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

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. Final Thoughts A 3 month old German Shepherd is still fluffy and cute, but it has changed a lot in comparison to its early days. It has become pretty tall, about one foot in height, with long paws and an extreme desire to chew something. Put away all your shoes, socks, or clothes because they may suffer badly from its teeth. Instead, buy entertaining chew toys and collect all your patience. You need to take proper care of your pup and keep its immense energy under control. So, you need to know how to train your German Shepherd for a happy and healthy future. This guide will help you learn more and let your ideal doggy live a long life full of positive experiences and adventures. If you have a boy, its height will be about inches cm. Girls are a bit lower at this age — they are about inches cm tall. You can also notice the increase in weight. The 3 month old German Shepherd weight can differ depending on several factors. Males can weigh pounds kg , while females weigh pounds kg. However, they can be even smaller if they belong to a working line. The gender difference becomes apparent at this age. The weight can also depend on the diet you feed your pup. The changes in appearance also include the teething stage. At this time, your pup has all its milk teeth, so adult teeth growth starts. It will last for a few months until all the puppy teeth will be replaced. You will notice one more dramatic change. It concerns the coat. Its fluffy and fuzzy nature will disappear because the adult fur starts growing. You will see a racing stripe on the back to show that the puppy coat has started to be replaced. Your pup still has floppy ears that can stand straight from time to time. Though, you need to understand that during this period, the ears will not stand up steadily because teething needs a lot of calcium, and the ear cartilage cannot harden properly. You will see a lot of improvements and a steadier ear position in a month or so. Remember not to pat your little one on the ears or head, or you may damage the cartilage. It will last until your puppy is 6 months old and is characterized by immense energy, curiosity, and getting into trouble here and there. That is why socialization and training are so important in this period. German Shepherd puppies at this age are very energetic. Though they look more grown-up than ever, their puppy nature always gets them into trouble, so you need to remain as patient as you can to train your little one the proper behavior. Your pup may jump at people and bite them. Praise it with a treat if it can abstain from doing that. Since your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy is full of energy, it needs a lot of exercise. Keep it busy all the time, but not make it do something heavy for a long time because it may have severe negative consequences on its health. Take it for walks as often as you can. A minute walk is enough. The distance your pup can walk is up to 6 miles 9. Moreover, your doggy needs a lot of other exercises. It can be a combination of playing fetch, running, and aerobic activities. You can make it play with a rubber toy or do some strength training. Once again, one-time sessions should not be very long. If you cannot take your pup outside for a walk because it is very cold, play with it inside. It can be playing with a puzzle toy or hiding something in the house and asking your dog to find it. If you have a car, you can take your puppy on a ride to provide it with more experience. Overexercising can lead to problems with joints, so you need to be very careful. The sleeping schedule of your puppy also changes a little at this age. It is approximately hours per day. It can also wake you up at night and require playing or going potty. It is normal at this age. The fastest sleep for it is before dawn. If you hesitate about how much your German Shepherd should sleep now, or whether it needs some sleep during the daytime, you can consult your vet. Health and Care Your 12 week old German Shepherd grows fast, and it looks healthy. However, you need to be aware of possible health issues at this age to be careful about. The first thing you have to keep in mind is weighing and measuring your doggy regularly. At this point, you should also provide it with the second set of vaccinations. It includes parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and distemper. Keep to a healthy and nutritious diet. If you have any doubts about the possibility of hereditary health conditions, get a DNA test. It is especially important if you want to prevent degenerative myelopathy. Even if your pup is healthy and merry, you need to take care of it regularly. Healthy diets, frequent walks, and enough exercise are all indisputable components of good puppy care. Remember to groom and brush your doggy just twice per week. Changing the coat to an adult one will lead to excessive shedding. Try to help your pet get rid of the fur that is not needed anymore. You can even develop a specific schedule for grooming or make an appointment with a professional if you are not sure how to do it properly. That can be a regular playdate with your dog-loving friends and their pets. Or you can help your pup meet new friends when you are walking with it in the park. Potty walks are an essential part of care. A 3 month old GSD can hold its bladder for an hour or so. That is why you need to keep an eye on it and let it eliminate whenever it is needed without unnecessary inside accidents. Your little one needs only healthy nutrition to grow strong and intelligent. Be attentive about treats. Obesity can cause other health problems with the heart, kidneys, and joints. Develop a feeding schedule and try to stick to it. If the puppy leaves some food in the bowl, take it away. Never leave the leftovers in the bowl, or your puppy will come back to them later, and it will be impossible to establish a feeding schedule. That will lead to potty accidents and digestion issues. The diet has to be rich in protein, but be sure that it does not contain too much fat. The food should also contain phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins. You can use vitamin supplements meant for German Shepherd puppies, but never opt for those that are for humans or adult dogs. The schedule is very important for your pet. If you establish it at three feeding times per day, try to keep to it. Distribute the amount of food evenly throughout all meals. Never feed your doggy immediately before going to bed. Provide it with enough water. Fresh water is essential for puppies, so the bowl full has to be around all the time. You do not need to take it away. It starts understanding what is going on around it. So, it needs proper training at this age. It should also learn how to interact with other animals and people. Obedience training is essential at this time. Your puppy may not master all of them at once because its attention span is rather short, so be patient enough to repeat them again and again. Only after you see that your pet is confident about these commands, you may continue with more complicated ones. Never punish or beat your puppy if something does not go well. Positive reinforcement is always your priority. Never forget to praise your little dog and give it treats if it has done something well. Your doggy should also know how to deal with other dogs. If you have a friend with a dog, invite them to your place or pay a visit to them with your pup. Your doggy will feel more confident if it knows how to build trust and socialize with other living beings. Training is very important during this period. So, if you have not started doing it yet, begin your training sessions immediately. Your doggy should see a leader of the pack in you, so be as persistent and confident as possible. If you have some difficulties, it is better to seek the help of an expert. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time training your pup. It may not be so easy at first, but it is certain to be rewarding. The height of your puppy changes very quickly because its intensive growth continues. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd weight? There may be an apparent increase in weight at this age. It depends on several factors, such as hereditary options, type of line, feeding schedule, etc. On average, boys weigh pounds .Puppies from the working line can weigh less. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd eat? Your pup should eat 2 cups of dry kibble or homemade food per day. How much does a 3 month old German Shepherd sleep? You will notice some changes in the sleep schedule of your pup. It needs less sleep, but the overall sleeping time is about hours per day, including day naps. The puppy can still wake you up at night for playing or potty. Though, this will happen more rarely. How far can a 3 month old German Shepherd walk? How much exercise should a 3 month old GSD get? The puppy needs a lot of exercise at this age. At least 30 minutes per session can help it grow smart, alert, and strong. Walking and running for about 15 minutes can be a part of this exercise. However, you can include playing games into the sessions. Final Thoughts The first thing you need to remember when you have decided that a German Shepherd is a good breed for you is to be ready for taking a huge responsibility. Be patient and positive. Never punish, shout at it, or beat it. However, you have to be consistent and demanding to let your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy feel that you are its leader, and it should follow and trust you. German Shepherds, if properly trained, socialized, and cared for, are great family dogs. That is why you need to keep the advice from this article in mind and always contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. 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. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. When your German Shepherd is the ideal weight, you can feel their ribs, although they are not easily seen, and they are not covered in a layer of fat. There should be a defined waistline when your dog is viewed from above and a noticeable tummy tuck when they are viewed from the side. Underweight German Shepherds While German Shepherds are growing, they will be thinner and look gangly until they fill out in adulthood. It is sometimes recommended to keep your growing German Shepherd marginally underweight but not unhealthily thin while their joints grow and strengthen. Purina defines two levels of underweight: thin and slightly underweight. Thin: Ribs, hips, and spine are easily felt, and there is no fat covering the sides and back. There is noticeable muscle loss around shoulders and thighs, an overly pronounced waistline from the top view, and an overly pronounced tummy tuck from the side view. Slightly underweight: Ribs can be easily felt, hips and spine may be slightly visible if your German Shepherd has shorter hair, but there is no fat covering. There is an obvious waistline from above and a marked tummy tuck from the side. If your German Shepherd is underweight or thin, speak to your veterinarian. It could be that they are just growing quickly, often becoming lightly underweight after a growth spurt and then putting weight on until the next growth spurt. You may just need to change their food or feed them larger and more frequent meals. However, their low weight may indicate parasites or another underlying medical condition. Elderly German Shepherds can struggle with being underweight. This is why senior dog foods typically have a higher calorie count. Overweight German Shepherds It is important to prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight while they are growing. Extra weight on developing joints and muscles can cause problems. German Shepherds can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is worsened by excess weight. Other excessive weight-related conditions include diabetes, pancreatitis, heart problems, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and arthritis. Related: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calorie intake. When your German Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you may need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. A helpful tip is to switch to low-calorie treats during this stage, especially considering training needs to intensify, and people often use treats for positive reinforcement incentives. And instead of switching to a calorie-restricted food or reducing the amount you feed your German Shepherd, speak to a veterinarian about switching from puppy food to adult food. Purina defines four levels of overweight: slightly overweight, markedly overweight, obese, and clinically obese. Slightly overweight: Ribs can be felt slightly, but there is an obvious layer of fat covering the ribcage and back. There is a slight waistline when viewed from the top, but it is not clear. There is a slight tummy tuck towards the hind legs when viewed from the side. Markedly overweight: Ribs are not easily felt, and there is an obvious layer of fat over the ribcage. There are fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. Obese: Ribs are difficult to feel because of the fatty layer covering them. There are significant fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. And the tummy bulges outward and sags slightly when viewed from the side. Clinically obese: Ribs cannot be felt under the fatty layer. There are significant fatty pads around the neck and legs, along the lower back, and at the base of the tail. The waistline is absent when viewed from above. The tummy significantly bulges and sags when viewed from the side. Miniature German Shepherds are much smaller and have completely different development requirements and problems. Final Thoughts The weight and growth charts provided in this article are designed to provide guidelines for the developmental milestones your puppy should be reaching in the first years of its life. Male German Shepherds are bigger and heavier than females, and from weeks old, these differences become apparent. Although males and females have different weight and height targets at each stage, they should hit the same percentages of their adult weight at the same age. If your puppy is slightly above or below the average weight or height at a given age, it does not mean that there is a problem. However, if your German Shepherd puppy starts to fall more and more behind, or if they miss other developmental milestones other than weight and height, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you will need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. Deficiencies in weight can compromise growth and the general condition of your German Shepherd, and excess weight can cause joint injury and other serious medical conditions. Keep all of these things in mind and be observant of your growing pup and how you approach feeding and training in accordance. By doing this, you will ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted German Shepherd for many years to come! However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof , and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia. Despite their name, Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland, not Labrador. Continue to 2 of 16 below. Continue to 3 of 16 below. Continue to 4 of 16 below. Continue to 5 of 16 below. Continue to 6 of 16 below. A little training will go a long way. Continue to 7 of 16 below. It may require some training, but their instincts will know how to handle soft items. Labrador retrievers go crazy for plush toys and are often found napping with their favorite ones. Continue to 8 of 16 below. A Labrador puppy that is 6 months old is already a strong and big dog. At 6 months, your Labrador puppy is swiftly approaching the final stages of development, but they will still display puppy-like enthusiasm and playfulness. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? A year-old Labrador is a rare sight. I have a 6 month old black lab and when he is out in the garden on his own he eats Everything - sticks, soil, stones etc. Give your Lab a bland diet. These dogs generally weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, and come in three standard colors — black, yellow, and chocolate. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. Is this something they grow out of? In the late s and early s, Yellow Labradors and Chocolate Labradors were mostly undesirable and culled as a result. It causes mild to severe itching, leading to more skin damage, infection, and irritation. The dog's breeder says that is much too young I am inclined to listen to her. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic. From then on, teach commands per month, starting with simple gesture-triggered cues, then advancing to more complex and word-triggered commands. Six or seven months is often the age that people realise they need to do something about their Labrador's behavior, simply because he is getting so big. A Labrador retriever of this particular age needs special and careful attention from a. Vet is saying to do the spaying at 6 months old. The Black Labrador Retriever has a very smooth and shiny coat of very short black fur. A Labrador retriever of this particular age needs special and careful attention from a dog owner: well-balanced diet, moderate training and in-time vet examinations should be a must. When Piper first came home, I scoured the internet for puppy growth pictures, puppy weight charts, and personal anecdotes of puppy growth. As a large-breed dog, Labrador Retrievers may not reach their full size until they are more than a year old. In this article we discuss the average labrador lifespan, answer how long labradors live and give the name and age of the worlds oldest ever living lab. Give your Labrador probiotics. Feed a Labrador Puppy? Feeding Chart. In the late s and early s, Yellow Labradors. The Labrador Retriever is a popular gundog and companion. Even when your Lab is fully grown, however, he may still retain some of his puppylike tendencies. Most people think that dogs mature at the same age, but small dogs like a Terrier or a Pomeranian might reach adulthood at 9 months of age whereas a Great Dane might fully mature at 3 years of age. Check out our clear, step-by-step training guides: Teach. This post is about my 6 month old black lab puppy Moose. For months old Lab puppy, feed them times daily a mix of dry and wet food. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks 4. Known as the Bullador, Labrabull or Pitador, their ancestors were cooperative hunting partners, service animals, hard working guardians and even fighting dogs. After that, their weight gain tapers off slowly. By this point, a Labrador will likely be experiencing at least one significant medical condition. Lab puppies generally gain 2 lbs 1 kg a week from birth until they are 6 months old. Free with supplies but a good home or family is a must. However, a Black Labrador's growth progression shouldn't be that much different from a Chocolate or Yellow one. No more opening the door when he barks to. As these numbers are an average measurement for a 6 month old Labrador, they can vary depending on the growth rate of other dogs. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks 5. The average weight of an adult male black lab can be anywhere in the 64 to 80 lbs weight range 29 o 36 kg. Generally, a 6 months old male Labrador can weigh around 40 to 55 pounds. Here's the answer: A Labrador puppy that's under 3 months old should be fed on average of times everyday. Preempt Labrador diarrhea with a fiber supplement. Each time Axel is able to grab something and run off, he is self rewarding himself. A Labrador puppy training schedule should begin at two months old as soon as you bring your new pup home. These larger pups need more food compared to the month old ones, but less frequently. Your Labrador might be itching due to one or more reasons. It can cause sleepless nights, family fights, neighbour disputes and much more. You should carefully follow any instructions your vet. Labradors usually get to half their full weight between 4. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. The sweetest dog ever! Shiloh is 6 months, weighs 33 pounds and is a black lab with a couple of hidden white spots! He has his first round of shots, dog bowls, toys, shampoo and crates all ready to go. Pitbull Lab mixes are smart, alert dogs that make great companions and faithful, protective watchdogs. Giardia and stool issues with my puppy. A year old Labrador Retriever is 61 years old in human years. In most cases, a Labrador puppy needs high-value nutrition and food for them to grow up. So should I wait and do it around 11 months so that she doesnt go thru heat, but that its much later not at 6 months! How old 6 year old Labrador Retriever is in human years. Most people think that dogs mature at the same age, but small dogs like a. Give your Lab GI-soothing herbs to manage diarrhea. Here are 9 easy ways how to treat Labrador with diarrhea: Fast and hydrate your Lab. Looking for some help and advise with my 6 month old male black lab. The average weight of a Black lab relative to its age is easy to track and is comparable to the weight of other Labradors: Labrador Retriever Age. Axel is 8 months and will run off with pillows and controllers and tea towels etc. Is this something they grow out of? Is it normal? Is there anyway to stop this, other than not letting him out in the garden on his own. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? By 9 months old, your Labrador will be close to their full grown adult height. Male Lab Average Weight. On the other hand, a female Labrador of six months old can grow up to 35 to 45 pounds. Every type of lab has a tendency toward a certain size and shape that. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. Your Labrador will. However, if your puppy is more than 6 months old, feeding it 2 times each day is recommended. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months 8. Please keep in mind that these numbers. These dogs can grow up to 80 pounds, so it may take 18 to 24 months for a puppy to fully mature. She recommends about five minutes of activity per month of age and discourages taking puppies to dog parks at this stage. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch, jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. The Lab puppy's adult coat and face will start to develop, and your pup will start looking like a miniature adult dog. These larger pups need more food. I have 3 young children who he's always been so gentle with. At 6 months old, your puppy will still pretty much eat the same amount as 5 months of age. Sometime between months, you can begin feeding twice daily. The weight difference should be largely connected to the height of the lab too as this can also vary. And after 1 year, you can introduce adult chow in two portions daily. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks 2. I have been very diligent with making sure all is out of reach, it's my husband who often forgets. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. I took him to the vet, we did a stool test, and found Giardia. There's no set age at which Labrador Retrievers first reach sexual maturity. By 9 months old, your. From 6 months to a year old, Labs gain weight much more slowly, as they approach their adult size. Female black labs are a little lighter and usually fall between 55 and 70 lbs 25 to 32 kg. As these numbers are an average measurement for a 6 month old Labrador, they can vary depending. A 10 month old Labrador should be eating over oz. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. At four months, most black Lab puppies have reached approximately 30 percent of their potential adult. The average Lab weight at six months. Ages and Stages in Labrador Puppy Training. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. Black Labrador Retriever Facts. Most, but not all, labradors will finish their meals quickly. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and. When I got my puppy in March, he had loose stools right off the bat. He has been quite sick the last couple of. Fell on unfortunate times and no longer able to provide a stable home. So I feel like I need to train him more than Axel. This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. Barking at sounds Reactive or fearful barking Teach your dog to bark When barking gets out of hand! There's no doubt that barking can become a major nuisance. What commands should my six month old puppy know? He has been quite sick the last couple of days, bringing up the above items. How Much to Feed a Labrador Puppy? Your Labrador will grow in height at this stage, and after one year they will grow breadthways. I thought it was just stress, and I didn't think much of it. The average weight of a healthy adult black Labrador retriever is between 65 and 80 pounds for males, and between 55 and 70 pounds for females. Some possible causes of Labrador behavior problems are as follows: Poor health, pain or illness Fear or being scared of something or someone in their environment Inadequate socialization when they were. She said her dogs dont go thru heat until months. Barkley says this milestone may happen as early as seven months or take until a dog is nearly two years old, at .On this stage, a puppy tends to grow in height, but after 1 year it is more likely to grow breadthways. That was 14 years ago and that's just what everyone did back then and no one knew any better. He's always been really well behaved and placid, apart from the nipping from weeks Hes walked twice a day and has learnt his basic commands, sit, down, paw, wait for his dinner etc. A 6-year old Labrador Retriever is 43 years old in human years. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. How Much Should a Labrador Eat. Fixed and has all shots, does tricks, smart and sweet. No more putting the lead on the dog when he barks for a walk. I am so glad I found this forum. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months 7. Not only are there black, chocolate, and yellow, but there are working labs and English labs. Their average size is between 20 and 22 inches at their shoulder with a weight of about 53 and 57 pounds. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. The most likely explanation is that he has atopic dermatitis if there are no signs of pesky fleas. Our previous lab was fixed at 6 months old. Labrador Barking Help And Information. According to the chart a dog 6 months or older between pounds should eat cups of food a day. Black Labs and other large-breed dogs generally reach their full adult weight at 12 to 18 months. Female Lab Average Weight. Some possible causes of Labrador behavior problems are as follows: Poor health, pain or illness Fear or being scared of something or someone in their environment Inadequate socialization when they were a puppy Feeling socially isolated Lack of exercise Lack of mental stimulation Genetic, hereditary issues Sudden changes in diet. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. They are intelligent, co-operative, and friendly, known for making great family pets. The reasons for barking in any breed of dog, can be complex. He's great with kids of all ages, a real family dog! Almost completely potty trained. Very friendly, loves kids, small dogs, cats, people. But there are a few reports of Labs living to this age. Problems with Overfeeding Your Dog. As can be seen in the table above, a full-grown Labrador Retriever is somewhere between .Wendy73 Registered Users. After 3 weeks, things got worse. My big concern is, she has been going to doggie daycare as recently as yesterday, where there are typically up to dogs playing. Much of their care will revolve around keeping their last days comfortable. Although they still probably try to sneak in a few last milk sessions while they can. And while there is no set standard your puppy should have reached, it is definitely time to get some safety cues installed. Key Milestone: 3—6 Months These early months will be filled with. Read more: English Lab vs American Lab. Start by teaching him that you are the leader. Keep your Lab off human food.

How do I start the process of inquiring on a puppy? Please email us at mybaby smashedfacedbabies. We're happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the babies and our puppy purchase process. Please follow up on your emails until you hear back from us. Thank You! If you don't have any immediate questions you can click on the 'Puppy Interest' Button at the bottom of this page to get your puppy interest or purchase process started. Can I get a puppy in the next litter? How do I make sure I can get a puppy in the future? Our high quality puppies are in demand and find homes very quickly! You can ensure your family will receive a Smashed Faced Baby English Bulldog in the coming months or years by joining our wait list. Adding yourself to our wait list enables you to have first pick in upcoming litters, or subsequent pick based on your position on the wait list. Please click on the 'Wait List' Button at the bottom of this page to get your priority placement secured. Get ready to get excited! If you are on the wait list and live locally, or happen to be visiting San Diego, if you chose the deposit option you can visit with any newborn litters. Imagine a 3 inch Bulldog! You can view the newborn and two week old photos in each puppy's photo gallery to get an idea. Babies are released to their new homes after 10 weeks of age, providing they pass all health checks. Each puppy comes with their own baby blanket and lovie they have been crate training with starting at 8 weeks of age and digital baby photo album keepsake for you to enjoy. We prefer for our new Bully parents to find a way to travel to sunny San Diego, California to pick up their new baby. Puppy pick up is the best and safest way for your new puppy to travel. We will arrange for travel with you in a way that works for both parties. Travel is an additional cost to the purchase of your puppy. Sometimes they are rescues and sometimes they are puppies and adults from our Champion breeding lines. We want to make sure all of your questions are answered before making a decision to bring a baby bully home. We will correspond with you to answer questions by email and phone. The next step in the purchase process is to submit your Puppy Interest Inquiry click on the puppy interest button below and select the puppy or puppies you are interested in. Before making any commitments or payments, we will email you a purchase agreement to review. Document completion happens when you pick up your puppy. If you are interested in anything beyond having a loving furry family member, items such as AKC Registration or Breeding Rights are an additional cost to your accepted puppy purchase and will be specifically detailed in the purchase agreement, if available for the puppy you have chosen. We accept visa, mastercard, and cash payments for your puppy purchase. Once payment is complete your new baby bully will be released to you via pick up or coordinated delivery with us. English Bulldogs are prone to over eating, and health issues as a result. Your Smashed Faced Baby Bully has been nurtured on a gourmet healthy diet and we hope to provide your family with helpful hints and tips along the way to maintain the greatest level of health and least amount of health issues as your bully ages. If you notice from our photos of our mamma bullies, we keep them very lean. Lean bulldogs have an easier time breathing, dealing with heat, reduced bone and joint issues, and are healthier all around. We begin a high vegetable, high natural protein, and supplement diet prior to breeding, during pregnancy, and during the nursing period. Your baby bully is then introduced to a variety of vegetables and proteins, even some fruits too, during the weaning process in combination with a zero grain dog food. If you have the opportunity to visit with our babies before making a decision on your puppy purchase, you'll experience first hand how silky smooth every baby's coat is and how alert and smart they are. We would love to help you maintain the healthy diet your baby bully has been raised on, as you and bully make your journey through life together. We have answers. You've got many choices when searching for a San Diego Bulldog puppy for sale, but even though there are some great breeders out there, there are also plenty of bad ones. Some breeders put profits first, and their pups suffer as a result. Uptown is a place for the best breeders to come together, helping you find a happy and healthy Bulldog San Diego with ease. What is a puppy mill like? Puppy mills are basically like dog factories where pups are produced in large quantities and not given any proper care or treatment. Bulldog puppies for sale San Diego from mills often suffer health issues and behavioral problems as a result of this mistreatment, leading to big vet bills for their owners. Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale right now? The Bulldog is a hugely popular breed in the US, so there's a good chance that your dream dog is already out there somewhere, just waiting to meet you. There are lots of litters being born all the time, and we can help you find the very best sellers of Bulldog puppies San Diego. Start your search right now for your perfect Bulldog for sale San Diego. What are Bulldogs like? English or British Bulldogs originated in the United Kingdom and were first bred for use in cattle-driving and bull-baiting. The strong and stocky nature of this breed helped to make them quite popular, but over time, Bulldogs were more commonly found in family homes than on farms. These days, a typical San Diego Bulldog for sale is classed as a family-friendly dog with low energy levels and affectionate, curious nature. How big does a Bulldog get? What sort of temperament do they have? The Bulldog is a medium-sized breed, easily recognizable with their broad chests and stocky bodies. Even though they might appear a little intimidating at first, Bulldog puppies in San Diego are really calm and quiet dogs. They're also a good choice for apartment-dwellers due to their low energy levels. Are Bulldogs suitable for apartments? For sure! If you happen live in an apartment and want to find a dog that won't get bored in the small space, a Bulldog for sale in San Diego could be a great choice. Bulldogs are quite big dogs, but they have low energy levels, so they really don't need big backyards or huge homes to be happy. Just be sure to take them for walks to meet their exercise needs. Are you on the lookout for a low-shedding or hypoallergenic pup? San Diego Bulldogs for sale might not be the right choice for you. Like a lot of other breeds, the Bulldog will shed a little hair throughout the year. They don't shed too much when compared to longhaired dogs, but you may still have to deal with little clumps of hair around the home when a Bulldog is around. How much do Bulldog puppies cost? The price of San Diego Bulldog puppies for sale depends on a range of different factors, such as size, coat color, general appearance, and breeder experience too. Luckily, when you use Uptown to search for your Bulldog for sale San Diego, you'll find that our vetted breeders and businesses offer pups at all kinds of competitive prices. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in my area? No need to worry! When you find the right pup from a vetted business or breeder in the Uptown network, they will be able to make travel arrangements and even organize a flight for your new furry friend. They can fly it over to any major airport in your area Lower 48 only , so even if you can't any pups from nearby Bulldog breeders in San Diego, your dream dog can still be easy to find on Uptown. How do you screen breeders with Bulldogs for sale? Well, we only want to work with honest, authentic, dog-loving breeders and businesses, so when you choose Uptown, you'll only be buying from the very best providers of Bulldogs for sale in San Diego. Read our Breeder Pledge to learn more.

We take great pride in only working with the most reputable Chihuahua Breeders across America. An adorable toy pup, the Shih Tzu is a playful yet gentle breed that is great with children and make for great roommates in homes of all sizes. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location Color. The Shih Tzu is your lap dog. It's important to note that pet adoption is a huge responsibility and requires available savings for emergency. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Joplin. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Joplin, MO from trusted breeders …. Find your puppy for sale in Joplin, MO. Our office requires an approved rental application before we can lease a property. Call or text preferred XXXX. Juvenile red iguana and tank w acc. Introducing Wizard, he is adorable and so smart. 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This is why it is crucial that you understand how much to feed an English Bulldog puppy for proper health and longevity. These puppies need the same attention, particularly when it comes to eating, which is essential for good growth and development. If you have an English Bulldog puppy or are thinking about obtaining one, you will find our English Bulldog feeding chart invaluable. Puppies of all breeds, including the English Bulldog, need a diet tailored to their specific needs as they grow. Puppies under 3 months of age need more frequent feedings three to four per day , whereas pups aged 3 to 6 months only need three meals per day. They should be fed twice a day once they reach 6 months of age. You should also provide clean water for your dog at all times. They should be fed a high-quality puppy chow that has been moistened with water if they have begun eating solid food. An English Bulldog puppy of 6 weeks old should be energetic and sociable. Kids may start to act independently and exhibit their own unique identities. Take care not to leave any little things lying about that they may accidentally ingest. Give them a lot of things to chew on since teething may be uncomfortable for them. An English Bulldog puppy of 8 weeks old will likely be full of life and activity. They might be resistant, therefore your training efforts will need some time. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety and work on establishing a routine. An English Bulldog puppy of 10 weeks will likely still be a lot of fun. Control their food consumption based on their weight. This may be given to the dog in two or three smaller meals. By the time they are 16 weeks old, English Bulldog puppies usually have a lot of excess energy and need to spend a lot of time playing and being active. Although signs of increased autonomy are encouraging, further training is still essential. Keep an eye on their eating habits and make any necessary adjustments to curb obesity. In some cases, you can feed them 4 cups but this is only if they are highly active. To avoid obesity, it is crucial to keep an eye on their weight and make dietary adjustments as required. Avoid overfeeding your English Bulldog since doing so might lead to obesity and health issues. It would be necessary to increase this till maturity. Puppies need a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients in addition to the macronutrients protein, fat, and carbs they consume. There should be a healthy equilibrium between calcium and phosphorus to avoid orthopedic issues, since both are crucial for bone formation. Avoiding obesity and its associated health risks requires careful nutrition and weight monitoring. To meet their energy demands and encourage healthy development, English Bulldog pups should be given many short meals throughout the day. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are six months old, however, this may vary according to their age. They may reduce their intake to twice a day after six months. Overfeeding and free-feeding may cause obesity and other health issues. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and because it aids in the maintenance of healthy teeth. Wet food is a better alternative for fussy eaters or dogs with digestive concerns since it is often more appealing and may be simpler to digest. It has a shorter shelf life and may be more costly than kibble. The best option is ultimately determined by the specific requirements and preferences of each dog. Between 12 and 18 months of age, most experts advise making the transition to regular table fare. If you want to save your English Bulldog any stomach trouble, make the transfer to a new meal slowly over the course of a week to ten days. The best way to introduce a new meal to a pet is to incorporate it into their regular diet slowly at first. Selecting a premium adult dog food that is tailored to the specific dietary requirements of English Bulldogs is essential. Talk to your vet about when and what kind of food is best for your dog. Puppies have distinct nutritional demands that need feeding them at certain times and in precise quantities of food. Maintaining a healthy weight in your puppy may be achieved by regular feeding on a schedule and careful monitoring of food consumption. The Bulldog-shaped kibble is simple to pick up and chew, and the high-quality proteins and prebiotics support good digestion and stool quality. Conclusion English Bulldogs are greedy little creatures who will eat everything put in their way - which can make it hard as a dog owner to know how much you should feed your bulldog. An adult English Bulldog should be fed twice per day, once in the morning for their breakfast and then one again in the evening for their dinner. Their meals should consist of around 2 cups of quality kibble. If your bulldog is more sedentary, then you should consider feeding it less to ensure it doesn't become overweight. How much should an English Bulldog puppy eat? The main thing to worry about when feeing your English Bulldog puppy is overfeeding. Bulldogs will continue to eat whatever is put in front of them so we certainly don't recommend free feeding your pup. Over feeding a bulldog puppy will result in the puppy becoming overweight that can will be susceptible to joint, muscle and bone problems - which English Bulldogs are already prone too. Portions that are smaller and more often are the best. Feeding your puppy twice per day will ensure that it stays full for the full day and doesn't start crying for food later in the evening. It will also ensure that their stomach doesn't become overwhelmed, and should help avoid any problems with breathing. Why is my English Bulldog always hungry? Does your English Bulldog wolf down any food put in front of it? Does it sob and stare as you eat your meal, even after its just been fed? You might be thinking, why is my English Bulldog always hungry? In the wild, a dog would not know where their next meal would come from, and their mentality would always be to eat as much food as possible whenever possible. This trait has been passed down throughout generations of dogs, which is why your English Bulldog will always seem hungry. As long as you are feeding your English Bulldog their required amount of food every day, then don't fall for their cute little puppy eyes when they are begging for more food. Overfeeding your English Bulldog will lead to several health issues and complications, and with English Bulldogs not being the most active dog breed, overfeeding will lead to your bulldog becoming obese fairly quickly. If you often cave into feeding your English Bulldog when it cries, it will become more prone to doing so, knowing that it can get food on demand. An English Bulldog with an endless amount of food will simply eat until it cannot eat anymore. How to switch your bulldog puppy to an adult diet To switch your bulldog puppy to an adult diet, you should do so slowly over a period of a week - 10 days. At the same time decreasing the amount of puppy food in the bowl so by the end of the week your dog should only be eating adult food. Gradually introducing food to your pup helps prevent any gastrointestinal issues and will result in a happier pooch. Growing puppies have higher energy needs than adult dogs but once they have reached maturity their metabolic rate slows. The calorie-dense puppy food will have filled them up much quicker and fulfilled their energy demands when they have reached maturity. Conclusion Don't become fooled by an English Bulldog that is constantly begging for food. Stick to their deal meal requirements and don't overfeed your bulldog as it'll only lead to further complications. Given that they are experts in the field of animal health and welfare, they will know the best meal schedule for your dog. This is one of the simplest methods to keep your Bulldog happy and healthy. Therefore, by choosing the best food for your beloved buddy to eat, you could extend its life span! Some examples of dry dog food are dog biscuits, kibble, and flaked cereals. Before serving dry dog foods to Bulldogs, warm water or broth is frequently added to this to improve the texture and enhance the flavor. Canned Wet Food: Canned wet food is sometimes preferable to dry food because it has a lot more moisture and thus will keep your dog hydrated. Moreover, wet dog food is also more likely to be appreciated by your English Bulldog puppy because it is usually more flavorful. However, wet food may increase the likelihood of dental issues. Homemade Diet: Homemade diets can help you save money. This diet also allows you to have more control over the macronutrients your dog consumes. As a result, with a homemade diet, you can rest assured that your dog is only consuming the best ingredients. Raw Diet: Raw dog food can be purchased as a frozen log, or it can simply be prepared at home. However, keep in mind that it should be prepared using quality meat and healthy fats. When it comes to choosing the right food for a Bulldog puppy, you need to be sure that it has high-quality protein to allow its body to function properly. If you accidentally drop something on the floor, these canines will gobble it up. However, some foods are incredibly toxic and dangerous for English Bulldogs to consume, even in small amounts. Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Bulldogs: Chocolate: This delectable human food includes theobromine , a poison that impairs the kidney, heart, and other important organ functions of a Bulldog puppy. If consumed in large amounts, xylitol can cause severe liver damage to your Bulldog. Raw Bread Dough: This is extremely poisonous. Milk and Other Dairy Products: Providing milk and other dairy products could lead to puppy diarrhea and other digestive system problems. These human foods may also set off food allergies, which may result in crusty scabs around the mouth of your dog. Grapes and Raisins: These may be enticing to dogs as treats or snacks, but they could also contain mold and fungus, which can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, seizures , lethargy, or kidney failure. Tomatoes: These contain tomatine , a poisonous alkaloid that can cause muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Avocado: This tasty human food contains persin, which takes dogs some time to digest. It may cause severe stomach pain, breathing problems, and a buildup of fluid in the chest. Mushrooms: If your English Bulldog puppy consumes wild mushrooms, you should treat it as an emergency because it can result in neurological symptoms, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: These delicious Hawaiian treats rank among the most hazardous human foods for dogs. These nuts can cause hind legs to become paralyzed for anywhere between 12 and 24 hours after consumption. Aside from the listed foods, there are other foods that your Bulldog puppy should stay away from. Therefore, when your dog transitions from a puppy to an adult dog and also when they get closer to seniority, it makes sense to switch to a different diet. It could take some trial and error to find the best food for them. You can use the following transition chart as a guide for your English Bulldog puppy: Day. Plenty of dog lovers go to great lengths to discover the optimal dog food for their Bulldog puppies. Should Bulldog puppies be fed a raw food diet or wet and dry food? How can I optimize English Bulldog puppy feeding to promote a healthy immune system for my pup? Is commercial food bad for my Bulldog puppy? If you have ever owned an English Bulldog puppy, you have surely sought the answers to these questions. Some sources promote dry and wet foods, while others advocate for feeding an English Bulldog puppy raw food for high-quality protein. So, is one choice better than another? What sort of puppy food is best for your English Bulldog puppy? Before you seek answers to these questions online, consider that no one knows your English Bulldog puppy better than you do. Do you really want to take English Bulldog feeding advice from random individuals online? Have confidence in your abilities to choose a puppy food that is best for your pooch. You can try feeding them wet dog food, commercial dog food, dry dog food, or a raw food diet. There is no option that is inherently better than another. If it seems like your dog enjoys what they eat, then be consistent and routinely offer them the food that they enjoy. Healthy eating habits can easily be established from a young age for your tiny pooch. English Bulldog puppies can be brought to their forever home when they are around 2 months old. As a dog owner, there is no time more exciting than bringing your new English Bulldog puppy home. Why is my English Bulldog puppy neglecting to eat its food? Luckily, it is perfectly normal for young English Bulldogs to lack an appetite during their first day or two in their forever home. Why, you ask? Well, this is because the process of a puppy being uprooted from its dog family to go live with its human family can be frightening initially. An English Bulldog puppy may scarcely know its new owners when it gets adopted and brought home, and the new environment in which it is living can be unfamiliar and unsettling. This means that your English Bulldog puppy may—understandably—lack an appetite during its first couple of days at home. After a day or two, your puppy should begin eating like normal and beginning its rapid transformation into becoming an adult. These dogs will be plenty tiny at this point, but they will grow into sizable adult Bulldogs before you know it. To support the growth of your petite pup, how much food should they receive every day? English Bulldog puppies that are around two months of food should be offered 2 cups of food every day during their first week or two at home. As your pup gets used to living in its new home, its appetite may begin to increase. Young English Bulldog pups need to eat a sufficient amount of food. Feeding A Three-Month-Old Bulldog Now that your English Bulldog puppy is undoubtedly larger than it was when you first brought it home, you will need to increase the amount of food that you give to your precious pooch. By the time your English Bulldog is three months old, it should be consuming at least 2. English Bulldog puppies on the large end of the spectrum can eat anywhere from 2. This may seem like a lot of food for a puppy, but remember that these dogs grow rapidly. Therefore, though eating 3 cups of food every day would be a lot for puppies of most other breeds, it is a good amount of food for a three-month-old Bulldog. A typical four-month-old English Bulldog puppy should eat at least 3 cups of food every day. As they age, they will be able to eat closer to 3. Five-month-old Bulldog pups should consume more than 3 cups of food daily. In fact, this is about the time that English Bulldogs consume their peak daily quantities of food. As an English Bulldog puppy grows older than five months old, the amount of food that it requires every day will begin to trend downward. Proper English Bulldog puppy feeding is crucial during this pivotal time of growth. Five-month-old Bulldog pups can eat up to 3. A six-month-old English Bulldog can still eat a bit of food, so plan on feeding these dogs around 3. If you notice that your pooch is developing a bigger belly than expected, try to cut back on the amount of food that you give your dog. As your English Bulldog puppy reaches seven months old and beyond, you can begin to offer it less food since it will be finished with the teenage stage in its life. Seven to eight-month-old Bulldogs should be consuming about 3. Owners should pay attention to the weight and body size of their pooches during this time. Dogs on the heavy or lightweight ends of the spectrum should have their diets adjusted. By the time an English Bulldog puppy is nine months old, its food should again be decreased. Feed nine-month-old Bulldog puppies around 2. Feeding A Ten To Twelve-Month-Old Bulldog Around 10 to 12 months old is the time in which many puppies eat the most food during their lifetimes, but this is not the case for English Bulldogs. Ten to twelve-month-old English Bullies hardly look like the puppy that you brought home when they were 2 months old. Now, your precious pooch will look like an adult dog. This means that they should be eating like adults. Feed your ten-month-old English Bulldog pup around 2. As they approach twelve months old, continue to decrease their food. Twelve-month-old Bullies should eat around 2. This may be hard for you to believe that your furry friend is all grown up, but you can now consider your canine companion to be an adult. So, what does adult dog food have that puppy food does not? The two foods tend to have similar ingredients, but adult food usually has more protein and fats while possessing fewer calories. These ingredients are better suited to look after the nutritional needs of an adult dog. Adult food may be dry dog food, wet food, or other types of food. Again, you can feel confident with feeding your dog wet food, dry food, or raw food. Each type of dog food has pros and cons, and none are inherently better than the other options. Given that adult dogs are no longer growing, they do not need to consume nearly as much food as puppies. However, adult English Bulldogs still consume a considerable amount of food. Plan to feed an adult English Bulldog anywhere from 2 to 2. The exact amount of food that you should feed your English Bully will depend on its size, sex, and activity levels. Small adult Bulldogs will only need to eat 2 cups of food every day, while large adults should be eating closer to 2. Since adult Bulldogs are no longer growing, they may be prone to gaining weight. Though 2 to 2. Pregnant or Lactating Bulldogs Pregnant or lactating English Bulldog mothers need to consume an enormous amount of calories every day to ensure that they and their puppies are getting enough nourishment. The energy required to simply move around while carrying their developing pups is immense. Pregnant or lactating Bulldog mothers should eat well over 3 cups of food every day. Around 3. If it seems as though your mother Bulldog is still hungry after eating her daily food quota, be sure that you offer additional food to her. This is a time in which owners should not be concerned with the amount of food that their English Bulldog eats. Especially Active Bulldogs Pet lovers who own especially active Bulldogs will need to offer these dogs more food than a typical adult English Bulldog would consume. Bulldogs are not known as an activity or athletic breed of dog, so plenty of active dogs will need to be offered enough food to meet their energy requirements. Providing anywhere from 2. There are plenty of dry dog food options for senior dogs that are available in pet stores, but you may instead prefer to feed your dog wet food that is easier for them to chew than dry food. Ultimately, senior English Bulldogs will be perfectly content with wet food, dry food, or another option. No matter what food you select, it will be slightly different than adult dog foods in that it will prioritize healthy fats and proteins to maintain immune system health. Moreover, a senior dog food will have less of an emphasis on caloric intake. Being fed an amount of food over two cups every day would probably be too much food for your senior pooch. Instead, owners should aim to provide their seniors with anywhere between 1. If you are unsure of how many calories your senior dog needs or what type of food to provide your Bulldog, you can consult with your veterinarian. Many Bulldog owners wish to know if they can use free feeding to ensure that their Bulldog receives enough food. Unsurprisingly, having an unlimited amount of food at its disposal can lead to unhealthy weight gain for your furry friend. Owners searching for a simple way to go about English Bulldog feeding will find this method attractive, but free feeding makes it difficult for a Bulldog to maintain a healthy weight. Now that you know how much an English Bulldog should be eating based on its age, you are doubtlessly wondering about how many meals your Bulldog should consume every day. The amount of times a Bulldog will need to eat every day is directly correlated to the age of a dog, with young dogs requiring more food than adults. Bulldogs aged two to five months should eat high-protein puppy food at least three times every day, with some puppies consuming four daily meals. You may find that feeding a morning, late-morning, mid-afternoon, and evening meal is a great feeding schedule for you and your English Bulldog puppy. Bulldogs that are six to twelve months old do not need to eat quite as frequently as they did when they were younger since their metabolisms have slowed since that age. Still, Bulldogs at this age should be eating at least two meals every day. Some English Bulldogs at this age may prefer to eat three meals daily. Adult Bulldogs need to eat even less frequently than puppies since they are finished growing. Some dogs may continue eating two meals every day, while others will be content with a single meal. Senior Bulldogs should be on a feeding schedule similar to that of adults. Being fed high-quality protein food once or twice a day will be ideal for these dogs. So, how many cups of food should an overweight English Bulldog be eating every day? First, be sure that you are not overfeeding your dog. Refer to our recommendations in this article to discover the perfect amount of food for your Bulldog. If your dog is eating more food than recommended, reduce how many cups of food it is fed every day. If you are feeding your Bulldog a good amount of dog food, consider the other foods that it ingests. It is certainly not wise to feed English Bulldogs human foods like raw bread dough and most other human foods, as this can lead to health issues. If your Bulldog is eating a good amount and not consuming too many treats, perhaps they simply need to receive more exercise. Dog obesity is a serious issue. Food aggression is a behavior in which a dog becomes hostile while in the presence of food. This behavior is dangerous for both a Bulldog and a human. If your dog seems aggressive while presented with food, you should work to correct the behavior. Consult A Veterinarian Talking to a trusted veterinarian will reveal a wealth of information about English Bulldog puppy feeding for new pet owners. A vet may have recommendations about dry food options or food alternatives for your dog, and they will also describe how many calories your Bully should consume based on its size. You can always search for answers online, but a vet is able to physically evaluate your pooch to determine the perfect amount of food for English Bulldog puppies and adult English Bulldogs alike. English Bulldogs eat an assortment of different food amounts based on age, but an English Bulldog feeding chart will provide accurate estimates of the amount of food that would be optimal for your pooch. A Bulldog puppy feeding chart or adult feeding chart may also feature a certain take on the best dog foods for a Bulldog. An English Bulldog feeding chart may also assess the pros and cons of dry food, wet food, or other kinds of dog food. An adult or puppy feeding chart is an easily-accessible way to quickly find the information that you seek. The potential benefits of raw Swapping Puppy Food Brands When you first bring your Bulldog puppy home you should feed him the same food that he was getting from the breeder or shelter for about three to four weeks. This will give him time to acclimate to his new surroundings and get used to being separated from his mom and siblings. Mix about three-quarters of the puppy food he eats now with one-quarter of the new food for the first two to three days. For the next two or three days give him equal portions of the old and new food. Finally, give him three-quarters of the new food and one-quarter of the old food for two to three days. Bulldog Puppy Diets The sheer number of different puppy foods to choose from can be overwhelming. Your breeder may be able to give you some guidance. Puppies need plenty of protein to promote strong bone, muscle, and joint growth. Guidelines on labels will give you an idea of the amount to feed your puppy, but ultimately each dog is an individual. Their body size, not what the label says, is a better indicator of a proper portion. A serving size can also vary depending on the type of food or brand as well. Special Requirements Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. Chewing and swallowing can also be a problem. This is because the palate, teeth, tongue, and tissue are the same size as that of a dog with a much longer muzzle. Many Bulldogs also suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome which causes serious breathing issues that can also make eating difficult. You might also find combining dry food with a good quality wet food is easier for them to consume. From three to six months, you can reduce it to three times a day. At six to 12 months old, you can feed him twice a day. Bulldogs are highly at risk for hip dysplasia. In fact, this study of 20 English Bulldogs found that none of the hips showed normal development and .Feeding a Bulldog Puppy Kibble Dry kibble is probably the most popular all-round puppy food choice. Make sure you choose a dry formula designed specifically for puppies. However, not all brands are created equal. Stay away from ingredients like corn.

How to Train Your Labrador Retriever Puppy to Love Water September 5, Labrador retrievers are great hunting and retrieving dogs that make exceptional companions and family pets. If you and your family like to hunt, fish, or play outdoor sports, a Labrador retriever may be the perfect dog for you. When outdoors, you and your Lab can often be around water. It is best not to introduce a dog to water all at once. Because Labs sometimes are hesitant around water, the following steps will help introduce and train a new Lab puppy to be comfortable and enthusiastic around water. Teach Your Lab Basic Commands As soon as you get a Labrador retriever puppy, teach him or her basic commands such as come, sit, stay, down, and leave it. These commands will teach your puppy that you are the pack leader. Keep your Lab puppy with you as much as possible so you can train throughout the day and always have dog treats with you for rewards. At six months of age, you can enroll your Lab in dog obedience school to learn more commands, get exercise and mental stimulation, and become acquainted with other dogs. This training is essential to make sure your dog will be safe when you bring him or her to water for the first time. Introduce Your Puppy to Water While your Labrador retriever puppy is young, you can play in your yard with a garden hose and a small child's pool. Splash water on your puppy's face and feet to acquaint your dog with the sensation of being wet. You can fill a small child's pool with enough water that it is chest deep for your Lab puppy. Toss a small ball or toy into the pool so that your puppy can jump in and fetch it. Walk on a Beach If you live near a lake or ocean, take your Labrador retriever for a walk on the shore or beach. Walk in the shallow water with your Lab so that both of you can get your feet wet. Attach a leash to your Lab's collar to keep him or her close to you as you walk in the water. You can also toss a waterproof toy into the shallow water to entice your Lab to chase and fetch it. The best toy for this activity is soft and in the shape of a small bird or fish so your Lab can easily grab it and hold it in their mouth. Each time you throw your Lab's toy into the shallow water, throw it a little farther away to entice your Lab to get familiar with deeper water. Swim in the Water You can teach your Labrador retriever to swim by getting in a pool, lake, river, or ocean and swimming with them. Dogs will naturally paddle when they are in water deep enough to swim in, but need to learn how to maneuver in the water. To teach your Lab puppy to maneuver and be confident in the water, hold your hand under their chest or belly to keep them afloat as they dog paddle. Speak to your Lab with a gentle voice to reassure and encourage them in the water. Dive In the Water Once you have taught your Labrador retriever to swim, you can teach him or her to dive into the water from a pier or diving board. The best way to do this is to hold your Lab in your arms, dive into the water, and release your Lab to swim out of the water. Once your Lab is familiar with diving, you can dive into the water and then call them to follow you. Socialize with Other Dogs One advantage of enrolling your Labrador retriever in dog obedience school is that they can meet and socialize with other dogs. Your Lab can then learn from watching and following their dog friends in many activities, including swimming. When your Labrador retriever plays outdoors in the water, it is best to use a waterproof polyurethane and nylon webbing collar as it is durable and dries almost instantly. To find items such as a collar, leash, toys, and treats for your Labrador retriever, contact Over Under Clothing online. We have a lifetime guarantee on all of our products and donate a portion of sales to help at-risk dogs. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Taking fun trips to the beach or the lake with your dog is even better when your lab puppy can swim. Lab puppies can start learning how to swim as soon as they are old enough or at around 12 weeks of age. Lab puppies need to learn how to swim, so they need to start swimming early on. While they do have water instincts, they need to develop before they can build the strength to swim well. This guide will explain what age they can start swimming at and how to train them properly. We have helped many Labrador owners train their dogs to improve their obedience and water capabilities. They are a simple and loving breed with lots of intelligence, so that they can do just about anything. Lab puppies typically need time to develop these skills before they can be safely allowed into the water without supervision. Most labs should wait until about months old before going into the water for the first. It takes time for lab puppies to learn basic skills and gain the strength for swimming. It requires them to grow a bit more to a bigger size too. In general, Labradors love to swim and are renowned for being excellent swimmers. You can introduce your puppy to the water with careful supervision after weeks. The more time you spend with your lab puppy, the faster it will learn how to swim. It is also an excellent way for your lab puppy to trust you more. This is especially true if you bring them into the water younger. For example, your lab puppy will pick up swimming faster at six months compared to only weeks. Follow these steps to train your puppy to swim effectively. Teach Your Lab Puppy Basic Obedience Training your lab puppy to swim is a great idea, but it is not the most important thing you can do with your new dog. You should first teach your dog how to behave correctly with obedience training. This will help them understand what they are supposed to do in certain situations and provide a foundation for learning how to swim later on. After your puppy learns to obey basic commands, training it how to swim will be faster and easier. This will help them to be more comfortable in the water and build a positive association with it. When introducing your dog to the water, you should start by taking them on a short walk near the water's edge. If they are hesitant, try placing their paws in the water for a few seconds before moving on. Once they are comfortable, you can slowly increase their time in the water and eventually take them swimming with you. Gradually increase the depth of the water until they are swimming on their own, and then slowly lower it back down. Training your lab puppy on how to swim can be done through patience and perseverance. You should start slowly, giving your pup treats when paddling for a few seconds before gradually increasing the time they spend in the pool of water. Remain Patient When you first bring a new puppy home, it may not be comfortable in the water. They will likely want to avoid water as much as possible and wag their tail when they see you coming towards the pool or lake. It can take weeks to get used to swimming and even longer for them to stay afloat in deep water. Be patient as they grow and get more comfortable in the water. They have the instinct to use the doggy paddle but need to get comfy. Are Labradors Natural Swimmers? Dogs are not born with the ability to swim. They can only learn how to swim through extensive training. Labradors are no exception. However, Labradors were originally bred as working dogs for hunting and pulling carts, so it is not surprising that they are good at swimming. They have many traits that back up this reputation as well. Once dogs get comfortable in the water, they will know to use their strength to do the doggy paddle to stay afloat. This is something they understand naturally through instincts. Labradors also have a double coat of fur , which is better for the water because it keeps them warmer. This, along with a wide otter tail and webbed paws, makes them great at swimming. Labradors have thicker fur so they will remain warmer than other dogs in cold water. However, this does not mean they can handle freezing temperatures for a long time. We recommend exposing your dog to the water in the summer when it is not too cold. This will allow them to enjoy swimming more too. Lab puppies are susceptible to hypothermia and should never be left in freezing cold water. They might not show any signs of distress, but they can die if they stay in the cold for too long. Practice the same safety tips for your puppy as you would for yourself or a child. Extremely cold waters should be avoided. Here are some tips on taking care of your lab puppy and keeping them safe in the water. Always Supervise Your Puppy Lab puppies should never be left alone in a pool or near any body of water for any time, as they can easily drown if they accidentally fall into the pool. This is especially true for younger puppies that are new to swimming. You can change this approach as your lab gets older and more experienced. But for now, never let them into the water without other people around as a safety precaution. This is especially true if they are in the ocean or a lake, where the water could be more dangerous. Use A Canine Life Jacket Puppies need to be taught how to swim early so they can grow up with the ability to save themselves in the water. A canine life jacket is a great way to keep your lab puppy safe while learning how to swim. It will help them get used to the water experience without causing any harm. The best part about using a canine life jacket is that it will motivate your lab puppy to learn how to swim faster and more efficiently. How to teach your dog to swim. Natural Swimmers? It should naturally to them right? We found out first hand that not all Labradors are comfortable in the water, and that in some cases, you might need to teach your Lab to swim. Swimming is such a great exercise for your dog. Swimming is low impact and easy on their joints and the water can be refreshing to their achy muscles. We are always looking for alternative exercises for our two seniors, Jack and Maggie so we thought swimming would be an excellent choice. We adopted Jack and Maggie several years ago. Jack was in the shelter for over a year and Maggie was in a puppy mill situation as a breeder mom. Both of them were more interested in scraps of food on the beach than romping in the water and we really had to coax them into going near it. There was some wading, but no swimming. Repeated Attempts We tried again at a local park that had a small stream running through it. We got the same reaction — lots of curiosity about the wildlife along the shore, but not much interest in the water. We tried once more at a local doggie day spa that had a pool — same reaction. Maggie refused to even go in the water. We were about to give up on having water dogs. As a last ditch effort, we decided to vacation at Big Bear Lake in California. We got a cabin on the lake that had a dock and we figured this would be it, they would finally learn to swim and maybe even learn to jump off the dock. Any water, even a puddle and they were in it as quickly and as deeply as they could get. But not Jack. First we tried walking him out into the water. Finally, my husband picked him up and carried him out to where it was over his head. There was panic in his eyes, much splashing and a hasty retreat to shore. Maggie was also a little apprehensive when we brought her to the edge of the lake. Yet she waded into the water on her own, wandered around, waded in deeper, wandered around some more and then just kept going and was off swimming just as smooth and beautifully as only Labs can swim — hardly a ripple and just her little head above the surface. You may be lucky and have a dog like Maggie who just takes to it naturally. Or you may have one like Jack who thinks the water is only good if it deposits fish to the shore for him to eat. Either way, we put together a few tips on helping your Lab get comfortable with the water. Your own backyard pool is great or a lake with a gradual incline into the water is also a great place to start. Be sure your dog is comfortable wherever you are. Get a life vest. It will help your dog feel more secure and buoyant in the water. They also come with handles on the top, so you can lift and steer your dog more easily. Go into the water with them. They will always feel safer and more comfortable if you are with them. Just watch out for their claws as their dog paddle style can end up leaving scratch marks all over your body. If your dog is small enough, pick them up and carry them into the water to a point where they can no longer touch bottom. Support them evenly underneath and try to keep their body level to encourage them to use all four limbs. Once he realized to use his back legs, it was smooth sailing. Let them set the pace for how deep and how fast they go in the water. Use a toy or treats as encouragement or rewards. Many Labs love to play fetch and will happily chase a stick or tennis ball or duck into the water. Labradors have a great affinity with water and activities like swimming. So at what age can Lab puppies swim? Can Labradors swim naturally? Do Labs like to swim? We have covered all these questions for you in the below article. Have a look. At what age can Lab puppies swim? Some people say 8 weeks, some say 12 weeks and some say 3 months. There are a lot of conflicting opinions regarding the age when your Labrador puppies can start swimming. Anyone would think like this, as these Labradors are historically linked with the fisherman and icy waters of Newfoundland. Many people even think that Lab puppies can swim at any young age and they keep asking me whether their puppies can swim when they are one month old. There are various factors to consider before determining your Labrador puppy swimming age. Where is your puppy going to swim? Is it near a public pool, or a lake or a pond or a beach? For example, it is probably safe to allow a 3-month-old puppy into a small pond, but it is not safe to allow him in the beach waters. Look at the points below and you will understand the age and time to introduce your Lab puppy to swimming waters. Habituate swimming to your Labrador puppy slowly. Initially, it is always better to make the puppy acquainted with water either in your bathtub or your personal pool. You can start this when your puppy reaches 3 months old. You have to remember that your Lab needs certain physical strength in its legs in order to swim effortlessly. Allow your little Lab to grow until 3 months and then you can introduce him to swimming. Some people tell me that their Labrador puppies started swimming when they are just 8 weeks old. Do not take him into public pools until he is fully vaccinated as there is a risk of deadly diseases for your little puppy. Take him into public water bodies only after he finishes his set of vaccinations. Some puppies take time during the exploration of water, hence remember not to force him in any way to get into the water. Forcing your Lab puppy to get into water does not work and your puppy may develop fear and aversion towards the water. One of my dog Simba was very scared of water and he never preferred to play with water during its lifetime. You can take your puppy to larger water bodies like beach waters when it reaches 6 months of age. My little puppy went into the beach waters when he is around 6 months of age and he enjoyed its day fully. Taking him at a younger age might scare him of the waves and it is even difficult for the little puppy to balance himself in the beach water. Labrador swimming- Complete guide Labradors are perfect swimmers which used to retrieve fish and nets from the cold icy waters of the North Atlantic. Have you seen its thick, dense water-resistant coat? It makes them waterproof. Observe their webbed feet, which help them to swim. Let us consider some basic questions to understand Labrador swimming. Labradors have the innate ability to swim, but that does not mean they can swim like fish. This is especially true with respect to puppies. Their body structure and genetics assist them in paddling in the water. Labradors love swimming and are good swimmers but it does not mean they can swim for any duration of time and anywhere. Hence it is important to remember that they are dogs and they have their limitations. So, do Labs like to swim? But not every Labrador likes to swim. As i told you my dog Simba hates water and he is really scared of it. The reason why some Labs are scared of water is that they are introduced to water in an inappropriate way. Their first experience of water might have been scary and disturbing for them. How to teach a Lab to swim? Even though some Lab puppies begin to swim on their own, some Labs who cannot do it on their own, some Labs which are scared of water, and Labs which are small puppies need to be taught to swim. Firstly introduce your Lab puppy to water splashes and small house pools at a young age so that he gets acquainted with water. If your little pup is scared, do not force him. Give him sufficient time to get adjusted to the water. You can buy a mini Labrador swimming pool in your house to habituate swimming for your little one. You can Buy it here. Whenever you take him to a nearby pool for swimming, keep your palm under his belly or his chest and allow him to move its legs to swim. You can help him like this until he becomes a confident swimmer. Give your puppy a life vest if he is not very comfortable with water. It keeps your puppy buoyant and makes him less tense. Go into the water along with your pup. As your puppy feels safer with you, it feels even more comfortable while swimming. Go for a casual walk along the beach with a leash around your puppy and let him feel the waves. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as giving encouragement, treats and rewards while playing in the water. You can play fetch games in the water which your puppy may like. Labrador swimming safety precautions Looking at your Lab puppy swimming can be delightful and exciting, but there are some precautions you need to take while taking out your puppy for swimming. Never leave your dog alone. Even though Labs can swim sometimes it might be difficult to resist against currents in oceans and rivers. Always keep an eye on your dog as a precautionary measure. It is safe to buy him a good safety vest. We cannot expect when your dog might encounter a risky situation that makes him difficult to swim. Do not overexert your dog while swimming. Sometimes he can manage to go out far from the shore but could not come back as he gets tired. Be careful especially when your Labrador is in its puppy stage as puppies get tired more easily. Always get into a swimming pool that has a sloped ground or steps so that your dog can come out easily. Swimming pools without steps and sloped ground can be risky for dogs. Be careful while swimming in unknown waters. Unknown waters have a risk of dangerous snake bites. Attention: Lack of proper training in the initial stages can build up various anxiety issues and fears in your dog. This can make your dog afraid of any new activity including swimming too. When you want your Lab to enjoy swimming, it could be a phobia for him. Take proper steps of training your dog well to avoid these issues.

Benefits of a French Bulldog Raw Diet While a raw diet might not be right for every French Bulldog , there are a number of reasons many Frenchie owners prefer to feed dogs raw rather than turning to traditional commercial dog foods. Joint health — French Bulldogs are prone to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can especially happen as they get older. Some Frenchies that eat raw will experience fewer joint issues and a reduced risk of developing degenerative bone and joint conditions. Allergy relief — Some French Bulldog s are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies which cause itching and inflammation. Dental health — Many older French Bulldog s will experience dental disease, especially if they are eating dog food high in starch and carbohydrates. We Feed Raw also features two very important ingredients, especially for the French Bulldog: calcium iodate and niacin. We Feed Raw carries six varieties of high-quality raw pet food, including beef, chicken, venison, and duck. Take a look at some of the most common queries from dog lovers like you. Can I make my own raw food diet for my dog? It is possible to make homemade raw dog food , but it can be quite difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Can dogs eat raw eggs? Just be sure to remove the eggs from their shells to make sure your Frenchie is getting the full benefit of their eggs. What is the best raw meat for French Bulldog? French Bulldog can thrive on a wide range of animal proteins including beef , chicken, turkey , pork, salmon, venison , duck , lamb, and so on. Is a raw diet suitable for French Bulldogs? Yes, a raw diet can be suitable for French Bulldogs. Many French Bulldog owners choose to feed their pets a raw diet, which consists of uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. Proponents of raw diets claim that they can lead to healthier skin and coat, improved digestion, increased energy, and better dental health. Additionally, some French Bulldogs with allergies or food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet. Can I prepare a raw diet at home for my French Bulldog? Yes, you can prepare a raw diet at home for your French Bulldog. This can be challenging, so consulting a veterinary nutritionist is recommended to create a well-balanced meal plan. Are there any risks associated with a raw diet for French Bulldogs? While raw diets can offer benefits, there are potential risks involved. These include bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances, and the possibility of broken teeth or choking on bones. Proper handling, hygiene, and supervision are essential when feeding raw. Should I feed my French Bulldog only raw meat and bones? A balanced raw diet for French Bulldogs should consist of more than just meat and bones. It should include a variety of proteins, organs, and, if desired, small amounts of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Can I mix raw and commercial dog food for my French Bulldog? Are there any special considerations when feeding a raw diet to French Bulldog puppies? Yes, puppies have specific dietary requirements for proper growth and development. Feeding a raw diet to French Bulldog puppies requires extra attention to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients. Working closely with a veterinarian is crucial during this stage to provide adequate nutrition for healthy development. Are you planning to bring home a French Bulldog puppy soon? Nutritional requirements of a French Bulldog What exactly should the diet of a French Bulldog consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your French Bulldog, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a French Bulldog, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. French Bulldog raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your French Bulldog, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. French Bulldog Feeding Chart. Elimination of tear stains in French Bulldogs. Elimination of bloat and gas in Frenchies and other brachy breeds. You can introduce fresh and healthy ingredients to your pets kibble slowly: add egg and organic coconut oil. You can feed the shell unbleached for extra calcium as well. Remember to feed a little less kibble than usual since you're adding to your dog's meal. If your dog has allergies, quail and duck eggs are best. Introduce coconut oil 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog weight. Introduce raw food slowly each day, you should not make the raw food switch all at once. Primal Pooch Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, talks about her favorite topic: raw food diet for pets. Raw food for your French Bulldog meal idea 1 Turkey neck, ground beef lung, green tripe, egg and shell, turmeric paste, local honey, salmon oil, , vit E, and special k-cube. Dog raw food for your Frenchie suggestion 2 Thread herring, duck wings, green tripe, ground beef lung, ground beef organs, coconut oil, salmon oil, apple cider vinegar, vit e, and special k-cube. How much raw should I feed my Frenchie dog? Make adjustments according to your dog's age and activity. Each dog is different and it is important to consult with a dog nutritionist. Does your French Bulldog hate turmeric paste? A small amount of natural peanut butter will mask the taste and become more palatable. Any dog on kibble, wet food, or any form of raw food can benefit from turmeric paste, especially those with joint issues. Raw dog food meal idea 3 Thread herring, duck neck, beef heart, green tripe, turmeric paste, bone broth cube, acv, coconut oil, vit E, and super cube. Quail eggs have almost 3 times as much Vitamin B1 as chicken eggs, 5 times more potassium and iron, and have over twice the amount of Vitamin A and B2. Quail eggs also decrease inflammation in a dogs body whereas chicken eggs increase inflammation. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, talks about the biggest myths and truths in raw food diet for pets. Raw French Bulldog meal idea 5 Salmon, turkey neck, green tripe, pork, super Cube, turmeric paste, vit e, and krill oil. Raw food for your Frenchie 6 Green tripe, duck neck, pork, monster mash organ blend , turmeric paste, raw goat milk cube, green lipped mussel, quail egg, vit e, d, and sardine oil. Should I give my dog Raw Goats Milk? Raw Goats Milk is a digestive aid filled with probiotics that can help with the following: malnutrition, pets on antibiotics, transitioning from kibble to raw, digestion Irritable Bowel Disease and diarrhea , allergies, and other forms of inflammation in the body. You can feed this to pets that eat kibble, canned, or raw food for digestive benefits. Pro tip: Freeze in ice cube for the perfect healthy treat for your dog. Raw food for your dog idea 7 Local duck grinds, monster mash organ blend , whitefish, quail eggs, turmeric paste, raw goats milk cube, bone broth, Super Cube, green lipped mussel, sardine oil, and vitamin E and D supplement. French Bulldog raw Food 8 Rabbit, duck neck, salmon, liver cube, and supplements Raw Food for your French Bulldog Meal Idea 9 Monster mash, thread herring, duck neck, raw goats milk, turmeric paste, green lipped mussel, vitamin E supplement Raw Food for your French Bulldog Meal Idea 10 Rabbit with bone, pork, beef liver cube, turmeric paste, raw goats milk, and vitamin E Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, discusses why raw pet foods get a bad rap nowadays. Idea 12 Raw feeding your Frenchie Pork, green tripe, beef heart, duck neck, heirloom blue egg, turmeric paste, coconut oil, glucosamine and controiten supplement, and primalpetfoods raw goats milk Raw meal 13 Sardines, duck neck, beef heart, green tripe, organ cube, quail egg, coconut oil, and vitamin E supplement Raw dog food 14 green tripe, beef heart, emu neck, beef kidney, quail eggs, and raw goats milk. How can I include Spirulina in my Frenchies diet? Spirulina is an ingredient with many health benefits and that is why it is referred to as "superfood". Mix Spirulina with coconut oil and freeze. Benefits of coconut oil and spirulina: - Boosts the immune system. Steve has a very interesting background that led to his passion for creating raw diets for dogs. Raw feeding your bulldog meal suggestion 17 Sardines, green tripe, beef heart, beef kidney, duck head, organic coconut oil with spirulina Raw dog meal 18 Thread herring, green tripe, beef heart, beef liver cube, duck neck and quail egg DIY Bone Broth cubes for your Frenchie dog Dogs benefit from bone broth the most if they are: kibble fed, malnourished, have a leaky gut, dehydrated, picky eaters, have poor joint health, and dogs with a loss of appetite. Raw feed your frenchie 19 Rabbit with bone, boneless pork shoulder, duck feet, quail eggs, and beef kidney 20 raw feeding meal idea for your French Bulldog Rabbit, beef heart, green tripe, duck feet, beef kidney cube, and turmeric paste. Feeding your Bulldog raw food 23 Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Ideas for supplements and benefits: -Spirulina Powder: Improves digestion, removes toxins from the body, helps alleviate inflammation and allergies, reduces the chances of diseases such as cancer, and strengthens the immune system. Both of these vitamins improve cognitive function in senior dogs. Spinach also contains Vitamin E. These also replenish red blood cells for anemic dogs. Raspberries should be fed in minimal amounts as shown here. This also helps fight off viruses, harmful bacteria, and parasites. A lot of dogs lack Vitamin E in their diets whether kibble or raw fed. Raw feeding your dog meal 25 Rabbit with bone, mackerel, beef kidney, quail eggs, turmeric paste, bone broth, coconut oil with spirulina powder Raw dog food meal 26 Sardine, green tripe, beef heart, duck head, beef liver, and coconut oil with spirulina, and vitamin E Anneka explains what the BARF RAW FOOD diet is and why it is so beneficial to both dogs and wolfdogs - Follow Anneka's handy guide and demonstration of several recipes you can make at home as she makes some dishes for her Czechoslovakian wolfdog Kumi to enjoy. Feeding your dog raw meal 31 Goat chunks, rabbit with bone, green tripe, beef kidney, turmeric paste, raw goats milk, and bone broth. Raw dog feeding meal 32 Ground lamb, smelt, duck feet, beef liver, vitamin e, turmeric paste, and green lipped mussel powder Raw Dog Food Recipe, K9 Nutrition, Barf Diet Following natures plan for a species specific and biologically appropriate diet for your dog. What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids? Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cognitive function, brain memory and performance according to the University of Maryland. Fish, or properly sourced fish oils, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Flax, chia, and hemp seeds also contain fatty acids. Dogs need DHA to balance the abundance of omega-6 fatty acids in pet food , which reduces inflammation. Turkey and duck meat raw dog food meal idea 35 Turkey and duck meat with bone included. Raw dog meal idea 36 Quail, green tripe, smelt, duck feet, beef kidney, turmeric paste, spirulina and wheatgrass supplement, and Vitamin E Raw turkey hearts meal for your Frenchie idea 37 Turkey hearts, pork shoulder boneless, duck feet, beef kidney, quail eggs, bone broth cube, and VitaBoost supplement. Raw dog meal turkey hearts idea 38 Pork shoulder, turkey hearts, duck feet, duck egg, beef kidney, turmeric paste, and kefir. Raw bulldog food plate 39 Ground beef, pork shoulder, duck feet, rabbit foot, duck egg, VitaBoost, and bone broth cube. Raw food for your Frenchie dog idea 41 Ground rabbit with bone, sardines, duck neck, ground beef liver with ACV and blueberries , turmeric paste, spirulina wheatgrass supplement, and Vitamin E. Dog raw food meal 45 Ground beef, beef heart, turkey neck, quail eggs, bone broth, green lipped mussel powder, and super cube. Raw food for your Bulldog 46 Rabbit with bone, pork kidney, turmeric paste, kefir, blueberry and cranberry supplement and the Super Cube herbs and vegetables. Adding fish to your French Bulldog's diet Fish can be fed to both kibble and raw fed dogs. The fish listed are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are the cleanest to feed because: 1. They are small and less likely to have mercury contamination and other toxins compared to larger fish. Examples of fish to avoid are flounder, eels, haddock, bass, grouper, snapper, and some catfish. Also that is when bones splinter, causing a choking hazard to your Frenchie. Sourcing wild caught fish is preferred. However, avoid feeding salmon from the Pacific Ocean between California and Alaska because there is a parasite found in some salmon along that region. Recipe for raw dog food 49 Ground beef, beef heart, ground rabbit with bone, duck feet, Super Cube, green lipped mussel, and myoglobin. Do it yourself Myoglobin Cubes Myoglobin carries and stores oxygen in muscle cells. Myoglobin is deeply pigmented, which is why the more myoglobin a meat contains, the darker or redder the meat will be. Myoglobin is a great source of dietary iron so feeding myoglobin to your Frenchie is very beneficial to them. Raw dog food for dogs 56 Raw meat, bone, and organ: Duck frame, ground beef, beef lung, and beef spleen. Raw dog food feeding guide 57 Frozen turkey neck, pork shoulder, smelt, duck egg, Super Cube, Vitamin E supplement, and myoglobin cube. How to feed raw dog food to puppies get meat and bone grinds that are found locally. Add organ and supplements to the grinds. Grinds are much easier to feed a puppy. Raw puppy dog meal ingredients: Ground beef, raw goats milk, puppy gold supplement, and water. Feed 2 ounces per 20lbs of pet weight. Benefits: Helps digestion and decreases inflammation throughout the body. Cinnamon is antibacterial, anti fungal, and helps with joint inflammation. Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifier. Turmeric in larger amounts also helps with joint health. Ginger aids in digestion and is an antioxidant as well. Goats milk contains less lactose than cows milk, therefore making it a better option for any pets with lactose sensitivities. Raw goats milk is digested at a faster rate as well. Pasteurized milk kills the live enzymes and nutrients needed to help digestion. Raw goats milk is a better alternative to pumpkin when aiding in digestion. How to make raw dog food at home recipe 61 Turkey hearts, ground beef, pork shoulder, duck neck, duck feet, beef kidney, and Vitaboost supplement. This supplement can help with yeasty ears and skin, digestion and leaky gut, inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body. Another benefit is boosted energy. Pin15 15 Shares Raw feeding is growing in popularity as a lifestyle plan many people have chosen for their dogs. It involves giving your French Bulldog raw meat and fish instead of processed dog food or leftovers. But not just meat… also fruit and vegetables. If you are interested in finding out the pros and cons of feeding your Frenchie a raw diet, read on. I go into some depth about whether raw food is good for a French Bulldog, how much to feed them, a plan, and some basic recipes. To date there has not been any scientific study on the risks or benefits, so I prefer to be on the safe side. However, I wanted to give you as much of an overview as I possibly can, so please read on. Is raw dog food good for French Bulldogs? There can be many benefits to a raw food diet. However, there are also some risks, including food poisoning, unbalanced diets and even difficulties in chewing and digesting certain raw foods. Is raw feeding better for dogs? Raw feeding is often lauded as the best option for your dog, but there seem to be just as many drawbacks as there are benefits, with you having to weigh them up depending on your individual dog and your own lifestyle. Plus… your own research! What a raw diet actually means Raw feeding often requires more care and attention given to the meal than simply opening a can, and raw diets can easily become unbalanced, lacking the nutrients found in shop-bought food if they do not contain the right amount of vegetables, supplements and organ meat. Handy Hint: I published a guide explaining what vegetables Frenchies can eat. It contains a huge list of veggies, some of which are safe, some of which could be potentially poisonous. Because of this, raw diets are best recommended to pet owners who are properly able to spend the time to properly figure out a balanced diet for their French Bulldog. Many people think it just means feeding your French Bulldog raw meat. You will need to get the 37 essential nutrients your Frenchie needs into the food, plus be able to balance out how much iron and zinc they need in their system to stay healthy. Proponents for raw feeding often cite raw feeding as the natural way, being that dogs were domesticated from wolves. However, dogs and wolves are not the same animal as they were thousands of years ago, with dogs having evolved through their domestication to adapt to what humans were feeding them. French Bulldogs, much like people, need a balanced diet to properly function. Handy Hint: If you are considering starting to put your Frenchie on a raw diet, please speak to your vet for more information. They will be able to properly recommend a raw diet plan and talk you through the pros and cons of the diet specific to your own pet. Do French bulldogs eat raw meat? Yes, French Bulldogs can eat raw meat. As many pet owners are aware, French Bulldogs will eat pretty much anything they can get their paws on. Like all dogs, you could put your French Bulldog on a raw meat diet and might even see benefits due to the lack of allergens that can arise from commercial food. But like all dogs on a raw meat diet, French Bulldogs need an equally balanced diet of meat, vegetables and other plant-based material to properly get the full range of nutrients needed for their body to healthily function. We occasionally let Claude eat a raw food diet, but most of the time his basic daily food will be kibble weighed out. French Bulldog raw diet plan So, what kind of food should you feed your French Bulldog on a raw diet? What are the benefits? And are there any drawbacks or dangers with cutting out ready-made dog food entirely? Unfortunately nobody is yet to create a French Bulldog raw diet calculator… so, as with all dogs, to ensure that your Frenchie is eating well on a raw diet you will need to make sure that you are feeding them the correct amount and with the correct ratio of meats to grains and vegetables. If your Frenchie has particular allergies to common dog food ingredients or additives, feeding them a raw diet can skirt around the worry of them eating a processed meal that contains allergens. Additionally, certain health issues can also benefit from having a raw diet read more on WebMD. You need to understand your dog and nutrition When putting your French Bulldog on a raw diet, setting out a diet plan can be very important. Different dog breeds all come in different shapes and sizes, meaning that different sizes and types of meat need to be chosen so that your Frenchie is able to eat well without any issues. French Bulldogs, because of their unfortunate history of overbreeding, can suffer from breathing and joint problems, and also are known for having numerous gastrointestinal issues and allergies. For a full list of all their health problems, click here. Because of this, extra care may have to be taken when feeding your Frenchie, catering to any allergies that they may have. Raw feeding, therefore, can actually be quite beneficial as it cuts out any additives or extra ingredients added to the recipe during manufacture that may cause an allergic reaction in your Frenchie. Raw meat, grains, vegetables and supplements are a great combination to create a fully balanced diet that provides them with all of the nutrients that they need. When feeding your French Bulldog a raw meat diet, most recommend feeding them out of a stainless-steel bowl. Stainless steel is a sterile material, meaning that bacteria cannot be easily transferred, and they are very easy to clean between meals. Your French Bulldog raw diet plan should also include elements such as fruit and vegetables. Many raw diet recipes are available online, but what is most important is that you get the right ratio of meat to grains, vegetables and other supplements. Meat: dogs can happily eat any kind of raw meat, as long as you remove the fat, the larger bones and the skin from any poultry, which can be unhealthy and even pose a choking hazard to your dog. The heart, lungs, stomach, muscle meat and intestines can all be fed to your dog. Organ meat is classified as the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain and pancreas. Vegetables: dogs are actually omnivorous, and a pure meat diet alone can cause negatives effects on their health. Vegetables that are raw to feed to your dog raw include carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, green beans and asparagus. Celery and spinach can also be included but in smaller amounts. While some dogs do suffer from grain allergies, most can eat them without a problem. Add cooked rice, pasta or other grains to their meal. Never feed your dog uncooked rice, and while some dogs do enjoy chewing on uncooked pasta be sure to keep an eye on them in case they start choking. Fruit: as well as vegetables, fruit can provide a great source of vitamins and also taste great. Fruits French Bulldogs can eat include blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, oranges , mangos, melon, bananas and apricots. Your dogs can eat apple but be sure to remove the core first as this can be toxic to dogs click here for the full list. Raw food to avoid While everyone knows that chocolate is toxic to dogs , there are in fact many different human-friendly foods that can be majorly harmful to dogs, especially when given to them raw. Fruit and veg such as avocados, grapes , onions, garlic, chives and raw potatoes are all toxic to dogs potatoes can be fed to them, but they must be baked or boiled first. Also, while dogs do love chewing on bones, they can post a choking hazard and sharp shards can cause internal injuries when swallowed. This is why I suggest you never you let your Frenchie chew on rawhide. This percentage of meat depends heavily on the age, size and energy level of your dog. It includes an easy to understand feeding chart. To figure out the portion size for your dog, speak to your vet for a good recommendation, as they will also be able to provide a good estimate for how much raw meat to feed them and inform you about the benefits and negatives of a raw food diet. What do you feed a puppy on a raw diet? Have you recently got a new French Bulldog puppy and want to get them on the same raw diet as your other dogs? Or do you simply want to see whether they will be happier and healthier on that kind of diet? Feeding a puppy a raw diet can be trickier than for adult dogs, as they have different eating habits. French bulldog raw diet benefits have still not been scientifically studied. Frenchie puppies typically need to be fed around three to four times a day, while an adult dog only needs to have two meals a day. These meals are smaller, adjusting the amount fed as they grow larger and need more energy for the amount they are burning off. If your puppy has previously been eating processed, shop-bought dog food, it is important that you transition them slowly, replacing one of their meals with a raw alternative over the course of a few days, until all of the meals they are eating are raw. This is because their digestive system needs to adapt to the new kind of food. When they are fully introduced to a raw diet, Frenchie puppies can begin to be given small, softer chews to begin to strengthen their jaw muscles to help them eat tougher meat and bones. However, as with all dogs, care should be taken as bones can pose a choking hazard. If you are interested in introducing your French Bulldog puppy to a raw diet, please speak to your vet who will be able to properly guide you through the transitioning process and suggest a tailored diet plan to your particular dog. The pros and cons of a raw food diet Health benefits of a raw diet 1. You know exactly what is in the food Commercial and processed pet food can contain additional sugars, filler ingredients, preservatives, colours and flavours that may either pose a risk to your dog or simply offer no additional benefits. Also, a French Bulldog raw diet of freshly sourced ingredients may be better in quality to that used in commercial dog food, as will not contain any additional additives to extend its shelf-life. Possible additional benefits Whilst there is no scientific evidence, fans of raw dog food diets say it can lead to healthier coats, cleaner teeth, better skin, higher levels of energy, and even smaller stools. Risks of a raw diet 1. Bacterial infections for your dog and you Untreated and raw meat can be infected with salmonella and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning in both humans and animals. Harmful bacteria from the raw meat can be released into their faeces, and people with weak immune systems can get infections even with microscopic trace contact. Choking hazards Bones can cause dogs to choke, break teeth or cause internal injuries from sharp shards inside the intestines. Unbalanced diet When people say that dogs are carnivores, many assume this means that they live off meat alone. It is important that you feed your French Bulldog a balance of meat, grains and vegetables, with an overly meat-based diet causing dogs to even get gout and uric acid stones. While a French Bulldog raw diet does consist of meat, it also needs to include fruit and vegetables, with some dairy such as raw eggs and yoghurt added in. Yes, we do let him have some raw food occasionally, but honestly, I would rather cook it first. There are pathogens in raw food that can lead to vomiting. Frenchies are renowned for being sick a lot anyway, and have very delicate stomachs. Whilst many owners will say that raw feeding is the more natural option and lauded as superior to feeding your dog human-manufactured pet foods, I am not in that camp. Unless you completely understand the basics of nutrition and understand what supplements your Frenchie needs, only feed raw food in moderation. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best Frenchy raw diet or recommend a raw food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your French Bulldog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines AAFCO sets. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. French Bulldogs Raw Feeding Chart You have four scenarios to choose from to determine how much to feed your dog. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a French Bulldog that weighs 25 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. F diet for French Bulldogs As part of our commitment to always giving the best quality food to the TomKings puppies, we regularly review the available options and test the most modern trends. Talking to a panel of experts and the experienced puppy parents in the Tomkings Frenchie Family, we have revised our food policy. Read about the details below and our recommendations about the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. This has an optimal mix of premium ingredients to make sure our babies get the highest quality nutrition and vitamins after breastfeeding and are not likely to develop food allergies. When our puppies find their forever loving families, we always tell the parents what we have fed them with and what we recommend. Currently, our recommendations are Orijen and Acana, both are biologically appropriate premium-quality dog food with high meat inclusions from superior quality meat, poultry, and produce. The same applies to adding fresh food into their diets: change one meal first, and see how they react, and then slowly change the rest of the meals. An overview of the B. F diet and why we recommend it B. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Why is B. They are anatomically carnivores, so they are basically flesh-eaters with powerful digestive juices which kill bacteria in raw food. From their short intestines to their teeth designed to rip and eat flesh, this is the best way to keep them healthy and well-fed. What the daily B. It can include a mixture of muscle meat, saturated fat, and muscular organs such as heart muscle meat. This provides them with the protein, energy, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins they need. Despite some common misbeliefs, Frenchies do need raw meaty bones. Other organs, like kidney, give your puppy the essential water-soluble vitamins. The benefits of the B. What they said was in line with the benefits generally associated with raw meat diet: Cleaner teeth and fresh breath Better weight control Shinier, healthier skin and coat Reduction of allergy symptoms Harder, smaller, less smelly stools Increased mobility in older animals More energy and stamina. Raw food is served to a dog by considering its age, weight, and health condition. Keeping all the BART diet ingredients appropriate will help your dog maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is more active and energetic, can you adjust the diet portion accordingly? It is a misconception that French Bulldogs cannot have a raw diet. Always serve raw meat and raw edible bones to your Frenchie and avoid cooked bones at any cost. Again, it is important that your dog has a healthy and nutritious diet. How to introduce a BARF diet to your dog? Most dog owners are afraid of introducing a BARF diet to their dogs. When deciding to implement a BARF diet, always begin with gradual steps. Carefully note how your French Bulldog reacts to this raw food diet. If your dog is doing well with this BARF diet, gradually increase the amounts until you achieve the recommended diet ratio. You can grind both the raw meat and the meaty bones when preparing the meal. Make sure to steam or slightly cook raw vegetables, including carrots, cucumbers, celery, green beans, pumpkin, etc. Otherwise, they will cause choking hazards. You can also add pasta, raw eggs, lentils, or rice to supplement the BARF diet. Carefully mix the appropriate percentage of all the BARF ingredients for your dog. Remember that a raw diet has little shelf life, so always prepare the food fresh and avoid storing it for a long time. It is free from preservatives providing more health benefits to your dog. It maintains oral hygiene and removes plaque and tartar. It helps to keep your dog stronger and maintain a healthy weight. It boosts immunity and energy levels in dogs. The variety of ingredients in this diet keeps your dog pleased. Your dogs will have smaller stools after using this diet. Drawbacks of a BARF diet for dogs: A raw diet has a greater risk of food poisoning in dogs due to harmful bacteria. Your dog may suffer from diarrhea when you switch to a barf diet. Dogs may experience nutritional deficiencies when feeding on a barf diet. Whole meat bones can cause choking hazards in dogs. Preparing raw food diet is expensive and time-consuming. Dogs with a weak immune system have a greater risk of getting a bacterial infection. Final thought: The barf diet has lots of benefits for your French bulldog. When you introduce a BAFF diet to your Frenchie, always remember to begin with a small amount and monitor your dog. Raw food diets are full of nutritions when it is fresh. Keep in mind that your dog may experience an upset stomach and allergies when served a BAFF diet.

Conclusion 1. You must make room for your dog and her hair Golden Retrievers are medium — large dogs. A male Golden is about inches tall cm and weighs between 60 and 75 pounds kg. Females are smaller, but they still need space to move, being inches tall cm and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds kg. Free your schedule for cleaning up hair as Golden Retrievers shed all year, becoming heavier in spring and autumn. The easiest way to reduce the amount of lost hair is by brushing your dog time a week, for about 15 minutes. Leaving your Golden by herself all day will only make her suffer, which in time can generate depression, separation anxiety , and in some cases destructive behavior. Hiring a pet walker or taking your Golden to dog care during the day can help, but none of these solutions replaces your presence. Only buy or adopt one of these dogs if you or other family members have time to play with her every day. She should never go through your dinner leftovers as eating human food can harm Golden Retrievers. For safety reasons, hide all electric cables before bringing your puppy or new dog home. Besides running, Golden Retrievers need mental stimulation to thrive. You can teach her obedience training by yourself, as these dogs are known to be among the most obedient breeds. Other stimulating activities where Golden Retrievers register great results are canine freestyle and agility training. Golden Retrievers were bred to work, so they need to be active to stay happy. Furthermore, the lack of exercise will generate a series of medical problems, including obesity and other related issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or problems with ligaments and tendons. In this post, Dr. Karen Becker talks about alternative methods of keeping your dog from breeding, such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right? Well then, of course everyone should have one. Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes. Here are a few things to consider: Size Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 — 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from pounds. Females stand around .They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must! A fenced in yard is especially important in providing the dog enough exercise. Another option is a fenced dog park or walking trail. You must have a plan to give your golden enough exercise on a daily basis or both of you will be miserable. The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need. Velcro Dog Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side, many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden — they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. Leashes You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off. Shedding In Florida, goldens shed moderately all year long. Brushing every other day is to your advantage. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and OH YES, occasionally even in your food. With a golden in your house, hair becomes a condiment. Oh — and you will have to vacuum much more often than before — or little fur balls will accumulate along your baseboards! Make sure you have a really good vacuum cleaner that you love using before bringing a golden into your home. Health Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Grooming Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Neatness Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Training Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. Small Children People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety. As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home. Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. A happy golden is an inside dog. Male or Female? Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens. Well, there you have it — the inside scoop on owning a golden. Goldens Rescued Since .However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!