goldendoodle puppies for sale under $2000

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. That is why it is especially important that you spend some time upfront preparing for this journey. But if you are serious about hunting and want an exceptional retriever to become your hunting partner for the next years, I recommend you put a little more effort into it. If you are not sure where to start, this post will show you how to find and pick a hunting puppy from a litter. Finding the perfect pup Finding the perfect hunting dog puppy starts way before you find yourself staring into the eyes of a precious little retriever puppy. In fact, I would recommend you stay away from puppies until you have located an acceptable litter. When we purchase puppies for clients, we start our search on the computer. We buy all our puppies based on the litter, on the genetic and proven performance of the mom and dad. If you find a great litter, you have already stacked the odds so much in your favor that any puppy from that litter is probably going to serve you well. What should I look for in a gundog puppy? Start by researching litters. You want to find a litter that is worth your time, money and energy. You want to stack the odds in your favor, and you do that by finding a great litter of puppies. Remember, you should not focus on one individual puppy at this point. Instead, dig deep into possible litters that would meet your criteria for a great hunting dog. You will need to determine your own list of criteria, but here are a few things we look for when purchasing a puppy. Focus on proven performance The first thing we look for is a pedigree that shows proven performance. This can be seen by titles on the pedigree. Here is a listing of retriever titles that would signify the parents have titled in Hunt Tests or Field Trials and proven their ability as a working dog. Some of the titles you do not want to see on a pedigree, if you are looking for a hunting dog are CCH or other show dog titles. Show dogs are breed for looks, not for hunting or competition ability. These dogs generally are not going to be great hunting dogs. Also, it is true that a dog does not have to compete in tests to be a great hunting dog. I would want some confirmation to back up any claims. Mom and dad are most important Often you will see a pedigree where the mom or dad do not have any performance titles, but the grandparents or great grandparents do. As you go back further, those numbers dwindle quickly. So, if possible, you want mom and dad to be proven. Want to learn more about how to read a pedigree? Watch for our future post. If looks are important to you, you will need to decide what is more important, how the dog looks or how the dog hunts or competes. You may be able to find a puppy that looks just like you want and that puppy may also turn out to be an incredible hunter, but realize that looks and hunting ability do not always go together. For instance, if you like the large, blocky looks of a British bred lab, but want to hunt upland birds, these two things may not be compatible. The dog may simply not have the endurance needed to do hours of hunting necessary for upland hunting. You should consider your wants and needs before committing to a litter of puppies. Where to look for the litters If you are looking for a hunting retriever puppy, you will want to focus your research. You are not looking for a litter of Labradors that happened by accident. Instead focus your search to sites like retrievertraining. These will not be cheap puppies. But if you spend the money on the front end, by purchasing a great pup from a litter of proven parents, you will rarely find yourself with a dog that will not hunt. Again, you should be trying to stack the odds in your favor. Find a reputable breeder Once you find some litters that have proven parents, then turn your research to the breeder. Not all breeders are equal. Trust me! Some do a wonderful job with the puppies, have clean, hygiene spaces for the dogs and socialize the pups from day one. It may not seem important. I mean, the puppies are only with the breeder for weeks, so what difference does it make? In our experience, a lot. Clean puppy beds and areas help teach your puppy to be clean. And socialization is key! Learn more about socialization in this post. What does the breeder do to socialize the pups? Pups start learning about the world on day one. They need to be exposed to noises and new situations daily. This can go a long way toward teaching the pup to handle new situations, something particularly important in hunting dogs. Take some time to learn about the breeders. Ask them why they breed, what are their goals for their puppies and what they do to prepare the puppies for their new homes. We talk about this more in How to find a good Labrador puppy. Has there been any genetic issues that could be passed down to the puppies? Ask lots of questions. Find out as much as you can about the parents. What tests have been done to ensure the parents are healthy? Have their hips, eyes and elbows been checked? Most reputable breeders offer a 24 — month health guarantee on the puppy. This is important to protect you in case there is a genetic condition that becomes clear during that time. How do you pick a puppy from a hunting litter? Once you have found a litter that meets all your criteria and seems to be a good match for your needs, then and only then do you put a deposit down on a puppy. As you can tell, picking the right litter is the most important part of this entire process. Once you have done that, you have stacked the odds in your favor of getting a great pup. Even if you have last pick, you are still miles ahead of people that buy a puppy on a whim or put no research into it. Never go look at a litter of puppies that do not meet your criteria discussed above. Puppies are too cute, and it is hard to resist not bringing one home. So never put yourself in that position. Picking the perfect puppy for you Once you have the litter locked in and your deposit sent, you simply must wait until the pups are old enough to come home. At around weeks, you will go to the breeder and view the puppies to make your pick, if you have that option. Some breeders will send you videos of the litter each week so you can see the puppies grow and learn. This is a nice service that helps keep you connected to the litter and your puppy. What should I look for when picking a puppy from a litter? If you have a pick from one or more puppies, here are some things you can do to help you decide which puppy will be the best one for you. Take some time to observe the puppies in the litter. Watch for how active or sleepy the pups are. This may not mean much. Keep in mind that you do not know if the puppy that is sleeping was very active a few minutes ago. Is one easily spooked or seem shy? Is one bold and curious? Do any of them seem to prefer people to the other pups or vice versa? We personally look for a puppy that likes people and is bold and curious. We generally do not want pups that are easily spooked or are only interested in playing with the other puppies. But that is just our preference. We also look at size. We prefer a middle of the road size, not the largest and not the smallest. We also want a pup that will give us good eye contact. If the breeder you chose is doing a good job, your pups will already be started on the path to being well-socialized. This is important and the next few weeks with you will be even more important. Learn more in this post. Ask your breeder for help picking If you are having problems deciding, consider asking the breeder to help you pick. Most breeders have a good sense of the puppies and which ones will make a good hunting or competition dogs. Final thoughts on How to pick a hunting dog from a litter While it might seem daunting to pick a puppy from a litter, if you have done research and found a litter with a proven mom and dad, there is little to fear. By the time you go pick your puppy, you have already made all the hard decisions and stacked the odds in your favor. So, just relax. Watch the puppies and pick one that you feel good about. Learn what to do next in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to pick a hunting puppy from a litter? No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.

Cherry eye Collapsed lungs A full-grown Pug can reach a height of 10 — 12 inches 25 — 30 cm and a weight of 14 — 18 pounds 6 — 8 kg. Their life expectancy ranges from 10 — 14 years. The Beagle is recognized for its floppy ears and tri-colored coat in brown, black, and white. This dog also has an independent streak that allows it to think for itself, follow its own nose, and ignore your commands. A full-grown Beagle can reach a height of 13 — 15 inches 33 — 41 cm and a weight of 20 — 24 pounds 9 — 11 kg. In comparison to the Pug, the Beagle is a much healthier dog, but it stills has some illnesses to watch out for. The most common ones are the cherry eye, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and patellar luxation bad kneecaps. The Beagle can live to 12 — 15 years. Drum roll, please…now we can finally talk about the Puggle! Keep in mind that all predictions and expectations about Puggle are based on its parent breeds, so nothing should come as too big of a surprise. This breed typically carries the floppy ears of a Beagle, and the black muzzle and curled tail of the Pug. Floppy ears seem to be a common feature among Beagle mixes. Take a look at the Beabull. Some owners have noticed that their Puggle has an overbite or an underbite. Its coat color is a blend of black, brown, and white. Maybe Husky. As mentioned above a full-grown Puggle weighs between 18 — 30 pounds and reaches a height of 13 — 15 inches. If you need help picking the right crate size for your dog, check out this page for useful tips and information. As pointed out in the first paragraph the Pug-Beagle mix can live between 12 — 14 years. During this time, your female Puggle will go into heat. The average cycle of a female Pug is 2 — 3 weeks and begins as early as 4 — 6 months. If you want to see what Puggle puppies look and sound like right after birth, check out this video! Realize that the Puggle is slightly bigger in height and weight than the Pug by a couple of inches due to the Beagle genes. Another thing to consider is your stance on designer dogs and intentional cross-breeding. On the other hand, the main purpose of cross-breeding is to eliminate certain health issues, which may suggest that the Puggle can live longer than the Pug. It is not a bullet-proof fact that crossbreeds are healthier than purebreds, and vice versa. Each case should be analyzed independently. Think of it as a Mini Puggle with a maximum height of 13 inches 8 cm and a weight range of 8 — 17 pounds 4- 8 kg. Be careful when shopping for Pocket Puggles, though, as many stem from irresponsible breeding habits such as using small and unhealthy dogs in the gene pool. Pocket Puggles may also be a gimmick dog sellers use to bring in more money at puppy mills. It was shortly after that Puggle was registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club, and by the early s, Puggles were being sold commercially. Most designer dogs have a purpose; a reason for being bred. And just in case you needed an additional holiday to celebrate, October 15 is National Pug Day. From what we know about the Pug and Beagle, the Puggle is predicted to have a fun-loving, affectionate, and intelligent temperament. Like the Beagle, it should be a great family dog that gets along well with kids, strangers, and adults. The Puggle is adaptable, which means it can live in a small apartment or big mansion in most climates. Many owners say this breed is a great option for first-time dog buyers thanks to its resilient personality and forgiving attitude. Another bonus: the Puggle hardly drools. I also noticed many people were interested in using Puggle as a service dog and wondered if it were possible. Technically speaking, any dog can be trained to help humans. The likelihood of a top service dog depends on six main things and how well it can meet in the middle of all of them. If this mix sounds too good to be true, then keep on reading. There are some downsides to owning a Puggle. Firstly, it may enjoy excessive barking, yapping, or howling out of boredom or separation anxiety , which comes from the Beagle side and being a Hound dog. Crying all the time. It may snore and wheeze, so consider keeping its bed away from yours at night if you want proper rest. Bred to be a companion dog, the Puggle does not do well on its own for long periods of time as it may result in anxiety or sadness. It craves human attention and would much rather be inside with you than playing outdoors all day. Beagles also have a high prey-drive that cannot be unlearned. As for Pugs, they have been known to show signs of aggression if not socialized properly. This includes biting and acting territorial. You may want to invest in a muzzle if this occurs. The Puggle can do well with other dogs as long as you take the time to introduce them and monitor their behavior. Not just the Puggle. For example, some owners noticed their dog has urinary problems, itchy skin, arthritis, or joint pain. These are common issues, especially in old age, that are not limited to Puggles. I could write out a whole list of medical concerns your Puggle may experience in its lifetime, but it would save us a lot of time to only focus on the serious and breed-specific ones. As mentioned before, Pug Dog Encephalitis is a big concern as it causes brain seizures and uncontrollable shaking that may lead to death. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease requires immediate attention and in most cases surgery as it reduces the blood flow to the thigh bone. I hate the C-word, but Pugs are prone to cancer. They can grow mast cell tumors that affect the immune system. Beagles, unfortunately, also rank in the top four breeds that are sensitive to cancer. For these life-threatening illnesses, consider pet insurance for cheaper medical bills. It may have diabetes, hypothyroidism, or internal parasites. Your Puggle may have momentary digestive issues and feel the need to throw up to feel better. Lastly, what about all that licking? Dogs often lick to relieve themselves from stress, anxiety, or boredom when their owners are away for a long time. Many owners give their Puggles haircuts in the summer by shaving them or cutting the fur close to the body. This should keep the shedding under control. Its skin folds and wrinkles need to be checked regularly for allergies, infections, and bad odors that come from natural body oils and the humidity. If you Puggle skinks, it needs a bath. Brush its teeth 2 — 3 times a week and check the eyes for redness and discharge. As for training, the stubbornness of the Pug and the independence of the Beagle could give you a hard time in this department. To help keep the attention of your Puggle, use treats as positive reinforcement and maintain a consistent training schedule. The Puggle is a relatively low-energy dog that only requires 15 minute walks twice a day. That being said, it may have sudden bursts of hyperactivity. You know, the zoomies. The Pug Beagle mix requires more mental stimulation than physical, so provide it with lots of toys and a fenced yard for when the zoomies kick in. Fair warning: do not leave your Puggle outside for long periods of time in the summer. The Pug is prone to overheat and is sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Swimming is another hot topic that came up during my research. Meanwhile, purebred Pugs cannot swim. At all. The Pug is prone to obesity so measure each scoop exactly. If you want to check for signs of being overweight, place your thumbs against its spine and feel for ribs. You should be able to feel them easily without pressing down — but you should never be able to see them. If you sense your Puggle is overweight, put it on a diet. Pocket Puggles While Puggles are small-sized mixes of the Beagle and Pug, Pocket Puggles are the miniature versions of the latter, weighing below 15 pounds and having a height less than 10 inches. Pocket Puggles are however undesirable as they have higher chances of inheriting a lot of genetic defects. History Originating in the s, Wallace Havens, a Wisconsin breeder was said to be officially responsible for its creation. However, much before Havens, some other breeders had also experimented in developing this unique breed. Temperament and Personality Gentle, friendly, smart, sweet, and affectionate— these are the traits that define a Puggle, which it rightly inherits from its Beagle and Pug parents. This trait could perhaps trigger separation anxiety in them as they cannot withstand being left alone for prolonged periods. However, they do not excel to be effective watchdogs as their Beagle parent. Puggles are friendly with babies and even older children, emerging as the perfect playmate the little ones could ask for. Care Exercise They have moderate exercise needs, requiring a brisk walk, alongside sufficient playtime. However, make sure you leash them when you take them out on a walk. Grooming A rubber curry brush is needed to comb their short coat on a bi-weekly basis. However, during the shedding seasons, they need to be brushed on a regular basis for dead hair removal. Health Problems There are chances of the Pug-Beagle mix to develop respiratory problems like the Pug, particularly if they have short snouts like the latter. They could even develop eye problems like cherry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy, that both their parents suffer from. Hip dysplasia and environmental allergies are the other common conditions the Beagle and Pug mix could get afflicted with. Training Despite their cute disposition and high intelligence level, their stubborn nature could pose challenges while training. The master should be firm and even introduce positive reinforcement techniques. Giving obedience training to the Puggle puppies is of utmost importance since they tend to display certain destructive habits of both their parents like incessant barking, digging, chewing and wandering around. Engaging them in some activity or the other would keep them busy, preventing them from resorting to destructive behaviors. Crate training your Puggle is essential to help it get over its separation anxiety. Accustom it to stay in the crate at least for sometimes in a day since its puppyhood. First keep it inside for a short span and then increase the time. Housetraining the Puggles would regularize their toilet schedule. First, you need to select a particular area where your Puggle would eliminate every day. Take it out to that designated place every morning and then in two hours for the whole day. Once he does his business reward and encourage him so that he housebreaks every day without showing any stubbornness. Feeding While selecting a dog food for the Puggle, make sure you go for the ones that contain essential nutrients like Vitamin C, E, fats, and amino acids. Blue Buffalo, Tate of the Wild and Royal Canin are few of the good brands of dog food that you can select for your pet Puggle. A homemade diet comprising of boiled vegetables and meat may also be added to its dog food in measured amounts, but always speak to the veterinarian before doing so. How much to feed You should feed a full-grown Puggle about one to one and a half cup of dry dog food regularly, twice or thrice in a day. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. At 10—15 inches tall and weighing 14—30 pounds, they're also apartment-sized—but be forewarned, puggles are not lapdogs. The puggle temperament is pretty high energy and go-go-go. They love to stretch their legs and play, and need numerous energy outlets to stay happy. Puggles make wonderful companions for active families and enjoy being around other dogs. Appearance As with all mixed-breed dogs, what you get with a puggle is a bit of a grab bag. You might have a puggle with a more smooshed, puggish nose or a puggle with a more beagle-y build. But in general, puggles tend to have a medium-short snout, tawny coloring, longer legs than a pug, and floppy, forward-folding ears. They have large, dark eyes that can often have the pug's globular prominence, and can also inherit the pug's underbite. A puggle will typically have fewer wrinkles than a pug, but maybe keep some folds around the face, giving them adorably exaggerated expressions. A note for those with allergies: This breed does shed , so he's not considered hypoallergenic. Puggle size will vary, but they fall within the range of 10—15 inches tall and weigh 14—30 pounds. Temperament There's a reason people who love pugs might opt for a puggle. Like their beagle forebears, puggles love to run and play, and they get along with other dogs well. This pup tends to be very affectionate to his owners and greets new people with tail wags and face licks. He loves children , though it's important to teach children how to be gentle with dogs. Puggles can be trained with patience and positivity, especially if you start when your puggle puppy is young. One trait Bloom has noticed in this mix is a kind of single-mindedness, in which they become obsessed with something and tune their humans out—a tendency that comes from their beagle side. Living Needs A puggle will be very happy in a home with a fenced-in yard he can run around in, though be ready for some digging and barking. They can also live in apartments with an owner who's dedicated to giving them regular, thorough exercise. Bored dogs might go after your sofa or curtains, and you'll come home to find them in pieces throughout the house. Because of their energy level, puggles make great exercise buddies. You can take them on walks , as well as moderate jogs and easy hikes no mountainsides. Puggles aren't very happy being left alone for long stretches of time, but they do love the company of other dogs—especially if their canine pal is ready for an exuberant BFF who loves to play. Care The puggle's coat is short, soft, and sheds seasonally with some regular shedding between seasons. Brush him weekly with a medium bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair, and give him a bath if he gets into something messy. If your puggle is particularly wrinkly, make sure to clean his wrinkles daily with pet wipes, baby wipes, or a damp cotton ball, and clean his ears , too. Your puggle needs plenty of exercise— some sources say at least an hour a day. Provide him with walks, jogs, hiking, games of tug-of-war or fetch, and playtime with other dogs at a dog park. Puggles can inherit a mischievous streak from their pug parent and can be a bit distracted because of their beagle side, so patient, positive reinforcement training is key—and treats help a lot! They can also be susceptible to heatstroke , so make sure your puggle has plenty of water, cool places to rest, and shade when he's outdoors in hot weather. Both the beagle and the pug are prone to patellar luxation or slip knee , hip dysplasia , and eye conditions. The best way to avoid these problems is to work with a breeder who screens both parents for health conditions before breeding them. This mixed breed can be prone to overeating, so be sure to watch your puggle's weight and give him plenty of exercise so he doesn't become obese. History While there's no official record of when the first offspring between a pug and a beagle came into this world, we do know the puggle became popular in the U. The New York Times suggests that during this time people sought out smaller dogs for their smaller, urban homes, and many of those would-be dog owners wanted small pups that weren't frilly lap dogs. Enter the puggle. This athletic little pup has an illustrious background. Pugs were developed over thousands of years as cherished companions at the Chinese Imperial Court, and outsiders could only receive one as a gift. Later, they became the mascot for the Dutch royal court and became popular in England when William and Mary of Orange, proud pug owners , assumed the British throne. Beagles, on the other hand, were bred in England as hunting dogs—unlike other hounds developed for the nobility, beagles could hunt on foot, meaning that common folks who didn't have horses could use the dogs. Beagles were imported to the U. Thanks to both of these unique backgrounds, the puggle has both an aristocratic and a working dog heritage. Meet Earl the Grump , a highly meme-able puggle with an adorably furrowed brow. Bentley is a puggle with a charming underbite and a French bulldog little bro. Riley is a sweet-faced puggle with huge, soft brown eyes and a puggle squad. Was this page helpful? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Puggle Overview Puggles are a cross breed of the Pug and Beagle. They have the wrinkles of their Pug parents and the longer muzzle, ears, and tail of a Beagle — a look that draws comparisons to miniature Mastiffs. This unique appearance and his friendly nature has driven a rapid rise in popularity since the first Puggle was bred in the s. Puggles are active. Not content to laze around the house, they play energetically indoors and out, racing around the dining room table and down the hall. Some enjoy digging outdoors. Expect to give them at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Puggles are smart, but they may or may not be eager to please. Neither the Pug nor the Beagle is especially known for ease of training , and both breeds can be stubborn. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as food rewards, play, and praise, and keep training sessions short and sweet. Being a social dog, the Puggle gets along well with everyone. Some are howlers, a trait inherited from their Beagle parent. The Puggle can be a cute and cuddly lovebug. Puggle Highlights Small to medium size: Puggles are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds and standing 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them a good size for apartments or small homes. Friendly and outgoing: Puggles are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with children and other pets, and they make great family companions. Easy to train: Puggles are intelligent dogs and are relatively easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times, so it is important to be patient and consistent with training. Low-maintenance coat: Puggles have short, smooth coats that are easy to groom. They also need to have their teeth brushed regularly and their nails trimmed as needed. Overall, Puggles are great pets for people who are looking for a friendly, outgoing, and low-maintenance dog. They are a good size for apartments or small homes, and they are relatively easy to train. If you are thinking about getting a dog, a Puggle may be a great breed for you! Puggle History The Puggle is the result of an accidental cross breeding between a Pug and a Beagle , probably sometime in the s. The breed has become very popular, thanks to their novelty, sweet nature, and cute looks. Most litters are the result of first generation breedings between Beagles and Pugs, but there have been a few breedings of Puggles to Puggles. Puggle Size Most Puggles are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 18 to 30 pounds. Toy-size Puggles are usually less than 13 inches tall and weigh 8 to 17 pounds. Puggle Personality The Puggle is a sweet, intelligent dog who can fit easily into family life. They can be playful and cuddly and enjoy spending time with the people in their lives. Puggles usually get along well with everyone, including kids and other pets. Potential behavior problems include howling, barking , digging , or wandering. Socialization helps ensure that your Puggle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Stenotic Nares , also known as pinched nostrils, is a congenital disorder meaning the dog is born with it. It affects dogs with short muzzles and makes it difficult for them to breathe. Signs include noisy breathing and exercise intolerance. Mild cases can be managed by preventing obesity, limiting exercise during hot or humid weather, and using a harness instead of a neck collar. More severe cases may require surgical repair. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone and may produce signs that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. Hypothyroidism can be managed very well with daily medication. A dog that is being treated for hypothyroidism can live a full and happy life. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts-the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf -is not properly lined up. This causes lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. It is a condition that is present at birth although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur until much later. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation, ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can be managed with medication, but it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of epilepsy, which can be either hereditary or of unknown cause. It looks like a reddened mass at the inner corner of the eye. Cherry eye can be repaired surgically. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, patellas knees , and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Puggle Care Puggles are people-lovers and should live indoors with the family, not outside. Some even have a tendency to howl, a trait they inherit from their Beagle parent. Puggles are intelligent but can be stubborn. Ample exercise will help keep them from becoming unruly. Give your Puggle a couple of minute walks or playtimes every day. Be sure to always walk your Puggle on leash or play with him in a securely fenced area. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age , build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Like their parent breeds, Puggles enjoy their meals and are prone to obesity. Keep your Puggle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Puggle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The undercoat is short and dense, covered by a slightly longer topcoat. Colors include fawn, red, tan, lemon, black, or any of those colors with white known as particolor. Some Puggles have black masks on the face. Puggles shed, like both their parent breeds. Brush your Puggle weekly to get rid of excess hair. Bathe him only as needed, but be sure to keep the folds on his skin and around his muzzle and eyes free of dirt, debris, and moisture to prevent infections. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Daily is better. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Puggle Children And Other Pets The Puggle is generally a sweet-tempered dog who gets along well with children of all ages. Puggles are sociable and generally do well with other dogs and pets. Proper training , plus lots of exposure to small pets, beginning in puppyhood , can minimize this trait. Puggle Rescue Groups This cross is often available at local animal shelters. You may also find Puggles through the rescue group below:. Lifespan Sociability Though Puggles have a frowning, serious expression, nothing could be farther from the truth! These pups are exceptionally playful and affectionate. Puggles make wonderful family dogs and companions, and they love being around people. Before going to a breeder or shelter it would be wise to seriously consider if you have the finances, time, and energy to dedicate to a dog for the next 15 years. A knowledgeable breeder will be able to tell you all about food choices, toys and games, socialization techniques, and even health care. Beagles Used to Be Tiny Too When the Beagle breed was in the beginnings of being established, there was a larger differentiation in size than there is now. According to the 18th-century poet, Gervase Markham, some Beagles were bred to be so tiny that they could sit in the palm of your hand, or be tucked inside a ladies kirtle! Though they were small for a hound, they are no less capable than their bigger cousins. Pugs Are Tiny Mastiffs It is a commonly accepted theory that Pugs were initially bred as miniature mastiffs. All the genial personality and goodwill towards family, and none of the slobber or crushed furniture! In ancient times Pugs were kept by Chinese royalty, but as the breed spread in popularity, they found a home with the Buddhist monks in temples all across Tibet. Though they started out as a longer, leaner breed they have slowly been guided to their current pudgy and adorable shape. The longer snout of the Beagle effectively cuts out any of the common brachycephalic issues that Pugs are prone to. On the flip side, the Pug also brings amazing befits to this mixed breed. Pugs are some of the friendliest, most easy-going dogs around and this predominate personality trait smooths out the often nervous and anxious Beagle. Puggles are a charming mix of good-natured, independent, loving, and inquisitive. They are total people-pleasers and love playing with children and other animals. Puggles will flourish in an environment where they can be close to people and do best with couples or families with children. They love to follow family members around and get their noses into everything that you do! Busy body, or best friend? Are These Dogs Good for Families? Socializing your Puggle and children with each other early on is sensible, though these pups are naturally friendly. Puggles are genial and kind dogs with other animals, making them a great choice for a multi-pet home. The only thing to keep in mind when letting your pets interact is that Puggles may inherit a little hunting instinct from their Beagle parent. Look for food designed for smaller breeds and avoid questionable by-product ingredients and excessive grains. Whole foods are great for dogs — animal proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and veggies too! Lean proteins like fish and fowl will serve these little adventurers well, giving them plenty of energy to burn without weighing them down. We recommend giving your Puggle at least one long walk a day, as well as providing indoor activities. Puggles deeply enjoy a good outdoor adventure where they can smell absolutely everything. But they are also conveniently sized, of moderate energy levels, and social enough that city living with sufficient exercise will suit them fine. The Beagle and Pug mixed dog can be very sensitive to heat, however, so avoid taking your Puggle out during the hottest parts of the day. And if they spend much time outdoors make sure they have a shady, cool area to relax. A gentle and treat generous hand is needed to train these pups, as well as plenty of patience. And do give them lots of praise and snacks when they follow directions. With a low-key routine, their short hair is simple to maintain. All pups need to have their ears, teeth, and nails checked to keep them healthy. Ears should be swabbed of excess dirt and wax, and teeth ought to be brushed on a weekly basis. And the relaxed temperament of the Pug mellows the sometimes-anxious Beagle. Though very healthy and unlikely to be prone to serious conditions, it is possible for a Puggle to inherit any of the common ailments of their parent breeds. To be as thorough as possible, here is a list of the health concerns that could be pertinent for a Puggle. Minor Conditions Deformities of the eye, nose, mouth Legg-Perthes disease. What is a Pocket Puggle? Settle in for a great read on every aspect of life with a Puggle. From what Puggles look like to which parent they most take after. And how to find one to buy or adopt. And give you an honest review of the pros and cons of the Puggle breed. What is a Puggle? Until not long ago, Puggle was the cute name that scientist gave to a baby echidna. Then in the s, the hybrid offspring of Pugs and Beagles started to gain popularity as pets. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing over names Buggle? Puggles have inspired countless grumpy Puggle memes. And they have even mingled with the rich and famous. Celebrity Puggles! They could hardly be more fashionable! Where do Puggles come from? Pugs are pretty much the first and last word in canine cuteness. In China they have been keeping dog lovers company since BC. By the 16th century Pugs had settled in Europe. They migrated to America with the earliest European settlers. Beagles have a noble history which easily rivals that of the Pug. But Beagle enthusiasts bred their dogs for a very different purpose. In ancient Greece, men trained hound-type dogs to hunt together in packs. These were the likely forefathers of the modern Beagle A Pet with Powerful Instincts Beagles today still have their great sense of smell and endless reserves of stamina. And were widely used for pack hunting until quite recently Most of us no longer use Beagles for hunting. He was a Puggle breeder from Wisconsin. In fact, Pug and Beagle mix dogs had probably existed before that. But Havens was the first to realize their potential as part of the new trend for designer cross-breeds. Puggle Popularity! What else do you need to know before you take the plunge? Puggle Profile When dogs of two different pedigrees breed, their puppies can take after strongly after one parent. Or they can inherit a mix of traits from each parent. They can even get a little bit of everything. An Unpredictable Mix Puggle puppies can vary widely from one puppy to another. Puggle Size Pugs are toy dogs, weighing a petite lb kg. Beagles are still compact, but tip the scales a little higher, between 22lb and 35lb kg. A Puggle can be very small like their Pug parent, or keep growing to 30lb or more. Pugs and Beagles are both popular for being small-scale dogs, who do well in small-scale homes. Pugs stand a mighty inches cm tall at the shoulder, and Beagles rarely exceed 15 inches 38cm. Also known as Miniature Puggles and Teacup Puggles. This demand has led to breeders scaling-down the Puggle breed by breeding very small dogs together. Even sickly or malnourished pups are sometimes advertised as special varieties. Sadly, very many others have been the victim of greedy, unethical breeders. Miniaturization of toy breeds can be really bad for their health. Think carefully before seeking out a Pocket Puggle. Characteristics Pugs are famous for their baby-like faces, large eyes and deep set wrinkles. Puggle Colors Pugs and Beagles are very smart little dogs, with short tidy coats and handsome markings. Puggles can inherit the classic black and tan colors of the Pug. Or they may inherit one of the rich brown colors associated with Beagles. Puggle Shedding Pugs and Beagles both molt, so with Puggles, shedding is pretty much a given. Interestingly, owners of all three breeds vary in their opinion of how badly they shed. This is partly because some dogs from the same breed shed more than others. I suspect it is also because we are more forgiving of annoying habits in small dogs! Are Puggles Hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, your Puggle puppy will not be hypoallergenic. Beagles are pack animals. Their loud howl belies their small size when they want to talk to their family. Pugs are known for barking, so Puggles might bark AND howl. But this sometimes turns to jealousy if they think they have to compete for your attention. Many Beagle owners describe their pets as happy dogs. They are easy going and smart, but their curiosity can get the better of them when they get carried away by an exciting new scent. Puggles tend to be curious little explorers, and very devoted and affectionate to their human family. Fans of Puggles describe them as playful, determined and happy. Their detractors say that where their Pug and Beagle sides clash, they can become confused and naughty. Puggle Training All dogs benefit from good training from an early age. Pugs have a reputation for being difficult to toilet train. Luckily, both breeds are quite greedy. Which is great news as modern training methods all use food to motivate dogs. But the pursuit of a that cute appearance has left them fighting a worrying number of health problems. This means that Pugs are prone to respiratory problems and to overheating during exercise. These Pugs are more likely to scratch and damage the surface of their eyes, and to pick up eye infections. A Puggle can inherit any of them. Joint Problems Beagles seem blessed with robust good health in comparison. However, they can suffer hip dysplasia — a joint problem common in many pedigree dog breeds — and canine epilepsy. There are some other more uncommon disorders Beagles are prone to. We cover them in more detail in our Beagle breed review. Puggle Mix Health The good news for a Puggle is that some of the Pug features that can lead to health problems are likely to be less severe than purebred Pugs. Those Beagle genes are helping them out here. So their muzzle is likely to be less short, and their eyes might not stick out of their skulls so much. That means the Puggle is less likely to scratch their eyes than a Pug. And their spine may not twist so severely at the end as to cause pain. You might have a better chance of a puppy that has no breathing problems if you buy a Puggle, than you would if you were to buy a pug. Healthier than a Pug but less healthy than a Beagle? This is great in the sense that it avoids some of the health problems of the Pug. But on the other hand, you may wonder if it causes problems for the Beagle, who could otherwise have expected better health? Puggle Lifespan Puggle life span is between 10 and 15 years, in line with their parents. And the effects of health problems on quality of life A long life does not necessarily mean a happy one. Either of these combinations can be distressing and frustrating for a Puggle, as they try to make sense of two conflicting instincts. Pugs and Beagles are both notable for getting on with all kinds of people. This could be a problem in an apartment or a crowded neighborhood. Remember that every Puggle is an unknown quantity. Ask yourself if you and your family are ready for the uncertainty. And if you have the time to figure out a Puggle and provide the right games and training to suit their needs. Puggle Puppies Whenever a new type dog becomes fashionable, some breeders will rush to produce puppies as quickly and cheaply as possible. But somewhere in the middle, there are loving dog owners who commit to rearing a litter of puppies and do so as responsibly as possible. The Puggle market is crowded, but we have some tips for finding those good breeders. Puggle Price So, how much does it cost to buy a Puggle? The answer is not as much as some other designer dogs. Beware of Puppy Mill Puggles Sadly, many of these puppies are born on puppy farms. A puppy from a responsible breeder could cost more. They will also have raised their puppies with love and care. Knowing that your puppy has had the best start in life is very important. Far more valuable than the saving you could make on the purchase price of a puppy from a puppy mill. A well cared for puppy should provide you with years of good company Puggle Rescue Sadly some Puggle owners abandon their pets or relinquish them to animal shelters. On the bright side this means that there may be a Puggle waiting for you in a shelter nearby. Finding Puggles for adoption is a great way to meet the newest member of your family. There are advantages of adopting a Puggle from a shelter They are likely to be a bit older, so the shelter will be able to give you an indication of which features they have inherited from each parent. Are Puggles Good Family Pets? They pack a lot of appeal into a small package. But cute Puggles are right in the thick of the controversy over designer dogs. Puggles can have wonderful personalities. If your first choice of dog was Pug, then choosing a Pug crossbreed is a great alternative. One which side steps unhealthy breeding practices within the Pug pedigree. Puggle Breeders The key to finding a healthy, happy Puggle is finding a caring breeder. One who plans their matings responsibly. And who is happy to discuss all the potential issues of the Puggle breed with you. They will choose a Pug parent with a longer than average muzzle, and no history of respiratory problems. The Beagle parent will be friendly and affectionate, as well as health tested. The most important thing is that you take on your baby Puggle or Puggle adult! And understanding the care and training that they will need. Do you have a Puggle? What has your experience been of this unique hybrid? Tell us and our readers about them in the comments section below! References and further reading.

They were once working dogs on farms and later became popular guard dogs and police dogs. Brown Boxers are medium-sized dogs with a short, smooth coat. They can range in color from light brown to almost black. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise. They make great family pets and do well with children. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, thanks to their friendly nature and loveable personality. Boxer puppies are known to be very playful, making them great pets for families with children. Brown Boxer puppies are a beautiful breed that will bring joy to any home they enter. Brown Boxer Full Grown Brown Boxer Full Grown A full-grown brown Boxer typically stands between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. They are known for their powerful, muscular build and their characteristic square-shaped head. The coat of the brown Boxer is short, smooth, and glossy. A full grown Brown Boxer is a massive, beautiful animal. They are very strong, and have an impressive protective instinct. Boxers are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strength, and the dark brown variety is no exception. Dark brown Boxers are often thought of as being more gentle and easygoing than their lighter-colored cousins. The main difference is in the shade of brown. A light brown Boxer will have a coat that is closer to tan or cream, while a dark brown Boxer will have a coat that is darker, more like chocolate. Brown and White Boxer Brown and White Boxer When you search for photos of Boxers on Google, you will find that one of the most common colors of the breed is brown and white. They often have a sleek, solid brown coat with black mask and white markings. But even if you find this color combination common, brown and white Boxers still look regal, alert, and curious. Their differences depend on the originating country, coat colors, and mixed breeds. Although considered medium- to large-sized dogs at .Their legs are thinner and shorter. Their snout is also thinner that their German counterpart. Like their English Boxer brothers, they are medium- to large-sized dogs with short hair. The difference between English and American Boxers are easily recognizable because of their lack of wrinkles when fully grown. Moreover, their ankles, paws, and knuckles are shaped differently. This makes them stand in a distinct manner. They are known to be friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. Brown Boxadors make great family pets and are good with children. They need plenty of exercise and socialization. This hybrid dog is muscular and stocky, with a short coat that is brown in color. The Brown Pitbull Boxer mix is an intelligent and loyal companion, who is also good with children. This breed does require daily exercise, so they are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle. What is the rarest color for Boxers? White may be most controversial color when it comes to Boxers, but seal brindle is considered the rarest. With tight tiger stripes, seal brindle Boxers look almost black. As such, they tend to be more expensive than Boxers of other colors. Are brown Boxer dogs rare? While brown Boxers are not the most common color for the breed, they are not rare. The Boxer breed is thought to have originated in Germany, and the first recorded boxer was born in .Boxers come in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, and reverse brindle. Fawn is the most common color, followed by brindle. Brown boxers typically have a white chest and markings on their face. Can brown Boxers change color? Do brown Boxers have any health problems? There are no known health problems specifically associated with brown boxers. However, as with all dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that can be prevented through regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer. Some brown boxers may also suffer from allergies or skin problems. How much does a brown Boxer puppy cost? Boxer puppies are one of the most popular breeds and they come in a variety of colors. When considering purchasing a brown boxer puppy, be sure to do your research on reputable breeders. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts. Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. They make it so darn easy to fall in love with! Boxers are affectionate, a little goofy, and always ready to play. They pretty much agree on all the major points. Remember that these organizations set the bar for competition for confirmation to the essence of the breed. Each one has a group of criteria by which they are judged. It includes things like general appearance, body shape, coat, and color. Think of it as kind of a buzz cut for dogs. Going over your pup with a hound glove or curry brush regularly will help keep it in check. His fur should be shiny and feel smooth. The Boxer is fussy about their appearance and will keep themselves clean. The 3 Boxer Colors: Boxers come in three colors, although these can be mixed and matched into different combinations. Those 3 colors are: 1. The density of the black can vary from barely noticeable to almost dark brown. Genetics handles the pattern and thickness of the striping. The darker colors pop against the light. They set a limit of up to one-third of it. They are not desirable on the back or flanks. The Boxer, after all, has a long to maintain. They may have the black muzzle with the color extending up toward their eyes. The shade can range anywhere from buff to chestnut brown. The rest of the official standard reads similarly to the part describing Brindle Boxers. A dog that is all Fawn is acceptable in the show ring. Markings of the Fawn Boxer Likewise, there are the same restrictions on the proportion of white on the Fawn Boxer. The goal is to keep that definitive look that the breed has. We have to agree. This hue has been with the breed for hundreds of years. For a while, it was accepted as part of the standard. The personality of the pup is also a part of these criteria. In Germany, Boxers followed their earlier history as a guard dog. The decision was merely a cosmetic one. Some people equate it with albino, which technically is not valid. A White Boxer usually has brown eyes and a black nose. If it were an albino, it would lack the pigmentation for those colors. Instead, his nose and pads would be pink. As an aside, albinoism is a disqualification in the show ring. White Boxers often have other black markings on them. However, is the white color a problem? Many breeds have a predisposition to one or more congenital health issues. Reputable breeders will pre-screen parent dogs and their litters for the ones most common in that line. They also provide recommendations for testing. Dogs that test positive for specific conditions are not bred to reduce the incidence in the population. Unfortunately, the white color of the Boxer carries some of these problems. To be clear, some of them are not exclusive to this breed. The issues with the White Boxer and others of this ilk result from the lack of pigment. Besides detracting from his appearance, it can make the dog more likely to go blind. It can also cause deafness. The pooch may also get sunburned more quickly, which can increase his risk of cancer. All of these things seem like compelling reasons not to breed White Boxers. There is a happy ending to the story. However, they still discourage breeding them. While the risk for genetic issues exists, any color of dog can make a delightful pet. Owning a Boxer—or any pup—is a serious responsibility. The lovable disposition of the breed makes it an easy thing to do. Final Thoughts The Boxer is a handsome dog, no matter if they are fawn, brindle, or white. They are happy and friendly pooches that will make excellent pets and faithful companions for you and your children. They are always a bit of a character, which makes owning one a fun experience with new adventures every day. Featured Image Credit: Pikist. There are some Boxers that appear to be black. However, a solid black coat is not indicative of the breed. So, how can this be? Read more about what markings and patterns can cause a black-like coat. Fawn- What exactly is the color fawn in regard to dogs? This sample is a typical fawn. However, as you will see, fawn is a range of hues. To the right below on mobile is a medium fawn is the standard hue when referring to this terminology. With nice white flash markings on the chest and with black on the muzzle, this Boxer meets color breed standard very well. Brindle - What is brindle? Brindle is not technically a color, it is a pattern. The base is fawn and there is striping. The stripes may be light or dark, and density of the striping can range from thin to thick. Some brindles will look almost fawn and some will appear so dark that they look black. This Boxer shows the standard brindle striping. With white on his chest, paws and ankles and black on the muzzle, this Boxer also meets breed standards perfectly. This is a red fawn Boxer. As you can see, this fawn is darker and deeper than that the common tan fawn; producing a slight shading of red. What a gorgeous coat. This Boxer is a dark brindle. As you can see, with dark brindle the black is over powering the fawn color. The black striping in this pattern is heavy; which would be called a reverse or even a seal. Which simply means that the dog is not officially a solid fawn; he is a mix of colors. Seal - The Boxer dog you see here on the left is Vesta; this color is often referred to as seal. This is a super tight brindle. Siennna, right, is a fawn. Photo courtesy of Nancy Dark Brindle Boxer. Turkish, at 7 years old, photo courtesy of Renata Boxer Dog Flash The white markings on this breed are called "flash". If a Boxer has a moderate amount, one often refers to this as semi-flashy. Those with prominent white on a good portion of the coat are called flashy. No Markings? Not all Boxers have white markings. These are known as plain Boxers, but the term is misleading, as it refers to the genes at work. Read more: Boxers without White Markings Brindle Explanation Brindle one of the colors of this breed is actually a pattern. Stripes running through the coat partial or full is brindling. These are often black hairs, but may be any color that is a darker shade than the hairs that run under it. Depending on the exact color of these brindling pattern stripes, one may refer to a Boxer using one of the following terms listed in order from a very light brindle to a heavy dark striping : Light super light. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. Less - The Boxer is exemplary in its combination of stylish elegance with strength and agility. It is square-proportioned with good substance and musculature. Its stride is free and ground-covering, with proud carriage. Its head is distinctive, with a broad, blunt muzzle and alert expression. Its coat is short and shiny. It is perfectly suited to serve as a working watchdog. The boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted and outgoing; it is a perfect companion for an active family. It can be stubborn, but it is sensitive and responsive to commands. It may be aggressive toward strange dogs, but it is generally good with other household dogs and pets. History The Bulldog is an ancestor of the Boxer; various terriers were also part of its make-up, which gives the breed its speed, agility and more graceful body. The breed was virtually ignored until World War II, when it was brought into use as a military or police dog. This helped to insure instant popularity with returning servicemen, and the breed became in demand in the United States.

Be sure the application is filled out in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Fights are happening, resulting in injuries to both dogs. Bailey is very sweet, current on vaccines, and spayed. She has been ok with male boxers so we will consider placing her with a sweet boy, who loves to play. Bailey has no history with young children. She is currently taking Prozac and Trazadone at the advice of a trainer who claimed it would help to keep her from panting in her crate. Shame on this vet who willy nilly dished out these drugs to a 13 month old dog, without asking why!! Bailey needs a committed home, with an understanding of the needs of an adolescent boxer. She should attend positive based training with her new humans. Bailey would love a fenced in yard, in addition to lots of walks and continued socialization. If you are interested in this girl, please apply! Where do your boxers come from? Many of our boxers are owner surrenders. Perhaps the owner purchased the dog on impulse, not understanding the needs of a boxer. Sometimes, financial situations change, and families are not able to care for the dog anymore. We also take dogs that have been brought to shelters around New England. If a shelter reaches out for help, we do our best to find placement for the boxer in need. Lastly, we have a wonderful relationship with boxer rescue in Puerto Rico, and we work closely with them to bring boxers in need, from the island, to New England. All of our boxers are temperament tested and evaluated before coming into rescue. It should be noted that ALL dogs require a decompression period when going to a new home. Can I adopt a female dog if I already have a female dog? The short answer is no. Our experience in placing dogs, has shown us that placing two females together is oftentimes not the best long term situation. We receive many calls from owners needing to surrender their female boxers because there is fighting with another female dog in the house. Either way, the fighting is often brutal and bloody. We have adopted a policy to never place two female dogs in the same house. Are your boxers healthy? They are brought up to date on vaccines, tested for heartworm, and spayed or neutered unless too young or not medically able to be. Their vet records are provided upon adoption. Do I need to have a fenced in yard to adopt a boxer? We do not require a fenced in yard for all of our boxers. We look at each dog, individually, and based on the needs of that dog, we may require fencing. Please note that we do not consider an electric fence to be a proper method of containment and are not able place a dog in a home that uses electric fencing. Do you have a shelter where I can come meet the boxers? We are not a shelter and do not have a physical location where you can meet our adoptees. Most boxers will stay with their owners or shelter until we can secure a foster or adoptive home for them. What Are Your Adoption Fees? Email: missmichelle yahoo. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Remember, we can't moderate the results we show, but they are hopefully a good starting point to narrow down some of the Boxer breeders in Massachusetts. Facebook Groups Facebook is another great place to find honest reviews of Breeders. Click here to search Facebook groups that discuss Boxer breeders in Massachusetts. You can grab your free copy below. Boxer dogs are a great addition to any home, but you do have to make some considerations about your lifestyle. Whereabouts in Massachusetts were they based, what was the Breeders name? It really helps others who are searching for a Boxer Puppy in the Massachusetts area if they can read honest reviews from buyers like yourself. Are you a breeder of Boxers? Get in touch and we can add you to our directory. Please feel free to drop us a picture of your Boxer on Facebook or Twitter. And remember to check out our Boxer puppy buyers guide for lots of useful information. Recommended Posts:. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Boston MA? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Boston MA? The adverts for Boxers for sale Boston will have a wide range of different prices, for a number of reasons. The reputation, experience, and location of each Boston Boxer breeders will have an effect on the price. Another thing that will affect the price of pups is their pedigree and coloring. Am I limited to choosing pups from Boxer breeders in Boston? Not at all! You can easily start looking further afield. One of the great things about working with the Uptown network is that the approved businesses and companies cover the whole country - so you have plenty of pups to choose from! How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Boston? Our strict application process helps to make sure that we only work with the very best companies with Boxer puppies for sale Boston. Once accepted, every company needs to sign the Uptown Puppies Breeder Pledge. What makes Uptown Puppies different? Searching for Boston Boxers for sale online can feel like a bit of a minefield. At Uptown, we only work with the best of the best businesses. What are puppy mills? Puppy mills focus on churning out as many pups as possible per year in order to maximize their profits. Puppies born in mills are at higher risk of suffering from health conditions and behavioral issues due to the lack of care and socialization they receive. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Boston right now? So what are you waiting for - go ahead and start connecting with the recommended companies in our network. You never know, your dream puppy could be just waiting to meet you! Where is the Boxer breed from? While descendants of the modern Boxer breed can be tracked back as far as B. C, the breed as we know it today originated in 19th Century Germany. Boxers were bred as an all-round working dog and it was quickly discovered that their combination of loyalty, intelligence, and bravery made them the perfect guard dogs. Before you start your search for Boxer puppies Boston, be sure that you can match the high-energy levels of these dogs! They love being challenged both mentally and physically, so plenty of training sessions and exercise is a must. Boxers are affectionate and loyal dogs who love nothing more than spending time watching over their families. How much exercise does a Boxer need?

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

The clip was posted by TikTok user Caralyn Corso caralync0 , a year-old registered nurse in Seattle. She told Newsweek that her 3-year-old golden retriever Charles has been howling at fire trucks since he was between 5 and 6 months old. The latest video begins with the pup releasing a couple of "whoofs" before the howling. It was posted with a caption that reads: "When you have to warm up your 'awoooo' first. A video of Charles appearing to "warm up" his vocal cords before howling at fire-truck sirens has gone viral on TikTok. Veterinarian Dr. Hector Joy explained in a July article for animal-advice website PetMD: "Wolves use howling to identify themselves to other wolves, to ward off intruders, and to bond with other pack members. While dogs are different from wolves, they did keep plenty of wolf behaviors, including howling," he added. A dog's howling in response to outside noises, such as sirens, has evolved from wolf behavior. Joy said: "Howling was a form of location-detection for wolves. They would use howling to locate their pack members or tell other wolves to stay out of their territory. Police trucks and ambulances don't inspire him, apparently. He wasn't around any other dogs that did this. So, now every time I hear a fire truck, I pull my phone out when I'm with Charles. He gets into it! The footage shows Charles looking ahead toward something in the distance, before releasing a small "whoof" sound. The faint sound of a fire-truck siren can be heard in the background. As the siren sound appears to grow louder, Charles lets out another "whoof" and barks once before belting out a long, croaky howl. He releases another foghorn-style, drawn-out howl before the clip ends. The latest viral clip has delighted users on TikTok. Nicola Blue wrote, "This was too cute," while user commented: "Awww the warm up is so cute. Send them to life newsweek. Read more. Golden Retrievers are social and affectionate dogs, so when they howl, that is their way of communicating their loneliness and gaining your attention. Other Reasons why your Golden Retriever is howling include — them being bored, in pain, responding to a high pitch noise, responding to a siren, or it may simply be part of their ancestry. Golden Retrievers have earing that surpasses ours significantly, so they can pick up on these sounds more than us and are more sensitive to such sounds. Since Golden Retrievers have such a strong sense of duty, they will howl in response to the siren, which they perceive as another dog howling, to alarm you of the potential encroaching danger. This can be done by exposing them to sirens more often and desensitizing them to it. In this way, you can teach your dog to differentiate between a dog howling and a siren and effectively alter their reaction towards sirens. Loneliness As you may know, Golden Retrievers are an affectionate and social breed who do not particularly enjoy being away from their owners or being in the company of someone whom they are not comfortable with for too long. When your Golden Retriever has been away from you for too long, they will begin to howl. They howl as a way to communicate their loneliness, with the hope that you will hear them and return to them. Just like wolves howl when they are separated from their pack and hope that their pack will hear them and find their way back to them or respond to them, Golden Retrievers do the same. If you have been unusually busy and you hear your Golden Retriever howl, it is likely that they miss you and would like to spend some time with you. You can identify that your Golden Retriever is howling because they are lonely by seeing whether their howling is accompanied by pacing, sense of distress, and destructive behavior. Golden Retrievers typically associate high-pitched noises with other dogs howling. However, in most cases, when they hear a high pitch noise, they will howl in an attempt to warn you of potential dangers. Howling Because Of Pain When Golden Retrievers are in pain because of an illness or injury, they communicate their pain by howling. This is similar to us, humans, crying when we are in pain. You can usually identify whether your Golden Retriever is howling because of pain by taking note of how they are howling. If their howl sounds different from what it usually sounds like, then there is something wrong with your Golden Retriever. You should take your Golden Retriever to the veterinarian so that they can be treated and relieved of their pain as soon as possible. To Catch Your Attention When your Golden Retriever wants to catch your attention or try to persuade you to give them what they want, they will howl at you. This can be pretty adorable when they are puppies because they are like children wanting your attention. However, as your Golden Retriever gets older, this behavior may not be as cute. Your Golden Retriever may grow into the habit of howling at you and getting exactly what they want. In this case, you should simply pretend not to hear your Golden Retriever. This is a much better way of teaching them a lesson without harsh punishments. Harsh punishments are still a form of attention, so ignoring your Golden Retriever would be more effective. You can have a look at these amazing training books for your Golden Retriever. Boredom Golden Retrievers are naturally active and curious. They need something to quench their curiosity and keep them busy otherwise;, they will find other ways to occupy themselves. One of the ways in which Golden Retrievers pass the time when they are bored is by howling. Your Golden Retriever will howl to get your attention and notify you that they are bored and need something to do. The best way to deal with this is by ensuring that your Golden Retriever gets ample exercise every day. Walks are fantastic for Golden Retrievers because they get their daily exercise, and they can see new places and quench their thirst for adventure. Ancestry Back in the day, Golden Retrievers were generally used as hunting dogs by hunters. Golden Retrievers were exceptional retrievers who would catch and return the prey to their hunters without any hassle. As we already know, wolves howl when they need to find their pack. Since Golden Retrievers were used as hunting dogs, they would howl to find their way back to their hunters or vice versa. This is a trait that Golden Retrievers inherited from their ancestors and have in common with wolves. You should generally not worry about your Golden Retriever howling, especially when a trigger is present, such as a siren or a loud noise. In other cases, your Golden Retriever is lonely, so you need to spend more time with them, or they may simply want your attention. This is not something to worry about, but it is a negative trait that needs to be adjusted. If they only howl when they are injured, then it is an issue that can be fixed by taking them to the veterinarian for treatment. If your Golden Retriever is howling in response to sirens and high-pitch noises, then you should teach your Golden Retriever a different way to respond to those sounds. This is especially important if the sounds are frequent and there is no way to stop them. You can desensitize your Golden Retriever to these sounds by exposing them to those sounds and teaching them to become less sensitive and reactive to those sounds. However, it would help to do this systematically by starting with shorter and less alarming versions of the sounds. As your Golden Retriever adjusts to those volumes and intensities, you should gradually increase the volume and intensity. If you simply introduce them to a loud and alarming version of those sounds, you may cause your Golden Retriever to enter a state of distress. However, if this has already become an issue for you, you should teach your Golden Retriever that they will not get what they want by howling. You should completely ignore them when they start howling for attention. When they behave well, you should reward them. This may seem relatively simple, but it teaches your Golden Retriever that they will need to behave well to get treats and attention from you. They will become reluctant to howl because that will not get them anything. When your Golden Retriever howls, barks, or even growls while they are asleep , it is because they have a dream. In their dream, they may be encountering something that would make them howl if they were awake. Your Golden Retriever puppy could be howling because they are ill or injured. Shortly after adopting your Golden Retriever Puppy, they may be howling because they are not yet accustomed to their new home. Other reasons why they could be howling is because they are bored or simply responding to the sound of sirens. Your Golden Retriever associates the high-pitch sound emitted by sirens with the sound of other dogs howling. When dogs howl, it triggers other dogs to howl so that they can warn their owners of the potential danger. Your dog could also be lonely or responding to the sound of sirens from emergency vehicles. Conclusion If your Golden Retriever howls, it is often nothing to worry about. The best way to understand why your Golden Retriever is howling is by considering their environment and their demeanor as they are howling. If there are loud sounds, then those are the triggers. If your Golden Retriever seems to be uncomfortable and in distress, then they are most probably in pain, and this is when you are warranted to worry about your Golden Retriever howling. Recommended Reads:.

Breeders of American Cockapoos and Labradoodles We are the first breeders in South Africa of American Cockapoos What makes our puppies so special and how we justify our prices of puppies? We at GodsOfTheSun put a lot of time and effort into selecting the dogs to breed with. Both the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle have to have clear heath checks. They are tested for the genetic diseases that each breed are prone to. We also only choose the best temperaments to make them the perfect family dogs, taking into special consideration as to their behavior with small children. The dogs coat types are also very important to ensure that they will be hypo-allergenic and have low shedding. Because of this careful selection and the time it takes to find the perfect match, there is a limited amount of litters of American Cockapoos and Labradoodles. We also ensure the best care and nutrition for mommy and babies during and after the pregnancies as well as around the clock care to ensure they have the best upbringing. Do your research and make sure that both dogs are health checked and come from good bloodlines and are not just backyard, puppy mill breeders. If you would like to stay updated on upcoming litters and when waiting lists become open, please join our Facebook group:. Puppies ' Please contact me for cost of puppies. We screen adopters and they need to agree to our puppy policy. About us ' Our dogs are a part of our family they live with us in our home and share our lives in full, our puppies are raised with love and care in our home. Golden doodles are an extraordinary friendly loyal breed created by crossing Golden Retrievers to poodles. Golden doodles are highly valued for its low shedding coat and fun loving personalities that makes it an ideal house mate and family pet. We occasionally have Golden doodle puppies for sale and if your choice for your next best friend is a Golden doodle the best place in South Africa to adopt a puppy is from GoldendoodlesZA where our dogs are fully health tested, ensuring you a healthy companion for life, have super friendly temperaments and are bred out of quality imported bloodlines. GoldendoodlesZA are expecting puppies available for adoption — please contact us for more information. F1 standard puppies Puppies expected August ready to go mid to end October Puppies have arrived!!!

Poodle Clips Overview One of the most fascinating and interesting elements of the Poodle breed are the amazing clips of the coat. The owner of a pet Poodle may simply choose to keep the entire coat trimmed to a certain length.Or the owner of a pet or show Poodle may want the appropriate show cut. The AKC requires certain cuts depending on the age of the Poodle. Let's take a look at the proper Poodle clips for AKC conformation and what each clip entails. When showing, this is the only acceptable clip for Poodles under 1 year old. Many pet owners opt for this cut as well, as it allows for the Poodle to have full coverage over the body, without exposing any skin, except for the dog's small paws. When skin is exposed it is subjected to the sun and can develop possible sores from playing around in the yard or when exposed skin is resting against carpeting. With this type of clip, the Poodle's face, throat, paws and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. You may opt to have a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is done with scissors to even things up and get rid of any long, straggly hairs. The face, front legs between poms and elbow, hind quarter to the pom area and with the exception of the hip rosettes, feet, and base of tail are all shaved very closely. The pack area is left very, very long and scissored into shape. The top knot is left very long and pulled into a ponytail. The tail is given a very large pompon. Poms on the legs are started just above the wrist and hock joints and end just above the feet. They are also scissored round. The hip rosettes are placed directly over the Poodle's hip joint. These are also scissored round. The reason that this is allowed is that the only element which is "modified" is the lack of the hip rosettes, which are optional. English Saddle With this clip, the Poodle's face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and paws are all closely shaved. The pack is left rather full and is scissored into shape. The top knot on the head is left long and pulled back into a pony tail. The poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. The tail's pom is left long and shaped into a ball. The poms on hind legs are rounded off and spaced evenly apart. The bottom pom begins just above the hock and ends above the feet. With this Poodle clip, the face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved close, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head. The rest of the dog's body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short, soft blanket of coat approximately 1 inch long. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. There is a nice, fluffy pompon at the end of the Poodle's tail. It is also referred to as the 'Second Puppy Clip'. The hair on the top may be left puffed out or pulled into a topknot. The coat is allowed to be very low on the legs, only showing a bit of the paw. It is a nice clip that offers a pleasant shape while not exposing any skin. Since coat growth can quickly cause this clip to loose shape, it is retouched approximately 5 to days before a show event. Kennel Clip - This is a pet clip, meaning that many pet owners opt for this easy clip and it is not permissible in the AKC show ring. Body hair is short all over and just scissored into shape. The top knot and tail are left longer than the body hair. The length of the body hair is completely up to the owner, some opt for a shorter length in the hotter months and longer in colder months. Lamb Clip - This is very similar to the Kennel Clip. The only difference is that the coat is left longer. With this Poodle clip, the dog's face, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. Body hair is left fluffy but not too long and then scissored into shape. The legs are shaped into a pom at the bottom starting just above the wrist and the hock ending just above the feet. The length of the hair is up to the owner, however, most opt for a very short clip. Dutch Clip - This is an interesting pet clip. The Poodle's face, neck area, belly band, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. The belly band may be shaved thin or wide, as shown in the photo. The lines between the withers along the spine and between the hips along the spine are also shaved. These lines are very narrow. The top of the head, the legs, and tail are left very fluffy. As you can imagine, the coat cannot be brushed in the traditional sense, cords must be separated out by hand. This used to be a very popular way to keep the coat long ago, however now this is exceedingly rare since most pet owners simply do not have the time to braid the section, keep the coat clean or wait for the exceedingly long drying time that comes with such large dread-lock type sections. This an exceptionally difficult style to do and to maintain which keeps owners away even if the look is a desired one. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and feet are all shaved closely. Pack is left very full and is scissored into shape. Top knot is left long and pulled into a pony tail. Poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. Pom on tail is left long and shaped round. The poms on back legs are shaped round and spaced evenly. The bottom is started just above the hock and ends above the feet. The pom on the front leg starts just above the wrist joint and ends just above the feet. There should be a shaved narrow seperation between the upper part of the leg that is left fluff and the pom at the wrist. Length of body hair depends upon preference. There is no pom on the tail. Legs are left longer than the body and rounded. Top knot is fluffy. Length of hair depends upon preference. The ears are also completely shaved in this cut. Head and body are left fluffy and shaped into classic lines. The only difference being that the feet are NOT shaved in this clip. The legs, top knot, and tail are left fluffy and are rounded. Length of the legs depends upon preference. I am happy to have you sign my guestbook, but if you are doing it just to be rude, please don't bother. It just wastes my time and yours. I do not have any puppies or adults for sale. All articles on this site unless otherwise states are written by me, Keisha of Arpeggio Poodles. Articles by other people have been given their due credit. I am sorry I have to post this but I am finding my articles being stolen and being placed on other peoples sites. All photos are sole property of Arpeggio Poodles unless otherwise noted. Reproduction of photos without express written permission is prohibited! All pictures and graphics unless otherwise stated are of my own design. Please do not take them. Most of the information on my site is from my own views, opinions, or research that I have done. Where appropriate I have sited my sources and links to their sites. Do not take my opinions as that of a licensed vet. Any person that relies solely on my information does so at their own risk. Thanks for all the support! We have reached so many visits that our counter that only goes to 1,,, has started over for the 6th time now. Thanks everyone for making this site such a success! This site is dedicated to my Mother and Father. Bless you both. I know you are happy once again being reunited. Thank you for being my friends, my teachers, my heros and my parents. I miss you both greatly. Your loving daughter.

A Day In The Life.Puppies The link has been copied! Welcoming a new member into the family? Every puppy deserves a collar as it is a helpful tool for training and in case they ever go missing. Read on to find what size collar for your puppy you will need. How to measure your puppy's neck size All puppies are different and vary neck size, much like how people come in all sizes and shapes. For a proper fit, make sure to measure your dog's neck and don't just guess! Measure a few inches down from their head and then add an inch for very small dogs or two inches for medium and large dogs. Pull the tape snug but not tight. Collar Types Martingale Collars Martingale collars , sometimes called no-slip or limited-slip collars, are a type of dog collar that provides more control than a typical flat collar, and prevent dogs from backing or slipping out. Originally popular with Greyhound owners, they've become much more popular in recent years. They look similar to a flat collar, but about a third of the length of the collar is actually a smaller loop of fabric with a D-ring to attach a leash. On some martingale collars, the smaller loop is made from chain instead of fabric. The collar works by constricting when the dog pulls on the leash, which causes the smaller loop to tighten up to a point. Unlike choke chains or slip leads a type of training leash , Martingale's can only tighten so much before they stop, so are a great option to prevent a dog from backing out of their collar but need to be used with care. They offer comfortable security without harming your dog. In between sizes? If your puppy is in between the sizes listed, pick the larger of the two sizes to give them the most room to grow into. As they reach their full size, you'll want to pick the smaller of the two to avoid having extra material on the end of the collar. There are a huge variety of colors, patterns, and widths available. Ideal for dogs to wear around the house and on walks, nylon collars are the multi-purpose, standard collar. Biothane These collars are the ideal collar for dogs that love water. They are a great alternative to neoprene and leather, as they are softer, more flexible, and less expensive. Patterns and styles are more abundant than neoprene and can be a more fashionable option for pet owners looking for both style and function. Neoprene This material is a soft rubber material that is used in wet suits, and is reinforced with nylon webbing for added strength, stretch, and durability. Neoprene makes for excellent dog collars for dogs that spend a lot of time in the water. Leather These dog collars are a classic, durable style of collar that provides a great balance of both looks and practicality. While more expensive than most collars, quality leather collars can be expected to last for years. Make sure when you are buying your dog's leather collar that you choose a collar made from genuine leather. Bonded leather, while made from real leather, is a conglomerate of scrap leathers with a bonding agent to bind them. This type of leather may look and feel like genuine leather, but it is not as durable and is an inferior product. While bonded leather would still be suitable for a dog collar, it won't have the same durability. Rolled leather collars are generally recommended for dogs that have thick hair that easily mats around their collar. How to plan for a growing puppy Buy a collar that fits well now When buying your puppy a collar, you want to get the most for your money, but don't let go overboard and put your dog at risk. Buy a collar that fits your puppy well at his current size. While you should keep the future in mind, the most important thing is that your puppy is safe. A collar that is too big can slip over the dog's head or be chewed on. Too small collars can choke your dog, cause skin irritation, or even obstruct breathing. Lay the one collar myth to rest If you are fitting a collar for your puppy, you will buy another collar at some point in your dog's life. Very few dogs will fit the same collar from when they are a couple months old through adulthood. Expect that you will need to buy another collar when your dog reaches adulthood or perhaps several times for labs! Find a collar that leaves room for your puppy to grow Puppies grow. While buying a cute and impossibly small collar might be tempting, it's better to choose a collar that will fit your dog in a couple of months. Puppies grow a lot, particularly in the first few months, so you want to make sure your puppy's collar is adjustable so that you can resize it as they grow. Usually there is some overlap between sizing. If you can find a bigger collar that fits well, choose it over a smaller one that they will outgrow quickly. Typically, the bigger the collar, the more adjustable range, so as they get bigger, the collars will also last longer. Size your puppy regularly Because of your puppy's rapid growth pattern, you should be sizing its neck at least every two weeks to make sure everything continues to fit well. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath your dog's collar at any time. Adjust your puppy's collar as needed or purchase a new one. Considering a GPS Collar? If you're looking to get a Fi GPS Collar for your puppy , the good news is we offer several sizes and the electronic portion of the collar is transferrable to new bands as your pup grows. For more information on how to do this, click here. Finding a suitable collar for your dog matters, especially if you own a smaller dog like a pug. Pugs are adorable, but finding the right collar can quickly become challenging as you review various options and understand what they include, requiring you to consider multiple points. Ensure you review the best collars on the market, see what you should consider while you buy a collar, and keep your pug safe. Best Dog Collars for Pugs You should start by reviewing the best pug collars on the market. Doing so will help you see what matters the most, which options you like, and pick your favorite. A lightweight and comfortable design Supports 40 percent more GPS satellites Waterproof design Three months battery life Over pound resistance This collar focuses on tracking your pug and keeping them safe and healthy. It has a waterproof design It supports the Fi GPS unit Includes a quick-release collar The webbing is flexible It includes a D-ring A waterproof design on your collar never hurts since you can use it in the rain and various weather conditions. You can also add the GPS unit to track your dog with the collar if you have it. Nylon Collar Speaking of other options on the market, you should look into a Nylon collar to see if your pug may prefer it. Includes sliders for adjusting Custom nameplates on the collar No-slip design D-ring for your leash Over 20 colors The collar focuses on customization to meet your needs and help you make it perfect for your pug. For example, the sliders ensure you find the perfect tightness to keep it on without becoming uncomfortable. Go with this option if your dog tends to escape or run away. Rope Hounds Collar You can use an aluminum and plastic combination if you purchase a Rope Hounds Collar Band while enjoying various features. Over one dozen color choices Supports a GPS device A lightweight design A clasp to keep it on Since you have multiple color choices, you can pick whichever one you like the most. The design prioritizes a lightweight and comfortable design, utilizing webbing to offer more comfort. You also have a clasp to put it on and take it off your pug whenever needed. What Makes a Collar Good for a Pug? You want to consider multiple crucial points as you think about what works best for pug collars. Comfortability Size Durability You can choose an option your pug can comfortably wear at most moments. Owners usually have their dogs wear their collars most of the day, so they can keep a tag on them in case they run off, and they can easily take them on walks as needed. Size also plays a role in what works for your pug. You also want to go through the options and determine which ones hold up the best. That includes finding one made of excellent material. Choosing the right collar for your dog depends on what your dog needs. For example, some people prefer to focus on materials, others like the idea of GPS trackers, and others care about which color they purchase from the store. You can even find ones with quick-release or sliding buckles. Quick-release options allow you to easily take off the collar while sliding buckles let you adjust the collar to the perfect size. Plastic and nylon Fabric Leather Plastic works well for various collars since they have good durability while also maintaining a waterproof design. Aluminum matters as you look into options with buckles and loops on them. Leather is a comfortable choice if you purchase it for your dog. Do Pugs Need a Special Collar? You should also think about your environment and other circumstances. The same applies to collars with reflective strips if you walk your pug during the evening. In short, think about what you want to do with your dog, see which course of action works the best, and do what you can to find the best pug collars available. A global positioning system GPS collar also matters as you review your options for pug collars. If your dog runs off somewhere, you can look up their location, find them, and protect your puppy from dangerous situations. Track Activity and Sleep You can also keep track of your pug while they spend time nearby. You can also see when they sleep and determine if your pug sleeps enough during the day. Final Thoughts Pug collars matter as you consider your options and your furry friend's needs. As you do, consider an option with GPS to find your pug if they ever run off alone. Doing so will help you protect your pug, keep them nearby while you walk, and do whatever you must to make your furry friend comfortable and happy. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. The link has been copied! You might also like. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Owners who wonder if a collar or a harness is better for a Pug dog, the answer is that both are important accessories for this breed and each will serve different purposes. However, for the Pug this is should not be the case since this is a brachycephalic breed. Being brachycephalic, the face is flat with a short snout. Nasal and airways passages are compressed, with many Pugs having some level of stenotic nares narrows nasal openings. The soft palate located in the back of the throat is often elongated, causing some issues with breathing. Due to the structure of the face and the short neck of the Pug, ability to breath correctly is already an issue with this breed. If the leash is connected to the collar all pressure, force and tension is placed directly onto a Pug's neck. This can cause several serious issues including: Compression and constriction whenever the Pug pulls ahead and the leash goes taut, causing increased breathing difficulties Injury to the windpipe if the Pug lunges to the side or jerks his head including the very serious issue of collapsed trachea in which rings of cartilage surrounding the windpipe collapse inward. The Harness A proper harness should be the apparatus that is used any time that a Pug dog is on leash. As opposed to a collar, the harness will distribute pressure, force and tension across the dog's shoulders, chest and back. These areas of the body are much sturdier since they are comprised of bone and muscle as opposed to softer cartilage and ligaments of the neck. Using a harness frees the Pug's neck from potential injury and allows the Pug puppy or dog to breathe easier when on leash. In addition, the right harness will give an owner better control when walking a Pug. This is a curious breed that often tends to want to lead while on walks. A harness allows an owner to better control the puppy or dog, keeping him on course, without having to worry about causing any type of neck injury or pulling that would inhibit breathing in a dog that already has struggles in this respect. Choosing a Collar for Your Pug Though connecting a leash to a collar is not recommended, you may still want your Pug to wear one for other reasons. This would including to hang a dog tag for ID purposes. And many owners find it easier to have a collar on their dog inside the home to help facilitate handling such as grooming. There are over 20 different types of collars and there are only a couple that are ideal for this breed. Let's first look at what type of collar should NEVER be used: X Flat Buckle Collars - These are similar to a belt in which the sizing of the collar's diameter is adjusted with prongs that slip into punched holes. The issue with these is that you need to fidget with the buckle when taking it off and with this breed, breathing issues can come on very quickly. You'll want a collar that you can take off almost instantly. X Choke collar - These are exceedingly dangerous for the Pug breed. Made of chain with rings at the ends; both 'dead' and 'live'. When a leash is attached to the live ring, the chain instantly slips tighter when the dog pulls, causing a massive jerk to the neck. X Prong collar - These are used as a means of control via pinching the dog's neck when he pulls while on leash. The interlocking steel link collar's metal spikes are considered - by many- to be inhumane for any dog. The choke and prong collars mentioned above have been associated with whiplash, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, fainting, collapsed trachea, asphyxiation, fracture of the bones in the larynx, bruising of the esophagus, dislocated neck bones, damage to the skin and tissues in the neck, brain damage and dislocated eyes the eye s are forced from the socket due to excessive restraint to the head and neck. Now, let's look at the best collars for a Pug puppy or older dog. For this breed, the two best options are: Flat collar, quick release - This consists of one flat, adjustable strap that fits around the neck. It closes with a clasp that is ideal for fast removal. You'll want it to be lightweight yet sturdy, weather resistant and with stitching only on one side to prevent irritation. Examples would be if the Pug's collar got accidentally caught on an object such as fencing, a part of a safety gate or even a chair, in which the dog would otherwise be strangled. Material - The material that the collar is made of along with its thickness will determine how heavy it is and therefore how much weight will be placed on a Pug's neck. Flat collars the type recommended for this breed can be found in an array of materials that include leather, polyester or nylon webbing. Let's look at the choices: Polyester - This is a cheap material that is made from synthetic polymers. This low quality fabric wears out extremely quickly, absorb and hold body oils that can lead to terrible smells and are not a good choice. Leather - These collars can look very stylish though the downsides are that these are not waterproof and some cheaper leathers can stretch out over time. Nylon - Webbed nylon, flat collars with a quick release or breakaway clasp are the best choice for most Pugs. A quality collar made of nylon webbing will be weather resistant, washable, resistant to odors and sturdy. Size - The general rule of safety and comfort is that once the collar is on, you can easily slip two fingers between it and your dog's neck. This allows it to be loose enough to avoid any type of constriction but be tight enough that it cannot slip off or be easily snagged onto something. While the collar for your Pug will be adjustable, you'll want to make sure that as your puppy grows, it can be sized to still fit those two fingers underneath. Pug puppies often wear collars sized for toy breeds, though this will change after the first year. Since the Pug is the largest of all toy breeds with an adult weight of 13 to 18 pounds 5. How Many Collars You Should Have for Your Pug You'll want to have at least 2 quality collars so that if one is taken off your Pug and misplaced, you'll still have one on hand. The collars should be periodically checked for any wear and tear. Depending on their use if you always use one and the backup one is rarely used you may need to replace the collar anywhere from every 2 to 5 years. Times to Remove the Collar Many owners wonder if it is okay to keep the collar of a Pug when the dog is at home inside the house. One element that you'll want to be exceedingly aware of is the chance of the door being opened and the Pug darting outside. If you do take the collar off when at home, it can help to have a rule that even household members knock on the door to announce their presence so that the dog can be held while the door opens. While it can be freeing for a dog to be collar-free while sleeping and playing inside of the house, for some this can cause intolerance for times that it must be placed on. Bittoo, 20 months old Photo courtesy of Vishnoo Sangeet Dubey For puppies in the house training phase, it's best to keep it on at all times since you may only have seconds to bring the pup to the designated bathroom area and spending time putting the collar on can result in an accident inside the home. It is recommended to take a Pug's collar off when brushing the coat. Since this is a heavy shedding breed, the collar can impede proper grooming. You'll want to be able to do long strokes down the back of the head, over the neck and along the back in addition to the front of the neck and down the chest. It should also be removed during baths to properly scrub and rinse the coat; keeping in mind that a wet dog is quite slippery and all exit points of the house should be secured to prevent an unplanned escape. For Pugs that have breathing problems due to tracheal collapse or other medical issues, the veterinarian may recommended that the collar be kept off while the dog recovers. Choosing a Harness for Your Pug As mentioned above, a harness is a necessary accessory to use any time that a Pug is on leash. Some owners shy away from harnesses due to a bad experience of the Pug resisting or showing intolerance for it; however in most cases this is just a matter of the dog needing time to become accustomed to it and having one that is comfortable. The best type of harness for a Pug will be easy to slip on and will fit comfortable without pinching the skin. Let's look at some things to keep in mind: 1 A comfort wrapped, strapped harness is the best choice for most Pugs as these are designed for flat faced breeds with wide chests. If the straps are too thin, they will pinch and cut into the dog's skin, causing discomfort, redness and even sores. This way, it's super easy to put on and off within seconds. However, adult Pugs are more powerful and this type of harness often does not properly distribute pressure on a dog as large as a full grown Pug. Leaving it on can cause body oils to accumulate under the strapping, blocking healthy air circulation to both skin and coat. Our favorite choice: It has these great features: Quality nylon that is sturdy but soft to the touch won't chafe a Pug's skin Has quick-snap buckles on both the shoulder and belly making it super easy to put on Has a Martingale loop on the chest piece this prevent the harness from twisting The strap that goes under the Pug is a slightly different color, so you'll always know how to put it on Did you find this article helpful? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Rated 5. There are plenty of options available for this breed. What Size Collar for Pugs? Pugs are considered to be small dogs with neck sizes that measure about 10 to 14 inches around. You should be able to easily fit two fingers underneath the collar when it is attached to the pug. Pug Temperament The existence of Pugs were first recorded in China as pet companions for Chinese nobility. Pugs are popular as pets for a reason. Their sociable and gentle nature is full of personality and are known to be charming, affectionate, and mischievous. These pups are very intelligent and clever, so training them can sometimes be a challenge. Choosing the right collar for a pug is extremely important. The best type of collar to fit your precious pug are those that are flat with a quick release or break away. The reason for this is because pugs are a brachycephalic breed, dogs that have flat faces and short snouts. This can cause difficulty in breathing when a collar with a leash is used on them. It can cause injury to their windpipe if they pull and jerk their head, resulting in a collapsed trachea among other possible injuries. For that reason, we recommend using a harness with a leash. With that in mind, there are plenty of options available for collars—including leather and nylon. Leather Collars for Pugs Calmer and more obedient Pugs will benefit from a leather collar, which can provide a combination of durability and comfort. Also, for Pugs with super sensitive skin, leather collars are the best option. Nylon Collars for Pugs Pugs that are calm and have a good temperament will also benefit from a nylon collar. Regardless of the temperament of your Pug, our selection has what you need to balance control and comfort. Sign up for Doggie Deals By signing up, you will receive an email every week with new deals only for Mimi's Doggie Deals subscribers. We believe that your dog is a reflection of yourself. We believe that you have really great taste. Learn About.