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They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Select to embrace if possible! We are convenient to nashville, tn and clarksville, tn We are experts in pedigree evaluation, best breeding practices, old color genetic and hereditary, care, nutrition, and training. They can be registered and come with health guarantees. French Bulldog Puppies. At Superbulls French Bulldogs, we continue to care about our Frenchies and their families long after they leave us. He got his name because of his shiny blue coat! Family Bulldog makes it easy to Bring a puppy Home! It's also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. We would always like to meet prospective puppy owners at our house and discuss all the aspects of owning a Finnish Spitz with you. Since that time we have learned how to show and raise Frenchies and enjoy every minute. Because our cats live in private homes, we know them well. We are very open to FaceTiming and take pride in good communication. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale is a thoroughbred canine variety, you might track down them in havens and salvages. We are dedicated to producing soundness, type and personality in our French Bulldogs. Adopt a rescue dog or bring home a dog through PetCurious. Since we have been connecting families with healthy, well socialized French Bulldog puppies. Financing Available Call .The puppies should have plenty of space to run and play, and the breeder should be able to provide you with a tour of their facility so that you can see for yourself. Royal French Bulldogs in Tennessee. I have 1 female and 5 male French Bulldogs for sale. French Bulldog puppies for sale. Were now on Facebook! French Bulldogs adopted on Rescue Me! As of we have one tiny female available. Family raised AKC French bulldog puppies. We have been raising French bulldogs for over 10yrs and absolutely love our fur-babies. Does great with all animals on ourCall .Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Jesus' disciples suggested the people head to surrounding villages to buy food, find shelter, etc. We have been raising French bulldogs for over 10yrs and absolutely love. All good with kids other animals non shedding. We pre-screen all our partners to make sure they uphold exceptional standards of care. The French Bulldogs for sale in Tennessee, like any other breed, need a combination of both mental and physical exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. Tennessee Frenchies, Limestone, Tennessee. Knoxville, TN. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale French Bulldogs have erect "bat ears" and a charming, playful disposition. Views sold or expired. Choosing a breeder who places healthcare and a robust breeding program above the price of pups is a decision you won't regret. Sundance French Bulldogs! Pied Frenchie puppies for sale. He is the only one listed because Im keeping his sisters! Tags: australian shepherd puppy puppies red merle blue merle red tri registered aussie. If interested call xxxxxxxxxx Located in Monteagle,TN. She is health tested clear and has a one year genetic health. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Find Rabbits French Bulldog. Search for french bulldog rescue dogs for adoption near Knoxville, Tennessee. Call us today to special order the French Bulldog puppy of your dreams! Blue Buddha Frenchies is dedicated to helping families find the perfect puppy and embodies a Zen approach to breeding and raising their french bulldogs. Jesus had a different, and better, idea. We have a female opening on English Bulldogs. We are a small show kennel located in the beautiful Wears Valley of Tennessee. French Bulldogs fit into many family homes because they are sweet, loving pets with an endearing personality. Location: Johnson City, TN. Tennessee French Bulldogs for sale are a wonderful choice for apartments or smaller homes. French bulldog puppies for sale. Royal French Bulldogs in Tennessee! We strive to raise our puppies to have great conformation and temperament. Our mission is to produce English Bulldog Puppies and French Bulldog Puppies that are true to their breed, correct conformation and excellent dispositions. Reserve your pup now. Beagle Puppies for Sale starting November 10, .Please call or email for more information. Over three generations, their puppies have been bred. His eyes are amazing! French Bulldog Age: 11 weeks 3 male. Search for french bulldog all dogs near Cookeville, Tennessee. Sweet,Charming "French Bulldog" Puppies tennessee, knoxville. He is up to date… more. About French Bulldogs. Devoted to finding responsible, loving and stable homes for Bulldogs who have become homeless. Puppies for Sale near Knoxville, Tennessee Your search returned the following puppies for sale. We are located in beautiful East Tennessee. Please note that Orvis Authorized Dealers are not able to process returns and exchanges for Orvis retail or website purchases. Beautiful breeding quality French Bulldog female. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. The Kennel name "Hallmark" epitomizes our philosophy. Petland Knoxville has French Bulldog puppies for sale! All of our puppies are home raised with children, cats. Joyful Noise French Bulldogs take great pride in the quality, health, and temperament of their puppies. Italian Bolognese puppies for sale males and females. Our puppie is very sweet, charming, and have anoutgoing gentle disposition. The smushy-faced Frenchie is beloved worldwide as small, non-sporting city dog. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. We have recently moved to Bolivar MO! AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Cuddly Mini Goldendoodles tennessee, knoxville. Other than being colleagues of French Bulldogs for Sale, they once filled in as phenomenal ratters, yet today their occupation centers around being awesome family companions and show canines. They have a acre mountain ranch in Nashville and Knoxville. We are currently accepting deposits to reserve our current litter. These lovable French Bulldogs have been family raised and have top notch temperaments! Stargate French Bulldogs has French Bulldog puppies of pet and show quality for sale. Shihtzu puppies for sale. Our emphasis is on health, temperament and structure. Every Nashville French Bulldog for sale has been ethically bred, with a priority placed on their health and welfare. Wears Valley lies in the majestic hills of thePlease update your records. We work together as a family and take pride in raising our English and French Bulldog puppies. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Knoxville. If you are looking for a beautiful, healthy pup, you've come to the right place! English Bulldog Puppy? We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since .Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious. They raise their puppies as members of the family and are well-socialized. For your convenience: Call Michelle to meet. A French Bulldog for sale Nashville will also get on great with other pets. Our Frenchies are bred from champion bloodlines and have only the best temperament. These cats are brought to Knoxville where they receive the necessary vet care. Find Wolf Hybrid puppies for sale and dogs for adoption. So whoever comes first gets this beautiful little fella! Our quality English Bulldog puppies are available from time to Up to date on vaccines and dewormer. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Tennessee. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Widely known as the British bulldog, English bulldog is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. Find Bulldog puppies for sale Near Tennessee For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! Browse these English Bulldog rescues and shelters below. English bulldog puppies ready for a lovely home. Full blooded blue ribbon olde english bulldoge in …. It's distinctive body shape and posture relative to size makes this purebred one of the most loved dogs throughout the world. Find Bulldogs and puppies from Tennessee breeders. Below are our newest added English Bulldogs available for adoption in Knoxville, Tennessee. Find a Bulldog puppy from reputable breeders near you in Knoxville, TN. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We enjoy the challenges and excitement of breeding this unique breed. Our bulldogs are our pets and each one holds a special spot in our family. Cute and lovely Bulldog pups from our exclusive lines. English bulldog puppies. We have healthy english bulldog puppies going out for adoption. Please call to contact us about our puppies or stud service. Our bulldogs. We strive to help reproduce healthy and happy bulldogs. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. English Bulldog Puppies in Tennessee. French Bulldogs for Sale in Knoxville. Find Bulldog puppies for sale. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN from trusted …. Find Bulldog Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Bulldog information. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. He is a 9 week old English bulldog. Our quality English Bulldog puppies are available from time to time, both rare and standard colors. She also seems to love the water! Blue is the smallest girl of the litter and has a fun feisty attitude she may be small but she is mighty! She is a blue tri colored merle bulldog an… more. Transportation to Knoxville, TN available. Bulldogs for Sale in Tennessee. American Bulldogs for Sale in Knoxville. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to. Dog s adoption fees are and includes spay neuter general deworming rabies DHPP. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to France, they have compact bodies, upright ears, and are the perfect partner for spending time at home. Stud service also available by AI only, inquire for the details. Adorable little guys ready to go -Born -. Puppies available Soon. English Bulldogge puppies for sale. Pups will be approx - lbs full grown. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 4. For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! Olde English Bulldogges in Tennessee. Puppies are 2 months old, approximately date on all vaccines, come with a state wellness certification and are potty trained. Discover more about our English Bulldog puppies for sale below! We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. All of our dogs are genetically health tested and puppies come with a one year health guarantee. Precious is an awesome year female bulldog mix. English Miniature Bulldog — Breeders select smaller and smaller English Bulldogs to cross; A purebred miniature version o the English Bulldog English Bulldog x Pug — Consistently miniature Bulldog; Hybrid or designer dog Short coat — Brush weekly Trim nails every 4 to 8 weeks Check ears multiple times weekly Brush teeth twice weekly. He loves to play and really likes to explore he is VERY loyal and follows me everywhere! We have made individual puppy folders for each pup with a photo more. English Bulldog Puppies - Petland Knoxville. Bulldog puppies for sale in Tennessee from trusted breeders. We have made individual puppy folders for each pup with a photo… more. We are family owned and are not a puppy mill. Bulldog puppies for sale in Knoxville, TN from trusted breeders. They have been raised in a home with so much love a. Monday - Saturday am - pm. She loves to ride shes an excellent riding partner. Check ears multiple times weekly. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at home. They have been raised in a home with so much love a… english bulldog puppy for sale .Puppies Ready for new families now! All of our dogs are AKC registered and have champion pedigreeds. He loves to play and really likes to cuddle and follows me everywhere! We have made individual puppy folders for each pup with a photo of ea… more. He is up to date on all shots and deworming. To see more adoptable English Bulldogs in Knoxville, Tennessee, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Our bulldogs health and well being comes first in any breeding or consideration of breeding. If interested in getting a well trained english bulldog puppy do send us a text message at text xxxxxxxxxx Seller. Bulldogs for Sale in Sevierville, TN. Registered puppy shots and wellness certificate-priced from and up. Smoky Mountains Bulldog Club. This litter has at least one dog. Pleasant View, Tennessee E-mail: Michelle sweetnlobulldogs. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Olde English Bulldogge puppies for sale. Find Bulldog puppies for saleNear Tennessee. We are bulldog breeders that focus on quality english bulldogs. Our bulldogs conform to the AKC Standard and are built like bullies should be. Not all bullies are created equal. If you want a short, stocky , wrinkly bully with a loving attitude, give us a call. You haven't played me in Poker, yet!!! Our puppies are showered with attention and care 24 hours a day. We are ethical breeders of some of the finest bulldogs in the world and are proud of the dogs we own and puppies we produce. We are a vet recommended breeder and will provide reference if you wish just ask. Each puppy passes a thorough health exam before leaving us. We strive to produce healthy puppies and are on a never ending mission to improve our blood lines and the breed as a whole. We literally have some of the best English Bulldogs in the world! All of our puppies are raised by us personally, in our home. Our duty, first and foremost, is to produce healthy, happy, physically sound bulldogs that make great family companions. We strive to produce excellent quality, healthy, wrinkly, correct body type bulldogs with loving charming attitudes and wonderful temperaments. We only breed champion lined adults and own beautiful studs of the highest quality, which are available for stud service to approved females. Understanding that most pet owners have no intentions of showing English Bulldogs, we still want to provide our clients with puppies of impeccable quality. We have put countless hours of into the study and research of the breed to produce the top quality dogs that you see on this site. We have dedicated our lives to improving our line, breeding high quality bulldogs, and producing amazing puppies that have brought and will continue to bring many years of happiness to their families. We hear all the time "we only want a pet, not a show dog". That may be true but you still want a bulldog that looks like a bulldog. So ,please don't make the mistake of buying a cheap bulldog from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. You will be brokenhearted and feel swindled. Bulldogs of this quality are not easily produced and the price reflects the quality of our puppies, so if you're going to spend your money, spend it wisely on a champion pedigreed puppy that will exceed your expectations. When it comes to quality bulldogs, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. View Our Available Puppies! They are also known as F1b pups-meaning a 2nd generation Beabull puppy. We usually have a few Unique Colored Beabull Puppies! In each litter of beabull pups, we are usually blessed with a few unique Lilac or Lilac Merle colored puppies in each litter. These puppies are unique and highly sought after. Our adult beabulls typically weigh between pounds once they are adults. They usually reach an average height of inches at the shoulders. The life expectancy of a beabull is normally years of age. Our second-generation beabulls are usually smaller in size than a purebred English Bulldog and have a lot of added benefits and genetic advantages over registered English bulldogs. They usually have a longer muzzle that allows them to breathe better than the snub nose of the bulldog. Giving your beabull regular baths will help keep their coats clean and shiny. So if you live near Knoxville Tennessee and are looking for a healthy and beautiful beabull puppy then check out are available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some beabull pups that have been adopted. If you are interested in the possibility of giving one of the animals a new lease on life, please contact us. The contact information is listed at the end of each biography. We will check two personal references and a vet reference. If you are approved for adoption, there is a trial period of about one week to make sure this is the animal for you and you are the person for the animal. Along with the trial period, a contract must be signed that basically states that if ever you cannot keep the animal that you must return the animal to Almost Home. Last but not least, a home check will be done. This does not mean that you have to adopt but that you are approved to do so if everything works out. Since we are foster based, this limits the amount of people coming to our homes. This big ball of bulldog love is ready to plow right into your couch and your heart. Meatball loves to flop around in the water and bask in the morning sun. Meatball is just an all around happy guy that is searching for his forever. A good balance between quiet couch potato-ing and long walks with a harness and some guidance or anything to splash around in is all you need to keep this Meatball happy! To fill out an application, go to www. If you can't get it to work, let us know and we will send it to you in a different format. The adoption fee does include the kittens being fixed and their rabies shot when they are old enough through one of our local vets. The adoption fee does include the puppies being fixed and their rabies shot when they are old enough through one of our local vets. Mature pet adoption fees are sometimes reduced. The adoption fee for pure bred dogs and cats will vary due to health and age of pet. This helps support our ill animals and our mutts that get left in the system longer.

The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Founded in by brothers John and Augustus Allen who came to buy and sell real estate here. When oil was discovered in the area exploded with growth both residentially and commercially. The Houston Shipping Channel opened in which further fostered growth in the area. NASA moved to Houstin in , bringing the space program here. In , the Astrodome opened, the first indoor domed sports stadium in the world. The distance from Houston to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Texas state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Actually, there are a variety of factors that influence dog prices, such as Houston Labrador Retriever breeder experience, pedigree, and even coat color. Luckily, there are so many breeders in our network that finding a dog is easy! Do American Labrador Retriever breeders Houston ship puppies out of state? Labrador breeders and businesses in the Uptown network have extensive experience shipping puppies around the United States, and your family can easily have your dog delivered to any major airport excluding Hawaii and Alaska. How do you screen Labrador Retriever Houston breeders? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places offering Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Houston? We built Uptown to bring together humane breeding operations with families looking for a fast, fun way to meet their dream puppy. What is a puppy mill? Why are some Labrador Retriever puppies in Houston so cheap? Puppy mills are inhumane, unethical breeders that mass produce puppies on an industrial scale. When you bring home a puppy mill dog, you can expect your new friend to get sick more often, have more severe behavioral problems, cost you thousands of dollars in extra vet bills.Are there any chocolate Labrador Retriever breeders Houston near me? With the Uptown network at your fingertips, your dream dog might be waiting just around the corner. What is the MatchMaker process? How do I know I can trust you? More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have been breeding and raising dual purpose Labradors by breeding Show Bench English style and American lines since .We strive to produce healthy, good-looking Labs which make loyal family pets or hunting companions. We strive to produce quality Labradors with great temperaments, training ability, and sound physical condition. It is our goal to enhance the Labrador retriever breed one litter at a time. We have a passion and dedication to the Labrador Retriever breed and strive to produce only the best puppies. Our girls and boys, who are all AKC registered, have been carefully selected for their health, temperament and beauty, and are the heart and soul of our business. We take great pride in the puppies we produce, and strive to make sure each one is happy and healthy. By the time our puppies are ready for their new homes, they will have had their dew claws removed, 4 series of wormings, vaccinations, and beginning socializations. Micro chipping is included in purchase price. Our Labs are part of our family. They are each given exercise and "play time" daily, which is imperative to Labrador health. The puppies are well socialized and are hand picked for companionship, retrieving or both, with close evaluation on a daily basis. Please remember, a pet of any kind is a lifelong commitment and must be discussed and agreed upon by all members of your household. Labrador Retrievers are an amazing breed of dog. They love your attention and will gladly return the favor. Labs are retrieving machines, be it fetching a ball with your children or retrieving fowl while you're hunting. We believe at Texas Pride Labradors, that the Labrador is the most versatile dog for families. They are content lying on the couch or being a running companion for daily work-outs. Labs are brilliant with children and never aggressive. Give the magnificent Labrador a place in your family and you will not be disappointed. Contact me if you have any questions and thanks for visiting my website.

Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. Subscribe to get news on litters! We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. We moved to Florida in .Throughout my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My Boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. Made in America. All of our puppies are proudly made in America. All the food and everything we use to raise up our puppies is made in America. All products in our kennels are made in America. God bless our troops. Proud to be American citizens. Jesus is Lord! He is featured on our MALE page. To have our boxers be everything they are meant to be we knew we must start with a good foundation. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. AKC Boxer Breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC Boxer puppy. Looking forward to working with you. Enjoy the journey! Files coming soon. A new look for: americanboxerpuppies. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Through my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the boxer. For their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. God bless our troop! Listons Boxers. AKC Boxer breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC boxer puppy. Our web site americanboxerpuppies. They have areas to exercise and play. We have top of the line breeding. Our boxers are related to one of the top boxers in the US. From our home to yours we strive to have you bring home a healthy and well balanced puppy. A Furever Friend Boxers are fun loving, playful and ready for a venture. They love to snuggle and great with children. Email Address. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. These prices are estimates only; each seller can charge whatever they like. The main factor that may affect the price of a boxer puppy is your location within the state which could either increase or decrease the cost. Other factors include breed popularity most popular breeds are generally listed at an average price , whether or not the dog has been AKC registered such registrations often come with a fee and if shipping is included in the price. There are several questions that should always be asked when deciding on whether or not someone is reliable enough to purchase from. Look out for these warning signs: The smell of ammonia or other foul odors this means the boxers were not kept clean Dirty cages, feeds or toys The presence of rats, mice or other pests. If at any point during your visit something seems off, trust your instincts and do not buy from the breeder. In some cases, it might even be helpful to contact your local SPCA or humane society as they may have handled situations involving this particular breeder. Meeting past customers will help you get a feel for whether or not you can trust the breeder and if they produce healthy, happy dogs. If their reviews are negative, be wary of buying from this person. Your breeder should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who is familiar with their practices and the conditions the boxers are kept in. If this is the case, how can you expect them to take care of your pup? Ask to See The Health Certificates for Your Boxer Puppy If any records exist, ask to see proof of all vaccinations, deworming and other procedures listed above; if none do, be wary. For this reason, you need to ask questions and obtain proof of any conditions your puppy may have. If the breeder does not provide this information easily, move on. This will prove that your Boxer Puppy is purebred and that the breeder is authorized to breed boxers. If these documents cannot be provided, take it as a warning sign. There are several simple things you can do in order to get yourself and your house ready. A playpen or kennel is perfect. When you go to pick up your boxer puppy, there are a few things that you should bring with you. Their new environment can seem overwhelming, so give them plenty of love and reassurance during this time. The younger they are when you start, the easier it will be Older Boxers can also be trained but it will take longer and be more difficult to do so. Keep this in mind before bringing your puppy home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. She is super friendly a mix of boxer and american pit bull. She is housebroken to a certain extent. Still needs pee pads. Sleeps thru the night no problem. Very alert and active. She already sits and stays to wait for food. Loves the water , swims in the ocean and retrieves tennis balls. They were born December 27th. We have 4 girls and 3 boys. We are charging a small rehoming fee and require a home tour in person or virtually to ensure good homes for these puppies. If you have any questions or are interested please message us Buy Now Boxer puppy Loving 11 week old boxer female. She grew up in a loving home full of chickens, a bunny and children. Will make an ideal family pet to people with kids or any family situation. Loves to run, cuddle and play outside. View Detail Boxer and border collie mix puppies Smart loving and energetic breed great for families View Detail Boxer puppies 5 weeks old, akc registered, docked tails, dewclaws removed, Tarpon Springs Fl. View Detail Full Boxer lovely Dog he just turned a year old, up to date on shots, not neutered, he just needs more space, a home with playful active family, with a yard, he is good with other dogs, good with kids, and other people. For more info-text me xxx-xxx-xxxx Ps. First i wish to let you know that we are given these puppies out because my wife just died. She was Located in Dallas TX and all of us are there now. .She was the owner of this cute little babies. Since she is now late , We can't keep the puppies here in such condition because each time we see them , we keep thinking of her. So we want to given them out to a lovely and caring home ,where they can be treated as such and keep us up dated on monthly progress. These puppies will be coming from Dallas TX. But if you would be able to come over for the pick up, we shall be very great full, but if you can't come , we can make arrangement for home delivery with the animals delivery service and they will get the puppy s delivered at your doorstep View Detail Brindle Boxer Bitch Puppy Akc Reg, Ready Now Brindle Boxer Bitch Puppy AKC Reg, Ready Now, Raised at our home, where mum is our family pet, so is used to children of all ages and a very busy home environment. Ready for a good home. .Text me your email address now via xxx -xxx-xxxx if interested for more info and pics. All of our puppies are AKC and come with a health guarantee. Your new puppy will have current shots and a current health certificate. We do give lifetime Breeder Support. Both parents are health tested as well. Our all the puppies have human interaction from the day they are born to the day they leave for their new homes. We raise our puppies indoor among our young kids and other pets. We start house breaking at 5 weeks of age. Both parents are health tested. We do not let the puppies go to their new homes until they are atleast 8 weeks old. Puppies are Available as house pets Only, unless discussed otherwise. The puppy would come with the AKC registration under new owner's name as well. We do require puppy inquiry form filled out before showing the puppies in person. Form available on xxx. If you have anymore questions please feel free to contact us on xxx xxx-xxxx. Please leave a Voicemail and we'll get back to you as soon as possible as new puppies keep us occupied. Thank you.View Detail One year old female One year old female boxer house trained really good with kids

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Learn More Now What People Say All of our volunteers have full time jobs, families and other commitments, but we continue to make room in our hearts and homes for unwanted and neglected bulldogs in need of rescue. They're a compassionate group of volunteers helping connect loving bulldogs with loving families. My bulldog's foster mom, Casey, helped select the perfect furbaby for me. In my experience, IBR puts a lot of care and concern into matching potential parents to their new family member. Long after the adoption, IBR continues offering post-adoption support for our family. Thanks to IBR, my family is now complete with the addition of a very handsome bulldog. Thank you, IBR! When the time was right, Jeff and I were given the honor to be rescued by Mr. Humphries and Maggie. One month later, I met him and agreed to our first date, persuaded by the fact that I'd get to hang out with a really cute bulldog even if the date flopped! I met Cleo on our second date at the park, and two years later, she was the star of our engagement photos. She's a major diva, and we wouldn't haven't any other way! As Mike often tells Cleo, "Pops has a type! We found the process was appropriately diligent and thorough -- being a bulldog parent isn't a cakewalk after all. The additional "gift with purchase" was the IBR community and following the antics of fellow adoptive families and following the antics of our girl's foster family this organization gets everything right in our book. Indiana Bulldog Rescue was amazing to work with. Thank you IBR for extending our family! Even after the adoption they were there helping me understand the breed! They were a great support system for me and my bulldog! Christa West Deserree Simonson They do amazing work to unite bulldogs with loving forever home. We were blessed to find our baby Fiona through IBR. IBR is the quintessential rescue organization. An experience with IBR is a reflection of love and hope. Susy Murphy Amanda Jacob Very easy to work with! Perfect way to get the bully breed you love and still supporting adoption? We have answers. What are some fun facts about French Bulldog puppies for sale near Fort Wayne? French Bulldogs are a unique breed known for their charming personalities and appearance. Fun facts about them include that they are the 12th most popular breed of dog in the United States and they are the only breed registered that was bred as a companion animal. Their distinctive 'frog-like' posture comes from the strong muscles they have in their hind legs, giving them some of the most powerful hindquarters of any breed. In addition, on average their life expectancy is years, but with proper care and diet they can live for up to 16 years. Are French Bulldog puppies for sale in Fort Wayne non-shedding? French Bulldogs are generally not indulged into extensive shedding but they may lose a few hairs in some seasons due to normal moulting. These coats are rather short and smooth Thus, while they do not shed as much as many other breeds, they do need regular brushing to remove the dead hair. Additionally, they may require occasional shedding baths which will undoubtedly reduce the shedding. Nevertheless, it's wise to groom them consistently to keep the shedding to a minimum. What do Fort Wayne French Bulldog puppies for sale eat? French Bulldogs are carnivorous, so they need a diet that is made up of meat proteins. To keep your Frenchie healthy, make sure to feed them high-quality, nutritionally balanced kibble specifically made for small to medium-sized breeds that are high in protein and low in fat. You should also supplement their meals with some wet or canned food, and give them some high-quality treats for positive reinforcement. Before bringing home a French Bulldog, it is a good idea to stock up on a few essential items. A comfortable and well-made bed with durable covers will give your pup a place to rest and sleep. Familiar items that smell like home can help ease a puppy's transition. Additionally, a secure leash and harness, high-quality food and water dishes, appropriate toys, and grooming supplies, like toothpaste and brushes, should all be purchased. A good food and water diet should also be established before bringing your French Bulldog home. What sizes do French Bulldogs for sale in Fort Wayne come in? French Bulldogs come in a variety of sizes depending on the breed. Generally they can range from inches tall and weigh from pounds. These small but robust dogs come with a variety of shapes dependent on their parentage. Some French Bulldogs are stockier and have larger heads, while others may be sleeker with a long body and finer muzzle. In France, sizes are based on the French system of measurements, and can range from 11 inches to 16 inches. Regardless of size, all French Bulldogs have a short muzzle and sturdy body with a fuzzy face. Yes, you can take your French Bulldog running, but it may not be safe. French Bulldogs are known to have breathing problems and can easily overheat. Before taking your French Bulldog running, make sure they are in shape. A good rule of thumb is to gradually increase the distance and speed of your running sessions. Additionally, it is important to monitor the temperature, as running in heat and humidity could be dangerous. Also, stay on softer surfaces like grass or dirt during your runs to help relieve pressure on their joints. Finally, remember to always bring plenty of fresh water for your pup. Are French Bulldogs in Fort Wayne good for first-time owners? French Bulldogs can make wonderful pets for first-time owners. Many owners appreciate their companionable yet independent nature, while their small size appeals to those who live in apartments or have limited living space. Being highly social animals, French Bulldogs enjoy the company of their humans and best thrive when they are able to spend time with them. They are relatively easy to train and are known for being obedient and loyal. Frenchies are also a less active breed, which makes them perfect for first-time owners who may not be able to commit to long walks. Is training Fort Wayne French Bulldogs for sale easy? Training a French Bulldog can be easy depending on a few factors. First, it is important to establish the ground rules right away and commit to reinforcing those established rules consistently. Building a bond with your dog, especially a French Bulldog, is equally important as being consistent and firm. When your pet understands how you expect them to behave — they're more likely to obey and train easier. Additionally, French Bulldogs respond well to positive reinforcement, so a reward system can be used to reinforce desirable behaviors. Clever personality French Bulldog Temperament French bulldogs are very easy-going pups and are considered the ultimate lap dog. The French bulldog temperament is one-of-a-kind, switching from couch potato to an Indy racer. French bulldogs are freethinkers and will do what they want, which can sometimes help or hinder their training. There are other French bulldog colors like black and white, and blue, but those coat colors are not recognized by the AKC. French Bulldog Health This breed is sensitive to heat and prone to breathing issues due to the structure of their signature wrinkled face. So keep an eye on the temperature of your home and pay close attention to your pup when you are playing in the sun or getting in that minute daily walk on hotter days. What to Expect Living with French Bulldog Puppies French bulldogs are considered one of the best indoor dog breeds and best dogs for apartment living. Frenchies generally sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day when they reach maturity, but as a pup, expect up to 18 hours a day. Training a French Bulldog Puppy Since this breed is full of free thinkers, they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. With research and loving commitment, we as Havanese breeders , Coton de Tulear, and French bulldog breeders in Nappanee, Indiana, have been able to raise some of the most outstanding pups. Wayne, Indiana, and Chicago, we are dedicated to providing the best Havanese puppies , Coton de Tulear and French bulldog puppies to wonderful families who will love and care for them. Family Puppies takes great pride in our French bulldog puppies for sale in Indiana and would love to help you in deciding which puppy is right for you and your family. For more information about our French bulldog puppies, call us at ! Quick Contact. Family Raised The French Bulldog puppies listed on this page were all born and raised at our facility and given lots of tender love and care in a family environment. Please know that we take the lives of these puppies very seriously and have done everything to the best of our abilities to make sure they are happy and healthy. We are not a puppy mill and never will be. Have Questions? We are available by either phone, email or live chat as much as possible. Hitting the Live Chat button at the bottom right of the screen is probably the most effective way to reach us if you have a question. Please do not hesitate to call us though if you want to talk! Adopt Responsibly Who can resist the temptation to adopt a puppy that is as cute as a french bulldog! However, one must consider whether or not they have the means to propoerly support and care for one before they impulsively bring one home. In fact, impulsive buying is probably the greatest threat facing dogs in general. So we ask that you please adopt responsibly. Thank You for visiting our website! We warmly welcome you to come visit us and our Frenchies! We believe that treating others as we would want to be treated is central to living a life of integrity. Of course, that would include our pets as well! We are not a puppy mill and take great pride in providing excellent care for our dogs. So you are welcome to come see our facilities and see for yourself why we have fallen in love with French Bulldogs!

To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook are also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. You have probably heard about puppy mills and how they produce dogs with indiscriminate breeding practices as their puppies are usually unhealthy and not well-tempered. When looking to add a new member to your family, you should always buy from a good and reliable breeder. A good responsible breeder will always be there for their puppies and ensure that all of their needs are met for as long as possible. Check out this list and do your own research first about the breeder and then decide which breeder you want to go with. These breeders are striving to combine the best working lines and European show lines. These breeders train their dogs to be excellent working dogs. Moreover, the dogs undergo different tests and x-rays for hips and elbows to make sure that they are best for the breeding program. They only have female dogs and they choose the male that best enhances the female. Usually, female dogs above 24 months of age are used for breeding programs. Quellen German Shepherds are located in central British Columbia having 10 acres of land. This gives plenty of space to dogs for running and playing. The dogs are raised as part of the family and live in a house with the breeders. They also get the opportunity to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking or just hanging out with the breeder. You can expect a healthy, happy, well-adjusted, and excellently trained puppy from Quellen German Shepherds. They make extraordinary efforts in taking care of their dogs. German Shepherd Breeder Info:. I am a fun and happy dog that loves to meet new people! Once I meet new friends, I love to be petted! I love to chase critters outside and run around a backyard-- it's my favorite way to get my energy out! I have a big red ball I love and I will carry it in my mouth during walks. I love laying with my favorite people, whether it's watching TV on the couch or staying out in the sun while you do yard work. I don't like rain very much, but I am a very polite man and will let you clean my feet if you don't like muddy paws in your home! I am a quiet guy who is content to stay around you--I just want to be around my favorite people! Here's what I need in my new home: I would do best in a home with kids over age 6. I would like to meet any kids I might be living with. I need to be the only pet. I would do best in a single-family home with fenced-in yard. No attached homes or apartments, please. Ask an adoption counselor for more information about my needs. I'm on a special training and enrichment plan. If you're interested in meeting, please ask a staff member or volunteer so they can tell you more about me! Showing 1 - 40 of 64 resultsPage 1 - 64 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Best family dogs! Stunning GSD, champions working and protection dogs for generations; that means tested by time.Will likely be over 60 pounds. Some shorter coats , some longer. Well socialized and friendly. Best suited for guarding country homes or for families who.Both German Shepherds come from a.Not neutered and no shots. Couldn't find vet. Rambunctious, energetic dog. Recommend large yard. Stunning GSD, champions working and protection dogs for generations; that means tested by time and.See all 1 year old spayed Female German shepherd for sale. Pitt Meadows Lucy is a very nice spayed 16 months old German Shepherd. Rehoming her due to to her and my other female who is older fighting with each other. Iam worried they will get hurt. Lucy is very playful.Mom is a purebred longhaired german shepherd and father is a hound. There are 3 girls and 2 boys. They are ready to go to new homes on September 29th. Please Contact Cute 5 month old rescue puppy German shepherd mix. Vancouver Calm and cute puppy rescued from the streets of Mexico, His mom, a German Shepherd and 8 sibblings were tossed to the streets because mom had an affair with a non German Shepherd. Chester is a.The pups are ready to go to there forever home. Mom and dad are both purebred sable shepherds. They both are loyal and devoted to their family. One of a kind dogs. You won't be able to find this quality long coat German Shepards anywhere in Canada. Has all her shots and in good health. Comes with xl crate, bedding and toys. Active Singles and Family Fun! Come with vet record, vaccinated, dewormed, happy, healthy and, hand.Not fixed, has first round of shots, has basic training. John Looking for a good home for these two beauties. They are currently 13 weeks. Best of both breeds as these will be very laid back, smart and loyal dogs. First pic is the 3 females, the rest are the.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Ready to go to their homes now! Purebred farm raised German Shepherd Puppies available. Not CKC registered. Vet checked, first shots, dewormed, etc. Text or email for more info. Will be ready first week October. Four boys two girls. Will have first shots. Both parents pure breed and darker complexion. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.And Button is very smart and interested in everything, so she is a cute tomboy. Their Mother is a German Shepherd and Bulldog. Both parents are loveable guard dogs. The mom loves playing fetch and is.This month-old pure black German Shepherd is intelligent, loyal, and in need of a spacious environment. Port Alberni 5 German Shepherd puppies left! Adorable, family friendly, excellent guard dog! Delivery Available to.Salmon Arm We have five adorable Lab cross puppies for sale!! They have been raised in a family home with kids and other pets. They will be.Raised in our family home, the puppies will be very well socialized. Pups ready October 24th at earliest. Mom is a gentle but playful longhair. Dad is a playful.Dam and Sire are full imported bloodlines from Germany. Excellent temperament, lots of working.They will be available for visits. But have to text me the date when you want to visit. My phone number is: The puppies will receive their first shot.They have all the vaccines and rabies shot. They have a puppy passport and document for.Very smart. Natural gaurd dog. They had first vet visit all healthy with first vacine,and will be micro chipped. CKC registered. Available July .Grand father of.All shots up to date. She is spayed. Love to play. .Very good with children. She needs to go to a good home ASAP. Needs to be.Showing 1 - 15 of 15 resultsPage 1 - 15 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Best family dogs! Stunning GSD, champions working and protection dogs for generations; that means tested by time and.See all 1 year old spayed Female German shepherd for sale. Pitt Meadows Lucy is a very nice spayed 16 months old German Shepherd. Rehoming her due to to her and my other female who is older fighting with each other. Iam worried they will get hurt. Lucy is very playful.Please Contact Cute 5 month old rescue puppy German shepherd mix. Vancouver Calm and cute puppy rescued from the streets of Mexico, His mom, a German Shepherd and 8 sibblings were tossed to the streets because mom had an affair with a non German Shepherd. Chester is a.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.This month-old pure black German Shepherd is intelligent, loyal, and in need of a spacious environment. They will be available for visits. But have to text me the date when you want to visit. My phone number is: The puppies will receive their first shot.They have all the vaccines and rabies shot. They have a puppy passport and document for.All shots up to date. She is spayed. Love to play. .Very good with children. She needs to go to a good home ASAP. Needs to be.They are a mix of German Shepherd and Leonberger, aged 1 year and 4 months, fillled with boundless energy and.Thank you for looking at this listing This is Luna, a 5 month old German shepherd Shes on the smaller side of the scale, but she is just as fearless Unfortunately, her breeder did not.Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location.

Teach an alternative behavior like "lick" or "kisses" Alright, let's dive into each tip below. Exercising a puppy is one of the best ways to help alleviate problem behaviors like biting. Again, how much exercise your puppy needs will be largely dependent on their breed and age. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can have 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a 4-month-old puppy can exercise for 20 minutes twice a day. The more energy your pup uses, the better! Exercise can also take the form of , just be careful not to overrun your pup. Excessive exercise can cause joint problems in the long run. There are a host of options to help you overcome this issue so you can still effectively get rid of their energy. Consider getting a flirt pole. Flirt poles are a fantastic option because they allow you to play very energetic and fun games of chase, without worrying about getting your hands nipped at. You can get one here. Another option is to teach your pup a structured game of fetch. Fetch is great because it exercises dogs both physically and mentally. Zak George lays out how to teach your dog to fetch in our free online training class, 30 Day Perfect Pup. You can sign up here. Remember, many dogs can have been bred for hundreds of years to have high levels of energy. Be sure to give your pup an outlet with exercise to help stop that puppy biting! Don't miss out! That is the perfect time to engage them mentally with a quick training session! Not only does it deter them from biting, but it gives you an opportunity to reward them for positive behavior. In its simplest form, the leave it behavior is all about restraint. A dog that can restrain from lunging and grabbing a treat on the ground, is much more likely to be able to leave your hand alone when you ask. Step 2: Show your pup a treat and then close your hand so your pup cannot access it. Your pup will likely try to get to the treat by licking, biting hopefully not , or pawing at your hand where the treat is. Step 3: Practice that behavior multiple times until your pup starts to generalize the concept. The next step after that would be to try putting a treat on the ground and telling your pup to leave it. Step 5: Practice, practice, and then keep practicing. If your pup starts biting into your skin, give the leave it command, and reward when they stop. Practice makes perfect! For example, as you teach your pup the sit behavior you can help them understand yes and no. Over time trust me, it takes time , your pup will better start to understand the difference between yes and no. My wife and I raised two Yellow Labs that are about 7 months apart. And they were the first puppies we had raised as adults. So please, trust me when I tell you that getting frustrated will only make things worse. When you are frustrated, your pup likely is as well. And when puppies are frustrated, they won't learn! So, if you find a certain puppy behavior like biting or situation starting to overwhelm you… take a timeout. Let your pup cool down in their crate or sleep area and give yourself a few minutes to regroup. Guess what. So, do what you need to do for a personal break, and then recommit and get back at it! They have a keen sense of noticing our emotions. When frustration creeps in, learning stops for both human and dog. Redirecting to a game of tug of war can help teach your pup what is okay and not okay to chew on. As we mentioned before, puppies explore the world with their mouth, that is totally normal! Many pup parents have found it best to approach your pup with the toy in hand so you can be ready if the hand chomping starts happening. Teaching your dog tug can be a great way to stop puppy biting. Just remember, these behaviors can take significant practice and time to overcome. The question is, are you rewarding those positive behaviors and moments as you should be? If you are going through the process of overcoming puppy biting, you need to remember to praise the successful moments. When your pup comes up to you and lets you pet them without getting nippy, praise and reward them! Maybe you will see your puppy chewing a toy instead of your slippers or hand, reward them! If your puppy licks your hand instead of biting it, reward them! A huge part, and often underlooked, of training a puppy is to praise their successes. Treat each victory as a party and break out the fun, , and praise. Your job as a pup parent is to teach your dog what you want them to do. PS- If you're looking for a high-value reward treat for your pup, we've got your back! Check out our. Of course, you praise the positive moments but at times, you have to take away what your pup is desiring. In the instance of biting, pups are looking for playtime and engagement with us humans. Leave the room, put them in another room, or put them into a playpen for minutes. Implementing this method consistently will help your pup come to understand that when biting starts, playtime stops. A note on this, in most cases it is best to not use the crate as a negative reinforcer like a timeout. For example, when your pup starts nibbling, do your best to not jerk your hand away quickly. Most dogs love things that are moving! So if you jerk your hand or foot away, your pup may think you are trying to be playful. If your pup starts biting, let your hand go limp. Another way to make your skin a little less enticing is to keep them covered when possible. Being a successful pup parent oftentimes comes down to how well you can set your pup up for success. So if you know your pup is going through an extreme biting phase, consider keeping that skin covered when at home. It can be wearing socks, long sleeves and pants, and other things like that! When the puppy biting phase is at its worst, every little bit of help is important! Dogs are obviously very skilled at helping each other learn what is okay for play, and what is too aggressive. One quick note on socializing your puppy is that you should always be there to monitor them! Be active and aware and be ready to intervene if the play gets out of hand or aggressive. Some dogs have lower levels of patience with puppy biting, so be aware of how the other dogs are responding. Many pup parents find that the more they can correctly socialize their puppy, the milder the puppy biting will become. If you can effectively teach them a behavior that they can only do without biting then you'll be much closer to no biting! While there are plenty of alternative biting behaviors you can teach, here are some favorites:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me! Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference.

Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. Lauren Murphy is a cat and dog expert and writer who is also a dedicated Humane Society volunteer. She has also been trained in animal behavior and is an experienced dog walker and pet sitter. Some of these breeds have long, fluffy hair while others have short, coarse fur. They range widely in size and shape, temperament, and activity level. What unites them is they all possess genes that produce brown coats. Here are 15 of the most popular brown dog breeds. Tip There is much more to deciding which breed is right for you than just coat color. Learn about typical breed traits and then visit with the individual dog to make sure its characteristics will fit with your lifestyle. Their goofy personalities, playful temperaments, and kind souls make them a popular choice for companion pets among families all around the world. Labs are big, bulky dogs who love to run, play, and especially swim. They are best suited to active family homes. They come in three solid coat colors including chocolate. Breed Overview Height: .They are among breeds known generally as pit bulls. While careful introductions are sometimes needed with other pets, they are often unfailingly loyal dogs with lots of energy, making them good for an active family. Their short, stiff coat can come in a variety of brown shades. Also known as wiener dogs or doxies, dachshunds are sweet, loving pups in a tiny package. Dachshunds are typically seen in shades of brown, though several other color combinations are possible as well. Poodles are generally delightfully playful and affectionate dogs. And because of their fierce intelligence and athletic prowess, they are best suited to a home that can offer them ample physical and mental enrichment. Their curly coat does require a fair amount of grooming. And while white is a common color, poodles also can come in brown among other shades. Breed Overview Height: Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and under Weight: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 pounds Coat and Color: Curly, dense single coat; one of many solid colors including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, and apricot Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years Continue to 5 of 15 below. Just make sure you have enough room and energy to exercise such an athletic and large pup. A boxer's coat is shiny and smooth, and it requires little grooming. A weekly brushing should suffice to remove loose fur. Boxers are commonly seen in shades of brown from tan to mahogany. Breed Overview Height: 23 to 25 inches male ; .They are confident and affectionate, and they can be perfect companions for people who aren't able to exercise a large, athletic dog breed. Even so, chihuahuas still need regular walks or play sessions to stay happy and healthy. Both the long and short coat varieties don't require excessive grooming. They are often seen in tan but can be a deeper chocolate as well. Moreover, their long ears and skin folds are prone to infections , so regular cleaning is necessary. Although it is possible to see bassets in solid brown, this is not accepted in the American Kennel Club breed standard. A white-and-tan mix is the most common coat. Breed Overview. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Old chocolate Labs I have been writing about Labradors for many years now, and there is no doubt in my mind that they are all wonderful dogs. But the chocolate Labrador is special. Meet Rachael, my Beautiful Brown Lab All Labradors are beautiful, of course, but brown Labradors will always hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I am unashamedly biased! You see, I am lucky enough to share my life with Rachael. A female chocolate retriever from a mixture of American and English Lab lines. This is Rachael as a puppy. This page is a celebration of what is for me, one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Rachael has been a huge source of inspiration for this website, so this is a little tribute to her and a thank you for all she has taught me. Where do Chocolate Labs come from? But they had been around for some years before that. The Labrador breed was developed mainly by a couple of English aristocrats in the s, from dogs they had imported from North America. Although our early Labrador Retrievers were predominantly black, some of these original dogs carried the genetic information required to produce chocolate puppies. Just as some also carried the information required to produce yellow puppies. If mainly black dogs were bred from, you may wonder how a brown puppy was ever born! To understand that, we need to take a peep at the genes that carry the code for coat color in the Labrador retriever. How is the Chocolate Color Inherited in Labradors? The instructions that tell your dog what to look like, and what color to be, come packed in genes. And genes come in pairs. This is true for the gene that determines whether or not the Labrador will be brown this gene is called b or black B. Every Labrador has either two genes for a black coat BB or two genes for a brown coat bb or one of each Bb. The color black in Labradors is dominant. That means that if a Labrador has one gene for the color brown, and one gene for the color black, the dog will be black. This is because his black gene switches off the brown one. The brown gene just sits hidden inside him doing nothing in particular, while the black gene takes control of his coat. What about Chocolate Labs? So for a chocolate Lab puppy to be born, he needs to have those two chocolate genes, one is not enough. However, a black Labrador can sneakily carry a brown gene Bb and pass it along to his children. This is how the color brown can and did remain hidden in generation after generation of black Labradors. Shedding chocolate Labs can appear paler as the undercoat shows through more when deep in shed. In old age their coat can also fade, especially around their face. Why were Chocolate Labs not Wanted? So if there were always brown genes in our Labrador population, there have always been occasional brown puppies. All that was required to produce some chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies was for someone to mate a black dog carrying brown Bb with another black dog carrying brown. And hey presto, some of this litter of puppies are brown! And of course in the days long before DNA tests,, there was no way of knowing for sure that a black dog was carrying brown, until he had made some brown puppies. By which time it was too late! It seems bizarre to us now, in a world where chocolate is such a popular color in dogs. But in the early s only black would do. When did Chocolate Labs become Popular? By the s and 30s a few brown or liver Labradors as they were then called were making an appearance on the shooting field. But for some years more, brown was not widely acceptable to Labrador enthusiasts. Chocolate Labs are loving dogs, full of warmth and enthusiasm That preference continues today, and we still often name our brown Labs after favorite snack bars and chocolate flavored drinks! The s was a turning point in the popularity of the chocolate Lab, but interest grew slowly at first. Gradually, the public began to demand more chocolate Lab puppies, and gradually breeders began to produce them. Over the next few decades, Chocolate Labradors became increasingly popular both in the show ring and as pets. In the shooting community, where Labradors were expected to do a job of work, the preference for black continued. This continued throughout the late s, and into the present day, particularly in the UK. American Chocolate Lab American chocolate Labradors were bred to work, and are also known as field Labradors. The chocolate Lab has now become more established in the working community, but they are harder to find. There is a rumour going around that this is because brown Labradors are a bit stupid! But is it true? You might also have noticed that chocolate Labs are rarely seen as seeing eye dogs. Chocolate Lab Characteristics Just like you and me, every dog is a product of both his environment. As well as the genes he is born with. We have seen that many chocolate Labradors come from show Labrador lines, and these bloodlines tend to have certain characteristics in common. Characteristics that are passed along from parent to puppy. Chocolate Lab size varies quite a bit. Show Labradors English are often more heavily built, and somewhat slower and physically less agile than their field bred counterparts. Some English brown Labs may reach 80 or 90lbs without being fat or overweight. Whereas American chocolate Labs are often lighter. My Rachael, for example, weighs less than 60lbs. Most males of her build will weigh five or ten pounds more. English chocolate Labs are also more likely to have a chunky Labrador head and thick otter tail. And while some feel that the chunkiness of the skull has been taken too far in show lines, there is no denying the beauty of a classic Labrador head. A brown Labrador is more likely to be from these show types of bloodline and are therefore more likely to share these general characteristics. But there is more. Chocolate Lab Temperament American Labs may have a more intense retrieve drive, or urge to chase and retrieve things than their show bred cousins. In short, they are desperate to please. Over many generations this biddable quality has been bred into our working Labs alongside their retrieving and hunting prowess. This has given working dogs a rather different temperament from our show stock. Chocolate Lab Intelligence In show dogs you may see a more robust temperament. An English chocolate Lab is often less concerned over the little ups and downs of life. Nothing is taken too seriously. Many English chocolate Lab owners report that their dogs are especially playful. And I have certainly found that to be the case with Rachael. She adores soft toys and spends hours playing with her Flat Squirrel! However, they may less distractible, more focused and therefore easier to train. This can certainly give the impression of a dog that is pretty smart. These dogs may also be more likely to be black. English Labs are still highly intelligent, highly trainable dogs. The differences between field and show might give you the edge in competition. They are also becoming increasingly irrelevant as we switch to more modern methods of training which are much better at motivating dogs to engage in the training process. We mentioned earlier that the color black has long been favoured by the working retriever community. Experienced, working gundog enthusiasts are less likely to buy a puppy that is not from working lines, and when they do, they are more likely to choose a black dog. Unsurprisingly this means that most working lines of Labs are predominantly black. Black is also a great color for a hunting companion. A yellow dog really stands out in the countryside, even in poor light, so even when yellow dogs became more common, they were not so popular with the hunter. Brown dogs are better camouflaged but became more numerous much later and were embraced first by the pet and show communities. Are Chocolate Labs Stupid? To my knowledge, no study has ever been carried out on the differing intellectual abilities of Labrador of different colors. Everything you hear is based on personal anecdotal stories, often passed along in fun. At least to begin with! She has very intense retrieve drive, but is less naturally keen to share the outcome with anyone. She is also easily distracted and because of this she has taken me a little longer to train than my working line Labs. But it is most unlikely that there is any distinct difference in intelligence between dogs of the same breed that happen to be a different color. Being chocolate does not make a dog stupid Even if there were a difference in learning ability between different colored dogs, it does not mean that one caused the other. The answer lies in the behavior and temperament of dogs from different bloodlines. Types of chocolate Labs The difference in trainability is in short a feature of the difference between the field bred dog and the show bred dog. Not a feature of the color of the dog. It is a coincidence that many chocolate Labradors are English in type, and many black Labs are American in type. Because of this coincidence the characteristics of the show bred Lab tend to be attributed to our brown friends. While the characteristics of the field bred Lab tend to be attributed to our black dogs. So you can see how the myth got started. The fact is, that chocolate Labs from working lines are just as easy to train as black Labs from working lines. But you are less likely to meet a chocolate Lab from working lines at the moment. But rest assured, your chocolate friend is not stupid. With modern training methods you can easily teach him to be a well behaved and obedient dog. Chocolate Labrador Shades Unlike our yellow Labradors — which come in a wide range of shades, the color chocolate is pretty consistent in puppyhood. Most chocolate Labs are quite similar in color. As the old hair dies it starts to lose some of its color, and the dead hair is much paler than the glossy new coat that will soon appear. And though some chocolate Labs are darker than others, even when taking the stage of moult into account, variations between individuals are fairly small, with one very contentious exception. The Silver Labrador. Silver Labs Are Chocolate Labs Silver Labradors have a gene which dilutes the color chocolate and makes it a pale, silvery shade. Some people find this very attractive, while others regard it as an abomination. There is no doubt that a hundred years ago, there was no coat dilution gene in our Labrador Retrievers. We know for sure that this gene has appeared quite recently. The strongest theory is that the gene arrived through cross breeding a Labrador with a dog that carries the dilute coat color gene. A breed such as the Weimaraner for example. This seems rather less likely. Not as silver itself. A bright Future for the Chocolate Lab Throughout history, there have been a number of famous black Labradors, and we tend to associate yellow Labs with the all important role of working as assistance dogs. This is not because chocolate Lab dogs lack the qualities or abilities of black and yellow dogs, but simply because the popularity of the color is a relatively recent phenomenon. There are as we speak, plenty of chocolate Labradors serving in the military, working as assistance dogs and in the shooting field. Maybe you have a story to tell about your own chocolate friend, or maybe you are just starting out on your journey to finding a chocolate Lab to share your life. We have some tips for searching in the right places. The other way, is to buy a chocolate Lab puppy and raise him yourself. There are pros and cons to both rescuing an older dog and raising your own puppy, I go into these in some detail in The Labrador Handbook. It may well depend on what stage of life your family is at and on how experienced you are with dogs in general, and with Labradors in particular. You can buy both books from Amazon by following links above. If rescuing appeals to you, and you are ready for the challenges and the many benefits of giving a dog a new lease of life, there are plenty of rescue societies that specialise in Labradors. Rescuing can be a wonderful and fulfilling way of bringing a lovely brown retriever into your life, so do consider it thoroughly. You can find lots more information here: Is a rescue Labrador right for you and here The right dog for you- Puppy or Rescue? If now is not the right time for you to rescue an older dog. Or if you are getting a Labrador for a special purpose — as a hunting companion for example — you may be better off with a new puppy. If someone wants to sell you a puppy much younger than that, alarm bells should be ringing. You also need to make sure you buy your puppy from the right place. This means choosing the right breeder. And avoiding puppy mills and pet stores. If you want a puppy for hunting, you need to go to a breeder that specialises in field-bred dogs. If you want to get involved in the world of showing, you need to go to a breeder that breeds Labradors for the show ring. It is possible to train a show dog for work, though he or she is unlikely to get far in high level field competitions. It is not normally possible to succeed in the show ring with a field bred dog. Keep this in mind. Chocolate Labrador Puppy Health Labradors of all colors suffer from inherited disorders. Please, please make sure your puppy is from health tested parents — it may all end in tears if you omit this important step. Their parents should have good hip scores, good elbow scores, clear eye tests and be PRA clear too. But does picking a chocolate Lab puppy set you off on the wrong foot in terms of health from the start? Are Chocolate Labs Unhealthy? In a study hit the headlines hard, and had a lot of chocolate Lab owners in a panic. Their research suggested that there is a link between Lab color and not just health, but lifespan too. Over 33, Labs were studies, with .Giving a good sample size. Chocolate Labs in the study were more likely to have dermatitis, which matches with some colloquial findings of owners of silver Labs with skin problems. Ear problems are also more common, and this is in fact something Rachael has even suffered with in the past. Gastrointestinal issues were more common with chocolate Labradors too. Chocolate Labradors live on average for just .At least according to this study. Interestingly, they were least likely to have degenerative joint disease or dental problems. It reduces the chances of your pup becoming ill. But it is also important to look at the coefficient of inbreeding. Chocolate Labs get their color from a recessive gene. This means that to ensure you have a litter of chocolate puppies you need to breed from two chocolate parents. Reducing gene pools will always increase health problems. Finding a puppy with a very low coefficient of inbreeding will help you to avoid some of these problems. In addition to health testing, of course. It would also be sensible to avoid a chocolate Lab puppy with parents with a history of ear or skin problems. You can find out more about health issues in Labradors in this article: Health screening for Labrador Diseases. And there is lots of information on finding a good breeder here: Labrador breeders — how to find a good one Training and Exercising your Chocolate Labrador My advice for training and exercising your chocolate Labrador is to figure out what type of lines your dog is from and adjust your expectations accordingly. Then to follow a good positive reinforcement training programme. Make sure you exercise his mind as well as his body. Even if you never intend to take him hunting, he still needs a job to do, retrieves to complete, toys to find, streams to cross and so on. If your dog is from show lines, he too needs training and plenty of exercise, but he may also need plenty of play. Toys and games, and other dogs to interact with. Training my Chocolate Lab Even at seven years old, Rachael still loves to play with other dogs and with people. She is hugely enthusiastic about meeting people and dogs and prone to be over-friendly. And I have to make a special effort to ensure that she is not allowed to interact with visitors until she is sitting calmly. On the plus side, I have had to spend less time socialising Rachael than I would with a field bred lab. As she takes everything in her stride. Too friendly! You may find she is intensely friendly and rather distractible, so this aspect of his education is important. Above all, treat your chocolate labrador like an individual. He is far more than just a product of his breeding and environment. He is a unique character, there will never be another quite like him Caring for an old Chocolate Lab As the years pass by, we leave behind one set of challenges and they are replaced by new ones. Failing eyesight, stiff joints, and declining hearing. However, these senior years can still be happy and fun filled for many dogs, especially if you keep your dog slim. If your chocolate friend is quite heavily built as many chocolates are, you need to be extra careful to keep an eye on his weight as he ages. More body weight means more stress and strain on joints, this can aggravate problems like arthritis in older dogs. I personally think that elderly chocolate Labradors are particularly beautiful, with their greying muzzles and kind eyes. Of course, you will want to make your old friend as comfortable as you can. Tell us what is so special about your chocolate Labrador and why you think they are the best.

Categories Dog Fun , Dog Training Pugs are small charming yet affectionate dogs with a pinch of mischief. They can be quirky, but their playful personalities are hard to resist. Pugs can swim and will instinctively dog paddle when put in water. Due to their short snouts and flat face, Pugs may have a more difficult time breathing with their heads tilted up in the swimming position. For this reason, they should always use a life vest when swimming in water. There are plenty of videos of quick-swimming Pugs on the internet. However, most Pugs do not enjoy being in water. However, these dogs were literally bred to swim by retrieving game from water. On the other hand, you have bulldog-type breeds, such as the Pug, who have a much more difficult time in water. So why is it that Pugs struggle with swimming, while other dogs excel? For the Pug, there are both physical and temperamental reasons why they may struggle. All of which, play a huge factor in their ability to swim. Dogs with these physical traits are called Brachycephalic dogs. Dog breeds with brachycephaly can potentially experience many health concerns thanks to the short nasal passage. In fact, breathing can become even harder in certain, unnatural positions. The genetic odds are stacked against them. With this physical characteristic, Pugs will need to tilt their heads upward while in the swimming motion. And as you can guess, swimming with a tilted head can make it more difficult to stay afloat. And, we tend to agree with them! After all, they were originally bred to be lap dogs for the Chinese elite. And according to Pet Helpful, they like to spend much of their day sleeping. They require relatively little physical activity compared to other dogs. Sloan would rather hang out on the couch than go for a swim always! Slow and short walks around the neighborhood work best. Sometimes even I struggle to swim for a prolonged period of time. Can you imagine dog paddling for 30 minutes? Pug Health UK recommends just one daily walk for a Pug. However, splitting it up into 2 short walks tend to work best with these dogs. Some Pugs will be more active than others. And if you do bring your Pug for a swim, make sure to give the dog many breaks in between sessions. Pugs have short legs with a long body In addition to the short snout, the body shape of the Pug is not ideal for swimming either. They have a relatively short set of legs and a barrel-shaped elongated body. Both of which, can hinder swimming in the Pug. For instance, Corgis have even shorter legs and a longer body. However, the difference is that Corgis have powerful legs that are needed to herd cattle and sheep. So unfortunately, without the power, the unusual body shape becomes a disadvantage for your Pug. Can Your Pug Swim? Not all Pugs have a difficult time swimming. So to really gauge how well these dogs do in water, we decided to survey real Pug owners. We asked this question in the Pug Subreddit and other online dog forums and gathered some answers. It was a scary sight and we never brought her again. Then he sank like a rock. Heh, I was there to save him in time. But he has somewhat learned to swim for short distances only. When were outside, he likes to jump in the pool when he gets hot. You should definitely consider getting a life vest. We let him swim for a few minutes at a time. In fact, there are plenty of capable pugs that love being in water. The key is to properly introduce them to water and swimming. If you want to swim with your Pug, it will require a lot of consistency and patience. Here are the best tips for getting your Pug to go for a swim and have fun! If anything, for peace of mind. Plus, it allows you to give them a little more freedom to roam around by themselves. We suggest getting a small or medium for your Pug. However, make sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing. Introducing Pugs to Water Perhaps the most crucial step is the introduction. If your Pug is scared of water, good luck trying to get them to go in it. And according to the AKC , the earlier you start this process, the better. You can do this by bribing them with treats and giving positive praises when they get inside. The second step is taking your dog to the exact spot he or she will be swimming at. From there, let your Pug sniff the water. If possible, you can try to get them to touch the water with their feet. If possible, find a sweet spot where the Pug can still stand up if needed. But because Pugs are relatively short dogs with short legs, it may be hard to do this in a pool. In this case, you may want to go to the shore of a nearby lake. By now, the life vest should be on your Pug. Along the way, always make sure to give high praises. Also, if your Pug has a favorite toy or enjoys playing fetch with a ball, make sure to bring it. Throw the ball out and in some cases, the Pug will go after it based on instinct and old habits. In this step, you just want them to get comfortable playing in the shallow end. The best way to get your dog into the deep end is to swim with your Pug. If your dog sees that its owner is enjoying the deep end, the dog will be more likely to join. You may need to get them more comfortable in the shallow end with a few more sessions. But if your Pug does join you in the deep end, make sure to give them high praise as encouragement. With these simple tips, your Pug will be swimming in no time. It may be difficult in the beginning, but persistence is key to successfully training your dog to swim. Posts you may like:. Do all dogs know how to swim without teaching them and are the chemicals in my pool bad for him? A: Hi Tony, great question. It is very important to be aware of water safety in regard to your Pug swimming, though it can be a fun summer activity. You do not mention how old your dog is; however one will want to be particularly careful with a small puppy. All Pugs will be able to swim purely out of a natural and inbred instinct. .This does not mean that a dog will enjoy it! Sadly, some dog owners simply throw their dog in, expecting that he or she will instantly know what to do and paddle around happily. In most cases, the dog will be swimming for his life, as adrenaline kicks in for him to survive. It is best to let your Pug get used to water in a pool where their are boundaries and you will be able to retrieve him easily should he swim away. The barrel shape of this breed does present more exertion to swim than some other breeds; however you will be the best judge to see if your dog enjoys the water and it will be your job to remain close in case he tires out too far from the edge. Your dog's first time in the water will affect their feelings toward this activity. Therefore how you introduce this concept is important. To prepare, be sure that: The water temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit .To make this an even better experience for your Pug try to: Have an older, experienced dog in the water with you if possible Floating toys that your dog may wish to swim to You may coach your Pug to join you or you may hold him or her as you enter slowly. Offer him plenty of time to adjust to this new sensation. If your Pug swims for shore or the edge of the pool or appears frightened, allow him to exit and then just let him watch for a while. You may then try again. Most dogs, when given a pleasant experience will continue on to love this method of fun and cooling off on a hot day. To keep your Pug safe: Take him out of the water before he appears to have tired himself out; if you wait until he shows signs of being worn out this can quickly turn into a dangerous situation where you are trying to pull out a Pug that is scared and resisting help due to panic. Supervise him at all times - Even those that learn to be pretty good swimmers also need to have an owner close by if not right beside them in the water Remember that even though a dog is in water, he still needs water to drink. Keep your Pug hydrated before and after any swimming Pools Regarding chemicals: Just as pool chemicals can irritate a person's skin, they will affect your Pug also. This breed has very sensitive eyes and skin. Limit the time to 5 or 10 minutes and evaluate if the chemicals have given rise to bloodshot eyes. If so, remove your dog. If your Pug seems to be able to tolerate the chlorine, you may add on 5 or 10 minutes each session in the pool. If irritation does occur, gently wash out your dog's eyes with fresh, clean water using a dropper. It is highly recommended to use chloride alternatives which will keep your pool just as clean without using elements that could cause reactions to your Pug's eyes or skin. At any rate, no matter where you are swimming with your dog, be sure to rinse your Pug off very well after you are done to remove all traces of chlorine. Possible hazards of allowing a Pug to swim in a pond or lake include: Blue-green Algae Cyanobacteria poisoning - Even very small exposure to this just a mouthful of water with this sort of algae can be fatal to dogs. Sings are vomiting, diarrhea , seizures, coma, shock, trouble breathing and even with treatment, it can be deadly. Liptosprirosis - This is a disease that is carried by the urine of wild animals. Most dogs are only vaccinated by this if deemed at risk; so a Pug will not be protected unless an owner asked for this inoculation specifically and the Pug is up-to-date on shots. Contracting a wide range of gastroenteritis related illness due to bacteria and pathogens in unclean, untreated water. Ears and Wrinkles Wet From Swimming Just like your Pug's ears and wrinkles will become soaked after a bath and need proper drying, this must be done after a swim session as well. After rinsing off your Pug and patting him dry, be sure to follow the grooming rules of swiping wrinkles with a Q-tip or canine facial wipes and dry the outer ear canals so that moisture does not remain as this can lead to an ear infection. Did you find this article helpful? 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 maintenance: what to do after a swim Can pug dogs swim? Yes, pugs can swim! Just like other dog breeds, pugs can enjoy water and doggy paddle like the best of them. That said, keep in mind that dogs, like people, have individual, personal preferences. So while some pugs might love the water and getting wet, others may prefer to keep their paws dry. Are pugs born knowing how to swim? Pugs, like all dogs, are born with a natural and inherent instinct to paddle in water. But, unfortunately, that doggy paddle may be the extent of their ability to swim. While some dogs think retrievers and settlers were born to swim, it may be difficult for some pugs to keep their head above water. For example, a dog who is thrown into the pool without warning will likely develop an understandable fear of water. That way, they associate water with fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pug has a good experience their first time in the water: Make sure the water temperature is comfortable — not too hot and not too cold! Be sure the area is clear of obstacles and debris. If possible, have other, more experienced dogs, in the water. Have toys and other fun items around that your pug enjoys. Go slow. Offer them time to adjust, and to familiarize themselves with the scene. Instead, do the following to teach your pug how to swim: Get a life jacket. This will ensure safety and that your pug floats, no matter how good or bad they are at doggy paddling. Encourage your dog to enter the water on their own. Giving your pug freedom, instead of forcing them in, will make them feel more secure. Let them enter at their own pace. Entice your dog to enter. Bring a toy or ball that they like. Start in shallow water. Let your dog start with just getting their paws wet. If possible, bring a friend. Use lots of praise and reinforcement. Reward your dog for going in the water or swimming. Show your dog the exit. Learning where to exit a body of water is just as important as learning where to enter. The barrel shape of a pug requires more exertion to swim than some other breeds, so your pug may tire out faster than you expect. Be patient. Move slowly, and take your time. If your pug is scared, let them sit back and watch. Spending time in the water can be great fun when done safely. Here are some tips for making sure you and your pug stay safe in the water: Water temperature: Make sure the water temperature plus the air temperature equals at least degrees Fahrenheit before letting your dog swim. This is when their tail will droop and no longer wag or lift up. They can also get hypothermia, which is even more serious. Pug age: Puppies are particularly sensitive to potentially dangerous pool conditions, like water temperature and poisoning. Water toxicity: Water can be toxic to dogs if they swallow too much of it while swimming. A common sign is throwing up after swimming. To avoid this, play with a flat, small toy, like a soft flying disc, and feed your dog dehydrated or freeze-dried treats to help absorb the excess water in their stomach. Algae: Lakes and ponds might contain blue-green algae, which can poison your dog. Even a very small exposure to this, like a mouthful of water, can be fatal. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Dehydration: Just like with humans, a long day in the sun and in the water can cause your pug to become dehydrated. DO have fresh, cool water around so your pug stays hydrated. DO use positive reinforcement. DO have a life jacket available, if your pug needs it. Can Pugs Swim? And while many people believe that all dogs are natural swimmers, there are so many factors that determine whether a dog can swim or not. Some of them include weight, breed, size, and their ability to swim. So can pugs swim? Find out in the next section. Are Pugs Great Swimmers? So, why are pugs not very good swimmers? Dogs with these physical structures are known as Brachycephalic dogs, and they include English dogs and bulldogs. These breeds are prone to many health issues due to their small nasal passages. This position can make it difficult for them to stay afloat. And they only need minimal physical activities compared to other dogs. Experts recommend one daily walk for a pug. Your pug will love it even more if you do two short walks instead. Some pugs will be more active than others, which is fine. However, when you take your pug for a swim, and they want to keep going. They have an elongated body and short legs, both of which are a hitch to their swimming abilities. And a lot of power is required to propel their bodies. There is a misconception that all dogs enjoy being in the water. However, many dogs, including pugs, do not love being in the water. That said, there are some signs that you can watch out to know whether your pug enjoys being in water or not. For example, if you take them near a pool and they start sniffing floaties or bags and wagging their tail at the sunbathers, they might love swimming. If you push your pug to the water, but they refuse to get their paws wet, they might not be interested. If your pug is still a puppy, then this is the time to start training them. How to Teach Your Pug to Swim? Be Patient and Gentle When Introducing Them Most pug owners just throw them in water, and when they stay afloat, they conclude they enjoy swimming. Although your pug may still afloat, it may not because they enjoy swimming but a way of protecting themselves out of fear. Begin by luring them to enter the bathtub with treats and positive praises. Next, take your pug to the pool or the lake that you will be taking them for a swim to familiarize themselves with the place. From there, you can let your pug sniff the water and touch it. If they accept to enter into the water, hold them, and ensure their head is above water until they show interest in the next step. To make it easier for them, consider putting something visual such as a plant near the stairs. Pay close attention to how they feel, and make sure they take enough breaks. Hire a Trainer If your pug is hesitant to give swimming a try after all these steps or you feel the process is too complicated, consider hiring an expert. However, there are a few things you can do to keep them safe in pools, lakes and ponds. Here are tips to make sure your pool is pet-proof: Use Pool Covers Pool covers are commonly used for keeping your pool from dirt, but they come in handy for protecting your pug from drowning. Hardcovers are more preferred to soft covers. The latter can be dangerous as your pug can walk onto it and end up wrapped or trapped, causing them to drown. Use a Pool Fence State rules require you to have a pool fence if you have a pool. However, not every pool fence is dog-proof. Get Your Pug a Life Jacket If your pugs love being in the water, a life jacket will help them stay afloat when they fall in water before coming to their rescue. Pug life jackets come in different sizes, so it may take you time to land on the right coat for your pug. Precautions you can take to protect your pug from chemical reactions include: If you notice any reaction, wash them using fresh water and a dropper. Use chlorine alternatives that are pug-friendly to clean your pool Regardless of where you take your pug for swimming, be sure to rinse them thoroughly after swimming. Make sure you keep the pool chemicals, pug cables, and other equipment that hurt your pug out of their reach. Some of the diseases that your pug may contract from swimming on lakes and ponds include: Blue-green Algae Cyanobacteria poisoning. Even a cup of water with this bacterium is fatal for pugs. Symptoms include vomiting, coma, shock, seizure, and even medication, which can still be dangerous. Gastroenteritis related illnesses. This is a result of pathogens and bacteria in dirty water. This can lead to redness, itchiness, ear canal inflammation, discomfort, and pain. The condition is mainly caused by exposing your pug in water for prolonged periods and not properly drying their ears. To protect your pug from ear infections: Rinse your pug and dry them correctly by observing the grooming rules of swiping wrinkles with canine facial wipes or Q-tips. If you realize your pug already has an ear infection, visit your local veterinarian. FAQs 1. Why does my pug paddle their paw above water? Here is why: Fear. This is an unnatural position for them, so they might be panicking or feeling uncomfortable. Many animal traits are purely instinctive, and so is paddling. So, once your pug is above water, they may begin to paddle as a reflex. Learned trait. If your pug paddles and you hug them with their affection, they may associate the feedback with paddling, causing more paddling. What dogs are natural swimmers? Spanish water dog.

Understanding what to expect will make you more useful if an emergency arises. Pugs have heads that are much larger in relation to their bodies than many other breeds, and this genetic trait can cause a higher risk of complications and the need for a caesarean section. Your veterinarian will supervise your pug's pregnancy and decide on the safest delivery option. The entire process may only require you to stand by and watch, but be ready to step in and assist or call for professional help as needed. Take your pug to the veterinarian for confirmation of pregnancy. Your vet will determine the necessity of a caesarean section depending on your dog's conformation. Later on the pregnancy you can have X-rays done to determine the size of the litter. Keep your pug up-to-date on its vaccinations. Ensure that it has been dewormed and is checked for the Brucella bacteria, which is infectious to humans and can cause abortion in canines. Proper nutrition and prenatal care is important. Gradually change your pug's diet to a high-quality food that promotes growth and is targeted toward pregnant and lactating dogs. The whelping box should ideally be easy to clean and provide easy access for the mother but securely contain the newborn pups. Place the whelping box in an out of the way area that is warm and quiet. Get the mother used to the whelping box by placing it in the box regularly and giving it a treat there, so it develops a positive association with the box and knows to go there during labour. Pugs have a strong natural instinct to nest before giving birth, and their temperament and love of treats makes training them to use the whelping box easier than other breeds. Create a whelping box for the mother composed of wood, plastic or even thick cardboard. Body temperature will alert you to imminent labour. Normal canine body temperature is .A mother about to go into labour almost always experiences a drop in body temperature to .As labour draws even nearer, your pug will begin to become restless and possibly vomit. At this point, place the mother in the whelping box. Labor should begin shortly after this. The puppies' large heads prolong labour, which typically lasts six to 12 hours. If your veterinarian recommended a caesarean for your pug, it will probably be scheduled in advance. Make sure it is a side and not a central cut, to expedite nursing. If you have planned a home birth, stay close to your pug to make sure all is well. If labour seems not to have made any progress in two hours, or your pug has not begun whelping within 24 hours, contact your veterinarian for assistance. When the day of birth draws near, begin taking the mother's temperature twice a day. The first puppy should be born within two hours of the beginning of labour. If not, contact your veterinarian. Usually, the mother will begin a period of rest up to four hours after the first puppy is born, but sometimes will have immediate subsequent births. After the delivery of each puppy, the mother will also deliver a placenta. Visible contractions signal the start of normal labour. Count the placentas and puppies and make certain there are an equal number of both. Undelivered placentas can make the mother dog dangerously ill. She should chew through the umbilical cord as well. The mother should lick and chew the puppies out of the amniotic sac as soon as they are born if they are still surrounded by it. Due to their short snouts, pugs can have problems tearing the sac or chewing through the cord. If the pups or mother are unable to break the sac, step in and tear it yourself by rubbing the puppy gently with a clean, dry towel. Immediately after the birth of each puppy, the mother should vigorously lick and clean it. If it does not start breathing, suction mucous from its nose with an infant-sized suction bulb and keep rubbing it. If the mother is unable or unwilling to chew through the umbilical cord, you need to tie off the cord with silk thread and cut it with a pair of clean scissors. Check the status of mother and puppies every hour or so. Pugs are notoriously bad mothers, so make sure that the mother has accepted all the puppies and that each is nursing well. Help your pug to find a comfortable nursing position. Depending on her maternal skills and postpartum condition, you may have to do everything for her, from feeding to cleaning the babies. Do not leave the mother alone with her babies until you're confident she's recuperating well and able to take good care of the puppies on her own. Line the whelping box with fresh bedding and give your pug a light meal and plenty of water in the immediate postpartum period. Introduction Pug giving birth for the first time can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It can also be quite a challenge, so it is important to be prepared. Before the birth, you should talk to your vet to ensure your pug is healthy and ready for labor. During labor, you will need to be present to help ensure a safe delivery. After the birth, you should check on the mother and the puppies to make sure they are healthy. With some preparation and care, you can help ensure a safe and successful delivery for your pug and her puppies. What to Expect When your pug gives birth for the first time, you should expect an exciting yet challenging experience. Preparing beforehand is key to making sure you and your pug are ready for the big day. During labor, your pug will need your support and the birth process can take several hours. Make sure to keep your pug comfortable and monitor her health, and for the puppies, make sure they are eating properly and are growing well. With the right preparation and care, your pug and her puppies can have a successful first birthing experience. You should also get the birthing crate ready and make sure you have a thermometer, towels, and hot water bottles on hand. During labor, you should stay with your pug and help her out as much as possible. Make sure to contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns. Make sure your pug is in good health and up to date with vaccinations. Have all the supplies you need ready and at hand, including some extra food and a few blankets. Contact your vet to make sure they are available in case of an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the birthing process so you know what to expect. Your vet will be able to answer any questions you have, and give you advice on what to expect during the birth. They will also be able to administer some medications to help with labor and delivery, if necessary. If your pug has any underlying health issues, your vet will be able to advise on how best to keep them safe and healthy during their pregnancy. During Labor During labor, your pug may display signs of restlessness, pacing, panting and discomfort. If the labor process seems to be taking longer than expected, contact your vet for advice. During labor, keep your pug comfortable and provide encouragement, but let her do the work. Offer her food and water in small amounts as she may not have much of an appetite. If it seems too slow or too fast, contact your vet for advice. Birth Process Once your pug enters labor, expect her to deliver her puppies within hours. It is important to be patient and monitor your pug during this time. Ensure she has access to food and water and plenty of clean bedding. Note any unusual discomforts your pug expresses and take her to the vet if necessary. During the birth, it is important to stay with your pug and support her. Check the puppies for any signs of distress and help to move the puppies from the birth canal if needed. Be prepared to provide assistance with the delivery of any stuck puppies. Be patient and remain calm and comforting during this process. After the puppies are born, be sure to check and record how many were born, the gender of the puppies and any other signs of distress. Keep a watchful eye over the puppies and make sure that the new mother is adequately caring for them. Congratulate yourself for a job well done! Make sure the area is kept warm and that the mother is able to nurse the puppies. Monitor the puppies regularly and keep an eye out for any complications. Make sure to check the puppies for any deformities or health issues, and keep them clean and free of fleas. Bathing them can help keep them healthy, as well as helping to prevent fleas. Feeding them a high-quality puppy food will also help them develop properly. Keep the puppies in a quiet, safe environment, and make sure they have access to plenty of toys to keep them active and engaged. Socializing them is also important; spend a little time each day playing with them and getting them used to human contact. This will help them become well-adjusted, friendly adult pugs. Recovery Recovery is an important stage of the birthing process. For the mother, it is the time to replenish strength and energy after labor. She will also need to rest and stay in a quiet area to ensure she recovers well. To ensure a smooth recovery, provide your pug with a comfortable nesting place, clean bedding, and plenty of fresh food and water. For the puppies to thrive, their mother needs to be in good health. Offer your pug plenty of love and attention, as emotional support is just as important as physical care. You may also need to help her with feeding her pups until they are able to eat on their own. It is important to keep the puppies and their mother in a clean and safe area. Make sure to keep the puppies warm, as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Look out for signs of infection or illness in both your pug and the puppies. After delivery, it is normal for the mother to be exhausted and weak. It is also normal for her to lack appetite. She may also feel disoriented and be in pain. Make sure she is given a warm, clean place to rest. Keep a check on her temperature and monitor her urination and defecation regularly. Make sure she is well-hydrated, and give her meals that are rich in vitamins and minerals. If your pug is having trouble recovering, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you notice any signs of distress or unusual behaviors, keep a close eye on her and, if necessary, seek professional help. Monitor her activities and make sure that she is not straining herself. With proper care and attention, your pug should make a full recovery. Make sure the mother has plenty of food and water, and keep the puppies safe and comfortable in a warm and clean environment. You should also be aware of any health issues the puppies may have. Check their eyes, ears, and fur for any signs of infection, and be sure to handle them with care to avoid any accidental injuries. If you notice any unusual behaviors or signs of distress, take them to the vet for further examination. Take some time to socialize your puppies with other animals and people, so they can become comfortable with them. Post Views: .Pug Dog Pregnancy Overview Whether you are purposefully breeding or your Pug may have accidentally become pregnant, this page will guide you through the basics of what to expect, how to know a Pug is pregnant, the labor process and care. Signs that a Pug is Pregnant You might be wondering if your Pug is pregnant and perhaps you can not get an appointment with the vet immediately. A dog's pregnancy is a fast one compared to humans; therefore a dog will show signs of being pregnant very quickly. The following are signs and symptoms that a Pug is pregnant: Week 1 - At this early stage, there will usually be no signs. Towards the end of Week 1, some dogs may have slight nausea that causes a decreased appetite. Some will be minimal, causing you to question if there are truly changes: She may be more tired than usual Her stomach may seem slightly swollen She may clean herself much more than normal Her nipples on her tummy seem larger than before During Week 2 there may still be some 'morning sickness' that causes nausea. This is often fleeting and a stronger, more heartier appetite will emerge as she transitions into Week 3 Week 4 - Signs are now very clear: The Pug's stomach will be distended, clearly showing that she is carrying a litter Her nipples will be enlarged and darkened as her body prepares for nursing; some that were previously flush with the skin will now be popped out. For those that have had been bred before, nipples may hang down as they fill with colostrum She will have strong nesting tendencies, wanting to prepare for the impending birth. Her appetite will have increased greatly. Pregnant dogs often eat up to twice as much as normal at this point. Weeks 5 and 6: Nearing the end of the gestation period, a Pug may shows the following signs: She may tired out very easily now The Pug often wants to remain at home and will usually be less social. This will be comprised of not just the pups each will be under one pound, weighing only mere ounces but also will fluids water, amniotic fluids and tissue amniotic sacs that surround each fetus. Wubbzy after giving birth - nursing her newborns Photo courtesy of Laura Velez Pug Pregnancy Facts A Pug will be pregnant for an average of 63 days, a range of 60 to 65 days is considered normal If your Pug is pregnant for more than 67 days, be sure to bring her to the veterinarian The average sized litter for Pugs is 4 to 6 puppies, though this can vary from 1 to 9 and still be considered normal. An x-ray ultrasounds are not typically done performed after 6 weeks the fetus's bones are not calcified before then will show you how many puppies there will be - this is very important so that you know that all came out during the birthing process Possible Risks 1 Since a Pug dog has a large head in comparison to its body, there is a chance that the dam will need to have a cesarean section. As soon as you know your dog is pregnant, you must have your veterinarian keep a close eye on her progress. Her hips and pelvis will be evaluated and judged if there is enough width for a natural birth. Your vet may choose to plan a C-Section or wait to see if there are any warning signs that the pups will not fit through the birth canal based on how many fetuses there are and their predicted size at the time of delivery. Their appetite will increase around week 3 or 4. Do not be concerned about feeding her too much at this time; she will crave the necessary calories needed for her pups and it will be your job to supply them. Everything that your Pug eats will be transferred to her growing puppies; therefore she should be allowed to eat as much as she wishes, when she wishes. Do please be sure to keep these meals and snack on the healthy side. While pregnant dogs do need a bit more fat in the diet, the goal is to increase nutrients while keeping food wholesome and healthy. Following home cooking suggestions, adding fresh raw baby carrots or steamed potatoes can be nutritious add-on ingredients to her diet. Supplements- There is no need to offer her additional vitamins and mineral supplements; and in fact doing so can cause health issues to both her and the fetuses. Do not give her extra calcium - This has been shown to: Increase her odds of developing eclampsia - a dangerous, life-threatening condition involving seizures and high blood pressure More difficult delivery Joint abnormalities in the puppies "Tiny little newborn Pug puppy" Tinkerbell Photo courtesy of: Laura Valez Activity - Unless there are any exercise restrictions set in place by the veterinarian, you will want to continue to walk your Pug daily at a nice pace; albeit perhaps a bit slower. This will allow her to stay fit and becoming sedentary can lead to a sore joints and muscles. Do not allow her to jump down from the sofa or any other height that would cause a jarring this should be the rule for all Pugs. During the final 2 weeks - depending on how many pups she is carrying - she may have trouble maneuvering around and walks can be put on pause at this time. Comfort - If your Pug has been sleeping in your bed, she will need her own personal space now. Her instinct to nest will be strong and the pregnancy will cause her to want to retreat to a 'nest' to rest. A quality canine bed with one or two soft baby blankets these are a good size for a dog to use as nesting materials , set in the corner of the family room will do just fine. Be sure to not set her up too far away from the 'action' as this will cause her to feel isolated and stressed. Other Dogs - If the sire is in the house, separate the two dogs starting at the beginning of Week 5. He can re-join her when the pups are 4 weeks old - with your supervision. Once they are fully weaned, he can have full access. If your pregnant Pug seems to be bothered by the presence of other dogs in the house male or female , surround her resting spot with portable baby gates. Your Dog Giving Birth At Home If it is determined by your vet that your Pug is able to give birth at home, you can prepare for this by sectioning off a quite corner in a room or creating a whelping box by placing a large canine bed inside a good-sized cardboard box with one side cut out for access. The bottom of the whelping box can have plastic layering placed down, followed by layers of clean newspaper; as the papers become bloodied and soaked with fluid, they can be quickly removed, revealing fresh paper. Supplies In the prepared room, be sure to have all supplies close at hand. If possible, have an assistant with you since this is not a job that one should handle alone. The items that you should have are: -Clean towels. The gestation period of a pug is very similar to other dog breeds. Anything between 58 and 68 days is considered typical, with the average length falling at 63 days from conception to delivery. Pug pregnancies may be relatively short but they go through stages like any other. By week eight you should already be prepared for labor. The best way to get to the bottom of this mystery is to visit your vet for diagnostic testing. If she is pregnant, congratulations. The gestation period for pugs is relatively short when compared to humans. Week 1 — Conception Care for mamma pug as normal Usually no signs Possible mild nausea and decreased appetite Some vomiting or discharge is normal Week 2 — Cell development. Embryo moves to the uterus. Continue with her normal diet and exercise as normal She might be more tired than usual You might notice slight swelling of the belly and nipples Possible continued nausea and sickness Week 3 — Fetus development approx. Still no need to change her routine Mamma pug might be hungrier and sleepier than usual Week 4 — The fetus is shaped like a very small pup with spinal and facial features 1. It is not possible to gauge the sex. She may get tired very easily She will probably want to stay at home and be less social She may retreat to a quiet, comfortable spot You can opt for a scan to determine the sex and see how many puppies are arriving Week 6 — Mamma pug will start to show and get visibly bigger by the day. The puppies are now developing their own unique markings. Provide a warm, quiet, and comfortable space to give birth Week 7 — The pregnancy has reached its 42nd day. The puppies are almost fully developed. Some pugs give birth prematurely so be prepared for early labor. Mom will be demonstrating nesting behavior Week 9 — Time to give birth! Be ready to help your pregnant pug when she does into labor. Much like other breeds, pugs have multiple puppies with each litter. Pugs average between four and six pups with each litter. But remember, this is just an average. You might want to opt for a diagnostic ultrasound scan to identify how many puppies are growing. Any number of puppies, from as few as one to as many as nine is possible. The number of puppies will impact labor. A large litter can place a lot of strain on the mother and a cesarean may be needed. Ask your vet for more information. Nurture her with nutrition Make sure your pregnant pug is getting a sufficient and nutritious diet. Pregnant pugs eat a lot. Expect a marked increase in her appetite and offer her larger, more frequent, portions of food accordingly. Usually, the largest appetite increase is observed at three to four weeks. But do not deny a pregnant pug their much-needed calories. She will be craving sustenance to keep her pups growing and should be allowed to eat according to her appetite. Something owners can do is control the quality of the food they offer a pregnant pug. This is an important time to keep things healthy. Give her foods jam-packed with nutrients. Avoid supplements at this time. This is a hotly debated issue. Some people swear by the benefits of nutritional supplements for pregnant pugs, calcium in particular. But research has suggested that doing so can actually cause undue harm, increase risk factors, and cause difficult deliveries. Focus on healthy foods and plenty of water. Provide safety and comfort Pregnant pugs might start to crave quiet time alone. She will need space to start nesting. Let her spend as much time as she needs preparing her nest and resting before the labor. You might want to invest in a comfortable bed and soft blankets. Set up a cozy corner away from any busy thoroughfares but not so isolated that she will feel lonely, nervous, or stressed. If she starts to seem nervous, surround her nest with baby gates to offer her extra privacy and comfort. Separate mamma pug from the sire if living under the same roof. This should be done at around the five-week stage. He can rejoin mom and the litter once the puppies are a bit older in a safe, supervised environment. Around the 4 week mark is just right. Maintain an appropriate exercise regime Though exercise is still important for a pregnant pug, it must be moderated. Overexertion could be extremely harmful. Ask your veterinarian if they would recommend any restrictions for your pug in particular. The most important thing is to steer her clear of jumping and strenuous activities. They will be able to tell you whether your pug is suitable for a home birth or if she will require a cesarean section in practice. Prepare a quiet corner with a whelping box. There are many tutorials online that will help you prepare a suitable birth environment. Check out this one below: In general, a whelping box usually consists of a large box with a comfortable dog bed placed inside. One side of the box can be cut out in order to give you access and help mom out if needed. Clean newspapers are the perfect bedding and easily replaceable when dirty. Make sure you have everything you need for when labor arrives. Be prepared early, as some pugs go into early labor. Keep supplies at close reach and arrange for someone to help you once the labor starts. The following items are labor must-haves: Cleaning spray.