aside from practicality, there are other reasons you should be conscious of how much growing your dog has to do. Many trainers who teach activities such as agility will not work with dogs under 18 months old for this reason. As well as growing taller, Labs will continue to put on weight until around 18 months old. Their eyes stay closed for the first 14 days. During the third week of life, dogs usually start to begin lapping water. At around 12 weeks old, it would be wise to consider putting your Labrador on a training program and continue with socialization. This is the best period for dogs to learn key life skills, from this age up until around 5 months old. So, getting training in early is important to raise a well behaved dog. Dogs reach adolescence somewhere between 5 — 10 months old. Dogs who are in the adolescent stage will have more energy, a poor attention span, more likely to show signs of aggression, and will be less obedient. Why Dog Behavior Changes as They Grow Just like adolescent humans, adolescent dogs are going through many physical changes. There hormones are all over the place which affects their mood and behavior. We all know about the moody teenager. Well, the same is true for dogs. Also, as dogs grow up, the world around them changes. We, as owners, change the rules. For example, when you just got your little labrador home at 12 weeks old, it was pretty cute when she jumped up you. She has learned that every time she jumps up you, she gets a fuss and a cuddle. Now, instead of giving her a fuss and a cuddle, you push her down and tell her to get off. From her point of view, the same behavior is getting a difference response. This causes the dog to become frustrated which causes a change in behavior. Adolescence can be a very difficult time for a dog! Related Questions How big should my fully grown Labrador be? How much should my Labrador weigh? An male adult lab should weight between 65 and 80 pounds according to the AKC standard. A female should weight between 55 and 70 pounds. However, these are just standards set out by the AKC and are not necessarily indicators of whether or not your lab is healthy. How old are Labs when they stop growing? Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. When do Labradors calm down? If your Lab seems to be acting out, or is refusing to follow commands, you may need to reflect on their training. Sometimes you need to go back to the beginning to move forward. When Do Labradors Mature — Physical Maturity Large breeds like the Labrador Retriever will reach physical maturity somewhere between the ages of 11 and 18 months. This can vary based on genetics, sex, and more. Physical maturity can affect a lot of things, including, the type of food your dog eats. When are Labradors Fully Grown? This question will depend a little on the size of your Lab when fully grown. Even within one breed, adult sizes can vary a lot. Fully grown Labs can range from 55 to 80 pounds in weight, and from .Females are usually smaller than males. Your Lab will usually reach their full grown height and weight at some point between 11 and 18 months old. But, the exact time will depend on their adult size. When Should I Neuter my Lab? This is because, after being neutered, your dog lacks the hormones that would switch off his growth. Studies have shown that early neutering or spaying Labradors before 6 months old can increase their risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament tear. Speak to your vet to get the latest information on this topic. Neutering or spaying your dog can have a number of health benefits, including the obvious birth control. This study suggests that neutering a Lab before 6 months old can significantly increase their risk of joint problems. So, you may choose to wait until your Lab is physically mature before you neuter or spay them. Puppy food and adult dog food have very different balances of nutrients. Puppy food will contain higher levels of protein than adult dog food. But, this can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs will still be growing at this age, so should wait a little longer. The best person to advise you about this is your vet. They will be able to offer advice tailored to your specific Lab. Generally, Labradors will usually reach sexual maturity somewhere between 6 and 9 months old. Although, this stage could be later. This means it is very possible for your Lab to get pregnant whilst she is still a puppy. When Can my Labrador Breed? As Labradors can reach sexual maturity from as early as 6 months, some Labradors can technically mate from this young age. When your female Lab has her first heat, it is possible for her to get pregnant. Male Labs will usually start showing interest to females at around this age, so you should assume they can impregnate another dog from this age. Whether you have a male or female Lab, you should avoid breeding them at this age. Female dogs need to be both physically and sexually mature before they are bred. But, they also should not be too old. Ideally, somewhere between 2 and 4 years old is the right age for breeding your Labrador. If you are not looking to breed your Lab, you may wish to talk to your vet about spaying or neutering them after they reach sexual maturity. Just remember the affect this can have on their physical growth, and the risk of joint problems. When do Labradors Mature Mentally? The third type of maturity that will be of interest to Labrador owners is mental maturity. Labs have a reputation for being friendly, affectionate, and eager to please. Lab puppies, like any puppies, can be boisterous, destructive, and bitey. This can lead to stress, exhaustion, and hopelessness in puppy owners. The bad news is that this stage of maturity takes the longest to reach. In fact, some Labs can take up to two years to reach full mental maturity. Labrador puppies are known for their biting phase. But, this stage does pass as your Labrador puppy matures. Some of this biting is down to teething. Lab puppies will usually start teething from around 3 or 4 months old. This stage can last until around 7 months old, when your Lab will have their full set of adult teeth. But, not all biting is due to teething. Puppies will also bite during play. So, practice calm behavior and ignore any biting that does happen. These steps can help to shorten the bitey period. When do Labradors Calm Down? Along with biting, Labrador puppies can seem very boisterous and over-excited, particularly when they are playing with you. So when do Labradors mature and settle down? It can take up to 2 years for Labs to completely mature mentally. This means, boisterous and excitable play can last up to two years. But, there are things you can do whilst your puppy is growing to reduce this boisterous behavior. Make sure to reward your puppy when he or she is calm. This could be when they are entertaining themselves with a toy, or just when they are chilling around your house. This way, your puppy will learn that calm behavior earns them great things! And, they will be more likely to act this way in the future. There may still be times when your Lab seems boisterous, noisy, or over-excitable, even with this tactic. But, it will help calm your pup down before they reach their full mental maturity. In terms of friendliness, affection, intelligence, and loyalty, this breed is hard to beat. A non-aggressive nature, a playful and exuberant disposition, an eager-to-please attitude, and a love of people has endeared the Labrador to thousands of dedicated enthusiasts. What you may not be aware of is that while Labs are absolutely wonderful companions, it can take a while for them to reach that point. Actually, quite a while. When do Labradors mature? Labs will reach physical maturity by 18 months. Sexual maturity will occur between months 6 .Though some maturity will be noted before age 2, a Lab will usually take 2 to 4 years to reach full mental maturity, and by the age of 5, a Lab should be well mannered, calm, and a joy to own. No more puppy issues! No more chewing slippers! Not going to happen. Your Lab will go through several developmental phases, some more drawn out than others, before becoming fully mature. Still, maturity in Labs can be difficult to measure, because, in some ways, a part of them always seems to retain some endearing puppy characteristics. Physical Maturity Most Labs will be close to their final height by around the 9-month mark. By 12 months of age, a Lab has reached his full height. Until about 18 months, a Lab will continue to add muscle and fat to his frame and fill out quite a bit, leaving behind that gangly, adolescent look. Generally, English Labs have a stockier appearance, a broader head with a shorter muzzle, a thicker coat, and are slightly more laid-back than their American counterparts. American Labs have a finer bone structure, more slender appearance, and narrower, longer muzzles. Fun fact: English Labs are more commonly seen in the show ring while American Labs are used more extensively in field trials due to their athleticism and above-average enthusiasm, but both types are Labradors through and through. Sexual Maturity Anytime between the ages of 6 -9 months both male and female dogs become sexually mature, capable of producing a litter. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about having your Lab spayed or neutered. Large breeds like Labs take longer to mature physically, sexually, and mentally, but Labs, in particular, are famous for taking an extra-long time to finally grow up and calm down a little. Brace yourself, because the answer here may be far from what you were expecting. While defiance, limit testing, and destruction should be on a downward trend by the second year, a 2-year-old Lab is still very much a puppy and will have a ton of energy. Labs who are between 2 and 4 years of age usually have an unrivaled zest for life and are always ready for action. For this reason, a sturdy crate is highly recommended until your Lab is fully mature and trustworthy enough to be left on his own in the house. By the fifth year, most Labs will be well behaved, calm, obedient companions with lower energy levels and a true desire to please their owners. Destructive behavior will begin to subside, not everything will still be viewed as a game, less time will be spent roughhousing, and more time will be spent relaxing. Puppy and adolescent behaviors such as stealing shoes, testing the limits, and outright defiance will be gradually replaced by a more calm demeanor and trustworthy behavior. Will the Teething and Chewing Ever End? Take heart! Unfortunately, no. Labradors, by nature, are a mouthy, orally fixated breed. They were, after all, bred to retrieve for hours on end, using their mouths to carry back downed waterfowl and fish a long time ago to their masters. When playing outside, many Labs will constantly have something in their mouths such as a stick, pine cone, ball, anything will do really. Socks, shoes, remotes, table legs, the list goes on and on have you ever seen Marley and Me? Training your Lab what is acceptable and what is an absolute no-no is crucial. Related Posts:. They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 60cm, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 38kg for a large male to 25kg for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognised by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Labrador are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labradors reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labradors are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labrador s are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labradors may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognise today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled the Labrador to number one ranking in popularity in America. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles.