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There are two of us here at Puppy Love. This enables us to have several dogs in our breeding program and still ensure that each one gets the love and attention they deserve. We raise our dogs in our homes where they are part of our busy families. We both have five kids each who help to love and train our dogs and socialize the puppies. When we purchased our first Australian Labradoodle about 12 years ago, we were surprised to find that everything we had been told about this wonderful creature called the Labradoodle was true! They are friendly and fun loving, making them a wonderful family pet for children as well as adults. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and very intuitive, making them great for animal assisted therapy. We have sold many puppies over the years for therapy purposes to families who have kids or adults with special needs and also for therapy use in health care or educational settings. They truly are amazing animals and they will have you wrapped around their little paws before you know it. We breed only true Labradoodles or the Australian Multigenerational Labradoodles. We do not breed any early cross labradoodles or any labs to poodles as we have found that there is not enough consistency in temperament as well as coat. We like to be able to ensure that all of our puppies will have great personalities combined with fleece or silky soft coats that are allergy friendly. Not all Labradoodles are Created Equal! Our labradoodles are members of our families and have really enriched our lives. We want to bring them, a wonderful family pet and companion to your home. If you have allergies and have previously been unable to enjoy a dog for a pet, our puppies are the perfect choice for you. We only breed pure Australian Labradoodles. Because these are multi generational dogs, they have a much better, hypo allergenic, very little to non shedding coat. Most of the early crosses have a tendancy to shed. With multigenerational Labradoodles you get the benefit of may years of selective breeding by the breeders that started it all in Australia. In terms of Labradoodles, you really do get what you pay for! We are not a kennel. Our Australian Labradoodle puppies are hand whelped in our home and spend the first weeks of their lives in our Master Bedrooms where they and the moms feel the most safe and secure. At 3 weeks they move into the main living area of the house. From here they can see and hear just about everything that goes on in our homes on a day to day basis. Our children, who range in ages from toddler to young adult help to love and socialize the puppies until they are ready to be adopted and go home with you. Puppies raised in this environment make the best pets because they have been given the best possible start. They will enjoy running with you, swimming with you, they are great at fetch, highly intelligent and easily trained. When you are all done playing, what the Labradoodle enjoys the most is a nice, warm cuddle with you! Start your summer off in the best way possible by adding a new puppy to your family. Get out and enjoy the beautiful season with your new best friend! Contact us for details. Testimonials Our experience with Puppy Love Labradoodles has been a very good one. Right from our first call from Darice asking us all kinds of questions about our home life so that she could decide if we were the right people to purchase one of their puppies. We could not be happier with Darice and her family's professional and caring help. No questions have gone unanswered. We would not hesitate to buy another puppy from them. Contact Details. Family raised with love and laughter for a happily ever after. We are not a kennel. Aside from being intelligent, smart, and loyal, this coat quality is often why they are so highly sought after. Many families will find success with this breed, where other breeds have failed. Puppy Selection I am proud to be a breeder that allows families to choose their own puppy. After raising puppies for more than 13 years, I have never felt the need to allocate puppies to families. On occasion, a family will ask me to pick their puppy for them and I always provide guidance as to personality differences between puppies within a litter. If I feel that a chosen puppy will not be a good fit for a family, I will tell them. Health Guarantee Davidson Doodles is proud to be able to offer a 3 year health guarantee on our Australian Labradoodles and a 2 year health guarantee on our Bernedoodles. Meet the Davidson Family! As a family, Australian Labradoodles were love at first sight for us. Labradoodles have proven to be the ideal family pet for us. I currently live in SW Edmonton. I am dedicated to raising healthy and sound Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles and Australian Bernedoodles. Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up our family had a maltese poodle, Sam. When I began living on my own, I got my first dog, Jamie. Bailey joined my small family shortly thereafter. My first experience with an Australian Labradoodle was as a guardian home. And the love was instant. Their non-shedding, allergy friendly coats make them ideal family pets. Their goofy personality, loyalty, intelligence, and gentle demeanor were traits that needed to be shared with dog lovers everywhere. But it had to be done right. There are many reputable Labradoodle breeders available in Alberta who can help you find the perfect pup for your family. By asking these questions, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a reputable breeder. The cost will vary depending on the quality of the parent breeds that the Labradoodle puppies come from, as well as if you want a specific generations or a specific color might increase the cost substantially! The pricing also depending on what region or state you live in. What is the lifespan of a Labradoodle? Labradoodles have a long lifespan and they can live up to 13 to 15 years of age with proper care and nutrition as well. If you know any great Labradoodle breeder who lives in Alberta, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Alberta? It really helps others who are looking for a Labradoodle puppies in Alberta. If your friend and relative looking for a Labradoodle Puppies in Alberta, you can share this post with them. If you are looking for the best Labradoodle Breeders in Alberta, you can consider one of these breeders. Labradoodle Breeders. Showing 1 - 28 of 28 resultsPage 1 - 28 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. We also have a beautiful double doodle female ready to go now! She is an absolute sweetheart that loves people and other.He is a cuddly lovable delightful , miniature Labradoodle-Cockapoo puppy! Mom's parents are both miniature.Strathcona County Ready to go home this week!!! You can follow us on Instagram at thedoodlefamily57 or check out our website at thedoodlefamily. Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy.Calgary Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. Dam is our Chocolate Labrador, weighing 60lbs. She has been DNA tested and cleared for health and prescreened for.Edmonton Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. I was holding onto the last 2 pups from a litter of 10 for someone while they moved to Edmonton. Sadly they can no longer take the puppies. Both male, Edmonton Ready to go Sept 8 Males remaining Pic 1 has small umbilical hernia that will likely resolve on its own. Mother is our F1 Labradoodle whom we have raised since birth Father is our standard poodle. There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.We have 4 handsome boys and 4 beautiful little girls. Dad is a purebred yellow english labrador retriever and comes from a.Labradoodle Puppies Clyde Two sweet pups left!!!! Both our doodles are girls; they're friendly, confident and socialized. They have met other people and children. We've raised them alongside our cats and horse. We've taken.Bird Dogs! Rocky View Exceptional Pedigree and top-quality puppies. We have high expectations for these litters! The moms comes from hunting lines has tones of natural instinct and is an excellent retriever. Bo a master.The puppies are here!!! Shade and Kacie Neilly's Felicity have blessed us with 3 beauties and we have space for one family that is interested in a boy. These babies are.Fairview We are excited to offer non shedding, family friendly, healthy and well-socialized puppies to families who want the very best! Shes so sweet and snuggly. She knows most of her tricks and is mainly housetrained. She is looking for a home that has the room and time for her. Lego is a 3 year old Labradoodle. He is fully housetrained and knows how to fetch, sit, paw, play dead and is.Two females and one male. Born August 9, .These cuties will be available to go early October. These are multigenerational and will be.High Park Doodles is proud to announce that Noah and.This is Buddy. He was born March .He has had 3 sets of.His name is Arlo. He is going to be a year old on July 17th. He has all his vaccinations, including his Rabies, and kennel.Must be loving family with large backyard. Lakeahore Labradoodles Instagram and Facebook pages. Breeder was hoping to keep him but due to.Browse other categories in Pets in Alberta. Showing 1 - 32 of 32 resultsPage 1 - 32 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. We also have a beautiful double doodle female ready to go now! She is an absolute sweetheart that loves people and other.Strathcona County Ready to go home this week!!! You can follow us on Instagram at thedoodlefamily57 or check out our website at thedoodlefamily. He is a cuddly lovable delightful , miniature Labradoodle-Cockapoo puppy! Mom's parents are both miniature.Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy.Pets for sale Lethbridge 6 month old Male labradoodle. Has shots and deworming. Awesome puppy, loves to play with everyone, cats and dogs and children. Free to good home. Hate to give him away, I just don't have the time to.Calgary Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. Dam is our Chocolate Labrador, weighing 60lbs. She has been DNA tested and cleared for health and prescreened for.Edmonton Born on June 10th and ready for their fur-ever homes Aug 5th. I was holding onto the last 2 pups from a litter of 10 for someone while they moved to Edmonton. Sadly they can no longer take the puppies. Both male, Fully adjustable. No tools required. Will fit just about any SUV. Not suitable for 70 pound male labradoodles that want to sit in the front seat. We need to find.Edmonton Ready to go Sept 8 Males remaining Pic 1 has small umbilical hernia that will likely resolve on its own. Mother is our F1 Labradoodle whom we have raised since birth Father is our standard poodle. There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.We have 4 handsome boys and 4 beautiful little girls. Dad is a purebred yellow english labrador retriever and comes from a.Is good with horses, cows and cats. Needs to grow up on a big yard and loves water. Only reason for.Labradoodle Puppies Clyde Two sweet pups left!!!! Both our doodles are girls; they're friendly, confident and socialized. They have met other people and children. We've raised them alongside our cats and horse. We've taken.Bird Dogs! Rocky View Exceptional Pedigree and top-quality puppies. We have high expectations for these litters! The moms comes from hunting lines has tones of natural instinct and is an excellent retriever. Bo a master.The puppies are here!!! Shade and Kacie Neilly's Felicity have blessed us with 3 beauties and we have space for one family that is interested in a boy. These babies are.Fairview We are excited to offer non shedding, family friendly, healthy and well-socialized puppies to families who want the very best! Shes so sweet and snuggly. She knows most of her tricks and is mainly housetrained. She is looking for a home that has the room and time for her. Lego is a 3 year old Labradoodle. He is fully housetrained and knows how to fetch, sit, paw, play dead and is.Two females and one male. Born August 9, .These cuties will be available to go early October. These are multigenerational and will be.High Park Doodles is proud to announce that Noah and.This is Buddy. He was born March .He has had 3 sets of.His name is Arlo. He is going to be a year old on July 17th. He has all his vaccinations, including his Rabies, and kennel.Must be loving family with large backyard. Lakeahore Labradoodles Instagram and Facebook pages. Breeder was hoping to keep him but due to.Purchased new, used once on our labradoodle and decided to use local pet grooming business instead. Contains both electric and battery-operated cutters. Browse other categories in All Categories in Alberta.

Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Tom Thorpe Blog Have you ever wondered how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers? That said, if you have a female golden retriever and someday you want to let her have some litter, you are prepared and able to calculate some expenses beforehand. In this article, I will attempt to cover the question regarding how many puppies in a litter of golden retrievers. Average litter size of golden retrievers Time and again, we always say that golden retrievers are a one of a kind canine breed. The fact that they are the friendliest, affectionate, energetic, and stranger to none, these reasons are what makes the golden retrievers popular and it will become one for many years to come. Interestingly enough, the largest litter size was produced by a Neapolitan Mastiff back in .On the other hand, the largest litter ever produced by a golden retriever is 17 albeit there are no official records, only online sources that only appeared. With that, golden retrievers are capable of producing a litter between 1 to 17 young pups. We can safely assume that golden retriever breeds have an average litter size of 4 to 8 puppies. For most instances, the first litter size is somewhat smaller compared to succeeding litters. Also, this is true among golden retriever breeders. They know the ins and out of very golden retrievers. Another important fact you should keep in mind is the ratios of females and males differ. Other litter will have more females than males, while in some, males are more. In addition, there is a small chance that the puppies are of one gender only. This is because there are numerous factors that make the outcome of the litter different from any other golden retrievers and other canine breeds. Thereby the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever will likely have come from these factors such as: Consider the genetic factor Every canine is different from the other, although they have some commonality if we are going to categorize them according to their breeds. But still, they have different genetic structures and they are all individual creatures. This also includes the litter size. The most common observation in regards to litter size, if the mother of your female golden retriever produces in large litter size, chances are, your female dog also will produce a large litter size. That is, of course, assuming some factors remain constant. In relation to the litter size, keep in mind that the majority of the traits largely came from a dam female dog and the small percentage came from the sire male dog. The sire has likely had an influence on the litter size. Among the sire can influence are health, age, size, breed, and genetic structures. Gene Pool Diversity At some point, the gene pool diversity will somehow affect the litter size. This again will vary from dog to dog. The fact that canine who are drawn from diverse backgrounds tend to have large litters. Diet Another factor to consider is the diet. Compared to dogs fed with substandard kibble food and supplement. Health Again, health plays a crucial role. This is because they can somehow affect and have a chance to have more puppies. That said, if the golden retriever is not healthy enough, it will inevitably affect the litter size. An ideal healthy weight for golden retrievers is usually slim, and those who are overweight are prone to health issues. Thus, giving a routine exercise and a well-balanced diet has a possibility to produce in larger litters. More particularly in the case of a male dog. Male dogs who are 5 years old and above have a smaller sperm count than those who are in ages 5 years and below. This means the litter size will also decrease. This is the reason why dog breeders who have dog show quality are often bred extremely and intensively in order to produce as many quality female dogs as possible. But, it has a more major point in influencing the size of the litter size than the male and this is actually quite true. That means, dogs over the age of 7 years will have a greater chance to produce large litters than those of young age under 5 years of age. Usually, the first litter regardless of age will likely be smaller than the succeeding production of litters to come. Also, a female golden retriever who was never been bred until the age of 5 will have a tendency to produce smaller litters that are permanent. On that note, the ideal age of female golden retrievers where there is a yield in litter size is between the age of 2 to 5 years. Generally, the larger the breed, the larger the litter size. In the case of golden retrievers, the average size of litter rangers from 4 to 8 and other dog breeds like Spaniels. The fact that genetics and other various factors in dogs alone have the possibility to increase the litter size, all these factors lead to a different outcome and are somewhat related. But can humans influence or somehow affect the size of a litter? Is there any correlation regarding this? The short answer is yes, but to a certain extent only. The long answer is, although yes, there are no guarantees as to how much can humans change the course of the litter size. Fortunately, there are things that humans may likely increase the odds. In fact, breeders who are using artificial intelligence are becoming even more rampant. Thanks to the ai, the chances of finding champion dogs both in the US alone and abroad are getting bigger. However, artificial insemination does not produce large litter sizes. Instead, it only produces a small litter size. Moreover, the kind of semen will largely affect the litter size regardless if it is frozen, chilled, or fresh. In addition, canine sperm will likely die because their semen does not freeze well. Post Breeding Management The best possible and simplest way to somewhat affect the litter size of your golden retriever is just to have the best possible care. Nothing more nothing less. Obviously, any dogs who lack proper nutrition and have an imbalanced diet will greatly decrease the chance of having a large litter size. If the golden retriever has improper housing and has nutrient deficiencies, they can absorb puppies due to lack of care. So, see to it that your female golden retriever has everything they need. Make sure to not miss any appointments in their scheduled checkups with your local vet. Give them proper nutritional needs and also groom them regularly. Care Tips for Golden Retrievers Proper Treatments The best way to secure a healthy pregnancy for your female golden retriever is to have her getting proper treatments. That means, getting treatments for fleas and worms should be consistent even while in pregnancy. Vaccinations Treatments and vaccinations are the most important and should be regularly maintained if necessary. This will guarantee that the antibodies are optimal while the female mother has a puppy bump. Consult your vet with the best possible vaccines in order to keep your dog healthy. There is some vaccination that can be administered while your dog is in pregnancy. The fact that pregnant golden retrievers or any dogs will feel become lethargic when the due is near. With having adequate exercise before their pregnancy, your dog will become fit and able to carry on while she has a puppy bump that is about to give birth. This can lead to stress and other health condition that may greatly affect their pregnancy. Final Thoughts All in all, I hope the question of how many puppies in a litter of golden retriever is completely answered. If you are still confused, the average litter size they can produce is about 4 to 8. Also, if you are a first-time pet owner who has a pregnant golden retriever, you should know what to expect and even know some basic tips regarding the proper care of your pregnant golden retriever. Keep in mind that they should stay fit and healthy plus groom them regularly. Nov 29, Nov 5, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Busy taking care of puppies! A couple of weeks ago, Raven, our Golden Retriever had her first litter of puppies. Several weeks before she had her puppies we were all curious about how many puppies Raven would have in her first litter. And what did we learn? Bring your Calmeroos Puppy the day you pick up your puppy and rub it all over his litter mates and mama. Ten years later my memory of all those puppies is still vivid. Of course in the end we came home with our first puppy, Linus! Back then the smallest litter we saw was two six-week-old black Labrador Retriever pups. Our friends at Guide Dogs of America have experienced many, many more litters than I have or probably ever will in my lifetime. I would guess they have a litter of pups at the school nearly every week sometimes two litters a week! So what did I hear from my GDA friends? The largest litter I heard about was 16 Golden Retriever puppies! Let me say that again: 16 puppies!!! The smallest litter size was 1 lonely puppy…although only children get all the attention…right, Ali Ali is my wife…an only child :? After personal experience and talking to friends and family the consensus was Raven could have anywhere between 1 and 16 puppies. Our Golden Retriever puppies! Time for a little bit of internet research. Just ask Google the following questions and find the answers in the featured snippet: What is the average first litter size for a Golden Retriever? The average litter size for a golden retriever is eight puppies. Litter sizes vary from four to 12 puppies, and humans are not usually needed for help in the birthing process. Other sites in the top 10 search have similar numbers for average litter size. What is the largest litter size for a Golden Retriever? So we can probably expect less than 24 puppies…lol. The largest litter of Golden Retrievers we found on the internet were 17 Golden pups. The Golden Retriever Forum and other sites mention Golden litters as small as one puppy. After talking to friends, and family, and doing my internet research the consensus was Raven would probably have between puppies with the outside possibilities of only 1 pup or up to 17 remote possibility of 24! We took care of litters of puppies, but the youngest pups we had were already 3 weeks old. We got those little cuties when they were about weeks old and at that age, they were a handful. I specifically remember one of the rescue leaders saying that 5 or fewer puppies are much easier to handle. That number 5 has stuck in my head for over 10 years! My fingers were crossed… Puppies from our our Golden litter! However, the day we planned on bringing her in for an X-Ray her temperature dropped which was an indication she was close to giving birth. Rather than risk her giving birth in my car on the way to the vet we opted out of the X-Ray. Raven went into labor on Wednesday, November 9th, , and at… am — Female. There are a range of factors that contribute to the overall litter size. Often genetics play an important role in the size of the litter. The size of the breed as well as the overall health of parents also effect the total litter size. Golden retrievers are considered a large breed dog, resulting in larger litters. Many sites state various different ranges. Websites, with less authority, like Ask and PetPlanet have a range of puppies per litter. Their overall average is 8. The American Kennel Club used to state that the average litter size was in the range of .However, that information can no longer be found. With smaller litters it could quite possibly be that the bitch was not bred at the proper time. Some of the eggs may not have been fertilized. The stud may have tied too early, or too late. Or it could have been possible that the sire was too old and not producing an adequate sperm count. The overall health of both parents can also be considered. It could also be a problem with the mother, such as injury, or physical defects. With litters on the larger end, sometimes they may have to be delivered cesarean. If the time of delivery is too long, some puppies may be stillborn. Cases have occurred where a puppy may be retained in the uterus causing other problems. Litters this large are generally not in the best interest of the mother. From my experience, most litters are indeed around in number. That could just be coincidental. Further litters often will have less. This is just something I have seen, but is not scientific. It is also important to note that male and female ratios can go in either directions. It is also possible to have a litter with all one gender. Our recent litter from Tina came out all female. She had eight female puppies at once. I was told by another breeder that she had a litter of 10 that were all female. It is very unlikely, but it does happen. We derived that number from hundreds of litters from various breeders. As mentioned above, the range is between 1 to 15 puppies in a litter. A breeder can find out how many puppies a female may have while pregnant via x-ray or ultrasound. An x-ray can be taken after the bones have ossified. That occurs around days of gestation. Ultrasounds can be taken around days to confirm pregnancy, but confirming the litters size is less accurate. It is however less damaging on the mother and puppies.

Show more How much grooming does an English Bulldog need? English Bulldogs have short fur that generally only needs an occasional brush. They often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. What size crate do you need for an English Bulldog? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully s.English Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. This ter.Are English Bulldogs easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every English Bulldog temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They de.Show more Are English Bulldogs good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.

Crate training will have many benefits for your bulldog, including protecting him from household hazards and reducing his separation anxiety. It should be either 24 x 30 inches 61 x 76 cm or 24 x 36 inches 61 x 91 cm for a French bulldog, and either 42 x 30 inches x 76 cm or 42 x 36 inches x 91 cm for an American bulldog. This will allow you to increase the crate space as your puppy grows into an adult. The crate should be a place of safety and comfort for your bulldog. Place his favorite blanket and toys in the crate. You can also place a quilt or sheet over the crate to make it feel like a cozy den. A bowl would preferable, since he wouldn't be able to pull it out of the crate very easily. Leave the door open during the early stages of crate training so he can explore the crate at his leisure. Once your bulldog is comfortable entering the crate on his own, work on closing its door behind him. Start with closing the door for only a few seconds and then letting him out. If he starts whining or crying, wait until he calms down before opening the door. When he can handle a few seconds, close the door, leave the room, and return after random lengths of time e. Remember that puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, so you should not leave your puppy bulldog in the crate for long time periods. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source When you are home, spend time with your bulldog while he is in the crate. Bulldogs are friendly and sociable dogs; interacting with your bulldog will keep him from getting lonely. Always remember that the crate is a place of safety and comfort, not punishment. Your bulldog should always have a positive association with the crate. Image used with permission by copyright holder How long does it take to potty train an English bulldog? Training an English bulldog to obey any command takes time and effort. Just like some human children learn new skills quickly, some dogs pick up new commands with ease. On the flip side, some dogs — like some children — require a bit more time before they master a new ability. A housebroken puppy makes for a clean, happy home When your bulldog puppy reaches the 12 to 16 week mark , you can begin potty training in earnest. It takes approximately four to six months to completely potty train a bulldog puppy, though the process may last a shorter — or longer — duration depending on your dog. Simple training sessions, such as teaching your fur baby not to chew on your shoes or engage in aggressive play, can begin around the 12 to week mark. Image used with permission by copyright holder How do I discipline my English bulldog puppy? Disciplining your puppy can be difficult. What they do know is that their pet parent is frightening them , which can actually lead them to misbehave more often than they already do. So, how should you discipline your puppy? If that fails, redirect his attention using a noise device like a shake can. Some puppies become anxious in response to loud noises. If your dog is one of them, discontinue your use of the shake can and switch to an alternative method, such as distracting your pup from chewing on your shoes with a pet-safe chew toy. Image used with permission by copyright holder Training any dog requires consistency, time, and effort. Even notoriously stubborn breeds like English bulldogs respond to firm rules, a strict schedule, and being rewarded with lots of praise and affection. Bulldogs are more likely to be deaf than other breeds, so you may need to teach him using hand signals. Editors' Recommendations. Easy Bulldog Training Step-by-Step Guide Bulldog training may seem daunting when you first get that adorable puppy, that is why this guide will break down the process in simple and easy to follow steps. The secret to a well-behaved bulldog is to start with training as early as you adopt him. Early training helps the puppy better develop his brain and habits potty training, leash training, socialization and more! Bulldogs as pets are a great choice because they are a happy and relaxed breed. This was a cruel sport that was, fortunately, banned almost years ago. The breed retains its strength but has become a calm and amusing breed. I have personally worked with many bulldogs and non of them were stubborn at all. The stubbornness of a dog comes from not understanding its owner. The training methods outlined below will help you communicate with your bulldog successfully! As you train, keep an eye for some common British bulldog health problems like respiratory problems, overheating and skin allergies. Bulldog training can be fun and easy! Bulldog Puppy Socialization Socialization is the single most important exercise you need to do with your puppy and you have only a few months to work on it. It involves showing your puppy the world he will be living in and making positive associations with the things, animals and people in it. Every single new event, person, animal, object or sound your puppy encounters should be followed by a treat. This will make every association positive and you puppy will learn no to be fearful of new things. Learn more about socialization exercises for your bulldog puppy dog. Bulldog Potty Training Probably the second most important task is to teach your bulldog puppy to potty in one place or outside. Puppies are very smart and can learn simple things very easily. Potty training requires patience and perseverance. The main idea is to create a schedule or habit for your puppy to follow. A bulldog puppy can hold his bladder 1 hour for every month of life tops! If he has accidents, simply clean them up with an enzymatic cleaner and move on, do not punish your bulldog. Learn more about potty training schedules and techniques to teach your bulldog to potty outside in as little as one week! Teaching your bulldog puppy to moderate his biting Puppies are curious creatures and they like to explore the world with their mouth! This means that your puppy may want to bite your hands, shoes, pants, couch, table legs and even walls! There are two important things to teach your puppy about mouthing: To bite gently without hurting you , To chew only his own toys. Crate training your bulldog puppy can also help prevent home destruction and teach your puppy that the only things available for biting are his own dog toys. They are smart dogs that can learn as much as any other dog breed. Follow these steps to teach your bulldog the basics of obedience training. Positive Bulldog Training Positive bulldog training is about rewarding your dog for doing something right and ignoring your dog when he does something wrong. Positive training also involves actively teaching your pooch the things you would like him to do instead of expecting him to know on his own. There are two training methods that are very useful to teach your furry friend obedience: luring and capturing. That is why punishing or rewarding a dog for something he did in the past does not work. To help with timing, dog trainers use a marker word or a clicker. A marker word is used to mark the moment the animal did something correct and it is followed by a treat. The use of the word helps you have better timing, which in turn helps your bulldog understand what you are rewarding for faster. To teach your pooch the meaning of a marker word, all you need to do is say it and follow with the delivery of a treat. Good boy! Practice repetitions, 2 to 3 times a day and you will notice that your pooch will start responding when he hears that magic word! Bulldog training STEP 2: Teaching your bulldog its name One of the most important things to teach your bulldog is its name. This is always neglected, you name your bulldog, then assume he will understand that is they way you call him. Unfortunately, this is not true and recognizing its name is one of the most important things a dog should know. If your puppy doesn't look at you when you call him, how is he going to do what you ask? Teaching a dog its name is super easy, here are the steps: Say your bulldog's name As soon as he looks at you, say your marker word or click! Immediately afterwards, give him a treat! Repeat many times and in different places and situations. Bulldog training STEP 3: Teaching your bulldog basic obedience commands Now comes the fun part, training your bulldog to respond to basic commands. Contact Us How to house train a English bulldog puppy the right way The easiest way to go about house training your new bulldog puppy is by utilizing a crate. Dogs are and always have been den and pack animals, they naturally and instinctively prefer the shelter of a den. Therefore most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crate, which is why it is such an invaluable tool for housebreaking. The first thing to understand, though, is the need for repetition and consistency. Begin by purchasing the appropriate size crate. Think den not condo! It should be small with just enough room for your bulldog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It is not an exercise pen. The use of too large a crate will encourage your bulldog puppy to use a small portion of it for a bed and the rest of it as a place to potty. We use the Midwest Life Stages crates. Leave the crate door open and allow your bulldog puppy to come and go as he pleases. Keep his favorite treats handy that you only use for the crate. It gives the puppy a nice reason to go in and creates a positive experience. At mealtimes, feed your bulldog in the crate with the door closed. At night, just before bedtime take your bulldog puppy out to potty. Put your puppy in his crate and shut the door. For the first 3 nights set your alarm for 3 hours. Set him down and wait. When he goes potty, praise him and put him back in his crate. Set your alarm for 3 more hours and repeat. After three days, if it has been successful and there have been no accidents, move to 4-hour intervals. After three more nights, you have hopefully taught your puppy that you will be there to take him outside when he has to go. If there have been no accidents you can then start going to bed and waiting until your puppy wakes you up to potty. It is important to respond and take him out immediately if he wakes during the night. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, immediately take your puppy out. By house time, I mean freedom to move about but always in the same room as you so that you can keep a constant eye on him. We use baby gates to block off access to other rooms. During the day repeat the above process and continue to take the puppy out every hour. If he does not do his business put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. NEVER let a bulldog puppy in training out of your site. Use the crate as you would a playpen for a human child. Even if you leave the room for a minute, either take the puppy with you or put him in the crate. If you turn your back for 60 seconds and your puppy has an accident, then you messed up and made a mistake and have missed the opportunity to make a correction and teach the puppy. Do not rub his nose in it and do not use any physical correction! When he goes outside give him lots of praise. Use an odor neutralizer. When an accident occurs it is important to completely remove the odor, otherwise your puppy will gravitate back to the area to relieve himself again. You can buy the neutralizers from most any pet store. Do not use household cleaners, most contain ammonia which will attract him back to the same spot. A Few Tips to Help You Succeed Puppies will need to go potty first thing in the morning, after every meal, as soon as they wake up from naps and just before bedtime. A few hours before bedtime take up his water, this will help buy you a litter more time between potty breaks at night. If you see him smelling a particular spot or circling around, pick him up and take him outside. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals. Puppies may not initially like the crate. Some will cry, whine, bark and drive you crazy the first couple of days. Doing so will teach your puppy that if he barks or whines long enough he will get rewarded and this will only encourage the behavior. Training an English bulldog puppy takes time, consistency and patience. Dogs function best with structure, routine, and clear expectations. Share this post.

Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet. First, however, you must pick your future pet to adopt from a good rescue. Rescue should have active and preventative programs to reduce animal killing. The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared. Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever? Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever. Observe the dog Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing. The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention. If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice. Touch the dog with caution Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it. A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you. Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking. Play with the dog Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays. Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys. At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically. Walk with the dog Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything on the road. A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. So anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals. It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog. Summary If you live in New York, you will have numerous alternatives to explore, owing to a large number of Golden Retriever shelters in the area. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. They focus on dogs who have the temperament and character of a friendly family dog. They spend their time seeking out the perfect adoption homes for these Goldens through their volunteer network, applications, social media, and events. They do this to ensure that whichever home the dog ends up in, the owners will be well educated in caring for this specific breed. This organization is amazing because they take many different steps to ensure that their dogs go to a great, loving home with a family that will take care of them. This rescue is amazing because they focus on dogs who are close to being euthanized or dogs that have the possibility of being less likely adopted. Address: P. This club is to give recognition to this amazing breed of dog. This rescue is trustworthy because they are a part of the Golden Retriever Club of America and therefore they are American Kennel Club registered. This club is a great organization for anyone who owns Golden Retrievers because they consistently host events and have many different projects to work on as a team. They also spend their time finding reputable breeders of Golden Retrievers so they can ensure that those looking for Goldens can get the puppies from a trusted source. People love this club because they have a ton of information on their Goldens, puppies, finding a breeder, and more. They host events and they have a community where people can get together to celebrate Golden Retrievers. This ensures that they are a trustworthy and educated club for Golden Retrievers. This club provides education and training for those who own a Golden Retriever or those who are looking to own a Golden Retriever in the future. People are loving this club in specific because they dedicate their time to Golden Retrievers and the education behind them. They even are looking into research to find answers to medical questions that have been a concern for Golden retriever breeds for years. They are consistently contributing to the community by building friendships, providing education, research, and training as well to all the owners and Goldens of central New York. This is the perfect Golden Retriever club because they even have veterinarians and professionals who give educational lectures about the breed. This club is great for those that are looking to get their Golden Retrievers involved in shows, field trials, and obedience trials. This club is also American Kennel Club certified so you know they are trustworthy and ethical. People love this club in particular because they stay busy with events, organizations, and fundraisers. They are accepting new members regularly and they ensure that anyone that joins their club is involved in their organization a lot by having a ton of events to attend. This club is a devised club where even non-members can attend their events, just without their furry friends. This is a great idea if you just want to scope out the club before actually joining and bringing your Golden Retriever. People love joining this club because they focus on a lot of different training and tricks. They involve their Golden Retrievers in competitions, assisted therapy, conformation, obedience, rally obedience, and tracking. This is a really great reason to choose this club because it gives your Golden Retriever a lot of different opportunities to be a part of. Not only that, but this club is also a part of a lot of events that bring their community together in order to celebrate Golden Retrievers. Anyone with a Golden Retriever can join this club in order to bring out the best qualities whether that be in obedience, training, agility, tracking, competitions, or field events. Not only is this a club for Golden Retrievers, but they also have rescue, puppy referral, and referenced clinics. They work with a lot of people to bring Golden retrievers the best care before adoption, after adoption, and as puppies. Golden Retriever owners love being a part of this club because they have a lot of educational opportunities and they teach the dogs a lot about their natural abilities. Final Thoughts Finding the perfect Golden Retriever rescue center or club can be tricky, especially with so many options around New York. We hope to have narrowed down the search a little bit for you by providing you with some of the best and most trustworthy rescues. Rescues that are ethical, registered, and overall show true compassion for their animals are the ones to go with. Not all rescues have the same agenda, so making sure that you go through one that does what they are supposed to do is important. These rescues are the perfect palace to start and a lot of them have a ton of information on their website about their organization. You should be able to find everything you need using the information in this article. We wish you all of the luck trying to find your perfect Golden Retriever for your family! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Thank you! If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved. Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners. Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend. Bruce Wayne Bruce is a 7-year-old sweetheart who is looking for a forever home. He loves to go for car rides and is completely housebroken. This perfect gentleman knows basic commands and just wants a loving home where he can cuddle next to his family at night. The rescue said his transition into a new home would be easier if he was the only dog but he is learning that other dogs mean him no harm. Bruce loves everyone he meets but will bark to alert his family someone is there. If this faithful pup sounds like the perfect match for you, you can find out more by clicking here. The playful girl will need a home with a fenced in yard to play fetch and run around. Does Layla sound like the perfect dog for you? Adopt her. He has the biggest heart and just wants to find a family who will love him the way he is. He gets around just fine thanks to a custom wheelchair. If you are ready to experience unconditional love — adopt him! The six-year-old loves attention and looking at herself in the mirror. She would do best in a home with another dog as she is unsure of loud noises and new things. A patient family with a fenced in yard would be perfect for Peaches. They arrived with three other siblings but these two would love to find a home together. They are incredibly smart, eager to learn, and ready for a forever home. If you are able to open your heart and home to two adorable puppies click here. The seven-year-old gentle giant loves children and people. He does not do well with other male dogs but could live in a home with a female dog. If this handsome boy caught your eye, you can adopt him here. While he still has bursts of energy, he prefers attention over play and has not shown any interest in playing fetch. Adopt him here. He can be a bit bossy so a home with older children or no children would be best. Rocko is too interested in cats to live with them but can live with another dog, after a meet-and-greet. Looking for an adventure buddy? Marley Mae is your girl and she loves car rides. Daily walks will be required but fresh air and exercise is good for everyone. Oliver is a love bug and just wants a family of his own. If you are willing to spoil him with attention and cuddles, apply to adopt him here. Boyd is currently in Texas looking for a loving forever home. Adopt him! The gorgeous pup will shed and is still learning to walk on a leash. He needs a family who will teach him basic commands and house train him. If you are ready for a lifetime of fun and learning, apply to adopt Asher here. Missy is a friendly gal rescue estimates she is 18! She prefers a home without children. Let her show you how to enjoy the little things in life, like a relaxing care ride. If she is the dog you have been looking for, adopt her here. Colin is 7 years young and a total sweetheart. He enjoys walks and meeting new people but also loves cuddling. The affectionate boy does have separation anxiety so he would do best with a homebody. She is 5-years-old and gets along well with other dogs. This loving girl is looking for a forever home. Adopt her! He needs a family that will take the time to teach him how to be a good boy. He is a year-old boy who loves other dogs, cats, and children. He is looking to enjoy his golden years with a loving family. Bring him home! He is missing hair due to a skin infection that is being treated by a vet. This good boy is ready for his forever home. She just wants a family of her own to go on walks and cuddle with. Anyone ready to give her a life of luxury and love her unconditionally can adopt her here. The young boy loves to play with a ball and will do so for hours. He loves people and would do best with a family that prefers to stay in or take him along on adventures. He loves treats and is a quick learner. An active family would be the best fit for Samson as he needs to go on a couple mile walk every day. He gets along well with other dogs and just wants a home of his own. Does he sound like the perfect dog for you? He loves going for walks and to the beach. As soon as he sees his leash his tail starts to wag. While he is always up for adventure, the big fella also loves to relax and cuddle. If you are looking for a best friend who will never leave your side, then look no further. Adopt Harlow here! The golden mix boy is inquisitive and energetic. He needs a patient family who will teach him how to be a good boy and watch him grow into his huge paws. She walks well on a leash and is as sweet as can be. She enjoys playing with other dogs but can be a bit bossy. The sweet dog is looking for a calm and quiet home to enjoy his golden years. He enjoys cuddling and going for short walks. FAQ about golden retrievers and how to start the process of adoption. What is the lifespan of a golden retriever? Golden retrievers are active dogs with a life span of years. How much exercise does a golden retriever need? The breed is part of the sporting group and was originally bred to retrieve ducks and fowls for hunters. They need daily exercise consisting of a walk, a game of fetch, or a trip to the beach. Ideally, they should have 60 minutes of intense exercise a day and a great way to achieve that is through hiking. How to adopt a golden retriever? If you think a golden retriever is the right dog for you, contact your local shelter. Be sure that your lifestyle is a fit for a golden and consider adopting an older dog. No matter what type of companion you are looking for, you can find a perfect fit in a rescue pet.

The largest type of Poodle weighing between 40 to 60 lbs. Energetic, intelligent, and active dogs that require plenty of exercise. Will not do well in small spaces. Get on well with children. How Old Do Poodles Live? You can expect to spend many happy years with your fur buddy with the right care. However, before you bring one home, here are some facts about Poodles that you ought to know. They also have a single coat that is hypoallergenic. Poodle coats can change color by the time they are 2 years old. Poodle puppies born with dark coats can lighten, and those with lighter coats can darken. Poodles And Hot Weather Poodles have one coat of hair, which means they do not have an undercoat to protect them from temperature extremes, making them vulnerable to hot weather. Leaving your Poodle in the hot sun can lead to heatstroke and even be fatal in extreme cases. Never leave your Poodle out in hot weather for extended periods. Image from Instagram: hu. If you want your Poodle to live a healthy and happy life, here are the key things you need to keep in mind. Diet A healthy diet is a prerequisite for a healthy and happy dog. Ensuring that your Poodle gets a nutrient-rich, balanced diet would be best. For energetic breeds such as the Poodle, high-quality protein-rich meals are essential. Formulas like Pet Plate provide a nutritionally balanced recipe to ensure that your Poodle gets sufficient healthy nutrients from their diet. Poodles are an energetic and athletic breed that requires nutrient-dense meals to keep them healthy. Take a look here! Exercise Poodles may look like lap dogs, but this energetic breed is built for an active lifestyle. Ensuring that your poodle gets sufficient daily exercise is essential for their well-being. Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles can get by on moderate exercise. However, Standard Poodles need plenty of daily exercises and will not do well in small spaces. Standard Poodles are ideal if you have a yard with lots of running room for your pooch. Ensure that your Poodle gets at least an hour of exercise each day. It will keep them healthy and stave off destructive behavior that can be caused by too much pent-up energy. Can Poodles Be Left Alone? Temperament Of Poodles Image from Instagram: lovely. Here is some information about the temperament of a Poodle. Affectionate And Devoted Poodles are affectionate companions that thrive on attention. These pups should not be left alone for extended periods as they can be prone to separation anxiety. Standard Poodles are typically more amiable than Toy and Miniature Poodles. Standard Poodles are even-tempered and will get on well with children and other pets. Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles can be temperamental. Toy Poodles are especially prone to aggressive tendencies and are not recommended for homes with small children. Intelligent Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are easy to train and pick up tricks very quickly. However, bored Poodles can get up to lots of mischief, so keeping your pup stimulated mentally is important. Training programs like the brain training program can help eliminate problem behaviors such as excessive barking. Poodles are a very vocal breed, and excessive barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Professional training will save you the hustle of having to buy a dog silencer or putting up with constant barking from your pooch. Excellent Watchdogs Poodles tend to be wary of strangers. They are also very alert, and these two qualities make them excellent watchdogs. Lively And Active Poodles are lively and active dogs that require plenty of exercise and physical activity. These energetic dogs will not do well cooped up in small spaces for extended periods. Coat Care Poodles have a dense, curly coat that needs to be kept clean and matt-free. It will require daily brushing to prevent their hair from matting. Poodles have a single coat with no undercoat for extra protection, so their skin can be prone to infections. Bathing your pup at least twice a month will ensure their skin stays healthy. Always clip your Poodle after bathing it. Extra-long hair gets dirty faster and increases the probability of skin infections. Dental Care Poodles tend to be prone to dental problems and require lots of dental care to prevent health problems. Regular veterinary dental cleanings are also recommended for Poodles to prevent dental illnesses. Yes, Red Toy Poodles are rare. They carry a unique gene referred to as the Rufus gene. This gene changes the appearance of the Apricot and Brown Poodle coats to red. Since the Rufus gene is very rare, very few Toy Poodles end up with red coats. What Is A Mini Poodle? A Mini Poodle is a medium-sized Poodle that averages 10 to 15 inches in height and weighs 15 lbs. Mini Poodles live an average of 12 years and are a healthy, energetic, and intelligent breed. A Standard Poodle will be fully grown by the age of 2. Standard Poodles will typically grow to a height of 15 inches or more. A fully grown Standard Poodle will weigh between 40 to 60 lbs for females, while males weigh between 45 to 70 lbs. Dogs Poodle Pete Decker. This huge variation is dependent on a variety of factors that you must understand before adopting a pup. Poodles come in various sizes and temperaments, making them suitable as companions for individuals of all ages and activity levels. Many people equate poodles with money, making them appear out of reach. The following are some factors that affect the price of a mini poodle puppy. Lineage The pedigree of a poodle can make a significant impact on its price. Puppies with well-known parents are usually more costly. Location The location of the breeder is vital for determining the cost of a poodle. For example, the puppies bred in some areas of the United States are more expensive than other states. Health Expenses Serious breeders will get their breeding dogs and puppies examined for various medical issues. Furthermore, before selling their puppies, some will take them to the veterinarian for an examination. They may also take care of the vaccinations and microchip implantation. Specifications Some colors of poodles are more popular than others and will cost more money. Puppies become more expensive when the interest in a specific coat color increases. This is because an increased demand leads to a higher market price. Similarly, poodles with unusual hues are usually on the expensive side. They get their breeding dogs and puppies registered, which would increase their payments. Age Most people want their puppy as soon as possible. Hence, the cost of a mini poodle puppy drops if they are not adopted immediately. For example, a 6-month-old dog will cost less than an 8-week-old puppy. Adoption fee is just one of them as you need to plan for veterinarian fees, training, grooming, food, and other supplies. Some of the major expenses that you will need to bear in the first year are as follows. Dog Crate You must train your poodle, and the best method is to use a box. This will allow you to help another dog owner who is on a tight budget. Beds and Leashes An excellent bed is something that will last your dog for a long time. If you want to save money, try to get a bed of reasonable size so that it could last several years. It will allow your dog to grow into it over time. You will also need to invest in a leash for training your poodle. It can also prove helpful in talking your canine friend on a walk. You need to check before adopting whether your dog has been micro-chipped and neutered or not. However, it depends on the vaccinations that have been managed before adoption. The price can also increase a little if you live in an expensive neighborhood. If your poodle is a frisbee fan, you should invest in a dog-specific frisbee because it is more durable. Dog toys are very important if you want to leave your dog alone for an extended amount of time. They will keep your pooch occupied while you are away. It is vital to keep them from engaging in negative behavior. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you want to get a show dog from champion bloodlines, expect to spend more. Purchasing the purebred Miniature or Toy type of Poodle is pricier than buying other dog breeds from a backyard dog breeder. The Standard Poodles are typically less expensive than Toy Poodles since they deliver more purebred puppies per litter. The price of a Standard Poodle, as well as Miniature and Toy Poodles, does not often change between male and female dogs, but larger dogs are associated with a higher maintenance cost compared to smaller Poodles. A premium price tag also usually means you have a high-quality Poodle puppy from purebred breeders which could save you a lot of money in the long run. Female Poodle: Which Is Better? Factors Affecting the Cost of a Poodle Puppy Many people find Poodles expensive, but what is it about Poodles that makes them so costly? Well, there are many reasons why these fluffy dogs cost thousands of dollars. The size, age, health, lineage, and AKC registration of a Poodle puppy are essential considerations when determining puppy prices. Here are other factors affecting the price of a purebred Poodle: Age: Younger purebred Poodle puppies are far more costly than older puppies on average. This is due to the high demand for young pups. Meanwhile, purchasing an adult Poodle could save you at the very least a few hundred dollars. Appearance: Purebred Poodles that sport rare Poodles coats color are priced higher than others. Purebred Poodle breeders dedicate years to learning how to breed high-quality puppies. Those that gained recognition for their hard work often put higher price tags on their Poodles than others. Bloodline: Since they are bred for exhibition, champion Poodles will be the priciest. These are the canines that compete in athletics and breed representation. Health Screenings: Purebred Poodles are at risk of health issues, such as seizures. This means Poodle breeders must take measures to ensure the health of their pups. As a result, they will have to invest additional money to nurture proper Poodle health. Registration Papers: Your Poodle must have the required registration papers to be registered with a kennel club. This list contains the significant factors that influence the price of a Poodle. When purchasing a Standard Poodle puppy, keep them in mind and any additional fees that may be associated with it. A purebred backyard breeder might ask you for things like reservation charges, pet delivery, vaccines, and pup accessories that are not included in the Standard Poodle price range. Poodle costs of adoption will vary depending on where you get your dog. If you choose a senior or special needs adult Standard Poodle, the fee is significantly reduced or even free entirely in these cases. Poodle puppies can be found in abundance in local shelters. If you decide to adopt a Poodle, you can be assured that you will get a dog that has been well-cared for, unlike the ones found in a puppy mill. Here is the list of the essential things that people who love Poodles must prepare for: Food and Treats: Poodles can be picky eaters. Hence, it is important to invest in the right kind of high-quality food upfront. Poodles will need a diet high in fats and proteins. Bed: Because the Poodles are active dogs, it will require a nice bed. The size of your Poodle will determine which mattress is appropriate. Crate: A crate is a must-have for required vet visits or crate-training your Poodle properly. This is a must-have item for Poodles that enjoy running and playing. Toys: Teething is unavoidable for young pups, and restlessness can lead to destructive behavior. These toys are a great approach to alleviating these concerns while keeping your dog happy. A slick brush to clear unkempt hair and knots, a metallic greyhound comb to remove tangles and separate hair strands, a blow dryer, grooming clippers, nail clippers, and a toothbrush to maintain proper oral hygiene are all you need. Furthermore, deworming is a crucial step in keeping healthy pups. Initial Vaccine Shots: If you opt to purchase an unvaccinated Poodle puppy, you will be responsible for the expense of their first round of vaccinations. This is also another way of keeping your Poodle healthy. Neutering and Spaying: If you purchase Standard Poodle puppies, most likely, it is still intact. It is suggested that the puppy be spayed or neutered between six and nine months. Microchip: A microchip, about the size of a rice grain, should be implanted on your Poodle. This can be scanned by vets or other canine specialists for your contact info, health records, and health problems. Miscellaneous Supplies: Useful goods such as poop scoopers, cleaning materials, and urine pads could make Poodle care much more manageable. By Chris The striking Poodle needs no introduction. Even people unfamiliar with dog breeds can easily identify one. But aside from their striking good looks, Poodles have many desirable traits, like their loyalty, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. The typical cost of a purebred Poodle ranges from USD. Smaller Toy and Mini Poodles typically cost towards the higher range. Papered show Poodles or genetically strong breeding dogs can fetch far higher prices. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. How Much Are Poodles? First things first: Poodles are expensive dogs. The reason? Poodles cost a lot to breed and maintain. A reputable breeder puts a lot of blood, sweat, and tears—and money—to ensure that their dogs are healthy and well-maintained. Where you get your Poodle also affects how much you pay for it. There are three types, which differ based on size: Standard: the largest of the three types Miniature: a medium-size Poodle Toy: the smallest of the three types A guilty looking two color Poodle Reputable Poodle Breeder Anyone who wants a purebred Poodle should find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is someone with a specific breeding business whose job is to produce the best dogs. As I mentioned above, the cost varies depending on the Poodle type you choose. Accidental Breeder An accidental breeder is exactly what it sounds like—someone who is not in the business of breeding but has a pregnant dog. In most cases, people who run puppy mills do not prioritize the health and safety of their pups. They have lots of dogs, usually more than they can take care of, to make the greatest profit possible. Getting a dog from a puppy mill is risky; you may get a dog with long-term health problems, a shorter life span, or genetic issues. So how do you avoid puppy mills? Online forums are an excellent place to look, especially ones specific to your area. Be sure to also check out breeder reviews. Rescue Finally, you have rescue shelters, which are excellent places to obtain a Poodle for cheap. The big downside in going this route is that finding the dog you want is a matter of luck. The main advantage of shelter dogs is the price. Additionally, most of the time, the shelter ensures that the dog already has all its shots before it goes home with you, saving you some of the healthcare costs. However, if knowing that is not important to you, you can find a fantastic dog for cheap. In addition to the initial fee to take the dog home, you should be aware of the other many Poodle costs. Some are one-time, while others are recurring. You already know that you have to feed the dog throughout its life. Choosing between a Cockapoo vs Poodle can be tricky — they are both super cute, hypoallergenic , and can be non-shedding! Vaccinations Vaccinations are essential to keep dogs healthy. Some are free, while others are not. Health Care Just as you would take a child to the pediatrician for regular checkups, you should take your Poodle to the Vet for an six monthly visit. Your vet may also advise certain medications to keep your dog healthy, like deworming meds. A super cute Poodle sitting on its owners lap Training Training is critical to ensure that your dog is well-behaved. You may feel confident training your dog yourself, but most people choose to send their Poodles to puppy school. You can start Poodle training with potty training at home. There are milestones that Poodles should meet at different ages. Grooming All dogs need to be groomed to some degree to keep their fur and skin healthy. Poodles are no exception, but if you compare them to other breeds, their grooming requirements are much higher. Depending on your preferences, your dog should visit the groomer every month or two. While this breed makes a loving and intelligent family dog , the high cost of having a Poodle—both to purchase it and to maintain it—is not for everyone. Adopting a Poodle? My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Other sources of entertainment for your dog may include activities, such as agility. You can also purchase items to create brain games for your dog, like puzzles and Kong toys. Different diets, toys, supplies, and groomers all can vary significantly in cost. Additional Costs to Factor In Other costs you should be prepared for include pet sitters, trainers, and emergency expenses. Trainers usually charge by the session, but some offer packages to help limit expense. Setting money aside every month for any emergency or unexpected expenses will help you be prepared if anything comes up. You can also rotate through toys and supplies to keep things interesting and prevent items from wearing out quickly. Even on a budget, you should plan for the monthly expenses associated with food and medical care. These are expenses that cannot be skipped, regardless of budget. Coming up with creative ways to budget and stretch the use of items longer can go a long way in helping you to save money. Image Credit: susanne, Pixabay Saving Money on Poodle Care You can save money on a professional groomer if you take time to brush your dog well every day to ensure they are not getting mats and to monitor their skin health. You can also save money on grooming expenses if you are comfortable shaving or grooming your Poodle yourself. Another great way to save money on the care and maintenance of your Poodle is to watch online and brick-and-mortar shops for sales and coupons. These can be used to save a significant amount on foods, toys, treats, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, and more. Conclusion: Poodle Price Owning a Poodle can be attainable, regardless of your budget. Poodles of all sizes and types are fantastic dogs with fun personalities. They are not low-maintenance dogs, though. This means you may experience higher costs associated with grooming and basic care than you would with a lower-maintenance dog. Set aside money every month as a backup option in case unexpected expenses arise or you find yourself in an emergency situation. Less - The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized , squarely built dog with a distinctive harsh curly coat that may be presented in any of several traditional Poodle clips or corded. The ears are long, drop, and densely feathered. The tail is normally docked, set high, and carried erect. The length of body sternum to point of buttocks is equal to the height withers to ground. The Standard Poodle carries himself with an air of dignity and pride. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. The breed is noted for its high intelligence, trainability and sense of humor. Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog. The Poodle is a regal purebred dog breed that is so instantly recognizable that he rarely needs any introduction! Standard Poodles , Miniature Poodles , and Toy Poodles are amazing athletes, loyal friends, alert watchdogs, and intelligent service dogs. Expensive Puppies Vs Low Price Puppies If this will be your first-ever puppy, or your first Poodle puppy, you may genuinely not be aware there are several different types of Poodle breeders. Here are the three main types of Poodle dog breeders: Purebred dog breeder. Backyard dog breeder. You may also choose to find a Poodle puppy or adult at a local rescue shelter or Poodle rescue organization. The former will often compete in dog shows or canine athletics and some puppies that are show quality may also be bred. The latter will be placed in high quality homes with families who have been thoroughly interviewed and vetted. Often, they will have paid an initial deposit and waited for a period of time before a puppy became available. Purebred dog breeders place Poodle health and breed longevity before profit. They pre-test their breeding dogs for genetic health issues. Parent dogs and puppies are fed high quality food, receive ongoing veterinary care, and are well-socialized for placement. But what is a backyard breeder? A backyard breeder generally gets into dog breeding for two reasons: their unfixed dog got knocked up by the intact daddy dog down the block, or they want to make some extra cash. They also are unlikely to know much, if anything, about canine genetics or breed health. They may not even be purebred Poodles even if the puppies look the part and the breeder tells you they are purebred. There are many unknown variables involved in purchasing a Poodle from this type of casual or accidental dog breeder. Backyard dog breeders often operate out of their car, hawking puppies at local flea markets or grocery stores. They may also work with local pet stores, although this is typically more the purview of puppy mills. One research authority states there may be as many as 10, puppy mills up and running in the U. Puppy mills are in it for one reason and only one reason — to make money. To this end, their business model is simple: spend as little as possible to make as much as possible, while flying under the local radar to avoid being brought up on animal cruelty charges. Some puppy mills are now importing puppies bred in other countries to keep a lower profile. These puppies may cost less than either a purebred dog breeder or even a backyard breeder will charge, but the profit margin on each Poodle puppy is likely to be far higher. This valuable article offers 41 tips to spot a puppy mill-type breeder and steer clear. Rescue Shelter Not everyone will have the financial means to purchase a purebred Poodle puppy from a reputable breeder. For some people, it is also important for other reasons to adopt rather than shop. Here, you are more likely to find an adult Poodle of any size rather than a Poodle puppy, but this can also offer its own advantages, including being able to skip teething and house training! Always look for a rescue organization that is a registered c 3 charity and re-invests adoption fees back into the organization. This puppy may lack the ideal coat color or conformation appearance to compete in the show ring. But they will be a great example of a purebred Poodle dog in all other ways temperament, athleticism, et al. Miniature and Toy Poodles average three puppies per litter. If you plan to add a Poodle puppy to your family, remember that the price tag on that precious bundle of fur is just one aspect of puppy budget! In addition to the price of your puppy, you need to purchase additional supplies to get ready to welcome your new fur baby home.

Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

The last thing you want to do is put a puppy in a home that isn't ready to take care of it. A puppy will need to be housebroken, trained , and exercised. If you plan to buy a puppy for a child, be sure to speak to their parents. Are you okay with grooming it regularly? Do you have enough space for a big dog or would a small or medium dog work best? Animal shelters can be great sources of both mixed-breed and pure-breed dogs. If you are looking for a specific breed, call ahead. Pet stores often get their animals from what are known as puppy mills. Puppy mills also called puppy farms treat their animals poorly and take advantage of their dogs, and their puppies are often unhealthy. A great place to start is to ask your vet or local humane society for recommendations. Their kennels should be spacious and clean. Breeds only a few types of dogs and is knowledgeable about those breeds. Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee for your puppy. Alternatively, you can make a handmade IUO. You can include a stuffed animal puppy with your gift certificate or IOU. Consider bringing in a foster dog instead. Your recipient will be able to learn the responsibilities of animal adoption. If they fall in love with the dog, awesome job! If they don't fall in love with the pup, that's okay! Fostering is just a temporary home. But you can make yours any way you want. A closer look at the Golden paper dog: And a better look at the sweet little Border Collie paper dog: Inspiration for these paper dog boxes came from paper-replika, who made some super cute printable dog paper toys a while back and shared them under a Creative Commons license. I converted their basic design to the Cricut and made my own design tweaks — a longer body my dogs have long tube bodies! Then I thought this paper toy would be even better if it were a box! So I designed a trapezoidal box that fits under the dog. So now let me show you how to make paper dog boxes! Read my full disclosure policy. I have three different dog designs — one is modeled after my border collie puppy, one is a malamute, and the other is modeled after my golden retriever dog. Feel free to change the size of these, too! Need help with the scoring lines? Check out my tutorial on Cricut Scoring, Grouping, and Attaching! Fold your head piece along the scorelines, both big folds and tab folds. Everything gets folded IN. Glue everything on the head, saving the back of the head for last. Now, glue up the paper dog body, saving the rear end for last. If you are going to put a collar on your dog, fold and glue it to the body now. Now you can stop here and just have a paper dog or paper puppy. But if you want a paper dog BOX, keep going! Take the box piece and fold it in, both big folds and tab folds. Now, glue the tabs to the sides to form the box. Here are all of the cute paper dog boxes I made! Which one would you like to adopt? You can really make a lot of different dog breeds just by using different color of paper, different styles and sizes of ears and tails, and different markings. If you made yours look like your dog, be sure to include a photo of your dog, too! Please share a photo in our Facebook group , or tag me on social media with jennifermaker. Love, Jennifer Jennifer Marx is a designer, an enthusiastic crafter, a lifelong teacher, and a proud overcomer of a variety of life's challenges. She lives a full, happy life in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan with her partner Greg, her teen daughter Alexa, and their two dogs, Hunter and Chloe. What an amazing Christmas Fantasy. There is nothing more magical then receiving a puppy at Christmas time. Opening that box and realizing there is something moving inside. Those first happy puppy kisses. The look of joy on your loved ones face. It is hard enough finding good puppy owners. This is the last place you want to go. These puppies were bred for cash, and anyone who breeds for profit will put minimal care into the puppies. Puppy Mill Puppies in disguise. Can you pick them out? Probably not. They are professionals at deceiving new puppy owners. What problems can happen? Your texts and calls are not answered. And no one ever heard of Mr. Nice at the phone number you call. Right Start looking for your puppy in September. Find a good breeder and ask for references. Its Christmas. Does the person know they are getting a 10 year commitment? How do you know this is the puppy that person would have chosen? Children want to play, not raise a puppy? Will your child get up at 6am every morning to let the puppy out? Are you giving a puppy because YOU want the puppy? Do they know what they are getting into? All off these can cause a puppy gift to back fire. Make sure they want a puppy, and are ready to take care of one. Look at their lifestyle. If they are more into social life than sports, then they might not be a good match for a puppy. Are they home a lot? Do they go for walks? Do they normally get up early? Most people will not change their lifestyle for a dog. Reasons Not to Give a Puppy To teach children responsibility — it never works To give to someone you are dating. If you break up you may end up fighting over the dog. To make someone who is depressed happier. Its temperament is set in this time. We see it all the time. The Nightmare After Christmas — Puppy Obedience Training Christmas puppies cannot go outside and get the same mental stimulation as summer puppies can.

Download Article There are several other dog breeds that have similarities in appearance to a Pug. However, if you are aware of the differences between the breeds, you can obtain a better understanding of whether or not a dog is a Pug. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. A Pekingese can seem exactly like a Pug, especially if it has a short coat. Most Pekingese, however, have quite long fur. Both breeds have wrinkles and flat muzzles, but a Pekingese's tail won't be curled like a Pug's - instead, it hangs over the dog's back. Pekingese can also come in different coat colors than Pugs, though both can be seen in fawn and black. Despite having longer fur, Pekingese don't shed as much as Pugs, but still a moderate amount. French Bulldogs are another popular breed with wrinkles and a flat muzzle. They are slightly bigger than Pugs and therefore not a member of the toy group and have short, stubby tails. Their ears are perked, rather than the pug's folded ears. A solid black or tan and black Frenchie may have white markings on the chest or stomach, differentiating it from a Pug. Two stubborn, flat-faced breeds, Pugs and English Bulldogs have a lot in common. For example, both have faces coated with wrinkles. However, Bulldogs have short, stumpy tails, while pugs have longer, curled tails. Bulldogs can come in many more color varieties, such as brown or brown with white markings. Pugs are smaller than Bulldogs, as Bulldogs are members of the non-sporting group. Bulldogs also have different ears than Pugs. These two breeds are roughly equal in size and body structure. However, Boston Terriers usually have perked up ears and stubby tails, and they tend to be black and white, while black Pugs aren't seen with white markings. They also have completely different origins - Boston terriers originate in the United States, while Pugs date back to Ancient China. Boxers are medium-sized dogs and larger than Pugs, but the two both tend to have flat, black muzzles. A Boxer can have either cropped or uncropped ears, along with a natural or docked tail. A Boxer's natural tail is longer than a pug's and isn't curled, while the docked tail is very short. Boxers are usually brown or black in color, but also are seen in white, brindle, and more color variants. Pugs aren't typically seen in a brown coat. Pugs and Bullmastiffs may look a little similar in appearance, but Bullmastiffs are much larger dogs. Pugs are small dogs generally lap dogs , while Bullmastiffs are large dogs sometimes used for guarding. Bullmastiffs have long tails that don't curl over their backs. Both dogs have wrinkles, but Bullmastiffs have usually larger muzzles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. They thrive on attention and can get pretty worked up and excited if fun things are happening. These are amiable little dogs who want to participate in your activities, too. Pugs with kids and babies are often a great combination since Pugs are fun and enjoy playtime. Finally, when it comes to a career, Pugs may have the best job in the world: being a companion to their loving family. They are average barkers not too quiet, not too much and make fairly good watchdogs. The biggest challenge to Pug care is probably their health needs, which are high. Grooming Guess what—Pugs shed! Black Pugs might shed a bit less than fawn-colored pups, but both shed year-round and not just in the fall and spring as with other breeds. Be sure to clean those wrinkles and skin folds every day with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations; this will help prevent irritation and infections. If you see redness or swelling or smell an odor your pup may have an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe medication to clear it up. A bath about every month is also a good idea. Be sure to dry those delicious folds completely! Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Get the how-to here. If nails are left too long on older dogs, it can make it painful to walk. And be sure to talk with your vet for advice regarding dental health and the use of dental chews. Have your vet professionally clean their teeth every year. Regular dental care will help prevent serious issues later in their life. Pugs are people pleasers, so they want to do a good job for you. You can do this in part by taking your dog to group training classes or becoming involved in a dog sport like agility, obedience or rally. Obesity leads to other health problems down the road. Consider feeding your pup a well-balanced, high-quality commercial diet formulated specifically for toy breeds. Those treat calories count! Finally, consider getting a doggy- Puggy? They are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs. Exercise All dogs need appropriate exercise, and your Pug is no exception. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed flat-faced with a short nose , some may have a compromised airway caused by the extreme facial characteristics in their nostrils, palate, larynx and trachea. Instead, aim for shorter exercise sessions, broken up throughout the day. Pugs have pretty low energy levels, and their exercise needs are also fairly low; they typically need less than an hour of exercise every day. While some Pugs do enjoy doggy sports like agility, a short walk or fun indoor playtime will be plenty. Ideal Environment Pugs are wonderfully adaptable to many types of home settings and will be happy wherever you live. No problem for Pugs. Small homes? Big homes with room to roam? You bet! Country homes with huge backyards? Your Pug will love that too, although they may not need a yard of that size to be happy. Pugs are usually open to meeting strangers, even though they may bark to let you know your guests are here. Pugs really do prefer the indoors. Back to Top Pug Health Toy dog breeds tend to have longer lifespans than large dog breeds, and the Pug is no exception. Pug life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years. However, there are a few health issues you should be aware of, so you can help your pet stay healthy throughout their life. Eye Issues: Since Pugs have such prominent eyes, they are more prone to eye issues. Treatment usually consists of medicated eye drops. Weight reduction, physical therapy and surgery are options for treatment. Patellar Luxation: This is the condition where the knee slides out of the joint. In milder cases, pain medication and weight management are treatment options. Surgery is often needed in more severe cases. Pug Dog Encephalitis: This is an inflammatory brain disease and is fatal. Within a matter of weeks, a dog will experience seizures, circling, blindness, then coma and death. At this time, there is no known treatment for the disease, nor are experts sure how they get it. Skin Issues: Keeping your Pug clean helps minimize skin issues. In particular, the skin folds require special attention to avoid irritation and infections. Ear Infections: Those floppy ears are cute, but they may harbor infections. Check their ears every day and gently wipe away any debris. Signs of infection include redness, swelling or a bad odor. Your vet can prescribe medicated ear solutions to get rid of an infection. Allergies: Pugs can be affected by skin allergies. These can be caused by something in the food they eat or their environment pollen, mold, etc. Thankfully, your vet can treat allergies with either dietary changes or medications, depending on the cause. Back to Top Pug History The history of the Pug dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents. But their not so humble origins began as the beloved companions of Chinese emperors , and they were highly prized and valued for centuries. Some Pugs even had their own guards! By around the s, Pugs began to travel abroad, and they arrived in Europe, where they became quite popular with royalty in Holland. Over in England, Queen Victoria was said to be especially fond of the breed; she shared her home with as many as 38 Pugs. They may be small dogs, but they pack a lot of personality into their small size! The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in , but the popularity of the Pug breed in America declined somewhat around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Pug enjoys steady popularity, currently ranking 28th of the most popular dog breeds in the US. You can also reach out to Pug rescue organizations to adopt a Pug or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. A bit goofy and rambunctious, pugs have also earned a reputation as a canine class clown. Pugs are ideal house dogs thanks to their stable temperament and loving disposition. Although you'll need a quality vacuum, as they shed profusely! Playful but not requiring lots of activity, pugs are content to do whatever their owner wants to do, whether that be watching a movie or going for a walk around the block. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups who remain very loyal to their owners. As a brachycephalic breed, that adorable smooshy face can also be the source of common health problems for pugs, which potential owners will want to understand before they choose to become pug parents. Pugs come in two standard colors with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. The fawn or tan coat color can range from a warm apricot to a cool and rarely seen silver. Their heads feature their signature short, flat, black muzzle covered with deep wrinkles. Their prominent eyes dominate their comical, wrinkly face and showcase a range of emotions, from surprise and happiness to curiosity. They sport moles on their cheeks, called "beauty spots" and a clearly defined "thumb mark" on their forehead. Their short coat is actually a double coat, and they shed like crazy, especially during the summer months. According to the AKC standard , the perfect pug tail has a double curl. Temperament A pug's favorite place to be is right by your side. Bred to be companions, they are completely content snuggling up on your lap and lounging the day away and aren't afraid to hop right into bed with you. But be forewarned: Pugs wheeze, snort, and snore so you may want to invest in some ear plugs. They will be quite unhappy—and will let you know it—if you don't shower them with affection or if you leave them alone for long periods of time. You shouldn't expect a pug to hunt, guard, or retrieve. A pug will have nothing to do with such activities. A funny little dog, pugs often find ways to create their own silly entertainment—but please for their sake pay attention to the show they are putting on—while maintaining a dignified manner when necessary. While they are a toy breed, pugs are a bit tougher than other similar-sized pups and are up for playtime. Avoid disappointment and make sure the kids know pugs aren't likely to play fetch or chase a soccer ball though. Pugs are pretty amenable to getting along with anyone, including other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pugs also make great companions for those living in apartments and older individuals because they don't require too much indoor space for activity. We're not necessarily saying pugs are lazy, but they are known to sleep up to 14 hours per day! They also don't bark much because breathing is a bit difficult for them. Their breathing challenges combined with their short legs make them poor swimmers, too. Although they'd likely benefit from a dip in the pool on hot summer days, as they don't tolerate heat—or the cold—well. So be diligent in helping manage their intake—limit their treats and don't feed them table scraps no matter how cute and pleading their stare may be—because their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly. You should also encourage exercise, although they don't need much in a day. They find creative ways to burn off energy on their own. Bathing about once monthly and regular brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove help manage significant pug shedding. And those sweet facial wrinkles need extra attention because they are a breeding ground for infection if they are damp and dirty. Dry your pug's wrinkles thoroughly after bathing and wipe them out in between baths—a dry cotton ball will do the trick. Pugs also need their nails trimmed regularly, as they don't naturally wear by spending lots of time outdoors. Regular teeth brushing is a must as pugs are susceptible to gum disease. Training can be a challenge, Nichols says. Remember their ultimate goal is simply to spend time with you. If those surgeries are not done, expect a lifelong loud snoring dog. These are symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , which can also cause saliva disorders, sleep issues, and difficulties with regurgitation. Pugs can face a fair amount of other health issues, including back problems, epilepsy, allergies, hemi-vertebrae or misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , patellar luxation,and nerve degeneration later in life. A variety of skin conditions may affect pugs, including yeast infections, staph infections, or demodectic mange. While their big, dark eyes are adorable, they are especially vulnerable. Pugs sometimes face corneal ulcers, proptosis , and dry eye, among other ailments. Skin conditions such as walking dandruff—caused by a small mite—need to be treated by your veterinarian. Pug parents also need to watch that their pugs maintain a healthy weight; obesity can exacerbate their breathing problems. A study released in comparing the health of pugs to other dogs found "many critical health-related welfare challenges to overcome for pugs. Conversely, according to the study, pugs had significantly reduced adjusted odds of having heart murmur or lipoma tumors. One affliction unique to pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis , afatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing. History Pugs are an ancient breed—perhaps the oldest dog breed, in fact—that originated in China. Going back some 2, years, flat-faced, or short-nosed toy dogs like the pug were popular with Chinese emperors and lived lavish lives because of it, the AKC says. They were only given to those outside the Far East as gifts. But in the s and early s, Dutch traders arrived in Europe with the breed and thanks to popularity with royal households they quickly gained popularity across Europe. Their long history reveals a number of different names for the breed including lo-sze Chinese , mopsi Finnish , doguillo Spanish , and mophonds Dutch , among others. The name pug is supposedly derived from the Latin word "pugnus"—which means "fist"—to reflect the fact that a pug's face looks like a clenched fist, the AKC writes. Pugs were also very popular during the Victorian era, featured on postcards, in paintings, and as figurines. For years they remained largely pets of the aristocracy. Queen Victoria had many pugs and bred them , and Marie Antoinette also had a pug named Mops. They were standardized as a breed in the early s. Upon taking over the Chinese Imperial Palace in , the English discovered several pugs and began breeding them back in England to improve the breed. It wasn't until after the Civil War that pugs came to the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Initially very popular, pug ownership and breeding waned until the s when the, the Pug Dog Club of America was created and recognized by the AKC. Fun Facts One legend says the pug became the mascot of Holland's royal House of Orange after a pug barked a warning to save the life of the Prince of Orange before an attack by Spanish troops, the AKC writes. Another legend holds that some pugs were prized in Chinese culture because their wrinkles resembled good luck symbols in the Chinese language. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Not surprisingly, pugs' cute mugs have graced the big screen. In recent years, many pugs have become insta-famous on Instagram as well. Doug the Pug is undeniably the most popular of the bunch. With more than 13 million social followers, the celebrity pup rubs noses with stars like Joe Jonas and Shakira. Pug owners and enthusiasts are just as quirky and loveable as the breed, often dressing up their pups and hosting get-togethers and pug parades. The round head is massive with a short, blunt, square-shaped muzzle. Moles on the cheeks are considered beauty spots. The teeth meet in a slight undershot bite. The very large, prominent eyes are dark. The small, thin ears are either rose or button shaped. The face has large, deep wrinkles. The high-set tail is curled over the back and a double curl is preferred in the show ring. Dewclaws are usually removed. The short coat is soft, fine and smooth. Coat colors come in apricot, fawn, black and silver. Temperament The Pug is keen, with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Animated, peppy and spirited, it is loyal, loving and affectionate with its family. Playful, lively and rambunctious, it is sure to keep you laughing. Highly intelligent, it bores easily without variety in its training. These dogs can be a bit willful if they sense they are stronger minded than the humans around them. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of your voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. They need an owner who is calm, yet firm, confident and consistent with the rules. This dog is neither excitable nor dull. They are good watchdogs, very devoted and are not yappers. Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors. Be sure to be your Pug's pack leader. Pugs that do not have strong human leaders can become jealous, and begin to display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture , food, toys, or other spots in the house. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Height, Weight Height: Males 12 - 14 inches 30 - 36 cm Females 10 - 12 inches 25 - 30 cm Weight: Males 13 - 20 pounds 6 - 9 kg Females 13 - 18 pounds 6 - 8 kg Health Problems Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to chronic breathing problems, making the Pug tend to wheeze and snore. Pugs suffer from poor ventilation. Prone to skin problems. Prone to mast cell tumors. The cause is unknown. They are not the easiest whelpers. There is a chance of Keratitis inflammation of the cornea and ulcers on the cornea. Eyes are prone to weeping and cherry eye. Do not overfeed a Pug, as they will eat more than is good for them, quickly becoming obese and living much shorter lives. Living Conditions The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature. Exercise Pugs are strong dogs with short, straight legs. They need to be taken on daily walks. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. They enjoy energetic games and will keep in better health if given regular exercise. But be careful not to overdo it, especially if you see them start to wheeze. Life Expectancy About 12 to 15 years. Litter Size About 2 -6 puppies Grooming The smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to groom. Brush and comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. Dry thoroughly after a bath so the dog does not get chilled. The creases on the face must be cleaned regularly. This breed is an above average shedder. Origin The Pug is one of the oldest breeds known today, believed to have originated before BC. There is somewhat of a debate over the origin of the Pug. Most researchers agree that the Pug originated from Asia, descended from a shorthaired Pekingese. Another theory is that it is the result of crossing a small Bulldog , while others speculate that it is a miniature form of the French Mastiff Dogue de Bordeaux. The artist Hogarth had a Pug named "Trump" that he often depicted in his works. The breed became popular during Victorian times in the 19th century. Tibetan monasteries kept Pugs as pets. The breed made its way to Japan and Europe, where it not only became a pet of royalty but the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland. Prince William II owned Pugs. One dog in particular was said to have saved his life in at Hermingny, when the dog barked at approaching Spaniards alerting him of their presence. On their wedding night, when Napoleon refused to allow the dog to sleep in their bed, Josephine told him, "If the Pug does not sleep in our bed, neither do I! In when the British took over the Chinese Imperial Palace, they discovered several Pugs and Pekingese, and the dogs were brought back to England with them. The AKC recognized the Pug in .Some of the Pug's talents include: watchdog and performing tricks.