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I enjoy taking a bath and being brushed. I would be a great addition to the family. All dogs are microchipped, neutered, current on all vaccines, heartworm tested if age appropriate , and up to date on preventatives at the time of adoption. All household members and any dogs from the household need to be present at the time of your appointment. A photo ID will be required at the time of adoption. The shelter is currently open by appointment only with an approved application. Please note, all applications are considered general and stay on file for 6 months. Specific animals are NOT put on hold for adoption. When you visit, the adoption counselors will be able to make suggestions based on the type of pet you are looking for and help you find the best fit for your family. Animal House Shelter cannot guarantee the breeds of the adoptable animals. The animals are posted on the website as the breed or breed mix based on their physical characteristics they most resemble. We also cannot guarantee the ages of our adoptable animals or how large puppies will be when fully grown. We look forward to seeing you soon! Watch Us On YouTube! Follow Us On Twitter! They are breeders who maintain the highest standards of quality and care at their facility. Vom Ragnar is a top-quality breeder in Chicago Illinois. This facility has been owned and operated since its inception by Natalya Babenko, who is a licensed veterinarian. The facility maintains one of the highest quality standards for breeders and trainers of French Bulldogs and German Shepherds, two of the most popular breeds in the world. Every French Bulldog puppy bought at this breeding facility goes home with an official health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. The puppies are given all current vaccinations and also carry a one-year health guarantee protecting against hereditary and congenital defects. Every new pet owner is given a minute orientation at the facility, before taking their new puppy home. During this time they will learn how to feed, care for, socialize and train their new French Bulldog puppy. The dogs are raised in a home environment set in 45 acres of land. Vom Ragnar is a state-licensed dog breeder and is registered with the American Kennel Club. They are a home-based breeder so the parent dogs and all the puppies get a lot of attention and love. Inside the facility, the dogs have heating and air conditioning to keep them comfortable and healthy. Story continues French Bulldog puppies have a small body that makes them great for apartments and other small living spaces. This breed is easy to train does not bark excessively and is very safe and good with children. Customers can state their requirements of gender, color, age and temperament of the puppy. Vom Ragnar Frenchies, Puppies, and Boutique will do their best to find a pet that best matches the customer specifications. Vom Ragnar has been featuring on the top big News sites Reuters and Yahoo because of their good reputation. Contact Info:.
Photo from: pugjohnjohn Apricot Pug puppies and fawn Pug puppies may be hard to tell apart as infants. Pug puppies start out darker and get lighter as they get older. Apricot Pugs can be a bright orange color, a deep shade of apricot, or a paler shade that is more fawn-like. On the other hand, some apricot Pugs mature with a darker, richer gold hue. To best understand how this color comes about, it can be a good idea to learn the fundamentals of the genetics at play in order to understand how this hue develops within the breed. Every dog receives two coat color genes. The instructions for a particular color will typically be found in these genes. Only one of these two genes, though, can actually manifest as the actual coat color. It all comes down to some fundamental mechanics as to which gene is selected to be expressed. We will talk about the genetics of different colors in Pugs in more detail later on, but let us first cover the general breed history so that we have some good foundations. Some Pekingese dogs were even given titles of status in China, where they were widely venerated in a manner resembling royalty. Many of them had attendants who took care of them and made sure they were as comfortable as possible. The Pug was well-known in Asia before making its way to the West, and it appears that Russia was a stop along the way to Europe. Always, a dominant gene will prevail over a recessive gene and determine which one is expressed in the dog. As a result, no dominant genes must be present for a recessive gene to express. Particularly in apricot Pugs, a recessive gene is responsible for the apricot coloration. This indicates that two of the genes necessary for the dog to express the apricot coat color are present. The final hue produced by this recessive gene can, however, vary greatly in shade. Due to the overlap between these colors, it is possible that you will get a color that is considerably closer to fawn. Select a breeder with parents who are both brightly colored apricot to increase your chances of getting an apricot-hued cute Pug. Apricot fawn is one of the several coat hues available for the fawn Pug. There are, however, four distinct colors, according to the Federation Cynologique Internationale FCI : apricot, fawn, black, and silver Pugs. There are also some other patterns that are much rarer, such as the merle Pug and the brindle Pug. Apricot Pug Appearance Photo from: archie. Their heads have recognizable deep creases, short, flat noses, and recognizable black masks. Their big, commanding eyes, which overwhelm their silly, wrinkled face, reflect a range of emotions, including surprise, grumble, delight, and curiosity. Apricot Pug Coat As was already noted, this coat comes in a variety of colors, from fawn to apricot. Apricot Pug coats can have various tones of color within the same coat and should be close to a light yellow-golden tint. The fawn Pug has a considerably paler color that resembles cream. The shade might differ within the coat itself, just like the apricot. They might refer to them as apricot fawn Pugs, though. This is what we call trace. Apricot Pug Size As we previously stated, apricot Pugs look exactly like other members of the breed, even in terms of height and weight. Despite their tough exteriors, apricot pugs are considered toys. Their height ranges from 10 to 11 inches, and they weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. They have broad limbs and are sturdy, square-looking dogs. Apricot Pug Temperament Photo from: archie. They enjoy curling up on the couch with you while you watch a movie or read a book because they are normally sedentary pets. Instead, they can be comical, animated dogs who like socializing and amusing their owners with silly behaviors. Temperament is influenced by a variety of factors, including upbringing, socialization, and heredity. Apricot Pug puppies are typically dogs with positive attitudes and are friendly, engaging, and eager to cuddle. Socialization is crucial for ensuring that your apricot Pug puppy grows up from a shy baby animal to a well-rounded adult canine. Children love apricot Pugs because they are playful and adaptable to practically any living circumstance. These courageous and sturdy tiny dogs make wonderful family pets and are a good choice for families with younger children due to their small size. Are Apricot Pugs Aggressive? Pugs are not regarded as an aggressive breed and are typically lively and adaptable. However, like other small breeds, apricot Pugs can be easily startled. If your dog feels threatened or anxious, aggressive tendencies like barking and biting may manifest. A dog with high socialization skills will be assured, amiable, and less likely to exhibit unwelcome aggressiveness when out and about. They do, however, show a small amount of stubbornness, which may be overcome with sufficient training. They often rebel and turn against you since they are sensitive and soft-hearted and do not react well to strictness and severe penalties. So, in order to train your Pug, positive reinforcement and admiration are required. Pugs are generally good socializers and friendly toward everyone. Apricot Pug Exercise The energy level of apricot, fawn, and black Pugs is the same. Pugs enjoy cuddling up next to you on the couch. Although they are not a breed with a lot of energy, they are fun and vivacious and would enjoy going on an adventure with you. Dogs with brachycephalic faces, such as the French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs, are less tolerant of hot weather. Make sure they take frequent pauses, drink lots of water, and refrain from strenuous exercise on hot summer days. You should avoid the heat of the day by taking your apricot Pug for a walk in the early morning or late evening. Pugs benefit from regular exercise and would love to take daily walks for at least 30 minutes. Apricot Pug Grooming For grooming, pugs are a low-maintenance breed. Everything you need to take care of your Pug can be done at home. You can wash them in your sink or tub if they are filthy after a walk or have found something disgusting to roll in. Their quick-drying short hair will help. Weekly nail trimming maintains the health of their joints and paws. Walking can be painful and difficult when they have long nails. Your Pug can accept nail trimming calmly with some practice. To keep your Pug healthy, give its wrinkles and nostrils a periodic cleaning. To avoid accumulation, wipe in between wrinkles and the nostrils. Apricot Pug Health Photo from: archie. They are predisposed to a variety of different medical disorders, some of which are more dangerous than others, because of their particular physiology, brachycephalic head shape, and genetics. Having said that, apricot Pugs can still live a happy and healthy life if you keep a close eye on them and take them to the vet for regular health testing. Most of the time, keeping your Pug healthy means spotting problems early and treating them before they worsen. The health issues listed below can also affect apricot Pugs as well as the Pug breed as a whole. If your Pug squints or if its eyes are unusually bloodshot and crying, call your veterinarian straight away. Corneal ulcers normally get better with treatment, but left unattended, they can rupture the eye or possibly cause blindness. Dry Eye Pugs are susceptible to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis. They could occur simultaneously or one at a time. If this is the problem, your veterinarian can do tests to see whether medication and additional care can be used to treat it. Pigmentary keratitis is characterized by black spots on the cornea, particularly in the vicinity of the nose. If the pigment completely covers the eye, blindness may occur. Both of these eye conditions require constant care and treatment. The cause of this illness in Pugs is unknown, and there is no way to diagnose or treat it. PDE typically affects young pups, who may experience seizures, circles, blindness, coma, and even death. Hip Dysplasia This illness affects both small and large breeds, including Pugs. This deformity of the hip joint is thought to be caused by a number of elements, including genetics, environment, and diet. Affected Pugs often lead normal, healthy lives when given the proper veterinary treatment. Apricot Pug Lifespan The lifespan of an apricot Pug is the same as that of any other Pug, as the color of the coat has no bearing on either longevity or health. A Pug can live for 12 to 15 years on average. While some Pugs can live up to 20 years, due to their predisposition to gain weight quickly and general respiratory issues, most of them do not survive past the age of .Apricot Pug Price Photo from: archie. However, apricot Pugs may fetch a greater price than typical since they are regarded as exceptional by some individuals. Conclusion Apricot fawn is one of the several coat hues available for the fawn Pug. According to the American Kennel Club, apricot Pugs are not given their own category; instead, they are grouped with fawn Pugs. We hope this article has provided some clarification on this cute little Pug variant. We tried to cover all the characteristics of the apricot Pug that set them apart from other Pugs as well as those that demonstrate how similar they are. If you do, make sure to thoroughly investigate every Pug breeder you have access to and choose the best one. Good luck with your new best friend! Post navigation. Conclusion Price These are scarce variety , and therefore, costly too. Origin This color is a part of pug genes, and surprisingly this is not a mixed breed. Pugs have a dominant and a recessive gene. The recessive one is apricot, and both the parents have to pass on the recessive gene to get the apricot-colored pug. Physical Appearance Since apricot is a subcategory of fawn-colored pugs, these are similar to fawn pugs. The coat is smooth and elegant. They have a few reddish-brown hair, scattered around their skin, which gives their fur a reddish shade making it look like an apricot. The apricot puppy pugs are generally more red than the fawn puppies. As they grow older, the intense red color starts fading to a lighter tone forming a peach hue. This is one of the reasons why these are pricey. Health Issues These pugs manage to avoid many coat-related health issues and do not need any extra care or unique treatments. However, one should always keep things in mind while keeping this dog. Conclusion We are all aware of the great companionship that these pugs offer to humans, and for pugs, with an apricot coat, we get some extra beauty and rarity in our home that is eye candy for the onlooker. Post navigation. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. 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. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. They closely resemble Lion Dogs and the Pekingese, the other two breeds bred by Chinese emperors and Mongolian monks around the same time. Due to their exotic looks, Pugs were given royal status, protected, and fed the finest meals. It was given the same status as his wives! Stealing or attempting to steal the dog was a capital offense punishable by death. Almost 2, years later, in the s, Pugs started appearing in Europe. It took another several hundred years for Pugs to appear in the US. Historians place their arrival dates in the 18th and 19th centuries, although it is not known when the first apricot Pug was developed. As we have stated, Chinese emperors and monks bred and took care of them, inspiring other citizens to do so too. In the 20th and 21st centuries, their popularity was propelled by many factors. First, Pugs have unique wrinkly faces, small bodies, and short noses. These features make them stand out and as such, many people find them adorable. Lastly, Pugs and French Bulldogs are known as celebrity dogs partly because they are owned by celebrities, or they are celebrities themselves. Doug the Pug is the most popular celebrity Pug with over 12 million followers across many social media platforms. Some celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kelly Osborne own Pugs, which has also helped fuel their popularity. However, if presented with both fawn and apricot Pugs, you will definitely spot the difference. According to the organization, fawn may range from light to deep apricot to reddish gold. Even though AKC does not recognize apricot Pugs, owners can still register them under alternate colors. The only catch is pups cannot be shown in competition. Apricot Pugs are rare While fawn is the most common Pug , getting a true apricot Pug will cost you heavily. They are rare because of the difficulties associated with getting true apricot parents whose genes will produce orange-yellow pups. The symbol, together with anything that it appears on, be it natural or man-made, was highly valued. In a bid to make it clearer, Chinese breeders selected parents with more detailed wrinkles. Image Credit: Igor Anfinogentov, Shutterstock 3. Apricot Pugs are not related to Bulldogs despite their close resemblance Bulldogs and Pugs are both short-nosed breeds. Additionally, both breeds are fiercely loyal, protective, and patient. Pugs are poor swimmers Ever thought of taking a dip with your Pug? Pugs have wide faces and short legs , which prevents them from swimming. Their wide faces cause drag, requiring more energy to swim, while their short legs are not good at paddling. Another possible reason is the location of the nose will funnel water into the lungs. So for a Pug to swim safely , it must raise its head in an awkward position. Apricot Pugs are good pets. They are committed to people, loyal, and protective, making them fantastic companion animals. Families with children also enjoy the company of Pugs. They are playful and will keep kids entertained. Even though Pugs shed a lot, their smooth coat is easy to brush, reducing grooming time. Lastly, Pugs are small in size, and traveling with them is easy. Originating from China, their coat color ranges from orange-yellow to light orange and is often confused with fawn. If you buy an apricot Pug, you will not only have the best companion animal but also enjoy the services of a dedicated, loyal, and playful dog.
She is super friendly a mix of boxer and american pit bull. She is housebroken to a certain extent. Still needs pee pads. Sleeps thru the night no problem. Very alert and active. She already sits and stays to wait for food. Loves the water , swims in the ocean and retrieves tennis balls. They were born December 27th. We have 4 girls and 3 boys. We are charging a small rehoming fee and require a home tour in person or virtually to ensure good homes for these puppies. If you have any questions or are interested please message us Buy Now Boxer puppy Loving 11 week old boxer female. She grew up in a loving home full of chickens, a bunny and children. Will make an ideal family pet to people with kids or any family situation. Loves to run, cuddle and play outside. View Detail Boxer and border collie mix puppies Smart loving and energetic breed great for families View Detail Boxer puppies 5 weeks old, akc registered, docked tails, dewclaws removed, Tarpon Springs Fl. View Detail Full Boxer lovely Dog he just turned a year old, up to date on shots, not neutered, he just needs more space, a home with playful active family, with a yard, he is good with other dogs, good with kids, and other people. For more info-text me xxx-xxx-xxxx Ps. First i wish to let you know that we are given these puppies out because my wife just died. She was Located in Dallas TX and all of us are there now. .She was the owner of this cute little babies. Since she is now late , We can't keep the puppies here in such condition because each time we see them , we keep thinking of her. So we want to given them out to a lovely and caring home ,where they can be treated as such and keep us up dated on monthly progress. These puppies will be coming from Dallas TX. But if you would be able to come over for the pick up, we shall be very great full, but if you can't come , we can make arrangement for home delivery with the animals delivery service and they will get the puppy s delivered at your doorstep View Detail Brindle Boxer Bitch Puppy Akc Reg, Ready Now Brindle Boxer Bitch Puppy AKC Reg, Ready Now, Raised at our home, where mum is our family pet, so is used to children of all ages and a very busy home environment. Ready for a good home. .Text me your email address now via xxx -xxx-xxxx if interested for more info and pics. All of our puppies are AKC and come with a health guarantee. Your new puppy will have current shots and a current health certificate. We do give lifetime Breeder Support. Both parents are health tested as well. Our all the puppies have human interaction from the day they are born to the day they leave for their new homes. We raise our puppies indoor among our young kids and other pets. We start house breaking at 5 weeks of age. Both parents are health tested. We do not let the puppies go to their new homes until they are atleast 8 weeks old. Puppies are Available as house pets Only, unless discussed otherwise. The puppy would come with the AKC registration under new owner's name as well. We do require puppy inquiry form filled out before showing the puppies in person. Form available on xxx. If you have anymore questions please feel free to contact us on xxx xxx-xxxx. Please leave a Voicemail and we'll get back to you as soon as possible as new puppies keep us occupied. Thank you.View Detail One year old female One year old female boxer house trained really good with kids.Welcome to TrustedPuppies. Known as the Sunshine State for its warm weather and abundant sunshine, Florida is located in the Southeastern United States. It is a fantastic destination for dog lovers and their furry companions. Our main objective is to connect you with the best Boxer breeders and puppies for sale throughout Florida. Our website has a wide variety of reputable breeders that specialize in raising healthy puppies. Our breeders are committed to only raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and care to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide additional support and advice after the sale to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. With an estimated population of just over 5 million dogs, Florida ranks number three among other states in terms of dog ownership. Florida boasts a vibrant dog community, offering numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events you and your four-legged friend can enjoy together. Dine alongside your pup at popular locations like The Dog Bar in St. Petersburg or the Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach, all provide ideal play, exercise, and socialization areas. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a pleasant and safe trip as they make their way to their new home in the sunny state of Florida. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. 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. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Fresno Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Fresno? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Fresno? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. Uptown Puppies gives you everything you need to find a happy and healthy canine with ease! Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? A lot of people want a new dog, but finding Golden Retriever breeders Fresno can feel nearly impossible at times. We provide a nationwide network of breeders and businesses that offer to send happy and healthy pups to your doorstep with ease. The best part? Our entire network is highly vetted and guarantees maximum safety and transparency for your new doggo! Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Fresno ready now? Yes, but recommend acting quickly if a pup captures your heart. Due to their immense popularity, breeds like the Fresno Golden Retriever for sale tend to find forever-homes at a notably fast rate - giving you a small window for action. If you wait too long to contact the breeder or business then you just might miss out on a lifetime of love with the dog of your dreams! At Uptown Puppies, we work tirelessly to provide as much transparency around our listed pups as possible. Do you sell the cheapest Golden Retriever puppies in Fresno? At Uptown Puppies, we remain adamantly opposed to this practice and have dedicated ourselves to maintaining the health and happiness of all of our listed pups. Consequently, our pups are slightly more expensive, but infinitely happier and safer! How do I know that my Golden Retriever for sale Fresno will be healthy? Is it enough to walk Golden Retriever puppies for sale Fresno, or do they need more exercise? For Golden Retrievers, daily exercise is a must-have, but a simple walk in the park might not do the trick. These pups were bred to work and possess an abundance of high-octane energy as a result. To keep these doggos physically fit and mentally sharp, we recommend letting them stretch their legs in open spaces like fenced-in backyards or safe areas where they can run free. Do you recommend specific food for my dog? Golden Retrievers for sale in Fresno love to eat almost as much as they love people - which can occasionally result in these big goofballs becoming obese. To maintain a healthy weight, be sure to feed your Golden a regulated diet of meats and vegetables. Alternatively, most reliable name-brand dog food contains an adequate level of nutrients and should suffice equally as well. Which kinds of breeds are best for families? Few dogs endear themselves to families faster than the Golden Retriever for sale in Fresno. This pup is loyal, active, driven, intelligent, and absolutely adores people - making it the perfect playmate for children and other dogs alike. Pick up one of these canines and prepare to have a family friend for life! Golden Retrievers for sale Fresno are not hypoallergenic and the golden coat that gives them their name also results in a fair amount of shedding!
These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.
Our dogs are smart, calm, intuitive, and beautiful. We only breed one litter at a time. Together we discover that there is nothing more rewarding than making people happy with healthy, social and gorgeous puppies. They have soft coats and wonderful temperaments. We breed carefully with low inbreeding and provide you with a pedigree. Our breeding dogs pass many tests to qualify for our breeding program. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, and DNA tests for common diseases in the breed. We take special care of all our dogs and puppies. We love our Australian Labradoodle puppies from start to finish! We do not breed with anxious, aggressive, nervous dogs, but we select our breeding dogs with good temperaments. They have a gentle, calm, happy character with just enough spirit to be playful and fun. We raise our breeding dogs in our own home or in foster families called guardian homes. All dogs deserve to live with a family. We are not a kennel operation. Because the puppies grow up in our home, they are socialized and love people and other dogs. They are introduced to people, children, and other dogs at a very early age. Training with commands such as come and sit start at 5 weeks of age. We introduce them to their crates at the same time. Our labradoodles keep us laughing with their clownlike antics. We have a lot of experience and knowledge raising and training dogs and we promise a lifetime of support. We distinguish ourselves by having the healthiest, friendliest dogs with wonderful temperaments. They are mostly hypoallergenic dogs. They are very intelligent and easy to train, so Australian Labradoodles are used for emotional support and service. Our whelping boxes and pens are cleaned and sanitized every day. The puppies start pottying on grass outside at about 5 weeks old. They are introduced to crates at 5 weeks old but will not be fully crate trained. We want them to love their crates. We send one home with you. Reserve early as most puppies are sold before they are born! Responsible Breeding Early Socialization and Positive Training Starts at Birth Responsible Breeding Inbreeding analysis before breeding any dogs to be sure there are no close relatives for generations. Pedigrees, and health tests posted. Our breeding dogs do not shed. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, DNA tests for Common diseases in the breed. We socialize with many people and other dogs. We introduce crate training at 5 weeks in a manner that they will love their crates. Love and handling starts at birth. Most puppies come and sit before they go home. Olympic Peninsula:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Check out our Puppies page for more info. Hello and welcome to Bearcreek!! We are a small, in-home breeder of Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. As a boutique breeder near Seattle, Washington, and Woodinville, Washington, we produce just a handful of puppies each year. This gives us valuable time to introduce each puppy with age appropriate socialization experiences with lots of love and attention, giving the puppies the best start in life. Our program focuses on producing healthy, sweet-tempered, genetically sound mini and medium Australian Labradoodle pups. All our dogs have non-shedding, allergy and asthma-friendly fleece coats. By the time your puppy arrives in your home it will have started on potty training and crate training. Known primarily for their sweet disposition, these dogs are increasingly sought-after for therapy and service work and make excellent family companions. We are proud to be a Gold Star member of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America and abide by the organization's standards for excellence. Home: Welcome. Family Raised. Fluffy faces and shedless coats It all begins with the gorgeous and innocent fluffy faces of the Multigen Australian Labradoodle. Labradoodles have the dreamiest eyes, the most adorable paws, and the sweetest personalities. They learn and adapt faster than you can imagine and are incredibly loyal, as every life partner should be. For extra doodle points, Labradoodles are also allergy-friendly with their hypoallergenic and non to very low shedding coats. Family love and socialization Constant attention, affection, and socialization keep the pups happy. We raise the puppies in our home in the middle of our living space. They're never more than a few steps away. We introduce the doodles to a variety of people and intentionally try to expose them to as many different traits as possible. They smell us making dinner; they hear it when the wind slams a door shut; they sense it when someone in the house has a rough day. Overall, they experience all that goes on in a busy family home. These diverse experiences, coupled with love and lots of snuggles from family and friends, are the keys to a relaxed puppy and a well-socialized and calm adult Labradoodle with a compelling and flexible personality. All of the puppy culture experiences are important, but the family-raised element truly sets you up for success as a doodle parent. Health testing to the highest standard We want your doodle puppy to grow up happy and healthy and become a treasured family member for many years to come. You can rest easy knowing that your Labradoodle puppy has the healthiest parents possible. Your puppy will go home with you with a clean health report from our local veterinarian and all their puppy vaccinations through eight weeks of age. Lastly, while genetic health issues are rare, we include a two-year genetic health guarantee with all of our pups. Forever family connection and support One of the many reasons I decided to pivot from doodle parent to doodle breeder is that I love seeing these pups become cherished family members when matched with their forever families. Some folks adopt their Labradoodle and never need additional contact, and that's perfectly okay. Others are comforted knowing I am delighted to join and support them on this journey. I'm just a call or text away if you ever have questions. Plus, you'll quickly become an expert dog photographer if you're not one already. If you feel up to sharing, my family and I love seeing how your doodle happily ever after turned out.
We are located in the NW corner of Arkansas at the base of the Ozark mountains. We share our life with Eagles, Deer , Hawks and various other wild critters. .It is never dull here on the mountain. .I believe in breeding only the very best, for the betterment of the breed. I have searched the world over for the finest in Red standard poodles. Focusing on dogs that can have the temperament to become service dogs. .Having produced several emotional support animals and several medical Alert animals. My babies are born in my home and have my full attention until the day that they leave , I then have a private group on facebook to offer a lifetime of support and advise. My job does not stop when the puppy leaves it is just the beginning The Red standard poodle is my passion. .Very rare , thus my focus is to preserve the bloodline , keeping diversity in mind as well , not easy , but definitely worthwhile.I believe that you should do one thing and do it right. I have searched the world over and have what I feel is the best in Red standard Poodles today. .I have a vision , I have a dream.Please do not contact me if you are a doodle breeder. I reserve the right to refuse to place a puppy in a questionable home. All of my dogs live in the house with me and are part of my daily life Please feel free to contact me regarding my Poodles. I am passionate about the Red Standard Poodle and especially the reds, no dyes no lies. .So get a beverage and sit back and enjoy. .I hope you love it as much as I loved creating it.Do not be fooled by smoke and Mirrors.There is after all just me, and of course my gorgeous red Poodles. Poodles are Labrador Retrievers with a college education. My Poodle will do anything your Lab will do. After a day of retrieving in the field, your Lab wants to curl up and snore in front of the fire. My Poodle wants to be a fourth at bridge and tell naughty stories! Home of Exceptional Red standard poodles Where every baby is raised with the love and care that you would expect from a knowledgeable , at home , hands on preservationist breeder. .Palmares is an AKC registered name. Photo Gallery. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Arkansas? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Arkansas. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for Arkansas Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Arkansas? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Arkansas? The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Arkansas? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Arkansas for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Arkansas? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Arkansas? It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! Our breeding goals include health, intelligence, temperament, conformation, uniformity, and beauty. Our breeding facility is located in a nice secluded, wooded area about 15 minutes from Little Rock, Arkansas airport where Smith Standard Poodles have plenty of room for exercise, and ample time for socializing with each other. We socialize them also with adults and children. Standard Poodle Breeder Every single one of our pups for sale come with a two-year guarantee. All our pups are birthed from quality, health certified Standard mothers and fathers. We strategically breed our dogs to enhance genetic strengths and subvert undesirable traits including common health problems within the breed. Our puppies come to you well socialize and absolutely doggie door trained. Our Standard Poodles have now found homes in every state in the US, and in fifteen other countries. These colors and patterns include Parti, Brindle, and Phantom Standard Poodles along with most of the solid colors available. Let us know if we can help you with your Poodle pondering, or with any questions, you may have about our beautiful dogs. We have years of experience, and the willingness to share. God Bless,
how quickly does a labrador puppy grow - About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. View fullsize The first labradoodle was developed in the 's in Australia as a means of providing allergy friendly coats on an intelligent service dog. With the name "labradoodle" being so popular, some breeders are crossing poodles with labrador retrievers and calling the resulting dogs "labradoodles. They might shed, they might trouble people with allergies, they might be a labrador or a poodle or almost anything in between. The goal of Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodle breeders is to develop a consistent breed with predictable traits. By breeding only multi-generation Australian Labradoodles with a lineage that can be traced back to Australia, we are doing our part to perfect and standardize the Australian Labradoodle breed. Many people who are allergic to dogs can have an Australian Labradoodle. Not only are they intelligent, but they are also very funny. With their floppy ears, wide-set eyes and wavy or curly coats, they can look like muppets. When introducing them, we like to tell people that "yes, they are as silly as they look. While resting they can assume what we call the " attack position " where their bellies are exposed, legs splayed out and tongue hanging out of their head that's lying on the ground. Australian Labradoodles are in love with the dishwasher. Anytime we are loading it they will be waiting to inspect everything that goes in. We got Matilda in .One year later we decided that with all three children away at college we should get another Australian Labradoodle and start breeding them. In we bought one of Tilly's unaltered little sisters from Pine Lodge Labradoodles. Look at our Labradoodling blog and our Puppies pages to see lots and lots of pictures. There are more pictures on Instagram. Our house sits on eight acres in Western Washington between Seattle and Bellingham. We had horses several years ago, the mare lived to be 37, the gelding we had out of her, .Now the barn is just where we lock the cat up at night. We let the dogs run wild in a large fenced yard when the weather cooperates, take them for long walks when it doesn't and keep them in the house with us the rest of the time. When the children visit they are all over their poochies, taking them for walks, runs, hikes and bike rides. And road trips. Having had many animals over the years, someone probably grumpy, maybe dad declared that there would be no more animals in the house. We had a barn, a yard and even some woods. There was plenty of room outside for all the animals anyone could need without having one stink up the house. That all changed when we got our Australian Labradoodles. If we wait too long between baths they will eventually smell like grass, which is where they spend most of their time in the summer. Otherwise you can walk into our house and not know we have dogs unless you see them. Or hear them. When you come visit, they'll say hi. The puppies we sell are registered with the ALAA and WALA , come with a two year health guarantee and will be sent to their forever home with their shots up to date, a microchip, a veterinarian's checkup and a free month of insurance available from Trupanion. Our first Australian Labradoodle. View fullsize. It offers high-quality dogs with champion bloodlines as well as excellent customer service. This breeder has been breeding Miniatures and small Mediums since .It was established to give each pet the love and attention it deserves to live a healthy and happy life. It breeds Labradoodles that are already housebroken, making the transition easier for you and your new puppy. It also provides all puppies with a genetic health guarantee to cover any problems related to their breeding. They make great family pets because they are gentle around children and other animals. In addition, they are very friendly, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Get in touch with one of these breeders today and let your dream dog become a reality! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Bellingham Washington and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We have decided we want to add another Whispering Winds puppy to the Wetzel family! I am ready to put down a payment, but just wondered if I need to fill out the application again? This is with her best friend next door neighbor, Kaia, who just moved away. Thanks so much! The big boy is Diesel, our 10 month old black German Shepard. She is such a sweet loving dog! We adore her!! She is becoming quite the boating dog! She has her own little bed in the fly bridge for when we are cruising and she loves to go kayaking, hopping right in to go for a ride! Thank you again so much for such a wonderful puppy!!! Gidget and I and our Mom are doing ok. Gidget and I share a recliner when we watch tv. I wanted to let you know that we continue to adore Penny. She will be eight years old this week. She now has a 6 year old brother and 3 year old sister both human. We've moved to Bainbridge Island, and she loves tagging along with us on all our outings to the beaches and trails. Hope you are doing well! She is wonderful and we are madly in love with her. It has been an easy adjustment welcoming her into our family. I think that made all the difference. She is very healthy and the vet had very good things to say about how well Whispering Winds had cared for her.We had some crying the first two nights but then she settled in really well and just goes right in at bedtime. We put it in the living room during the day and she goes in and out of it all day playing, napping. She really loves it. She is so cute, she walks alongside it when I move it from room to room. We live across the street from a park so we gets lots of people walking by wanting to stop and chat about her. She loves all her toys, but the wiffel ball is her favorite right now! She has met other dogs in the park and also friends. We want to be careful but also still socialize her. They had so much fun playing! We hope you are well and enjoying this next litter. Take care, Hi Gail. We are so enjoying our Ollie. He is so fun and loves Annie He has been with us for just over a year. I have attached pictures. Christine HI Gail: I wanted to forward you a couple of pictures of our beautiful, sweet, and occasionally ornery Lucy, who turned one yesterday. Jim, Anne and Lucy. Hi Gail. I hope you and yours are doing well and enjoying the summer. Ozzy formerly Ricky Bobby is now 8 years old and as spry as ever. We have a younger dog, 4 year old Troy, who chases him around and Ozzy, although he might never admit it, loves having him around. Checking in - we are having a fantastic summer with kona. She has met new furry family members, and though not a big fan of going swimming, loves getting on the paddle board and going for a ride. She discovered that she loved going from one paddle board to another so on our camping trip , the kids put 3 paddle boards together and kona happily walked back and forth between them. It was a blast. Thank you again, she is the best girl ever! Gail Completely delayed update but Poppy is doing great. Here is her latest picture post haircut. Thanks Monica Hope all is well. We Went and had a beach weekend! The pups and grandkids had a blast. She wanted you to see how beautiful she is with short hair! I love doing all the different toys they have out there for me to do. They hug on me and I just lean on them and give them kisses on their hands. I like working and making people happy, but most of all I love playing and doing zoomies. I just give them a big smile and lots of kisses. My moms and I hope you are doing well and having a super good summer. He had his first sandy beach experience today. We love having him adventure with us. Hope all is well with you! Katie Hi Gail, I hope this finds you well! Luka is officially home and loving his Texan life. He has learned to go up and down the stairs and bark. Loves his new mom my mom, Teresa and his sisters Mila and Frida. Here are a few pictures and videos- Cassandra Our beautiful Chloe turns 17 years old today! July 9, Hi Gail.Hope this finds you and Wayne happy and in good health! We're doing good and just celebrated Bill's 89th birthday!!! Darbi doesn't pose and wouldn't stay still for the photos, so it is just of Bill and Cubby! Hope you are easing into your retirement and enjoying a much more relaxed life!!!! Love you, Bill, Susanne, Darbigail and Cubby!!!! The dogs are so shaggy.Sorry I can't trim their muzzles so you can see their eyes.I worry about poking their eyes!!!! Moon turned 10 last May. She is the most special to me of all the dogs we have had. If I could clone her I probably would. I missed out on her puppy stage…. Great temperament. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Bellingham, WA? We have answers. What are some fun facts about Labradoodle puppies for sale near Bellingham? Labradoodles are an interesting breed of dog that many people find attractive. One fun fact is that the breed was created relatively recently, first bred in the late s in Australia. They were originally created by mixing Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles to create a breed with the look and intelligence of a Poodle, but the temperament of a Labrador. In addition, they are usually low to non-shedding, and tend to be very loyal companions. Will Labradoodle puppies for sale in Bellingham cause me to have allergies? It is possible that Labradoodles may cause allergies, however this will depend on an individual's own sensitivity. If you or anyone else in your household suffers from allergies, it is important to consult with a doctor before bringing a Labradoodle into your home. Many Labradoodles are bred to have a low-shedding coat which may reduce the presence of allergy-causing dander in the home. Additionally, there are many benefits of owning a Labradoodle in terms of companionship, intelligence, and trainability. What should I not feed Bellingham Labradoodle puppies for sale? Labradoodles should not be fed human food, chocolate, moldy or spoiled food, fatty foods, onion or garlic, grapes, tomatoes, macadamia nuts, or alcoholic beverages. It's important to also avoid feeding them food items that may contain these ingredients. Additionally, Labradoodles should not be overfed, as this can cause them to become overweight and have poor health. Fortunately, there are many healthy, balanced food options that are specifically formulated for Labradoodles. It's best to feed them these types of foods and avoid any human food or snacks. How do I prepare to adopt Labradoodle puppies in Bellingham? Preparing for a new Labradoodle starts with making sure your home is ready for your new furry friend. Gather all the essential items like a dog bed, food dish, collar, leash, and a good quality dog food. Additionally, it is important to provide safe chew toys and keep dangerous things out of reach. You'll also need to research dog breeders and the necessary vaccinations for a Labradoodle. Socializing is also an important part of owning a Labradoodle. How fast do Labradoodles for sale in Bellingham grow? Labradoodle puppies vary in size, as their size depends on their parent breeds. Generally, Labradoodle puppies can reach full size between 11 and 24 months. However, mini Labradoodles, which are a hybrid of the Miniature Poodle and Labrador Retriever, may reach their full size quicker as soon as 11 months. Mini Labradoodle puppies are usually smaller at maturity standing at around inches, with a weight of between 15 and 25 pounds. How much exercise do Labradoodle puppies near Bellingham need? Labradoodles are a very active breed of dog and require lots of exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. While the precise amount depends on the individual dog, most Labradoodles are recommended to receive at least 60 minutes of physical exercise each day. This could include running in the yard or park, playing a game of fetch, or going on a long walk. It may also be beneficial to actively engage them in other mentally stimulating activities, such as playing hide and seek, agility courses, or a game of tug of war. Are Labradoodles in Bellingham good for first-time owners? Labradoodles can certainly make great companions for first-time owners. Their intelligence, sociability and eagerness to please make them very amenable to learning new commands and being trained to obey their owners' wishes. They are loyal and affectionate to their families, which makes them highly trainable dogs and great companions. Labradoodles also boast an adaptability to different climates and environments. They can remain calm around children and other household pets. Is training Bellingham Labradoodles for sale easy? Training a Labradoodle is not necessarily easy, but it is rewarding. It takes time, patience, and consistency to get the most out of this type of dog. Establishing a training routine allows you to get to know your pup and create a strong bond and positive relationship. Having a daily routine wherein you invest time in teaching sit, stay, come, or go to bed commands, as well as providing ample opportunities for playtime and exercise, helps your pup stay focused and attentive. Training should also include teaching your pup boundaries such as jumping and leaving objects alone.
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how quickly does a labrador puppy grow - What is Elbow Dysplasia? The condition eventually causes pain whenever the forelimb is moved and may eventually cause arthritis. Trauma to the elbow joint can also lead to changes within the elbow that mimic elbow dysplasia, but this disease results from genetic factors that cause abnormalities in joint formation, not trauma. Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia: Dogs who have elbow dysplasia may show signs of the disease by suffering from mild to moderate pain and lameness in their forelimbs as early as four months old or they may not have any symptoms until later in their life. Even though the disease can manifest at any age, it is commonly diagnosed when dogs are around two years old. Dog owners frequently take the dog to the vet complaining of stiffness in the front legs but both elbow joints are usually affected. How soon a dog will show symptoms is related to how severe the abnormality in the joint is. Dogs eventually develop arthritis inflammation in the joint from years of the parts of the joint rubbing against each other. On physical examination the vet may find pain when the elbow is manipulated. There may also be swelling, crepitus a crunching noise and a decrease in the range of motion the dog has. There are different types of elbow dysplasia and the vet may order a CT scan to identify which type of elbow dysplasia the dog has. In addition, arthroscopy surgery or open joint surgery is considered the best way to determine the extent of the damage in the joint. If arthritis has already set in it is more difficult to know how beneficial this surgery will be. Arthroscopic surgery surgically inserting a scope -is considered the best option for cases that are good candidates for surgical intervention. Open joint surgery — may also be the best option for some cases. Board-certified veterinary surgeons are advisable for the surgical diagnosis and treatment of all forms of elbow dysplasia. Elbow replacement surgery — is currently being researched, but still unavailable. Non-Surgical Options: We can manage pain by treating dogs with pain relieving drugs and glucosamine and fatty acid supplements. However, due to the discomfort and debilitation a dog suffers from this disease, some dogs may have increased lameness and even a decreased lifespan. Prevention: The best way to prevent elbow dysplasia is to prevent it from occurring by not breeding dogs can pass it to future generations. Elbow dysplasia Elbow lameness: In a young dog, a deformed elbow may be the problem The term dysplasia refers to a developmental defect, where abnormal cells appear in a particular type of tissue or organ. And while hip dysplasia tends to get the headlines for canine orthopedic health, elbow dysplasia can be equally debilitating. Elbow dysplasia is the second-most common cause of elbow lameness in dogs. The first is osteoarthritis, which can be associated with elbow dysplasia. Breed prevalence Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers and Chow Chows head the list of breeds with a high prevalence of this orthopedic problem, but any dog can suffer from elbow dysplasia. Large dogs are most likely to develop it, but Pugs are second on the prevalence list produced by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Elbow dysplasia is a genetic ailment, so breeders are encouraged not to use affected dogs in their breeding programs. While elbow dysplasia cannot be cured, it can be well-managed. With surgery and the appropriate medical management, many dogs have a good long-term prognosis. Some dogs will start refusing to exercise, with a noticeable decrease in their overall activity level. Dogs with this defect often move by turning their paw inward, noticeably holding their elbow out from the body in an attempt to shift weight off the sore part of the joint. If your dog has elbow dysplasia only on one side of their body, you or your veterinarian may notice their lameness earlier. That is the clinical picture if both elbows are affected but one side hurts more than the other. If both elbows are equally affected, then it can be more difficult to pick up on lameness. Most dogs will try to compensate with a shortened stride, and the range of motion in their joints is generally reduced. Another clue is if you see your dog manipulating their leg by extending and flexing the elbow joint — an action that is often associated with pain. Even with a more stoic dog, owners may notice some swelling of affected elbow joints along with abnormal warmth in the area. In dogs, the elbow joint involves three bones: the humerus, ulna and radius. These bones must all work together perfectly to give your dog pain-free movement in their elbow joint. Diagnosis True elbow dysplasia will not be diagnosed before 4 to 6 months of age, when the growth plates in joints are still closing. Most dogs are a couple of months older before a clear-cut diagnosis is made. Most dogs are diagnosed with elbow dysplasia by physical examination and by doing a thorough lameness evaluation at 4 to 12 months of age. In mild cases, however, affected dogs may not show lameness until 7 or 8 years of age, when arthritis kicks in. Diagnosing an elbow problem requires a thorough lameness exam with radiographs. Flexed views of both elbows can show defective areas and identify early arthritic changes. A CT scan and arthroscopic surgery to look into the joint are used to guide diagnosis and therapy. Treatment As with so many health problems, early intervention is best. For mild cases of elbow dysplasia, the goal of surgery is to remove any damaged tissues, which will often help to relieve pain, at least temporarily. Dogs with moderate-to-severe elbow deformities may need extensive surgery to realign the malformed elbow joint. A new option for dogs is surgical elbow replacement, a very difficult, expensive option. There are several elbow replacement systems available, but they all come with very serious complications. We are still diligently working on improving surgical approach and implant designs to reduce complications. Follow-up rehabilitation will be critical. Prevention For any puppy, but especially ones with a greater risk for any orthopedic defect, keeping the puppy trim as they grow is important. Your veterinarian may recommend some joint supplements right from a young age, even for normal pups, and they will encourage moderate exercise. This is when your dog repetitively jumps down off the bed, off the couch, out of your car and other similar movements. Going down long flights of stairs frequently can also add trauma. Many breeders recommend that puppies avoid more than 2 or 3 stairs until 6 months of age or older since the potential for damage is worse for puppies than for adult dogs. Rigorous use of screenings for breeding animals with full public information is currently the best bet for decreasing cases of elbow dysplasia. Normal parents may produce elbow problems, but the incidence is much lower than if one or both parents have bad elbows themselves. He personally recommends taking action as soon as possible to detect pain and lameness early, perform an arthroscopic coronoidectomy, followed by intensive non-surgical supportive care. It has been a humbling experience," he says. I believe it is arrogant to think we can fix it once the problem develops. Some dogs feel very sore with a Grade 1 diagnosis, whereas others rated Grade 3 are minimally lame. Grade 1: Minimal bone change along the anconeal process of their ulna at less than 2 mm Grade 2: Additional bone proliferation along the anconeal process 2—5 mm and subchondral bone changes trochlear notch sclerosis Grade 3: Well-developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along the anconeal process being greater than 5 mm There are three other processes that describe specific types of bony defects in the elbow: fragmented medial coronoid process FCP , osteochondrosis of the humeral condyle and ununited anconeal process. These all fall under the umbrella of elbow dysplasia umbrella, and they all lead to secondary arthritis. Some dogs will be affected on just one side, but many dogs will have problems with both elbows. Fragmented coronoid process is the most common. There is the potential to make them worse, and surgery is expensive. The elbow cannot correct itself. That said, if surgery is impossible for other reasons, then medical-management strategies designed to help with severe arthritis are your next-best choice. Therapies include: Weight management: Simply getting your dog to their normal weight may decrease their pain dramatically. Exercise: Moderate exercise moves the joint and builds cushion. Be sure to use proper warm-up and cool-down periods. For example, if your dog loves to play ball, a minute walk will help loosen their joints so that they can move more freely. Laser treatments, TENs transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation , ice therapy and acupuncture may be worth trying. Pain medications: Your veterinarian may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID , such as carprofen, to help keep your dog comfortable. Joint supplements: Ingredients like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin encourage healthy cartilage and increased joint fluid, which help act as cushions. Work with your veterinarian to choose the best supplement for your dog. Injectables: Adequan is another injectable drug that could help with the accompanying osteoarthritis and pain. Injecting platelet-rich plasma PRP into the joint has also been used with some success in canine elbow dysplasia. Synovetin OA is a new, injectable medication that uses electron therapy to target macrophages and synoviocytes in the painful elbow. It must be injected directly into the affected joint. Elbow Dysplasia Overview Canine elbow dysplasia is a common disorder and has been shown to be more prevalent than hip dysplasia in some breeds. The problem is a congenital, hereditary disease affecting young dogs, usually under one year of age. This mal-alignment causes abnormal pressure or joint loading, and chronic rubbing which wears away the cartilage resulting in severe osteoarthritis. Elbow dysplasia can be broken down into numerous underlying pathologies such as fragmented medial coronoid process, osteochondritis dissecans and medial compartment syndrome just to name a few. Definitive diagnosis is made via CT scanning and arthroscopic examination. Some cases can be treated entirely with arthroscopic procedures. Clinical signs of elbow dysplasia The primary clinical sign of canine elbow dysplasia is limping or lameness. Head bobbing at a fast walk or slow trot is typical of front limb lameness. The lameness is usually not recognizable at a run. Some dogs with elbow dysplasia are reluctant to go for long walks or play for long periods of time. Dogs with elbow dysplasia also have limited range of motion ROM in the elbow joints and have pain on elbow extension and flexion. The limited ROM may cause discomfort and difficulty when lying down in sternal position. Diagnosis of elbow dysplasia The diagnosis of canine elbow dysplasia is based on physical examination, radiographs X-rays , computerized tomography CT Scan and ultimately arthroscopy. The surgeons at CCOR can make a fairly accurate diagnosis of elbow dysplasia and discuss the next steps based on physical examination and simple X-rays alone. CT scanning is often needed for the ultimate, final treatment plan. Arthroscopy is used both as a diagnostic tool and to treat elbow dysplasia. Treatment options for elbow dysplasia The treatment options for canine elbow dysplasia depend on the actual definitive diagnosis. Non-surgical treatments include pain management, physical therapy, nutraceuticals such as glucosamine, and various intra-articular injections. All of these options may be indicated in older dogs, or in conjunction with arthroscopic treatments, but none of the above listed treatments address the underlying problem. A common misconception regarding joint injections stem cells, PRP, etc. Intra-articular injections joint injections are commonly performed but with somewhat variable clinical results. Stem cells, platelet rich plasma PRP , hyaluronic acid HA and glucocorticoid steroids are the typical products injected. Recent studies have shown clinical improvement in some dogs with elbow dysplasia treated with PRP. The duration of improvement is currently unknown, but a best guess would be 6 months. Colorado Canine Orthopedics has extensive experience with intra-articular joint injections and we would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of joint injections for individual patients. Surgical treatment options can be broken down into arthroscopic treatments, osteotomies bone cuts to realign the bones, or a combination of both. Virtually all board certified surgeons agree that dogs with elbow dysplasia require a thorough arthroscopic examination both to evaluate pathology and provide treatment. The arthroscope usually mm in diameter is passed through the opening and into the joint. Joint visualization via magnified arthroscopy is incredibly thorough comparted to open joint inspection which is minimal at best. Bone and cartilage fragments and other joint debris can be identified and removed via arthroscopy. Dogs undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery have a fair to excellent prognosis depending on the exact diagnosis, degree of incongruency and existing osteoarthritis OA. Nearly all surgeons agree our best defense against progressive OA is to obtain an accurate diagnosis CT and arthroscopic examination , remove any free fragments and minimize abnormal joint contact. Overall, the majority of dogs with elbow problems lead a fairly normal life although some degree of OA is inevitable. Fragmented medial coronoid process Fragmented coronoid process is a subset of elbow dysplasia that affects large and giant breed dogs, particularly Retrievers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain dogs, and German Shepherd dogs. Malalignment and overloading of the medial innermost aspect of the joint compartment are believed to be key in this pathology. Loading or abnormal weight bearing on the medial compartment leads to concurrent cartilage erosions often full thickness and possible fragmentation of the medial coronoid. Diagnosis of fragmented coronoid process and medial compartment disease can be challenging. Radiographs are helpful but not definitive. In our opinion, arthroscopy is the ideal modality for the diagnosis of fragmented coronoid process because it allows accurate diagnosis and treatment of the fragment, as well as cartilage assessment. Traditional open surgery to diagnose fragmented coronoid is antiquated. First and foremost, the surgical approach to the elbow joint that affords the surgeon a thorough inspection is invasive and has moderate post-operative morbidity. Secondly, the arthroscopic visualization of key structures is far superior to an invasive surgical approach. Treatment of fragmented coronoid process in mild cases involves arthroscopic removal of the fragmented bone and cartilage. Arthroscopy is fast, effective, and minimally invasive. Arthroscopic treatment takes between 15 and 30 minutes per elbow and virtually all dogs can be treated on an outpatient basis. In mild cases the prognosis for return to normal activity is excellent. Most dogs return to normal activity within a few weeks to a few months with little or no lameness. In moderate cases, the coronoid process is both fragmented and abnormal in size and shape, cartilage erosion is present on both the medial humeral condyle and the non-fragmented portion of the remaining medial coronoid. In these situations, the fragment is removed and a partial coronoidectomy is performed arthroscopically. An ulnar osteotomy may also be performed in moderate cases. The prognosis for moderate cases of fragmented coronoid process is less certain. If the aforementioned treatments are performed and the cartilage is in fair condition, many dogs have no or minimal lameness and the progression of arthritis is slow. Medial compartment disease In the majority of dogs with chronic severe elbow dysplasia, all of the cartilage on the medial innermost aspect of the joint is worn away, resulting in what is now termed medial compartment disease. Unfortunately, this degree of osteoarthritis is difficult to successfully treat. Arthroscopy can be used to remove any free fragments and the joint. Several osteotomies such as proximal dynamic ulnar osteotomy and PAUL procedure can also be used to treat medial compartment syndrome with variable results. Platelet rich plasma has shown some promise for short term improvement but will not promote cartilage regrowth. Elbow replacement is available, and has been performed at CCOR, but the procedure is new and long-term results are not yet available. Canine osteochondritis dissecans OCD Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD is a juvenile bone disease that can affect the shoulder, stifle, tarsal and elbow joints of young dogs. Osteochondritis Dissecans is a subset of osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is a failure of endochondral ossification; the process by which most bones grow and involves juvenile cartilage being replaced by bone. This failure of cartilage becoming bone results in overly thick joint cartilage adjacent to the joint figure 1. The deepest layer of this thickened cartilage is inadequately nourished resulting in cell death figure 2. Cartilage debris and inflammatory mediators are released into the joint fluid and inflammation ensues. Elbow OCD affects young large and giant breed dogs. Limping is the common clinical sign. Many dogs have pain on elbow flexion and extension, as well as limited range of motion. Radiographs are helpful in diagnosing OCD, but CT scanning and arthroscopy are used for definitive diagnosis. Treatment for elbow OCD involves arthroscopic debridement followed by a cartilage grafting procedure called osteochondral autograph transfer system OATS. Artificial cartilage plugs Synacart by Arthrex can also be used to fill the defect. Some forms of biological treatment such as platelet rich plasma or stem cells have also been advocated but will not result in cartilage regeneration despite claims made by some. Canine ununited anconeal process UAP Ununited anconeal process UAP is an elbow disorder most often affecting young German Shepherds, although it can be seen in almost any breed. The underlying problem is not clearly understood. UAP may be associated with malalignment of the elbow joint or a genetic juvenile bone disorder called osteochondrosis. The most common clinical signs are limping and swelling of the elbow joint. Clinical signs usually appear at about months of age. Radiography, CT scan and arthroscopy are used to make the diagnosis. Treatment options include arthroscopy, ulnar osteotomy, fragment removal or fragment re-attachment. Treatment should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is made. The prognosis is fair to good. Cost of elbow disorder treatments Veterinary specialty care is a double-edged sword these days no pun intended. All major orthopedic procedures are more sophisticated, successful, and less invasive today than they were in the past. These advances come at a cost for the surgeon and client. Fees for elbow arthroscopy includes anesthesia and monitoring, nerve blocks when needed, and routine go home medication. Radiographs and CT scans are charged for separately and should be discussed at the time of the initial consultation. Osteotomies, when required, are charged for separately and should be discussed on a case by case basis. At Colorado Canine Orthopedics we are committed to providing only state of the art, non-compromised pet healthcare. We realize some pet owners may find this level of care relatively costly. However, despite the inherently expensive nature of our work, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care at the most affordable price possible. We believe if you compare our fees to other specialty practices you will find this true. Back to Top. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Elbow dysplasia ED is a general term that encompasses five distinct anatomical problems that tend to result in malformation of the elbow joint and to early-onset osteoarthritis. HCO, and the other four, are described below. Fragmented medial coronoid process FMCP : The medial coronoid process is a piece of bone that should form part of the top of the ulna and part of the elbow joint. In FMCP, during early development, this fails to connect to the ulna. Ununited anconeal process UAP : The anconeal process is a protrusion of the top of the ulna. Developmentally, it starts as a separate bone which should fuse to the ulna. When this fusion fails to happen, the dog suffers from a UAP. Elbow incongruity IC : Dogs with IC have malformed articular surfaces of the three bones that make up the elbow and because of this they do not fit together normally. It can affect the weight-bearing surfaces between the humerus and the radius and ulna and also the way in which the upper part of the ulna fits inside the lower end of the humerus Schwarz .Ununited medial epicondyle UME : This is an uncommon condition in which the medial epicondyle, a bone on the end of the humerus, fails to unite with the humerus during development. Here the focus is on HCO. Other forms of elbow dysplasia can also occur in this breed, especially UAP Keller et al , and HCO is also common in other dogs, particularly those of large body size. More than one form of elbow dysplasia may be seen in the same elbow. Figure 1. The three bones of the elbow joint separated and in normal alignment. In a healthy canine elbow joint the ulna and radius form a flat surface for articulation with the humerus. Image property of Phil Witte, to whom we are grateful for permission to reproduce it here. At their upper ends, the radius and part of the ulna form a flattened surface that bears the load imposed by the condyles of the humerus. The condyles of the humerus are two fist-like projections on the lower end of the humerus that articulate with the radius and ulna bones at the elbow joint. They are formed of bone covered with joint cartilage. The condyle on the inside on the side of the humerus adjacent to the body is the medial condyle, the other is the lateral condyle. Figure 2. The anterior front view of the humerus, highlighting the location of the humeral condyles. Bones grow through growth of cartilage and, as the cartilage layer thickens, the lower, older layers become ossified — that is, they turn into bone. In osteochondrosis, trauma, nutritional disturbance or other factors disturbs this process of ossification so an area of thickening cartilage develops. As cartilage has no blood supply it cannot function well when it is thicker than normal. Thick cartilage degenerates and an area of diseased cartilage forms. This may crack, cavities may form within it, and it may fragment Guthrie et al .When cartilage fragments break free into the joint the condition is called osteochondrosis dessicans,and the function of the joint is compromised. In early stages, when only cartilage is affected, the disease is only detectable with direct observation by surgery usually arthroscopy. Only later, when bone is also diseased, will changes be detectable on radiography Remy et al , Baines .Figure 3. The deeper layers of articular cartilage red covering the surface of the humeral condyles have failed to turn to bone. The result is an abnormally thick layer of cartilage, which can then crack and fragment due to a lack of blood supply, causing discomfort and inhibiting the action of the joint. Dogs with HCO develop osteoarthritis degenerative joint disease of the elbow. In osteoarthritis there are progressive changes to the cartilage of the affected joint, varying amounts of inflammation and ongoing damage to other joint structures - the joint capsule, the synovial fluid of the joint and the surrounding bone. These changes are often present by months of age but can show later. Typical signs include: stiffness after rest, lameness which can be worse after exercise and pain when the leg is straightened or bent. Such signs are indistinguishable from other causes of elbow dysplasia and imaging of the joint eg by radiography is usually needed to make a definitive diagnosis Schwarz , Shell .Affected dogs may be treated with rest and pain-killers, and often treatment needs to be life-long. Removal of the diseased cartilage is often recommended. This can be performed using open joint surgery or with an arthroscope an endoscope designed for joints via key-hole incisions. Figures 4a and 4b. Osteoarthritic changes to the shape and structure of the elbow joint. The shaded areas on figure 4a extended elbow and 4b flexed elbow represent the changes to bone and cartilage as a result of HCO and other forms of elbow dysplasia. Images property of the British Veterinary Association Elbow Dysplasia Scheme, to whom we are grateful for permission to reproduce them here. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact HCO causes pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis. This can vary from mild to severe. Welfare may also be affected as a result of the veterinary investigations from visits to veterinary practices, examinations, anaesthetics and surgery and treatments of the disease for example: the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — examples of which include aspirin and ibuprofen - on the gastrointestinal tract. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact The mild to severe pain and disability that result from the osteoarthritis seen in this disease can be expected to start during the first few months of life and, without successful treatment, to continue for life. Treatment may help. Return to top 4. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are German Shepherd dogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , million. It may be, therefore, that there are about 50 - 85, dogs with this form of elbow dysplasia in the UK. Return to top 5. Determining the type of elbow dysplasia, its extent and the degree of secondary osteoarthritis requires further diagnostic investigations. Exploratory surgery is used to find fragments of bone, this is both diagnostic and can be therapeutic. It has been suggested that the best combination of diagnostic tests is CT plus arthroscopy Moores et al .Return to top 6. The heritability of the disease in GSDs has been found to be around 0. This is the proportions of the disease considered to be due to genetic rather than environmental influences. There may also be genetic factors affecting the degree of osteoarthritis that develops in an individual, independent of the genetics of the initial cause of the disease Clements et al .A genetic link between the presence of ED and hip dysplasia has been found but the genes involved have not been determined Cachon et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? Affected dogs should not be used for breeding. Determining carriers - those which carry and may pass on the gene s but which do not show signs of the disease themselves - is not currently possible. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem A voluntary scheme for grading the elbows of dogs susceptible to elbow dysplasia all forms has been in operation in the UK since although it has been suggested that breeder uptake has been relatively low Sampson .It is recommended that animals are not bred before two years of age females and 18 months males. This is so that animals selected for breeding are old enough to have revealed signs of the disease. In this scheme, dogs are scored once when over one year old. Radiographs taken by a local veterinary surgeon are forwarded to veterinary radiologists on the scheme panel for assessment. Each elbow is graded , with zero meaning that no evidence of elbow dysplasia was seen. If the two elbows have different grades, then the higher of the two grades is the one used for the dog. The scheme recommends that dogs used for breeding should have grades of zero or one and that those with higher scores are not bred from. Like other complex, multi-gene diseases in which environmental factors also play a part, good progress in reducing the prevalence of HCO is likely to be aided by greater knowledge of the underlying genetics. Treating the different forms of ED as separate entities is also likely to be helpful Innes .One approach is to breed from dogs that have better a breeding value see below than average for the breed Sampson .This takes account of both the individual being evaluated and its relatives and compares its likely genetic health to the average for the breed Malm et al .This would also take other conditions with known genetic influences into account, and there are many of these in GSDs eg degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. It has been found that ED is more likely to occur in animals with hip dysplasia and both conditions should be screened for and considered in breeding programmes Cachon et al .Out-breeding GSDs with dogs of breeds known to have a much lower prevalence of HCO and of elbow dysplasia ED in general may lead to fewer being born with a lifetime of painful joint problems before them. Return to top 9. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Elbow dysplasia ED is a general term that encompasses five distinct anatomical problems that tend to result in malformation of the elbow joint, and that lead to early-onset osteoarthritis. Ununited anconeal process UAP is one of these problems, and is the main focus here, but some of the other four conditions outlined below are referred to in the descriptions below about how UAP may develop. These conditions are: Fragmented medial coronoid process FMCP : The medial coronoid process is a piece of bone that should form part of the top of the ulna and of the elbow joint. In FMCP this fails, during development, to connect to the ulna. Osteochondrosis dissecans OCD : In OCD an area of joint cartilage develops abnormally or becomes damaged leading to thickening, cracking and fragmentation of the cartilage. Elbow incongruity IC : Dogs with IC have malformed articular surfaces of the three bones that make up the elbow and because of this they do not fit together normally. It can affect the weight-bearing surfaces between the humerus and the radius and ulna and also the way in which the upper part of the ulna fits inside the lower end of the humerus Schwarz .Ununited medial epicondyle UME : This is an uncommon condition in which the medial epicondyle, a part of the humerus, fails to unite with the humerus during development. At their upper ends, the radius and part of the ulna form a flattened surface that bears the load imposed by the humerus. The anconeal process protruberance is normally part of the end of the ulna. Its main function is not weight bearing, rather it helps to stabilize the elbow joint, particularly when the leg is extended. The anconeal process articulates with the caudal towards the tail of the dog surface of the humerus the back of the elbow joint and when the leg is extended straightened it fits into a hole at the lower end of the humerus called the humeral fossa. Figure 1. The three bones of the elbow joint separated and in normal alignment. In a healthy canine elbow joint the ulna and radius form a flat surface for articulation with the humerus. Image property of Phil Witte, to whom we are grateful for permission to reproduce it here. Figure 2. A diagram of the upper end of the ulna illustrating the locations of the coronoid and anconeal processes. But in breeds with large body size it is normal for the anconeal process to start as a separate small bone at birth, which, during development, should fuse on to the ulna. This usually occurs by 20 weeks of age. In UAP this fails to happen. The cause of this is unclear but one possibility is that it is a consequence of the radius growing disproportionately longer than the ulna such that the elbow joint is malformed and the anconeal process experiences abnormal pressures that cause it to be pushed away from the ulna, thus preventing it from fusing uniting. UAP therefore only becomes apparent in dogs aged over 20 weeks Schwarz .Figure 3. In larger dog breeds, the anconeal process forms separately. It should fuse with the ulna during development. Dogs with UAP develop osteoarthritis degenerative joint disease of the elbow. In osteoarthritis there are progressive changes to the cartilage of the affected joint, varying amounts of inflammation and ongoing damage to other joint structures - the joint capsule, the synovial fluid of the joint and the surrounding bone. These changes are often present by months of age and lead to clinical signs later. Typical signs include: stiffness after rest, lameness which can be worse after exercise and reduced mobility of the joint, with the leg tending to be held twisted outwards abducted and suppinated. Such signs are indistinguishable from those shown in other forms of elbow dysplasia and imaging of the joint is usually needed to make a definitive diagnosis Schwarz .Figure 4a Figure 4b Figures 4a and 4b. Osteoarthritic changes to the shape and structure of the elbow joint. The shaded areas on figure 4a extended elbow and 4b flexed elbow represent the changes to bone and cartilage as a result of UAP and other forms of elbow dysplasia. We are grateful to the BVA for permission to reproduce them here. This male bias may be associated with the greater weight of males Hazelwinkel .Affected dogs may be treated with rest and pain-killers, and often treatment needs to be lifelong. Various surgical procedures have been recommended but there is no clear consensus as to which is best. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact UAP causes pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis. This can vary from mild to severe. Welfare may also be affected as a result of the veterinary investigations and treatments of the disease. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact The mild to severe pain and disability that result from the osteoarthritis seen in this disease can be expected to start during the first few months of life and, without successful treatment, to continue for life. Treatment may help but keeping affected dogs free from pain and avoiding disabilities is often challenging. Return to top 4. However, they suggested that this population of dogs may have already been prescreened to exclude dogs likely to be affected by UAP. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are GSDs Lucy Asher , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , Return to top 5. Diagnosis UAP can only be diagnosed in dogs older than about five months as it is normal for those breeds in which UAP occurs to have an ununited anconeal process prior to this Schwarz .Elbow disease and pain may be apparent. In cases of UAP it is more difficult to detect other concurrent forms of elbow disease Meyer-Lindenberg et al .Return to top 6. Genetics UAP is generally a disease of large dogs, as it is only in these that the anconeal process develops separately from the ulna. It is known that the father and mother contribute equally to the likelihood of the development of elbow dysplasia Maki et al .There are genetic influences both on the presence or absence of UAP and on whether, and to what degree, osteoarthritis occurs in an individual with UAP Clements et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? Affected dogs should not be used for breeding. Determining carriers - those which carry and may pass on the gene s but which do not show signs of the disease themselves - is not currently possible. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem A voluntary scheme to grade the elbows of dogs susceptible to elbow dysplasia all forms has been in operation in the UK since although it has been suggested that breeder uptake has been relatively low Sampson .In this scheme, the elbows are scored once when the dog is over one year old. Radiographs taken by a local veterinary surgeon are forwarded to veterinary radiologists on the scheme panel for assessment. Each elbow is graded , with zero meaning that no evidence of elbow dysplasia was seen. If the two elbows have different grades, the higher of the grades is the one used to characterise the dog. The scheme recommends that dogs used for breeding should have grades of zero or one and that those with higher scores should not be used for breeding. No evidence has yet been published as to whether this scheme has been effective in reducing the prevalence of elbow dysplasia in the GSD. A comparable scheme run in New Zealand since seems to have significantly reduced the severity of ED in GSDs being screened for the disease prior to breeding Worth et al and one run in Sweden since , appears to have reduced the prevalence of elbow dysplasia in Swedish Bernese Mountain dogs and Rottweilers Swenson et al , Malm et al .In common with other complex, multi-gene diseases that are influenced also by environmental factors, efforts to reduce the prevalence of UAP are complicated by the lack of information about the underlying genetics. One approach is to breed from dogs that have a better estimated breeding values EBV than average for the breed for this condition Sampson .The EBV is a numerical prediction of the relative genetic value of a particular dog in relation to one or more genetic problems and to degree of inbreeding. EBVs are calculated using all available information on the dog including pedigree, health status and physical characteristics. For this type of health programme to work many breeders and owners need to submit their animals for monitoring and analysis. EBVs are also useful because they enable selection against several hereditary diseases simultaneously and this is relevant in the case of the GSD which is predisposed to a number of hereditary disorders eg hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, anal furunculosis. Out-breeding GSDs with breeds known to have much lower prevalences of UAP and elbow dysplasia ED is likely to result in fewer dogs being born with a lifetime of painful joint problems before them. Return to top 9.