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Breeds The link has been copied! Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for a good reason. They make wonderful family pets due to their friendly personalities, endless loyalty, and high intelligence. However, before bringing one into your home, it is essential to consider the costs associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In this article, we'll explore the question, "How much does a Golden Retriever cost? The overall price of a Golden Retriever can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the dog's age, lineage, and location. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that buying a puppy is just the beginning of the expenses associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In addition to the initial price, routine vet visits and vaccinations are necessary to keep your Golden Retriever healthy and prevent illnesses. These costs can add up quickly, especially in the first year of your dog's life when they require more frequent check-ups and vaccines. Your dog will typically require annual check-ups and routine vaccinations throughout their life. You can also choose to microchip your pet for additional security measures. Another ongoing expense associated with owning a Golden Retriever is grooming. While Golden Retrievers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and occasional baths. So, you will need to set aside adequate funds for this care. A Golden Retriever puppy cost can vary. The overall price will depend on whether you choose to purchase from a breeder or adopt from a rescue organization. However, it is essential to note that some breeders will charge more for puppies that have exceptional bloodlines or rare coat colors. If you choose to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy from a rescue organization, the adoption fee is usually much lower than the purchase price from a breeder. It is important to note that adoption fees will usually cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and shelter for the puppy while in the rescue organization's care. Often if you choose to adopt from a rescue or dog shelter, the pet will come into your family already spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. Color One of the most significant factors is the color of the puppy. Golden Retrievers typically come in shades of gold, but some may have a slightly darker or lighter coat, which can create variations in their price. For instance, puppies with lighter-colored coats may be more expensive than those with darker coats. Bloodline Puppies with a pedigree from a well-known champion bloodline are often more expensive than those without a proven lineage. This cost difference is because they are likely to have a superior appearance, temperament, and overall health characteristics. Often dogs from such lineage come with documentation and official paperwork to verify their background. A quality breeder who has invested time and resources in breeding and raising quality Golden Retrievers may charge a higher price for their puppies. This reason is that they are more likely to provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Estimated Size Finally, the estimated size of the puppy can impact the cost. Typically, male Golden Retrievers are larger than females, and puppies from larger litters may be smaller than those from smaller litters. Owing to that, puppies from a smaller litter may be more expensive as they tend to be in higher demand. Overall, it is essential to consider all of these factors when looking to purchase a Golden Retriever to ensure that you get the best value for your money. As we've discussed, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Golden Retriever can quickly add up. However, investing in a GPS-tracking dog collar is one way to protect your investment in your furry friend. A GPS-tracking dog collar can help make sure that your Golden Retriever doesn't wander too far from home or get lost. This feature is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of traffic or wildlife, where your dog could be at risk of injury or getting into dangerous situations. A GPS tracking dog collar can help you quickly locate your dog if they do manage to escape, allowing you to bring them home safely and quickly. No doubt a GPS-tracking dog collar is an additional expense, but it can provide peace of mind and protection for your furry friend, making it a worthwhile investment for any Golden Retriever owner. It can give you the confidence to let your dog explore and play freely while still being able to keep an eye on their location and well-being. Incorporating the Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar into your Golden Retriever's routine can help ensure their safety and security while enjoying all the joys of owning this beloved breed. The collar has a long battery life and is water-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The collar also offers activity tracking, which can help you monitor your dog's exercise habits and ensure they are getting enough physical activity to stay healthy. Golden Retriever Breed Guide The Golden Retriever is a popular breed known for being friendly and having an affectionate personality. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. They are typically very patient with children and get along well with other animals, making them an ideal companion for families with kids or other pets. Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large breed in terms of size and weight. Males typically weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand in inches between 23 to .Alternatively, females weigh between 55 pounds to 65 pounds and stand in inches between .Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 14 years. Golden Retrievers are an active breed. They frequently require multiple sessions of daily exercise to stay in peak shape. They enjoy many types of outdoor activities, including swimming, fetch, and hiking. These dogs make great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, they can also adopt a more laid-back lifestyle if they don't receive regular exercise. The lifetime care costs of a Golden Retriever will often depend on factors such as their health, age, and lifestyle. Budgeting for these costs and planning accordingly to ensure that your furry friend receives the care they need throughout their lifetime is essential. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Golden Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog can be significantly less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder, and it also helps to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. Another way to save money is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may have already gone through the training process, which can save on the cost of obedience classes and training supplies. They may also be less demanding in terms of exercise and may already be house-trained, which can save on cleaning and flooring expenses. When buying a Golden Retriever puppy, it's crucial to find a breeder who will always prioritize the health and life quality of their dogs. A breeder should be able to provide you with health guarantees, documentation of the puppy's lineage, and proof of vaccinations and other necessary medical treatments. Moreover, it's also a good idea to visit the breeder's facility and meet the puppy's parents, if possible, to get a sense of the breeding environment and the temperament of the puppies. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option when buying a Golden Retriever, doing so can lead to additional expenses down the line if the puppy develops health problems that require expensive medical treatment. A reputable breeder may have higher upfront costs but is more likely to produce healthy puppies with fewer genetic health issues. This initial extra cost can ultimately save you money and heartache in the long run. By taking the time to research breeders and consider all options carefully, you can save on the initial cost of owning a Golden Retriever while still providing a loving home for a furry companion. Conclusion: The Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever In conclusion, owning a Golden Retriever can be a fulfilling experience, but it is crucial to consider the upfront and ongoing costs that are commonly associated with owning one. By understanding the factors that impact the price tag of a Golden Retriever and exploring ways to reduce those costs, you can ensure that you are providing the best care for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Lastly, you will want to consider how to protect your newest family member and the investment that comes with them. The Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar is a cutting-edge style of technology that offers dog owners an extra layer of protection for their furry friends. The collar uses GPS technology to track your dog's location in real time and sends alerts to your phone if your dog leaves a designated safe zone. This feature can be beneficial in the event that your Golden Retriever ever goes missing or wanders off, giving you the ability to quickly and easily locate them. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. Coat Trim Cost of Veterinary Expenses You can expect to pay for the vet each year so that your dog can remain up to date with their shots. An annual visit can also make sure your dog is healthy, but you may want to take your dog in more often if they get sick or have other problems. You can get pet insurance to help cover the cost of these vet expenses. A good breeder will provide you with not only a healthy, well-socialized puppy but also support and guidance as you navigate life with your new furry friend. But with so many breeders out there, how do you know who to choose? Look for a breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club AKC or other reputable organizations and who has experience breeding golden retrievers. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the breed and will provide you with references from past clients. A good breeder will provide support and guidance as you adjust to life with your new pet. They should be available to answer questions, offer training advice, and help you navigate any challenges that arise. Look for a Breeder with Experience Experience matters when it comes to breeding golden retrievers. A breeder with years of experience will have a wealth of knowledge about the breed and will be able to provide you with valuable insights and advice. They will know how to breed for good temperament, health, and other important traits that make golden retrievers such beloved family pets. This includes information about any genetic diseases or health issues that may be present in the bloodline. By choosing a breeder who prioritizes health and genetics, you can help ensure that your new puppy is healthy and happy. Some breeders may insist that you participate in these events if you want to purchase a puppy from them, but this is not a requirement. Choose a breeder who respects your lifestyle and preferences and who is primarily concerned with finding a good home for their puppies. The right Golden Retriever breeder depends on you as a person, but any good breeder should be able to answer any questions. You may come across the perfect puppy online, but do not commit to any dog until you can visit in person. The dog may be totally different than in their photo. In some cases, you may find that the dog does not exist. Some scammers can take photos of other dogs and collect payment for the dog. But the scammer will disappear before the buyer realizes the dog is not theirs. To avoid these puppy sales scams, always visit the dog in person before you sign a contract or make a payment. Make sure the dog looks like the pictures and that they have the temperament that you want. If you are working with a breeder, be sure to check their credentials and ask for references. You can speak to other dog owners who have gone through the breeder. Finally, do not rush into getting a dog. Conclusion While Golden Retrievers can be moderately expensive to keep over the ten to twelve years that they generally live, there are many ways that people can reduce the cost of keeping them. One of the best ways to save money while raising a Golden Retriever is to get quality pet insurance. As long as their owners are prepared to offer them financial security in the form of good food, a few well-loved toys, and some regular veterinary care, Goldens repay the devotion a hundredfold in terms of loyalty and affection for their families. Check out our list of Golden Retriever Rescue Organizations , they are listed by state. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts.
If you guessed the Bernedoodle, then you are right. This beautiful hybrid is a new doodle than the Goldendoodle , but it has certainly stolen the hearts of dog lovers across the United States. Just like its Poodle parent, the Bernedoodle is an intelligent canine breed that is easy to train and can hence be used as a service and work dog. For lovers of the Bernedoodle residing in the beautiful state of Florida, we have provided a list of 10 very good breeders of the Bernedoodle residing in the state. These breeders are proven to be reputable and are deeply in love with the designer dog breed. They produce numerous Bernedoodle puppies for families across the United States. They have dedicated over 20 years to raising high-quality family companions that also double as incredible work and service dogs. They breed Berndoodles of medium and miniature sizes as well as Bernedoodles of colors and variations. Their puppies have grown up to become great therapy dogs that assist people suffering from PTSD, depression, and a couple of other psychological issues. Their puppies are from the F1b, the F1bbb, multigene, and F2b generations. Their puppies are home raised on their large property in Florida, where they get all the needed attention for more stable growth. They are fed with the best in puppy food and are placed on the needed supplements to help improve their growth. They get to sleep in warm temperature-regulated environments and are properly socialized with both people and pets. They get to experience new environments, car rides, sounds, sights, and textures as are needed for more well-rounded dogs. Their puppies are also well trained, with potty and crate training. They have a standard but strict breeding line that ensures only the best of the best AKC registered sires and dams are used. These breeding dogs are blessed with very impressive pedigrees and each comes to form impressive backgrounds. Their genetic health testing is done to ensure you are getting puppies free from genetic health defects. All their Bernedoodle puppies come with a written health guarantee that lasts for a period of 2 years. They are health checked by a licensed vet and each has their vaccination and deworming records updated. PuppySpot Looking for a Bernedoodle puppy in Florida? PuppySpot is the perfect resource for you! In addition to providing access to quality breeders, PuppySpot offers personalized guidance from their team of dedicated puppy managers. They also offer access to a network of veterinarians and trainers to help you provide the best possible care for your new furry family member. Plus, each Bernedoodle puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee for your peace of mind. PuppySpot is dedicated to giving back to the pet community by supporting various animal-related charities and initiatives. You can get in touch with the breeder for more information regarding this issue. This breeder offers mini, medium, and standard-sized Bernedoodles. You can choose between F1 and F1b pups, although F1b puppies are better for people with pet allergies. It is the first place on this list for a reason! This is one of the best Bernedoodle breeders in Florida for the reasons described above and for delivering the puppies themselves no matter where you are. Highfalutin Furry Babies delivers puppies anywhere around the world except Australia. Contact Information: Phone number: Not specified. Email: You can get in touch with this breeder via email by sending an application through their website. Besides raising Bernedoodle puppies , they also breed miniature livestock. Thus, each dog has enough space to run freely and socializes with different people and animals on a daily basis. Their website displays information about their family, how they breed their dogs, and other animals they have for sale. Like the previous breeder, Juniper Crossing Farms is registered within the United Bernedoodle group due to the high quality of their dogs. A certified veterinarian has thoroughly examined all parents. You can check out the adult dogs under their care at the moment via their website. Furthermore, each puppy comes with a two-year health guarantee against genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia or retinal eye disease. Still, you can be sure that your puppy will be in the best shape possible once it is ready to come home. If Bernedoodles are not available at the moment, they also breed Aussiedoodles. Contact Information:. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Planning to expand your family with a little pooch? By combining these two breeds, we get the most intelligent and affectionate pup that comes with a low-shedding coat. The perfect choice for people who suffer from dog dander allergy. See Also: Click the image So, what are the things you should look for in a reputable Bernedoodle breeder in Florida? This is a crucial step, as it helps minimize the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions that could seriously affect their quality of life, or even lifespan. Having said that, ethical Bernedoodle breeders in Florida will also back their promises with health guarantees. A good health warranty usually covers any serious genetic conditions and hereditary illnesses for the first one or two years from adoption. For more detailed information on this topic, make sure you check out our in-depth guide on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. They raise all of their puppies in a clean and loving family environment indoors. From day one, they make sure that each puppy is handled and cared for every single day. Of course, they also nurture and spoil their mamas and papas. They feed their dogs and puppies high-quality dog food formulas and supplement them with NuVet vitamins. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Not only do they provide the parent dogs and puppies a safe and nurturing environment, many of their pups have gone on to become therapy and working service dogs. Some pups are trained to assist with diabetic and seizure detection, others have become successful PTSD support dogs. Moreover, check out our Google reviews or Facebook. We want you to enjoy the love of your furry friend no matter where in the US you live. That is why we offer you two puppy transportation options. First, you can come to us and pick up your puppy personally. That is the best way, both for you and us, as we can get to know each other, and you can see for yourself why so many pup owners choose CID as their Bernedoodle breeder. You can still become a proud dog owner of one of our available Bernedoodle puppies. Like most Doodle dogs, Bernedoodles resemble either parent and can inherit the coat type of the Poodle, the Bernese, or a combination of the two. Regarding coat texture, Bernedoodles range from straight, wavy, or curly hair. Bernedoodle puppies can inherit coloring from the Poodle and be black and white, black and brown, and even spotted. Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? However, most Poodle mix dogs tend not to shed. If you have allergies, there is still a chance you could be allergic to a Bernedoodle. What are the available Bernedoodle sizes? It can reach 10 to 14 inches and weigh less than pounds. Tiny Bernedoodles are challenging to breed. Often, Mini Bernedoodles are bred with Toy Poodles to make this hybrid. Mini Bernedoodle Puppies: Mini Bernedoodles are 15 to 20 inches tall, and their weight can range from 25 to 50 pounds. Standard Bernedoodles: The Standard Bernedoodle ranges from 22 to 29 inches tall while weighing 75 pounds and above. Where in Florida can I take my new Bernedoodle puppy? When it comes to dog-friendly travel destinations, Florida offers a wide array of beaches and parks, restaurants, activities and tours you can enjoy with the whole family. Head to Hobie Beach for fun in the sun beach extravaganza! Hobie is a dog-friendly off-leash park located off of the Rickenbacker Causeway heading to Key Biscayne. If you are in the mood for a subdued Miami shopping experience — the shops and restaurants at Bal Harbour, The Village at Merrick Park and Brickell are also open to pets. Across the Peninsula, the gulf shores of Sarasota, Venice, and Bradenton have a string of beaches that are dog friendly.
The 7 Best Harnesses For Bulldogs October 22, by Kyle Battis Bulldogs have a different body build when compared to other dogs owing to their short legs and wide shoulders. As a result, a bulldog harness has unique dimensions. In this article, I set out to compare different harnesses and find out the best English bulldog harness. Read the sections that follow below for more information about my findings. What you should know about Harnesses for bulldogs Bulldogs are short and their compact body structure makes their breathing system unique. They have necks and trachea that are shorter as compared to other dog breeds. In this regard, every bulldog owner should use a harness that makes it easy for their bulldog to breathe. Why a dog harness is a better option to restrain your bulldog over a leash Dogs get excited sometimes and need restraining. A harness distributes the force used to restrain the dog because it goes over the shoulders and under the neck. Bulldogs have significantly more body energy and since their necks are thick, fitting a collar on them might end up chocking them. Choosing a lose fitting collar presents another problem. Because of the short nose of the bulldog, a loosely fitted collar tends to fall off. This makes collars unsuitable for restraining bulldogs. Types of bulldog harnesses A harness offers comfort to the dog due to the way it fits around the neck and shoulders. It also gives the owner a sure way of controlling their bulldog without chances of slipping off. Furthermore, a harness boosts confidence on shy dogs because of the way it fits and makes the dog more receptive to commands. When selecting a harness for my bulldog, I found it easier to take the dog with me so that I could test a few harnesses and see how my bulldog responded to each type of harness. I noticed that this harness made my dog uncomfortable after a while because he is not used to such restrictions. Since my aim was to find a harness that allows me to control my dog and offer enough comfort to him while at it, I discarded this harness. Maybe dog owners whose dogs get out of hand frequently can find better use for it. Mobility harness Next, we tried the mobility harness and I found that this was the perfect English bulldog harness. The mobility bulldog harness comes in a variety of options with some having hip-lift handles while others have a back handle. Some even come with a strap extending from the back to the front of the harness. Different fits of harnesses Each harness fits differently on your dog. That is why you need to take the dog with you when selecting a harness. Step-in Harness A step in harness easily fits on the dog. It has straps that open to allow the dog to step into the harness and then lock over the back of the dog. Step-in harnesses fit well over small dogs but you can also find a few that will fit big dogs. Roman harness The Roman harness has two pieces that allow you to strap in the dog over the shoulders and under the neck. Fitting the Roman harness over a bulldog is much more challenging than the step-in harness. However, it gives the owner more control and feels more comfortable on the dog. The dog can easily escape from a loosely fitted harness while a harness that is too tight might hurt the dog. A good way to measure the optimum fit is putting two fingers under the harness. Perfectly fitted harnesses should not allow a third finger. Also remember to pick a harness that is made of durable material. The material used to make the harness should also be easy to clean. It is also lightweight and easy to put on the bulldog since it is made in the step in design. The adjustable straps also allow this harness to fit any size of dog meaning that you can use it on your puppy and adjust the size as your French bulldog grows into its full adult size over the years. If you like taking your dog along with you in the car, you will love the extra strap that fits a car safety belt on this harness. Is also comes with a padded handle that allows you to gain better control of your bulldog when taking a stroll with him in the park in the morning or evening. Pros Padded and breathable material for extra comfort Comes with a free handle and car safety belt strap Straps are adjustable Wide variety of colors available Easy to put on and remove Covered under a 1-year warranty Cons Only one type of fabric is available The straps are thin RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness The Ruffwear harness also comes in a wide variety of bright colors that boost visibility in the dark. It provides adjustments to four different positions, thus making this harness suitable for big and small bulldogs. The harness design shape enhances weight distribution when walking, running, or training and does not restrict leg movement. It has an aluminum v-shaped leash attachment point at the back and a loop shaped leash attachment at the front. Ruffwear has included these leash attachments to allow you to control your dog while in front or when trailing behind you. The chest and back straps are extra padded and made of mesh material, which allows airflow and enhances comfort. This harness has a small lockable pocket located on the top that provides storage space for a dog tag or ID. The pocket also prevents losing the tags and ID when you take your favorite companion to the outdoors. Pros Easy to put on and remove Has a pocket for storage of small items Made of breathable fabric Easily adjustable to fit small and big dogs Allows dog-ahead and dog-behind control Has a reflective strip which boosts visibility in the dark Cons Does not protect the dog in the car The elastic strips easily yield allowing the dog to wiggle out of the harness Julius-K9 K9 Powerharness The Julius K9 PowerHarness has an escape proof design that comes with thick wide shoulder pads and slimmer under-chest straps. It is widely used by professional dog trainers and police dogs to control movements of aggressive dogs. It boasts of thick sturdy side buckles that have undergone stress testing before release, thus ensuring that once you put the harness on your dog, it fits snug and only comes off when you unbuckle it. The straps are slightly adjustable to allow the harness to custom fit over your dog should he grow bigger or smaller. The harness has a reflective strip that runs across the back for visibility in the dark and snowy weather. You can increase the visibility using the additional reflective logo attachments or custom made design strips that fit on the sides of the harness. Customized chest bags are also available for purchase which serve to enhance visibility and keep your dog warm during cold weather. The nylon materials guarantee that the harness will not suffer damage from the dog chewing on it. It also comes with extra elongated straps to safeguard the harness from interfering with the leg movement. It fits on multiple breeds of dogs and dogs of different sizes that range from small, medium, to large. The shoulder pads and underbelly pads are filled with form material and covered with breathable fabric for enhanced comfort when the dog is walking, running, or jumping. The straps also have reflective strips allowing you to comfortably see the dog when walking in poorly lit conditions. Pros Padded should and underbelly patches for comfort Fits on many dog breeds Does not interfere with leg movement Easy to put on and remove Perfect for daily walks, jogging and running Dogs cannot easily chew on the material used to make the pads Cons Eagloo Dog Harness No Pull This Eagloo Dog harness features 2 leash attachment rings: one at the back and the other at the chest. This design allows for no pull operation with the dog leading as well as chest control operation with your dog in tow. The nylon fabric used in construction is durable and holds up well against chewing, which makes this one of the most durable English bulldog harnesses. It comes with a study handle on the back that allows you to fit a safety belt over the dog snugly when you have it inside the car. Extra padding on the chest plate boost comfort when the dog is donning the harness and the breathable mesh cover on the surface prevents overheating. The straps are built into a step in design which is easy to wear and remove. They are also adjustable to allow the harness to fit on dogs of any age or size. The reflective strips around the edges allow easy visibility of your dog in the dark to make it easy to locate him in case he wanders off. Pros Edges have reflective strips which enhance visibility Has a handle at the back for easy control Padded plate prevents overheating and sweating Cons The strap fasteners can be hard to manipulate when putting the harness on the dog Adjustments around the neck can make the harness be fitted on too tight iChoue Dog Vest Harness Soft Padded This harness is made of elastic cloth, which allows it to fit snug on the body of the dog without causing any discomfort. It comes with a unique pattern painted on the surface and two rings for leash attachment. The chest ring is centrally located to discourage pulling while the back ring allows the dog to take the lead and guide the owner along the path to follow when walking. The harness also features adjustable straps that allow it to fit both small and large dogs. The edges have reflective strips that boost visibility and safety when walking with your dog at night. Pros Easy to put on and remove Elastic fabric fits comfortably and snug Has reflective strips for night time visibility Unique pattern on the surface Solid connections on the parts that join each other Cons. Made by Babyltrl, the harness is made from a premium durable nylon oxford with an internal layer of soft padded material for comfort. It is designed to be both no-choke and no-pull. A Collar or Harness for an English Bulldog? Like their cousins, the French Bulldog , English Bulldogs have been bred with short faces brachycephalic. Respiratory problems are common and can lead to excessive panting and loud snoring. With all dog breeds, if you have a dog that pulls when walking on a dog collar and leash — pressure can be put on the neck, particularly if the dog is prone to suddenly bolt. This is particularly true for Bulldogs who may already have issues with respiration which could be made worse by constant pressure on their necks. For an English Bulldog puppy, a harness can take the initial strains away which can lead to long term issues. It can also train them to reduce or extinguish pulling behaviour. For an adult, the harness can offer support as well as continually allow the dog owner to control their pet reinforcing good behaviours. It is essential to find a harness that not only can deal with the strength of an English Bulldog but can also offer support to reduce any undue pressure on the dog. Dog collars , though useful for ID tags and walking well-behaved dogs, can be problematic and with enough force can slip off. It is definitely worth considering a harness for your English Bulldog. No Pull Harness for an English Bulldog As the name suggests, a no-pull dog harness is one designed to reduce pulling. Given the strength of a British Bulldog, when they decide to pull — the person walking can feel it. Not only that but a poorly designed or fitting harness can be ineffective in reducing the pulling behaviour. The second type is a front range, a harness type that includes two leash attachment points. The main lead attachment is normally located at the back top of the dog and any good lead can be clipped on for normal walking. The other point is usually located at the front chest and can be attached using a double-ended training leads. These training leads, such as the HALTI , can be used as a normal leash or can be separated out so both ends can be attached to the harness. Your dog can then be guided similar to the way a horse is manoeuvred. There are several examples of both harness types in the collection below. Types of Bulldog Harnesses Vest Harness: This is a basic type of harness, generally inexpensive and lacking in features — it can be a great alternative to a dog collar for well-behaved Bulldogs. Leash attachment points of vest harnesses are generally located at the top back. Front or Back Clip No-Pull Harness: As discussed above, this no-pull harness can either have one or two leash attachment points. Front Range harnesses such as the Ruffwear has two lead attachment points for use with a training leash. These are the most common types of harnesses and are featured several times in this collection. The second is that this unpleasant sensation can actually increase the pulling behaviour as they try to escape the pain. Head Collars: We have an entire article on the pros and cons of head collars as well as some general recommendations. Though not technically classed as a harness, the head collar can be used solely or in conjunction with a harness to offer better control of your dog. They can be used for both walking and guiding the canine as well as stopping sudden lunging or jumping. Although often associated as stylish or fashionable rather than practical — these are many excellent leather harnesses that do both. Leather has the advantage of being strong but you should also look out for padding on the inside to avoid chafing as well as a good design to offer all the practical aspects of a no-pull harness. Support and Rehabilitation Harnesses: We do not cover them in this article but are looking to include a feature on them shortly. Essentially these are designed for disabled, senior or dogs suffering from mobility issues and back problems. Measuring your English Bulldog for a Dog Harness It is important to measure your English Bulldog correctly when fitting a harness for a snug fit which is neither too tight or they could escape from. If you find yourself between two sizes of harness e. You can check out our handy guide to measuring your dog for a harness here — however, here are a few tips. Measure the chest: Using a tape measurer you will need to measure the widest part of the chest. Add two inches: to allow for some flexibility and potential future weight gain. Bulldog Harnesses: Summary Table We compiled the top seven harnesses for this collection including review summaries. Full coverage below this table. Shopping for a dog harness should be easy. As a bulldog owner though, you might be experiencing a different story. Dog harness shopping becomes a challenge for different breeds like bulldogs and English Bulldogs because of their unique chest shapes. And these fur babies are strong as heck! Combine the challenge of shopping harnesses for a bulldog because of their girth with the challenge of shopping harnesses for a puller, and things seem more difficult; that was until you learned about Joyride Harness. You can use our "By Weight" size chart or you can use our "By Girth" size chart. As far as shopping for bulldogs goes though, we recommend going by girth size chart since the most common pain point is finding the right size for your bulldog's large or broad chest. When you receive your harness in the mail, the first thing you'll do is put it on your bulldog, buckling one strap behind their front legs under their chest and using the velcro strap across the front of the dog's chest. You'll then turn your focus to the adjustment straps. The durable mesh design of the harness allows you to tighten the straps at the adjustable points to mold to a perfect fit. You can find more information on exchanges at this link. What are the other benefits to this harness? We've shared with you countless dog owner reviews from customers with puppies, small dogs, health issues with concerns of their dog's neck, small dogs and big dogs that pull, service dogs, and more. Now, we're sharing with you real Joyride Harness customer testimonials explaining why this harness is the best harness for bulldogs. Bulldog puppy owners and adult bulldog owners, take a look at these! Tiffany L. He pulls less and I can control him, making our walks a lot easier!!! I ordered one to replace the cheaply harness I had purchased from Petco. I immediately noticed the ease of putting it on and taking it off my 4-month English Bulldog. I love the handle and multiple points of clipping on a leash. H is 71 lbs and has a large chest. I have wanted soft harnesses for a while but the ones in the store are dainty and never seemed like they would hold up to my boys. This one does. Very well made. Also super easy to get on them. Their regular harnesses were a chore and of course they are excited so it takes forever to get them on. I am so so so very happy with these! Blu is 45 lbs, also with the wide bulldog chest, and he is in a large. These harnesses were very easy to adjust to their odd bully shapes as well! The handle is perfect to re-direct him, plus, he looks really handsome in it. We had an issue where the clip was unhooking randomly, and the Joyride customer service team was amazing by sending us a replacement right away, no questions asked. I respect this brand and will continue to recommend them to everyone I know! You can view all submitted reviews by checking out this page. You can search by breed with our updated review features! We also have more blog posts that round-up reviews based on different dog types for your convenience. Joyride Harness Reviews For Big Dogs Additionally, if you have sizing questions you can always reach our team through the contact form on our website if the sizing charts provided on this page do not suffice! Want more? Feel free to follow us on Instagram at joyrideharness and take a look at more furbaby photos! New to Joyride Harness and need some help picking the right size for your doggo? We have a detailed informational blog post that you can check out: Click Here To View Share this post. This gentle leader harness is truly beautiful piece of hand made working dog equipment! One of the best available harnesses. The agitation harness is some of the most functional and handsome on the market today. The no pull harness is made for agitation or protection work our agitation harness is built for strength and comfort. Our easy walk dog harness is expertly crafted to provide maximum strength and durability. Click on the pictures to see bigger image Training Leather English Bulldog Harness padded for comfort A precisely designed breast plate is lined with extra thick felt to offer supreme comfort for your dog and to absorb the shock of a strong dog hitting during bite work. The best no pull dog harness is built for the stress of agitation work. T he dog harness is designed to fit almost any sized working dogs. The leather dog harness is five way adjustable so you can adjust it to fit to your dogs dimensions. Once all straps are adjusted, the dog harness can be quickly put on the dog by using only one buckle and strap. This petsafe easy walk harness is handmade from high quality, heavy duty strong leather. The k9 dog harness is flexible and will not rub or wear into the skin of your dog. Designed so the resistance is on the shoulders and not on the throat our agitation harness allows dogs to bark and track in free way and still be restrained enough. Click on the pictures to see bigger image Adjustable Leather Dog Harness for English Bulldog walking Made of finest quality soft and strong leather with nickel buckles and rings that won't rust for long life. D ring is stitched and rivetted so it won't pull out. This heavy duty Protection harness is valuable tool for agitation work,designed to withstand the rigors of professional K9 duties. Our Protection harness will quickly become your favorite trial or training equipment! It fits very well with the arm straps are in their shortest position and the chest strap is set to the middle. It's beautiful! I'm super excited to try it out tomorrow. Thanks for all your help with this purchase. Never try to pull your dog into the harness if it is of the wrong size. Please, note that we do not provide ID patches with your dog's name or any other ID out of the abovementioned list. However, we can send you blank patches for you to write anything you like yourself. What our customers are saying. Published testimonials are genuine and are not edited or altered by Fordogtrainers. I can certainly say that they work really well even when pulled at 20mph by a 9 stone mastiff bless her. We use the handle on the back to support her full weight when she gets out of our estate car to save her legs after a walk. If you need a testimonial for the harness please let me know and I would be pleased to send one through for your site. I just received my Better control harness today H.It was very much worth the wait! Mason loves it he is my Service Dog. It's light weight,and great for the hot weather down where I live! Not to mention very stylish and easily noticed! Thank you again for making such a durable, well-crafted product! From: Elizabeth, Florida, USA Hi everyone, My order arrived here in Thailand today,the quality of the harness and lead is fantastic and the fit is perfect Buster says thanks too Your service is second to none,top quality products a very fast service and very helpful staff! Many thanks to you all, From: Keith Waters from P. Buriram, Thailand Hi Guy, Received my order today very happy and pleased! Will be ordering more again in near future!! From: Jacquelin, UK The order we had inquired about arrived yesterday. It is very well made and I think it will be quite comfortable. Thank you. Thank You! Emma, Guy and Luke, H here today! Thanks Again! I really love the harness. My dog is so proud to wear it as I train him to be a therapy dog. The harness is all I hoped it would be -- easy to adjust, easy on and off, heavy duty but light enough for my four legged beastie to wear comfortably during our miserably hot and humid summers -- over degrees F. Thanks for keeping me informed about the shipping issues. You are all very easy to work with! I would also like to purchase another one in size medium for him to use now. This product is amazing we have gone from a dog that pulls out in front to a well behaved dog that stays by your side and is now a pleasure to walk. We also get lots of looks and comments as he looks so awesome in it We will send you some photos. We have also passed on your details to anyone who asks where we got it from. We have searched and there is nothing in Australia that compares with your product, we are so happy with it that we may be looking at purchasing another one in the near future. From: John and Lisa Skene. Whether you just brought a new English Bulldog puppy into your life, or adopted from a bullie rescue — You need to learn about harnesses. Finding a correctly fitted bulldog harness can be a challenge. English bulldogs are a unique breed, for so many reasons. One of which is their short and condensed stature. This can lead to frustration and difficulty in finding the best fitting harness for bulldogs. Brachycephalic breeds like English and French bulldogs have smushed faces and their famous underbite. But they also have broad shoulders, deep chests, and stocky frames. Because of these physical characteristics, bullies are difficult to fit for harnesses. You may wonder why a pet owner would buy a harness, instead of just a regular collar. Many dogs can successfully wear collars made from leather, nylon, or even sometimes chrome. Note: This page includes affiliate links — which means I may receive some sort of compensation at no cost to you if you sign up or make a purchase through these links. Some pet owners and trainers do very well with them. However, I would never recommend using a choke collar on a bulldog, or any brachycephalic breed. Their tracheas are typically more narrow than other types of dogs. Also, while their esophagus is essentially the same length as other breeds, they are more compressed in a bulldog. Their short muzzles cause their airways to collapse a bit, sort of like an accordion. Which can be exacerbated by strenuous activity, warm weather, and even obesity. So if the bulldog already has a hard time breathing, why would anyone want to restrict their airway any further? Any possibility of a bulldog pulling against a collar can be harmful. Why even take that kind of risk by putting a collar on your bullie? How Collars Can Affect Bulldog Safety In addition, stubborn bulldogs who pull in the opposite direction can have their share of collar issues as well. Since bulldogs tend to have thicker necks, their collars can tend to be roughly the same circumference as their heads. As opposed to other dog breeds, who have slimmer necks in proportion to their heads. Especially when it comes to younger pups, who tend to be unpredictable and may have less training. Ask me how I know this — I have a vivid recollection of when my first bulldog was a puppy. She backed right out of here leather collar when I was taking her outside for a walk. And she started running around the parking lot where I lived, as I desperately chased her. Luckily, two of my neighbors helped me catch her, and I brought her safely back inside. Instead, the force is spread evenly over her broad chest. There are many training harnesses available to assist with bulldog puppy training or any active dog who has a propensity for jumping. No pull harnesses help support training activities and defer your bullie from pulling away from you. If you have a bulldog, then you know how stubborn they can be. At times, they will plant their paws squarely into the ground, refusing to budge. But with a properly fitted no pull harness, you can help your bulldog to walk confidently by your side. These are reviews based on my experience as a bulldog owner, over the past two decades. The links below also will bring you to the Amazon product page for each dog harness. To be clear, these are from my experiences, as well as reviews that these harnesses have received online through Amazon. However, I have not tried every single English Bulldog harness in existence. So therefore, please keep in mind there might be other great ones out there. But from my own personal experience, here are some of the best harnesses I have used with my bulldogs, and gladly recommend to others. And, it goes without saying, please do your own homework. If your bulldog has special needs or different proportions from the norm, be sure to choose the harness that is best for your particular situation. Personally, I think this can be the crucial timeframe for finding the right harness for your bulldog. Also, getting your English Bulldog accustomed to wearing a harness when they are young is always a good idea. Otherwise, you may encounter a struggle when they are older. My male bulldog has always been great about wearing his harness and walking on leash. Any time we left the house, he needed to be fully equipped and harnessed. Putting a Harness on a Fussy Dog On the other hand, our younger girl is not as comfortable with wearing her harness. By the time we brought her home, we were living in a house with a fenced-in yard. So she grew up being leash- and harness-free the majority of the time. We would only put a harness on her when going to the vet, training, or any other outing. She eventually concedes, but not as quickly or amiably as my bullie boy. But she is also a lot sassier than he is, in general.
Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. He has a massive head and is a very stocky boy! He is the sweetest boy and loves everyone he meets and gets along well with other dogs! He is very laid back! He will make someone a great pet! We will be picky on where he goes! Call us at for more information on him! She is super sweet and loves people and attention. She is a big boned, stocky, short to the ground Frenchie! She has a nice haircoat and no soundness or eye issues. You can EMAIL us or contact us at with any questions on her or to schedule an appointment to come meet her in person. She could have another litter or two but will only sell her to someone wanting to keep her forever as a pet as well with breeding rights! She is a 3 years 4 mo. She is reserved around strangers until she gets to know you but is very sweet!! She is big boned, stocky and just drop dead gorgeous. She tolerates heat and exercise pretty well. She has only had 2 litters and could have a few more litters if someone was interested in her to breed for a litter. Contact us at with any questions or for more information on adopting her. She is outgoing and confident. Find Us.
This is perhaps the reason why many dog lovers want to buy one nowadays. True, different dog breeds have different needs, but they all have something in common. After all, different breeds tend to have unique personalities. Short-haired shepherd breeds are no exception. They are loyal and obedient Short-haired shepherd breeds are extremely loyal to their owners. But as usual, too much is bad. They are cautious and loving Short-haired German shepherds also tend to be cautious around strangers. And you can expect that your relationship will last forever. After all, the hard-hearted personality of short-haired German shepherds makes it impossible for them to get used to many people at once. Thus, sufficient knowledge about them is necessary in order to avoid disappointment later on. Frequent vacations, trips, and overtime are the perfect ingredients for disaster when it comes to short-haired German shepherds. You only see them as watchdogs It goes without saying that short-haired German shepherds need freedom, just like how other dogs do. So keeping them restrained with chains for a long time will only lead to problems. Paying no attention to their behavior can only spell disaster, so watch out for sudden changes. The best thing about dogs is that you can take advantage of these to suit your needs. Here are some tips on how to do so. Teach them new skills regularly While dogs are known for being fast learners, short-haired German shepherds are beyond that. When buying… Due to the popularity of such breeds, there are many shams selling short-haired shepherd breeds. So, what you need to do is limit yourself to respected breeders. To avoid health issues , you might have to spend more on your initial purchase. They can even shed more than their long-haired counterpart. Purchase chew toys, the durable ones With proper care, short-haired German shepherd puppies can grow with tenacious jaws. Surely no one wants to fix damages in their yards or home, so buy some chew toys. Secure a regular check-up with the vet As previously said, the short-haired shepherd breeds tend to endure the toughest struggles. Even when they appear healthy, they might not be. So send them to the vet once in a while. Ensure a healthy diet If you think their shedding, chewing, and health issues are tiresome to deal with regularly, you can minimize it through their diet. Feed them fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, berries, while providing them protein with meat. If properly fed, they can shed less and experience fewer health issues. Conclusion Short-haired German shepherds are strong, flexible, reliable, and loving dogs. If this is the kind of dog that appeals to your sensibilities, then they might be the perfect fit for you. When properly taken care of, they can be a new addition to your family. And that includes spending money on them along the way. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. It is sometimes referred to as a regular coat or a short stock coat. These dogs are amazingly loyal, and they can feel anxious when you are not around. It explains their unfriendliness to strangers. Moreover, they do not easily make new friends, and a lot of socialization techniques are needed to reduce their aggression and rejection. Short haired GSDs are quite energetic, so they need at least two hours of exercise every day. Your pup will join you in all your activities, be they walking, running, swimming, or riding a bike. Their coat has a double layer, so they can withstand cold and severe weather conditions. However, such a coat needs constant grooming, at least every days, especially in spring and fall, when their shedding can become a true catastrophe for your household. The origin Short haired Shepherd Dogs, as well as long haired, are the result of the long and deliberate work of German breeders, whose goal was to breed an ideal herding dog with a stable mentality and good health. Only those with the best physical and mental conditions were allowed for further breeding. Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Shepherd Dogs were reclassified from Shepherds to guards and police dogs. However, the same creator, Max von Stephanitz, advocated strongly for shorter hair on German Shepherds. Then why did he prioritize eliminating the long hair feature from Shepherd dogs? Because lengthy hair hinders the capacity of a dog to work. Long fur is a liability for a large working dog, due to the absence of an undercoat and the ease with which it becomes dirty. Even modern-day working line German Shepherds must be agile and athletic. When long hair became somewhat more troublesome than short hair, breeders producing working dogs began removing the long-haired variety from the stud pool. We can easily recognize them in movies, such as Strongheart or Rin Tin Tin. Size and Appearance A short haired German Shepherd dog is usually athletically built. Its height is inches at the wither, and it can weigh pounds. Males are obviously bigger than females, and they look quite masculine. Their muzzle is long and the ears are erect, facing forward. The back should be straight, and a sloped back that has appeared nowadays can cause severe health problems. The outer layer of the coat is usually dense and located close to the skin. The fur is straight, but sometimes slight waving occurs. The undercoat is wooly and thick because it is meant to protect the animal from severe weather conditions. The short haired GSDs look like wolves. Nevertheless, they can be of different colors. Black, black and tan, sable, gray, or red and black colors are acceptable. However, lighter colors are not popular among breeders and owners. That is why they are appreciated as working dogs in many jobs, including the police and the army. These dogs are perfectly protective. They are always alert if they need to guard the family or household. They can even seem too possessive to their owners. However, these animals are very clever and trainable. They always want to please you. So, if you reward them with some treats, training will have much better results. Separation anxiety is one of the most severe behavioral problems. They feel lonely, frustrated, and anxious if they cannot see you for a long time. They may even start chewing your clothes, footwear, and furniture if you are out. A German Shepherd can start barking and howling, and it may cause some trouble in your relationships with neighbors. Anyway, the dog needs an exciting job to do, even if it is just playing with a toy. To keep your dog healthy and comfortable — adhere to the following care recommendations. Hair A short haired Shepherd has a fairly stiff coat, and during shedding , it covers the entire environment, including the furniture and the carpet. To prevent this from happening, brush your pet twice a week with a special brush. Bathing Two to three baths per year, excluding fall and winter, is the optimal number of water treatments for this breed. Washing more often will cause its coat to lose its natural shine. Teeth Shepherds often suffer from tartar, so once a week they should be given a special chew stick. This could cause its bite to become deformed. Walking A German Shepherd needs to get both mental and physical exercise every day. The best way to do it all at once is to train outside. If you keep your dog in an apartment, take at least two hours of daily walks. Training The German Shepherd requires mental workouts at least three to four times per week for 20 minutes each. It is important to remember that the muscles and joints in puppies under 6 months old are still developing. Training must be demanding but fair and kind. Violence is not permitted. The Shepherd may become hostile or cowardly as a result. It is best to start training your puppy when they are between two and three months old, starting with simple commands. It is advised to get in touch with a qualified dog trainer if you have no prior experience with dogs of those breeds. Feeding For a healthy pet, choosing a balanced diet is crucial. German Shepherds with short hair require a diet high in protein and low in fat. Dry food and natural food are also acceptable. Fish is beneficial to these pets. Calcium-enriched goods should only be consumed in moderation. For the short haired German Shepherd, it is preferable to select premium ready-to-eat food. Make sure there is enough water while using dry food. The following daily feeding schedule is advised by experts. When a puppy is born, it is fed 6 times in the first two months , 5 times in the third month, 4 times from the fourth to six months, and 3 times per day from six months to 1 year. When the dog is older and is considered an adult, meals are only given twice daily. Feed the Shepherd dog at the same time every day. The food should be served at a medium temperature. This is crucial for the development of its proper posture. They may suffer from such health issues as hip dysplasia, heart and eye conditions, and generative myelopathy. Getting insurance is a good idea, too. FAQ How rare are short haired Shepherds? Short haired GSDs are not rare at all. You can see these dogs almost everywhere. According to the AKC, German Shepherds are the third most popular breed, and its short-haired representatives make up most of the population. Short hair is a dominant gene, so the chance to get a long-haired puppy from its short-haired parents is quite minimal. Do short haired German Shepherds shed less? Short haired German Shepherds shed continuously throughout the year, however, the fall and spring are the seasons when they shed the fastest. In contrast, long-haired individuals do not shed more in the fall or spring. However, they must also be brushed on a regular basis. Do short haired German Shepherds Get Cold? Short haired GSDs do not become cold because of their thick undercoat, which serves as an insulating layer and keeps their body heat from escaping, keeping them relatively warm in colder weather. If taught and introduced from a young age, the breed is completely capable of sleeping and living outside. What is a short haired German Shepherd? A double-coated standard German Shepherd is a short haired German Shepherd. It is also known as a regular coat or a short stock coat. Final Thoughts A pet, a reliable guardian, or a dignified exhibitor — the short haired German Shepherd easily copes with any of the roles. The breed combines endurance, trainability, and affection for humans. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Lifespan Sociability Since the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, there are plenty of reputable breeders, and finding a puppy is usually not a problem. That said, they can vary fairly widely in price, as some are bred purely for the pet trade, while others are bred as working dogs and will cost a fair bit more. While the German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, they are actually a fairly recent breed. German Shepherds as we know them today were first bred in the late s by Max von Stephanitz, with a dog by the name of Horand becoming the first officially registered German Shepherd. They have American Kennel Club recognition. They go by several names. During World War I and II, both Americans and Europeans sought to get rid of the German part of the name due to its association, and the dog thus became known as the Alsatian in most of Europe. Image Credit: Pixabay 4. They are highly intelligent. German Shepherds are widely considered among the most intelligent dogs on the planet. They are immensely popular. According to the AKC, since , German Shepherds have consistently ranked second in the United States for the most popular dog breed, with only the family-favorite Labrador Retriever above them. They served in both World Wars. During World War I, German Shepherds were used by both the Germans and Allied forces for carrying messages and distributing food and as rescue dogs and as personal guards. After the war, soldiers were impressed by the capabilities of the breed. They are Hollywood stars. German Shepherds have long had starring roles in many Hollywood movies, with Rin Tin Tin being the most well-known, with dozens of movies throughout the early s. They were one of the first seeing-eye dogs in the U. Dogs are commonly used as an aid for people with visual impairment or complete blindness. Although this role is now often associated with Labradors or Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds were among the first. There are few dogs more adorable than German Shepherd puppies, and there is no shortage of homes for them. They come in eleven recognized colors. The classic black and tan German Shepherd is the color most associated with the breed, but these dogs actually come in 11 different colors. Their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility are almost unmatched by any other breed, evidenced by their use in so many ways. The fur sometimes flies among German shepherd fanciers regarding coat lengths. What the hairball, right? The overwhelming majority of German shepherds have moderately short to medium-length hair, as dictated by the breed standard. The term is primarily used to distinguish them from long-haired GSDs. Some long-haired individuals lack an undercoat, and they sometimes cost more due to their rarity. However, they are essentially the same pooch otherwise. Long-haired shepherds also occur, but both the AKC breed standard and UKC standard call for one coat length as we mentioned: medium. Excessively long or short, close-cropped coats are deemed faults. A standard German shepherd has a thick, medium-length coat that may appear slightly longer around the neck and rear legs. This is a point of contention in many breeds with differing looks, including Chihuahuas who can be short or long coated and Labs, who come in three colors. Many owners insist there are behavioral differences between types, while others disagree. Personality Differences Generally speaking, appearance has little weight on personality. A German shepherd is a German shepherd. They are large, athletic dogs who love human interaction and thrive when faced with challenges. Dogs from working lines are usually more active with a strong drive compared to show stock. Health Differences As with personality, there are few health differences noted between the short-coated and long-coated shepherds. Any potential health differences between the two can likely be attributed to the coat length. For example, the long-coated variety may be at greater risk of developing hot spots in wet weather. Also, and somewhat counterintuitively, long-coated shepherds are sometimes more susceptible to hypothermia, since they sometimes lack an insulating undercoat. All dedicated GSD breeders as well as those working with any other breed should screen their breeding stock for common health concerns of the breed. Certain colors can lead to issues, however. For example, pale, blue, and liver colors are considered faults, and white is a disqualifying color. On the other hand, long-haired German shepherds do not meet the breed standard since a long coat is considered a fault. These dogs cannot compete in a show ring. No — short-haired GSDs are not rare. In fact, short-coated German shepherds are more common than those with long coats. Additionally, since long-coated GSDs are seen as going against the breed standard, most breeders avoid producing them, or they choose to sell them on a pet-only contract. The point behind this is line of thinking is that every generation of puppy should strive to reach the breed standard. But on the other hand, because of the rarity of the long-coat gene, some breeders deliberately produce them and charge a premium for these long-haired doggos. Also, note that those who opt to breed long-coated shepherds may not always have the same goals as traditional GSD breeders. Now, while the standard calls for a double coat, the undercoat is sometimes lacking in long-haired GSDs. On the surface, this may not appear to be a big deal, but in colder climates, an undercoat is vital in insulating your dog from the elements, so these long-haired pups may actually have a tougher time staying warm. Because the vast majority of short-haired shepherds have an undercoat, they shed more than longer-coated pups who lack one. They also require more brushing around shedding season to remove any loose undercoat. The same is true of long-haired GSDs with an undercoat. Image from Pinterest. The German shepherd dog has a dense coat that sheds regularly. Weekly brushing is recommended to maintain his handsome looks and cut down on tumbleweeds around the house. Brushing should increase during heavy shedding periods, such as when seasons change. Regular tooth brushing and ear cleaning are also musts to keep him in tip-top shape, as is a good flea prevention program. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you had a veterinarian watching this plump pup play in the grass, they would have a much more sobering outlook. This puppy is suffering from the early stages of Canine Hip Dysplasia. What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? This results in the separation of the joint and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage and bones. What Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia? No one knows for sure why some dogs develop this painful joint condition. However the severity of the illness seems to be linked to both the nature genetic component and the nurture environmental and nutritional elements that the dogs experience as they grow. However, it seems to be less prevalent in puppies with parents passing rigorous hip testing through the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. This is why it is vital to only buy puppies from breeders who have tested the parents for both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , which is the same joint deformity in the elbow socket. For example, if puppies grow too quickly, are lacking specific nutrients or have electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely to get CHD when they get older. Again, this issue is more often seen in larger breeds since they undergo more growth and skeletal changes than smaller breeds. The main two things you want to avoid are rapid weight gain and over supplementing too much calcium into the diet. You will also need to follow the feeding schedule set out by your veterinarian and not feed your puppy too much food. All dogs have a genetic code of how big they will get as adults. Your job, to reduce their risk of hip dysplasia, is to make sure they grow at a steady growth rate over time and not shoot up too quickly by feeding them a balanced diet specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. Environmental Factors Puppies are not usually born with hip dysplasia; it develops as the dog matures. You can take your pup out for a low-impact game of fetch in a park or a swim in a pool. However, doing activities such as forced running, stairs, jumping or agility courses when joints have not fully matured is thought to increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia later in life. The easiest way to tell if you pup has CHD is to do an x-ray of their hips while they are sedated. This allows the veterinarian to see if the joint fits together as it should. However, barring an x-ray diagnosis, there are a few symptoms to look for in more advanced cases. Signs of CHD include: Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out. Exercise intolerance. Swaying gait where the back end moves back and forth in a pronounced fashion. Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs. Bunny hopping , especially up stairs. Difficulty getting up. Back legs or hips are painful when touched. Hind leg lameness, which worsens with exercise. Back legs are more close together when the dog stands than the front legs. In more severe cases, you may see muscle wasting in the back legs and hindquarters. Arthritis may develop as the disease progresses. Your dog may start to show unexplained aggressive behavior as the pain increases. Again, the best way to diagnose CHD is with an x-ray. These test rank the hips as Excellent, Good and Fair. You should not buy a puppy without ensuring the parents have at least a Fair rating, and preferably a Good or Excellent hip score. Obviously, dogs exhibiting these scores should not be bred. Yet, even if both parents have great hips, this is not a guarantee that the puppy will be free from hip issues. Refrain from making your puppy your jogging or jumping partner until they are grown. Even if you do everything right, if your dog carries the genetic predisposition for CHD, you may still encounter it when your pup reaches adulthood. If your dog develops CHD, there are several ways to treat it. The best course of action should be determined with your veterinarian. You can also add in exercises such as swimming and leash walking to keep the muscles toned around the joints. Physical therapy and massages have also been known to help. Some dogs undergo total hip replacement surgery , just like humans, and have good success with this approach. There are other preventative surgeries, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis JPS that vets give puppies with a high likelihood of developing CHD as a preventative measure. Conclusion While CHD is certainly a frustrating diagnosis, there are many treatment options to help your dog live a long, satisfying life. If you take a proactive approach to their treatment, you can still have an energetic, happy companion that will keep you company on walks, swim with you at the beach and lay by your feet when you relax. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. One such health complication is hip or elbow dysplasia. When looking for a new English Labrador puppy, you should look for parentage with extensive testing in this area, as the tests make sure that bad genetics do not get passed on to their offspring. This article will explain all about elbow and hip dysplasia, what testing you should be looking for, and why English Labradors , in particular, should be tested. What is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia? Elbow and Hip Dysplasia are common orthopedic problems seen in English Labradors and other large or giant breed dogs. Both of these conditions are usually inherited but can be due to poor nutrition, being overweight, or inadequate amounts of exercise. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is the abnormal growth development of the cartilage and bone in the elbow. This can lead to the elbow becoming displaced or out of the socket, which can further cause the elbow joint to develop abnormally leading to a life of pain, inflammation, and arthritis in the elbow. This condition is caused by one of three different problems: Fragment medial coronoid process of the elbow bone fragments in the joint Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle unnecessarily thicker cartilage development Ununited anconeal process the anconeal process does not fuse with the ulna Dogs with elbow dysplasia may have no outward signs at all but can be so severe that they are not putting any weight on their leg. There are many treatment options to help decrease the pain and inflammation if your dog does develop elbow dysplasia, but you may not notice for some time. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a painful condition caused by abnormal development of the hip joints. A dog has hip dysplasia when the socket in the pelvis is not deep enough for the ball of the femur to stay in place. Since the hip joint is a ball and socket joint, a shallow hip joint causes the ball to continually come in and out of place, causing looseness and instability. When the femur rubs on the pelvis while moving in the socket of the pelvis, this causes arthritis. This arthritis can be very painful. Dogs with hip dysplasia will have trouble walking around normally. This can put extra stress on their knees and ankles, leading to even more orthopedic problems. While there are treatments to make this less painful, there is nothing that can reverse this condition. Luckily, there are a few other options to make this condition less painful for your pup, like specialized beds and cushions to sleep on. What is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Testing? Elbow and Hip Dysplasia testing can be done on your English Labrador to see if they have the potential for developing either condition. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA , along with your veterinarian, can use radiographs of the hips to help determine if your dog is predisposed for hip dysplasia. English Labradors who do have hip or elbow dysplasia should not be used as a breeding dog, since these genetic diseases that are passed from parents to offspring How is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Testing Done? For a dog to be tested for elbow and hip dysplasia, they will need to see a veterinarian. Not all veterinarians test for this disease though, so call your veterinarian and make sure that they can test your English Labrador for hip and elbow dysplasia. Be aware: your dog will have to be sedated to get the perfect radiographs for submission. Particular views have to be taken of the hips and elbows, and to take these radiographs your dog will need to be perfectly still. Once taken, the radiographs will be sent off to for boarded radiologists to review. It can take a few weeks for the radiologist to review the x-rays and get you the results. Hip Dysplasia Testing Dogs under 2 years of age can only be given a preliminary screen. They cannot get their full certification until they are 2 years old. Once your dog reaches 2 years of age, you can take them to your veterinarian for the full test certification. The hips will be graded as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate, and severe. Those that receive an excellent, good, and fair rating will pass OFA hip certification and receive a certification number. Elbow Dysplasia Testing Elbow dysplasia testing is done similar to hip dysplasia, where 4 different radiographs of the elbows are submitted to a radiologist. Just like with hip dysplasia, dogs cannot get their full certification until after they are 2 years of age. Elbow dysplasia is graded as normal or abnormal, with abnormal being broken down into 3 different grades: Grade 1: Minimal changes Grade 2: a proliferation of 2 to 5mm Grade 3: a severe degenerative joint disease where proliferation is greater than 5mm Only those who have a normal elbow will pass certification and should be used for breeding. Elbow and hip dysplasia testing make sure that the breeding parents do not display characteristics that would predispose them to hip or elbow dysplasia. If the parents have these unwanted traits, your new English Labrador puppy may also have these traits which could lead to hip or elbow dysplasia. When looking for a breeder for your new puppy, make sure to ask about genetic testing to make sure that the puppy you get is going to be healthy and happy. Why do I need to look for English Labrador puppies from parents that have been tested? It is best to find a puppy whose parents have elbow and hip dysplasia certification from OFA. This will help guarantee that your new English Labrador puppy will have good genetics. If you get a puppy from a breeder without elbow and hip dysplasia testing done, there is a possibility that your dog could end up with one of these diseases. These diseases could mean costly veterinary visits and surgeries to make your English Labrador no longer in severe pain. Conclusion When looking for a new English Labrador puppy, make sure that the breed has done everything possible to only breed dogs with the best genetics. If you are looking for an English Lab breeder, we invite you to consider a puppy from Snowy Pines. Our white English Labradors have pure bloodlines, are tested before breeding, and live happy, adventurous lives on our property. Share on. Using both back legs simultaneously when running Reluctance to exercise Trouble laying down or standing up Stumbling when squatting to go to the toilet Difficulty climbing steps Lameness Thigh muscle wastage Dog hip dysplasia symptoms do not normally include crying or whining with pain. Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis Hip dysplasia diagnosis can only be made by a qualified veterinarian. Your vet will physically examine your dog to see signs of hip dysplasia. He or she will ask you to describe the signs you have seen of joint problems, weigh him and assess his over all health. Your veterinarian may take a blood sample to access the extent of inflammation in the joint, and may also ask for a urine sample to assess as well. They will then book your dog in to x-ray their joints. It is possible that the veterinarian will also want to take MRI or CT scans to confirm the extent and exact nature of the diagnosis. Hip dysplasia is not a cut and dried diagnosis. It comes in varying degrees and types, and a lot of factors will influence the treatment course you and your veterinarian choose for him. Hip Dysplasia Treatment Non surgical treatment for hip dysplasia is possible in those cases where the condition is not too severe. Weight loss is advised if your Labrador is on the heavy side, as this will reduce the pressure on the hip joints. In fact one study demonstrated that weight loss alone could improvement the signs of lameness in a dog with hip dysplasia. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can help to manage hip dysplasia symptoms. If you have a local dog friendly swimming pool, then this is a great place to exercise him. Hip Dysplasia Anti-Inflammatories And Pain Killers Pain killers and anti-inflammatories are an essential part of hip dysplasia treatment for some Labradors. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs developed for dogs who have the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which are often seen in chronic or developed hip dysplasia. They reduce swelling and pain in the effected joints. NSAIDs can only be prescribed by your veterinarian, as they need to be given in specific quantities and at certain times. Corticosteroids are another option your vet might consider. Although they are less popular these days due to the prevalence of other options with less side effects and a more specific impact on the dog. Supplements Canine hip dysplasia supplements are available. However their level of effectiveness is up for debate. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have both been used to manage osteoarthritis. And have been shown to have some impact on reducing the symptoms associated with hip dysplasia. Glucosamine is a sugar that assists with the synthesis and maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin works to inhibit damaging enzymes in joints. Together they are believed to help your dog create and repair connective tissue in the damaged joint. Hip Dysplasia Surgery In many cases of hip dysplasia, your veterinarian will move on from non-surgical treatments to consider the options involved regarding surgical procedures. JPS can only be carried out on dogs who are still in a rapid phase of growth, at under 5 months of age. This means it is rarely carried out, as hip dysplasia is not normally evident until the puppy is a few months older. However, if it can be done it is a much less invasive procedure and can improve the extent of arthritis in the future. This allows a part of the bone to be moved into a better position for the joint. The newly constructed weight bearing area is held in place by a plate and screws. These methods can be effective on joints in younger dogs, less than 10 months old, who have not yet suffered arthritis as a result of their condition. And whose hip dysplasia is not too extensive. It is a major surgery and one that is pretty expensive, but it can provide relief to the dog and increased mobility. However, one study suggests that JPS and TPO have similar effects in dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia, but that neither procedure eliminates the symptoms of progression of the disease completely. If the hip dysplasia is extreme then a total hip replacement might be considered. Total Hip Replacement A total hip replacement can be the chosen path for a dog suffering from chronic hip dysplasia. It involves removing the entire joint from your dog. The damaged ball and socket will be removed, and replaced by surgical implants, made of a combination of metal and plastic. This is an extreme surgery, but can have excellent results. Femoral Head And Neck Excision In some dogs it is not possible to carry out a total hip replacement, or very sadly the owner is not able to pay for this extensive surgery. In these cases the veterinarian may consider removing the ball joint in the hip. The benefit of this is that the dog will not suffer from the pain caused by the ball and socket contact. But the down side is that the joint will not work properly afterwards. It is also not advised for larger dogs weighing more than 40 pounds. The dog will require extensive physiotherapy after surgery, and will not return to complete fitness as the joint will always have a limited function. How Much Does Hip Dysplasia Treatment Cost If your dog has been diagnosed with canine hip dysplasia, then you will incur costs from this for the remainder of his life. Non-surgical treatments and pain management can quickly run up large bills. In terms of your veterinarian time, scans, medications and any additional physiotherapy or hydrotherapy you use. Hip dysplasia surgery cost varies depending upon who your vet is and what procedure they decide is best. Hip Dysplasia Causes Hip dysplasia has a variety of potential causes. The main contender is genetic inheritance, although it is not a straight forward or simple matter. A puppy from parents with poor hips is more likely to have poor hips themselves. Causes of hip dysplasia are not limited to the inherited factor either. They have an environmental influence, which means that some dogs who could have suffered from hip dysplasia never show signs. And others with a limited likelihood go on to have extensive problems. Other causes include diet, regularity of feeding, pelvic muscle mass, exercise and weight. Hip Dysplasia Prevention Preventing hip dysplasia in dogs is important. Especially in the breeds that are predisposed to poor joints. Weight Keeping your Labrador at a low and healthy weight will help to reduce the stress put on his joints. A long term study of 40 Labrador Retrievers from puppyhood concluded that it is important to not overfeed puppies, particularly in breeds who are prone to hip dysplasia. The importance of not over feeding Labradors was reflected in another study of Labrador Retrievers. Exercise Some studies suggest that using stairs when young can make a dog who has poor joints more likely to go on to develop hip dysplasia later in life. It was recommended that puppies under 3 months should not be allowed to use stairs in order to combat this risk. There has also been a correlation noted between the flooring a puppy is kept on and the outcome of them developing hip dysplasia. With one study seeing puppies kept on slippery floors being 1. If you have slippery floors, you can help to prevent hip dysplasia by putting rubber matting down on the areas where your puppy will most frequently be walking. Hormones Recent research has also shown that hormones can play a part in proper joint development. When your puppy is growing, the hormones that the ovaries or testes produce are important for their healthy growth in a lot of ways. One study demonstrated that early neutering of male Golden Retriever puppies result in twice as many occurrences of hip dysplasia when compared with those who were left intact. The Importance of Hip Scores Hip scoring is an incredibly valuable way of assessing the likelihood of your puppy developing hip dysplasia. Vets in the USA give a descriptive value to each hip. Ranging from excellent, to good, to fair, to mild, to moderate, to severe. In the United Kingdom a reading of is a perfect hip score. If both puppy parents had hips, then your puppy would be unlikely to suffer from the disease. However, most dogs will have at least some degradation to their joints. The average hip score for an adult Labrador at the last reported study was .How Are They Calculated? This will be written down as a pair, for example .These two values are added together to give their over all hip score. So a hip score of 12 from is fine, but one of 12 from is more concerning as it shows the hips are imbalanced and one is far worse than the other. Hip scoring is all about playing the genetic odds. You should only buy a Labrador puppy who has two hip scored parents, whose scores are both below the breed mean and fairly evenly balanced on each side. Good puppy care to limit your chances. And for these joints to work properly, the ball part, which is the bulbous end at the top of the long thigh bone, must fit neatly into the socket, which is a part of the pelvis. If the hip joint is not perfectly formed, movement is impaired, and use of the joint causes damage to the surface of the bones arthritis making a bad situation even worse. In some cases this can progress rapidly and seriously. Hip dysplasia in dogs causes arthritis, pain, and lameness. It varies in severity depending on the degree of damage in the joint, and to some extent on the individual dog. Some cases can be adequately managed with pain relief and care. But many medium to large dogs will need expensive major surgery to restore normal movement and relieve pain. Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs There are two main factors at work. The other factor is the environment that the dog grows up in, particularly in early life. How fast he grows, and the way his joints are used when he is still developing, can influence the way his joints will turn out. These environmental factors include diet , exercise , and hormones. But for all the dogs in-between, we do know that there may be much that you as a pet owner, can do, to ensure your dog has healthy hips Your opportunities to help There are two main opportunities for you to ensure your puppy is free from hip dysplasia The first opportunity begins before he is born. The second begins when you bring him home. If you have already bought your pup, there is nothing you can do about the first, so just skip down the page and read up on what you can do when you bring your puppy home. There are no exceptions. Breeders can then remove dogs with bad hips from their breeding programmes. It is of course utterly irresponsible to breed from untested dogs, but the tests are expensive, so bad breeders will try and avoid them. And because puppy registrations generate money, the Kennel Club will still register puppies without scores, or with really bad scores! Check those certificates It is vital that you check the health test certificates from both parents of any puppy you consider purchasing. Remember, Kennel Club registration will not protect your puppy from having parents with bad hips. This is completely untrue. And it is thought that there are three main ways that you can help. The first is by avoiding inappropriate exercise, the second is by feeding for an appropriate rate of growth, and the third is a little more controversial as it involves delaying neutering until your dog is mature. Playing in the garden is sufficient for pups under five months old. If you take your puppy out on a leash , a rule of thumb often mentioned is no more than five minutes walking per day, for each month of his age. So that means a maximum of 25 minutes for a 5 month old puppy. This is just a guideline, to help those who are not sure how to exercise a puppy. Avoiding steps and stairs One study has shown that puppies climbing stairs at an early age were more likely to develop hip dysplasia. So it is a sensible precaution to carry your small puppy up and down steps. Diet and growth Everyone wants their puppy to grow big and strong. But optimal growth does not mean rapid growth. It is now thought that slower growth probably allows for healthier hip development. Make sure you keep your puppy slim, with a waist, and you should be fine. You can check out our feeding your puppy article for more information. In fact recent evidence has shown that neutering is implicated in a number of health problems, and hip dysplasia is one of them. A recent study of golden retrievers for example, found that the incidence of hip dysplasia in male dogs neutered early, was double that of male dogs left intact. If you want to neuter your dog, waiting until he is physically mature may reduce the impact of hormone loss on his joint development. You can read more about the pros and cons of neutering in this article: should I have my Labrador castrated? Preferably before you have a gorgeous puppy sitting in your lap and gazing into your eyes! Once you bring your puppy home, give him time to grow and mature naturally. There will be time enough for that later. Spread the word Tell everyone you know about the importance of hip scores. We need to ensure that there is no market for puppies for untested parents. Your decisions now in this respect have the power to help many puppies now and in the future. The frequent misconception is this condition is only prominent in labs or large breed dogs over 50 lbs. Therefore, if we know the symptoms and causes of the condition, we can do everything in our power, as pet owners, to stop it from happening in our pooch. These are just a few signs your lab might be experiencing some Labrador joint issues. This causes the ball and socket to painfully rub each other instead of sliding smoothly. Much like joint issues with humans, this rubbing causes a loss of cartilage, thus resulting in chronic pain and long-term joint disease. Because this disease is so severe, early detection is key to the most successful treatment. The severity differs based on each lab, but overall muscle mass will decrease because of their reduced mobility due to the pain. Exercise will dwindle but the time frame depends on each lab. Look for these symptoms in your lab that signify canine hip dysplasia: Decreased activity Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs Favoring a back leg Trouble standing up to greet you Enlargement of shoulders to compensate for hind leg If you see any of these signs in your lab, be sure to contact a vet immediately. X-rays and a full exam are needed to properly diagnose your four-legged friend and if they need a puppy hip dysplasia treatment. Ever wonder which dog breeds are the most expensive in the world? We got you covered. The leading cause of joint issues is genetics. Hip dysplasia is hereditary in specific dog breeds, particularly with Labrador retrievers , German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards. Unfortunately, simply being one of these breeds increases their chances of contracting the disease tenfold. Diet is the most important aspect other than genetics for joint issues. Lab puppies should be kept at a lean weight during their growing years, instead of being overfed to grow big and strong. Not only can overfeeding lead to pet obesity , it can also cause puppy hip dysplasia. Since this normally occurs during the first year of their lives, the puppy stages are the most critical for their health. Overexercise is another cause of hip dysplasia. This added weight can put extra stress on their bodies, especially their hip joints which is largely connected to the condition. How to Prevent Canine Hip Dysplasia Nutrition A lot of the joint issues begin with poor nutrition, which is extremely important for your little lab. Make sure to feed your pooch specially formulated foods that prevent excessive growth. By using this special food, it allows their joints to develop without putting too much strain on their body to carry their weight, thus maintaining their growth and weight. Without this specialized dog food, large breeds can grow too quickly for their joints to maintain their weight. This exacerbates the condition with too much stress being put on their overweight bodies. Exercise Dog food is important to hip dysplasia prevention, but exercise is just as crucial to the health of your lab. We know that not enough physical activity can cause joint issues, but surprisingly, too much movement can have the same effects. Overworking your doggo can cause the joints to rub too frequently and fast thus creating irritation and loss of cartilage, which causes hip dysplasia. The appropriate amount of exercise is up to your pup, but be sure to find the right line to keep them in peak physical condition. Treatment for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia The type of treatment depends on the discomfort of each lab. While some may require surgery, others can be fixed with simple lifestyle choices. The non-surgical approach involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs that decrease the pain levels for your pooch. Thankfully, alternatives therapies used to treat hip dysplasia are often covered by dog insurance. Vets also commonly recommend weight reduction to take stress off the hips, which can be done through a steady diet. This process is more difficult because exercise must also be limited to keep the weight off the hips. However, if your pup is beyond the pain level of NSAIDs or weight reduction, they might be a candidate for surgery. The pelvic bone is cut and rotated to fall in place with the ball and socket hip joint. The ball of the hip joint is cut off, creating a false joint that increases comfort. It eliminates all discomfort and is the most invasive. While the cost of surgery may be higher than you expected, you can get reimbursed for the vet bills if you purchase a dog insurance policy from Prudent Pet. A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming!
Below are facts about the Blonde Labrador. Blonde Labrador Origins The Labrador originated in Newfoundland from a medium sized dog which was imported to England and bred to retrieve game and fish. The labs we know today became common in England by .The first yellow Labrador appeared in .Today, they are desired by dog owners all around the globe. The original purpose of the Labrador The Labrador was originally bred as a working dog for retrieving objects from the water. They were later bred as hunting dogs and then as show dogs. Today, they are mainly used as family pets. However, they can still be used for working purposes such as search and rescue or as assistance dogs for the disabled. Their keen sense of smell and their friendly nature make them ideal for these types of jobs. Is the Blonde Labrador a recognized breed standard? However, yellow is a recognized breed standard. Again, yellow is a breed standard. According to the breed standard, established by the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. Those colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. What causes Blonde Labradors to be Blonde? The Yellow color in Labradors is caused by an ee gene. The following are the possible gene combinations that can cause a yellow Labrador: eeBB eeBb eebb Light yellow Labradors can be caused when a modifier gene causes the coat to be a lighter blonde type color or when a dilution gene is present. A blonde Labrador can be born if neither parents are actually blonde in appearance. Are Blonde Labradors different to other labradors? Blonde Labradors are not any different to other Labradors other than having a different coat color. The only exception to this is if the dog has a diluted coat, which is a disqualifying trait for shows. In this case, the coat may lighten over time. However, for most Blonde Labradors, the coat will remain a Blonde color. Also, yellow labrador puppies will often have a much lighter appearance and will usually change to a darker yellow as they get older. Coat color As mentioned, blonde can refer to a yellow labrador, an English Cream Labrador, a light yellow labrador or a Champagne Labrador. Height Yello Labradors are typically between 21 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder, which is the equivalent of about 2 feet. They can weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds. Most Labradors are a little bit longer than they are tall, with a body that is slightly longer than their height. This gives them a somewhat rectangular appearance. Labradors are considered a medium to large breed of dog. Male Labradors are usually slightly taller and heavier than females. Females typically range from 21 to 23 inches tall and 55 to 70 pounds. Male Labradors can be up to 24 inches tall and 80 pounds. Eye shape and color The eye shape of a Blonde Labrador Retriever is typically almond-shaped, although the exact shape may vary depending on the individual dog. The almond shape is thought to be ideal for the breed because it allows the dog to have good binocular vision while still allowing them to see a wide range of movement. The eye color of a Labrador Retriever is typically brown, although it may also be hazel or blonde. The eye rims should be blonde in color, although this may be brown in some Blonde-colored dogs. Head shape The head shape of a Labrador is unique compared to other dogs. They have a broad forehead and a narrow back of the head. They also have a distinct occiput at the back of the head for protection. American Labs typically have a narrower face, while English Labs have a blockier head shape. The head shape of a Labrador is affected by the type of Lab and their purpose. For example, English Labs used for shows have a blockier head shape, while American Labs used for hunting have a narrower head shape. Blonde Labradors also have floppy ears just like all other Labradors. Tail shape The Labrador retriever has a thick, tapering tail that is covered in dense fur. The tail is an important working component of the breed, and is used to help the dog swim and navigate in water. Fur length Labradors have a short, dense coat of fur that is water-resistant. How much does a Blonde labrador cost? What influences the price of a Blonde Labrador? The quality of the dog also plays a role in determining price, with purebred dogs typically costing more than mixed breed dogs. The price of a labrador can also vary depending on the city in which you purchase the dog, as well as the reputation of the breeder. Registration has a significant impact on price as well. However, the registration process requires health testing. Purchasing an unregistered pooch carries a higher health risk. Lastly, the pedigree of the dog has a large impact on price. A Labrador with a prestigious bloodline will cost much more than the average Labrador. How much does a Blonde Labrador cost to keep? This cost will increase as your dog gets older and will need more medical care. It is important to budget for unexpected expenses, such as emergency vet visits, as well. It is important to compare plans and find the one that best suits your needs and budget. This cost is generally lower when performed by a shelter or rescue organization. It is unlikely that you will have trouble finding a blonde Labrador in your area. Blonde Labrador Life expectancy Below are details about the lifespans of Blonde Labradors and the factors that influence the lifespan. How long do Blonde Labradors live for? The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is said to be 10 to 12 years including blonde Labs. However, current research suggests that chocolate labs may be more likely to live for only years on average. The oldest known Labrador was Adjutant that lived to the age of 27 in the United Kingdom from to .There are several factors that affect how long your Labrador will live. Genetic testing before breeding can help keep the breed healthy. Your choice of breeder is essential if you want to get a dog that may be less likely to experience health issues and have a shorter lifespan. Lifestyle is also important. Living indoors also increases life expectancy. This is because indoor dogs are less likely to have accidents or injuries. They typically receive more care and attention as well. Blonde Labrador Health The most common health conditions of Labrador retrievers are obesity, ear infections, joint conditions, and heart disease. Joint problems, including arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia, are also common in the breed. A reputable breeder will be able to provide proof of genetic testing, like hip and elbow scores, for both parents to help you choose a healthy dog. Friendliness of Blonde Labradors Blonde Labradors, like all Labradors, are extremely friendly dogs that love to be around people. They are also very affectionate. This also means that they are not the best dog for if you are not going to be home a lot since they do not like being alone regularly or for long periods. Also, Blonde Labradors are very similar to other labrador retriever colors in terms of personality and temperament. Energy of Blonde Labradors. Blonde labradors are extremely energetic and require daily exercise and mental stimulation as will be discussed below. Intelligence of Blonde Labradors Blonde Labradors are very intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and can be your best buddy in the home. Confidence of Blonde Labradors Blonde labradors are confident dogs that are not afraid to take risks. This means that they are confident in their abilities and are not afraid to take on new challenges. This can be a great trait in a family pet, as they can be a lot of fun to have around. However, it is important to make sure that you are able to provide them with enough exercise and stimulation, as they can become bored easily. However, they are also obedient and trainable. There is no denying that Blonde labradors are very active dogs who need lots of exercise, but they are also gentle, adaptable, playful, and sociable, which is what makes the labrador breed so popular. Labrador dogs are known for being one of the most gentle dogs and one of the least aggressive dogs. Prey drive of Blonde Labradors Blonde Labradors as with regular Labradors are known to have a moderate prey drive. This means that they may chase small animals, but they are not likely to hurt them. With proper training, Blonde labradors can learn to control their prey drive and coexist peacefully with other animals. However, it is important to be aware of their prey drive and to supervise them around small animals, just to be safe. Can a Labrador be left alone for long? Labradors are not a breed that should be left alone for long time periods regularly. This is because they are a very social breed that also needs a lot of exercise. Blonde Labradors can be left alone for up to 8 hours, provided they have a comfortable and secure space to stay in. They should also have access to food, water, and mentally stimulating toys. However, it is ideal to leave them alone for no more than hours at a time. Puppies should be left for even less time, with one hour for each month of age being the maximum. Older dogs may be able to tolerate being left alone for longer periods of time, but it is still best to not leave them alone for more than 8 hours. If you must leave them alone for longer periods of time, consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling them in doggy daycare. Additionally, make sure they are properly exercised before leaving them alone. Finally, be sure to gradually increase the amount of time they are left alone so they can adjust. How Blonde Labs react to strangers Labradors are generally very good natured and even tempered. Although they can be excitable at times, they tend to be very friendly with strangers. Blonde Labradors with dogs and other animals Blonde Labradors are generally very good around other dogs if they are trained to be social properly. If they are properly socialized from a young age, they will be polite and outgoing with other dogs, and will likely be one of the most popular dogs at the dog park. Blonde Labradors as a family pet Blonde labradors are known to be great family pets. They are intelligent, affectionate, and friendly, and they usually get along well with children and other pets. And all of these characteristics apply to labs of all coat colors, including Blonde. How much attention do Blonde labradors need? As mentioned, Labradors need regular stimulation because they are an energetic dog breed and they need regular daily exercise. If you want a low maintenance dog, a Labrador likely is not the best option, especially since they are meant to get 2 hours of daily exercise. Are Blonde Labradors hypoallergenic? No, Blonde Labradors are not hypoallergenic. They are a high-shedding breed and will shed moderately all year round. They are not a good choice for owners that suffer from dog allergies. How easily do Blonde Labradors gain weight? Blonde Labradors are prone to obesity, so they can gain weight easily if their food intake is not monitored. It is important to give them treats in moderation and to make sure they are getting enough exercise. How to care for a Blonde Labrador Blonde labradors need at least 2 hours of exercise per day! This can be broken up throughout the day. They also need regular training sessions in their puppy stage. You may also want a pair, rather than a single Labrador. Two Labradors can play with each other, which reduces the amount of exercise you have to provide. Labradors are master escape artists. Labradors have a beautiful double coat, which requires frequent care. Start with a comb, and work out any tangles. Then, use a paddle brush to remove any dirt or oil. Start with the undercoat, and then brush the top coat. Blonde Labradors will shed when the seasons start to change in the Fall and Spring. During this time, you should brush them daily. This will help remove excess hair, and speed up the process. This is the best way to avoid everything in your home turning brown due to Lab hair. Active adult Labradors will need to eat around calories per day. It is best to feed them regular dog food twice per day as adults. How easy to train are Blonde labradors? Blonde labradors are considered to be relatively easy to train, especially when compared to other dog breeds. This is due to their high intelligence and their eagerness to please their owners. However, it is important to note that Blonde labs may be a bit stubborn at first and can easily become distracted. Therefore, it is important to start training them as young as possible, using positive reinforcement methods such as treats, toys, and affection. With consistency and repeated training, Blonde labradors can learn a wide variety of commands and tasks. Additionally, some apartment complexes do not allow certain breeds, including Labradors, so it is important to check with your landlord before bringing home a new dog. Hot weather can be dangerous for labs, as they are prone to heat stroke. It is important to provide plenty of cold water and shade for a lab in hot weather, and to limit their time outdoors during the hottest hours. In cold weather, labradors should have access to a heat source and fresh water. How do you buy a Blonde Labrador? Below are details about how to buy a Blonde Labrador. Where to buy a Blonde Labrador Breeder Registries The simplest way to find a reputable breeder is through breeder registries. These registries have high standards that breeders must meet to be included, which eliminates unethical breeders. The AKC has a Labrador breeder registry. Finding Reputable Breeders You can certainly find reputable breeders outside breeder registries, but it requires more caution. These are less expensive than those bred for shows. Breeders who sell registered puppies are generally ethical. What do they do to ensure the health of their dogs? How do they select breeding pairs? An ethical breeder will always focus on the health and temperament of the dogs, instead of focusing on colors or other characteristics that bring the most money. You should also expect them to ask you questions. Reputable breeders want to be sure their dogs are going to good homes. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog.
She just celebrated her 4th birthday on February 1. She is smart and cuddly and loved by everyone who meets her. We absolutely love her and she makes us laugh every day. She weighs 25 lbs now and 19" at the shoulder. The picture was taken Christmas Day with our kitten, Tika — they are the best of friends. Thanks again for our wonderful puppy. He is my shadow all day while it's just us :. We have so much love for our goofy guy! His best days are when it has snowed. We sure love him, and he is growing so much, I look forward to the days when he has grown out of his puppy habits though, LOL. Anyways, all is well and he is doing wonderful. Take care. Ron Calgary, Alberta What a gentle and exceptional doodle Casta that we have enjoyed as part of our family every day! Tim Medicine Hat, Alberta Hello! My husband surprised me with one of your pups last May .He has blessed our life so much! Here's William! Judith Calgary, Alberta We bought our fabulous dog from you Farley and today is Farley's 8th birthday. He remains a healthy 31 pounds and is happy and healthy. The amount of love he accepts is astounding and our lives are so much richer because of him. Thank you for helping to bring him into our lives. 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. Calgary Calgary first responder and dog breeder battle over month-old Australian labradoodle service dog A dispatcher diagnosed with PTSD after taking a call about a girl killed by a C-Train says she fears she may never see her service dog again amid a custody battle that raises questions over what it means to be an animal's "guardian. Greenslade agreed to be Milllie's guardian, which is a designation somewhere between owner and foster parent. Hannah Greenslade A dispatcher diagnosed with PTSD after taking a call about a girl killed by a C-Train says she fears she may never see her service dog again amid a custody battle that raises questions over what it means to be an animal's "guardian. The issue is that Greenslade agreed to be Milllie's guardian, which is a designation somewhere between owner and foster parent. According to several dog breeder websites, a guardian is someone who agrees to provide a loving home to a breeding dog, either a female or a male, until that dog's breeding obligations are fulfilled. Afterwards, the guardian is provided full ownership. Usually a contract is signed, but in this situation, there was no formal contract issued or signed. Rather, their agreement was made over several texts and evolved over time and now neither side can come to a common understanding. They've been apart now for more than three weeks while Millie is at the breeder's in Cardston. So I wake up, she's not there, I have a panic attack. Hannah Greenslade Guardianship One of the biggest benefits to being a guardian is cost. The guardian ends up paying far less for the dog than what an owner pays. In Greenslade's case, she was not required to pay anything. She says she just had to pay for food, vet costs and anything not related to the breeding program. Greenslade alleges the owner of Puppy Love Labradoodles, Kelsie Payne, is reneging on that agreement. Payne, however, argues that agreement was based on false information and says Greenslade is unwilling to find common ground. Payne spoke to CBC News with her lawyer present. Litter debate Both sides agree their original text agreement was for Millie to have four litters. She says she later learned Millie couldn't be registered unless she was spayed. Certification would allow Millie to travel on planes and enter certain places that require the official designation. Greenslade says that initiated several back and forth text discussions with Payne that eventually led the breeder to agree to limit the number of litters to just one. Millie had her litter of nine pups last month. Greenslade says it's time to return Millie but Payne won't release her. Payne offers a different perspective. She says she initially agreed to what she thought was "support dog" training as long as it wouldn't interfere with the breeding program and was assured by Greenslade that it wouldn't. Then when Greenslade told her it was PTSD service dog training, she says she agreed to the training because she felt sympathetic to Greenslade's situation. She says she then agreed to the one litter because she says Greenslade told her Millie needed to be fixed by the age of two in order to be certified. If Millie had another litter she wouldn't be able to be fixed until she was over the age of two. But Payne says she has since learned that Millie could be certified past age two. Greenslade now says she was misinformed about the age limit. Puppy offer Payne says knowing Millie didn't have to rush out of the breeding program in order to be certified she says she suggested keeping Millie for one more round of breeding, to ensure the breeding line would continue, and then giving Millie to Greenslade. But Greenslade says she declined the offer. She says she finds it too hard to be apart from the dog. Each time Millie is bred, she must leave Greenslade for two months until the puppies are weaned. Payne says she's also offered to give Greenslade one of Millie's puppies to start over. Greenslade also declined that offer. Dogs not easily replaced Brian Archer is with the Citadel Canine Society, a national non-profit organization that provides trained service dogs, or access to trainers if they have their own dog, to first responders and veterans who are suffering with PTSD. Citadel Canine Society worked with Greenslade to train Millie. Archer says he reached out to Payne to explain the seriousness of breaking off Greenslade's and Millie's relationship, but he says he wasn't able to convince the breeder. He says part of the magic of a service dog is that its connection with its partner can't be trained, so he says if you take that away, the individual has to start all over. He says that has the potential to lead to dire consequences for the person suffering PTSD. Would-be guardians have much to consider The owner of Prairie Doodles, Gail Groeneveld, who also runs a guardian program, says these types of disagreements are rare but happen so she says it's important people know what they are getting into before they sign up to be a guardian. She says there's no question that dogs in guardian programs belong to the breeder until they are fully released to the guardian. And she says its important people research the breeder and read over the contract beforehand. Business considerations Greenslade says, based on texts from the breeder, she believes the issue is money. But Payne says it's not just about money, it's also about ensuring Millie's breeding line continues. She says it's too early to know whether one of Millie's current pups will have the quality of health and temperament needed to keep it going. Payne's lawyer says his client has done everything to try to ensure they can both be happy, and get what they want, but Greenslade has rejected their suggestions. Greenslade says she is still considering her options. She has also retained a lawyer. Her family has started an online fundraiser to pay for legal fees. She says she has no plans to give up Millie. I was hoping that she would have a change of heart and just give me the dog," said Greenslade. Clarifications An earlier version of this story referred to the dog as an Aussiedoodle. In fact, it is an Australian labradoodle. Dec 06, AM MT.
Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. Germany was not only the origin of the breed, but also of the two coat types found in the Poodle breed: the wooly coat and the corded coat. In France they became known as the Caniche, with cane being the French word for female duck , or duck dog. The breed continued to grow as a symbol of status during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The fantastical and extreme pom-poms seen on the Poodle today are strictly superficial. However, some areas were left for insulation, particularly the areas of the thorax and leg joints. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull-type that is long, narrow, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. From the front, the skull appears slightly rounded and the width is less than the width from stop to occiput. The head is well-chiseled, never coarse or excessively fine. The occiput is well-pronounced. The face is well-chiseled with pronounced supraorbital regions and slightly pronounced zygomatic arches. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkle. Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, obliquely set, and as dark in color as possible. Darker eye colors are preferred, but lighter, amber-colored eyes are permissible in liver and liver varieties. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never rounded or bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Ears: Medium in size and set relatively low on the skull, with the top edge aligning with the corner of the eyes, or falling slightly below eye level. The leathers are long and wide. When extended forward, the tips should reach to the corner of the lips, or beyond. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Muzzle: The muzzle is long, full, and deep. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak. The lower jaw and chin are strong, and equal in length to the upper jaw. They are never lacking, recessed, or appearing short in comparison to upper jaws. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened. Neck: Elegant, sufficiently long to allow for proud head carriage and strongly muscled with good arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. Body: Balanced, agile, and athletic. The body is never heavy or bulky. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. Tail may be left natural preferred or docked. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. Natural tails may be straight or curved. Docked tails are cut from half to two-thirds the original length. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The Poodle is known the world over for his keen, engaging, and good-natured temperament. They are devoted family companions, sociable playmates for both human and animal kind, and always the life of the party. Poodles are recognized as the second most intelligent dog breed, next to Border Collies. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal length-to-height ratio is between and .Females may be slightly longer. The body is well-put together, with sturdy substance and medium bone. The overall proportions give way to an elegant, athletic, and agile dog. Head General Appearance: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull-type that is long, narrow, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. Expression: The expression is confident, proud, lively, intelligent, and attentive. Stop: The stop is slight, or barely perceptible, but present nonetheless. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between and , with the topskull being equal to just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel; however, a slight divergence is tolerable. Lips or Flews: Lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. Cheeks: The cheeks may be smooth, or may exhibit slight padding to denote strength. The cheeks should not appear bulky or coarse. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. Bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work is not to be penalized. Body and Tail General Description: Balanced, agile, and athletic. Topline: Straight and level from withers to croup. The back is short, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat and level, or slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached. Croup: May be flat and level with the back, or gently sloped. Underline: Slight tuck-up present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. The forechest is well-developed, but not protrusive. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: Forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. Forequarters are well-angulated with long, well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: Elbows are close to the body. The distance from the ground to the elbow may be equal to, or slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the brisket. Forelegs: Frontal View: Long, straight, of good muscle, moderate bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: Upper thigh and lower thigh are long, equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: Angulation of hindquarters is always in balance with angulation of forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The Poodle comes in two coat varieties: the curly coat and the corded coat. Curly coat variety: Well-furnished with abundance of tight, fine, frizzy curls of equal length and woolly in texture. When touched, the coat will spring back into place. Corded-coat variety: Dense, fine, woolly hair that forms cords of varying lengths. NOTE: Poodles may be shown in any clip with the exception of a complete close shave to the point where the coat texture cannot be determined. Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Poodle breed: the standard color and nonstandard color variety. Nonstandard coat color variety: Phantom black, blue, silver, Isabella, liver, gray, or blue with tan points , brindle, tuxedo, pied, piebald, or party includes all of the above listed patterns and colors with or without white markings , white with the above listed coat colors and patterns. Temperament The Poodle is known the world over for his keen, engaging, and good-natured temperament. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Find a Puppy. They have a distinctive thick, curly coat that comes in many colors and patterns, with only solid colors recognized by breed registries. Poodles are active and intelligent, and are particularly able to learn from humans. Poodles tend to live 10—18 years, with smaller varieties tending to live longer than larger ones. Similar dogs date back to at least the 17th century. Larger Poodles were originally used by wildfowl hunters to retrieve game from water, while smaller varieties were once commonly used as circus performers. Since the midth century, Poodles have enjoyed enormous popularity as pets and show dogs — Poodles were the AKC's most registered breed from to , and are now the FCI's third most registered breed. Poodles are also common at dog shows, where they often sport the popularly recognized Continental clip, with face and rear clipped close, and tufts of hair on the hocks and tail tip. History A 17th-century engraving of a Poodle Most cynologists believe the Poodle originated in Germany in the Middle Ages , from a dog similar to today's Standard Poodle. Numerous works by various German artists from as early as the 17th century depict dogs of recognisably Poodle type. As new breeding practices were adopted, the variety became set as a toy-sized replica of the original. Not universally recognised by the world's kennel clubs , the Medium Poodle is recognised by the FCI and most Continental European kennel clubs. A pet owner can anticipate grooming a Poodle every four to eight weeks. Their individual hair follicles have an active growth period that is longer than that of many other breeds; combined with the tightly curled coat, which slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls, an individual Poodle may release less dander and hair into the environment. However, researchers have generally not found a difference in allergens across breeds. The FCI additionally recognizes the Scandinavian clip. Poodle hair can also be "corded" with rope-like mats similar to those of a Komondor or human dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly Poodle, corded Poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after washing. They were common historically, but became less popular in the early s, and are excluded from many registries. Phantom Poodles may also have a full face of the secondary color. A Goldendoodle with a rare Parti coat Chocolate and white. Note the dense wavy coat that is almost curly. F1 Goldendoodles are puppies with a golden retriever mother and a standard poodle father. F1b Goldendoodles are puppies with a Goldendoodle mother and a standard poodle father. This is good news for potential pet owners with allergies searching for that perfect pup. Their website is also helpful as it provides suggestions for healthy, holistic approaches to raising your doodles. Visit their site for adorable close-up shots of their available pups. Pricing updates and availability information is also found there. Their many accomplishments are documented on their website. So are their upcoming events and competitions. Puppies start their wonderful lives in a quiet room and are later moved into the socialization phase when they are ready. Stone Run Standard Poodles do not believe in kennels and all of their puppies interact with their families and people. Stone Run Standard Poodles are vaccinated and given a full health evaluation. They are laser-focused on preserving purebred standard poodles. Photos of their poodles and application information are available on their website. Poodle Puppy Details. Nutrition and Feeding Small dog breeds , such as the Toy Poodle, have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide. Grooming Toy Poodles Toy Poodles do not shed and are often though not always tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care, though, generally requiring professional dog grooming , as well as regular combing and brushing at home. The poodle should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks to be clipped, or you can learn how to do it yourself. A groomer will also advise on ear care. Training Toy Poodles Poodles are a joy to train as they are clever, quick to learn and love working with their owner. They can also turn their paw to dog sports such as mini agility, heelwork to music and even obedience with no problems whatsoever - and in fact training and working with their owner will keep this often-busy little dog happy and relaxed. Best Family Dog Breeds The Toy Poodle can make a fabulous family dog but are better for older children and quiet households as, especially as puppies, they are very small and easily injured by rough or boisterous play. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. Poodles - especially the ones you see in the show ring - seem to have all kinds of crazy hairdos but these often flamboyant-looking styles all started off with a purpose. Poodles were originally water-retrieving dogs but their coats could easily get water-logged and pull them down. The answer was to clip off all their hair but leave some around their vital organs to keep them warm, and around any vulnerable joints to protect from injury. Similar breeds:.
french french bulldog puppies - They love their Pugs, and some of their Pugs have made excellent service and therapy dogs. The puppies are sold after they are 8 weeks old and have been veterinarian certified for health. Located in Lucerne Valley, which is roughly a 3-hour drive away from San Diego, they do not ship their puppies solely to ensure the safety and happiness of their puppies. Instead, they make sure to meet the future owners to be sure that their babies are going to the right home. All the puppies are socialized and familiar with a doggy door. They are up to date on the necessary vaccinations, and their dewclaws have been removed. Health is the most important concern at A Bit Pugish, and each puppy comes with a health guarantee, NuVet vitamin samples, and AKC registration papers. The puppies are microchipped and come with a bag of puppy food and a puppy pack to ensure an easy transition into their new home and to provide the new owner with the right direction in caring for their puppy. Pug puppies for sale at A Bit Pugish are eligible for a refund only if a health issue arises. The owners will be eligible for a full refund if they provide evidence from a licensed veterinarian health examination. In case the owner chooses to keep the puppy despite its health issues, the expenses will be their responsibility. Tesoro Pugs Tesoro Pugs specializes in raising champion Pugs and has been doing so since .As seasoned Pug breeders, Tesoro Pugs have over two decades of breeding experience in carefully raising healthy puppies. They treasure their puppies and breed only once or twice a year with the best of their AKC champions. They do not sell all their pups, as they keep the puppies that have show potential. To reserve one of their limited breeds, you will have to make a non-refundable deposit, and they will carry out a thorough investigation to ensure that you are the right parent for their little furry baby. Companion or pet puppies are sold at 10 weeks of age after thorough health testing. Tesoro Pugs have earned laurels through their dogs, winning multiple championships, and continue to raise and train puppies that are the next champions. Tesoro Pugs Details:. We have answers. Pugs can be pretty lazy, which is not a bad thing when you live in an apartment, condo, or other smaller living space. They can be known to pack on the pounds so still be sure to walk them daily as well! Is my search limited to Pug puppies for sale in San Diego? In the past, you mostly had to stick to your immediate area when it came time to Pugs for sale San Diego. The breeders and businesses in our network are experts at getting your pup to you with best in class travel! How are San Diego Pug breeders vetted? This is because we have stringent screening requirements and processes in place to ensure we are only working with the highest rated and most ethical breeders out there, especially when it comes to San Diego Pug puppies for sale. How much is a Pug for sale in San Diego? For one thing, the expertise and location of the breeder can impact the final price. Other physical traits of the dog such as eye color, sex and temperament can also all have an impact on the price. Start browning our network to see which puppy is right for you! Finding Pug breeders San Diego online can be challenging to do on your own if you have to do the research on dozens of breeders to make sure they are living up to the best standards in animal welfare. When you work with Uptown Puppies and start searching through our network, you will know that each breeder or business has been thoroughly screened. Are puppy mills really that bad? Puppy mills are truly horrible organizations that focus on profits above the safety and well being of the animals. Oftentimes the puppies and parents at puppy mills are neglected in the interest of getting as many puppies as possible to sell. Avoid this fate for your Pug San Diego. Are there San Diego Pugs for sale I can get right away? The hard part will be choosing from all that adorableness! Pugs are a small sized dog who originally came from China many centuries ago. They were brought over to the European continent soon after and became a favorite of the Dutch royal family. This really put Pugs on the map and they begin to rise in popularity from then on. They continue to be a hugely popular breed to this day. How big do Pugs get? Pug puppies San Diego are a member of the toy breed group and they can get from ten to eleven inches in height and they typically weigh anywhere from fourteen to eighteen pounds. What level of grooming do Pugs require? Pugs are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming but they do need all the basics! If you give them a bath about once a month, and make sure to clean their ears and wrinkles then they will be in good shape. Luckily they love the attention they get when grooming, making it a breeze. Find your San Diego Pug for sale today! Please review our Adoption Process before filling out an application. My name is Pickadilly, and I was rescued from Ensenada, Mexico by a kind human who happened to notice me scavenging around a local landfill in a pack of other strays. I was just a puppy so I didn't run away and approached the human. The others ran away. I was taken to her home given a nice long bath and started what they called 'the quarantine' since I was rescued early July I am now available for adoption but continue to stay with my rescuer in her home shared by her human family which includes small little humans, other doggy friends and some funny acrobatic looking little monsters they call 'cats' whom i actually enjoy very much! Would you be able to help me? Submit an application NOW! A volunteer will review it and text or email you to schedule a min call to talk about the adoption process and if both parties want to move fwd schedule a meet and greet in the clairemont, mission valley or La Mesa area. We can schedule meet and greets ANY day of the week and any time during daylight as long as foster parent is available. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. Military QuestionnaireSeptember 14, , pm.
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french french bulldog puppies - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.