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The mother dog was my first bitch to give birth naturally. First bitch to give birth naturally Every breeder someday has bad luck; for me it was in and .An unsuccessful litter by means of a C-section and all the pups were still-born. Then a litter with only one pup, again a C-section. I had no choice but to keep this one pup, otherwise I would have lost one of my two breeding lines. Nobody could understand why I kept Happy because she was no beauty. I knew, however, that I had never had such an energetic and tenacious bitch. From the outset, these never-ending C-sections and unnatural rearings have been a thorn in my side. To this day, many breeders believe that English Bulldogs cannot give birth naturally and would die during a natural birth. The C-section appointment is determined in advance, without giving the bitch a chance to whelp. The mother dog is often so groggy after the birth due to the strong anaesthesia that the pups are not left with the mother because of the danger of being crushed. The mother comes into contact with her pups only as a milk bar. These breeders are convinced that they are raising their pups with special devotion! On 22 July , Happy began having dilation contractions, and I telephoned my veterinarian as usual for the birth. He had gone hunting and was not available. What now? So I tried what the vast majority of breeders fear to this day. Success: my first naturally born litter with six perfectly healthy pups L1 litter , whose mother could take care of them day and night. Happy, by the way, lived to be almost 12 years old and became the first Swiss Veteran Champion. A pup has just been born. This birth and the natural rearing the mother dog was always with the pups were a sensation on Facebook. I am now looking back on the fifth generation of naturally birthing Bulldog bitches, who have, by the way, very frequently placed very high in international shows. A Complete Guide Having a litter of puppies is an exciting and tiring experience! To watch those well-rounded puppies grow and head off to their forever homes to be lifetime companions is a magical moment. The entire puppy raising process starts at birth. Bulldogs have many health issues and daily exercise is taxing on their stocky frames. With their stubby legs and small bodies, many wonder if a bulldog can give birth naturally. In general, bulldog puppies are often too large for the birth canal. This requires the aid of a trained veterinarian to perform a c-section. However, some bulldog breeds do not require c-sections and can have a natural birth. Breeding bulldogs is complicated and not always the same from start to finish. While some conditions and issues are common when our bulldogs are expecting, bulldog breeds often present a few challenges. Some issues are natural breeding, whether they can whelp naturally, and even if they are pregnant which can be surprisingly difficult to determine. Can Bulldogs Get Pregnant Naturally? While the answer is yes, bulldogs can get pregnant naturally. First, with many bulldog breeds, the chest, shoulders, and head are much larger than their hips. What this means is that the dog is usually heavier in the front than they are in the back. When a male bulldog mounts a female, his front weight pushes down the backend of the female bulldog. This makes it very difficult for them to obtain a tie. Is My Bulldog Pregnant? Unfortunately, signs are few and far between for pregnant bulldogs and all dogs in general. In fact, most signs and symptoms do not occur until your bulldog is over 40 days pregnant. However, when you start to see signs, you can quickly determine if your female is pregnant or not. If you find that your dog is napping more than usual, especially around week 3, there is a good chance she is pregnant. Morning Sickness: I already mentioned this, but dogs can have mild sickness. This means she has decreased appetite around day 21 and may vomit. Increase in Appetite: This can be difficult to determine, but as the weeks progress, you should find that your pregnant dog eats more than usual. Nipple Changes: Every dog is different when it comes to nipple changes. Some changes are early in the pregnancy and others have none until close to delivery. However, you can usually spot differences in nipples by 3 or 4 weeks. Nipples will be slightly darker and will start to look rounded in shape. Finally, you may see hair loss around the nipples as her body prepares for nursing. Changes in Temperament: Another symptom that varies from dog to dog, changes in temperament are a good sign. Often, bulldogs become clingier or go off on their own. Any abnormal behavior for your dog could be a sign that she is pregnant. Your dog gains weight if she is pregnant, but most of the weight gain is seen closer to the end of the pregnancy. Knowing if your bulldog is pregnant is tricky because female bulldogs show few signs. How Long are Bulldogs Pregnant All dogs follow the same pregnancy schedule, regardless of breed, and will usually deliver their puppies on day 63 from ovulation. Breeders follow a guideline of 59 to 70 days from the date of the first breeding. Your bulldog should deliver any time in those 11 days, but frequently, they will deliver on day .You will usually know the date of ovulation and the vet will simply do the c-section on day 63 or when the bulldog shows signs that labor is imminent. What is a Bulldog Pregnancy Like? The best way to understand your pregnant bulldog is to learn about the weeks of pregnancy. With dogs, week 1 of pregnancy starts on the day of ovulation or the day of the first breeding. Bulldogs are pregnant for roughly 9 weeks before they deliver and a lot is happening during those weeks. Your bulldog female, or bitch, is bred this week and you may notice that she is a bit tired. Life should return to normal during this week. Regular activities should continue, and your dog will eat a normal amount of food. Your dog, more than likely, is in heat for another week , but you can continue with her regular schedule. She may be her usual self and return to how she was prior to her heat. During this week the vulva stays slightly swollen However, this can be hard to notice, especially in maiden bitches. Week Three: During this time, the embryos are finally attaching to the lining in the uterus. Too much weight gain can cause complications. During this week, you can get a blood test to detect relaxin, which indicates pregnancy. A slight increase in food is all that is needed. Your female bulldog can continue her usual activities and exercise at this stage of pregnancy. Week Five: Between day 30 and 35, after the first breeding, you can schedule an ultrasound to determine if your furry friend is pregnant. With your pregnant bulldog, you should start to see some weight gain. In addition, her appetite will increase and will need more food on a daily basis. Be careful not to overfeed her. In addition, avoid any strenuous activity, but incorporate daily exercise. Your pregnant bulldog may be tired and need small, frequent meals throughout the day. Week Six: You may notice that week six is when your bulldog begins to reduce how much she is eating. To help offset this, portion her meals into more feedings per day. Mood wise, she may be sleeping more. You may find that she is very uncomfortable and should monitor her behavior to know what she needs. See also Do Bulldogs Fart? And How to Stop It! Week Seven: Week seven is similar to the previous week. Your female will be uncomfortable, and she may start looking for a quiet place to sleep. She may also become clingier than usual. When week seven arrives, you are getting closer to delivery day! You should be able to feel puppies moving and your pregnant bulldog may start losing her hair around her nipples. Now is the time to start setting up a space for her to give birth. Week Eight: If you are planning to do an x-ray, now is the week to do it. During this time, the skeletons of the puppies have calcified enough to be picked up on an x-ray. This is a great way to find out how many puppies your bulldog is having and will help you plan for the delivery or c-section. Your pregnant bulldog may start producing milk this week, however, not all dogs produce milk at this stage. Some can start producing shortly after the puppies are born. Now is the time to keep a close eye on your female. Week Nine: This is the week when your pregnant bulldog is due! She can go any time and you want to watch for nesting behavior. In addition, her temperature should spike before dropping down by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you are planning a c-section, monitor her temperature in case your pregnant bulldog goes into labor before the scheduled surgery. Bulldog Pregnancy Cycle. Now What? Basics of Natural Mating When you look at an English bulldog not to be confused with the American Bulldog , two of the most striking features are their wrinkles and stout stature. With the short, stout stature, it is very difficult for a male dog to mount a female and naturally breed. In essence, their short stubby legs are not physically long enough to allow the male to complete the act. If your English bulldog is female, she can be bred more easily by another breed besides the bulldog. Other breeds that have longer legs and can mount the female easier will be able to breed her. The reason for this is that the male dogs cannot easily mount a female to breed because of their stature. This conformation makes it difficult for a male to successfully mount and breed a female. There are many ways to approach artificial insemination. Depending on the type of insemination, costs may vary greatly. Because most of these dogs must be artificially inseminated, this increases the cost to the puppies. A theriogenologist is a veterinarian that has gone through extra school and training for reproduction. To find one in your area try this website. Being bred by artificial insemination increases cost of care. However, when you have to use artificial methods, you need to first collect a sample from the male dog. Then you must inseminate the female at the appropriate time of her heat cycle. If the insemination is not done at the proper time or completed properly, then the time, money and resources used for that cycle may go wasted. Some dogs may or may not have a regular heat cycle as well. So knowing when to breed your bulldog can be difficult. Again, we recommend working with your veterinarian to help track heat cycles to determine optimal breeding time. Just getting your bulldog bred may or may not be the most difficult and expensive part of the equation. The large shape of their skulls combined with the confirmation of their pelvis make it difficult and sometimes downright impossible for a baby to fit through the birth canal. This leaves surgery by C-section as the only option for a mama bulldog to have babies. If you have a good relationship with your regular veterinarian, and you know the exact date that your female was bred, you may be able to schedule her ahead of time to have a C-section. However, if there are multiple possible breeding dates for your bulldog, scheduling the surgery too early may result in loss of the puppies. After being born, the puppies will ideally nurse from mom for the first weeks of their lives. If there are complications, this may also add to the cost of puppy care. Not to mention that while pregnant, you want to make sure the female bulldog is healthy, has testing done to determine how many puppies she has, and is up to date on all vaccines and prevention prior to even breeding her. Conclusion While English bulldog puppies may be cute, they are not without their health complications, starting with breeding and birth. Make sure you are financially ready to take on the potentially difficult task of having your female bred and helping her through the birthing process. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Dystocia difficulty in giving birth can occur for a variety of reasons. Both affect the English bulldog Johnston et al and lead to a very high rate of dystocia in this breed. Abnormalities of pelvic shape have been investigated in relation to dystocia in the Boston terrier and Scottish terrier Eneroth et al but, as far as we are aware, there have been no corresponding studies in the English bulldog. The foetal factor that is most likely to cause dystocia is a large head Johnston et al .The larger the puppy the greater the risk. The English bulldog is a brachycephalic breed. Dogs with brachycephalic airway disease have a shortened and distorted upper airway, narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and an abnormal larynx voice box. Secondary to these airway obstructions, these dogs can develop collapsed airways, especially involving the larynx and trachea. These defects commonly make it difficult for the breed to breathe adequately whilst undertaking normal activity. Stress caused by exercise, excitement, heat or giving birth can exacerbate this and lead to collapse and death. It is likely that a proportion of the large number of caesarean sections carried out on English bulldogs are elective procedures arranged by breeders to avoid any chance of dystocia and the risk of asphyxiation of whelping bitches as might otherwise occur during the normal birth process Harvey .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Dystocia is a severe welfare problem for the affected bitch and, if untreated, it will usually lead to her death. Treatment of a bitch that is having difficulty giving birth involves transportation of the dog to a veterinary practice for examination and imposes further stressors for a brachycephalic dog with breathing difficulties. Uterine contractions are painful and control of this pain is difficult in the home environment, so any delay in the birth process causes more prolonged and severe pain than usual. Caesarean section is usually required to treat English bulldogs with dystocia. Unplanned, emergency caesarean sections are likely to have a higher welfare impact than either natural birth or elective caesarean, and a higher death rate for the puppies. Caesarean sections are major surgical procedures and anaesthesia presents particular risks to brachycephalic dogs because of their abnormal respiratory tracts and breathing difficulties. It is likely that a significant proportion of caesarean sections in English bulldogs are performed electively. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact If untreated, dystocia may continue for up to hours although, as this time goes on, mortality among the puppies will increase. If a caesarean is performed, there will be pain from the surgery for some days although effective analgesia should be available. A further issue is that if live puppies have been delivered and the bitch is to rear them normally then their sucking on a teat close to the surgical wound may cause her pain in the first week, or so, after the procedure. Return to top 4. English bulldogs were found in a study undertaken in Canada and the USA, to be in the top five of the breeds most likely to have elective and emergency caesarians Moon et al .From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are English bulldogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 50, Return to top 5. Diagnosis A normal labour has three stages. In the first stage, the body prepares itself for birth with the cervix relaxing and dilating. During this stage, if left alone, the bitch in the wild would seek seclusion and dig a den. The second stage involves the loss of uterine fluids, progressively more vigorous straining, and birth of the puppies. The third stage of labour is delivery of the foetal membranes and, in dogs, this stage can be concurrent with the second stage, as membranes are sometimes expelled with their puppy. In some cases of dystocia, stage two never starts and dystocia is diagnosed once a dog is recognised not to have progressed from stage one to stage two after about 24 hours. Radiographs can be used to investigate if foetal-pelvic disproportion is the cause and to help in judging if normal birth will be possible. Return to top 6. The part of the canine genome responsible for brachycephaly has been identified and two genes have been implicated Bannasch et al .There are no genetic tests to help determine which dogs are least at risk of dystocia and therefore most suitable for use in breeding. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All female English bulldogs are at risk of this condition. All puppies have the brachycephalic head shape and many bitches are unable to give birth naturally because of this and perhaps also because of pelvic abnormalities. Thus it is very difficult to find a puppy which has not been born via caesarean section. Ideally only puppies born by natural birth from a bitch that did not have dystocia, should be used for breeding. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem It might be argued that breeding from dogs that had been born naturally would help to select for a strain population able to give birth naturally in the future. However, any advantages that might bring would have to be 'weighed' carefully against the risks associated with allowing all births to progress naturally rather than undertaking elective caesarians to preclude the risk of dystocia. It might be possible to assess the size and shape of the pelvises of prospective mothers, as has been described for Boston and Scottish terriers by Eneroth et al .These authors found that bitches in which the pelvis was larger vertically than horizontally were less likely to suffer from dystocia. Breeding from such dogs, and from those with the greatest pelvic measurements, might be a reasonable approach and may be helpful in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this speculative proposal has not been validated and might be hard to undertake in practice. As yet no such scheme is in operation. Given the high proportion of animals that appear to suffer from foetal-pelvic disproportion in this breed, efforts to breed only from a minority judged to have the best chances of giving birth naturally might risk, through diminution of the size of the breeding population, inadvertent selection for other genetic diseases. Selecting for smaller head size in puppies is theoretically possible and, if successful, would probably help in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this might result also in unpredictable changes to other aspects of conformation or biology. Efforts directed at reducing the prevalence and severity of brachycephalic airway disease in the breed eg by out-crossing with dogs that are not affected with this disease would probably have an impact through reducing the severity of the brachycephaly itself. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Bennett D Normal and abnormal parturition. Its health has been affected by disease since it originated more than years ago as a renowned breed of English Bulldog. The large hips of dogs with a squashed face are difficult for breeders to mate, thus requiring an artificial insemination program to increase breedability and birth. To also comply with regulations concerning animals that may be subjected to dangerous or unnatural conditions, puppies must be rushed through surgery frequently. It may be difficult to find a puppy which has arrived naturally. For example, Olde English Bulldoge puppies typically range in size from 3 to 12 puppies to 6 dogs based on their gender and breed. In contrast, tracheal hypoplasia often encountered in English bulldogs does not apply to these pups. Can Bulldogs Whelp Naturally? In most cases, the bulldog has respiratory disease, skin problems, or inability to produce natural mates or birth, which is a problem because there were several years of selective breeding that undermined its strength and tenacity. Bulldogs have thin vaginal walls, this leads to problems in the delivery room because they need intervention to birth, therefore requiring C-sections to relieve the situation. Providers of cleft palate and cleft lip surgeries have performed numerous cleft palates since time immemorial but cost vary depending where you live and where you are located. A dam may have a normal delivery next time even if she has had a C-section if there is a valid reason for the c-section. Likewise, the fact that she is too small means it is often necessary to have her deliver more. For women with only one baby, then an xray should be scheduled on day 54 instead of day .It is common for Frenchies to not have natural reproduction of themselves naturally. That is due, perhaps, to the artificial insemination their mothers need to have sex. Due to their narrow hips, it is difficult to mount them. In addition to this physical quirk, too many natural births occur as a result of these kinds of defects. Dogs like the French Bulldog have narrow hips and broad heads. Deliveries from dogs are most likely to be simple and no effort is required. The following signs are not to be ignored: failing eyesight, lack of appetite, lack of motivation, or restless sleep. Make sure your veterinarian receives an emergency request for medical attention if your dog appears to have severe discomfort. Olde English bulldogs can deliver pups naturally if the litter is small. As an Olde English bulldog breeder I count on larger litters in my program ensuring pups are always available for new buyers. An ultra sound is done when the female dog is at 55 days of gestation to determine the number of pups in the litter before delivery. If the number exceeds 5 then a c section is scheduled five days later near 60 days gestation. The c section is much safer for the mother. C section is also much safer for the new pups. Each puppy has its own placenta. The puppy inside the placenta enters the birth canal and waits for the mother to push the puppy out during a natural delivery. The mother removes the placental sack once the puppy is delivered and the puppy takes its first breath. If the mother is too exhausted due to delivering numerous pups the unborn puppy will sit for too long in the birth canal deprived of oxygen and die before delivery. When a c section is done all pups are delivered safely and all have an equal chance at life. About Us As the premier breeder of Olde English Bulldogges in the Southeast, we love providing families and individuals of all ages with healthy, happy puppies from this amazing breed. There are many many hidden costs that are associated with breeding these dogs not to mention the long hours required to properly. The female dogs only goes into heat every 6 months so if you miss it you have to wait half a year to try again. The Olde English bulldogs will breed naturally but relying on this to happen on its own is not good business. As an Olde English bulldog breeder in partnership with my veterinarian I prefer using artificial insemination to greatly increase the chance of pregnancy. During this evaluation the vaginal cells are examined under a microscope and a blood progesterone test is done. The insemination is repeated 2 more times over the next 5 days. An ultra sound is done 30 days after the breeding to check for pregnancy. At 60 days gestation the progesterone levels are checked again and another ultra sound is done to see how close the female dog is to delivery. If the ultra sound reveals more than 5 pups a c section is scheduled. Professional Olde English bulldog breeders have all their litters delivered by c section. It is much safer for the female dogs and pups. Once the pups are 3 days old they are taken to the vet for a check up and they have their tails docked and dew claws removed. About Us As the premier breeder of Olde English Bulldogges in the Southeast, we love providing families and individuals of all ages with healthy, happy puppies from this amazing breed. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. By Last updated: Jun 01 As one of the most easily recognized dog breeds, the English Bulldog has many unique features that make this dog popular. These telltale features include a short and flat wrinkled face, an underbite, a low and wide stance, and a boxy, muscular body. Why English Bulldogs Have to be Artificially Inseminated A male English Bulldog typically cannot mount and enter a female mate due to his stocky, front-heavy body. The breed standards for the English Bulldog include short and strong back legs and a very broad chest, which makes it difficult for a male to have a successful pairing with a female. A female English Bulldog can breed easily and naturally with other breeds with longer legs. Unless, of course, you want to have a litter of mixed breed puppies to care for. Unsurprisingly, having a dog professionally artificially inseminated costs a good deal of money. Because it can cost several hundred dollars to have an English Bulldog artificially inseminated, owners of these dogs often pass the extra cost onto the people buying the puppies. The reason why C-sections are so expensive is that the procedure is a major surgery performed to remove puppies from the uterus. These flat-faced dogs often suffer from brachycephalic syndrome , which is an upper airway abnormality that often causes breathing problems and other issues, like an intolerance to exercise. As they grow, English Bulldogs are susceptible to developing joint disorders like elbow and hip dysplasia due to the incorrect development of the joints. As they grow older, these dogs with joint problems can develop canine arthritis , which can severely affect their mobility. All that extra skin can also put this breed at risk for skin infections due to the skin folding over and causing bacteria to build up. The price of these dogs alone can be problematic for many people. Most English Bulldog puppies are born via C-section , which brings a higher cost compared to other breeds. There may be artificial insemination charges to consider, depending on which breeder you use. English Bulldogs are adorable dogs that make wonderful family pets. Instead, be proactive and get in touch with your vet so you can provide your dog with the best treatment. While English Bulldogs face some unique health-related challenges and can be pricey to buy, they make amazing family pets!

It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Most of the questions are probably regarding the colors, so let me answer them. We will also touch on size, weight, some distinguishing characteristics, and why you should or should not own one. The difference is that one of the parents of a blue German shepherd had the recessive gene that caused the pigment responsible for the black color to be diluted into a lighter color. A blue German shepherd is actually gray with a bluish hue, but the eyes are piercingly light-blue. Blue German shepherd puppies are easy to spot among other colors, but the coat can drastically change once they are adults. However, there are older lines that are closer to the original German shepherd, like the working line used during the Second World War, that have slightly shorter coats and a straight back but retain the undercoat. These are more often associated with blue coat color simply because they have been selectively bred to preserve some of the traits. However, there are also show lines that produce blue puppies every blue moon. Read our article on all of the GSD colors you can imagine. The German shepherd male is usually twenty-four to twenty-six inches tall, reaching weights between sixty-five and ninety pounds. Females are slightly smaller at twenty-two to twenty-four inches tall and weigh fifty to seventy pounds. I think the most valuable trait of the blue GSD is the thrill of looking for it. They are extremely rare and thus valued as a gem among breeders. They usually cost a ton of money, and the stars have to align for you to find them at the exact moment you are looking for a dog. If you are looking for a dog that can perform almost any task given to it but want to avoid dogs with heart problems like the Great Dane or Doberman, your best bet is a blue GSD. They will outlive most other dogs in this category while looking like a million bucks. Conclusion Anyone who is feeling lucky should immediately check the websites of these blue German shepherd breeders. Finding a litter of standard colors or patterns is hard enough, let alone an unpredictable blue GSD puppy. The exclusivity of the blue GSD is fertile soil for scammers. Avoid websites that provide no photos, guarantees, references, or information other than the price and contact. The same goes for puppy mills. Do your research, and you will be safe. In this case, I did the research so you could enjoy the process of selection. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address.

They are playful and loyal. Although Boxers were originally bred as working dogs, they make the perfect family pet. Boxers are different from each other but one trait that all Boxers have in common is their playfulness. Boxers, whether they're puppies or ones in their senior years, possess a youthful exuberance that is unmatched by any other breed of dog. Boxers have the natural ability to make their masters smile and fill a household with fun and laughter. Natural Born Entertainers Ask Boxer owners about what they think would be the most fitting profession or job for Boxer dogs and they'd likely tell you that Boxers make the perfect clowns. Boxers are natural entertainers wiggling, wagging and doing their funny antics. If you've ever been around a Boxer, you'll find it very hard to keep yourself from grinning. Put a Boxer in a room with someone in a bad mood and it will waste no time showing off its tricks to make a person laugh. One of the more familiar tricks Boxers are known for is kidney beaning, a dance they do whenever they are excited. No owner could resist smiling whenever he comes home after a hard day's work and sees his Boxer doing this dance. It isn't a bark although it is similar. Boxers are natural entertainers even when they are running. Don't be surprised to see a Boxer twist, jump and even do summersaults while it is out on a walk. However, Boxers aren't for everyone. If you're looking for a dog that will lie quietly at the foot of your bed or sleep most of the day, a Boxer is not the dog for you. Boxers are very energetic and they need plenty of attention. If a Boxer doesn't get adequate exercise every day, it can turn to doing destructive things or find ways to entertain itself like chewing on shoes. Boxers need to be walked or jogged twice a day at the minimum. In addition, they need mental stimulation. We have to start with the Queen, the one that started it all and taught me the most probably gave me the most headache LOL , Dayzee Mae. I have owned, bred, trained, showed and have been honored to be the momma to many breeds throughout my life, both in purebred and through rescue. They have been the one thing, that gave unconditional love during some of the darkest and toughest moments in my life and were always there, when humans failed to be. Many years ago, my son at 4 months old passed away of SIDS. At his funeral, I passed out yellow daisies, my favorite flower, and my Grandma whom was like another mom to me that passed away years before , and my oldest daughters middle name is May, thus where Dayzee Mae's name came from.I had an uncle that had boxers, and loved them, so when getting a boxer was mentioned, I was all in. The day we decided to get Dayzee Mae, we found her breeder and setup a time to go meet. We discussed what we would name her, and choose the name Dayzee Mae because of the meaning mentioned above. We arrived to meet the pups and running all around were many different puppies all boxers but fawns, males and females. Not really being as interactive as her siblings was this gorgeous brindle girl. I asked if this is the one we called on, and he said yes. She seemed a little shy, but was the most gorgeous boxer that I had ever saw and she started messing with my shoe strings. I picked her up and she seemed to speak to me. I think I was born part dog, or at least with a unique set of skills, that allow dogs and myself to be as one, like we truly understand each other, because she clearly said she wanted to come home with us, as odd as that may sound to some. We carried her into the house, and was going through the paperwork and the breeder mentioned that he had been calling her Daisy May but we could name her whatever we wanted and we just stopped him in his tracks and explained that we had already choose her name, and it was Dayzee Mae.SHE was meant to be my girl! From the beginning this girl rocked our world and not always in a good way. We were sitting on our back deck and she drops and starts convulsing and this was a few days of having her. Rushed her to the Vet and she had really low blood sugar, so she was treated, we learned what to do if it happened again which thankfully never did. I was going to conformation show her, and so we decided to have her ears cropped. After thousands of dollars later, her ears were a mess, scarred, however somewhat repaired, but you know what.But she quickly became one of the most expensive dogs I had ever owned in my life, still to date. Don't worry her bloodline is not part of any of my breeding dogs, Dayzee Mae was spayed. Dayzee Mae went through training and was a star, when she wanted to be LOL. We probably went through hundreds and hundred of dollars, every weekend stopping and buying different kinds of treats, to get her to like something, to gain drive to train. Nothing worked, ever! So we started thinking outside the box. Dayzee Mae loved to lick the lollipops, well.Even Lollipops she started to get bored with. Everyone said try chicken. So I boiled some chicken, and nope, still not good enough for her. I would not feed her dinner, to try to increase her drive, but it did not work. She was the most stubborn, dog I had ever met in my life. One day, I cracked open a can of white chicken to make a quick chicken salad, and Dayzee Mae who was clear upstairs, came hauling down like a herd of elephants, to see what that smell was. I thought to myself, did I just find the "magic" food. Oh boy, did I ever! From that moment on, Dayzee Mae shined like the brightest star! She was so smart, that she would do about anything, and quickly to get a bite of her canned chicken. She became my rockstar in training! She was the most well behaved, social butterfly, dog and everyone loved her. She looked scarey when she walked up to you, with those messed up ears, and she was a big girl, 98lbs. But she never met a stranger in her life! Her bean butt would start going as soon as you spoke to her. She just loved and loved. She was my best friend! If I was upset over anything, she was right in my face, making me smile. She would give me bite kisses, yell at me if I was gone to long, and get on my table to watch out the window, and pout if I left without her, but stood by my side when I needed her most, always letting me know it would be ok, and she was usually right. The day came that Dayzee Mae was not feeling well, went to Iowa State University Veternarian after our normal vet's treatment was not working the week prior and learned that day she had Lymphoma. I was so angry and hurt! They told me, she was stage 4, all throughout her body, and honestly I was lucky she was still alive it was that bad. I left her there to start treatement, even though the vets said it was to bad, I did not care, I would spend thousands and thousands if it meant having more time with my girl!!! I drove all the way home, bawling of course, and pulled into my drive, and thought to myself, she would not do this to me. She would not want me to be sick, she would not leave me in some cold, sterile place without the people I love, just to by time. She would want to be with me. So I turned around, drove back, went in and told them, if I only have a short amount of time with my girl, then its going to be the best time together. They sent me home with prednisone, and told me I would be lucky to have until the end of the week. And guess what? She did not act sick, not in pain, and she ate her food everyday and took her medication and was by my side the entire time. I told her to tell me when she was ready, because I would not let her suffer. The day came, she wouldn't eat, and the look on her face that day, told me it was time. You see, Dayzee Mae, I truly believe was here to teach me not only about the boxer, but more about life. About resilence, strength, compassion, love, and to keep going and moving forward and also not forget to stop and smell the Dayzee Mae's along the way. You give me that joy, time and time again, that I felt when I got my own Dayzee Mae all those years before and for that I am honored and thankful!!!

They represent a fascinating gene pool. AKC allows many colors. The French also come in rare colors such as blue, lilac and Isabella. However, the main topic is their eyes, it is really amazing how specific this breed is, especially when it comes to eye color. So let's find out more about the famous blue eyes of French bulldogs. Lately, we could notice there is growing popularity of buying rare colored French bulldogs. Besides, they have unique colors of fur, they also have blue eyes. Blue eyes French bulldogs are rare, but not impossible to find due to the genes that are present in them. The presence of S-locus and M-locus gene gives rise to a wide variety of eye colors in blue French bulldogs. In most cases, it will not, unfortunately, although everyone would like it. However, an exception may occur. The exceptions to the rule are blue Frenchies which can keep the blue and green eye tones into adulthood. As they go through a gradual growth process over the next few weeks, you may see different shades in your puppy's eyes; shades of blue, green-gray to brown, which is their standard eye color. But don't be upset because it is natural and common at this tender age of 10 weeks. The standard brown eye color will soon materialize, without you having to worry about it at all. It is not uncommon for them to have light pink skin around their eyes and mouth. Our advice is to protect them with some sunscreen. Corneal dystrophy can also be one of the problems, which can be hereditary. Therefore, the French Bulldog would have vision problems, you will notice a change in color to a dull blue look. Nuclear sclerosis, occurs mostly in dogs over 5 years of age. It may not be painful for your dog, but it can lead to a change in his vision. Our advice is to contact a veterinarian immediately. Also the French Bulldog may have problems with Heterochromia. There are two types of heterochromia- congenital and acquired. As we have already said, our advice is to contact your veterinarian immediately, so that your dog can get the right treatment and get rid of some of the problems if possible, because usually, veterinarians do not want to "touch" if it is not painful for the dog, which is the case in most cases. French Bulldogs or Frenchies are available in a dozen coats. They are also available in some rare colors such as lilac, Isabella, and blue. As a lover or owner of this breed, you must have wondered how your dog got blue eyes. Hence, all your doubts will be cleared in this article. Frenchies With Blue Eyes Off late, it has been noticed that people are inclined towards buying Frenchies with blue eyes. Frenchies can have blue eyes for various reasons. The prime reason for that is mostly found in Merle French bulldogs and S-locus piebald pooches. Hence French Bulldogs with blue eyes happen if the Frenchie carries the recessive gene. It also depends on the carried gene and that may result in 1 eye of blue color and 1 of brown. Also, few breeds have blue eyes such as three-colored Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies among others. The reason though is unexplained in them. This is natural and hence should not look at them as if they have an eye infection. While some love it, some discard them as they feel they need a vet to check their eyes. Just like some humans are born with blue eyes, some puppies too are born with blue eyes. The ring around the pupil is always black while the ring around the iris is blue. In the newborn puppies, the color of the eye becomes blue due to a known pigment called melanin. After 10 weeks of their age, the dog will develop a permanent eye color. Hence, if it is blue, it will always stay blue. In addition to dogs, this condition is also witnessed in mammals, and humans as well. Heterochromia can be described under two types such as acquired and congenital. This is limited to breeds such as Merle and Piebald genes. Merle gene congenital deafness is associated while the Piebald gene can cause complete deafness because of a lack of melanin-producing cells melanocytes within their inner ears. Affected puppies will always be at risk for instance road accidents. Congenital deafness can be cured through a test called the BAER test as soon as they are over 6 weeks old. If you have realized that your dog is completely deaf then you need to learn tips on how to communicate with a dog who is deaf. Getting a dog ID tag and a collar for deaf dogs becomes compulsory in those cases to keep the people around safe and aware. Blindness Blue eyes are also an indication of vision defects. In cases where both the parents carry the gene of Merle, blindness is more likely to occur otherwise not. In addition to blindness, there are other eye problems that a Frenchie can develop such as: Entropion Cherry Eye Juvenile cataracts Cherry eye is a condition when your Frenchie develops red-eye. This is an eye syndrome and in such cases, take your pet to the vet at the earliest. To keep your French Bulldogs eyes in good health use daily eye care bites. Brown-eyed Bulldogs stay muscular and are less prone to diseases. They live a healthy life for the most part. Blue-eyed Bulldogs, as mentioned previously in the article, are prone to various diseases. A brown-eyed French Bulldog seems more interested, curious, and alert at all times while a blue-eyed French Bulldog might miss all these characteristics. Not just brown for that matter even a black-eyed French Bulldog stays healthy and hardly contracts the diseases that a blue-eyed can. However, M-locus and S-locus genes puppies have naturally blue eyes and can enjoy the same as the Black or Brown-eyed French Bulldogs. Contact Us. Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. This will not incur additional cost to you. French Bulldogs have some of the most adorable eyes in the world of dogs. There are some French Bulldog puppies with amazing blue eyes. If you have a puppy with this striking blue and you are wondering if your Frenchie would lose its blue eyes, the answer is, Yes! Your French would lose those dazzling blue eyes as they grow. Many people are attracted to this cute breed of dog because of its physical appearance and its gorgeous glittering eyes. So if you are an admirer of French Bulldog puppies because of those large cute blue eyes, here are some of the things you should know. Most dog lovers fall in love with certain breeds of dogs because of certain unique physical features such breeds possess. For instance, many dog lovers fall in love with the German Shepherd because of its fur. Some people love the bulkiness of the South African Boerboel, the physique of the Doberman, the muscularity of the American Pit, among others. The eye color of the French Bulldog might also influence your decision on getting this breed of dog. When you set your gaze upon the piercing eyes of a French Bulldog pup, you cannot help but fall in love with this breed. Brown and black eyes are the most common type of eyes among Frenchies. There are also French Bulldogs with green or grayish eyes; however, you might also come across French Bulldogs with dazzling blue eyes. The blue eyes are one of the stunning looks which attract many dog lovers to the French Bulldog even though there are many misconceptions about the nature of the blue pigment present in the eyes of the French Bulldog. If you are an owner or an admirer of this breed, you might be wondering how the French Bulldog got its blue eyes. In this article, there would be an in-depth discussion on the eyes of your French Bulldog puppy. At birth, the eyes of a Frenchie can either be black or blue. Therefore, you should not mistake the fact that your puppy has blue eyes as a sign of an eye defect. Your French Bulldog might have blue eyes depending on the recessive gene it carries. This genetic development can also result in your Frenchie having one eye color as brown while the other will be blue. This has nothing to do with an eye infection, and you should not, as a result of this genetic formation, discard your puppy. If your Frenchie has a historical background of blue eyes, there is no course to fret when your puppy also inherits such genes from either of the parents. If you have got a French bulldog because of your affection for the dazzling blue eyes, I am sorry to break it to you that the blue eyes of your pup might not stay blue forever. Once a Frenchie is around ten weeks old, the color of its eye begins to change. The changes, depending on your dog, might take different phases. At first, you would notice the dark blue eyes fading away into shades of blue and then into dim grey, finally into the regular brown eyes. Although, under a special light, you might still notice the blue color of the eyes, although it is not as dominant as when it was between 1 week and nine weeks old. It is common among Frenchies to change their blue eyes as they age to complete brown. However, this might not be the case with the blue fawn French Bulldog. The blue fawn French Bulldog is a rare breed of Frenchie with a mixed genetic setup. This accounts for its unique coat color and its eyes color. Unlike the common French Bulldog breeds, the blue fawn Frenchie keeps its blue eyes color even in adulthood. Most times, when you notice an adult Frenchie with blue eyes, it does not mean such a dog is suffering from an infection. It might simply mean that such French Bulldog is one of the rare breeds of the blue fawn French Bulldog. How To Get French Bulldog With Blue Eyes If you intend to get a Frenchie with blue eyes and you are not interested in getting an adult Frenchie, you might need to get in touch with your vet. Another reason you need an expert to assist you when getting a Frenchie with a blue eye is that the blue coloration in the eyes might result from an eye defect. You do not want to get a French Bulldog with an eye defect that might hamper the health of your puppy. Hence, it would be best if you had the assistance of an expert veterinary doctor. Your vet will help you carry out the necessary checks and medical examinations. It is advisable that if you are not sure of the bloodline of a blue-eyed French Bulldog, you should avoid such blue-eyed Frenchie. It is best that you take the necessary precaution whenever you intend to get a blue-eyed Frenchie. You should know that the blue-eyed Frenchie might also be at risk of various health conditions, which you should also consider when getting your Blue-eyes Frenchie. Health Issues of Blue-Eyed French Bulldogs Frenchies with blue eyes are quite adorable because of their dazzling blue eyes. However, it is quite hard to believe that their beauty is also their major flaw. Blue-eyed French Bulldogs are believed to be at risk of several health complications, and this is due to the genetic formation of this breed of Frenchie. Here are some of the health conditions which your blue-eyed Frenchie might develop; 1. Eye Problems A blue-eyed Frenchie is more prone to having severe eye problems at certain stages in its life, and if not properly managed, it might lead to blindness. This dent in the beauty of the blue-eyed Frenchie is due to the presence of the Merle gene, which is recessive in the blue-eyed French Bulldog. Some of the eyes related problems that are common with the blue eyes Frenchie includes; Juvenile cataracts: This eye problem is common among French Bulldog puppies. A juvenile cataract is hereditary, and this is why it is vital that you know the history of the prospective blue-eye Frenchie you intend to get. Entropion: This is another common eye-related problem that affects the eyelids of dogs, especially the blue-eyed Frenchies. The infection will irritate the eyes of the puppy and might ultimately lead to blindness if not properly managed. Cherry eye: This usually occurs due to swelling on the third eyelid of a dog. This infection is common among blue-eyed Frenchies. This eye problem can be cured by surgery. Other eye problems common among French Bulldogs with blue eyes include glaucoma, nuclear sclerosis, and anterior uveitis. Deafness Frenchies with blue eyes are known to suffer hearing loss at certain stages in their life; this is due to the lack of melanocytes, the melanin responsible for producing the cells in the ear region. When you get a blue-eyed Frenchies puppy, you need to carry out a test on it before six weeks old. The purpose of this test is to detect if your puppy is impaired in its hearing. If your puppy has lost her hearing and has become completely deaf, you will need the help of an expert to teach you how to communicate with your deaf puppy. It is also advisable that you get a dog tag for deaf dogs as this will be handy in social gatherings. These are the two common health problems that French Bulldogs with the unique blue eye might suffer from as they develop. However, in a situation where your French Bulldog has brown or black eyes and starts developing blue eyes, you need to have an urgent appointment with your vet. Sudden blue eyes development in your French Bulldog that initially has brown eyes might be a signal of an infection in your dog. To inform your choice of either buying the standard French Bulldog or going for the blue-eyed Frenchie, you need to know certain differences between them. Frenchies with brown eyes are healthier and physically sound; they are more agile and active. French bulldogs with brown eyes are more smart, alert, and cheerful, while blue-eyed Frenchies might lack these qualities. Final thoughts Finally, a Frenchie with blue eyes might lose its blue eyes if neither of its parents has the blue eyes gene. So if your French Bulldog has blue eyes, it will be best if you take adequate care of it, do not skip your appointment with your vet. Disclaimer : FrenchieBuddy. Pin2 8 Shares Last week we had we had a Frenchie puppy come over to play with our own Frenchie, Claude. She is a week old French Bulldog puppy with the bluest of eyes. They are stunningly beautiful as you can see in the photos lower down the page. I remarked to her owner how blue the eyes were and asked whether they would change color at all. Do French Bulldogs eyes change color? Yes, Frenchie eyes do change color. When they are born, their eyes will initially be blue. Around 10 weeks, their eyes will then start to change color to brown. The exception to the rule is Blue Fawn Frenchies who can have blue or green eyes in adulthood. You can see a still I took from an old video of Claude below. This photo shows how blue his eyes were when he was younger. Regular readers of French Bulldog Owner will know they are now very much brown! French Bulldog blue eyes: Our Frenchie Claude had blue eyes as a puppy which eventually changed color to brown. Are French Bulldogs born with blue eyes? So, what can you expect with your own Frenchie? Well, all French Bulldog puppies are born with blue eyes. They will either be completely blue, or slightly different shades including grey, green, and brown flecks. At about 10 weeks old, the Frenchie eyes will start to change color. It will be a gradual process, and most will go through some shades of blue, green-grey, and then to the standard brown color. In this shot they look more of a grey-green color which means they are going through the change to brown. However, in certain lights they do still appear to be very blue. In most cases they will eventually turn completely brown. However, there is an exception to this rule; blue fawn French Bulldogs. This particular breed of Frenchie is very rare, being renowned for their colorings. They have a dilute gene which accounts for their coat color as well as their eyes. Some blue Frenchies will keep the blue eye gene more than other dogs. What color are French Bulldog eyes? What color eyes do French Bulldogs have? French Bulldogs have brown eyes as adults but will be born with blueish eye color. The exceptions to the rule are blue Frenchies which can keep the blue and green eye tones into adulthood. Why do French Bulldogs have blue eyes? There are certain eye diseases, some which are more serious than others, including: Anterior uveitis: this is a painful condition due to an inflammation inside the eye. Signs include your dog squinting, scratching, redness, discharge, or a change in color to a cloudy appearance. It can be treated, but in some very rare cases the eye will to be surgically removed. Cataracts: these can be caused by diabetes, eye damage, pests, or diet. They can be inherited, can come on quickly, or be a slow to appear. However, what you will notice is that the eyes will have changed color to a blue cloudy appearance. If not treated, cataracts can lead to blindness. You will notice a change in color to a cloudy blue appearance. You might be able to spot it early if you see a change in color to cloudy blue. There are different treatments available which will reduce the pressure, with the possibility with a complete eye removal. Nuclear sclerosis: this tends to occur in dogs once they reach the age of six. As with the other diseases listed here, it can be noticed first when the eyes change color to a cloudy blue appearance. As an age-related disease, your vet might decide not to treat it. Read this guide to health issues and what to look out for. Why are my French Bulldogs eyes red? This is something you should also look out for, as it can be a sign of a health problem. Red eyes in a Frenchie could be:. If the default eye color for most dogs is brown, why do French Bulldogs get blue eyes? However, genetics is the number one cause of blue-eyed French Bulldogs. If a Frenchie has a long history of blue eyes, they are likely to develop blue eyes. Here are the three main reasons Frenchies are likely to get blue eyes. This gene is responsible for random pigment dilution lightening of the nose, eyes, and fur. French Bulldogs without this genetic mutation are more likely to develop brown eyes. Melanin Levels Melanin levels can influence the eye color of French Bulldogs. Generally, dogs with higher melanin levels in their iris tend to have brown eyes. Conversely, a lower concentration of melanin results in lighter eye colors in dogs. Genetically, blue eyes in dogs do not mean more health issues. It is possible to have a perfectly healthy blue-eyed Frenchie. However, it is important to note that blue-eyed Frenchies may have an increased likelihood of significant health risks compared to brown-eyed Pit Bulls. Deafness Deafness, or hearing loss, is common in French Bulldogs with blue eyes. This health issue is present in certain dog breeds that carry the Merle and Piebald genes. Congenital deafness is linked to the merle gene, while the Piebald gene is responsible for spotted or multicolored coats on dogs. So, if your French Bulldog pup has blue eyes due to the merle gene or has a spotted color coat piebald gene , he may be at a higher risk of hearing loss. Affected Frenchies are at greater risk of injury, for instance, in road traffic accidents. You can rule out congenital deafness by conducting a BAER test in Frenchie puppies as young as six weeks old. Additionally, consider acquiring a collar specifically designed for deaf dogs and ensure your dog has an identification tag to promote awareness and safety for everyone in their vicinity. Blindness French Bulldogs with blue eyes may potentially develop vision defects. The presence of blue eyes in Pit Bulls can indicate that your pet carries the Merle gene, which is a dominant gene. However, it is essential to note that not all blue-eyed French Bulldogs will inevitably become blind. The likelihood of eye defects such as blindness is higher if both parents carry the Merle gene and pass it on to their offspring. This test can help identify whether your Frenchie carries the gene s for blue eyes, other genetic disorders, or complications. Given the susceptibility of eye problems in Frenchies, supplementing their diet with eye dog supplements like Zesty Paws eye supplement and using dog eye drops to provide long-lasting corneal protection and hydration can be beneficial. Lastly, French Bulldogs are prone to thickening and hardening skin on the nose, also known as nasal hyperkeratosis. Using a dog nose butter can bring relief or prevent it. Because Frenchies are susceptible to many health issues, we advise looking into pet insurance for French Bulldogs. While brown eyes in dogs derive their color from melanin, dogs with blue eyes have colorless irises that lack any pigment. The coloration of blue eyes is achieved through a similar mechanism as the blue color of water and the sky. This occurs because all the light entering the eyes of a French Bulldog is scattered back into the atmosphere, creating the optical illusion of a blue appearance. The mutation of the ALX4 gene in dogs with blue eyes seems to decrease pigment production in the eye. The lack of pigment causes the eye to appear blue. In general, the French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog in miniature, with a stocky and muscular appearance. Frenchies look active and intelligent, with a smooth coat and medium or small body structure. Males can grow between 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh 20 to 28 pounds. Female Frenchies have about the same measurements. A large and square head, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose, are common physical traits among French Bulldogs. They seem alert, curious, and interested at all times. Eye Color Characteristics According to the United Kennel Club breed standard for French Bulldogs, eyes in Frenchies should be dark in color, wide apart, set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible, round in form, moderate size, neither sunken nor bulging. In lighter-colored dogs, lighter-colored eyes are acceptable. No haw and no white of the eye showing when looking forward. Anything outside this description, including blue eyes, is considered a serious fault and not a standard. On the other hand, solid coat colors are determined by the levels of melanin. This alteration prevents the cells from producing a full-strength black pigment, resulting in various coat color shades ranging from gray, brown, tan, and everything in between. Blue-eyed French Bulldogs with brown, black, grey, and silver coat colors are probably the most difficult and rarest of all blue-eyed Frenchies. Because the melanin levels are full-on black or closer to the black pigmentation. Also, the Merle gene is less likely to be present among these color coats. Their brown eyes are due to high levels of melanin and the possible absence of the merle gene. These colors range from dark brown to light hazel, which may look greenish. You may find Frenchies with darker blue eyes, while others may have lighter blue eye coloration. The main reason for blue eyes in Frenchies can be found in M-locus and S-locus genes. Their dark eyes are due to high levels of melanin. A post shared by Zootopia Pet Sitter zootopia. As they grow, melanin increases, typically darkening their eyes. Some genetically retain blue eyes. Can French Bulldogs have Blue Eyes? Do French Bulldogs have Blue Eyes? French Bulldogs that have blue eyes into adulthood would likely have the Merle gene or, in rare cases, albinism. Do French Bulldogs Eyes stay Blue? Do French Bulldogs keep their Blue Eyes? Frenchies Blue Eyes normally would not stay blue into adulthood. Most Frenchies with Blue Eyes will start to have brown eyes as they grow older unless they carry the merle gene. Not all Blue French Bulldogs will have blue eyes as adults, but it is not uncommon for them to be a French Blue Eyed Bulldog when they grow old, with some having a bluish-green tint. How long do French Bulldogs Eyes stay Blue? Most French Bulldogs will have blue eyes until they are around 10 weeks old. Blue Eyed French Bulldog Yes and no. Blue-Eyed French Bulldog actually do not have blue eyes since their eyes do not have any pigmentation. It is just an optical illusion that makes it appear blue. On the one hand, yes, because some of them are carriers of the merle gene that can cause blue eyes. The French Bulldog Blue Eye glow meaning behind this phenomenon is because they have a light-reflecting surface between the optic nerve and the retina called the tapetum lucidum. It works like a mirror, wherein light gets reflected inside the eyes for them to easily see in the dark. French Bulldog Blue Eye glow, or red glow in some mammals, is an evolutionarily adaptive trait that allows them to be better hunters at night. Are French Bulldogs color blind? No, French Bulldogs are not color blind, but their eyes, just like most dog breeds, can only detect certain colors, such as, blue, yellow, and shades of gray. This is because they only have two color cone cells in the retina — yellow and blue, unlike us humans who have red, blue, and yellow color cone cells. Will Blue Eyed French Bulldog puppy change his eye color as he matures? Yes, Blue Eyed French Bulldog puppies will change eye color as they grow older. Typically, Frenchie puppy Blue Eyes only occurs in their first 10 to 12 weeks. French Bulldog puppy with Blue Eyes will eventually have brown eyes as they mature. This is due to increased melanin levels that a French Bulldog Blue Eyes puppy will eventually have brown or black eyes. On the one hand, the reason why a French Bulldog puppy Blue Eyes does not change is due to genetics. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Blue Eyed Frenchie genetics There are three 3 main genes that give some French Bulldogs their blue eyes. The first is the merle gene, or M-locus, which causes dilution of pigments in the eyes, nose, and fur. Second is if they carry the S-locus gene or the white spotting piebald gene that regulates pigmentation. This gene disrupts pigment production which makes some areas of the coat turn white or pink. There is no direct correlation between gender and blue eyes. The merle gene is the main reason why some Frenchies have blue eyes and the male and female percentage of this occurring is almost the same. What type of Frenchies commonly have Blue Eyes? There are four 4 types of French Bulldogs that have blue eyes. Puppy French Bulldog — All Frenchies are born with blue eyes, but they eventually turn into brown when their melanin production increases. Merle-gene carriers — This gene causes pigment dilution in the eyes. S-locus gene carriers — Carriers of this gene disrupt pigment production in some areas of the body. Albino French Bulldogs — A very rare condition wherein there is totally no pigment production in the body. Frenchie with Blue Eyes physical appearance Frenchie with Blue Eyes shares the same physical traits as most Frenchies. They are small domesticated dogs with heavy-boned and muscular body structures. The head is large and square-shaped with a deep, laid back muzzle. Eyes are round and the ears bat-shaped. Tail is short that can be straight or screwed. French Bulldog with one Blue Eye and one different colored eye: Is this rare? Some Blue Eye Frenchie will have a condition called heterochromia, where the two eyes are differently colored. This is considered rare, but does not pose a health risk to the Frenchie. However, if the color in either of the eyes changes from brown to blue when they are adults, it may be a sign that there is something wrong with their health. Various French Bulldogs with Blue Eyes French Bulldogs with Blue Eyes come in different colors, especially those that have a merle or piebald coat pattern. This is because Gray French Bulldog with Blue Eyes inherited genes from both its parents that have the recessive dilution gene. French Bulldog Gray with Blue Eyes has solid color throughout their coat with no markings. Grey French Bulldog with Blue Eyes usually has health issues upon maturing. This is because producing a Blue Eyed Gray French Bulldog is relatively difficult that requires two 2 copies of the dilution gene. Breeders also do not deliberately breed Blue Eyed Grey French Bulldog since they are prone to a host of health issues. French Bulldog White Blue Eyes also has dilution in their muzzle giving it a grayish-pink hue. Grey and white French Bulldog with Blue Eyes The coat of a Grey and white French Bulldog with Blue Eyes is predominantly white with gray piebald spotting on the face, back, shoulders, and rear end. Blue Eyed merle French Bulldog French Bulldog merle Blue Eyes has a light-colored body coat with irregular splotches of a darker color throughout the body. It is also possible to have a Merle French Bulldog with one Blue Eye, a condition called heterochromia. However, merle French Bulldog Blue Eyes can compete in other competitions, like agility and obedience courses. French Bulldog Black Blue Eyes can have white markings on the chest, face, and body. French Bulldog Black with Blue Eyes is rare and not a recognized standard color. Black Blue Eyed French Bulldog carries two 2 copies of the recessive solid black genes from both parents. Black French Bulldog puppy with Blue Eyes can either have dark brown or sapphire blue eyes as an adult. There is dilution in the noses and paw pads of a Lilac French Bulldog Blue eyes that appear brownish-pink. Cream Frenchies that has pinkish noses, lips, and paw pads can have blue eyes, while those with dark or black noses typically have dark brown eyes. Since their color is diluted, their eyes are most likely to be blue. Platinum French Bulldog Blue Eyes Platinum French Bulldog has a lustrous, cream-colored body coat with blue eyes and coat dilution in the lips and paw pads. Some Blue French Bulldog puppies Blue Eyes will retain their eye color into adulthood and some would have brown eyes. French Bulldog Blue Eyes full grown size, height, and weight Height.

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

Because of this, you want to look for hypoallergenic shampoos. If your dog has an allergy to oat proteins, for example, be sure not to use a shampoo that contains oatmeal. You also want to avoid any artificial fragrances, perfumes, or colors for this same reason. To reduce skin irritation , look for shampoos that are specially formulated for dogs and are pH balanced. Deodorizers Deodorizers in dog shampoos can be helpful when you have a dog that likes to spend a great deal of time getting dirty. No one likes sharing a house with a stinky pup, so deodorizers can make a big difference. The important thing is that the deodorizing ingredients are natural and not too harsh. Brightening Ingredients Golden Retrievers have beautiful blonde coats , but their fur can sometimes look dull and dingy. Be sure to look for natural ingredients. Making it a safe and gentle product for your fur baby. The shampoo contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Featured Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock Contents. It comes in a large bottle, size 32 oz. Bacteria, mold, fleas, parasites, fungus, and more can get trapped and hidden within a Golden Retrievers furry coat. This shampoo contains ingredients that treat skin scaling, hydrate the skin, promote healing, relieve parasite infections, and remove fungus and bacteria. This shampoo is known for its fast-acting formula that also heals rashes, bald spots, and dry, itchy skin. Veterinary Formula works to provide quality medical ingredients at an affordable price for pet owners. This shampoo leaves your dog clean and smelling fresh without having to use any water. Ingredients found in this shampoo are paraben-free, alcohol-free, and plant-based with no harsh chemicals. If your Golden Retriever likes to avoid bath time at all costs, do not hesitate to try this waterless, no-rinse shampoo. This shampoo is specifically targeted to reduce the amount of shedding in dogs like Golden Retrievers. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that will get your dog clean and smelling fresh. There are no parabens or dyes in the ingredients that would harm your dog. You can purchase a 16 oz. Best Puppy Shampoo for Golden Retrievers While many of the above shampoos would work great for your Golden puppy, below are a couple options that we recommend if you are looking for something specifically for a puppy. This shampoo contains all-natural ingredients that are safe for dogs of all ages. It provides relief for allergies with an added hypoallergenic lotion, which contains antifungal and antibacterial ingredients that work to reduce flea yeast. Not only do the ingredients in this shampoo smell great, but they also keep odors away for extended periods. Do not hesitate to get a 17 oz. The mild and natural ingredients in this puppy shampoo make it safe for dogs of all ages and help prevent irritation to the eyes, nose, and paws. There are no harsh chemicals, colorants, or fragrances, which make it completely safe and well recommended by veterinarians. This fantastic all-purpose shampoo for puppies comes in a 16 oz. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shampoo for Golden Retrievers When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your golden retriever, there are several factors to consider. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for dogs and have a pH level between 6. You should also consider the ingredients in the shampoo, as some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients. As mentioned before, Golden Retrievers have a double coat that will easily trap unwanted dirt, smells, pests, sweat, and more. To keep your dog clean and smelling fresh, you will want to bathe and groom it frequently. The number of baths you give your dog should be based on its activity level, skin sensitivity, allergies, and hair length. For example, if your Golden Retriever has more sensitive skin, bathing your dog too frequently can lead to skin dryness and irritation. So if you find your dog has these symptoms, try reducing the frequency of baths and introducing a moisturized shampoo. Having the right shampoo for your dog will allow it to stay cleaner and smell fresh longer. Tips for Bathing a Golden Retriever When bathing a Golden Retriever, you want the experience to be both enjoyable for you and your dog. Below are some brief tips to help the process go smoothly. For a more in-depth look, read our article How to Bathe a Golden Retriever. Sample a few different types at first until you find the one best for your dog. Brush your dog before the bath. You will want to prep your dog before each bath by brushing away excess fur and removing tangles. Be consistent. Just like children, dogs will feel more comfortable in a familiar place with an established routine. Use the same bathtub or area of the yard each time you bathe your dog. Have everything with you. The last thing you want to do is get your dog watered down and then realize you are missing an essential bath time item. Make sure you have everything you need before you start, so you never have to leave your dog unattended. Be sure to have a comfortable water temperature. Select a water temperature that is comfortable for your dog. It may be tempting to use cold water, but treat your dog like a child and provide it with the right water temperature. Warmer water will also do a better job at cleaning than cold water. Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Each type of shampoo is different. Some are tear-free and safe for eyes, paws, and nose; others are not. The shampoo bottle will tell you how to lather, scrub, and rinse your dog to get the best results possible. Dry your dog. After each bath, you should dry your dog with a towel or blow dryer rather than letting it air dry. This will keep it warmer and reduce the amount of water that drips or is shaken off. Do Golden Retrievers Need a Conditioner? The question of whether to use a conditioner on a Golden Retriever is a common one. Lots of great shampoo products include some conditioning elements in their formula, so if you are unsure if you want to use a pure conditioner, this might be an excellent way to go. Also, if you are using a high-quality shampoo for your dog, then using a conditioner might not even be necessary. If you decide to use one, there are several benefits to using a dog conditioner. You do not always need to apply conditioner right after shampooing your dog. There can be some adverse effects when using a conditioner on your dog. If you see any of these symptoms, then stop using the conditioner and just wash with shampoo. Some symptoms might include skin irritation, weakened hair shafts, or trapped dirt after applying the conditioner. Do not attempt to use a human conditioner on your dog. When it comes to washing your dog, always try to use dog-specific products. Tips on Reducing Odor? It will also help significantly in reducing its unpleasant odors; however, a good shampoo is not the only thing needed to keep a dog smelling fresh with a healthy coat. Test out different shampoos for your dog until you find one that keeps it smelling fresh longer. Increase grooming. Wash its bedding weekly. For more information on solving your dogs odor problems, see our article Do Golden Retrievers Smell. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bathing Your Golden Retriever Bathing your golden retriever may seem like a simple task, but there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. One mistake is not brushing your golden before the bath, as this can lead to tangles and mats in their coat. To prevent this, place a cotton ball in each ear and remove them once the bath is complete. Use only the recommended amount of shampoo, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. Instead, use a low heat setting or let them air dry. Because there are so many different dog shampoos on the market, try out a few different ones recommended in this article that you think will meet the needs of your dog. Once you find the one you like, stick with that shampoo to provide your dog with a healthy coat of fur. Remember always to avoid using human products. Use a dog conditioner if you feel it is necessary, or select a shampoo that has conditioner added. Or, if you are more interested in different options for dog brushes, check out our article Best Dog Brushes for Golden Retrievers. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Best shampoo to groom Golden Retrievers professionally Jan 28, by ABK Grooming Golden Retrievers are a beloved breed known for their friendly and affectionate nature and beautiful, wavy coats. These dogs are often used as therapy and service animals and are also popular as family pets. However, with their thick and fluffy coats, Golden Retrievers require regular grooming to maintain their healthy appearance. Golden Retriever's coat comprises two types of hair: the topcoat and the undercoat. The top coat has stiff guard hair acting as a shield from dirt and repelling water, and the innermost layer has soft fur, and its purpose is insulation. The thick coat of hair proves to be unfavorable at times by making them prone to be affected by a skin disease that goes unnoticed for a long time if proper care is not taken and for that. The undercoat of its fur stores heat, retaining humidity and increasing the chances of skin infections and diseases. Grooming a Golden Retriever requires patience and the right tools, including a slicker brush, a pin brush, and a metal comb. This will also help to distribute the natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. In addition to regular brushing, Golden Retrievers should be bathed regularly to keep their coats clean and remove any dirt or debris. Choosing an ideal shampoo that fits the golden retriever can be quite a task, but it can be done by keeping specific categories of shampoos available. These include Hypoallergenic shampoo Oatmeal, and Aloe vera extracts to prevent itching Better hydration Maintaining volume and shine of coat Antiseptic elements Good odor. When grooming a Golden Retriever, it's essential to use a high-quality shampoo specifically formulated for their coat type. These four shampoos are all excellent choices for keeping a Golden Retriever's coat shiny, healthy, and clean. Specially formulated to reduce shedding in dogs, this shampoo enhances the effectiveness of deshedding tools. It is made with natural ingredients that help control excessive shedding by promoting healthy skin and coat. Other natural ingredients, including calendula extract, chamomile extract, and papaya leaf extract have soothing properties and help soothe dry and itchy skin. Cruelty-free and made without sulfates, colorants, or other harmful ingredients, this gentle shampoo is completely safe for regular use on young puppies or adult dogs. This tearless shampoo is made with the mildest ingredients to make bath time more pleasant for both you and your pup. Additionally, their active lifestyle means they tend to pick up dirt that hangs onto their coat, and since they are high shedders, you can expect them to leave that dirt around your home! A good shampoo is a must, since you will need to bathe your golden retriever once every four to six weeks or more often if they tend to get dirty. Unless your golden retriever has a specific skin condition for which they need a specific vet-approved product, when choosing the best dog shampoos for goldens, consider the following factors. Natural Ingredients: You should always avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals such as parabens and phosphates. Since golden retrievers tend to be prone to allergies, their skin and coats can greatly benefit from the use of hypoallergenic dog shampoos. Odor Control: Naturally energetic and active, golden retrievers like to play and can get stinky in no time! If you need help keeping your dog smelling fresh, look for a shampoo with deodorizing properties. Hydration: Whether or not your golden has skin problems, you should look for a shampoo that will keep their skin properly hydrated. Puppies benefit from different ingredients and formulations than adult dogs, and if your dog has sensitive skin, you may need to fork out money for a more expensive shampoo. Similarly, you can get deshedding shampoos to help you manage specific problems such as shedding, fleas and ticks, or dandruff and similar issues. Below is a list of the different types of shampoos you might want to consider for your dog. Not only do puppies have more sensitive skin than adult dogs, but they also have sensitive eyes. For this reason, look for mild and tearless puppy shampoos that are formulated to make the bathing process less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your pooch. Flea And Tick This type of shampoo can be natural or chemical and is designed to kill fleas and ticks. For the best results, you will have to work it into the coat and leave it for 10 minutes to sit before rinsing. Depending on the type you choose, some flea and tick shampoos have repelling properties and will keep these blood-sucking pests at bay for some time. You can find out more about flea and tick shampoos for dogs here. Medicated Dog Shampoos These shampoos are designed to tackle skin conditions and have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic effects. If your golden retriever suffers from allergies, skin mites, seborrhea, or has a yeast infection, your vet might prescribe a medicated dog shampoo. All-Purpose Shampoo A good quality, all-purpose shampoo is essential if you want to keep your dog clean. Look for one that has natural ingredients and is hypoallergenic. Chances are, they are going to get dirty often and need regular bathing. Exactly how often you need to bathe your dog depends on their specific coat and activity level, but even dogs that spend most of their time inside need to be bathed at least once a month. Here are our top tips for making bathing your golden retriever as easy and effective as possible. Brush your dog before bathing them to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from its coat. Make sure to soak the coat all the way to the skin so you can work in the lather properly and remove all dirt and grime. When bathing your golden retriever, place a towel or a mat inside the tub. Use treats to entice your goldie to get into and stay in the tub during bathing. Generally speaking, you should bathe your golden retriever once every four to six weeks to keep their luxurious coat clean. However, if your goldie tends to get dirty quickly, you can bathe them more often. What can I use to bathe my golden retriever? Make sure you are using dog shampoo whenever you bathe your golden retriever. Dogs have a different skin pH than people, and dog shampoos are specially formulated as to not dry or damage their skin. Can I use human shampoo on my golden retriever? You should never use human shampoo on your dog! This is because human hair and skin are slightly acidic, and therefore our shampoos are formulated with a slightly acidic pH, of 5. Dog skin and hair has a more neutral pH of around 6. If you regularly wash your dog with human shampoo, you can disrupt the acidic mantle that protects them, making them vulnerable to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Can I bathe my dog with baby shampoo? You technically can bathe your dog with baby shampoo because it is designed with a neutral pH to accommodate the more sensitive skin of babies. However, you are still better off choosing a specialized dog shampoo for your golden rather than relying on baby shampoo as an alternative. After all, you are what you eat. A diet that is rich in healthy fats, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and fish oils will give your dog the nutrients they need to grow and maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing, using a good dog brush , to remove dirt and debris and spread oils throughout the coat can also make a big difference. How do you bathe a golden retriever at home? Many first-time owners worry about how they will manage to bathe their golden at home. Fortunately, goldens are actually one of the easier breeds to bathe. They are cooperative, highly trainable, and love water, so they are more likely to tolerate a good soak and scrub than many other breeds. The key is to be gentle but firm and to teach your dog the behavior that you expect at bathtime through positive reinforcement training. Another important thing to remember is that bathing is going to be a wet and messy process, so do it outside, in the shower, or somewhere similar, and watch out for slippery floors. If they slip, they could hurt themselves or leave a big wet patch on your carpet or couch. Conclusion Regular baths are what you signed up for when you welcomed a golden retriever into your home! While all shampoos listed above can do wonders for your goldie, the Hylyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs is our choice for best overall. Our other recommendations for the best dog shampoos for goldens are ideal for specific circumstances and needs. What is your favorite shampoo for bathing your golden, and why? Share your advice with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

Since Welcome to Tru-Heart Labradors! Tru-Heart Labradors is an established professional dog breeder situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, that proudly produces the finest dual-purpose chocolate, yellow, and black Labrador Retriever puppies currently available in Florida. Our puppies are sold on a limited-registration basis to pet homes only, and we take pride in the fastidious, loving, and stimulating environment in which they are raised. Because we want every Tru-Heart puppy to find the best possible forever home, we ask that you submit an application before we discuss pricing or accept a deposit from you for one of our outstanding puppies. We do not inbreed. How do wild animal populations manage to remain healthy for thousands of generations without DNA testing? They don't lose important genes from the gene pool. In the wild, animals occasionally move from herd to herd, or flock to flock, which helps to restore genetic diversity to the population. If a particular group becomes isolated, and new individuals are prevented from entering the population, the gene pool is effectively closed. Breeders of other domestic animals understand this. Dogs are no different, and we put this truth into practice. By adhering to our scientifically-proven breeding philosophy, we ensure Tru-Heart puppies are born with sound temperaments, aesthetically-pleasing conformation, good bone, and genetic health and vigor. Please watch the following video on this subject from the Embark Canine Health Summit:. These hybrids were the ancestors of the Labrador Retriever, and they were owned and used by fishermen in dragging nets filled with fish out of the sea to the boats. Not only that, but the Labrador Retrievers were also trained to recover fish that got away from the nets or from fishing hooks. The dogs continued to function in that capacity in Newfoundland until the news and deeds of the breed got to the Earl of Malmesbury in the early s, and he brought them to England, where they were used for shooting sports. This breed is fast in movement, most especially when they are running. In addition to their agility and strength, Labrador Retrievers are homely, easy-going, outgoing, intelligent, affectionate and friendly to humans and other animals also. Dog lovers who have children are always keen on getting this breed because of its endearing and non-aggressive nature towards children most especially. Due to its origin and history, this breed is not a breed that sits in a place for a long time. It is a breed that enjoys roaming and hunting, and can also thrive in both warm and cold weather. The Labrador Retriever breed is full of exuberance, boisterousness, and energy, and as a result of this, it needs a lot of training and exercise to keep it active and agile at all times. Therefore, the Labrador Retriever needs as much as minutes worth of training and exercises daily. You need to pay attention to its teeth and nails. Make sure the teeth are brushed from time to time and nails clipped frequently. Our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Labradors are shedders and they shed seasonally during the shedding season, and that is why Lab owners are advised to make adequate plans concerning hair disposal when their Labs start to shed. How is it possible for Labradors to swim and play in deep water? Kindly note that Labradors have the tendency to get obese, so it is important that you watch what they eat and how they eat. Where can I buy a Labrador Retriever? Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Lab puppies. Are Labradors sniffers? Yes, of course. Based on their penchant for wildlife, is it safe to have a Lab around my children? Labrador retrievers are a warm and friendly breed that enjoy playing with children. Do Labrador Retrievers have health challenges? Unfortunately, Labradors also suffer from health challenges just like every other dog. But the illnesses peculiar to their breed include joint problems, obesity, heart diseases, cataracts, and ear infections. Do Labrador Retrievers bark like other dogs? Yes of course. All dogs bark with the inclusion of the Labrador. Half of the time, they are quiet. Can I put my Labrador in a crate? Why not? Keeping your Labrador in a crate is one sure way of training them to feel safe when they are alone by themselves, and also to keep them safe from external forces. Is it true that a Labrador was jailed once? Most definitely yes. Pep spent ten years in jail. Are you interested in purchasing a Labrador Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. But don't take our word for it. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Jacksonville. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs can help children grow stronger. Just by being a part of the family, dogs can help contribute to keeping your children healthier. According to Science Daily, kids who grow up with dogs have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema than other children. They grow up with higher levels of certain immune system supporters that keep them in better shape as they get older. School systems report that children from homes with dogs also have fewer sick days during the school year. Another benefit in this area of physical strength is that kids who play with dogs can take falling down and rough and tumble play much better. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. The sweet Jacksonville Labrador Retriever puppies for sale on Uptown can trace their heritage back to Newfoundland. This hardworking breed was originally used as a retriever, for both duck hunting expeditions and on fishing trips. The adorable personality of a Labrador Jacksonville now means these dogs are beloved family pets. Can Uptown help? Of course! All you need to do is check out their sweet Labrador Retriever puppies Jacksonville for sale and when you spot oyur dream pup, simply send their breeder a message and ask you reserve them! Why is Uptown different from other places with Jacksonville Labrador Retrievers for sale? Our mission is to make your puppy search fun and free from stress. To that end, we pre-screen all the businesses on our site to make sure they meet our high standards. No puppy mills here, ever! Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Jacksonville available now? That means these sweet pups are in demand, and usually get reserved within a very short time. We take our responsibilities very seriously, which is why we only ever partner with the best companies. We know that as well as breeding healthy and happy puppies, they take great care of you, the customer. Do you sell puppies from the cheapest Labrador Retriever breeders Jacksonville? Sadly, cheaper puppies are often from puppy mills, and can be poorly bred, suffering from expensive health conditions. Do you recommend specific food for a Labrador Retriever for sale in Jacksonville? Every dog is unique, and while Labrador Retrievers are certainly less picky than some breeds when it comes to their food, each Labrador will still have their own likes and dislikes. Just be sure not to overfeed them, as Labradors put on weight pretty easily. Will a Jacksonville Labrador Retriever for sale make a good family dog? We honestly think that a Labrador Retriever is the best choice as the perfect family dog. They also get along very well with other pets, making for a relaxed household. How big do Labradors for sale Jacksonville get? Labradors are typically stocky and well-built, with medium-sized bodies. They tend to weigh between 55 to 80 pounds, and stand from .Males are usually at the higher end of this scale, and females wil be smaller and lighter.

How to Stop Anorexia Back to Top Like humans, it's not unusual for a dog to lose its appetite once in a while. But if your dog is refusing to eat, it could be a sign of a deeper problem. Any sudden loss of appetite that is out of character for your dog and lasts longer than a meal or two requires veterinary attention—sooner if your puppy acts sick. We break down the reasons that puppies sometimes refuse to eat and how to know when it's time to seek a veterinarian's assistance. Why Do Puppies Refuse to Eat? Anorexia—or loss of appetite—may be abrupt, with your pup suddenly refusing to eat, or gradual, so that it's eating less over time. A number of factors can contribute to your puppy's anorexia. Toy breed puppies are particularly prone to potentially deadly drops in blood sugar hypoglycemia if they skip a meal. Finickiness Some finicky pups develop preferences for certain foods and refuse to eat anything else. When you give in and feed your puppy its desired food, you've taught it how to get its way. Stress and High Temperatures Stress can suppress your pet's desire to eat; being left at the kennel or change in an owner's work schedule that results in separation anxiety can suppress the dog's appetite as well. Just the stress of household visitors could prompt anorexia. High outdoor temperatures can also kill a pet's appetite. Illnesses, Parasites, and Teething Anorexia is one of the most common signs of illness in dogs and can occur in conjunction with a fever if an infection is present. Life-threatening viral infections, such as parvovirus, will cause anorexia. Distemper and other less severe infections such as an upper respiratory infection or intestinal parasites will also cause anorexia. Other times, an ingested foreign body like a swallowed toy or piece of trash can cause abdominal pain and result in a puppy not wanting to eat. If your dog's anorexia lasts for more than a few meals, be sure to have your veterinarian rule out any illnesses before trying any techniques to coax your puppy to eat. Offer wholesome tidbits like a sliver of lean beef or chicken. This will also help you decide if your puppy is just being finicky or really has a problem that needs veterinary attention. Stimulate your puppy's appetite with pungent-smelling foods that may make eating more attractive. Liverwurst and peanut butter are common favorites. Give your puppy meat-based baby food, which is palatable to most puppies and easier to eat with a sore mount. Add warm water or no-salt chicken broth to dry foods to make a slurry in the blender. Spike your puppy's regular food with yogurt or cottage cheese for another good way to tempt your dog to eat or offer a small amount of a stinky canned product with high meat or fat content. The aroma and higher protein content of cat food are very appealing to most dogs. Try hand-feeding your reluctant pup. Offer your reluctant eater a small amount of food, and when it's had its fill or refuses to eat, take the food away and try again an hour later. Leaving food out for a reluctant eater for long periods may overwhelm the appetite centers in the brain, which may kill any appetite your puppy has left. Utilize a little behavior modification if your veterinarian has ruled out a health issue and your puppy is turning its nose up at even the tastiest foods. Cut back on treats as with kids, treats tend to spoil a puppy's appetite for meals and stick to your dog's regular feeding schedule. Buy a new food dish or move the old one to a new location, which might make it a little more interesting; you might even try using a food dispenser that your pup can partially control. Take your dog for a walk or engage in another type of exercise with it before mealtimes if its appetite still isn't what you'd like it to be. Talk to your veterinarian if your puppy's case is severe. She may recommend drugs to help stimulate its appetite, depending on the diagnosis. Seek veterinary attention immediately if your puppy shows signs of low blood sugar hypoglycemia , such as a drunken-type gait, weakness, and occasional seizures. In the meantime, if it appears weak, you might try boosting its low blood sugar by applying something sweet to its gums, such as a very small amount of pasteurized honey or Karo syrup. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Idowu, Olutunbi, and Kathryn Heading. Hypoglycemia in dogs: Causes, management, and diagnosis. Salmon oil is another tasty meal topper that contains Omega 3, which provides many health benefits. For more information, check out our salmon oil review. But what may surprise you is that you can use exercise to get a picky dog to eat his food. You see, exercise makes dogs hungry. One of the easiest ways to exercise your dog is to go for a nice long walk — Walking is good for you too! If you already walk your dog, try upping the distance. Picky dog owners we spoke to saw the most success when they walked their pooch for 45 minutes or longer before dinner. There are other ways you can exercise your dog… Test your strength with a tug of war with a tug toy A long game of fetch with a dog tennis ball Toss a plush dog toy around indoors when the weather is bad. In some cases, you may even be able to get your dog to exercise himself. Herding dogs, like border collies and Australian shepherds will entertain themselves for hours with a herding ball. Whichever way you exercise your dog, the focus is on tiring him out. And because his meal is the only thing on offer, he will be more likely to eat it. Give him at least 15 minutes for his stomach to settle. Throw it on the floor Do you have a fussy puppy? You can take advantage of his playful nature to get him to eat his food. Sit by your puppy and sprinkle dried dog food on the ground, a little at a time. As your puppy eats a piece, add another one further away. Because your playful pup thinks this is a game, he will be more likely to take to his food. It may take quite a few sessions, but once he has a taste for his food, you can transition to a bowl. If you want to feed inside, grab a good broom and sweep up after mealtime is over — there is nothing worse than feeling pieces of kibble crunch underfoot. Turn feeding time into a game Picky eaters often play with their food instead of eating it. With the help of a good feeding toy, you can get your dog to do both. Feeding toys combine play with eating. And for toy-obsessed pups, they are a great way to convince a dog to eat his food Jessica, the owner of a dainty poodle, says her dog refuses to eat dry food. Another owner, Jack, uses a snuffle mat to get his fussy English Springer Spaniel to eat. When this super-sniffing dog finds kibble using his nose, he will promptly eat it without a second thought — even though he refuses to eat the same kibble when offered it in a bowl Unfortunately, feeding toys only hold a limited amount of food. While this may not be a problem for a small dog like a Boston terrier, it presents an issue for bigger dogs… You see, large breeds like Rottweilers or Mastiffs may need as much as 10 cups of kibble per day. Make sure you are feeding the right amount This one might seem a little obvious, but you would be amazed at just how many owners overfeed their dogs. I can understand. I mean, when your dog stares at you with those bulgy puppy eyes, it can be hard to resist giving them an extra treat or two. Overfeeding is a particular problem if you have a small pup like a Chihuahua, Papillon or Brussels Griffon… These tiny dogs need much less food than you think. The smallest sizes might only need half a cup of kibble across a whole day. As you can imagine, these tiny stomachs get full quick. When your belly is full to bursting, the last thing you want is more food, right? Well, your dog feels the same. While you may think your dog is fussy, your dog may need more time to digest his last meal. Speak to your vet about the amount of food your dog needs. He will be considerably more likely to eat his food if he has to work for it. A short session of Shake, Roll Over, or any other trick will have your dog expecting a reward for his hard work. Many picky eaters get so caught up in being rewarded that they forget they would normally reject this meal. The key here is to make your dog think his reward is a big deal. Shower your pup with praise and pats while offering him the meal. If you can get your dog excited enough, he will believe this meal is the best thing that has ever happened to him — He will eat his food without a second thought. No Table Scraps Are you sharing your dinner with your dog? Can you imagine eating dry kibble after tasting a delicious hamburger? I know it can be hard to resist. Especially when your dog peers up from underneath the table with those bulging puppy dog eyes. Instead, he will be less likely to reject his bowl of food. Worth it? I think so. Pretend to eat it A special thank you to Meagan, who told us how she used this unique trick to get a fussy dog to eat. After reading our guide on how to get a dog to take a pill , she found the easiest solution was to pretend to eat it. Her Shih Tzu would happily swallow a pill, thinking it was human food. Meagan took this concept a step further when she fostered a fussy Havanese named Elon. As you might have guessed, Elon was refusing to eat his food. The solution? She grabbed a bag of kibble and pretended to eat it like it was a bag of crisps. Hiding the kibble in her hand, she would reach back in the bag and pretend to grab another piece. Every minute or so, she would offer the Havanese a single piece of kibble. Thinking he had hit the jackpot, Elon would frantically gobble it down. Instead of rejecting it, he finished the whole meal! Cut back the treats If your dog is refusing to eat, then you should skip the treats. Any more than this and you are giving your pup more treats than he needs. For example, an adult chihuahua would only need four small Milkbones. Any more and you are overdoing it. But treats can contribute to picky eating in another way… In some instances, your dog may be rejecting his food because he wants a treat instead. If you offer your dog treats even though he is not eating his food, you are reinforcing the idea that he will get something better if he waits it out — you have accidentally trained your dog to be a picky eater. Claire, one of the respondents of our survey, said this was the issue with her fussy German Shorthaired Pointer. Claire stopped giving him treats and, he soon went back to eating his food as usual. Warm the meal to enhance flavor Many finicky dogs can be encouraged to eat their meal just by warming it up. This method is commonly used on senior dogs who are rejecting their food. Wet food can be heated up in the microwave or steamer pot. Use a plastic or ceramic bowl instead. Show your dog how bad it could be… If you are like me, you treat your dog like royalty. You only serve the best dog food possible. Fortunately, the solution is simple. Show your dog how good he actually has it. I learned this trick from my neighbor and her spoiled Boxer, Anastasia. She only feeds Orijen dog food — expensive stuff. However, now and then, Anastasia will suddenly become picky and refuse to eat it. If Anastasia ever rejected her Orijen kibble, it would be swapped out with Pedigree kibble. Sure enough, Anastasia would sniff her food, turn her nose up and walk away in disgust. My neighbor would then take the Pedigree kibble away and present her original dish. Anastasia would now happily chow down on the same Orijen kibble she previously rejected. Buy a cheaper food. This way, if your dog does eat it, you can save money by making the switch. Create a safe space Is your dog easily distracted or stressed? Some dogs will refuse to eat if thunderstorms or fireworks trigger their anxiety. Many owners report that they solved this with a thunder vest. In these instances, a dog may not eat his food until his owner returns. Similarly, distractions can also stop a dog from eating his meal. If you are showering your dog with attention, or you have a young child demanding to play with the dog, it can be hard to focus on eating. Not only does he need to get used to his new collapsible silicone dog bowl but an entirely new environment with different sights and smells too — how can your pup focus on eating with all that change? In all these instances, creating a comfortable, quiet eating area can go a long way to fixing picky eating. Best of all, the tiles are easy to clean if he makes a mess. It might be that your old pup finds it painful to hunch over his bowl and eat his meal. Many owners report this as a common problem in larger breeds. In their senior years, bending down to eat is a lot more difficult than when they were younger. These raised dog bowls sit up to 12 inches off the ground and can help reduce the joint stress that comes with eating hunched over. For instance, a bowl that is the perfect height for a Pit Bull is too high for a Fox Terrier. With the bowl raised to a much more comfortable eating height, your senior pooch can now eat his meal pain-free. Go wet Can you imagine eating dry dog food every day? And neither can many dogs. These dogs will refuse to eat dry food at all. No matter how high-quality it may be. For these finicky pups, swapping over to wet food is the solution you need. Cans, dog food rolls and, pouches are the most readily available wet dog foods around — you can grab them at your local Walmart. Many popular brands of dry dog food offer the same flavors in a canned version. Unfortunately, canned food is typically more expensive than kibble. However, if it gets your dog to eat his food, then you may find the added cost is justified. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before offering the meal to your dog. Routine, Routine, Routine Consistency is key. If your dog has an inconsistent eating schedule, then he will likely inconsistently eat his food too. They love routine. Swapping back to his original metal bowl was all it took to get this pup to eat her food. A good eating routine for a fussy dog should include… Feeding the same type of food. Feeding the same amount. Use the same dog bowl. Feed your dog at the same time. Feed your dog in the same location. With a good routine in place, you may find your picky eater just needed a little consistency in his life. Add some variety Remember earlier when I said swapping out a dogs food too often can lead to picky eating? Well, this trick goes against that advice. Three different survey respondents had success by offering their picky eaters a variety of different foods. Does your dog take to a new food for a few days before rejecting it all of a sudden? Rotating through different brands of food could get your dog to eat again. Your dog feels the same about his kibble. If you are offering your dog dry food that has been left out overnight, he will likely refuse it. This affects both the taste and smell… While it might look the same to you or me, your dog can tell the difference. The result? In this case, offering your dog a fresh scoop of kibble could be all that is needed to get him to eat. If this date has passed, the food may become unsafe to eat. Even if the expiration date has not passed, improper storage can cause the kibble to lose its taste and aroma. Dry dog food quickly goes stale when exposed to air. Think your dog is not eating because his food is stale? If your dog happily eats it, the old bag was probably stale. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by grabbing a good pet food storage container. These airtight containers will keep your dry dog food fresh for longer. Special dogs need a special bowl Do you have a flat-faced dog such as a pug or French bulldog? You see, flat-faced dogs eat with a scooping motion. This makes it difficult to reach small pieces of kibble that rest against the edges of the bowl. Fortunately, there are bowls specifically designed to make it easy for smooshy-faced dogs to eat. Our personal favorite is the Enhanced Pet Bowl. There are plenty of other benefits to using a flat-faced dog bowl such as improved breathing and less gas. Want more info? Check out our review of the best flat faced dog bowls. Does your dog have allergies, loose stools, gas or, an upset tummy? According to Veterinarian, Dr. Sara Ochoa, a dog may refuse to eat his meal if he believes it is the cause of his discomfort. Unfortunately, many dogs find that regular kibble irritates their stomach. She uses it on her own dog if she suffers from diarrhea, to firm stools. As a bonus, this food is commonly used as a safe food for sensitive tummies. Many dog owners report that their dog has never been so excited to eat kibble until they made the switch. How did you get your fussy dog to eat his meal? Got a tip to share? Let me know in the comments below! Categories Boxer If your Boxer starts refusing their food it can be both concerning and confusing. Receiving too many table scraps, treats, not receiving enough exercise, an unclear feeding schedule, or an upset stomach are the most common reasons why Boxer dogs start refusing their food. This is likely only going to be the case if you have recently switched kibbles or diet. If your Boxer has been on the same diet for a while with no issues, then this is less likely to be the cause. Too many tables scraps or treats Table scraps can do two things: Either our dogs think they can refuse their own food in anticipation of us giving them ours… Or the table scraps will upset their stomach and cause them to refuse their food. If we offer too many treats it could ruin their appetite or cause them to leave their food in anticipation for more treats. Lack of exercise Boxers need a considerable amount of daily exercise, with minutes being ideal for most. Unclear feeding schedule If your boxer has unclear eating times then it can end up affecting their appetite negatively. By having set times once in the morning and evening and sticking to them exactly, it will essentially train your Boxer to be hungry at those times. Change in environment Quite a common cause of food refusal comes from a sudden unexpected change in their environment. If anything changes or makes our dogs uncomfortable refusing food is a normal reaction. This is a very primitive reaction as dogs will rarely eat if there is a perceived threat nearby. From getting new neighbors to having someone new in the home, moving homes, or new construction work nearby. Many things can trigger our dogs and make them uncomfortable, causing them to refuse food. Boredom Boredom is harder to identify, but if your Boxer seems gradually less interested in food over time, it could simply be that they are bored. However, I must admit this is rare. In most cases, if a dog likes their food, they will continue to eat it for years at a time in most cases. Boredom could be induced by treats and tidbits. Health issues Food refusal is also a common symptom of underlying health issues. Although this is rare and you likely have nothing to worry about, it may be best to consult your veterinarian. More on this below. Typically, if your Boxer does have health issues then other symptoms will be present too. When To See a Veterinarian While most cases of food refusal are non-serious it helps to know when you should consider visiting your veterinarian. If, however, your Boxer is an otherwise healthy adult with no extra symptoms and they are still drinking fluids, you will likely be able to solve this issue at home without the help of a vet. Allow some time If your Boxer is otherwise fine and the sudden refusal of food seems completely random, then the best thing to do is give them an extra day or two. One thing not to do is to make any hasty changes before you allow some time. Hold back on all treats Try temporarily holding back on treats and avoid all table scraps altogether. If your Boxer has been used to receiving too many treats this could be the change that makes all the difference. They must eat their main meals as that provides the most well-rounded nutrition. Try wetting their food Dry kibble can sometimes get boring and unappealing, one way to make it more palatable and tastier without actually changing it is to simply add a little warm water and mix it around. This will create a little gravy and the wetness will make it significantly different for your Boxer. If you want to add flavor, you could add a little meat broth preferably unsalted to the kibble. Has their routine had any recent changes? Are their exercise levels sufficient? Their dog refused their food until their bowl was moved back some things can be as small as that! Rotation diet The rotation diet is a great way to prevent boredom and keep their meal times interesting. This could work as a solution to the current eating problem, but also prevent future ones too. It involves getting two or three kibbles that your Boxer has no issues with, then switch them every 2 or 3 months. This way, most of the formula remains the same. Wet dog food is highly palatable, tasty, and rich, with only a small amount mixed into dry kibble it can completely transform it. However, due to the richness of wet dog food, this is better as a temporary fix than something we should provide permanently. If you can, try to opt for the same brand of wet dog food as you are using for the dry kibble. Add in turkey breast Another trick is to mix in a small amount of plain cooked turkey breast to their food. You really only need a small amount shredded up. This will entice even the fussiest of eaters. Dogs are naturally able to go longer without food but their tolerance for not drinking water is much less. At most a dog can go three days without water intake but can survive for five to seven days or more without food Like our first tip, Dr. Philips Animal Hospital also recommends giving your Boxer dog some time before making radical changes. It could just be a minor blip in behavior and revert the following day without you doing anything. Thanks for reading! The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. Not all dogs are the same, some will eat more while others will eat less. The amount of food your dog will eat depends on his age, energy level, eating habits, health status. Many owners will not make a big deal of a short-term appetite loss. Not all days are the same. Maybe something was stressful for your dog and therefore he ate less that day. But how to be sure that your dog is eating enough? Unless stated otherwise, the specified amount is recommended for 24 hours. If you have an adult Boxer, split this amount into two meals. Of course, there are other factors that you should take into account. One of them is the level of activity. If you notice any change, whether your dog is losing or gaining some weight, adjust the portions accordingly. Pay special attention to following questions: Is your Boxer a light eater? Is your Boxer eating less then usual? Have you changed your dog food recently? Is your Boxer happy to eat, he starts but not able to finish the meal or he is lethargic and not interested in food at all? Does your Boxer refuse treats? Does your Boxer drink water? What about his other habits, does he play, does he have the same level of energy, how much he sleeps? Have you noticed any other health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, signs of pain? Can you see the ribs, spine, and bones from a distance? Do monitor your Boxer next couple of days and see what happens. If his appetite comes back to normal, great! If not, call the vet, as any dog that was a good eater, suddenly loses interest in food has some kind of problem. There are various illnesses that can make your Boxer stop eating or decrease his appetite significantly. Professionals from Winter Park Veterinary Hospital listed and explained health issues that can cause Boxer not to eat. Dental Issues Dental issues are the most common chronic diseases that affect all dogs but Boxers are especially prone to these issues. Everything begins with the tartar build-up and then continues with gum infection. What is characteristic for Boxers, according to experts from Winter Park Veterinary Hospital , is the development of Hyperplastic gums. As tartar builds on the teeth, the gum tissue grows swollen. In some cases that excess of tissue covers almost the whole tooth so the dog can barely eat. Also damaged or broken teeth may cause eating difficulty. That is why you should pay special attention to what your Boxer is chewing on. You should avoid giving him super hard chewing toys made of plastic. Instead of these, pick the toys made of rubber or nylon. Your Boxer may stop eating as something in his mouth causes him pain but an oral tumor can also be the reason for decreased appetite. Digestive Disorders There are several digestive disorders that Boxers are prone to. They can start early in their lives and cause a variety of digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. The point is that you can prevent these issues from happening if you take good care of your dog and feed him with high-quality dog food. Heart Problems According to Winter Park Veterinary Hospital Boxer breed is prone to Dilatative Cardiomyopathy, a heart issue that makes the heart become very large but thin. There is also an issue called Aortic Stenosis that your Boxer may inherit, which causes some obstructions in the heart blood flow so the heart must pump as twice as hard. However, these heart issues will make your dog very tired, breathless, coughing. All these symptoms will affect his eating habits and appetite. Bear in mind that in this case heart problem is something that has to be treated immediately and poses a much bigger threat then weight loss. Anyhow, if you notice that your Boxer stopped eating, do rush to the vet as the reason might be a tumor or cancer Kidney Failure If your dog experiences kidney failure, you may notice excessive thirst in your Boxer. The disease progresses bringing lethargy, depression, poor appetite, vomiting and in extreme cases your dog might stop producing urine at all. Liver Disease Opposite to kidney failure, liver disease may cause an increase in thirst which will make your dog pee frequently. But also important indicators of liver disease in Boxers are very poor appetite and weight loss. For example, viral infections such as Distemper or Parvovirus will cause a lack of energy and appetite loss. However many infections no matter what caused result in a lack of energy as a great deal of energy is diverted to the immune system in order to fight off the infection. As a result, we have a lethargic dog that even refuses to eat. Other heath issues Many health issues have appetite loss as one of the symptoms.

By Chris We dog parents know this all-too-well. German Shepherds are stoic, confident dogs, so what gives? Why do German Shepherds whine? Many dog parents always wonder what their dogs are whining about , especially working breeds like the German Shepherd. Dogs whine for a variety of reasons, but most often it is to communicate a need or desire. In this blog post, we will go over 7 reasons why your intimidating-looking German Shepherd might sound like a big baby every once in a while. Your German Shepherd Wants Something The vast majority of the time that your dog whines is because it wants something from you, whether it is to go out, to play, or for attention. The first thing to do is to identify what your dog is trying to tell you. So what does your German Shepherd want, and how do you tell? If your German Shepherd is whining to go outside, he might stare at the door and whine, or run between you and the door. Look out for the whining after your dog wakes up from a nap or a few minutes after he finishes his meal. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Your dog is bored German Shepherds are active dogs that require a lot of activity to burn off all of their energy. These intelligent dogs, in particular, require cognitive stimulation. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. A good run every day or a two-hour walk might keep a German Shepherd happy. Make sure that there are plenty of chew toys and puzzles to keep your GSD occupied when indoors, and if not, go for more walks! A hyperactive GSD is not a good idea. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. They are hugely bonded to their human owners and might be a little attention-seeking sook every once in a while. Your pooch is delighted to see you! Dogs whine from extreme excitement too. When you first arrive home, your German Shepherd will most likely whine because it is overjoyed to see you. Simply interpret this whine as a cheerful welcome, but if your GSD is prone to excessive whining and separation anxiety, you might need to wait for him to calm down before giving him the same greeting back. Your GSD is scared or anxious Although GSDs are known to be fearless, courageous dogs, they can be scared too, just like any other dog. Storms, stressful events, loud noises , and the unfamiliar can make a GSD anxious and scared. If your German Shepherd whines in almost the same presumably stressful conditions, it is probably scared and requires your solace. Because you are the pack leader, when your dog is terrified, it looks to you for safety and comfort. If your German Shepherd is whining because of a storm or another uncontrollable situation, simply soothe your dog as best you can in a calm, reassuring way. Relaxed German Shepherd lying on the floor. Your dog is sick or in pain Dogs who are in pain or sick will whine to express how they feel. Whining that is associated with other symptoms of illness, such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, and loss of interest should be checked out. If you believe your dog is whining because it is in pain or sick, make an appointment with your vet right away. Meanwhile, comfort and be affectionate with your dog to make it feel more at ease. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Other telltale signs of a doggy apology include the tail between the legs, ears flat, and droopy body. A whine usually means it is a BIG apology! German Shepherd approaching his owner. How Can You Reduce Whining? For most dogs, it is simply a way of communicating what they feel or need, in the absence of the spoken language. While some whining is normal, especially if they have a legitimate reason like wanting to be let out to go potty, excessive whining can be downright annoying. If your GSD is whining excessively, here are some ways to deal with it. Ignore it Is he trying to get your attention out of jealousy? Simply ignore him. If you give in to such behavior, he will continue to act in this manner, which will eventually become irritating. German Shepherd being curious beside his owner. This is especially true if the pain is chronic or persistent. So the next time your dog starts whining , take a moment to consider whether he might be trying to tell you something. A German Shepherd at the Vet. Training Training will not only help your dog burn off excess energy, but it will also teach your dog to behave the way you want it to. It is best to begin as early as possible, starting with very short durations for puppies and gradually increasing the length of each training session. German Shepherds are one of the most trainable dogs in the world, hence their popularity as working dogs. Use that working drive! Owner trains her train German Shepherd. It will keep them occupied and provide them with something to chew on. Your shoes and furniture will be forever grateful. German Shepherd plays with his toy at the park. But your dog has only you. Spending quality time with your dog will not only provide them with the attention they require but will also help to reduce their anxiety and calm them down. Set aside some time in your busy day for your beloved pooch. It means a lot to them. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Final Thoughts There are a number of reasons why dogs whine. Most commonly, dogs will whine when they want something — usually attention, food, or to be let outside. If a dog is bored, anxious, or frustrated, it may also start to whine, which in most cases, is perfectly normal behavior for dogs. However, if a dog starts whining excessively, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as separation anxiety or another form of stress. No matter the reason, dogs typically only whine when they feel they are not being heard. It just might save you both a lot of frustration. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Many dog owners endure the whiny vocalizations that erupt from their pup for seemingly unknown reasons. Dogs whine for many reasons The reality is, dogs whine for many reasons. Your dog may have trained you to give him a treat or a tickle when he whines. He may even whine when playing with other dogs or as a sign of appeasement. Dogs may whine when they are ill, in pain or are developing cognitive problems so any sudden symptoms or behavior changes should be brought to the attention of a vet. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will often whine when they know you are planning to leave them alone and will typically continue to whine, bark, and possibly get destructive when left alone. Is your dog afraid, excited, aggressive, or maybe begging for a treat? It will be helpful to get familiar with canine body language cues. If your dog is whining for a treat, obviously, you will not reward him for his whining. Rather engage him in some other form of training and treat after he does a good job. If you need to, crate your dog or separate him from the rest of the family during mealtimes until you can put a stop to his behavior. You can help your dog stop his whiny ways by engaging him in other activities, training, games, food puzzles, and anything else that will stimulate his mind and distract him from the trigger. For anxious or nervous dogs, you can practice exercises that will help teach him to be calm such as the down, place and stay command. Once the dog is in his place, redirect his nervous energy with a chew toy or a Kong filled with treats. Dogs that whine out of fear can be helped by helping to build their confidence through reward-based training. Dogs that suffer from low confidence do best when challenged with simple tricks that offer immediate rewards, such as touch, shake, find it, etc. For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, whining will be harder to stop since you will have to help your dog overcome his separation anxiety. Please read our article on separation anxiety and contact your vet or a trainer familiar in helping dogs overcome this condition if symptoms are severe. Never reward your dog for whining The bottom line is, training takes time and teaching your dog to stop whining is no different. If you need to, buy some earplugs but until then, in most cases, by simply ignoring your dog, refraining from petting, feeding, treating, or even talking to him will eventually send the message that whining will get him nowhere. Final Thoughts A German Shepherd is one of the most sociable and vocal dog breeds. While everyone knows that these dogs are intelligent, brave, strong, and protective, whining is the last trait that can come to your mind. However, if you ask any GS owner, they will tell you that their pets tend to whine a lot, especially when they are young. This high-pitched sound may be quite troublesome and frustrating. The causes of such behavior can differ. This article will describe them and tell you what to do to solve the issue. First of all, you need to understand that whining and barking are the main forms of communication for most canines. Since these dogs are very communicative, they use such sounds to make it easier to understand what they mean. However, before making these tight bonds, you may feel worried, upset, or even irritated. Being ill or Injured This reason is rather frustrating. Whining can start all of a sudden. You need to be especially concerned if it has started recently after something happened. For instance, your dog might have eaten something bad or was hurt in some way. Boredom and Need for Attention Things may not be as bad as that. Your German Shepherd can start to whine when it is bored. Look whether your pup has something to engage with. These dogs are very active, and they need at least one hour of exercise per day. If they do not get it, and they do not have any toys to play with or things to do, they whine and disturb you until you pay some attention to them. They may even follow you with a ball in their mouth if they want to go outside and play. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is quite a common characteristic of German Shepherd dogs. They hate being alone. We can explain it by their origins from pack animals whose nature was to protect each other. When you are about to leave, your puppy starts to whine as if it tried to persuade you not to abandon it. It whines because it does not understand how it can protect a part of its pack when they are not close around. The separation anxiety can also result from the inability to guard. For example, your dog hears some threatening sounds or moves far away. It wants to check how dangerous they are but cannot do it from the inside and starts whining. It can even get alert and remain still for a while and then begin to pace and whine. Yes, dogs, like humans, can also get stressed. If your dog has recently started to whine at night, something is likely to have happened to it. For example, you have moved to a new place, or one of your family members has left or died. Dogs can also experience stress when someone treats them badly. When your puppy is frightened, it becomes fearful and whines. When someone who is not good at it is around, when it sees lightning or hears thunder, sirens, or other loud sounds, it can also be afraid. That is why fireworks do a lot of harm to dogs, and your German Shepherd is not an exception. Excitement and Empathy Your young GS can get extremely excited when you or someone from the family comes home. Or you are going to walk it or play with it. When it is curious about something new or unusual, it begins to whine, too. This is normal, and if this whining does not get on your nerves , let it show its emotions in this way. Empathy is one of the sweetest things in your dog. If it feels that you are frustrated, in pain, or in trouble, it will commonly whine to support and comfort you. Let your GS know that everything is OK with you, and it will stop whining. Feeling sorry is another cause of whining. Your pup is very smart and, when it has done something wrong and feels that you are angry or upset about it, it starts to tuck its ears back, tuck its tail, avoid eye contact, and whine. You do not need to correct it. The only thing is that you should not feel angry with your puppy for a long time. Show it that you have forgiven that and give it a scratch or play with it as usual not to prolong its bad emotion of feeling sorry. A Need to Obtain Something Your German Shepherd may want something from you — playing with it, feeding it, giving it some treats, going for a walk , etc. Or it may just want to attract your attention. You should not give in because your puppy is very smart, and it will understand soon that the only way to get the desired object is by whining. Instead, you have to show your pet that whining does not work and you will give it a treat only if it stops doing it. There are different methods to make your GSD whine less. You may apply them according to the situation but they usually work very well. The most helpful tip is to give your puppy more training. German Shepherds are very active dogs. If they do not get just one hour of exercising per day, that may lead to some behavioral issues. Make sure that this exercise involves walking, running , swimming, playing fetch, and other activities that require a lot of strength and stamina. If you cannot do it yourself because you are too busy, get a dog walker to perform it for you. Positive reinforcement training can be quite efficient as well. Teach your dog to behave properly and obey all the commands needed for your perfect cooperation. Start with the basics, such as teaching it how to sit and stay. Choose a quiet environment without any distractors. Then, continue with more complicated things in the place with more distractions, such as a beach or a park. If you do not know how to train your dog properly, you may need help from an expert trainer. Remember that if your German Shepherd is not trained properly as a puppy, that will result in bad behavioral issues like whining, barking, anxiety, unmotivated aggression, and others, in adulthood. You should show your puppy that whining for a treat or walk is not the best way to obtain the desired thing. Instead, you may stop giving your dog a treat or attention when it whines. Though, you can give it something if the whining stops. Then, if the puppy starts whining again, show it that no treat is available until it stops. That will teach your dog that whining is a bad method to obtain desired things. Be Attentive to Your Dog If you feel that your GS whines because it does not get much attention from you, use several options to increase the amount of care. Play some interesting games with it. Tug of war usually works very well. This game is useful for providing both enough attention and exercise to your German Shepherd. Doggy daycare may be a great option. Acquire special toys to play with. Or get it focused on some interesting things instead of chewing your footwear or furniture. It is especially important during the teething phase when a puppy wants to chew everything it sees and constantly whines because of feeling discomfort. You can also offer your doggy some puzzle games. Your puppy will play with such puzzle toys to get the treat enclosed inside them. German Shepherds are very smart, so get them the toys that are not boring because they may lose interest in some simple things very soon and… start whining. Give your dog appropriate chews too. If it whines at night, there may be some serious health issues. Your veterinarian will have it tested and tell you what to do or prescribe some medical treatment. If there is some other issue, they also advise you on changes in diet , training, exercising, or overall care. Final Thoughts So, why do German Shepherds whine? There is no distinct answer. When you bring your puppy home for the first time, its whining may even sound cute. However, you will feel that you should do something about it because it drives you mad. Petting and cuddling may help a lot. Though, your dog also needs proper training and a lot of exercise. Train it to be engaged and not to feel lonely. Special practices for avoiding whining are not necessary. 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. Aug 3, Share As a dog parent, you know that German Shepherds tend to whine at the most inopportune times. It could be several things, including the dog being sick or in pain. However, before calling the veterinarian, you can examine our list of seven reasons German Shepherds whine and how to stop it. Your Shepherd Needs to Go to the Bathroom The reason your German Shepherd is whining could be as simple as the dog needing to go outside to potty. The dog might whine, then run to or stare at the door, trying to tell you it needs to go outside. This whining usually happens right after your dog wakes up from a nap or just a few minutes after it eats. The dog could be whining because it wants your attention and is ready to cuddle or play. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 3. You can cure this by ensuring your dog gets at least 2 hours of physical exercise daily and providing it with many challenging games and toys. A hyperactive, bored German Shepherd will become destructive, aggressive, and whiny, so make sure your dog gets the exercise and mental stimulation it needs to be healthy and happy. The Dog Is Happy to See You Dogs, including German Shepherds, are usually happy to see their pet parents when they walk through the door in the evening. Your German Shepherd may whine when it first sees you out of sheer excitement. If the whining is accompanied by a lack of appetite, drowsiness, or other signs of sickness, you must take the dog to the vet for an examination. Until your appointment, it will help to comfort and love your pet to make it feel better. An illness or injury should never be ignored because it can cause other health issues if not addressed by a veterinarian and treated promptly. Your Shepherd Is Stressed Although German Shepherds are known for being fearless dogs , they get scared, anxious, and stressed. If your German Shepherd is whining and none of the reasons above apply, your dog may be stressed or afraid of something. Some events that could be stressing your dog and making it whine include storms, fireworks, and even a stranger in the home. Image Credit: Pxhere 7. There are a few other signs of a dog trying to apologize, including keeping its ears flat, its tail between its legs, and a droopy body. Ask your vet for recommendations Ignore the whining unless your dog needs to go potty Give your dog plenty of attention Train your pet not to whine professionally if needed Distract the dog Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Final Thoughts German Shepherds are known for being courageous, loving, protective, and loyal pets. However, they do tend to whine a bit. However, you should make an appointment with your vet if the whining continues to ensure your dog is not suffering from an injury or illness. May 21, by Charles Grey If you own a German Shepherd, you may find yourself dealing with a whining puppy. This is normal since a dog may be whining for so many reasons. So why does my German Shepherd whine so much? German Shepherds can whine for many different reasons, including wanting attention, feeling afraid, or being in pain, alongside many other reasons. Knowing the signs to look out for can help you understand why your German Shepherd whines so often. Be sure to read until the end not to miss a thing. German Shepherds may be whining for many reasons. Knowing how to handle the situation can be difficult for many Shepherd owners and lovers. Barking and whining are natural behaviors for a dog, but the frequency and intensity of these sounds may mean something is wrong. If you notice that your dog whines after going for a walk to indicate that he wants to walk again, this can be a sign of a bladder or digestive issue. Whining can be an indication that your dog is in physical pain. Paying attention to the activity that prompts the whining will assist in identifying the issue. This may include going up or down the stairs or jumping on the bed. Pain experienced from these activities could be a sign of arthritis. They want someone to play with them and engage them and may need more exercise and mental stimulation. A bored German Shepherd can lead to destructive habits such as chewing on the sofa or digging up your potted plants. Different situations such as thunderstorms or being surrounded by new people can cause anxiety in your dog. Make a mental note if they exhibit this whining response during specific circumstances and provide extra comfort during those times. If you leave your German Shepherd alone for long periods, this can be a reason for their whining, showing that they are lonely or insecure. A German Shepherd will hunch down and tuck his tail between his legs or pace nervously about if they are feeling insecure. It is their way of telling you that they want something or feel a certain way. They will make a special effort to let you know what they want, and it is entirely normal behavior. Because of a Medical Condition If your German Shepherd has begun whining recently, it could indicate that he is ill. Stomach sensitivity is a common issue among this dog breed, so monitoring is essential if he exhibits discomfort after eating. German Shepherds are unfortunately susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, which can occur as a puppy or after adulthood. If your dog begins to whine during certain physical activities, it could be a medical condition that needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian. Because They Are Lonely German Shepherds are a loyal dog breed and can develop a hyper-attachment to their owners. This attachment can create anxiety about being alone, and they will try to let you know with their whining. It is similar to them communicating a plea for you not to leave them. They love being with you and cuddling up more than anything else, and you are the highlight of their day. When you are gone, even for short periods, they become anxious thinking of when you will return. They are afraid you may not return, and this could be because they are left alone for extended periods or were separated from their mother at too early of an age. If They Are Left in a Kennel for Long Periods of Time As your puppy ages, his sleep routine changes too, which means fewer naps and less sleep at night. If your German Shepherd is wide awake when you put him in this kennel, then there is a good chance you will hear whining and crying. German Shepherds also need consistent physical stimulation. Too much time in a kennel can lead to boredom. A bored German Shepherd will be a whiny one, and his routine needs to be adjusted to fit in the right amount of exercise. Your German Shepherd may whine to show that he is excited and wants to play with your other dog. This is a typical interaction that German Shepherds exhibit with other dogs. German Shepherds were bred to work alongside humans daily doing intensive tasks. This means if they lack these things, they will try to let you know, which could be through whining. Due to Separation Anxiety Depending on the cause, separation anxiety can develop in your German Shepherd as a puppy or develop over time. There are various reasons that your dog can have this type of anxiety. Some dogs feel alone because they instinctively are a pack animal, and there is a fear of being hurt or lost when they are alone. If a dog has been rehomed for any reason, this can create a void and potential instability. Separation anxiety often occurs when a dog has been rescued from an animal shelter because it creates a fear of abandonment. They Are Bored If your German Shepherd does not have the physical and mental stimulation needed daily, they will likely whine to make you aware of this as they have plenty of time and energy. German Shepherds are very energetic and need regular playtime regularly. How to get your German Shepherd to Whine Less? They are a high-energy breed and need an outlet to expel it. Properly Socialize Your German Shepherd When your German Shepherd becomes anxious and fearful of something unfamiliar, he will communicate this with whining. It can also lead to aggressive behavior. Thus, your dog must meet new people and be exposed to new places such as a dog park. Provide toys and other activities to hold their attention and prevent whining unnecessarily. Reward Good Behavior Dogs thrive when they see they have pleased their owners. If your German Shepherd whines to get his way, ignore him and not reward that behavior. Then when he exhibits good behavior, show him that it is appreciated with words of commendation, extra playtime, or a special treat. Because dogs do not speak our language, they must use other ways to communicate their needs to us, and this includes whining excessively. Dogs can be taught to ask for things they want in a polite way, such as by sitting or giving some other visual signal that they need something, rather than rudely yelling for it. Depending on the severity of their illness, injury, or discomfort the whining could be quiet and slow, or it could be loud and frantic. Oftentimes if your German Shepherd is whining a lot due to being unwell, it is accompanied by other signs and behaviors that indicate a sickness or injury , such as heavy panting, pacing, hiding, or attempting to vomit or go to the bathroom and being unable to. Reason 3: They Need To Go Outside When your German Shepherd begins whining a lot, it could be an indicator that they need to go outside to use the bathroom. This is especially true if your German Shepherd is a puppy who is still in the potty-training process, you have a senior German Shepherd who must go outside more frequently, or your German Shepherd is suffering from a digestive or bladder issue that is causing them to need to use the bathroom more frequently. Because whining is a way in which a German Shepherd can signal their discomfort, this is one of the first ways they will alert you to their needs. Whining to go to the bathroom tends be softer in pitch at first, and you may also see your German Shepherd look towards the door or run back and forth between you and the door. If that initial request goes ignored, the whining will probably increase in pitch and intensity, or your pup may opt to just go to the bathroom in the house. You can also see this whining behavior when your German Shepherd has an upset stomach and needs to vomit. Dogs naturally start whining when in a high arousal state, similar to how you may bounce around in place or when kids start chatting nonstop when they are excited. German Shepherds in particular can be very affectionate with their owners , and their intense excitement about interacting with their owner can cause an increase in whining. If the whining is also accompanied by lunging, jumping, mouthing, or other high-energy or stressful behaviors , or you have neighbors who take issue with the noise, then you can work with a local trainer to help teach your dog to better manage his excitement and emotions. Reason 5: They Are Scared Dogs may also whine when they are scared or anxious, so if your German Shepherd is whining a lot, it could be because they are afraid of or anxious about something. If you can identify what is making them afraid or anxious, you can either try to soothe your German Shepherd and show them there is no reason for them to be upset, or you can move them away from what is freaking them out. While some whining is normal depending on the situation, at other times the excessive whining could be a cause for concern. If your German Shepherd suddenly begins whining excessively, it might be due to an underlying medical issue, and you should schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. In order to stop your German Shepherd from whining so much, you must first determine why she is whining in the first place. If your German Shepherd is whining due to wanting something like attention or a treat, work towards encouraging them to ask for what they want more politely, such as by sitting quietly in front of you or by laying down by their food bowl. German Shepherds have a reputation for being an easily trainable breed of dog , so provided you stick with a good training schedule it should be fairly easy to curb the excessive whining. If you reward them with what they want while they are crying for it, it will further encourage them to continue whining usually even louder and in more situations to get what they want, similar to a child crying for candy in the store. If the whining is due to fear, anxiety, or excitement, you can work with a local dog trainer to help your dog better manage his emotions. If you are concerned the excessive crying is due to your German Shepherd having an underlying illness or injury, then speak with your vet as soon as possible to get your pup checked out. Closing Thoughts Due to German Shepherds being such a vocal breed, the whining from your German Shepherd is probably nothing to be concerned about. If you suspect that the continuous whining and crying is related to an underlying medical or behavioral issue, reaching out to your veterinarian is probably the safest thing to do. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.