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How to help prevent reverse sneezing Why do brachycephalic dogs make noises? Pugs are a purebred dog, meaning they are bred to conform to certain common physical traits. Unfortunately, this often happens at the expense of their health. For a Pug, having a squashed nose, flat face and shortened palate gave them the peculiarly adorable appearance they have today. It also gave them a much greater propensity toward respiratory problems. The shortness of the Pug's palate and the restricted airways of their nose and throat means a Pug will have difficulty breathing. A symptom of this problem which many Pug guardians will notice is that they make certain noises when they breathe. The sounds the dog makes will depend on their activity. Pugs are not known for their deep barking. They may do this when they miss their guardian or want attention. When they are playing or running, they will often make a grunting noise which sounds quite congested, as if they have a cold. This is because they are trying to breathe in more air, but their restricted airways contract and cause them to make noises. So, when our Pug is making a honking noise, what might this mean? Why is my Pug making a honking noise? It is a condition which most Pugs will suffer from time to time, some more than others. The phenomenon sounds like the dog is suffocating and can be quite worrying for the dog's guardian. It is normal to see the dog extend their neck and arch their back. The reason it is called a reverse sneeze is quite literal. With a normal sneeze, the dog would expel air forward, often accompanied by a noise due to congestion. For a reverse sneeze, air is being drawn in with a congested sound. Congested or compromised airways are what lead to the honking noise. As the air comes in, the dog struggles to breathe in sufficient air and makes a honking noise, similar to if someone were hyperventilating. However, the Pug is not hyperventilating and it is important to remember this is a fairly normal occurrence. These episodes can last about a minute and come and go throughout the dog's life. The Pug and other brachycephalic dogs have shortened palates and restricted airways which makes breathing difficult overall. However, we reverse sneeze will usually be triggered by some sort of irritation to the palate, making them feel as if they are drowning. If your dog has just had a bath, eaten something sticky or has exercised, it is possible irritation can lead to a reverse sneeze. We should be aware, but not too worried when the Pug is making a honking noise. Reverse sneezing in Pugs activation There are some individuals with a greater propensity towards reverse sneezing and some situations which can induce an episode. For example, if your dog suffers from allergies , reverse sneezing is likely to be more frequent. There are irritants such as dust, pollen, cleaning products, food or perfumes, which can lead to an allergic reaction. While any allergic reaction can be dangerous, this is especially so with brachycephalic dogs. As we stated above, exercise and irritants can induce a reverse sneezing episode in Pugs. Even eating and drinking their normal food can instigate a reaction. In general, you will not need to take your Pug to the veterinarian during a reverse sneeze. However, if the attacks are frequent, they appear to be in distress or there are complications such as passing out, you will need to take them for a checkup. When the dog has allergies, these reactions need to be carefully monitored. How to help prevent reverse sneezing As we have explained, reverse sneezing is relatively common and benign. However, it can be uncomfortable and if it is possible to reduce the possibility of an episode, it will be better for their general well-being. Here's how you can help a Pug with reverse sneezing: Avoid using a leash on a collar for dogs. We may need them to have a collar to identify them, but this should not be too tight. However, if we walk them and attach a leash directly to the collar it puts too much pressure on their throat. Especially at a time when they are exercising, this can promote the occurrence of reverse sneezing. It is much better to use a harness which goes over their chest and reduces pressure on the throat. At the time of an attack, the best thing you can do is to help them calm down. Talk to them in a calming voice and give them a gentle back rub. You can even gently massage their throat to help the constriction feeling ease. This will help them swallow and relieve the feeling of irritation. Try to ensure the dog drinks plenty of water. Dehydration can make the sensation feel worse. If they can drink during a reverse sneeze, this may be helpful. This article on the best food for Pugs is also a good way to maintain the general well-being of your dog. Unfortunately, there is not much else you can do when a Pug is reverse sneezing. This is a condition which happens from birth. Although you can help them to ease the issue, it is not something we will be able to eliminate completely. Fortunately, reverse sneezing does not pose a serious or immediate threat to your Pug's well-being. This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. In addition to their fun characters and unwavering allegiance to their human companions, pugs have become so loveable and are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world because of their squashed noses, protruding eyes and wrinkled, flat faces. However, their shot noses and flat faces is a recipe for the serious breathing issues that they tend to suffer from. Many people who have interacted with pugs at their homes or in the park often ask; is it normal for pugs to breathe heavily? Heavy breathing in pugs is relatively common within the breed. They often have difficulty in breathing in certain situations given that their breathing passages are shorter and compact. However, pugs tend to have some serious breathing issues that should never be ignored. There are a lot of questions that dog lovers often ponder about before buying and bringing a pug into their homes. Despite being a lovely dog breed, their breathing problem can be a major concern. All you need to know is how to manage the situation. Do all Pugs Breathe Heavily? Therefore, all pugs will breathe heavily and make various noises including; gulping to catch their breath, have reverse sneezing, snoring and even passing gas. As a pug owner, these types of noise become a normal part of living with your lovely pug. In other words, you should expect pugs of all ages to make loud breathing sounds, albeit to a given extent. Why do Pugs Have Breathing Problems? Our canine friends have a respiratory system made up of the nares the nostrils , the sinuses, the nasal cavity and the pharynx, which is a membrane-lined cavity connecting both the mouth and the nose to the esophagus. As you can imagine, any defect in any of these components will leave your dog struggling to breathe properly. Again, all dogs have the following three main types of skull and muzzle shapes: Mesocephalic — These types of skull and muzzle are almost equal in length and are considered medium-sized heads. This is because they offer enough space for the nasal cavities and all other components of the outer respiratory system. These types of dogs include the Golden Retriever and the Beagle. Dolichocephalic — These are thin and rounded skulls with a relatively long snout. Just like in mesocephalic skulls, this type of skull allows for adequate room for nasal cavities and can sufficiently accommodate other components of the upper respiratory system. Brachycephalic — These types of skulls are short, compact and contracted. The distance between the forehead and the muzzle is virtually non-existent and is quite short. In essence, the upper respiratory system is compressed to fit into this inadequate frame. Evidently, such skulls are abnormal and can lead to various breathing issues. Some of the dog breeds in this category include the Bulldog, the French bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier and our little friend, the pug. According to studies, dogs with muzzles measuring less than half their head length or dogs with thicker necks have increased chances of suffering from BOAS, and pugs definitely fall under this category. Symptoms of BOAS Some of the signs of this condition can range from minor snoring to severe breathing problems. Again, animals suffering from this condition can struggle during exercises, are prone to overheating and can even collapse due to lack of sufficient air! This is because they tend to have nose problems and windpipe issues given that the entire respiratory system is lumped together. Other additional symptoms of this condition include rapid breathing, snoring, frequent panting and even difficulty in gagging and swallowing. In addition to the BOAS condition, pugs are known to suffer from other respiratory problems including: Pug Reverse Sneezing — Ever noticed that your pug sneezes so much? Many pugs have extremely long palate tissues that block their airways. This then leads to excessive sneezes, wheezes, and gasps. Pugs have stuffy noses, which tend to hold up moisture at all times. You should however not panic when you notice that your pug is on a seemingly endless sneezing spree. In such a situation, you can correct the elongated soft palate through surgery. You can consider talking to your vet on the corrective procedure to this issue so as to prevent it from becoming severe or leading to other respiratory problems. Given their conditions, pugs are highly sensitive and can negatively react to various situations. Struggling to grasp enough Air — Your pug can also struggle to grasp enough oxygen and may struggle to breathe properly. This can cause rapid breathing and respiratory distress. Their shorter and narrower breathing passages make them susceptible to extreme temperatures such as heat. If the situation worsens, and the breathing attack is severer than normal, you should immediately take your pug to the vet and have her checked out. Stenotic Snares — This is a general birth flaw found in dog breeds with squashed noses such as the pugs. This occurs in dogs with excessively soft nasal tissues. When they breathe, the nostrils tend to collapse, leaving them to breathe through their mouths. Collapsing Trachea — Pugs are known to suffer from collapsing or narrowed tracheas. As a result, they can suffer from chronic honking, which may lead to difficulty in breathing especially during exercise. Here are some of the perfect solutions: Use a Dehumidifier — Using a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air. This can help you avoid poor air quality, which may affect your lovely pug. Minimize Allergies — Pugs are a highly sensitive breed and may be affected by various issues such as smoke. For this reason, you should understand the types of allergens that your pug may be sensitive to and ensure that they are completely removed. You should, therefore, keep them in air-conditioned rooms and in pleasant temperatures. You should also avoid walking your pug in sunlight or in extreme temperatures. The ideal way to deal with this issue is to stop exercising and take enough rest. In essence, do not over exercise your pug as this can activate breathing problems. Carry some water — You can keep your Pugs cooler and hydrated during walks by giving them enough water. Instead, opt for a suitable harness that can offer better weight distribution and reduce the force on both the neck and throat areas. You should choose a suitable time that can help work off the calories without straining your lovely pug. However, the breathing problem is not as bad as it has been made to be. May 17, They're all good dogs. But those good looks come with a cost. The compact architecture of their skull results in deformation, which make their nostrils or soft palate too small, obstructing airflow and leaving the pups gasping for breath. Researchers long thought that the main cause was their shortened faces. But genes found in another breed suggest that the shortness of breath might be in their DNA, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS Genetics. Ed Cara at Gizmodo reports that veterinarians began to notice that another small breed of dog, the Norwich terrier, was increasingly coming down with similar respiratory symptoms, a disease called upper airway obstructive syndrome. Unlike flat-faced pugs and bulldogs, however, the Norwich—bred for chasing rodents—has a nice, proportional skull. That got study author Jeffrey Schoenebeck, a veterinary scientist at the University of Edinburgh, wondering if the breathing problems in all the small dogs were genetic. The team assessed Norwich terriers for signs of the airway syndrome and also examined their genomes. Dogs with two copies of the mutation showed signs of fluid retention and swelling around the lungs. They had worse breathing scores than dogs with just one copy of the mutation or the normal gene. As a result, the younger generation of terriers is less like to develop the disease than older dogs. The problem in flat-faced breeds may not be quite as simple to deal with. Wonky skull shape still makes the risk of developing BOAS higher, and the gene mutation adds to that risk. The team needs to do a similar study with bulldogs to figure out how much of their breathing problems come from their genes and how much comes from their cute little smushed-up skulls. Smushed-up faces are what make certain dog breeds, like French and English bulldogs and pugs, so ugly-cute. The compact architecture of their skull results in deformation, that make the nostrils or soft palate too small, obstructing airflow and leaving the pups gasping for breath. Researcher long thought that the main cause was their shortened faces. But genes found in another breed suggest that the shortness of breath might be in their DNA. Ed Cara at Gizmodo reports that veterinarians began to notice that another small breed of dog, the Norwich Terrier, was increasingly coming down with similar respiratory symptoms, a disease called Upper Airway Syndrome. Unlike flat-faced pugs and bulldogs, however, the Norwich, bred for chasing rodents, has a nice, proportional skull. That got Jeffrey Schoenebeck of the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburghand and lead author of the study in the journal PLOS Genetics wondering if the breathing problems in all the small dogs were genetic. The team assessed Norwich Terriers for signs of the airway syndrome and also examined their genomes. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday. Recommended Videos. It may or may not be normal for a Pug to: Pant Burp Have loud breathing Panting and loud breathing sounds are expected- to an extent- from Pugs of all ages - puppies to seniors. Because of how a Pug dog's head and snout is shaped, it is normal for this breed to have to catch their breath every now and then. With this said, heat stress or over-exercise can cause heavier than normal panting noises that require an immediate break from activity, a drink of water and possibly other treatment if the Pug cannot calm down. Since this dog breed overheats very quickly, panting will occur as soon as the dog begins to feel too hot; so this can often happen on hot or humid days or if your Pug ends up walking or running around longer than planned. If a Pug is making noises that appear to be stressed breathing, an owner should bring their dog into a cool environment and allow their Pug to rest. If this is happening, the dog is in distress; most likely from a blockage of some type. An elognated palate can be partially blocking the air way, causing loud breathing sounds. Stenotic Nares narrow or closed nostrils can also cause a Pug to struggle with normal breathing. Both of these issues are common health problems with the breed and often resolved with a surgical procedure. If a Pug dog burps, this may be triggered by the food that he is eating or the rate at which he is eating it. While you may not be able to eliminate all of the burping, making even small changes to his diet can help often the removal of a particular vegetable works. Additionally, obtaining a slow-eat bowl or portion pacer to add to an existing bowl allows for slower consumption of food which means less air is being gulped down. If the burping is excessive, this may point to an acid reflex problem and your vet should be made aware of just how often your Pug is indeed burping. You may also be interested in: Pug Dog Breathing Problems - Being a brachycephalic flat faced breed, there expected to be some level of breathing issues with Pugs. Learn what is normal and what is not. Pug Sleeping Habits - How much sleep is normal according to age, ways to help your Pug get a good night's sleep and more. Pugs and Gas Problems - If your Pug is letting one rip quite often, there are some things you can do to cut down on flatulence. 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. Pug Breathing Problems Why Pugs Have Breathing Problems A dog's respiratory system consists of the nares the nostrils , the nasal cavity, the sinuses, the pharynx the membrane-lined cavity which connects the nose and mouth to the esophagus which is the canal that leads to the stomach , the larynx also known as the voice box , the trachea also known as the windpipe , the bronchi the branches of the trachea that extend into the lungs , and the lungs. When there is an abnormality of any one of these components, this will affect a dog's ability to breathe properly. Pugs are very prone to respiratory-related abnormalities and this is directly linked to this breed's skull shape. There are 3 main types of skull and muzzle shapes seen with canines: Dolichocephalic image 1 - The skull is thin and rounded and the snout is relatively long. This shape allows for lots of room for the nasal cavities. There is generally adequate room for the nasal cavities and all other components of the upper respiratory system. Brachycephalic image 3 - The skull is compact and the muzzle is comparatively short. Because the upper respiratory system must fit into this compressed shape, it is common for there to be abnormalities and related breathing issues. A Pug may make lots of noises including grunting, snorting, gasping, or wheezing even when at rest. This can vary from minor to severe and may include sleep apnea short moments when breathing stops. In some cases, minor breathing issues are considered 'normal' for this breed and no action needs to be taken other than following the general care tips to help Pugs breathe as well as possible next section. However, in moderate to severe instances, these breathing-related issues point to abnormalities with upper respiratory system components and may warrant veterinary treatment details ahead. Top 10 Ways to Help a Pug Breathe Better Even when a Pug is cleared of breathing-related disorders stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, tracheal abnormalities, etc. There may be all kinds of loud noises, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, heavy panting that interferes with meeting exercise requirements, intolerance for hot or cold weather, and other issues. Fortunately, there are quite a few things you can do to help your Pug breathe better both when active and at rest. Maintain an indoor room temperature between 68 and 75 Fahrenheit 20 and 24 C. Use an air conditioner during hot weather and take care to not turn the heat up too much in the winter. For those that do not have an AC, there are some things that can keep a room cooler to help a Pug breathe better including opening windows on opposite sides of the house to create air flow, placing fans to help air circulate throughout the rooms, and keeping blinds and curtains closed to block out sunlight that would otherwise heat up the house. Overly dry air dries out breathing passages and air with high moisture levels can interfere with breathing as well. In the winter, air is very arid due to cold air not holding moisture. When that dry air is heated in the home, the relative humidity drops significantly, compounding the problem. In many locales, it's the opposite problem in the summer, when air often holds high levels of moisture. For those that live in an area with high humidity levels, a dehumidifer like the Afloia Dehumidifier for Home may be needed. Limit exposure to very cold air. Air that is inhaled through the nasal passages is warmed before it reaches the lungs, but air that is inhaled through the mouth is not and that cold air can exacerbate breathing problems. So, if a Pug is outside in the winter and is breathing through their mouth often seen with Pugs that have stenotic nares, a very common issue with this breed , that dog may pant heavy, gasp for breath, and struggle to keep breathing under control. This is seen most often on days that are under 10 F C but can occur at higher temps in the 20's or 30's. If your Pug has more trouble in the winter, limit outdoor time just to bathroom trips and short walks to maintain exercise requirements. Take exercise precautions during hot, humid weather. It's a fine line between not pushing a Pug too far and making sure that there is enough physical activity to stay healthy. Since summer can be long and Pugs should not stay sedentary, exercise may need to be limited to early mornings and later in the evenings to avoid the hottest parts of the day, breaks should be taken in the shade, and plenty of water should be provided. If there is a heat wave, keep your Pug indoors. Never place a collar on your Pug when on leash. When a leash is connected to a collar, any and all stress or tension from that leash is placed directly against the windpipe which can severely impede breathing ability. Panting, wheezing, exercise intolerance, and many more aspects can dramatically worsen. Pugs and other brachycephalic breeds should always wear a harness instead; this distributes pressure across the back, chest, and shoulders while keeping the neck free. This is a step-in design nothing has to be fit over the head , it's made of breathable air-mesh, and it is adjustable. Limit over-excitement. When Pugs get too excited this can lead to excessive panting and can worsen clinical symptoms of stenotic nares, elongated palate, and other breathing-related disorders. Offer introductions to new people or other dogs in a gradual and casual manner and keep things low-key when offering new toys or announcing a fun activity. Keep your Pug at a healthy weight. Excess weight affects breathing by pushing on the diaphragm and chest wall, adding pressure to the tracheal area, decreasing the amount of room for the lungs, and causing the heart and lungs to work harder to move oxygen around. Since Pugs are prone to becoming overweight, it's vital to keep an eye on this. Keep your Pug on a healthy high-quality diet and maintain a regular exercise schedule. Reduce or eliminate air irritants. Eliminate what you can by making your home a non-smoking zone and avoiding aerosol products. If your Pug has allergies , working to resolve this may include limiting time outside on high-pollen days, wet-dusting and vacuuming the house often, and cleaning off the coat and paws when coming back inside. Encourage good sleeping positions. Sleep apnea, episodes of greatly reduced or paused breathing, can also be at play which can be a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition. To help a Pug breathe easier at night, the body should be in a stretched-out arc with the neck supported and extended. To facilitate this, have your Pug rest and sleep on a large round or rectangle dog bed with raised bolstered sides that serve as a pillow for the head. Since this breed is very prone to hip issues, a memory foam mattress is recommended. If your Pug likes to sleep on a flat mattress, try slipping a narrow pillow under their head. Monitor your Pug. With so many factors that can affect how well a Pug breaths there can be changes throughout the year and over time. So, continually monitor your Pug for increased breathing problems, making adjustments as needed. If there is a dramatic change in breathing issues, sudden episodes of respiratory distress, or chronic breathing problems that do not respond to the changes that you make, bring this to the attention of the veterinarian asap. Health Conditions that Affect a Pug's Ability to Breathe Well As covered earlier, the Pug's brachycephalic profile makes this breed prone to certain abnormalities associated with the upper respiratory system. Let's take a look at these. Signs of this include noisy breathing especially when inhaling , noticeable flaring of the nostrils when inhaling, snoring, and exercise intolerance. Moderate to severe cases are corrected with a relatively simple surgical procedure. Read more about Pug Dog Stenotic Nares. Elongated Soft Palate This involves the soft palate, which is located at the back of the throat, partially blocking the entrance to the trachea, making it difficult to breathe well. Tracheal Issues This includes hypoplastic trachea, an abnormality with the rings of cartilage that surrounds the windpipe and collapsed trachea which is a degeneration or weakening of the rings that leads to collapse. Signs include a distinctive honking-type cough, noisy breathing, gagging on or regurgitating food, gasping for air, and exercise intolerance. Read more about Pug Dog Tracheal Issues. Everted Laryngeal Saccules This involves the laryngeal saccules, which are located above the vocal cords, becoming everted flipping inside out and partially blocking the entrance to the trachea, making it difficult to breathe well. It is considered the first stage of laryngeal collapse, a very serious and often fatal condition, so early diagnosis and treatment is vital. Did you find this to be helpful? This comprehensive care book is a complete guide for every step of your Pug's life. See what's inside. You may also like these helpful articles: Pug Separation Anxiety - Excellent tips and step-by-step advice for helping a Pug that hates to stay home alone. Pug Grooming - A super-helpful round-up of all the grooming tasks you should be doing to keep your Pug clean and smelling nice, and to maintain healthy skin and fur. Pug Care Tips - These are the 15 things that will keep a Pug happy, safe, comfortable, and healthy. See how many are you currently doing and which ones should you start to implement today. 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. They are just fun and joy in little wrinkly packages. Like any other puppy, they are super playful and energetic. They love a good game of tug-o-war, fetch, or hide-and-seek. Occasionally, you may notice your baby Pug breathing hard. Is this something you should be concerned about? Pugs are susceptible to breathing problems because of their flat faces. When your baby Pug is breathing hard, it is most likely due from exertion, like playing or running. You only need to worry when your baby Pug is breathing hard, unrelated to exertion or play. Like their wild wolf cousins, puppies play not only to have fun but to learn how to interact with their surroundings. Playing allows puppies to learn boundaries with adult dogs, their human owners, and other important skills for becoming adult dogs. Puppies need to be with their mothers and littermates until ten weeks old because their mothers and littermates will be their best teachers, and the most important lessons they can learn are the ones they learn through play. To a new owner, the level of excitement a puppy can reach while playing may seem alarming. After an intense play session, your puppy may be exhausted and breathing hard. This is nothing to worry about! Helping your puppy to burn off some of its youthful energy is a great thing to do. No one wants their shoes chewed up! One special note about Pug puppies is that they tend to tire more easily than other breeds that have longer snouts because of their flat or brachycephalic faces. Pugs that are too hot or have been exercising too hard can have trouble breathing because of their flat faces. If your puppy seems to be struggling to take a breath after energetic play, take them immediately to the vet. There is a difference between fast breathing from play and labored breathing stemming from brachycephaly. Pug puppies should be played within cooler environments and may need more breaks than their longer-nosed brethren. Just be a little more cautious with your little Pug. Not all puppies will be infected with worms, but it is so frequent that almost all puppies are given deworming treatments with their first vet visits. If your Pug puppy has a round, taut belly, along with heavy panting, this is a good indication that they may have worms. Worms are very rarely a dangerous affliction to puppies when treated early. Only a vet can give you the medication your pup will need, so take them as soon as possible if you have any suspicion. Heatstroke Heatstroke in dogs is just as serious as the name suggests. Heavy or fast breathing is just one sign of heatstroke. Others include: Drooling. Pharynx connects the nose to mouth and esophagus Larynx or voice box Bronchi branches of trachea connecting to the lungs Lungs Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to respiratory abnormalities. In other words, there is an abnormality to one, or more, of these respiratory components that arise in many Pugs. The small skull and short muzzle of Brachycephalic dogs like pugs mean the upper respiratory system has to fit into an unsuitably small area. Breathing issues arise as a result of this. Many Pugs can live a full, healthy, and happy life despite these issues. Minor breathing issues are generally considered to be normal for Pugs. Just keep caring for your pug according to best-practices. If you think your Pug is having more difficulty breathing than usual, you might want to visit your local veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best treatment advice. Signs to look out for that indicate moderate to severe respiratory distress in your Pug could include: 1. Increased panting If your Pug shows difficulty breathing, especially when exercising, this could be cause for concern. It is relatively normal for Pugs to display some panting after spells of intense exercise. Especially in very hot, humid, or cold weather. If your Pug is panting heavily, more than usual, or showing difficulty catching his or her breath, let them rest and contact your vet. Loud breathing Excessively noisy breathing is also a sign of breathing issues. If your Pug is constantly grunting, wheezing, snorting, or gasping for air, this is cause for concern. Especially if they are making these excessive noises when at rest. Excessive snoring Pugs snore. Though minor snoring is not a problem, severe snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea. This is far more serious as it means your Pug is experiencing short durations without breathing. This is the major component resulting in their breathing difficulties. Pugs are not in discomfort all of the time and some of these contributing factors can be mitigated with proper care. Since Pugs are likely to experience some respiratory-related problems in their lifetime, owners should secure a good pet insurance plan. This will give you the peace of mind that veterinary help is always available, without any sky-high, or unexpected costs. They are overweight Pugs have a voracious appetite. But they are also genetically prone to obesity. As a Pug owner, you absolutely must not give in to those pleading eyes all the time. It might be tempting, but treating your Pug too often could be doing them more harm than good. If your Pug is carrying too much bodyweight around with them every day, they will feel uncomfortable and lethargic. This is because of the excess pressure on their joints. More importantly, they might experience difficulty breathing even more than normal. Keeping track of your Pugs weight, and maintaining a balanced nutrition and exercise regime is one of the simplest and easiest ways to look after their respiratory health and overall happiness. They are too hot When Pugs get too hot their breathing suffers. You might notice an increased level of panting or snorting. Your Pug might even hand their tongue out of their mouth to try and cool down. Remember, pugs have a shortened nose. This is them attempting to take in more, much-needed air and cool themselves down. The best way to avoid this happening is to take your dog out during the cooler times of the day. A short walk in the morning and another in the evening is the way to go. Allergies Pugs sometimes develop allergic reactions to things. Common examples include pollen, different foods, allergens, and physical contact with certain fabrics. This contributes to respiratory distress in your pup. Common signs of Pug breathing problems caused by an allergic reaction include sneezing episodes, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Visit your local vet, who will prescribe an appropriate treatment plan. Bacterial buildup Another factor that contributes to breathing difficulties in Pugs is bacteria. This is harder to spot, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid bacterial overgrowth in your Pug. Remember those folds and wrinkles are a breeding ground for invisible bacteria. Try using a cotton swab to wipe around your Pugs nose and apply some petroleum jelly to dry areas. Their respiratory system This one is the biggie. Pugs have small, narrow nostrils and an abnormally long soft palate. As a result, the amount of airflow is restricted and access to the trachea obstructed. It causes noisy inhalation, flared nostrils, snoring, and exercise aversion. Unfortunately, this blocks the entrance to the trachea and inhibits breathing as a result. Because of this deformity, newborn Pugs can sometimes be seen dribbling milk from the nose. Signs in adult Pugs include: heavy panting. The pug-look is one of those aspects that draws people to the breed time and time again. This means big, alien eyes, shorter and shorter snouts and more wrinkles. In fact, many pugs struggle to give birth naturally and for this reason and many others you must always spay and neuter your pug. The challenges faced by pugs are why we strongly advocate for supporting pug-rescues over pug-breeders. So many people buy a pug puppy because they love the look, not realizing the many problems pugs can face. Pugs are perfect, not because of their cute looks, but because of their great personalities! You can trust that we maintain strict editorial integrity in our writing and assessments; however, we receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners and get approved. Read our full disclosure. Elongated soft palate: The soft-palate tissue covers or obstructs the airway. This condition may require corrective surgery and almost always results in snoring, loud breathing and frequent panting. Everted laryngeal saccules: This causes pouches in the larynx to become everted or turned, which causes major breathing obstruction. Again, this is a condition that requires surgery to correct. Eye problems: Pugs and eye problems go hand-in-hand. Ulcerations and dry eye are common issues. Consult with your vet on your pugs eyes regularly, early and often. Sometimes a simple lubricating gel can help prevent the eyes from getting dry and thus, more prone to infection. Eyelid canthoplasty can also be performed to help close the eyelid slightly, protecting the eye from injury and problems. Stenotic nares: This is another term for collapsed nostrils. If your pug is a mouth-breather, this is often the cause. While this condition is particularly common in puppies and some grow out of it , the surgery to correct it is very simple. Tracheal stenosis: This means the trachea narrows or collapses , resulting in a loud, honking cough. If the pug is young, this can be corrected with surgery. In older pugs, this is often treated with steroids, bronchodilators and a recommendation for weight loss obesity can cause undue pressure on the windpipe, making this condition more likely and severe. The Best Ways to Protect Your Pug from Brachycephalic Problems While we wish we could wrap our pug babies in protective bubble wrap or put them in a pug-sized hamster bubble, we can only do so much to keep them safe. To protect your pug as much as possible, we recommend the following: 1. Some pugs can easily slip a collar anyway a hazard of having a thick neck. Always keep your pug on a leash as well and avoid retractable leashes. You are their best protector against injury and harm. Panting or mouth breathing is much tougher for brachycephalic dogs. Keep your pug cool. They should always have plenty of access to water. On hot days your pug should be kept in air-conditioned or cool areas. Keep Your Pugs Weight in Check One of the best things you can do to help your pug breath-easy is to keep their weight in check. Even if your pug struggles with breathing, they need regular exercise and healthy snacks carrots and green beans are great options your pug will love! Also, watch the table scraps and people food--pugs should have a high protein, healthy diet. Breeding is quite dangerous for pugs and many struggle with the birthing process. Keeping your pug spayed or neutered will keep them calmer, healthier and less prone to the many problems that intact animals can face like cancer. If you choose to purchase a pug, you should only buy from an AKC registered breeder who allows you to visit and pick up your puppy. A far better option is to get your pug from a rescue. You can use a finger brush or a small, soft toothbrush made for toddlers. Always use toothpaste formulated for dogs! With regular practice your pug will let you brush his teeth without a fuss. Start slow, treat often and work up to a regular brushing practice. Take Your Pug to the Vet Regularly After reading this, you probably realize the importance of regular vet visits for your pug. Your vet can quickly identify any of the brachycephalic issues outlined above. They will help you figure out what to do if your pug is facing health concerns and they can guide you with the best practices to protect your pug. They should be on a flea and tick preventative as well as heartworm preventative and be regularly vaccinated. With breathing issues, any illness can quickly turn life-threatening. Prevention is the best course of action. Pay Attention to Your Pug Remember, you know your pug better than anyone else. Coughing is another issue that should be addressed as well. Regularly check your pugs eyes and teeth to ensure everything looks to be in tip top shape. If your pug is pawing at their eyes, squinting or frequently blinking, get them to the vet right away. Pugs truly are wonderful dogs. With that cute pug face comes a few issues, but the good far outweighs the challenges. Pugs are the best! Being aware of the issues faced by brachycephalic dogs, will help you keep your pug healthy and happy for years to come.

If we want to learn anything about their offspring, we must review certain genetic facts and statistics beforehand. This is the dog that carries it. The Bichon Frise looks like a vanilla cupcake or cream puff with a height of 9 — 12 inches 23 — 30 cm and a weight of 6. It has an affectionate, playful, and cheerful temperament, with a slice of feistiness and sensitivity on the side. The primary health concerns to look out for are epilepsy, White Shaker Syndrome which causes the dog to shake uncontrollably , and dyskinesia — a type of movement disorder. But the vet will be able to make a proper diagnosis. A healthy Bichon Frise has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Brief Overview Of The Poodle Poodles of all sizes toy , mini, and standard have two universal crowd-pleasing traits. The height and weight of a Poodle can be broken down into three categories. Across the mini, toy, and standard growth charts, the height fluctuates between 9 — 24 inches 21 — 61 cm. The weight between 6 — 60 pounds 3 — 27 kg. All sizes are intelligent, active, and faithful, and live between 12 years. Like the Bichon Frise, the Poodle may suffer from epilepsy at some point in its life. It may also experience the following health issues. The Poodle and the Bichon Frise have identical lifespans, so their offspring are predicted to live between 12 — 15 years as well. A full-grown Bichon Poodle should be about 9 to 15 inches cm tall at the withers with a weight of 6 — 17 pounds 3 — 8 kg. The Bichpoo can also be found in cream, black, blue, and apricot. There are certain arguments in life that will never be settled. Blonde vs. When it comes to dogs, there is no definitive, black and white answer. There will always be at least one exception. Although, the point of cross-breeding is to eliminate certain health concerns. So, what predictions can we make about hybrid dogs? The first generation of the Bichon Poodle Mix is healthier than its parent breeds. The second generation is not as healthy as the first, and any issues that arise in round two will most likely carry on in round three and so forth. With alert and active parents, the Poochon will be no different. This mix needs daily exercise preferably outside for at least 30 minutes. It has a lot of energy to burn. Keep in mind that mental and physical stimulation are different, and the Bichon Poodle Mix needs both. A bored Bichpoo will bark and whine or turn your shoes into a chew toy of its own with your permission. OK, we get it. The Bichpoo is smart, but can it be taught to play dead? Or roll over? Or give a high-5? And Yes. This breed is capable of learning a solid amount of tricks. Just make sure to have plenty of treats on-hand for positive reinforcement. Watch how well this Bichpoo gives its owner a high-5 and pay attention to how she rewards her dog! Every breed comes with at least one trait we wish we could alter. This comes from the Poodle side. If your Bichon Poodle Mix is not socialized at an early age, it can develop separation anxiety when left alone for hours. The Bichpoo can show moments of mild aggression around unfamiliar dogs. The Bichon Poodle is a loving companion for adults, children, and strangers, which makes it one of the best family dogs. Haircuts every two months are a necessity to keep its coat tame. If that sounds like too much responsibility or money, you can shave your Bichpoo in the summertime. Its coat causes minimal shedding, which makes it a good option for owners with allergies or who want a clean house. The last part of grooming requires occasional teeth brushing to keep mouth infections at bay. Bichon Poodle owner Sandy Rothra recommends feeding your mix canned dog food because it contains a higher percentage of meat protein. This counts for all dog breeds: if your pup gets sick with a kidney or heart issue, you will need to change its diet. You should never feed any dog chocolate, onions, grapes, and raisins. The difference between these variants lies in their size, when full-grown. While the former weighs about 6 to 12 pounds, the weight of the latter is 13 to 18 pounds. By height, they stand between 9 and 14 inches. Temperament Respectively, both the cheerful, cuddly, loving personality and the playful, intelligent and charismatic characteristics of the Bichon Frise and the Poodle have been inherited by this Poodle Bichon mix. Care Exercise The moderately active, very small bichon poo do not need vigorous exercise, but taking them to a regular walk and allowing them to play, especially being crazy about reflections in the mirror, is enough. But increase the session-time if your pet lives mostly indoors. Grooming Although not much maintenance is necessary for their very little hair loss, but their hair being long and curly gets entangled easily, hence they need regular brushing to retain a smooth coat, just like a haircut is, if it is too long, but by experienced hands approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. Bathe them if only needed, but do keep an eye for ear infections and brush their teeth few times weekly to avoid tooth decay. Health Problems As a cross, bichon poo does not have much health issues, except genetic disorders and common dog diseases like ear problems and infections, PRA, epilepsy, diabetes, cataracts, allergies and other skin disorders. Training Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle, the Bichon Poodle puppies would be difficult to housetrain. You should also impart socialization and obedience training to your pets without being harsh and intolerant. In order to make the learning process interesting and fulfilling, you can incorporate positive reinforcement tricks. Feeding Do not feed your dog with chocolate, grapes, raisins or onions. Feed them with the correct proportions of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, vegetables and fats. They also need vitamins, calcium and other minerals in their diet chart. Eliminate harmful additives or preservatives. Homemade dog foods that are cooked can contain brown rice, chicken or other types of red meats and a variety of green, yellow and orange vegetables. If you want to include raw foods, give your bichon poo skinless chicken or other lean meats, green and orange vegetables and bones as a part of their meals. Dry dog food is also readily available in the market, but that has to be high-quality, meant for small-size, moderately active dogs. Interesting Facts Bichon Poos are tolerant with other animals. They make a good companion dog and love to be around its owner and his family. Bichpoos possess double coat. The inner coat is soft and silky but the outer coat is bigger and curly. Temperament: Jolly, smart and affectionate. Bichon Poodle Mix Appearance There is no true breed standard for this dog as they are a mix. However with luck, it will have the best features of both the Bichon and the Poodle. These merry souls have dark gentle eyes, a black button nose and a friendly face that is always smiling. They have small bodies with short, stubby legs. Height and Weight These small dogs stand between inches tall. Weight should range from pounds, with Teacup Bichon Poodles weighing pounds. There is no major difference in size between males and females. Breed Colors and Coat Bichon Poodles are usually brown, white or tan colored. However, they can occur in cream or even ginger colors. Darker colored ones can have white markings on their undersides. The Bichon Poo has a medium length, curly single coat. They need plenty of care and grooming to keep looking clean and neat. This pooch hardly sheds at all and does not produce a lot of dander. Now those with dog allergies can have a furry friend too. Despite their low shed frequency they must be brushed daily to keep their fur from becoming matted. They will also need a haircut every month or two. Smaller dogs usually have smaller litter sizes — this dog can have a litter of up to 5 puppies. They are one of the best possible first puppies for children of all ages, and a great opportunity to teach kids about how to care for a dog. Since its parent breeds are so highly intelligent, it excels at brain games and learning tricks. The word Bichon refers to a variety of different toy dogs , including the more well-known Maltese. They are are social butterflies that love to make new friends. Their natural friendliness makes them one of the easier breeds to socialize. Bichon Poos are very smart and playful and love games that keep their minds working. They will love a trip to the park or a run around the yard. Their high intelligence means that they learn quickly, but also means that they are easily bored. They can be very annoying when under-stimulated. Unfortunately this breed can be loud and yappy. They may yap or whine if they are bored, and may bark excitably when they see a new friend. These dogs will actively engage their owners by bringing them their favorite toys or showing off their favorite new tricks. Every owner of any age and skill level can take care of one. All in all they are natural people dogs who want nothing more than to keep you amused and happy. This breed is one of the very best family dogs around. Caring for a Bichon Poodle A Bichon Frise Poodle mix is easy to care for which makes them great for first time owners. They do not need much beyond the basics that any dog needs. Keeping them clean and well groomed is the most important and intensive part of their care. Exercise Requirements This mix has sudden energy bursts. They will want to be on their feet one moment and all curled up the next. You can take them on up to 3 short 10 minute walks a day. A walk through the dog park or around the yard is just fine for distance. They can be trained to walk off leash but be sure to watch them carefully. In addition to their walks they should have at least 10 minutes of off leash play. They enjoy all of the classic doggie games, including fetch and Frisbee. Number of Walks Per Day: 3. Grooming and Shedding Grooming is the most demanding aspect of caring for this breed. Without regular grooming their fur will become a tangled mess. Keeping their fur neat and trimmed will be entirely up to you. They will need monthly trips to a professional groomer in addition to their daily brushing. They will also need shampooing and a haircut at least every 2 months. Small dog breeds are especially prone to dental health problems. Feeding and Diet Many owners will make the mistake of feeding this small dog the same kind of food as a larger and more active breed. These dogs have different caloric needs for their small bodies. Bichon Poodles should be given kibble made specifically for small and toy breeds. You can give them up to 3 meals a day, at a half-cup of kibble per meal. Foods for toy dog breeds contain less fat and carbs than those for larger dogs. However, they are much more calorie dense. This makes eating very painful, and it can even lead to heart disease. Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye problem inherited from both parent breeds. It usually occurs when the dog reaches middle age. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Poochons have high energy and are prone to weight gain. Make sure your dog gets frequent walks and play sessions through out the day. If you keep a hanky near by to wipe their eyes when they get moist, it can help minimize the tear stains that their breed is prone to getting. Multiple dogs sometimes clean each others eyes, but dogs typically do not clean their own eyes. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Poochon Feeding An ideal Poochon diet should be formulated for a small breed with moderate to 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. The main colors of Poochons are cream, tan, and apricot. Usually their coats are solid, and sometimes they have blend of colors. Less common colors are black or grey. Both parent breeds are high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and you can expect the same from the Poochon. These pups will most likely require daily brushing along with shampooing every few weeks with a mild product and monthly grooming. Poochons are prone to tear stains. If you decide to adopt a Poochon, keep a cloth tissue on hand to dab their eyes regularly. It helps manage the tear staining quite a bit. Poochon Children And Other Pets Poochons adore kids and families and the endless noise and commotion that comes with them. However, because the Poochon is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. 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. The Poochon enjoys the company of other dogs, as long as they receive their fair share of attention from their owner. Since Poochons have a social nature, a family with lots of animals could be ideal. For an active, social person, the Poochon could be your perfect co-pilot for life. Poochon Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Poochons because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Poodle or Bichon Frise breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Low History of the Poochon The history of the poochon is not well recorded. Purebred dogs have been bred for generations following a special blueprint called the breed standard, which is the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed. The breed standard is what gives purebred dogs predictable height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament. The poochon is a hybrid and not a purebred dog, so it does not have a breed standard and it is not standardized. This means that there is a lot of variation in the way individual poochons might look and act. A poochon that is a cross between a purebred bichon frise and a purebred poodle might look more like a bichon or more like a poodle, or could look different from both breeds. That said, these parent breeds are more similar than different, both in looks and temperament, so poochons are likely to look and act in a similar manner to the parent breeds. Some might question the reasoning behind breeding together such similar breeds. Crossbred puppies have the potential of inheriting congenital diseases and disorders present in both parent breeds. The poochon is not recognized by any of the purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. What Is a Designer Dog Breed? Poochon Care Grooming requirements for the poochon are the same as those for the bichon frise and poodle. The curly, dense coat of the poochon sheds very little or not at all, but daily brushing or brushing every other day is necessary to remove loose hair from the coat and prevent matting. Grooming Poochons with undercoats likely need more frequent brushing than poochons with single coats. Like their parent breeds, poochons need haircuts from a professional groomer every four to eight weeks. Clean the ears with a pet safe ear cleaner if they look dirty. If you see excessive dirt or redness in the ears, or if your poochon is shaking its head or scratching at the ears, schedule a veterinary visit. Exercise Both parent breeds of the poochon are lively and energetic, but poochons are small enough to get enough exercise through one or two daily walks plus playtime with you inside or outdoors. Some poochons are athletic and might enjoy training for dog sports like agility and flyball. Training Like the bichon and poodle, poochons are extremely smart and trainable. Bichons were once famous as circus dogs performing charming tricks, and poodles are considered one of the smartest breeds. Poochons respond readily to positive training methods like clicker training along with tasty treats and other food rewards. Most purebred dogs have specific inherited health issues common to the breed. Crossing bichons with poodles means that poochon puppies are at risk of inheriting any of the genetic diseases found in either breed. The bichon frise is prone to:. To download your free ebook, please confirm your email address. Bichonpoo Temperament Bichonpoos inherit qualities from both parent breed dogs. He was a bubbly pup named Duke who loved chasing rabbits and spending time with his foster family. After fostering him for a short time, my parents insisted on adopting him. After adopting him, I began researching Bichon Frise and was surprised to learn that their roots traced back to the aristocratic class. These dogs even enjoyed a brief tenure as a coveted lap dog for royalty. This charming breed is a descendant of the Bichon Tenerife and is a member of the Barbichon family. People love this breed because of their peppy behavior, playfulness, and energetic disposition. Bichon Frises have been known as great family dogs since the 13th century. Poodles Poodles , on the other hand, are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Growing up, I had a Toy Poodle who was smart as a whip. Poodles come in miniature, standard, and toy sizes, but Bichon Poos are strictly bred with Miniature or Toy Poodles. Like the Bichon Frise, Poodles have curly, non-shedding coats. Bichonpoo Considering that the Bichon Frise and Toy Poodle were adored by royalty, combining these two breeds results in quite the noble dog! Energetic This little guy is super energetic, just like its Poodle parent. They love to play around and need an active family to satisfy their playfulness. Bichonpoos are an excellent choice for people who are looking for an active and energetic companion. These dogs are incredibly playful and love running, jumping, and exploring. They have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Taking them for walks, playing fetch, and engaging in interactive playtime is a great way to keep them entertained and happy. Bichon poodle puppies are best for families who can commit to at least a couple of hours of playing. Social Bichonpoos are very social dogs and they thrive on human attention. If they are left alone for extended periods of time, they may develop separation anxiety. Keep this in mind, as you can do plenty of training exercises to prevent separation anxiety. Overall, Bichonpoos are wonderful pets that are perfect for families, couples, or single people who are looking for an active and affectionate companion. Alert Despite their size, Bichonpoos make good guard dogs, and will always alert you when someone is near your house. Otherwise, they are gentle, patient, and docile, making them the perfect dog around kids and other animals. Friendly Bichonpoos are social butterflies who love making new friends. They have a friendly and approachable demeanor, which makes socializing them as puppies a breeze. You can expect your Bichonpoo to wag its tail and sniff around whenever it comes across another dog or person. Intelligent Bichonpoos are highly intelligent dogs that have a strong desire to learn and explore. They inherit their intelligence from their Poodle parent, rather than their Bichon Frise parent. These dogs are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as praise, treats, and toys. This makes them a joy to train and a pleasure to have around. Training is also an excellent way to bond with your Bichonpoo, and it provides them with the mental stimulation they need to stay sharp and focused. They are super active and sense when strangers are nearing, which is why many dog keepers also prefer them as watchdogs. Generally, a male Bichon Frise Poodle mix will grow 11 to 15 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller and grow 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh approximately 6 to 12 pounds. Color Bichonpoos come in a variety of colors, including black, white, apricot, fawn, brown, cream, gray, and silver. Coat Bichonpoos are known for their adorable teddy-bear appearance, thanks to their curly and wavy coat. Additionally, being that both their parents are small hypoallergenic dogs , the Bichonpoo also has hypoallergenic fur, making them a suitable option for people who suffer from dog allergies. Living Requirements Bichonpoos are highly adaptable dogs that can fit into most living conditions without much trouble. Exercise As mentioned earlier, Bichonpoos are active dogs who need at least a couple of hours of exercise every day. You can go for two short walks or one long one to keep them and yourself! In addition to walks, make sure to set aside some time for playtime. You can stick with classic games like fetch or frisbee or switch things up with a game of hide and seek for some mental stimulation. Not only will regular exercise keep your Bichonpoo happy and healthy, but it will also reduce the risk of diseases by keeping them in tip-top shape. Training Being part Poodle, Bichonpoos are easy to train. With their intelligence, they pick up tricks and commands relatively fast and respond well to positive training methods where they get treats and praise. Training also includes socialization. Grooming Because Bichonpoos are low-shedding dogs, they require daily brushing to prevent tangles, mats, and infections. For best results, use a slicker brush with wire bristles and a steel tooth comb. The slicker brush is gentle on their skin and easily removes any tangles from their coat. Additionally, the steel tooth comb ensures you get all the tangles out, even ones at the base of their hair near the skin. Good dental hygiene is also important for your Bichonpoo as well. Toy Poodles are known for teeth issues, and the Bichonpoo can certainly inherit dental problems as well. Clean their teeth regularly using a soft-bristle toothbrush a baby toothbrush works great to prevent any build-up of bacteria. Finally, plan to take your Bichonpoo to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. Their coat grows quickly, and regular trims are necessary to keep it looking neat and tidy. Health Concerns Mixed breeds like the Poodle Bichon cross are less prone to disease than purebred dogs. In turn, these dogs have fewer health issues and their lifespan is slightly longer. But sometimes, a Bichonpoo may inherit some health issues from its parents. For example, from the Poodle parent, it may be predisposed to Progressive Retinal Atrophy and other eye issues. From the Bichon Frise parent, the dog may get Patella Luxation. Under this condition, the kneecap does not form properly, leading to dislocation and ultimately causing severe pain. This condition requires immediate medical treatment because, if delayed, it will require surgery. Another common disease your Bichon Frise poodle mix may get is hip dysplasia. This also causes extreme pain and lameness. To prevent these conditions, take your pup to the vet for regular checkups and ensure all the vaccinations are done on time. You should also get a Bichonpoo from a reputable breeder and ask for health testing from both parents. Often, Poodle mix dogs end up in rescues and you might get lucky by spotting a Bichonpoo who needs a loving home. Bichonpoos are charming, lively, and loving dogs that will bring you great joy and happiness. Amazon Associates Program This article may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. What Is the History of Bichon Poodles? In order to understand what a poochon might be like, we need to know more about the history of the bichon frise and the poodle. The bichon frise hails from Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was popular among the nobility of France, Spain, and Italy from about the 13th century onward. After the French Revolution in , these little dogs lost their noble benefactors. They ended up performing tricks, first as street performers, then in circuses. Just like bichon frises, poodles found popularity amongst French nobility and even spent some time in European circuses. However, their roots have nothing to do with luxury or the performing arts. Instead, poodles were duck hunters that originated in Germany. Even today, standard poodles are used for hunting fowl. As for the bichon poodle, this mix cropped up around the late s in Australia. It is believed that breeders were attempting to create an active but affectionate pet that would make a wonderful companion for families with kids. Though poodles come in three sizes, only miniature and toy poodles are typically chosen to mate with bichon frises. Poochons are small dogs with long curly hair often clipped short , fluffy tails, and cute button noses. They can come in various colors, but some of the most popular are apricot, cream, white, and red. Most bichpoos will be toy to miniature sized. What Size Is a Bichon Poodle? Bichon poodles are 9 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 17 pounds on average. Bichpoos with a toy poodle parent are more likely to be on the smaller side of this scale, whereas those with a miniature poodle parent may be on the larger end of this range. Both bichon frises and poodles have hair that is curly and grows long. Therefore, you can expect the same from a bichon poodle mix. Bichon poodles are happy-go-lucky dogs that see everyone as their friend. They make lovely family pets as they are great with children and enjoy activity and play. Bichpoos are very affectionate with their families and enjoy cuddling and being petted. Are Bichon Poodles Affectionate? Bichon frises were bred to be companion dogs, and poodles are known to be affectionate toward their families. Therefore, you can expect a mix of the two to be an absolutely loving dog. If you want a dog you can cuddle with; there is a high chance that a bichpoo will want to cuddle with you, too. They are wonderful little lapdogs who welcome physical touch. Bichon poodles are also quite friendly toward strangers. In fact, they tend to view everyone as friends and are quick to warm up to new people. This mixed breed is both gentle and playful. That said, it is important to always supervise kids and dogs. Because the bichon poodle is diminutive, children must be taught how to safely handle and respect this breed so as not to cause injury. While bichon frises have a low prey drive, the same cannot be said of the poodle, who was originally bred for hunting. So it would not be a total surprise should they enjoy chasing squirrels in the yard. If you have small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or the like, be aware of the possibility that a bichpoo may see them as prey. Socializing a bichon poodle mix puppy with small animals can help, but it is recommended that you exercise caution if you decide to keep small pets in a home with a bichpoo. Though small animals may be out, other dogs are not. Bichon poodles tend to be quite friendly toward fellow dogs. Are Bichon Poodles Aggressive? Though it is possible for any dog of any breed to become aggressive, this is definitely not the norm for the bichon poodle. This breed is generally very friendly and happy-go-lucky toward everyone they meet. Fear can be a cause of aggression. Do Bichon Poodles Bark a Lot? Bichon poodles are not known for being quiet. How much a dog barks will vary by individual, but it is not uncommon for bichpoos to bark a lot. This may not make them the best option if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions. However, if you are dedicated to putting in the effort, you can teach them to bark less. This training can work especially well if you start it during puppyhood, but training at any age can still be effective. Are Bichon Poodles Intelligent? Bichon Poodles are very smart little dogs. Poodles themselves are considered one of the smartest dog breeds, and we know that bichons frises are more than capable of learning complex tricks — after all, they did spend time in the circus! So a dog born of these two intelligent breeds is likely to be a smarty-pants. Are Bichon Poodles Easy to Train? Training is a joy when you have an intelligent dog that enjoys learning. This is definitely true of the bichon poodle. These little dogs are eager to please as they love receiving praise and treats from their favorite people. Because they are smart, they can also learn a plethora of interesting cues, including complicated tricks. We always recommend that dog owners take their pups to a training class of some sort because it keeps you on task with your training, allows you to ask questions, provides socialization, and offers a new or distracting environment for your dog to learn in. However, the bichon poodle is relatively easy to train, so hiring a professional trainer, while helpful, is not necessary. Similarly, you do not need to be an experienced trainer to successfully teach your bichon poodle new skills. Do your research, be clear and consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Respect your dog and remember that training should be fun, and your bichpoo will be trained before you know it. Are Bichon Poodles Energetic? The bichon poodle is considered a high-energy breed, which is no surprise since one of their parents, the poodle, was originally bred for hunting. You should definitely walk a poochon daily as well as engage in play. Bichon poodles will enjoy a romp around a yard but are also happy to play indoors. Most bichon poodles are satisfied with about an hour of exercise per day. If your poochon seems bored, then you may need to provide even more exercise. Aside from their barking habits, bichon poodles can be a great option for apartment living. They can easily get their exercise via walks or even indoor games on rainy days. Are Bichon Poodles Good Watchdogs? A bichon poodle will alert you to the presence of someone at the door or anything else they find out of place. For this reason, they can be considered good watchdogs. However, they are very friendly toward strangers and, of course, are quite small, so they cannot offer you much more than a four-legged alarm system. Bichon poodles are too small to fit every service niche for instance, they could not guide the blind , but they can make for talented service dogs in general. Their loving, affectionate nature would also make them a great option for someone who is looking to get an emotional support animal. For those who want to bring joy to others, a bichon poodle would likely excel as a therapy dog because they tend to be quite friendly and do well with children and adults. How to Care for a Bichon Poodle The bichon poodle usually requires visits to a groomer every four to six weeks to have their coat clipped. Otherwise, they require brushing at least weekly and should have their ears checked for infection regularly. Perhaps the most vital care for a bichon poodle is dental care. You must brush their teeth every single day. This is because the bichon poodle is predisposed to periodontal disease, and it is not uncommon for this breed to lose teeth because of it. This is because the bacteria growing in an unhealthy mouth can spread, often leading to systemic issues in the heart, kidneys, or liver. As their hair grows back out, you should brush even more frequently to prevent matting. Mats make it difficult for groomers to give the dog a neat clip, and severe matting is painful. Bathing once a month is enough for a poochon, but you can also choose to bathe as needed. Do Bichon Poodles Shed? The bichon poodle mix is a minimal shedder. This is because their hair grows long and continuously. This cycle of growth can take years, which is why the breed is considered low shedding and hypoallergenic. What Should a Bichon Poodle Eat? Bichon poodles should eat the highest quality small breed dog food you can afford. The best dog foods meet AAFCO guidelines, are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and undergo feeding trials. To determine how much to feed your bichon poodle, check the guidelines on your preferred dog food. Bichon poodles are at risk for all the same diseases for which poodles and bichon frises are at risk. Though these health risks may seem scary, there are ways to increase your chances of getting a healthy pup who will live a long, happy life. The best option is to get your bichon poodle puppy from a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. These health tests ensure that the parent dogs do not have any identifiable diseases that could be passed on to the offspring. Responsible breeders not only health test their dogs but are also more than willing to share the results with potential adopters. Poodles live between 10 and 18 years whereas bichon frises live about 14 to 15 years. Therefore, you can expect a bichpoo to have a similar lifespan. Are Bichon Poodles Expensive? Your recurring monthly expenses for a bichpoo will mostly consist of grooming and food. How to Find a Bichon Poodle Breeder? What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business and how familiar they are with bichon poodles. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parent? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid irresponsible breeders. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. Can You Adopt a Bichon Poodle? These shelters typically rescue mixes of their designated breeds. You should also keep an eye on small breed rescues. Are Bichon Poodles Purebred? Bichon poodles are not purebred. Rather, they are the offspring of two purebred dogs: the poodle and the bichon frise. Some bichon poodles may also have two bichon poodle parents. Can You Show Bichon Poodles? Unfortunately, only purebred dogs are allowed to be shown. This is partly because purebreds have a set standard for how each breed should look and be proportioned. No such standard exists for mixed breeds like the bichon poodle, so they cannot participate in dog shows. The bichon poodle would make a great first dog for a new dog owner. The bichon poodle is a wonderful dog with many desirable traits. The Bichon poodle may be right for you if: You want a dog you can cuddle with. You have children and want a family dog. You want a dog that has low-maintenance grooming needs. It is considered a designer dog breed. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late s. The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog. Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold. With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs. A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat. You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing. Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark. This designer dog breed usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between pounds. A Bichpoo will generally live between years. Featured Bich-poo Article.

He was born July 18, .He is up to date on his shots. He is neuter done a year ago. We are re homing him due to relocation. PM me if you are interested. Solid white. About 5 months old. Has screwtail like Dad! Very Sweet Girl! No holds or deposits. Sweet Boy! Please call or text xxx xxx-xxx7 if interested. Ready for a forever home! He absolutely loves attention! Good with children and make sure a great family pet. They are good with children and make a great family pet. Shots are up to date, have been de-wormed. I do not ship, but will meet at the RDU airport if you would like to fly to NC and pick up your puppy. At 8 weeks old they will be ready to go home with you with a puppy kit, health record, tail docked, de-wormed 4 times, first shot, one year health guarantee, and be well socialized. They are from three different litters. I have the parents on site, but one mother died to C-section complications. Please feel free to contact me for any questions, or to meet these little boys. Have a Blessed Day! They are from two different litters. All parents are Valley Bulldogs. Please feel free to contact me for any questions, or to meet these little girls. Call or Text xxx-xxx-xxxx, FB xxxx, or message me here. Bishop hails from the streets of the south, where he was trying to make it on his own and chasing the wrong type of dames. However, his life took a turn when he ended up in a scary place called "The Shelter. Bishop weighs around 55 pounds, and he wants the ladies to know that it's all muscle. But don't let his muscles fool you, he's as sweet as sugar and listens better than most men. He has a mix of boxer, lab, and pitbull in him, but his handsome looks mostly come from his pitbull side. And yes, the ladies love his guns! Unfortunately, Bishop's previous foster home had cats, and they didn't get along well. So, he's currently back in boarding, where he enjoys the company of other dogs and a kind lady who takes him for walks and plays ball with him. Bishop absolutely loves his toys and chasing balls. He can get a bit "mouthy" when teased with toys, but he redirects nicely. He enjoys going for walks, but if he spots a bird, rabbit, or squirrel, he's off like Richard Simmons in a workout video. However, he responds well to correction. Bishop is a goofball who doesn't take much seriously, except for treats. Treats are serious business to him, and he'll do just about anything for one. He loves peanut butter in his kabobs but avoids rawhide to maintain his playboy figure. With his big smile and awesome personality, Bishop hopes to find his forever home. He's fully vetted, which means he's had his shots and is neutered. He is currently undergoing treatment for heartworms using a method called Slow Kill. Bishop is an easygoing, sweet, smart, happy, cuddly, and laid-back dude. He loves exercising, playing catch, and chasing balls, but he also enjoys relaxing and taking naps. He would be more than happy to lounge around in bed and watch TV with his humans. A perfect day for Bishop would involve the three C's: chasing balls , catch, and chill. He simply wants a best friend, someone to love him and give him the attention he deserves. A house would be preferable to an apartment, but he's open to trying out apartment life if it's a good fit. Bishop is currently in training now and is available for adoption or foster. To learn more about him and start the adoption process, reach outr to us. Wecan provide you with Bishop's portfolio and an application for his forever home. Bishop can't wait to give you wet kisses and steal all your blankets.

The Best French Bulldogs in the World! We pride ourselves on the quality of Frenchie and service provided. We believe a happy Frenchie makes the best companion. French bulldogs are what we know best! This truly is one of the best French bulldog breeders in the country. I picked up my Zoe from him and she turns heads every where she goes. Not only does she look great, she is healthy and has a great personality. Our puppy was in great health and has a great personality — you can tell these puppies are raised really well from the start. All of his French bulldogs are gorgeous and we have gotten endless compliments on ours!! Eleni Purchased my first frenchie and it was a great experience throughout the whole process. They were very helpful with questions and is knowledgeable about the breed. We are so in love with our sweet healthy little nugget Lock! I would highly recommend Texas Brand French Bulldogs for those looking into adding a puppy to their family! Visit our Colors and Patterns Blog to decide on the perfect Frenchie color for you! She is a chocolate merle with an impressive pedigree! Fiona loves to play and likes when the other girls chase her. She is smart and loves to cuddle. Fifi, as we call her, has the best personality and a sweet demeanor. Fiona is retired and will live the rest of her days lounging on our couch! Lola Lola is retired but will be staying with us. Bella Bella has retired and living her best life as an only dog! We love him soooooo much. Thank you! I was sent pictures and felt so close. I waited not so patiently to fly to Santa Fe to pick her up. The breeder brought her to me in Santa Fe and gave us a ride back to the airport. We were in Instant love. She is a secure, healthy, adventurous Frenchie, and in the two weeks she has been in our family has been the best. We are so grateful that we found Wild Blue. Our puppies are bred to be cute and intelligent and are raised to have the best personalities and temperament. You can expect the greatest attention to detail to make your experience of purchasing a puppy a fun and enjoyable process, as it should be. We are located in Denison, Texas about 1. We are happy to meet you halfway in Amarillo. Each of our Frenchies is raised underfoot in our home as part of the family. Our house is full of love, laughter, children, lots of children and dogs. You can learn a bit more about us here. If you are interested in one of our gorgeous puppies please feel free to take a moment to complete our puppy application and we will be in touch regarding our available Texas Frenchie Puppies for sale or upcoming planned breedings. Thank you so much for visiting our home on the web and please check back often as many of our pages are constantly being updated with photos, and info regularly. In the meantime, you can catch us on Instagram by clicking here , or on Facebook by clicking here. The remaining balance is to be paid by 8 weeks old. Our line of communication is always open to you to discuss whatever French Bulldog related questions you may have about your new puppy. You can ask any of our past puppy buyers yourself. We will be happy to provide you with references upon request while we find the time to complete our Testimonials page. Follow Us On IG.

From a very young age we train our puppies in a few things that aid them in being successful adults as family members, companions, service dogs, agility dogs. The Coltriever is a mid sized dog, they weigh between pounds and are built similar to a Golden Retriever. Available Puppies Our next litter will be in September ready for their new home in early November. Usually we have… Early Learning Each of my litters is born inside my home, rather than a kennel setting. This allows them to hear the sounds and smell the scents associated with a household from the very start. They are continually exposed to the everyday sights and sounds of a family home. This includes potentially scary sounds such as vacuum… About Our Puppies I have been raising Coltrievers in Lacey, Washington since .They are a designer dog, which is a mix of Golden Retriever and Border Collie breeds. They are a mid- sized dog, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. The conformation of a Coltriever is similar to a Golden Retriever. Addie Belle is a huge part of the heart and soul of our home. We love her SO much. And, yes we could be tempted by a sibling some day. Thank you for giving me my Sprinkle. SecsSeconds Upcoming Litters We have another Golden litter due in October, so we'll be announcing the take-home dates soon About Us Experienced Breeders We have had golden retrievers in our family for 30 years. We started breeding over 10 years ago. We live in Washington state on 5 acres outside the small town of Tonasket. We have the privilege of living on a quiet lake where our goldens get to swim daily. We strive to breed loving, mellow temperament, and family oriented dogs who are also completely health tested. They are raised in our home, inside and out, with our family of four. We want you to get the best Golden possible. Please look at our two year health guarantee below. A Furever Friend Golden retrievers are great with kids, adorable snugglers, service therapy dogs, and effective hunters! We believe they are the best well rounded family dog. What do you recommend? As breeders we have always fed our dogs premium, all natural food that is both nutritious and safe. These are also major allergens to our pets. Life's Abundance has NO such fillers. And, our dogs love it! These products work in tandem to provide excellent nutrition right out of the gates and into their senior years. Because so many health issues are tied to proper diet, we now offer a 2 Year Health Guarantee when you continue with this exceptional nutritional program. Please refer to your contract for details. They are given a comprehensive vet exam around 7 weeks old. They receive their 1st vaccination, they are wormed 4 times, and they also come with a puppy packet with all of mom and dads health certifications, AKC paperwork, puppy tips and tricks for training. We also make up a goodie bag with a blanket that smells like mom and litter mates, toys, treats and more! We accept 4 male and 4 female deposits in advance of delivery of our pups. Please see puppy deposit contract attached below. Full registration is given on a case by case basis. Payment Types. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. They truly love their golden's and have passion for what they do.Beautiful dogs.We researched breeders in and found BBG to adopt a puppy our 4th golden for our family of five and none of us looked back! We found a breeder with knowledge, support, advice, respect, kindness, compassion, care and incredible love for the dogs! Best decision ever!!! After doing her research, Kerry flew all the way from Washington to PA to add new blood to her line to insure healthy puppies for her offspring and their owners. I selected BBG as a breeder due to Kerry's passion for breeding healthy and happy dogs. With health checks for multiple generations of both the Dame and Sire lines, it was very important to me that I was not supporting a puppy mill or irresponsible breeding industry. I couldn't be happier with my two boys, other than I can hear one of them in my closet as I write this.You will become a member of the BBG family, and it is fantastic. If you want a gorgeous, correct golden with just the right blend of show and field lines that has been given the absolute best start in life, you want a BBG golden. I live on the other side of the country, and I did an absolute TON of research on the lines carried by Golden Retriever breeders from across the country, and I kept circling back to BBG. BBG is truly unique, not just their look and lines, but also the fact that they keep it small, so your puppy will be given daily love, attention, and neurological stimulation with everything from baby slides and toys, to moshing in a fun ball pit! You won't just get daily photos and videos of your special puppy from birth on, but your puppy will also leave their care having been extensively socialized and exposed to just about everything a family dog will experience, because he or she will be born and raised INSIDE their home. My BBG golden is incredibly intelligent, and is everything a Golden should be! Thank you, Kerry and Vicki! Always on hand to answer any questions! BigBendGoldens does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website BigBendGoldens , is strictly at your own risk. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. Consent By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms. Update Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here. Proudly created with Wix. I fell in love with her, Queenie. I had to know what she was, where she was from, and how I could get one. I was told she was a Crooked Rooster Coltriever. Then, I remembered Crooked Rooster! I looked it up, contacted Holly and heard back within a couple hours. We talked on the phone for over an hour and a half. I fell in love with what Coltriever stood for and where they came from instantly. We set up a time to come tour the farm, and meet the puppies. We were placed in a pen with all the little all black Coltriever angels, and immediately saw Baloo. We knew he was the one. Baloo was the most perfect little squishy guy I had ever met. We chose him and have never looked back. He has changed our life for the better and has been the most amazing buddy we could have asked for. He loves other dogs so much, and so we contacted Holly to see if she had any litters available. She did! We went to meet them, and fell in love instantly with Tibbs, just like Baloo. Holly talked us through our meet and greet with the boys and what we should look for in how they interact. Holly is always very knowledgeable about her puppies and it makes you feel very safe about making this big of a life decision. I am now obsessed with our two Coltrievers, and am excited to have them apart of our life forever! We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!! Our Program Personality We understand that each English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has their own unique personality and temperament traits, including assertiveness, motivation, energy level, tenderheartedness, intensity, and focus. Our observation of their socialization and interaction with humans and other animals such as cats, provides important indicators for your puppy's needs and lifestyle. Family Looking for a lifelong companion for your children? Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are loving, happy, and easygoing playmates, who not only create great memories but also promote emotional and physical development. From building self-esteem to developing empathy and responsibility, our companion puppies have many positive impacts on children. Socialization At Golden Beaches, we believe in providing our puppies with the essential socialization necessary to become lifelong companions. Our multi-pet household allows our puppies to have early exposure to cats, which promotes respect and understanding for other animals and children. This socialization also benefits cats by overcoming fears and promoting positive behavior. Many of our clients with multi-pet households have found this approach beneficial, and some have even added a kitten to their family after starting out with one of our puppies. Nutrition At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers by providing them with premium, holistically formulated dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. Our food has never been recalled and is packed with nutrients and protein, ensuring that our dogs have shiny coats, bright eyes, and long-term benefits. We believe that good nutrition is key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, so we take the time to ensure that they receive the best possible care, socialization, and early training. Adventure Experience the great outdoors with your athletic, water-loving Golden Retriever. Our playful companions are the perfect adventure buddies for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. With our Goldens, you'll make unforgettable memories while staying active and healthy. Join us on our journey and let us help you embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved furry friend. Confidence At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the early development of our puppies by exposing them to different sights, smells, and sounds. We even play various genres of music and sounds to help them adapt to new environments. Our approach includes using evaluation methods like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as well as introducing them to different activities and tests. Through these efforts, we gain a better understanding of your pup's unique level of confidence, ensuring they will be comfortable in any situation. Meet Ferguson Meet Ferguson! Ferguson is a 1 year old Goldendoodle with Megaesophagus. Normally when a dog swallows, their esophagus moves the food from their mouth to their stomach to be digested. In Megaesophagus, dogs are unable to swallow food normally because their esophagus lacks the muscular tone and motility needed to move food and water. Instead, their esophagus dilates and food backs up, causing them to regurgitate the meal. Thankfully dogs with Megaesophagus can live long and happy lives some some modifications to their day! Ferguson needs to eat and drink in a Bailey chair and sit up for minutes after each feeding. He can't have large meals or fatty foods so meals a day is important, he is also on a specialty diet. Ferguson is a sweet cuddly boy who just wants love. He is smart and learns quickly even though he can't have treats for motivation. Some love and attention is all the reward he needs. He enjoys playing with his foster fur brother and would love to have a fur sibling in his forever home. He does well with kitty friends too. He needs a home without younger children. One of the most important things with Megaesophagus is that there's nothing for them to eat off the floor. Even though Ferguson is a little extra work this boy is more than worth it! We don't get to all of the inquiries but respond to all applications. Thank you for choosing to rescue! These dogs are transported to a predetermined location agreed upon by the rescue. This fee includes: Age-appropriate vaccinations, up to date heart-worm and flea preventative, heart-worm test if over 6 months, insurance for 30 days, microchip with registration, health certificate, and transport costs. The adoption application and fee would be finalized prior to transport. Considering Ferguson for adoption? All our puppies have new homes! Be first in line for your new puppy! Get on the waitlist for Silver Labs and Golden Retriever Puppies due beginning of October Past litter of male puppies Looking for a puppy to add to your family? Golden Retrievers Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labs Silver Labs Meet The Puppies These are gorgeous, and energetic dogs who: require daily exercise and are perfect for you, if you love being outdoors and living an active lifestyle are easily trained and very intelligent, making them great family companions. We are located just 60 miles outside of Seattle on a 50 acre farm that's been in our family since my grandfather purchased it when he returned from Europe after World War II. Our dogs love it here. The mamas will even hop in the back of the truck to go help us feed the cows or play in the grass while we're tending to the horses. Our puppies are well socialized as they spend time with our family and with regular visits to the vet you have our assurance that not only are they cute but healthy. Golden Retrievers Silver Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Healthy Your puppy is ready to go home with you at 8 weeks old, with AKC registration, a healthy puppy vet check, their first shots, and age appropriate wormings. Adorable You will literally have your pick of the litter depending on who the mama is. Whether it's an English Style Silver or Chocolate Lab or a beautiful Golden Retriever you are sure to find the puppy that steals your heart. Raised With Love Our dogs are our family pets and are a part of our everyday lives. They spend their days with us and you may find them roaming the farm or on a trail ride. They are raised with chicken, cows and horses. Our puppies also spend lots of time playing outside so they are well socialized, great around children and other pets. Have questions? We are a phone call, text or email away! Testimonials Meet Boone What a wonderful, friendly, dog loving, farm home to buy our beautiful Silver Lab, Boone, from! We were able to make trips to visit Boone while he grew, Wendy was always accommodating and super nice. During these visits we also became more acquainted with Boone's mom and grandmom, they are both loving and gentle souls. These are qualities we were looking for in our next dog as we have young grandchildren that will be a big part of Boone's life. We have had Boone for two weeks now. And he surprises us daily with how smart he is. We could not be happier with the start in life he had at Wendy's, his breeding, and HIM!! And I haven't even mentioned how absolutely beautiful Boone is! We collectively decided on getting a dog. We wanted a happy, smart, loyal breed that could fit in and grow with our kids. With those criteria we started looking for a Labrador Retriever. We soon drove to the farm to pick out our puppy. From that moment, until today, we have been so happy with our choice! Our silver lab, Rumble Rainier, has been value added to our home. He is perfect with our sons, he learned our routines quickly, and he keeps us smiling every day. Say Hi to Boomer.They were amazing to work with thru the whole process. We first picked him out in January and we got to visit every other week to watch him grow and get him familiar with us. He was the cutest little brown fur ball and it was fun to see him interact with all his siblings and his mom. He was also very loved and handled by their kids during the times we could not visit. He is a year old now and a very healthy and beautiful lab. He loves being outside, playing fetch, playing with his soccer ball, or being anywhere our 12 year old daughter is. He has been a great addition to our family! They really love their dogs and know how to breed healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Our Boomer loves all dogs, adults and children because of this. We are so thankful to Green Valley Pups and Paws for this whole experience! Amber McKinney.

Besides a nutritious diet, Boxer owners must know the right time to feed their pups. Boxer puppy feeding schedule is made easy with this Boxer feeding chart. Larger and stronger Boxer pups push their weaker siblings aside to get the most food. This is why many Boxer breeders and owners make sure that all puppies get enough food. Two week old tiny Boxer puppies are new to this world and rely completely on the Boxer mother. They should always stay with their mother because her breast milk is their main and only source of nutritious food. During this period, two week old Boxer puppies open their eyes for the first time. However, they are still dependent on the Boxer mommy. Even though they are double the size at three weeks of age, Boxer pups are still nursing. During the period between four to six weeks, their teeth grow bigger and the Boxer mommy will wean them off soon. At four weeks of age, the Boxer mother starts weaning her puppies. To help the Boxer puppy transition from milk to store-bought puppy food, it is time that you try making puppy mush. Try offering your Boxer pup this mixture up to four times per day but make sure not to overfeed it. Too much puppy mush can cause your Boxer pup loose stools and diarrhea. However, most Boxer puppies will need some time to fully get used to their new diet. That said, you will need to soften the puppy food that your seven week old Boxer puppy is eating. You should give your Boxer puppies high-quality food three to four times a day. Boxer puppies at this age love to eat, so make sure not to overfeed them two cups per day. This means that your Boxer puppy is totally ready for proper mealtime! The feeding schedule should include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will also have more energy, which may necessitate consuming more calories or eating larger portions. Its little body needs all the nutrients from high quality food it can get. At this point, your Boxer puppy eats twice the amount of food an adult Boxer dog would eat. Even though your eleven week old Boxer puppy has an enormous appetite, you must not leave food to its own will. So, every time it is done eating, you should pick up the leftover dog food. Make sure to separate the amount of food in 3 to 4 smaller portions through the day. At six months of age, the Boxer puppy is growing rapidly and you might want to consider home-cooked dog food or introducing it to a raw diet. High-quality commercial dog food is packed with necessary nutrients, but nothing can replace a good home-cooked meal! The period between seven to twelve months of age is when you will want to give your Boxer puppy less food than you would feed a 5 month old Boxer. At twelve months of age, Boxer puppies will do well with two meals per day. However, this depends on the health state and development of your Boxer puppy. If the Boxer pup is more on the skinny side, then you should feed it more food than described in feeding charts. Just make sure to ask your vet to help you develop a balanced diet for your Boxer pup. Fully grown male adult Boxer dogs reach between 65 to 80 pounds, whereas adult female Boxer dogs weigh a bit less, reaching anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds. Adult Boxer dogs should be fed two meals per day — breakfast and dinner. The most important thing is to take away leftover dog food when your Boxer dog is done eating. Due to the fact that the Boxer dog breed is prone to bloating a life-threatening condition , owners and breeders should be cautious around feeding them too much food. If you have owned Boxers or if you are currently a proud owner of the Boxer, then you know how highly energetic these pooches are. Well, due to their high energy levels, Boxers require a lot of exercise. With frequent exercise comes heavy calorie burning after which your Boxer dog needs more food! Besides high energy levels, Boxer dogs are medium breed dogs that inherit faster metabolism than an average medium-sized dog. That said, Boxer dogs require food that is rich in calories and nutrients to make up for the energy that they use during the day. The best Boxer food will be one that is made for active dogs and includes all the vitamins and minerals they require to stay healthy and fit. Young Boxer puppies should eat more than a cup per day, while older Boxer puppies can consume up to three cups daily because their nutritional needs are higher. Adult Boxers require about 40 fewer calories per pound of body weight than puppies. That said, daily food intake for adult Boxer dogs typically ranges from 3 to 5 cups, depending on their weight. Adult Boxer dogs should be fed twice a day, while Boxer puppies must be fed 3 to 4 meals per day. All dog breeds require basic ingredients in dog food such as protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. But the Boxer dog breed is a bit different. Because Boxers are hyper dogs with insane energy levels! So, a good diet for a Boxer pup must consist of basic ingredients, but you may also want to boost it with home-cooked food and supplements. This is why you have to choose the best source of protein for your Boxer dog. Poultry, beef, and seafood are excellent sources of animal protein for Boxer dogs because they are easy on their digestive system. Fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3 are great for your Boxer dog because they give its coat extra shine and make its skin healthier. With a proper diet that is packed with vitamins and fatty acids, Boxer coat colors become more vivid and its coat sheds less! Fruit and veggies are also great for Boxer dogs because they are packed with vitamins and minerals which are essential for a healthy metabolism. Dairy products like whipped cream and blue cheese should either not be given at all or given in very small amounts. Grain-Free Diet What makes the Boxer dog breed different from other medium-sized dogs is that they are prone to developing Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus bloat. This means that the majority of Boxer dogs will have to go on a special diet. Grain-free diets are usually recommended for adult Boxer dogs in order to avoid bloat and other digestive system issues. We can say that Boxer dogs have more sensitive stomachs than other dog breeds. Not only can these ingredients trigger canine bloat, but they can also cause food allergies. Supplements Sometimes a simple diet for your Boxer dog is simply not enough. Due to their rapid growth and high activity levels, Boxer dogs need to keep their joints in tip-top condition. So, you want to search for food supplements that contain glucosamine chondroitin — compounds that are essential to joint health. Moreover, Boxers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia which is why these supplements are of utmost importance. But, the Boxer dog breed is a bit different than the rest. Now, I know that this is an ongoing dilemma to the majority of Boxer owners, as there is no correct answer. Dry Dog Food Despite the fact that many Boxers dogs may prefer wet over dry dog food, dry kibble is preferable to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and their jaw strong. The crunch of a hard kibble will help to some extent to remove plaque, but you will still need to provide some at-home dental care. Pure kibble diets are perfectly acceptable to give to your Boxer dog. Additionally, you can boil some chicken or give your Boxer dog some raw meat. Boxers love those! It is perfectly fine to feed your Boxer dog a pure kibble diet. But, you will want to make it a bit more interesting by adding some dog food toppers, cooked or raw meat, fish, and vegetables. Wet Dog Food Wet food has more water, which keeps Boxer dogs hydrated throughout the day. Compared to dry dog food, wet food has higher fat content which is a no-no for Boxers that are prone to canine obesity. For most Boxer dogs that are prone to heart disease like cardiomyopathy, wet food with high fat content may be too much. Different Boxer dog life stages require different food amounts. Besides the life stage your Boxer dog is in, we should take into consideration that Boxers are medium-sized dogs, which means that they require a healthy diet that is specially designed for medium breed dogs. Age Earlier in this article we have mentioned that Boxer puppies need a special diet that consists of a higher percentage of protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. This is perfectly understandable because Boxer puppies need a healthy diet to grow. Additionally, Boxer puppies are always on the go and their bodies burn calories like crazy! In contrast to young Boxer puppies, old Boxers need to be fed a healthy diet that has a lower content of protein and fat. Naturally, the metabolism of a Boxer dog slows with age. So, due to the fact that many senior Boxer dogs are less energetic and more on the lazy side, they burn fewer calories. A slower metabolism is one of the main reasons why older Boxer dogs become obese because excess calories from high-calorie dog food are converted into fat. Failure to feed a diet designed for the unique requirements of medium to large-breed puppies like the Boxer can lead to health issues such as canine arthritis , hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and obesity. This is why you have to choose Boxer food that is designed to control the amount of calories and calcium consumed in order to reduce the risk of these health issues. Gender Regardless of the gender, all Boxer dogs need the right nutrients that will help them stay healthy and strong as they grow. However, the nutritional needs of male Boxer dogs greatly differ from those of female Boxers. Research shows that intact male Boxer dogs eat more than their neutered counterparts. Which is pretty obvious due to the fact that intact male Boxer dogs go crazy when they show signs that they want to mate. In fact, intact male Boxer dogs are known to roam and jump fences in order to get to their ladies. Roaming and chasing those female Boxer beauties burns away all the calories! So, intact male Boxer dogs are always hungry! Neutered Male Boxer Dog Upon reaching sexual maturity, intact male Boxer dogs often become restless and impossible to handle. This is the period when you can see signs that your male dog needs to be neutered. Neutered male Boxer dogs have lower energy needs than their intact counterparts. After having your Boxer dog neutered, you have to put it on a special diet to ensure a fast recovery. In fact, you will need to cut the food portion in half because neutered Boxer dogs require fewer calories. If your neutered male Boxer dog starts to lose weight, you can reintroduce a gradual increase in food. Intact Female Boxer Dog Intact female Boxer dogs typically need fewer calories than both intact and neutered male dogs. Intact female Boxers that are fed the same diet as intact male Boxer dogs are more prone to obesity and heart problems. Spayed Female Boxer Dog Boxer dogs that have been spayed or neutered have lower levels of estrogens and androgens, which, just like in neutered male Boxer dogs, lowers their metabolic rate. Therefore, the spayed female Boxer dog requires less energy. After surgery, the appetite of a female Boxer dog might increase because estrogen has been shown to suppress hunger. To ensure that your spayed female Boxer maintains a healthy body constitution and condition, the amount and type of food must be changed. Pregnant Female Boxer Dog Once your female dog starts showing signs of pregnancy , get ready to learn more about what a feeding schedule for a pregnant pooch looks like. Start by offering your pregnant Boxer dog smaller and more frequent meals rather than large portions. Pregnant Boxers will have less space in their tummy for large amounts of food so make sure to keep the balance between small meals. Additionally, her diet should consist of a lot of soluble carbohydrates along with a little fiber. One of the most crucial minerals for pregnant Boxer dogs are calcium and phosphorus. These minerals support healthy bone development of unborn Boxer puppies. Activity Levels Boxer puppies, adolescents, and young adult dogs that are in perfect heath have insane energy levels! This means that their activity levels are high and they need regular exercise. When your Boxer pup runs all over the place, it needs a lot of nutritious food to feed those muscles! Boxer dogs that receive these optimal levels of dietary protein are more likely to perform to their full potential. Besides healthy protein intake, active Boxer dogs need a bit of carbohydrates. If you notice that your Boxer dog is gaining more weight , simply feed it less, and if they are becoming underweight, feed more. Lazy Boxer Dogs Adult Boxer dogs differ from one to another and have different activity levels. While active adult Boxer dogs normally active require 30 calories per pound of body weight, lazy Boxer dogs require less calories per day to maintain their overall health and avoid becoming obese. Senior Boxer Dogs The majority of senior Boxer dogs frequently prefer canned or raw food over dry dog food. Maybe it is because their teeth are not as strong as before, or simply because of the added moisture found in canned dog food. Even though senior Boxer dogs tend to eat less because they are less active and have slower metabolisms, they require dog food that is high in energy, antioxidants, and fatty acids. This is why senior dog food for Boxers features a healthy balance of antioxidants and fatty acids. Senior Boxer dogs typically prefer smaller portions that are given more frequently throughout the day rather than two fully loaded bowls a day. What Foods Should Boxers Avoid? As we mentioned in the grain-free diet part, Boxer dogs should avoid any dog food that contains wheat, corn, or soy. These ingredients are merely fillers for your Boxer dog, offering little to no nutritional value. In fact, the majority of food allergies in dogs are triggered by grains such as wheat and corn. Besides these common dog food ingredients, Boxer dogs should avoid human food like chocolate, macadamia nuts, milk, avocado, candy, and spicy food. Cooked bones should never be given to Boxer dogs. So, when cooking bone broth for your Boxer dog, make sure to get rid of all cooked bones. Boxer dogs are known to have sensitive stomachs. If your Boxer dog ingests food that is toxic to its digestive system, chances are that it will throw up yellow or develop diarrhea. It is best to consult with your veterinarian and go over any worries you have about what foods your Boxer dog should avoid. While many Boxer dogs simply have an insane desire for food, an increased appetite also known as polyphagia can also indicate a number of health problems. For example, Boxers with diabetes often show signs of polyphagia or an insatiable appetite. These can be signs that your senior dog with diabetes is dying. Besides health issues and all that serious stuff, Boxer dogs can simply inherit a faster metabolism which makes them always hungry. Owners are understandably worried when their Boxer pup abruptly stops eating or gradually loses interest in food. In the absence of other symptoms of health issues, a Boxer not eating is typically not a cause for concern. Normally, stress, reaction to medication, and changes in their environment, can all cause a Boxer pup to stop eating. Boxer puppies that are in their teething period like to nibble on people or objects, rather than consuming their puppy food. Some Boxer pups experience severe discomfort and pain while teething which reduces their will to eat. A Boxer puppy may frequently stop eating due to intestinal parasitic infestation or infections that cause upset stomach. The lack of appetite in Boxer puppies could be a sign of a serious issue like a blockage or poisoning. In other cases, Boxer dogs can lose their appetite due to internal obstructions, pain, and dental issues. The best food for your Boxer dog is usually food that is made for active dogs. While most Boxer owners prefer the Royal Canin brand, there are other commercial dog foods across the U. The majority of Boxer dogs inherit a sensitive stomach, so it is best to avoid bad food brands and to consult your veterinarian about the best dog food that you can find. Conclusion Give your hungry Boxer pooch all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live a long life! The best way to keep a Boxer pup happy is by giving it nutritious food and lots of exercise. This Boxer feeding chart explains how much food a Boxer needs based on its activity levels. So, I believe that you have gotten the hang of this feeding guide! Make sure to ask your Boxer breeder for additional tips and tricks. Even though this Boxer feeding chart answers the most common questions about Boxer diet and feeding schedule, in case your Boxer puppy is showing signs of health issues, call your veterinarian for a check-up. Related Content. Your dog may suffer from indigestion if they are fed too late at night. A Boxer may struggle to acquire weight at times. Having three meals each day, including snacks, can help during this time. Adult Boxers should be fed in the morning, noon, and evening. Scheduled feeding times should be established early on to prevent weight-related diseases. Adult Boxers on a two-meal diet should eat in the morning and evening. Never let your dog exercise vigorously after a large meal, especially if they eat rapidly. This prevents bloating , intestinal obstruction, and other serious digestive problems. Introduce fewer carbs and consider nourishing their intestines and giving them micronutrients that help fight off disease-causing microorganisms. The following is a top-notch selection of Boxer food: Dry Food: Your best bet is to feed your Boxer dog grain-free kibble or dry kibble. Some even advocate dog food with human-grade ingredients. High-quality kibble containing animal protein formulated specifically for the growth and development of lean muscle mass in Boxers. Wet Food: Wet food is another commercial dog food option. If you want raw feeding for your Boxer, be sure to consult a veterinarian first, as raw diets can be tricky to prepare. Home-Cooked Diet: Aside from raw food, you can feed your Boxer home-cooked food as well. Always get your meat and other ingredients from reputable butchers and merchants to avoid potential problems. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these dog food options mentioned above. But, for the most part, these are the best food options for the Boxer. If you are in doubt, seek the advice of an animal nutritionist or veterinarian. However, Boxers are susceptible to skin allergies caused by these products. To have a grain-free diet for your dog, you should look out for ingredients like brown rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Chocolate: While chocolate is a delicious treat for us humans, it can be harmful to your Boxer. The stimulants in chocolates, known as methylxanthines , make them toxic for dogs. It could be fatal if your dog has consumed cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or cooking chocolate. Fatty Meals: Pancreatitis outbreaks in dogs can be blamed on fatty meals. A veterinarian should always be consulted before feeding a dog a new diet. Call a veterinarian immediately if you believe that your Boxer dog has consumed something hazardous. Some dogs may have stomach upset and even appetite loss if you suddenly switch to a new high-quality food or diet. This shift should occur within a five- to seven-day time window. American Kennel Club AKC advocates starting with 25 percent of the new food for your Boxer and gradually increasing it until all of the old food has been replaced with fresh food, based on the same ratio. Below is a table showing what the AKC recommends as a standard diet transition plan for most dog breeds, including Boxers: Day. Yet underneath that strong and active exterior is a lot of labor and commitment to protecting their loved ones. When it comes to maintaining their health, you need to understand how much to feed a Boxer puppy. We have included a Boxer puppy feeding chart to help you take care of this breed. The daily food intake for a Boxer may range from one cup to four cups. Meal sizes for Boxers depend not just on weight but also on the sort of food they eat. Due to their medium size, boxer puppies need three daily meals and around four cups of food every day. Keep in mind that RER is only a rough estimate of how many calories your dog requires per day; other variables, including their age and activity level, will need to be included in as well. Keeping the puppy clean and warm is essential during this time, as is giving it enough milk or formula to help it thrive. Choose a premium puppy food that has been developed with their unique nutritional requirements in mind. Provide modest, regular meals three to four times a day. At the beginning, feed the puppy just a quarter to a half cup every day, and gradually increase the quantity as it grows. Always have clean water available, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. To keep them healthy, give them high-quality puppy food in many little meals throughout the day. Exercise, socializing, and the introduction of obedience training should all be high priorities. Keep a close eye on their eating habits and weight gain, and alter their food intake accordingly. This is a pivotal time for training and socializing, so be sure you provide lots of both. It is important to keep feeding them three times a day, and to stick with a high-quality puppy food. Provide around 2 and a half cups of food daily, split between three meals. Starting now is a great opportunity to introduce more advanced training methods like obedience or agility programs. Throughout a day, give them around 2 and a half cups of food. This is a pivotal time for further education and integration into society. Feed them around two and a half to three cups each day. Throughout this phase, they are still learning new skills and interacting with others, making it an essential part of their development. Provide two meals daily, adjusting the quantity of food based on their weight. Maintain a program of regular exercise and training, and watch out for any signs of age-related health decline. Boxer pups need a high-protein, moderate-fat diet for optimal growth and energy. Bone health may be supported by making sure the meal has enough calcium and phosphorus. Depending on its age and degree of activity, the calorie requirements of a Boxer puppy may range from around to 1, per day. A Boxer puppy requires between — calories per day when they are 8 weeks old, and — calories per day when they are 6 months old. Authentic meats and seafood, whole grains, and produce should all be included as ingredients on the label. Puppies of different ages have different dietary needs and feeding schedules. A Boxer puppy of 6 weeks old has to be fed times a day, with each meal consisting of only a few bites. Puppies need to be fed three times a day until they are three months old, then twice a day until they are 12 months old. Training and housebreaking are aided by establishing a consistent eating pattern. Yet, the two are not identical. Dry kibble offers the advantages of being portable, simple to store, and lasting for a long time. Crunchy kibble is good for your teeth because it encourages chewing, which may reduce plaque. Yet, some pups may prefer wet food because to its increased moisture content and inherent tastiness. In addition, it may help you stay hydrated, which is crucial to your health. The preference and dietary requirements of each puppy are unique, thus the choice between kibble and wet food must be made carefully. An animal hospital is the best place to get advice on what to feed a Boxer adult dog. Many factors might be at play if a Boxer puppy suddenly stops eating. Illness, stress, dental issues, and even just a change in habit may all cause lack of appetite in Boxer pups. Sometimes getting a puppy to eat may be as simple as presenting a more appetizing food, feeding it by hand, or making mealtime less of a stressful experience. Leaving food available for a puppy to graze on all day is considered free feeding, which is not advised for Boxer pups. Since free-feeding might induce overeating and weight gain, it is not recommended for Boxer pups. High-quality protein from genuine chicken initially supports muscular growth. This natural dog food has all the nutrition your puppy needs with whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruit. Pros Real chicken first ingredient for protein Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function Wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy 2. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this tasty, nutritious puppy chow, delivering protein for strong muscles and a healthy heart. It also has a SmartBlend of high-quality, readily digested omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a lustrous coat and healthy skin. Four antioxidant sources for strong immune system High-quality, easily digestible ingredients. Delicious crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels. Cons Contains some corn and wheat 3. This high-quality kibble for pups under 1 year old has actual chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken by-product meal, maize, wheat, or soy. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA help brain and ocular development and deliver protein. Pros High-quality protein for muscle development and growth No GMO, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. Brain and eye growth from omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. This formula contains high-quality protein from lamb and omegarich fish oil to create lean muscles and enhance brain and eyesight development. Pros Protein-rich lamb is the first component. Omega-3 fish oil DHA for puppy brain and visual development. Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals for bones and teeth, Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat Cons Lamb, may not suit all pups 5. Pros Flaxseed and salmon oil contain omega-3 fatty acids Grain-free Created by vets with protein, fat, and minerals Cons Not for ingredient-allergic pets. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy is a contentious issue with no clear consensus on whether or not it is healthy for the dog. Yet, some owners and vets are worried about the potential for bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances in a raw diet, despite the fact that others feel it might give advantages including better digestion and coat health. Also, choose a reliable raw food supplier. The typical growth rate for a Boxer puppy is pounds per week for the first several months of life. A Boxer puppy, depending on its size and gender, may gain pounds by the time it is 6 months old. To make sure your Boxer puppy is developing normally, keep an eye on his or her size and weight. A constant supply of cool, fresh water is essential for the health of a Boxer puppy. Puppy development necessitates that they consume more water than an adult dog would. Puppies need half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. A Boxer puppy weighing 20 pounds, for instance, should need 10 to 20 ounces of water each day. Puppy water consumption should be closely monitored to prevent dehydration. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Your vet can run the necessary tests and examine your puppy to determine the cause. Male Adult male Boxers are slightly larger than females. Males weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds, requiring 3 to 5 cups of food. This weight range requires 2 to 4 cups of food per day. On top of a caloric increase, an active Boxer will also need a protein-rich diet to feed their muscles. A protein-friendly, calorie-dense dry kibble should be offered, and you should follow the instructions based on their weight. Image Credit: boxerdogmadness, Pixabay Sedentary Boxers tend to become overweight quickly if you overfeed them—blame their voracious appetites and love for snacking. This food offers a low-calorie alternative without skipping out on necessary nutrition. However, what really happens is that it decreases their metabolism rate, slowing their energy. This slowing process can cause weight gain if you continue to feed them the same amount of food. The puppies always get the nutrients first. So, if you have a food that is lacking in certain areas, the mother will suffer. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Boxer Feeding Guide for Seniors Just like puppyhood has special dietary requirements when dogs reach a certain age, so does old age. Seniors need to eat foods that cater to their life stage to keep them capable, happy, and healthy for their remaining years. A Boxer transitions into the senior category, usually around 6—9 years of age. If you have your dog on dog food for all life stages, it might be appropriate to continue this diet. A lower-calorie food will also help to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. If your senior has specific health issues, it might be best to feed them a specific diet that helps with their condition. As time goes on, you can work with your vet to accommodate their special dietary needs. It is formulated specifically for later years. Some dogs have voracious appetites that are never satisfied. It seems like you barely get it into the bowl before they suck it up like a vacuum cleaner. Free-Feeding—this practice involves making food available to your dog at all times. The danger with this method is that large dogs like Boxers are susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus GDV. Bloat happens when the dog eats too quickly, causing gas to fill the abdomen. It can be fatal. This method can also make overeating seem like the norm, which causes bad manners. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals is a better alternative to free-feeding. Slow-Feeder Bowls—a great way to slow your pooch down, allowing them to digest their food properly, is to give them food in a slow feeder. It gives your Boxer unique designs to eat around, stimulating their mental curiosity while slowing them down. What Foods Are Bad for Boxers? Some things to look out for are: Corn. And, I'll go out on a limb to say I bet those early Boxers ate dog food with less additives and fillers than found in today's formulas. That is of course, unless you're armed with information on sourcing the best possible modern foods for feeding Boxer dogs! Adult Boxer dogs require 1, to 2, calories of good quality dog food per day depending on age and activity, with an averagely active adult dog somewhere midrange. Being a muscular breed that is highly active, Boxers require quality protein in food at a slightly higher level than many less active breeds. Credence should be given to invest in a quality kibble dog food with high protein and caloric value or go with a Raw Dog Diet , especially for active Boxers. Bloat Concerns This breed is prone to bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus , so grain free kibble and raw diets are a great option for feeding Boxer dogs. Carbohydrate and fat levels are less a concern when feeding Boxer dogs, yet Boxers are know to put on extra weight rather easily. Low carbohydrate diets should be fed to overweight dogs and the breed ideally should be slim, stocky and muscular. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Boxer dogs, visit our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Supplements As with any medium to large breed dog, providing a food that includes supplements adds additional insurance towards good health. To maintain your Boxer's joint health, foods containing chondroitin and glucosamine are awesome. If your kibble doesn't include these compounds, they can be supplemented separately with a product such a Cosequin. For a shiny coat and to promote skin health, foods with Omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful. For control of inflammation or arthritis pain in older Boxer dogs, support the heart, kidneys and stabilize overall mood, Omega-3 fatty acids are great to see on an ingredients panel. Just like Cosequin however, Omegas can be fed separately and as needed by simply squeezing a gel capsule over your Boxer's meal. In summary, feeding Boxer dogs about 2. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. Feeding Boxer Dog Puppies Quality formulated all life stages food and several small meals a day for a Boxer dog puppy. Your Boxer puppy will grow rapidly through the first six to eight months. Similar to any medium or large breed puppy that is susceptible to bone growth issues like hip dysplasia, feeding a quality all life stages, large breed puppy formula, or Raw Dog Food diet will help regulate growth. Boxer puppies can eat! Two to three regulated servings per day is recommended, do not free freed. There's an unwritten rule in among Boxer enthusiasts to feed at least twice as much food daily that your puppy would eat as an adult, In multiple regulated servings. Begin by following feeding guidelines per the label provided on your chosen Kibble Dog Food Formula. Increase or decrease the amount fed by assessing your Boxer's body weight and energy as he or she grows. From age 6 to 8 months on, the rapid growth phase should cease and while still technically a puppy, your Boxer can be transitioned to an adult diet. This includes higher protein foods yet many who were already feeing an all life stages formula can continue with the same. As always with both puppies and adult Boxers, keep an eye on your dog's weight. You should always see a trace of the last rib with this breed and they should appear slim, yet muscular. Adjust amount fed per serving accordingly to maintain that perfect Boxer appearance. And lastly, with all dog breeds that are prone to bloat, feeding Boxer dogs several small meals a day is a safer bet than free feeding, or one HUGE serving! Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Boxer dog. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Boxer Dog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. Male boxer puppies would be around 17 inches or more during their 6th month while females will be slightly smaller at around 16 inches. Birth to 3 weeks old When your boxer pup is still very young, they should be with their mom and be nursed properly. Keep in mind that your boxer should get equal amounts of milk, especially if they belong to a large litter. Observe the litter for any signs of bullying or some puppies being overpowered. This is also the case if the mother is too thin to supply milk to all of her pups. When your puppy reaches 3 weeks of age, you might start to notice rapid growth. That is normal for boxer puppies since the breed tends to grow faster than most dogs. Boxer pups of this age still need to be nursed. To do this mix 1 part puppy food with 3 parts water in a bowl and offer it to them. It also helps to train your pups to only eat when they are hungry. A good rule of thumb in terms of scheduling for the water and puppy food mixture would be 3 to 4 times a day. You want the process to be a pleasant one for your boxer pup. This is when the weaning process becomes slightly visible. The mother dog will slightly let go of her little ones for them to be independent. Keep them away from dangerous objects and supervise them as much as possible. Ensure that their food is easy to chew to avoid eating problems. If your vet allows for it, you can add some veggies or other food ingredients that are deemed safe for pups as advised. Your puppy will need more nutrition by this time so they need to learn to eat solid puppy food. After all, 6 weeks old is a time for exploration, playtime, and energy bursts whether indoors or outdoors. You may also want to feed them more if they spend a lot more time playing or running around. Once your puppy reaches 7 weeks old, they should already know how to eat their solid food. Give them the serving somewhere between 3 and 4 times a day depending on your available time and their hunger pangs. Your boxer pups will also get nursed less often during this time, as the mother will likely just stand up while giving milk reluctantly to her little ones. She might even run away from them at some point, allowing them to become more independent. Keep their meals served at 3 to 4 times a day, with at least 2 or more cups per day, divided equally. You can also follow the chart that we mentioned above, especially if your boxer pup is quite the active fellow. Having more cups a day is important for puppies that have far less weight than others. You can also ask your vet about how many calories they need depending on their energy levels. Know the activity levels of your puppy and adjust accordingly. If your boxer pup is always on the go, they might need more calories than usual. Moreover, a 9-week-old boxer pup might also roam around and pick various objects to ensure that their surroundings are kept puppy-proofed. Bloating comes from excessively gobbling food so make sure they only get equal portions for their daily meal schedules. While we did say that boxer pups during this period are likely to eat twice as much as a regular adult boxer, always observe if your puppy is getting overweight by checking their waist. Talk to your vet if you suspect your pup might be gaining too many pounds. Always keep in mind to avoid bloating problems with your pup by ensuring the schedule gets followed. Continue with the usual puppy food or as instructed by your vet. Recommended Food Now that your boxer puppy has a set schedule, what should you feed them? Here are some suggestions: 1. Quality Kibble Like most active breeds, dry kibble is the way to go if you want affordable and easy-to-store food for your boxer puppy. Worry not — there are grain-free options in the market. Wet or canned food If you want added calories for an active boxer puppy, consider wet food. After all, canned puppy food is tasty to most dogs, especially during their puppy years, since the smell is enough to get them eating. Omega fatty acid foods Boxers are prone to cardiomyopathy, which can be lessened if they take foods and supplements rich in omega fatty acids, such as fish. Talk to your vet for a diet plan that will help lessen the likelihood of such eye problems. Glucosamine foods Hip dysplasia is common in boxers so we recommend foods that are rich in glucosamine, such as chicken feet and seafood. Consider looking for either kibble or canned puppy food that has glucosamine to help prevent hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Look for primarily meat-based puppy food rather than cheap commercial brands. Commercial brands out there may have more corn and wheat than protein from meat. Instead, look for slightly pricier yet more quality brands of puppy food for your boxer. And, as usual, you should also stay away from human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and the like. FAQs on Feeding a Boxer Puppy Boxer pups need extra care when it comes to their diet — here are some frequently asked questions with regards to feeding them properly: When do I switch to adult food for my Boxer puppy? By this time, you can slowly transition your puppy to adult food in portions. Should I give my Boxer puppy supplements? As a workaholic dog breed, boxer pups need protein and other nutrients, which are fortunately already in most quality dog food brands. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy A raw diet is okay for boxer puppies provided that you get expert advice from your vet about it. Raw feeding is no walk in the park since you need to do the math on calories and nutrients as compared to commercial food. Also, take note of food handling to avoid bacterial infection, especially if you live in areas where humidity is high. If you need help, talk to a breeder or someone you know tried raw feeding before — especially for puppies. Conclusion A healthy and energetic boxer puppy will be a satisfied life companion if you feed them properly. All you need to know is that boxers are typically workaholics so they need to have a balanced diet with sufficient calories based on their activities. We hope this helped you figure out how much to feed your boxer puppy! How much food to feed a boxer puppy How much food to feed a boxer puppy May 15, Let Everyone know For decades the Boxer dogs have been loved and cherished all over the world. Their imposing build along with their gentle and playful personalities captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This broad and muscular breed burns a massive amount of energy in their day-to-day life course, and thereby their diet and feeding formulas are subject to additional requirements. So the food to feed a boxer puppy must be taken in to consideration. To provide the boxer with quality and meaningful life, it is rather important to know how much food they should be fed, what and how often they should be fed. Concerns when feeding a Boxer puppy Boxers are a medium to large dog breed of German descent. Bred to bait bulls in the 19th century, they were fed a lot healthier than they are today, and their dietary habits were managed better. They are, by nature, lovely and enthusiastic, not to mention, far more involved when they are puppies. Their dietary requirements are a little different from other dog races due to certain anatomical variations. What food to Feed a Boxer Puppy Although it is undoubtedly not a fact that boxers are picky eaters, they may have special nutrition requirements when it comes to their feeding. Puppies typically need a nutritious feeding formula with a minimum of .Also, calcium and phosphorus are needed to maximize bone growth for your boxing puppy with ratios of at least or even .However, more is not always better. This will keep your Boxer pup from developing joint problems like osteochondritis or hip dysplasia. Boxers are also vulnerable to food-related allergies that can occur as food intolerances such as itching and inflammation. So choosing the right feed for your Boxer Pup might necessitate some experimentation. And indefinitely the feeding rate varies with the growth of your boxer. Boxer puppies, however, demand about 55 calories of food per pound of body weight, from a general viewpoint. A Boxer puppy is likely to become a medium to large muscle and a lean dog between 50 and 70 pounds if it feeds the correct food type and amounts. Since they are a highly active muscle species, they need high-quality protein foods to feed their energy slightly more than other less active breeds. Many dog food brands have just 25 percent protein formulas, which could prove to be inadequate for a Boxer puppy. It is therefore critical that you do your research and invests in a feeding formula of good quality. There is a common misconception that Boxer puppies should be fed twice as much food as they can consume as adults. It is still a good idea, however, to weigh your puppy every week or every two weeks and change the food intake accordingly. Some puppies may be susceptible to elevated protein, in which case food with moderate protein and fat content is recommended. Besides, Boxers will require a Calcium-to-Phosphorous ratio as near as possible to .In the first 6 to 8 months, your puppy can develop steadily in size and maturity. When your puppy grows older, you should decrease food consumption progressively as it can go longer without food. Kibble specifically intended for Boxer puppies is what is widely recommended as a choice of food as it helps preserve both intestinal and oral health and is nutritious. Some Boxer puppies tend to be a bit sensitive to food, in which case you may have to try a few options before you settle on your favorite puppy. Food with Omega-6 fatty acids is great for a sparkling coat and to support skin health. During their development, Boxer puppies need the recommended quantities of high-quality food and feeding formulas in different ranges. They can be fed up to 4 times a day between 2 and 4 months. Individual pups can still be eaten 3 times daily between 4 and 6 months. The frequency is reduced 2 to 3 times daily over 6 months. It is also possible to maintain this level of food in adulthood. This is the stage where you can teach your pup some food or sleep or exercise discipline and whatnot. In these cases, three meals a day can be considered. However, 2 meals per day are the preferred feeding schedule for your dog to train. You can feel some pressure from its ribcage or spine as you place your hands on the chest or back of your puppy. And you can encounter several problems by over-feeding your puppy. Bloating Bloating is a problem that is particularly common among boxer puppies. It can happen if you feed your puppy too much or too little. Constant bloating may contribute to other more severe gastrointestinal problems that could prove fatal to your dog. For this reason, boxer puppies are often recommended eating kibble-free foods and raw diets as they use more plant-based protein and carbohydrate formulas. Other food sources containing items such as grain, wheat, rice, and oats are frequently discouraged and may trigger excess gas in boxer puppies, which in turn causes bloating problems. Obesity As previously described, boxers are ideally supposed to have a slim, muscular build. They are not specifically susceptible to gaining too much weight, which is why the level of carbohydrates and fats in their food formulations is less of concern. However, boxer puppies or any dog are considered to be opportunistic when it comes to feeding. They will also continue to eat as long as they have food at their mercy. Boxer puppies may end up overeating for these reasons, which could cause them to become obese and overweight. This, in essence, will make their joints weak and cause arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney problems. There may be a variety of reasons why your puppy does not eat enough. Very frequently, loss of appetite is also one of the first symptoms of a more severe illness. This can also occur due to various reasons, such as; Anorexia Anorexia is indeed a problem for dogs, just as it is for human beings. Symptoms of anorexia include fever, pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness. In certain cases, it can also induce changes in the size of the organ and the weak lungs. If left untreated, it can end up being fatal to your dog. Lack of exercise may also be a source of anorexia, which is why exercise has become so crucial to your puppy. They will likely burn calories at the same amount of consumption to maintain balance. Short Life Span If you consistently underfed your Boxer puppy during its stage of growth, it will most likely grow into an undernourished and extremely unhealthy boxer, with far less engagement and energy than most other boxers. This could also affect his life span. Since Boxers are muscular dogs with a reasonable level of activity, they do need a constant supply of nutrients as described above, otherwise, they will not accompany you for a long time. Recap Boxer puppies need great care and consideration when it comes to their diet since they have some particular and unique dietary needs compared to other dogs with the same level of activity. What to Avoid when feeding your Boxer Puppy? There are no grains at all. Until ultimate research has been completed, play it safe and offer kibble with some level of healthy grain unless otherwise recommended by the veterinarian Boxer Pup must be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Another one is synthetic preservatives, which could certainly be toxic. Artificial Coloring Ingredients, Blue 02, Yellow 05, and 06 are the most common types of dyes that we can find in feeding formulas that cause behavioral problems in puppies. Additional taste enhancers like MSG, which is one of the worst taste enhancers, are linked to anxiety, stress, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory problems. Fillers are inexpensive additives that are mixed into dog food to pump it up but have little or no nutrient properties. A dog could eat a massive amount of food and yet still be hungry again shortly after. Because of that fast metabolism function, this has become one of the major causes of Coprophagies eating feces. By-products — There are animal parts such as some intestines that are not suitable even for a boxer. Consumption and feeding formulas that involve such food might cause troubles with spinal tissue, lung failure, spleen removal, issues in hooves and tails and undeveloped ovum, etc. In general, the males are bigger and heavier and the females are lighter. During growth spurts , your puppy needs more food, so it will be likely to need more food during its fastest growing time and you can reduce that as growth levels off. Every dog is different, so monitor your puppy. If it looks a little too fat, reduce its food a little. If it looks too thin, increase it. The most accurate way to judge feeding would be to look at calories vs weight. You can weigh your puppy by picking it up and stepping onto the scale. It is! But individual factors like metabolism will also come into play. But as his teeth begin to emerge, momma dog will want to get the weaning process underway, and it will be up to you to help. During her break, soften up some kibble in water or puppy milk formula and place a pan of the mixture within easy reach of the puppies. Show them the mix by putting them in front of the pan. Expect a mess. Set mealtimes for three to four times a day at first. After six months of age, your Boxer puppies are ready to move to feeds twice to three times a day. Keep feeding times regular. Like all little ones, puppies thrive on routine. Take any unfinished food away after the meal. Adult Boxers are prone to bloat which can be deadly. So, although most adult dogs can be fed once a day, it can be dangerous for Boxers. Twice-daily feeds are the best solution. And, if you want to be extra-careful, choose a slow-feeder bowl. No matter how good your Boxer puppy feeding chart is, you may find that there are times when your Boxer puppy needs extra food to thrive. Top times for this are between the ages of three and six months. A sudden growth spurt means a need for extra food to fuel it so that your puppy can develop a healthy body. An adult Boxer may be fine on just three cups of a good brand of kibble every day — but a puppy may need more! But just as there are individual factors that mean some puppies eat more than others, adult dogs vary too. But you might still find that the amount you feed needs to be adjusted beyond that. After all, all that bouncing around is fuelled by food, so a bouncy Boxer may need more food than its lazier cousins. Even among Boxers, you will find different activity levels, and that may mean a need to adjust feeding. For example, as your Boxer ages, he does tend to slow down. The important thing to understand is that their hormonal changes can slow metabolism — the rate at which they burn food. Pregnant And Nursing Boxer Females If you are caring for a pregnant or nursing Boxer female, you need to up the stakes on her nutrition. Puppy food is recommended for pregnant and nursing females. We recommend taking your female Boxer for a checkup once you know she is pregnant, and this will be a great time to get some feeding tips from a veterinarian. However, you can also get a good indication just by looking and feeling. When viewed from above, your Boxer should have a nice, nipped in waist. Next, look at the ribcage. You should not see individual ribs sticking out, but you should be able to feel them beneath the skin. What To Do If Your Dog Seems Under Or Overweight If your dog is suddenly gaining weight despite eating recommended amounts, do remember that thyroid problems are fairly common in boxers and have it checked out. And, of course, when it comes to puppies, they can get a bit skinny during rapid growth and may need a bit extra just because of that. When you know weight and height, you can compare that to age-appropriate breed standards. Remember that your Boxer, both puppy and adult, needs much more than food and water. They need you! Love, affection, play, and company are things that Boxers not only thrive on, but absolutely need. Enjoy your puppy! I fell in love with the breed around ten years ago after seeing some of my friends adopt a Bully. I love the combination of the muscular physique and calm, loyal companionship that the American Bully breed has to offer. My enthusiasm for the breed has led me to train as a dog behavioralist and trainer. Over the last ten years, I have supported many households in raising their American Bully and maximizing the potential of the breed. Recent Posts.

Special Note: You can also check them on Facebook. Labs and More Rescue LMR — California This San Diego-based non-profit organization has already saved more than 12, abandoned and surrendered Labradoodles and other dog breeds in just a decade. They exert effort in salvaging dogs from high-kill shelters and discarded pooches on streets. They provide medical assistance to the dog they rescue as well as other necessities such as food and shelter. Their Labradoodles also undergo behavioral training before being cleared for adoption. Younger and healthier dogs cost higher compared to the senior ones. Nevertheless, all of the dogs in LMR can still make perfect family pets. They are worthy of the second chance to have a forever family. Most of the steps in the adoption process of this Labradoodle rescue are similar to what other rescues practice, but they have adoption coaches. These adoption coaches will guide you in understanding the value of adopting as well as the responsibilities it entails. Carolina Poodle Rescue is one of the few Doodle rescues with dedicated facilities for rehabilitation and rescuing. Their facility is called the Dreamweaver farms located at Pacolet, South Carolina. With the existence of this facility, they can take in hundreds of rescued dogs at a given time. They provide immediate medical attention and care to the dogs they rescue. Since most of the rescued dogs suffered terrible experiences of neglect, CPR makes sure to address the behavioral issues the dogs might have before clearing them for adoption. Their adoption fee varies depending on the age, breed, and health condition of the dog. Meanwhile, they also provide a set of guidelines for adoption that applicants must adhere to. Here are the minimum requirements that you should meet upon applying adoption from CPR: A fenced yard is strictly required. Families with members under five 5 years of age are not approved for adoption. Current pets at home must be neutered or spayed. Pet shipping is prohibited so you should be able to personally pick up the dog. The adopter must be able to visit the facility for the meet and greet. You can also check their adoption procedures by visiting their website or reaching out to them through email and call. Since its establishment in , it has already saved almost a thousand abandoned and surrendered dogs. All of the Labradoodles they rescue receive health examinations and behavioral modifications before adoption. This rescue follows a foster scheme which means the dogs stay in the loving homes of volunteer members until they are ready for adoption. The fees vary depending on the age, health condition, and breed of the dog. In applying in SCPR, make sure to read about their guidelines in adopting and submit a detailed application. Another thing that can help you significantly with your dog hunt is reading our ultimate dog adoption guide. This, alongside the Labradoodle rescue options from our directory, will increase your chances of bringing home the dog you desire. Other Sources for Labradoodle Rescues or Shelters for Adoption You can also check out these places where you can find Labradoodles available for adoption: Petfinder — Petfinder is an online pet database that lists and advertises different breeds of dogs available for adoption. You can find a dozen of available Labradoodles on this site every day. The features of their site will also allow you to find the nearest available Labradoodle from your location. Adopt-a-Pet — By far, this online adoption site is the largest non-profit pet website in North America. You can find thousands of adoptable dogs here including Labradoodles. They are affiliated with numerous animal welfare organizations across the country. Petango — You can easily find purebred and mixed breed dogs that are ready for adoption on this pet site. Petango is connected with more than 1, shelters and rescues across the United States. You can find a Labradoodle anywhere you are as this orgabnization operates all over the country. Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations — You can visit the nearest shelter or rescue in your area that was not mentioned in these sites. More often than not, they will have a Labradoodle available for adoption. Finding the perfect rescue dog will take time. You might be wondering how an intelligent, sweet, and loyal pooch ended up in a shelter or rescue. There are various reasons why people put up their Labradoodles for adoption. The owners have concluded that the Labradoodle breed is too much for them to handle. The Labradoodle has bitten someone. Aggressive behavior is observed towards children and other pets. The family can no longer support the needs of the dog. The owner died. Regardless of the reason, no dog deserves to be surrendered or abandoned. That is why you must only own a dog if you are prepared and ready to take the lifetime responsibility and commitment. You should expect this cost to go higher or lower depending on the age and health condition of the Labradoodle. Often, the adoption fee collected serves as the bloodline of most Labradoodle rescues. Your payment goes to the medical expenses, food supply, boarding costs, and treatments of the rescued dogs. This means that when you adopt, you also enable the rescue center to provide for the needs of other dogs in their facility. Here is a breakdown of the expenses factored in the adoption fee: Expenses. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Apply to Adopt About All 4 Paws All 4 Paws Rescue is a non-profit, foster-based, all-breed, no-kill animal rescue based in Malvern, PA that offers rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary to animals in need. Our goal is to offer each and every one of these animals a safe, permanent and loving home. All 4 Paws Rescue was founded in May, .Since inception, All 4 Paws Rescue has saved over 15, needy animals and continues to grow and save lives daily. For most of the animals rescued by All 4 Paws, we are their last chance. Many reside in shelters that are not even open to the public but are instead holding facilities where the animals go to die. Many come from commercial breeding facilities that throw them away like trash when they are no longer useful for breeding purposes or not fit for sale. Puppies, purebreds, family pets - these are animals you would never expect to end up in these horrible situations but it is a sad reality. Through our extensive rescue network, All 4 Paws has developed relationships nationwide that allow us to save countless lives that would otherwise have been ended. As a foster based rescue, our animals live in homes with our families and our personal pets so we are able to learn a great deal about them and work on preparing them for their forever home. There is no greater feeling than releasing these wonderful animals into a safe yard and watching them run and play as they should. They sleep curled up in soft beds in our homes when hours before they laid on concrete floors. They feel grass beneath their feet when many have never experienced the outdoors. Having never known freedom or a full belly, they are so very thankful. This is why we at All 4 Paws Rescue do what we do - because they all deserve a home. Thank you for visiting our site and for choosing to rescue a pet in need. Adopt Looking for your new best friend? Check out our adoptables page. Our Story Best Labradoodle Rescue in Pennsylvania — Ultimate Guide If you live in Pennsylvania and want to adopt a rescue Labradoodle, then there are several organizations that may be in the perfect position to help. Adopting a rescue dog is highly rewarding. You are giving that dog another opportunity to be loved and to live in a warm and welcoming home. Of course, it is often not their fault that they found themselves in this situation. Showing them that they are loved and the focus of your family is a wonderful thing. Often, it will be a more mature dog, and that means they have already been trained. However, rescue organizations will also work at training any dog that comes into their possession. These dogs have so much love to give to their new families. Adopting Your Labradoodle A Labradoodle is a popular dog when it comes to rescue organizations. This is shown by the short period of time they tend to spend under their care. The Doodle breed in general is very popular. This is due to the way in which they are known to have a wonderful temperament even for their size. They are a real gentle giant, and they make wonderful family dogs. They are great around children, and they are also easy to train. Add in that they do not shed their coats, and you can start to see why they are snapped up as soon as they come into these types of organizations. However, that is not to say that you will not be able to adopt one. In saying that, you also know where you can find a Labradoodle who has found himself in a rescue situation. So, this list of places may be helpful. While they do cover every breed of dog, there are times when a Labradoodle will enter into their organization. Each dog is cared for and their ability to provide full vaccinations is a huge deal when you are looking at a rescue dog. They also microchip each dog that comes into their care. However, all of the costs of this are then included in the adoption fee that comes with taking the dog home. Now, they never know from week to week when a Labradoodle, or any of the Doodle breed, will come through their doors. However, you can contact them to let them know about the breed you are interested in. To adopt from them, you must be over 21, have your own home, or be allowed to own by your landlord. If you do, then they require you to have a note from a vet that lets the rescue organization know that your existing pets are well cared for. This is a great idea. It does mean they can be sure that the dog is going to be going to a family who will love and cherish it for its entire life. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. Goldendoodle and Labradoodle Rescue In , we received a call that 24 Goldendoodles needed rescue after a nearby breeding operation was closed. We felt the only choice was to step in and help because these dogs were, after all, half our beloved breed. All quickly found homes, and their adopters were thrilled with their new canine family members. Then greater and greater numbers of Doodles began arriving at our door step, and we decided to make Doodles part of our mission as well. There was a need for rescuing these dogs. That was a decision that brought a firestorm of criticism; however, we are not breeding these dogs, simply helping those that are need of new homes. Goldendoodles — a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle — are gaining in popularity, and that in turn generates demand that often leads to unscrupulous breeding and overbreeding. Of course, that results in unwanted dogs and the need for rescue. Friendly: Doodles are generally very affectionate with people, kids, and other dogs. Intelligent: Doodles are very intelligent, which may be a reflection of the Poodle genes. Personality: Goldendoodles are typically very silly dogs with crazy, outgoing personalities. A good sense of humor goes along way when bringing a Doodle into your home. Grooming: Like Goldens, do require grooming, including daily brushing to prevent painful knots. Because of so many of the similarities between Goldens and Doodles, it made sense for DVGRR to include these dogs in our rescue efforts.

Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Reno NV? We have answers. How do you screen Poodle breeders in Reno, NV? We receive a lot of applications from breeders. We want to make sure they come from the best and most humane breeders in the world. This means no puppy mills, backyard breeders, or scams. Just healthy, happy puppies. In Reno, why should I avoid puppy mills? Puppy mill dogs are raised cheaply and inhumanely. So, is it worth it to buy a puppy from a mill? That's up for you to decide. But if you do decide to purchase a mill dog, be sure to do your research first and be prepared for any potential health problems that may come up. What type of dogs are Poodles? Poodles are often considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They have a natural ability to learn and adapt, which has made them successful in a variety of roles including water dogs, circus entertainers, and seeing eye dogs. Poodles are also known for being great companions and loyal friends. Reno, NV. Are these dogs easily trainable? Poodles are extremely intelligent dogs. They are also obedient and always want to please their owners, which makes them quick learners. With a little patience and effort, you can train your poodle to be incredibly smart - so smart, it might even scare you! Doodles are a special breed of hybrid dog that combines the best features of Poodles with other adorable breeds. Doodles have the Poodle's non-shedding coat and superb intelligence, making them the perfect family pet. There are endless possibilities when it comes to Doodle mixes - each one unique and special in its own way. What colors and coat patterns are common with Poodle puppies Reno? There are so many different types of poodles! They come in all sorts of sizes and have dozens of different coat combinations. Poodle coats can be cream, white, black, red, silver, or any other color. Some poodles have two colors in their coat, while others may have rare patterns like harlequin or phantom. No matter what you're looking for in a dog, there's sure to be a poodle that's perfect for you! Will my puppy have any kind of health guarantee after they arrive at Reno-Tahoe International Airport? We only work with the best breeders in the world who offer health guarantees for their puppies. Our network of breeders provide a year health guarantee, which is the best in the business. Plus, your puppy will be checked by a vet from head to tail before they are adopted. Are Poodle puppies in Reno popular right now? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but there is one breed that has stolen the hearts of people all over the world: the Poodle. These dogs are not only popular in Reno, but also in many other countries. In fact, Poodles might be the most popular dog in the galaxy! Although it is uncertain where they originated from, France and Germany both claim to have brought us these furry friends. One thing is for sure though: Poodles are here to stay! Poodles are wonderful, family-friendly dogs that have a long lifespan. On average, Poodles live anywhere between 12 and 15 years. Smaller Poodles tend to live longer than larger Poodles, so a teacup Poodle should have an even longer lifespan. Poodles are also quite healthy dogs, so you can expect your furry friend to be by your side for many years to come. Do Poodles shed? Poodle owners know that a little bit of shedding is a small price to pay for such a beautiful, non-shedding coat. Although all dogs shed to some degree, Poodles are much less likely to do so than other breeds. The only downside is that your Poodle will need regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. How much exercise do Poodles need? How many laps around Idlewild Park is that? Are you looking for a new best friend? If so, then a Poodle might be right for you! Poodles are loyal and loving dogs that make great companions. They are also very active dogs and need plenty of exercise. If you can spare one hour per day to walk or play with your Poodle, then they will be a happy and healthy dog. What kind of food do Poodles eat? Poodle owners should be aware of their pup's dietary needs before indulging them in unhealthy foods. It's important to consult with a breeder or veterinarian to ensure that your Poodle is getting the nutrition they need throughout their lifetime. An adult Poodle's diet will be different from that of a puppy or senior dog, so it's important to adjust their food accordingly. By working together, you can ensure that your Poodle stays happy and healthy for years to come.

Articles Pugs are among the most easily recognized dog breeds, but have you ever seen a pug that just seems too small? These are mini pugs. Mini pugs, also called miniature pugs or chugs, are a cross between pugs and Chihuahuas or by breeding two very small pugs together, typically the runts of the litter. The first method is preferred, as serious health problems can come from breeding two runts. This does not mean that mini pugs are free from health problems. We take a look at the temperament, lifespan , and health issues associated with mini pugs as well as how they compare to teacup pugs. But first, let us explore the basics of this breed, from their size to what makes them special. Is There A Mini Pug? Image from Instagram: peggie. The mixes come from pug and Chihuahua parents. Miniature pugs come from the runts of a pug litter or from introducing a dwarfism or achondroplasia gene. Mini pugs that have Chihuahua and pug parents are also called Chugs, Chuggs, and Pughuahuas. This is the most accepted definition of mini pugs. The AKC recognizes miniature pugs as a type of pug. Importantly, this designation does not apply to the mixes that come from breeding a pug with a Chihuahua. When full-grown, mini pugs typically weigh 3 to 10 pounds. By contrast, full-size pugs typically weigh 14 to 18 pounds. Like full-sized pugs, mini pugs have large round heads with wrinkled brows and large, dark eyes. They have smooth coats that are short and require minimal grooming. Mini pugs, like pugs, are brachycephalic. This type of breed has deep facial folds and a face that is short and flat. Pugs of all sizes are usually all black or have a black face on apricot-fawn or silver coloring. Miniature pugs share their history with their full-sized counterparts that they were bred from. Pugs have been around since at least B. They are associated with Buddhist monks and Chinese emperors. Yes, but the teacup pug is not an officially recognized independent breed. Because neither mini pugs nor teacup pugs are recognized AKC breeds, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both describe pugs that are smaller than average, typically around 3 pounds. Although naming conventions vary, the most common depends on the breeding history of the pup. A miniature pug is a cross between a pug and a Chihuahua. A teacup pug is the result of breeding two runts or pugs with dwarfism. Based on those naming conventions, miniature pugs have slightly longer snouts than teacup pugs. This comes from their Chihuahua genes. Visually, teacup pugs look just like pugs but much smaller. Miniature pugs, on the other hand, will have some obvious features of Chihuahuas, like that previously mentioned slightly larger snout. Put simply, they will not look purebred. While mini pugs are usually 3 to 10 pounds when fully grown, teacup pugs are usually 2 to 5 pounds. Mini pugs usually live 10 to 13 years, but teacup pugs have a life expectancy closer to 6 to 10 years. Both mini pugs and teacup pugs are closely related to full-sized pugs but very small. Their small size leads to similar health problems and concerns, from difficulties with birth to overcrowded mouths. The issue is that runts tend to not meet the breed standard. As such, they have a higher risk of heart defects, hypoglycemia, and other health issues. Intervertebral Disc Disease If you were to instead use the dwarfism gene, the mini pug would have a high risk of intervertebral disc disease, known as IVDD. This is a degenerative condition typically related to age, but it can occur in younger dogs in the case of mini pugs. The short snout blocks their air passage, this increasing the risk of respiratory problems. It also makes it harder for a mini pug to regulate his body temperature. As such, if you get a mini pug, you need to avoid long walks in hot weather and always ensure your pug gets enough water. The airway problems also make it harder for pugs to recover after exercise. But you cannot skip walking your pug, since he needs exercise. Bulging Eyes The large eyes of mini pugs pose their own problems too. There is a higher risk of scratches due to their size and they can be prone to corneal ulcers, a problem inherited from Chihuahuas. Deformed Bone Structure The screw tails of pugs are cute but occur due to misshapen bones. This can be painful for pugs and lead to neurological problems, like incontinence or even paralysis. Dental Problems Since mini pugs have small mouths, their teeth crowd close to each other. This increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Crowded teeth make it easier for food to get caught between them and harder to get them clean. This leads to more tooth decay, and eventual periodontal disease. Healthy Diet Start by giving your mini pug a healthy diet that caters to his needs. Make sure to feed it only the essential nutrients and no filler ingredients that are commonly found among cheap dog food brands. Some of caring for a mini pug comes down to being aware of his potential health problems. Warmth In the winter, you will need to prevent your pooch from getting cold, as he has less body heat. Always invest in clothing for cold weather and rain gear. You will need to pay close attention to get all of their crowded mouth to avoid plaque buildup. Tiny dogs that weigh as little as three pounds require delicate handling, especially when they are still growing. You need to place them down gently, pay attention to not stepping on them and generally treat them delicately. Be cautious at all times. In your home, make sure you always pay attention to where the pug is when walking. Even a child stepping on a miniature pug could cause serious damage. Their small size also means you should avoid having your mini pug sleep in your bed. Not only could you roll onto it, but they may suffocate under your blankets. Mini pugs may also take longer to potty train since their bladders are smaller. The mini pug temperament remains the same today, making them a great house dog. In fact, thanks to their royal breeding, some people compare the demeanor of mini pugs to that of humans. Mini pugs, like full-sized pugs, tend to be shadows that follow their human everywhere. Mini pugs are obedient, caring, and loving. Your miniature pug will get along well with your family. It will also be friendly towards other people. Mini pugs even do well with babies, cats, and other dogs. Like their larger cousins, mini pugs prefer not to be left alone. They also do very well in the country with plenty of space to explore as well. You should be aware that mini pugs can be strong-minded. This makes them a bit harder to train if you lack patience. With patience, however, they will be well-behaved. Pugs want to make their humans happy, so rely on positive reinforcement. You should also know that mini pugs tend to bark more than other breeds. Because of this, you should start training your canine not to bark as much early on. No, the AKC does not classify mini pugs as hypoallergenic. Brush him weekly, outside your home and bathe him every three months. Teacup pugs are the smallest pug breed. They weigh just two to five pounds and many can easily fit in a teacup. Because teacup pugs are small, they require extra caution as they can get injured easily. The price depends on where you get the pooch. Because of the health concerns of mini pugs, always be sure to buy from a reputable breeder that makes the health of the canines a priority. These Pugs may be sold as miniatures, micros, pocket pugs or even teacups. However, the term teacup usually refers to a dog that is around 4 to 6 pounds 1. It is incredibly unlikely, if not impossible to get purebred Pug down to this size. Despite this, Teacup Pugs are still advertised and sold, and it is possible that they may be recognized by some designer dog registries. However, it is important to be cautious when considering purchasing a Teacup Pug as many of these dogs are the result of unethical breeding practices. This way, pug owners may buy a teacup Pug puppy, only to have them grown to typical Pug size as adults. Another way is through breeding dwarves , which can result in health issues for the dog and even if you do breed dwarves, dwarfism is not always passed onto offspring. Breeding runts or smaller Pugs, often with inbreeding, and withholding food to stunt growth are also unethical practices used to create Teacup Pugs. Crossbreeding Pugs with smaller breeds like the Chihuahua is another way that Teacup Pugs are created, but this can lead to unpredictable traits and health issues. Nevertheless, Crossbreeding Pugs with smaller breeds is probably the most ethical way to get a genuinely smaller Pug type dog. In conclusion, while Teacup Pugs may seem like a cute and desirable option for some, it is important to be aware of the unethical breeding practices that often go into creating them. It is recommended to instead seek out a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. The Pug breed originated in China, where they were bred to be companions for royalty. The Teacup Pug is believed to have been bred in the United States in the s, by crossing a Pug with a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua or a Pomeranian. In fact, many breeders and veterinarians caution against breeding Teacup Pugs and other teacups due to the potential health problems associated with breeding dogs to be unnaturally small. Pugs are already classified as a toy breed because of their small size. Breeders achieve this size by selecting the smallest pugs from litters and breeding them together. However, because of their very small size, they can sometimes face additional health challenges. Toy Pug: This term is a bit redundant since pugs are already in the toy group. Despite this, Teacup dogs have gained popularity in recent years due to their small size and cute appearance. However, it is important for potential owners to do their research and understand the potential health risks before deciding to bring a Teacup Pug into their home. Physical Characteristics of a Teacup Pug Teacup Pugs are small and compact dogs, with a height of around 6 to 10 inches 15 to 25 cm and a weight around 4 pounds 1. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, silver, and apricot. Their coat is easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming. The Teacup Pug has a distinctive wrinkled face, which is one of its most endearing features. Their eyes are large, round, and dark, and their ears are small and folded over. They have a short, stocky body with a broad chest and a curly tail. Teacup Pugs have a friendly and affectionate personality, and they love to be around people. They are playful and energetic, but they also enjoy lounging around and cuddling with their owners. They make great pets for families with children, as they are gentle and patient with kids. Overall, the Teacup Pug is a charming and delightful little dog that is sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Teacup Pug Behavior Teacup Pugs are known for their playful and affectionate behavior. They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times and may require a firm hand during training. Teacup Pugs are social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent watchdogs. They thrive on attention and love to be cuddled and petted. Despite their small size, Teacup Pugs are energetic and require daily exercise to keep them healthy. They enjoy short walks and playing in the yard. However, they are also content to snuggle up with their owners on the couch. Teacup Pugs are known for their friendly nature and get along well with children and other pets. They are not aggressive and rarely bark, making them ideal apartment dogs. Overall, Teacup Pugs are wonderful companions that bring joy and love to their families. With proper training and care, they make excellent pets for individuals and families alike. These include genetic disorders and physical health issues in Pugs as well as issues that affect teacup dogs. Genetic Disorders Teacup Pugs are prone to a number of genetic disorders, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and brachycephalic ocular syndrome. These conditions are caused by the shape of their skulls and can lead to respiratory and eye problems , including red eyes and wheezing. They may also suffer from dental problems due to their small size and crowded teeth as well as obesity. Other genetic disorders that teacup pugs may be prone to include hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea which can affect their ability to bark , hydrocephalus, and neurological disorders. These conditions can be serious and require immediate veterinary attention. Physical Health Issues Teacup Pugs may also be prone to a number of physical health issues. Obesity is a common problem for teacup pugs, as they have a tendency to overeat and are less active than larger dogs. This can lead to joint problems, such as hip and back issues. Teacup Pugs may also be prone to skin and ear infections, sliding knee caps, and other issues. It is important to keep their skin and ears clean and dry, and to monitor their mobility and overall health. Caring for a Teacup Pug Teacup Pugs are adorable pets that require proper care to maintain their health and happiness. In this section, we will discuss the essential aspects of caring for a Teacup Pug, including their diet and nutrition, exercise and play, and grooming. Exercise and Play Teacup Pugs are energetic dogs that require daily exercise and playtime. They enjoy short walks, indoor play, and interactive toys. Grooming Teacup Pugs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming and the occasional wash with a gentle 5-in-1 Dog Wash. Dog eye cleaning wipes like Dog Eye Wipes With Tear Stain Remover can gently eliminate residue build-up around the eyes and lighten existing stains. In addition, Teacup Pugs require regular nail trimming, and dog ear cleaning wipes like Dog Ear Cleaning Wipes can help eliminate ear wax, dirt, and odors while keeping their ears itch-free. Training a Teacup Pug Training a teacup pug requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. These small dogs are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be stubborn and easily distracted. Keep training sessions short and frequent, as teacup pugs have short attention spans. Make the crate a comfortable and inviting space for your pug, and never use it as a form of punishment. Socialize Your Pug Socialization is important for teacup pugs, as they can be timid around strangers and other dogs. Introduce your pug to new people and animals in a controlled environment, such as a dog park or obedience class. Be Consistent Consistency is key when training a teacup pug. Use the same commands and techniques every time, and make sure that all family members are on the same page when it comes to training. A certified dog trainer can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you and your pug succeed. Choosing a Teacup Pug Teacup Pugs are a popular breed due to their small size and adorable appearance. However, choosing the right Teacup Pug can be a daunting task. This section will provide some guidance on how to choose the perfect Teacup Pug for you. Adoption Adopting a Teacup Pug from a rescue organization can be a great option. Adopting from a rescue organization not only gives a loving home to a dog in need, but it also helps to prevent unethical breeding practices. Rescue organizations typically provide this information to potential adopters, which can help in making an informed decision. Buying from a Breeder While adopting is recommended, some individuals may still choose to purchase a Teacup Pug from a breeder. Avoid buying from a breeder that prioritizes appearance over health or that has a history of breeding dogs with health issues. This can help ensure that the puppy comes from healthy and well-cared-for parents. Whether adopting from a rescue organization or purchasing from a breeder, taking the time to do research and make an informed decision can lead to a happy and healthy life with your new furry friend. Frequently Asked Questions Are teacup pugs real? Yes, teacup pugs are a real breed of dog. Do teacup pugs shed? Yes, teacup pugs do shed. However, their short, fine coats require minimal grooming and shedding is generally not a major issue. What is the difference between a Mini Pug and a regular Pug? How much do teacup pugs cost? How small do Teacup Pugs get? Teacup pugs are typically smaller than regular pugs, but their size can vary greatly depending on the breeding. Some teacup pugs weigh as little as pounds, while others may weigh up to 10 pounds. What is the smallest breed of Pug? The Pug is a breed of dog, and there is no smaller breed of Pug. However, teacup pugs are often bred to be smaller than the average Pug. Are Teacup Pugs generally healthy? Teacup pugs can be prone to a number of health problems, including respiratory issues, dental problems, and joint issues. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the teacup pug is a delightful and charming breed that is perfect for those who want a small, affectionate, and low-maintenance pet. They have a lot of energy, but they also love to cuddle and be near their owners. Despite their small size, they are very sturdy and can handle rough play with children. One thing to keep in mind is that their small size can make them more prone to health issues, such as respiratory problems and joint issues. With proper care and attention, they can make wonderful pets for many years to come. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? With the Pug dog being the largest of all toy breed dogs, there is confusion among many people as to whether there is an actual breed of the Miniature Pug or "Pocket Pug" The Answer There is no such recognized breed as the Miniature Pug dog, toy, teacup or other term used to denote a smaller than average dog. However, there is a dog that is called a Miniature Pug One dog that is referred to as a mini Pug is a mix of a Chihuahua and a Pug dog. It is also called a Pughuahua or a Chugg sometimes spelled 'Chug'. Some refer to this crossing of two purebreds as 'designer' or 'hybrid' dogs. The result is a canine that looks extremely similar to a Pug, however one can notice a difference in the length of the snout which will be just a bit longer. The body of a matured "mini Pug' will be leaner with longer legs. This will depend on the Pug to Chihuahua gene ratio that is passed down to the puppy; though most will be smaller than a typical Pug. Final adult weight will range from 3 pounds 1. Is This Safe? Yes and no. Many discourage the mixing of purebreds. It does not help toward breeders' goals of maintaining integrity and improving the bloodlines of either purebred. Breeding and subsequent pregnancy can pose risks. If a Chihuahua is chosen as the dam, with a Pug being the sire, the puppies will have larger heads due to Pug genes than otherwise. The breed is already prone to needing C-sections and this sort of crossing only increases the chances of that. Pocket Pugs While a breeder can in fact breed a Chihuahua with a Pug to produce what the public knows as a Miniature Pugs, there are others who claim to have "Pocket Pugs" Some breeders will take 2 runt Pug dogs dogs that are the smallest of their litter and then breed them together, hoping to produce smaller than nature intended dogs, and will dub them teacups. When you take two tiny dogs, that are smaller than the breed standard, these dogs may require more care. Bones may be more fragile, there may be issues with hypoglycemia, etc. To pair two tiny Pugs will only serve to produce more Pug puppies that are too small and with more potential health issues. Others will falsify the pup's age so that one will believe that they are receiving a small Pug when that dog is actually younger than the papers show. As you can imagine, this is highly unethical and is very dangerous for the pup's health. Caring for an Undersized Pug If you have obtained the so-called "Miniature Pug" or "Teacup", care will follow along the guidelines of the care of smaller toy breed dogs such as the Pom or toy Poodle. Because this dog will can be as small as 3 pounds 1. You may also have a Pug that happens to be smaller than average due to Mother Nature. What is considered small? However a pocket pup these sizes may be growing slow. He or she may have a growth spurt later on and reach the standard size. Here are things that you can do to best protect your undersized or mini Pug: When driving in the car, any dog should be fastened in safely with a seat restraint. However, a Miniature Pug will be especially vulnerable to falling off of the car seat during a sudden stop or quick turn and can be injured very easily. Care must be taken when family members are walking around the home. Small children must be aware that this dog can scoot under their feet quickly; if a child or any person stepped on a Miniature Pug by accident, great harm would be done. Having a mini Pug sleep in an owner's bed can have risks. Being so tiny can hold the risk of suffocating under thick blankets or being rolled onto unintentionally during slumber. This smaller type of Pug will not be able to hold their elimination quite as long and time and patience should be given in regard to house training. This very tiny dog will be considered an "underfoot dog"; as they should be. Very tiny pups and dogs can be easily stepped on or tripped over.The weather may affect this Pug more than usual. It is recommended that any small toy breed dog have dog clothing for outdoor elements. A small dog should be protected from the cold, most importantly. Rain gear is also suggested. If your Miniature Pug is a cross between a Pug and a Chihuahua, there may not be any extra health concerns. However if your tiny Pug is a result of unethical breeding, health issues can be many. 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. What is a teacup dog? How are teacup dogs made? Teacup versions of already small dog breeds include Pugs, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, amongst others. Puppies are often photographed sitting inside of teacups, to showcase their small size. But how are these teacup versions made? There are a few ways. Teacup dogs are usually produced by breeding runts together to create the smallest version of the dog possible. Unfortunately the small dogs chosen to breed are sometimes also not the healthiest. They may be small because of a birth defect or other medical condition, and that can then be passed on to their offspring. Health risks for tiny versions of dogs can be significant, and breeders often take these risks because they want to rake in the big bucks. Another way a teacup dog might be bred is by mixing smaller breeds. For example, a teacup pug might have a small amount of chihuahua in them, to ensure a smaller size. What is a Teacup Pug, or a Toy Pug? What is the pug breed standard? Glad you asked. What is a very small pug called? In the United States and Canada, the pug breed standard only has one classification — standard. However, people do use certain words to describe purebred pugs that happen to be on the small side. They often just have one goal: to breed smaller and smaller dogs. Common health risks that come with breeding small versions of dogs include: Hydrocephalus: also known as water on the brain, hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain. Hypoglycemia: a condition where the blood sugar glucose level is lower than normal. Collapsing Trachea: Tracheal collapse is when rings of cartilage in the trachea begin to flatten out, making it difficult for air to get to the lungs. Patella Luxation: or sliding kneecap, is a condition where the knee cap rides outside the femoral groove when the knee is flexed. They can also be prone to seizures, respiratory issues, and liver shunts. These health issues and complications result in higher vet bills, and dogs with shorter life spans. Share your comments below. Pin for later! TC pugs are a better choice for first-time dog owners as they love to please their owners more than anything else and are also easily trainable. They are consistently friendly, happy-go-lucky dogs with the eagerness to impress always. Their biggest downside is their many health problems , so make sure you have the money for potential health problems and empathy for a dog who may not have a year life. Most non-black Pug dogs fawn, apricot-fawn, silver-fawn and some black Pugs have double coats, a short outer layer, and a soft inner layer. Double the coat means double the shedding compared to single-coated TC pugs. Young TC Pugs have minor shedding compared to their adult counterparts. Once a Pug reaches the 15 months mark, the shedding will increase. While Pugs shed all year round, there can be a considerable increase in both the spring and the autumn. Though this seasonal shedding is somewhat dependent on temperature changes, it can also be triggered by changes in sunlight hours. It is recommended to brush a puglet no less than 3 times per week or as often as once a day. It is also essential to get through the coat immediately before giving the wash and right afterward. Although these dogs are stubborn streak, they do not insist and look forward to pleasing. The teacup or toy Pugs or pocket Pugs have many great qualities for being more than just your pet. They are attention-seeking and energetic, always running around and being part of the family. As they age, they become much quieter and more docile, but even there, they will still want to be with their favorite person — YOU. TC pugs are not the lively socialites like the other toy breeds are. They are a bit more serious, with a sly sense of humor. Overall, happy-go-lucky, peppy, animated, family-friendly , and spirited dogs love to have human companionship, especially children and seniors. You get a Teacup Pug. You come pretty close to making friendship! Negatives The best thing to do is to examine each of the negatives and make an honest consideration of whether this behavior will bother you or not. It is also critical to recognize that the trait is a controllable behavior or an innate feature present in the TC pugs that will be part of two of your future lives. Miniature pugs are voracious eating machines and do not know when to stop, making them gorge like anything and gain a lot of weight. They also snore quite a bit, which becomes irritating to deal with after a while. TC pugs are also exceedingly clingy. They will accompany you wherever and wherever, and these dogs aware that they push this phenomenon to an extreme. It is just the way they are… It can become a bit awkward after a while. They have an uncanny ability to think in rather cat-like ways, such as they enjoy their home comforts in much the same way that the cats do, they are pretty independent streak, like to have things on their terms too, and this is perhaps part of the reason why TC pugs do tend to get on well with cats. They seem to have two basic speed settings: Dormant or full throttle. TC pugs can be very energetic, enthusiastic, and good-humored about things. They usually disburse their energy in short bursts of activity. Still, tempted? This is largely due to their natural charm and loving temperament, which usually extends to children and other pets. Distinctive physical features include a large round head, big dark eyes, and a wrinkled brow. An adult Pug stands between 10 and 13 inches and weighs between 14 and 18 pounds. To be classed as a Miniature Pug they simply need to fall below these parameters when full grown. In some ways, a small dog seems like having a puppy forever. There are three ways to miniaturize a dog breed. The first is to mix a standard breed with a smaller breed, as in the case of the miniature Pug. The second way is to introduce the gene for dwarfism, also known as achondroplasia. The final way is to repeatedly breed from the smallest, or runts, of litters. Mixed Breed Minis Chihuahua Pug mixes can look quite Puglike as puppies, albeit often with shorter muzzles. But their personality will be quite different to your average Pug. Both the Chihuahua and the Pug are already very small dogs. Each of these breeds has more than their share of inherited health problems. The Chihuahua and the Pug have the same amount of teeth as any dog. The problem is that little dogs have little mouths, and their teeth crowd together. This puts the miniature Pug at a high risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Due to their small size, Chihuahuas have trouble giving birth and often require cesarian sections. If a Chihuahua is the dam and the Pug is the sire of a miniature Pug, the mother is very likely to have difficulty producing a litter. Dwarfism Genes A popular method of shrinking a puppy down in size is introducing the gene for dwarfism, which shortens the legs and therefore their height. However breeding for extreme conformational traits has been shown to result in an increased risk of certain diseases. And using the gene for dwarfism has been linked to intervertebral disc disease along with some other painful conditions. Breeding From The Smallest Dogs There are breeders who try to create even smaller dogs by breeding two runt Pugs together. These dogs are referred to as micro mini Pug puppies or pocket Pugs. When dogs are way under the breed standard , they can already possess health issues like hypoglycemia and heart defects. Breeding two extremely small dogs together is very likely to cause even more health issues and is highly unscrupulous. General Pug Problems Any Pug or Pug mix is at risk of the two main health complications this breed is prone too. The endearing short muzzles, wrinkled facial skin, and bulging eyes are associated with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. This makes them prone to seriously compromised respiratory systems. Their short flat faces make it very difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. This means they can overheat very quickly in warm weather. Abnormally shallow eye sockets , which make the eyes protrude, are another issue for brachycephalic breeds. Screw tail is another disease brachycephalic breeds are genetically predisposed to. If the deformity occurs higher in the spine, it can be very painful and cause severe neurological problems. How to Avoid Unscrupulous Breeders Miniature Pug puppies, like many miniature breeds, are a hot commodity, and breeders are getting thousands of dollars for these pint-sized pups. Unfortunately, this is a huge incentive for disreputable breeders to create smaller and smaller dogs. If you see advertisements for micro mini Pugs or teacup Pugs, this is definitely a breeder to avoid. Another red flag is if there is no waiting list and puppies are immediately available for purchase. Ask questions about their breeding practices. Any reputable breeder should be informed about the health issues surrounding miniature breeds. Miniature breeds are usually prone to more health issues. Their unnaturally small size means they also become injured more easily. When you have two small breeds like the Chihuahua and the Pug, who already have many health problems, you can see that this is a dog who is greatly at risk. The only way to stop breeders from creating very small dogs is to not buy them. Perhaps this is a fad that will soon cease to be popular. But in the meantime, dogs specifically bred to be tiny and fragile are suffering.