lump on golden retriever puppy

The babies are nursing with the new mom, but one puppy is clearly different from the rest. A male pup with a pistachio green hue can be seen atop the pile, with the owner zooming in to give viewers a closer look. A stock photo shows golden retriever puppies. A TikTok video of nursing golden retrievers reveals that one of them is colored green, a rare occurrence. They may sound made-up, but green golden retrievers are real, although the reason they exist is pretty gross. The green coloring is caused by biliverdin, a chemical that creates bile, according to Rover. When a dog is pregnant, the hormones can cause changes in her bodily functions. This can include her poo, which can turn green because of extra biliverdin. When puppies are born, they usually pass their "meconium"—aka their first poo—within 48 hours. Occasionally, they do this while still inside the womb. If the mom dog has high levels of biliverdin and the developing puppy passes the meconium early, this can lead to high levels of bile in the birth sac. If the puppy has light-colored fur, the pigment of the bile can stain its coat, turning the animal green. This process isn't harmful to the dog, just extremely uncommon. The phenomenon is not unique to golden retrievers and can occur with any breed if the pup has light-toned fur. A stock image of Golden retriever puppies, none of which are green, unfortunately. In fact, it was a strange shade of green. Advertisement Justice was concerned about the color at first, however, she quickly realized the puppy was otherwise healthy, as were the eight other siblings. After a few days or weeks of licking from its mother, Mojito will be bright white, just like the rest of the litter. While extremely rare, green puppies are not as uncommon as you might think. She's been named "Verdant," and is healthy, her owners have confirmed. Biliverdin is a greenish color and can be found in bile, bruises, the placenta of dogs , and many other biological phenomena. Scientists have even found biliverdin in the shells of 6-million-year-old dinosaur eggs. On the subject of strangely colored animal babies, it crops up across the animal kingdom. Most orca calves are born with a peachy-orange coloring , instead of white. It's thought this is due to being born without a thick layer of blubber, so their blood vessels near the surface of their skin can be seen more clearly. Just like these green puppies, the color fades as they mature.

Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Looking To Adopt A Boxer? We Make Online Adoption Easy Find A Boxer Below All of our dogs are spayed or neutered, wormed, receive vaccinations, rabies, bordatella, heartworm tested, and microchipped; prior to adoption. If a dog tests positive, they are put through the heartworm treatment. If a dog tests negative, they are started on monthly heartworm prevention which the owner must continue after adoption. In addition, if we determine a dog is sick from an infection, illness or is injured, they receive appropriate medical care. All of our dogs leave in much better condition than when they came into the rescue. We love hearing from these fur-kids. We hope you are satisifed with your newest addition and the service provided by The Boxer Rescue of Oklahoma. If you are, we ask that you spread the word about "rescue", we love referrals! Also, please watch our website for notices about fundraising events and other social events that you are encouraged to attend. You can sign up to get our newsletter too! Of course, last but not least, if you decide that your newest boxer needs a playmate, we'd be more than happy to place another boxer into your forever home! Watch Us In Action! About BRLA Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a c 3 non-profit founded in , is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match. All Boxers available for adoption are cared for in one location. Adoptions are scheduled by appointment. When you see a candidate posted on our Available Dogs page that has profile information that matches you, an adoption application should then be submitted. If your profile is a potential match to the Boxer candidate we then set up a virtual face to face interview to discuss in more detail. If we have a good pre-match an appointment will be made to come to BRLA and meet your candidate. Our adoption team will do introductions and test for compatibility to hopefully make a responsible lifetime match. You can adopt to save a life. You can donate to help us save lives. We are funded solely by private donations which are desperately need to house, feed, take care of routine medical and to be able to take on any medical needed to give a Boxer the second chance they deserve. You can save a life. All visits to our kennel for adoption or volunteering are by appointment only. A Few of our Featured Boxers. Select Page Considering a Boxer? Choosing the right breed is an important decision for you and your family, with many factors to consider. The information below will help determine whether you and a Boxer are right for one another. Our Boxer Rescue Angel Volunteers, almost all of whom have or have had a rescued Boxer, can attest to that. Like people, individual Boxers have their own identities so it can be hard to bucket them all together in terms of personality, behavior and energy; however, the information below can help you make an informed decision as to whether you and a Boxer are right for each other. Life Span The life expectancy of a Boxer is typically years. You will want to keep this in mind when making the important decision to add a dog to the family. Are you willing to commit to caring for a dog throughout its whole life? Only rarely are Boxer puppies available for adoption. Most Boxers in rescue programs range in age from years and up. Many of these Boxers were obtained as puppies without careful consideration given to their energy level and need for training as they grew up. Boxers strive to please and given the opportunity will learn quickly. Senior dogs are welcomed additions to many homes, to the benefit of the Boxer needing a new family and the fortunate adopter who is the recipient of grateful love and devotion from a less demanding companion. Living Conditions Boxers do not tolerate weather extremes well and are best acclimated to temperate environments. Like you and your family, they should live indoors. Boxers enjoy going outdoors to run, play and explore and should be allowed to do so, on leash or in safely fenced supervised areas. They can adapt to condo or apartment environments provided their exercise needs are met daily. Never leave your Boxer outdoors unattended and always have fresh water available whether playing in the yard or out and about with you. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather and even fit, athletic dogs can suffer from heat stroke, as brachycephalic breeds smooshed-faced dogs like Boxers are at greater risk. Companionship Boxers are the class clowns with a joyful spirit that manifests itself in a happy kidney-bean dance. Their expressive face and human-like qualities set them apart from other breeds. Boxers are one of the most loyal, intelligent and people-oriented companion breeds. Their most notable characteristic is the desire for human affection and as such, needs to have their family around. If nobody in the family is around the house all day, then a Boxer is probably not right for you. Boxers need the opportunity to spend time and share their love with you. Simply put, no matter how much love you give your Boxer, it will return that love many times over. Having a Boxer means more than coming home from work to their excitement at seeing you. It means spending quality time together on a daily basis. A Boxer left alone for long periods may develop separation anxiety with resulting destructive behavior. If you and your family are rarely at home a Boxer is not the right breed for you, as this will not be meeting its true and ongoing need for attention and companionship. Energy and Exercise It goes without saying, Boxers are dogs with a lot of energy. Boxers like to play with people and with other dogs, and need opportunities each and every day to play in order to provide energy release. This is a must. A simple walk through the neighborhood after work is not enough for this breed. A younger Boxer will require more exercise than an older one, but all need a daily dose to keep them fit and happy. Lack of exercise can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors. A tired Boxer is a happy Boxer! Boxers are an intelligent breed and need to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. Games such as Fetch, Hide and Seek and Find It can be played indoors or outdoors and your involvement promotes bonding. Kong toys also provide mental exercise as the dog must figure out how to get the treat out of the toy. This is particularly good at keeping them from boredom while crated during your absence from the home. Because they learn quickly, the Boxer is also ideal for various sporting activities such as agility, lure coursing and flyball. The training to perform in competitions provides more complex mental exercise, along with the physical exercise of running the courses. Please note that Boxers should be over a year old to participate in sporting activities which include running and jumping, as their bones are still growing and orthopedic damage or torn ligaments can occur. Keep in mind that there are many other creative ways to provide fun for both your Boxer and you. They love going on visits to pet stores, most of which allow dogs, to help you buy their food and toys. Many Boxers enjoy a good swim and ball-chasing, though the swimming should be closely supervised and never allowed in local fresh water lakes due to the risk of alligators. They naturally want to play and can be exuberant in this endeavor. Socialization and Training While most Boxers are naturally affectionate and friendly, it is important to socialize them early and often with people and other animals so they are acclimated appropriately to exhibit their instinctive friendly behavior. Boxers have independent minds and can be stubborn with training, though they have an innate desire to please and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training. Training classes are strongly encouraged, not only to help the Boxer learn basic obedience, but appropriate manners and social skills as well. Going through training together has the added benefit of creating a closer bond between you and your Boxer. Children Boxers bond closely with their families and have a natural affection for children, perhaps due to their own playful and mischievous nature. They are generally patient and gentle with young ones, though may knock them down with their exuberant play so consideration should be given to a calmer older Boxer if that is a concern. Children and their Boxers tend to forge strong bonds, the Boxer a steadfast friend and confidante, always there to listen and give a reassuring kiss. Grooming Boxers do shed but their short smooth coat requires very little grooming. Brushing them occasionally will keep their coat in good condition, along with a diet of quality food. Nails must be trimmed regularly unless naturally worn down on a hard surface. An occasional bath should suffice as the Boxer has a natural tendency to keep himself clean. Eating Habits Being a larger dog, Boxers require more food and expense than smaller dogs. It is important to feed a high quality food, divided into two meals a day, which will provide proper nourishment and lead to a longer, happier life for the dog. Boxers love to eat and could win awards for training those big brown eyes on you hoping for a handout, but you must not give in as it is not healthy for the dog and can lead to obesity. Boxers are kept trim by measuring their food, feeding twice a day no free-feeding and limiting treats. Boxers may make a mess around their water bowl, particularly when drinking after a vigorous play. This is best dealt with by using a large bowl, perhaps with a towel under it. They may also drool and consider you or your favorite chair their personal napkin. Health Considerations Boxers are predisposed to certain health conditions, including cancers, skin conditions, allergies, corneal ulcers, hip dysplasia and heart disease. Not all Boxers will get any or all of these diseases, but one should be aware if considering a Boxer. Veterinary care can be expensive for any dog experiencing a medical condition and it is important to be prepared financially should medical issues or emergencies arise. Should you adopt a Boxer, Boxer Rescue Angels will expect that you treat your new Boxer as a family member, providing all medical care your Boxer requires. Before adopting a Boxer, please discuss Boxer health concerns with your Veterinarian and research the breed thoroughly. The links below or the many other Boxer websites can provide more information about the breed. Useful Links. You must be at least 21 years of age. We will call your vet to ensure the medical prerequisites have been met. As a general rule, we do not foster or adopt to families with children under the age of 5, however, exceptions are made on a case by case basis. Exceptions to our child policy may be made after initial application is approved, the additional child questionnaire is answered to our satisfaction, and when any one of the following criteria is met. If you do not meet these criteria, we will be unable to consider your request and will decline your application. Most of our boxers have issues that preclude adopting to families with children less than fifteen 15 years of age so the wait for an appropriate boxer for adoption to a home with children under 15 can be extensive. Applicants with children under 15 will be required to answer additional questions. This policy is strictly for the protection of our boxers and our foster or adoptive families. Applicants who rent must provide landlord contact info. NCBR requires verbal landlord approval for all renters. Pools without access barriers are discouraged and may prohibit adoption of the boxer for which you apply. Due to dominance or related issues, we do NOT adopt female boxers into homes with other medium or large breed female dogs. Due to prey drive, we will not place a boxer in a home with a cat unless it has lived with a cat or the foster home has been able to properly introduce it to cats. We do not adopt out dogs as gifts. Puppies will only be adopted to a home with a preexisting adult dog, no children under age five, pools must be fenced, and where the puppy will not be home alone for long hours. Your application will be immediately denied and will not be processed. NCBR does not adopt out of state, except northwest Nevada. Step 2: The Application The adoption process begins when you complete our online adoption application. You also must include your physical home address, NOT a P. Due to resource constraints, we cannot answer questions about our available dogs until you have completely filled out the adoption application. Due to the heavy volume of incoming adoption applications, it could take up to fourteen 14 days for one of our volunteers to contact you about your application. If you have submitted an application and want to find out the status, please email us. NCBR dogs are placed into homes that best meet the needs of the dog s. NCBR does not operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Step 3: Preliminary Screening Once you have submitted the application, you will be contacted by a member of our applications team via e-mail to let you know that it has been received and is being processed. We will then contact your vet and landlord references if applicable and may ask you to answer additional questions regarding your application. We focus our efforts on making the best possible placement for both the family and the dog based on the needs and desires of each. As such, we do not operate on a first-come first-served basis when it comes to placing a particular dog. We rely very heavily on their input and in almost all cases, give them final approval regarding the permanent placement of their foster dogs. In the long run, we believe that it will be far better for you and the dog, if the right placement is made. Please note: You must be willing to travel to the home of the foster family to visit the dog. Step 5: Home Visit The home visit is a very important part of the application process as it helps us to better understand what you want and need in a canine companion. The information we gather during the visit is critical in helping us make the best possible placement for everyone involved. It is not meant to be an overly invasive or stressful situation, but rather an open dialogue between you and NCBR. We will ask lots of questions, request to see the areas of the home that the dog will have access to, and complete an inspection of your fence to make sure there are no areas in need of repair. We welcome and encourage your questions and active participation during the visit as well, and we do require that every member of your household be present. When the visit is complete, the home visitor will submit a standardized report which will be reviewed by the applications team. You will be notified of your application status within 3 days of that happening. Step 6: Adoption Day Adoption day is an exciting day for all of us! Please be prepared to bring your new boxer home by having purchased the supplies needed to make the transition as easy as possible for your family and the dog, including but not limited to water and food bowls and please do your research on type of bowl to use based on the age and medical conditions of your adopted boxer , treats, a crate if necessary , a collar and a leash are all required. Please remember that the adoption fee is not for the purchase of a dog, but rather to cover the medical cost of all dogs in our care. Please consult your tax adviser for more information. Are You Ready To Adopt? Over the last several years, the type of boxers in shelters that are available to rescue has dramatically changed. Young, healthy and behaviorally sound boxers are adopted to the public. Boxers available to rescue are primarily senior, or boxers that have ongoing or significant medical or behavioral issues. Please review the available dogs carefully and consider whether the type of dog available is what you are looking for or can accommodate in your life. You will note that NCBR has very few young, healthy boxers. Be aware that if you apply for such a dog, there will be considerable competition from other applicants and the wait to adopt may be substantial. Adoption FAQs How long does this process usually take? The application process can take some time. Our goal is to ensure that the appropriate dog is placed into the most suitable environment, and that everyone is happy with the end result. It is also important to remember that we are ALL volunteers who have families, jobs, etc. If you have questions or concerns during the application process, please email us so that we can address them appropriately. What happens after the adoption? As we would like to ensure that all is going well, we ask the applicants to provide at least one follow up update on their adopted dog, and we also encourage adopters to provide ongoing updates, if they wish. Our foster families put a lot of time and love into their foster dogs, and they really appreciate receiving updates from their past adopters. Links We Like Available Dogs If you are interested in adding a new member to your family, and have decided to rescue a boxer, please take a minute to understand what rescue is. Rescue is taking in a dog in need, no matter what age, sex, color, cuteness, etc. FBR does that. What that means is that if most of the adoption applications we get are for males, under two years old, flashy fawn, and good with kids, dogs, cats, etc. And what do we do with all the white and brindle dogs? But many dogs, if given the right training and time, can fit into many complicated households. And consider the following -what would happen to your own dogs, if for some reason you needed rescue to take your dog, or worse, your dog became a stray and ended up in rescue. Would people overlook your dog because of their age or color? What would become of them? So we ask you to take a second look at all the dogs on this page. To learn more about a dog, please click on his or her picture. This page is updated daily as information becomes available. For the Boxers Florida Boxer Rescue utilizes a secure online donation service. You can choose to pay with your credit, debit card, or direct by eCheck. If you would like to mail your donation, please send to: Hwy 85 North Crestview, FL Please note: the above address is a drop box intended to receive donations, and other mail correspondence. Because of the large geographic area that we cover in Florida, we do not have a central physical location. The organization is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers and all Boxers in our program are in foster homes where they can receive love, attention, and any medical assistance needed.

But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Toilet training All new puppy parents expect toilet training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. They have such majestic posture, are obedient and alert at all times, and are ideal dogs known to be loyal to the whole family. Brave, fearless, alert, gentle, energetic, and cheerful are just some of the words that can be used to describe the boxer breed of dog. Despite their ferocious looks — Boxers are known to be babies that love attention and are calm in the place of any environment. If you wish to bring a Boxer puppy home there are Boxer dogs for sale in Pune. The boxer breed is known to be very loyal and attentive to their family. The boxer is a working breed of dog that has high energy levels and needs frequent exercise. The dog is definitely a looker with its muscular body, erect posture, and short shiny coat. The boxer breed adapts well to apartments. They get along with children and other dogs and have an underlying sweetness to their behavior and gestures. Boxers have a high sensitivity level and their owners should know about this. The breed does not like to be left alone and enjoys human companionship. You may also want to make a new addition to the family by adopting a boxer puppy. Whatever your reason for interest in the breed — there are a number of factors that you should consider before bringing a boxer puppy home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the specific needs of boxer puppies. By following these rules your dog will grow up to be big, strong, and obedient — what a wonderful addition to the family! Because of the nutritional needs of boxers, they need to be fed high-quality dog food that is rich in Proteins, nutrients, fats, and fiber. Read the ingredients carefully. Avoid packages of food that contain Meat Fillers as this is a low-quality ingredient that includes corn dust and husk or even feathers. You can add veggies like carrots, peas, blueberries, and strawberries that are great for your dog and aid with their digestion. The best alternative for tap water is that you can give your dog the same water you drink — straight from the filter. Ensure that your dog drinks enough water a day. The way to calculate this is to serve your dog 1. Boxers need a lot of exercise By just looking at a boxer — you can tell that this breed of dog needs a lot of exercises. Puppies need at least 20 minutes of exercise a day — while fully grown dogs need a minimum of 40 minutes of exercise daily. Exercise can include taking your dog to the park, going for walks, or playing with your puppy. Puppy-proof your home Boxers are extremely fun-loving and inquisitive dogs. Ensure that you do not keep any sharp objects at floor level as your puppy may chew on them while teething. You must also be sure to keep plants at home which are not toxic to dogs. Electric cables must be covered and kept out of reach from your dog. Serving your dog small frequent meals aids with digestion. Another fact to be aware of is that Boxer puppies are prone to bloat, so ensure that your dog does not wolf down a whole meal in just seconds. Instead, feed your puppy little by little. Related Posts. This gives the owner an opportunity to see their dog at such a young age and then watch them quickly grown into strong and large adults. If you are purchasing a Boxer puppy, the dog should be at least 8 weeks old. In many regions it is illegal to have a puppy at a younger age. Up until 8 weeks, the puppy will need to be nourished by its mother. We're Home! That Boxer newborn puppy that you picked out has rapidly matured into an 8 week old and it's time for your new family member to join the household. Bringing a puppy home should be well planned in advance. If you have a large family, other members must be told to keep the environment calm and peaceful until your Boxer puppy has a chance to gain their bearings and become used to its new home. Have everything you need so that you do not need to suddenly run out to the store for a forgotten item. Do not allow the puppy to be rushed at by many people wishing to hug, pat and smother him or her with kisses. That can come a bit later. Your new Boxer must be approached gently and with warm voices. Puppies are a good, robust size but are still fragile. It is very sad when a puppy is stepped on accidentally; this can cause great harm. From birth to the 1 year mark, trauma is the leading cause of fatalities with this breed. Children must understand how to gently treat a pup. Very young children should be watched during interaction. All members of the home must be very aware of what may be underfoot. Your Boxer puppy should be given a tour of the home. Do not expect your new pup to know where everything is! Show him or her where they can find their water, where to expect their meals to be served, their dog bed and their toys. A puppy needs the security of knowing where to find what they need. Puppies will need quite a bit of care from you. This includes: Feeding - A puppy should be fed times per day. More feeding information can be found in our Feeding section. Only high quality puppy food must be given. This will be a time of rapid growth and your Boxer puppy needs the right dog food for optimal health. Vaccinations - All puppies will need the full schedule of vaccinations. This is absolutely vital to the health of the pup. If the budget is tight, your dog's veterinarian should be able to provide a discount or recommended animal clinics which provide shots for a very minimal fee. This includes that absolutely necessary Heart worm prevention medication, as well. Comfort and safety - Boxer puppies are rambunctious. They will jump, bounce and play. They will need loving attention and interaction with their owner or owners. Plenty of room to play, lots of toys and acts of love are crucial to the physical and emotional growth of a pup. A puppy is just learning about its world; yelling or hitting is never called for. Through love, patience and understanding a puppy will learn what is expected. Negative reactions from its owner will simply teach the puppy to be afraid. Housebreaking - This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Read more in our housebreaking section. When started early and with consistency, your Boxer puppy will soon learn where it is appropriate to eliminate. A schedule - Puppies know nothing about the world except for what you show them. It is important to keep a puppy on a schedule that they can depend on. Normal times for baths, exercise , walks, feedings, grooming , play time and sleep time are recommended. Some Things to Expect The first year will be full of changing behaviors and a change in physical appearance. Here's what you can expect: A Boxer puppy will whine if he is hungry, wants attention or once he is learning house training, if he has a bathroom need The time to instill training for barking and other behavior is now - before habits can form Puppies are super hyper , but will also sleep quite a bit - Anywhere from 15 to 18 hours per day including night time and daytime naps The first year is one of rapid growth, but do expect starts and stops. As your Boxer reaches adolescence, there is sometimes a brief period of stalled weight gain at which time a Boxer may appear too skinny. This typically only lasts a few months before that final gain happens that allows him to fill out. Puppyhoood is the time to do socialization training - You'll want to introduce your puppy to as many people, other dogs, events and situations as possible so that he learns control and gains self-confidence. Health Check A Boxer puppy should be checked over every day to check for certain issues. Eyes- The eyes should be clear and bright. Any excessive discharge is a reason to go to the veterinarian Ears and nose - These areas should be cleaned each day with a damp, soft washcloth. Discharge of any color is a reason for a checkup with the vet Breathing - A puppy's breathing should always be clear and easy. Forced breathing, wheezing, coughing or other strange sounds must be taken care of immediately through the dog's veterinarian or closest animal hospital Limping - Puppies may be a bit clumsy or wobbling when very young. However limping is never normal. This must be brought to a vet's attention ASAP Tank - 9 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Jaymie Conner Skin - It is normal for a Boxer puppy to have some loose skin around the neck area and there will be some facial folds. These areas can hold in moisture which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. Moisture can accumulate when the pup drinks or when he drools. Keep the area nice and dry to prevent any problems. Bruno's first week—7 weeks old, 12 pounds, 10 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. We adopted Bruno when he was 7 weeks old. We had to wait until he was ready to leave the breeder before we could pick him up and bring him home. The breeder's policy was not to let the pups go until they are 8 weeks old, however Bruno's mother had died at birth and therefore he was not going to get that extra week with her and because of a schedule conflict on our end she made an exception. We decided to crate train our new puppy. Most puppies will cry all night in the beginning days because they miss their mother and their littermates. I placed Bruno's crate in the kitchen since it has a floor that can easily be cleaned in case of an accident. Dreading the sound of a crying puppy all night, and knowing this was the first night away from his litter I told two of my children to set up camp on the kitchen floor next to the crate. I did not want to bring the pup into our bed since we do not plan on allowing him on the beds when he is older. It worked, Bruno slept in his crate and didn't yip all night because he was not alone. Allie, our adult Boxer and two of our children were next to his crate. This allowed Bruno to learn what the crate was for, yet not be left alone. Bruno was exhausted from his three-hour car ride home and all of the attention he was receiving. Amazingly enough, he slept until a. I jumped out of bed and ran down to take him out to pee. It was then time for breakfast, another trip outside and playtime. I was up for the day because when he woke up, he needed to be taken right outside to pee and poop. Then he was hungry. After he ate he needed to be taken immediately outside once again to go to the bathroom. After a puppy eats, it stimulates them and the vast majority of time, they need to eliminate, it's a rule of thumb with a puppy. Then he wanted to play. After all, he just woke up! No time like the present to get hyper and want to play. He had three accidents in the last two days, which is very good for a brand new puppy. If Bruno is out of his crate, he needs to be watched constantly. I don't mean watched from across the room, I mean watched as in "hovering over him watched" to ensure he does not pee, poop or chew anything he is not supposed to inside the house. During the day we try not to crate him. He's either being held, hovered over or outside. We are lucky enough to have a very large fenced yard for him. If we did not, he'd have to be walked on a leash to go to the bathroom, which would be much more time-consuming. We have to teach Bruno not to bite our hands and feet. Yes, it is cute now and kind of funny, but when he is pounds it will not be so cute anymore. Rule of thumb with a puppy: if you do not want him doing it when he is full grown, do not allow him to do it when he is a puppy. This includes sitting with him on the furniture. Another thing we must break him from is chasing our cats. Again, it's cute and funny now, but this tiny little Boxer puppy will not be tiny for long and our cats would not appreciate an adult dog chasing them around. Cats are smart, if we allow this to go on they may even decide to take up residence elsewhere. Allie the Boxer meets her new brother. Adult dogs usually do not attack puppies and Allie rather liked the little guy. She did have to put him in his place a few times, which is normal dog behavior. An adult dog will often growl at a puppy to let it know its behavior is not acceptable. For example, when Bruno wanted to play and Allie did not, she let out a small growl and stomped at the pup to tell him enough was enough. Bruno took the hint and backed off his play and started chewing on Allie's collar and dog tags instead. Allie didn't seem to mind getting her tags chewed. She realizes Bruno is just a baby. I am lucky enough to be home with the puppy. If I had to leave for work things would be much more complicated. Bruno is young and he can only hold his pee and poop for a certain amount of time. The point of crate training a dog is you put the dog in a small enough crate so there is only room to comfortably sleep. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. However, if you leave a young puppy in a crate for too long, they cannot physically hold it in and they must go, even on their bedding. If you allow this to happen, you are going backwards in your housebreaking. If you are going to be gone for many hours a day, longer than the puppy can physically hold it, it is better to pen the dog in an area such as the kitchen where the floors are easy to clean up and place some pee pads down. It is not fair to crate a puppy or dog longer then they can comfortably hold in their waste. It is much harder to housebreak a dog if you are not home. This can really give the puppy a bad start in life and will be no fault of its own when they do not understand the concept of housebreaking. Keep in mind, you cannot yell at a dog for something after the fact, you must catch it in the act. If you do not catch it in the act, your yelling is pointless and confusing to the dog. I am writing this at a. However, he will be up bright and early wanting to eliminate, eat and play.It's now a. Bruno had to go to the bathroom. I walked him outside to the spot where I prefer him to do his business. He peed and I decided to give him some time to see if he had to poop as well; he is still outside and I must go and check on my adorable bundle of a puppy.Bruno is back in his crate. Bruno is yipping. I instinctively go and see him. Goodnight, Bruno, you have a lot to learn my young puppy. Sshhhh, lets only hope he does not keep me up all night because I will have to put up with his yipping in order to teach him what nighttime means. As I type this he is yipping from his crate. I am off to shower and go to bed. I decide to let Bruno get a drink and put him outside with Allie one last time before I go to bed to ensure he does not have to go when I ignore his plea to come out of his crate. When I turned off the shower water I could hear Bruno yipping up a storm. It woke my 9 year old who was almost sleepwalking when she opened his crate to put him outside to pee. I did her the favor of taking the pup out and told her to go back to bed. I put Bruno outside. He stayed out for a few minutes then wanted back in. It is only his third night away from his littermates and he's a tiny pup. After getting the usual puppy kisses all over my neck yeah, nice after my shower, huh? I will give him a few minutes to get good and sleepy then place him back in his crate and hope for the best. Even with all of this work, I look at him like I did my newborn babies; I just love this little puppy! The next morning: 7 weeks and 3 days old a. Bruno's up, hungry and ready to play! Bruno is tired and ready to go back to sleep. But first, his head smells like pee; he must have rolled in it. Time to clean him up and then put him back to sleep. He's taken outside to go to the bathroom and to play. He is now awake for the day but will take numerous naps as puppies need a lot of sleep. We will try not to allow his naps to last for hours on end, as those long sleep periods should be adjusted to the middle of the night hours. This size crate is the perfect size for this puppy. There needs to be room to sleep, stretch out and stand, but not enough room for him to pee in one section and still have a dry place to sleep. It's Bruno's fourth day with us and he has already picked up on the concept that his crate is the place to sleep without being disturbed. We are not being extra quiet as it is the middle of the day and he must get used to noises. Also most of his quiet sleep should be adjusted for the middle of the night. He'll soon wake to eat his lunch, go to the bathroom and play. He'll be awake for a few hours and then need another nap. This crate may be perfect for now, but very soon he'll outgrow it and we'll have to get him a larger one. I let Bruno sleep for two hours and decided it was time to wake him. As soon as he turns his hours around and is sleeping through the night I will no longer worry about the length of his daytime naps. I know he can sleep through the night; he did it the first two nights, but not the third. Bruno's 4th night: 7weeks and 4days old Bruno woke up at a. I came downstairs and put him outside. He peed and pooped. I carried him back to his crate and closed it. He laid down, then a few minutes later he started crying again. I walked back to the kitchen and was about to tell him to be quiet and give him a bone to chew when some motherly instinct inside me opened the crate door. Bruno walked out of his crate and over to my feet then sat down, leaning on my leg. I picked up the little fellow, he put his head on my shoulder and started to go back to sleep. My typical advice would be to put the puppy back in the crate if you are sure he no longer has to go to the bathroom, however I walked over to the rocking chair and rocked him back to sleep. I then put him back in his crate and he woke back up in the process, but this time he went to sleep and stayed asleep until a. He is just like a newborn baby and he's sweet as can be. Bruno's 5th night: 7 weeks and 5 days old Bruno woke up at a. I came down and took him outside and he went to the bathroom. I held him for just a bit until he calmed back down, then put him back in his crate and he fell back to sleep by a. Bruno woke up again. He was ready to play and eat his breakfast. I was beat, so at a. I tried putting him back in his crate to see if he would go back to sleep. It seemed like it just might work. I headed back to bed. At he started yipping just as I lay down. I went back to his crate and held a bone up to him to chew on and talked quietly to him. His eyes started drooping as he half chewed his bone still inside his crate. I waited there for just a bit until his eyes stayed closed for a minute or two, then I went back to bed for an hour. Housebreaking Bruno is now 7 weeks and 5 days old. He seemed to be doing so well with housebreaking. He was either inside being watched, in his crate or outside. As soon as he woke we put him outside to pee. He is not in his crate unless he's sleeping. Bruno was falling asleep so I decided to put him in his crate for a nap. As I leaned down to put him in his crate I smelled something. I felt his blankets and sure enough they were damp. Bruno had been peeing in his crate and sleeping in it! I changed his bedding and he seemed quite pleased. Now I have to figure out how to stop him when he's not doing it in front of me. The crate is not too large, which would have been my first advice to someone, to check the crate size. He is only 7 weeks. Maybe I am not always hearing him wake up in the middle of the night. At this age, puppies can only physically hold it for so long before they have to go, no matter what. Baby monitor??? Bruno smells like pee from sleeping in his crate. Time for a bath. Bruno's 6th night: 7 weeks and 6 days old Bruno was up at a. I let him out to pee. He went back to sleep shortly after and re-awoke at a. Bruno peed in his crate again, in the very back corner. I had to throw his bedding in the wash again and replace it with new bedding. His crate is not too large. I believe I need to watch how much he drinks right before bedtime. Puppies at this age have small bladders and cannot physically hold it in for too long. Bruno asked to come back inside the house and wanted to curl up in my lap, which means he's ready to go back to sleep. I put him back in his crate with the fresh bedding. Allie and Bruno sharing the dog bed. Yes, I do believe they like one another. Why Bruno.Bruno peed on his dog bed, the bed we keep on the porch for him. I had to hose his bed off and prop it up to dry. This is him asking mommy why she got his bed all wet with the hose. Actually, it is him discovering some new and interesting smells the moisture is bringing out from the bed!

However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. Less - The Frenchie shares many of the traits that made its bulldog ancestors so successful in the bull-baiting arena: low center of gravity, wide body, heavy bone, muscular build and large, square head. It has soft loose skin forming wrinkles about the head and shoulders. Unlike the bulldog, it has an alert, curious expression, which is aided by its bar ears. Also, unlike the bulldog, its movement is unrestrained and free, with reach and drive. It is a hardy, entertaining home companion and a solid lap dog. The French bulldog is a clown in a lap dog. It enjoys playing and entertaining its family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with its favorite person. It is amiable, sweet, companionable and willing to please. History The French Bulldog originated in 19th Century Nottingham, England, where lace makers decided to make a smaller, miniature, lap version of the English Bulldog that was referred to as a "toy" bulldog. In the s, when the Industrial Revolution drove the craftsmen to France, they took their dogs with them. The toy bulldogs became popular in France and were given the name the "French Bulldog. The Brits were not happy with the name "French" given to a dog that was originally from England, however the name "French Bulldog" stuck. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. Depending on where you live sorry California, it is expensive where you are! This could indicate the dog is coming from a puppy mill. You can read why you should avoid buying dogs from puppy mills here. But the popularity of the dog means there can be a lot of competition for the Frenchies that do need a home. There are a lot of factors that can influence price, and if you are looking for a show dog or a dog for breeding, you should expect to pay a lot more. Certain colors, which are desirable but genetically quite rare, can also push up the price. A brindle or black puppy will usually be at the lower end of the scale, but a breeder might ask a lot more for a platinum or blue fawn puppy. This is Micro, a perfect body specimen for a Frenchie. He also has a blue coat and orange eyes, which are quite rare in dogs. What About Mini Frenchies? Mini Frenchies, also known as Teacup Frenchies, are the same fantastic dog, but they are quite a bit smaller than usual. You can expect them to weigh just 5 to 14 pounds on average. Due to their smaller size, though, their bodies can be fragile, so it is important not to engage in rough play with them. These dogs are even harder to breed see below than standard French bulldogs, so they are also quite a bit more expensive. Why are they so expensive, then? One factor is high demand since they are a very desirable dog breed. But that is not the whole story, since Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds. Health Problems One of the biggest factors is these dogs have a lot of health problems. Most of their health issues are related to their flat, brachycephalic faces similar to Pugs and American bulldogs , which makes them particularly prone to breathing issues and allergies. This unique facial structure can also affect the formation of their jaw, and the health of their eyes, and can even affect their healing from certain illnesses and injuries. On top of this, they can also be prone to hip dysplasia, kneecap shifts, and heat stress. Fortunately, breeders try to control these breed-specific issues. It is essential that responsible breeders do their best to control these conditions, which means DNA scanning, genetic testing, multiple trips to the vet, and paying extra close attention to the developing puppies. Of course, all of this comes with a cost. Breeding Problems The other big problem is that Frenchies are extremely hard to breed. As well as the operation itself is expensive, the mother and pups need extra care afterward. Plus, breeders need to give their mother dogs significantly longer to recuperate before they can think about breeding them again. On top of that, French bulldogs have small litters—usually just three puppies. It is very unusual for a Frenchie to have five or more puppies in a single litter. So, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy, you can expect to be on a waiting list for several months before a puppy is available. As well as being expensive to buy, French bulldogs can be pretty costly to care for, again mostly because of their health problems. They will probably need regular trips to the vet, and insuring them can be expensive because they are known to have health issues. But what are some of the main costs that you can expect to incur when bringing home a new puppy? Supplies It can surprise pet parents just how many things you need to care for a new dog. For starters, your new pup will need a bed, toys, bowls, a collar, and a leash. A crate can also be a big expense if you choose to crate train. However, because crate training is not so common among French bulldogs, first-time owners might also want to consider some professional training classes. Food Food is one of the biggest neverending expenses for any dog. Puppy food is also a bit more expensive than adult food because of its high protein content. Ideally, your dog should be eating puppy food until they are about 9 months old. French bulldogs should be eating around 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. You can read more about pet insurance for puppies here. They will usually only bark when there is something wrong, so it is worth paying attention when they do vocalize. This is one of the reasons why they make excellent apartment dogs. While French bulldogs are adorable, they are specifically bred for their appearance, and this has led to a lot of genetic issues that affect their health and can leave them in a lot of pain in their later years. Many people object to putting the health of an animal second to appearance and therefore object to buying French bulldogs and supporting the purebred breeding industry. In theory, if there was no demand for these dogs, this kind of exploitative breeding would stop. In practice, this is difficult to imagine, considering how popular the breed is. Can French bulldogs stay home alone? French bulldogs actually tolerate being left alone relatively well. However, all dogs need a lot of love and companionship, and no dog responds well to being left on their own for 10 hours a day five days a week. Dogs become members of the family, and if they are going to thrive, they need to be treated with that kind of attention. Are Frenchies hard to potty train? However, they are little dogs with small bladders. They also tend to gobble down their food, which means they can be prone to smelly gas expulsions. How much exercise does my Frenchie need? French bulldogs do well on just a 15 to minute vigorous walk each day. They are also quite playful, so they burn off energy just playing around as well. Are French bulldogs aggressive? Despite the reputation of bulldogs, Frenchies are not aggressive. They are friendly and get on well with people and other animals. However, all animals are a combination of nature and nurture, so they can learn aggressive habits if they are not properly cared for. Are Frenchies high maintenance? They can also be left alone without expecting too much trouble. On the other hand, their tendency towards breed-specific health issues does mean they need regular visits to the vet. They may need special medications for things like breathing issues, and in later life, they may need things like a special bed. The Verdict French bulldogs are excellent dogs. They are great little companions who will find it easy to live in your apartment with you, but they are also fun-loving and curious. While they are great dogs, they are also quite expensive. This is due to high demand and some pretty serious difficulties when it comes to breeding them. They have small litters, almost always delivered by c-section, and health screenings and vet visits are a big burden for breeders. If you want something special, such as a rare color, you should expect to pay a lot more. You can also expect them to be relatively expensive dogs to own because they do need regular and close contact with a good vet to maintain their health. At a glance, the French bulldog is: Highly intelligent and trainable Small, meaning it does well in fairly small apartments Expensive due to demand and how difficult they are to breed Prone to breed-specific health issues So, are they worth all this expense and trouble? We think they are. French bulldogs can be the ideal pet for first-time owners with limited space and time but a lot of love to give. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Though they typically only average nine to thirteen years, those years can be very memorable and special to dog and owner. Along the way, there are several German Shepherd growth stages that they will encounter including several fun and exciting breakthroughs. They will go through many different levels of development stacking up in inches and packing on the pounds. German Shepherd Growth Stages: This article will cover in detail, all of the month-to-month growth stages including their size from 1 month old to 3-year-old. It will also include important milestones along the way. This is the puppy portion of the German Shepherd growth stages and these cute little fur balls are beginning their journey into the new world. They are independent, spry and ready to explore! They are starting to grow but stand no taller than half a foot. Cuteness Factor: Through the roof! Height: Male: 4 — 6 in 11 — 16 cm Female: 3 — 6 in 8 — 14 cm Weight: Male: 5. They stand up for the first time. They start exploring independently and playing. Bowel movements are partially controlled. Light barking and growling begin. Puppy teeth should be filling in. This is a good time to introduce them to some kibble. They may or may not be interested. Month 2: Socialization Growth Stage Once the fuzz balls reach month 2, they start socializing more with other animals and people. This is also the time that their little chompers should be complete. They have grown up a little but still remain under a foot tall. Cuteness Factor: Just look at my ears! Height: Male: 7 — 9 in 17 — 22 cm Female: 6 — 9 in 14 — 22 cm Weight: Male: 16 — 20 lbs 6 — 9 kg Female: 11 — 17 lbs 5 — 7. They start to bond with animals and people. Their mental development starts to speed up. Fear reaction begins. They are typically ready to find their forever home. Food: Weaning should be wrapping up at this age. They should transition to a diet of puppy kibble. One and a half cups total three times a day is recommended but stick to a solid schedule. Vaccines: Puppy should have distemper and parvovirus by this time. Teething will be in full force at month 3 and their adult canines and incisors will start to push through. Those cute little fluffy ears may start to go up and down. They will start to lose their puppy coat and you may notice a racing stripe on the spine where the adult hair is starting to grow in. At this point they have almost made it to the height of a standard ruler. Cuteness Factor: Equal to fluffy pillows! Height: Male: 9 — 11 in 23 — 27 cm Female: 8 — 10 in 20 — 25 cm Weight: Male: 22 — 30 lbs 10 — 14 kg Female: 17 — 26 lbs 8 — 12 kg Milestones: Ears begin to stand up. Teething stage begins and continues for several months. Lots of biting and chewing ensures. Potty training and socialization should be consistent. Puppy fuzz begins to be replaced with adult double coat of fur. Food: Two cups of puppy kibble total three times a day is recommended. Vaccines: DHPP which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are recommended. Month 4: At this point GSDs will be very playful and getting into some trouble. They have left puppy hood and become adolescents. Multiple skills will be developing as they learn, socialize and train. Height: Male: 11 — 14 in 29 — 35 cm Female: 10 — 12 in 26 — 31 cm Weight: Male: 35 — 40 lbs 16 — 18 kg Female: 31 — 35 lbs 14 — 16 kg Milestones: Ears continue to perk up. Teething continues as adult teeth come in. They continue to play and explore everything around them. Training continues as they constantly learn. Food: Puppy should continue to eat two cups of kibble total three times per day. Vaccines: DHPP and rabies are recommended. Month 5: At 5 months of age, they are still growing fast and should have gained close to 10 pounds. They are still in the juvenile stage and have plenty of energy to go around. They are looking much more like an adult but still have that puppy spirit. Ears may have perked up at this point. Cuteness Factor: Cute as pumpkin pie! Height: Male: 14 — 16 in 35 — 40 cm Female: 12 — 14 in 31 — 36 cm Weight: Male: 40 — 49 lbs 18 — 22 kg Female: 35 — 44 lbs 16 — 20 kg Milestones: Ears may be standing up. Adult features are filling out. They are at least half of their adult size. They are still teething. Sexual maturity begins to emerge. Food: Juvenile should still be eating around two cups total three times a day. Month 6: Adolescent Growth Stage At 6 months old, they are making their way into the adolescent part of the German Shepherd growth stages. They will be starting to get into their sexual maturity stage which will last until they are around two years old. Hormones will kick in and males will begin to mark their territory and look for females to mate with. Females may go into heat for the first time. Their adult coat should be completely grown in but it could take a bit longer. Cuteness Factor: Equivalent to a teddy bear! Height: Male: 16 — 18 in 41 — 46 cm Female: 15 — 17 in 37 — 42 cm Weight: Male: 49 — 57 lbs 22 — 26 kg Female: 44 — 49 lbs 20 — 22 kg Milestones: Ears should be standing up. Adult features are more filled out. They are sexually active and will begin marking their territory and roaming for mates. Teething should be close to finished and all 42 of their adult teeth should be almost grown. Full adult double coat of fur should be present. Food: Adolescent should be eating around two to three cups total two times a day. Month 7: At 7 months old , a German Shepherd should be well developed cognitively. Their sexual maturity continues, and your leg may just become their next mate. Some aggression may be present as their hormones go up and down. Their weight gain begins to slow down for the first time only adding around 5 pounds from the previous month. They are looking much more like an adult dog. Aggression and sexual maturity continue. Teething should be close to finished. Food: Adolescent should be eating two to three cups total two times a day. They are still maturing and could still be aggressive and bark or lunge at other dogs, kids or people. This behavior must be reined in with the proper training. Teaching them new tricks is a great way to curb their aggression. Cuteness Factor: Still able to melt your heart! Height: Male: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Female: 18 — 20 in 45 — 50 cm Weight: Male: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Female: 53 — 57 lbs 24 — 26 kg Milestones: Ears should be well formed and perky. They continue to transition into adulthood. They are still maturing, and aggressive behavior may be present. Teething should be finished, and all of their adult teeth should be grown. Month 9: At 9 months old, German Shepherds have reached most of their milestones. They should be sporting a full set of 42 adult chompers and some nice big perky ears. They are still maturing sexually and could be exhibiting aggressive behaviors, but training should be in full force. Cuteness Factor: Not puppy cute but still irresistible! Height: Male: 21 — 23 in 54 — 59 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 64 — 71 lbs 29 — 32 kg Female: 55 — 60 lbs 25 — 27 kg Milestones: They are still growing but only gaining a few pounds a month now. Month By 10 months of age, GSDs are still trucking along in the adolescent stage. They will still be acting like teenagers and may be getting into some trouble. Although clever and smart they will sometimes act clumsy and goofy. They are still learning and should be in training. Cuteness Factor: Cute and nutty like peanut butter! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 73 lbs 30 — 33 kg Female: 57 — 62 lbs 26 — 28 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Month Moving into month 11, German Shepherds are becoming more and more adult but may be stubborn. They may start to challenge their owner with respect to leadership. They need to know that you are in charge and that they must respect your commands. Training and reinforcement is crucial during this time period. Cuteness Factor: Cute enough to get out of trouble! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 57 — 62 cm Female: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 75 lbs 30 — 34 kg Female: 60 — 64 lbs 27 — 29 kg Milestones: They are still growing slowly. Month 1 year old German Shepherds are moving out of the puppy phase of the German Shepherd growth stages and into adulthood. By now they have most likely formed a strong bond with their owner. They may still misbehave occasionally but proper training should be paying off. Food: Adolescent should transition to adult food and be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: DHPP, rabies are recommended. Year 1. They are getting closer to sexual maturity. Cuteness Factor: Furry and plushness overload! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 55 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 79 lbs 32 — 36 kg Female: 60 — 66 lbs 27 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Food: Adolescent should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Year 2: At 2 years old, they should be well along in their journey to adulthood. With the proper training and socialization, they should be transforming into the alert, confident, courageous, loving and loyal German Shepherd companion that makes them so popular among dog owners. They are pretty much full grown at this point with only a few more pounds to pack onto their athletic frame. Cuteness Factor: Perfectly precious! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 57 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 84 lbs 32 — 38 kg Female: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but almost full grown. Vaccines: DHPP is recommended. Year 3: Adult Growth Stage Your German Shepherd is finally an adult with all of the beautiful characteristics and traits that people admire. They have reached physical and sexual maturity and are ready to brave the new world. Consistent training should have payed off. They should be calm and well disciplined. Height: Male: 24 — 26 in 60 — 65 cm Female: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Weight: Male: 79 — 88 lbs 36 — 40 kg Female: 66 — 70 lbs 28 — 32 kg Milestones: They are done growing. They have matured physically and sexually. Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and can be required by law depending on your state. A full grown adult German Shepherd will stand approximately 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 88 pounds on average. However, some German Shepherds will get bigger even getting over a pounds. Hopefully your GSD is in the correct range. Keep an eye out for any deficiencies during their growth. These German Shepherd growth stages should help you determine all of the proper measurements to make sure they are right on track in their development. Each stage in their maturation is important. Remember to give them a high-quality healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient training and socialization. These will all help lead to a stable and well-adjusted German Shepherd. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you have any experience with a growing German Shepherd? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below.

Biothane is a coated webbing material that feels like soft leather in your hands. This super lightweight, waterproof leash is incredibly durable even with daily use on large, strong dogs. Simply run some soapy water in the sink, let the leash soak for a couple of minutes and then wipe dry. Do you ever notice that your regular leashes can smell a little…funky? Biothane never takes on any weird smells, no matter how much you use it! It also comes in just about any color you could possibly imagine, plus various widths and lengths. If you enjoy outdoor adventures with your Golden Retriever, a biothane leash is a must-have piece of equipment. Biothane leashes come in a variety of widths. There are many companies that make and sell biothane leashes. A long line is basically what it sounds like — a long leash. Why would you want a really long leash, you might ask? Well, there are a few reasons. They spent lots of time in nature, and truly love being outdoors. While there are some people who use Golden Retrievers for their original intended purpose retrieving a shot bird , most people who own a Golden are not avid hunters. Now think about a walk in your neighborhood on a regular, 6-foot leash compared to a day spent as a hunting partner. Enter the long line! This is tool can give your dog more freedom to move their body and explore nature, which helps them feel more satisfied. The more your dog gets to move, the more tired they will be, and a tired, content dog is a good dog. More Sniffing Opportunities As humans, our primary sense is sight. But our dogs live in a world of scent, as their sense of smell is their primary sense. For them, stopping and sniffing is like reading a really good book, or getting an exciting email from a friend. Sniffing is excellent mental exercise, which can wear your dog out as they process all the information their olfactory system is taking in. Studies show that sniffing also is calming for dogs, actually lowering their heartrate. Letting dogs sniff is actually one of the best and easiest ways you can improve their quality of life. Using a long line opens up the world a bit more, so they can access more interesting sniff spots. They can check out the sniffs on that tree, or make their way to the fire hydrant, or stick their snout in that rodent hole without hitting the end of the leash. Less Pulling For some dogs, simply having a longer leash can eliminate or reduce leash pulling. Giving them a little more room to sniff and move can actually prevent them from pulling on you. Again, this is not a cure-all, and some dogs may need some additional training to understand how to walk without pulling, but it can reduce a lot of frustration both in the dog and the owner. Depending on where you live, it could work well for neighborhood walks, but you want to be considerate of your neighbors and not let your dog walk right up to their front door. Long lines are amazing for walks in nature or larger open spaces, such as a park or soccer field. But with some practice, you will get used to reeling your dog out and reeling them in as they enjoy their walk. As you hone your skills, you could try a 30 footer, though a line that long is best for spacious environments like nature trails or the beach. This is because the design allows for the leash to be continually tightened when there is tension on the lead. Such intense pressure on the neck could cause a collapsed trachea or other health issues. This keeps everyone safe and happy while out enjoying adventures together, however big or small. Have any questions about these leashes? Let us know down in the comments! Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related Articles:. The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar. Crate and or containment gate Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home. Food and water bowls There are endless options of food and water bowls. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors. Food and treats Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video. Toys and chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most. Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago! The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end. Check out this blog for all things grooming. Bonus Recommendation! Online Access to Dog Training We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco. Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including: video tutorials. Golden retrievers are friendly, happy dogs, who want to greet and play with everyone they meet out walking. This leads to leash pulling, and it can happen in puppies as well as adult dogs. It can start to feel like there is nothing you can do to stop your dog from pulling at the leash, except go along with it, or reduce the number of walks. We're here to help. Let's look at some tips to stop your golden retriever from pulling at his leash. Train Them Young When you get a puppy, you should start leash training right away. Many people make the mistake of not doing so, but the sooner good leash manners are instilled in your little Golden, the better. Even if he is just 8 weeks old. Far better to start with a puppy than a 60 pound growing dog. Have the Right Tools With any task that you do, things will be easier if you have the right tools and this is no different. If your golden retriever is still learning how to walk, it is best to not use a retractable leash. If you use a retractable leash, your golden cannot learn what distance he can go that is within his accepted boundaries. It is much better to use a fixed length leash. Another good alternative is our Sierra Dog Leash. A front lead harness like our Adventure Harness , Sports Harness or Urban Harness can also be helpful because as your dog starts pulling, a front lead harness will gently redirect his force to the side, so that he cannot go where he wants to go. He will soon learn that pulling doesn't get him to where he wants to go. A harness and leash aren't magically going to make your dog not pull, but the right tools will go a long way to helping you train your golden retriever. Teach Self Control Golden retrievers have a lot of energy, and have to be taught self control. Knowing and obeying commands will help your dog stay calm and cool while out on a walk. Starting with basic commands like, sit, stay, go to bed, etc, are all good ways for you to work with your puppy on self control. Don't Play Tug With The Leash If your dog is in the habit of pulling on the leash, it is very important to not pull back. Big dogs like golden retrievers tend to respond to pressure on their leashes with even more pressure, leading to a tug of war between you and your dog. That's taking a bad habit and making it worse. Instead, stop and wait until your dog comes back to your side, or call him back by name. Don't reel him in, but keep the leash slack and relaxed and wait for him to come. Reward Correct Position Rewarding your dog for good behavior is important. Whenever your golden retriever is walking calmly by your side with a loose leash, make sure to reward him. Turning it into a game, something golden retrievers love, will make it a fun learning process for him. Rewarding him with his favorite treats, toys or praise, whatever he likes, will ensure that he repeats the good behavior. Golden retrievers tend to get more excited than most other breeds. Try tiring your dog out before taking him for a walk. You might find that it makes a difference. Easy ways to do this is to play fetch with them, or make them chase their favorite toys. Sometimes, your dog might even be too tired to go for a walk. Keep in mind that your dog may become overly tired with the walking and the learning, so be sure to keep the sessions short and fun. Dogs will repeat behavior that gets reinforced, so it's important to ensure that your golden retriever is not being rewarded for pulling on his leash. For example, if he pulls on the leash because he wants to sniff at a bush or greet a person on the street, and you let him do it, then he will continue to pull. You have just reinforced his bad behavior. So if you feel your golden retriever pulling you in one direction, you need to plant your feet and not move, until he returns to you. If your dog is very strong, you can start walking in the opposite direction. As soon as he is walking next to you calmly, you can turn around and go in the direction he wants. Dogs are smart creatures, and golden retrievers are no exception. They are quick learners, and eager to please you. The tips in this article, coupled with patience and determination, not to mention treats, will help you train your golden retriever not to pull and make your walks enjoyable for the both of you. Related Products. There are plenty of ways to do this while you are taking them for a walk. Give commands such as sit and stay. Help your puppy understand your instructions. It is crucial to reward them often with some treats when they follow your commands. They eventually make a connection between the treat and the command. If you find that your puppy is afraid to go out for a walk, it may be the best option to put some treats along the way, so they know that pleasurable experiences are coming. Consider a Harness for Golden Retriever Puppy Pulling The most straightforward way to stop your puppy pulling is not to actually use a leash. You may want to opt for a dog harness. The difference is extremely noticeable since you will find that the harness can provide additional support and strength to manage your dog when they start pulling. There are available harnesses designed to stop pulling during walks. As you take your puppy for a walk, you may notice that they are reluctant to walk very long and easily become tired the first few times. Puppies can only walk certain distances when young, and you need to know how much activity they can manage. Thus, if your puppy is a month old, you can only walk them for a maximum of five minutes. But if your puppy is already two months old, then that would translate to a minute walk. A Few Training Tips for Your Puppy— Best Leash for Golden Retriever Puppy According to experts, if your puppy starts tugging and stops walking and eventually stands still, it is crucial to encourage your puppy to come closer. Once they come to you, praise them and give them a treat. The leash is now loose, so you can continue walking. Do this consistently, and you will be satisfied that your puppy will never pull at the leash again. It is crucial to bond with your puppy and start exploring new places together. Opt for a harness if your puppy is dead set on pulling since a harness makes it easier to control your dog. Harnesses are not recommended for puppies. Utilize harnesses for extreme cases, but a leash works adequately. If you are training your puppy for distance commands, you should get a line between 30 and 50 feet long. In both cases, you should opt for a nylon webbing leash. You may also want to wear gloves to avoid the occurrence of rope burn if your dog pulls, and you grab the leash, and it accidentally slips from your hands. Everyday Use Your best option is to use traditional six-foot nylon or a leash made from leather. Six-feet is adequate enough to give freedom of movement while keeping your dog nearby and within your control. It is up to you whether you want to choose nylon or leather. It is also applicable in wet and wintry weather. You can use leather for all types of weather, but you have to occasionally apply some conditioner to keep it from degrading and maintain its look. Make sure to choose the correct width and strength of leash for your particular dog or puppy. It may mean having to upgrade your leash to accommodate your growing puppy. For a fully grown large dog, choose a nice thick, strong leash. If your dog has a habit of chewing on the leash, you may want to opt for a chain leash. Other materials will be damaged often by a dog that loves to chew. Chain leash are available in varying thicknesses to accommodate the size of your dog or puppy. Make sure to choose a strong enough clip to match the size and strength of your dog as well as their power when they start pulling at full strength. You cannot risk having them break free and run away. It is crucial to have at least one spare leash, so there is always one ready if the regular one gets destroyed, breaks, or gets lost. Dry your leashes if they get wet. Store them or hang them instead of simply throwing them in a drawer. Make sure they are fully dry before you store them. It will make them last longer. Routinely examine any signs of damage and make sure the clip is strong and secure. You can replace the leash at the first sign of any damage or when the clip becomes loose and weak. You may also want to consider attaching a carabiner to the handle to make tethering your dog an effortless task. Simply loop the handle on any post or pole and utilize the carabiner to affix the leash to itself. It is much better and easier than dealing with knots, which need to be tied and untied. Meaning that you can utilize it for running or bike riding, and you can utilize it as a typical leash for walking your dog. This best leash for golden retriever puppy is targeted towards medium to large-sized dogs, so it may not be a good option for dogs that are smaller or below three months. But if your puppy is older, then this is an excellent option. This best leash for a golden retriever puppy utilizes a buckle made of hard plastic, and the handle is made from steel, so you are assured that you will have a firm grip on your puppy all the time. The design of this best leash for golden retriever puppy has easy-grip panels, and the main leash is made from bungee rope. It can expand and contract, giving you optimum flexibility when walking with your dog. Availability: InStock. Read the full disclosure here. Use the methods described in this article to start teaching your puppy good leash-walking habits from the start. Do you do any of the things below? How so? It teaches your dog that the more they pull, the further the leash goes, so the instinct to pull becomes ingrained as a habit. If you do use a retractable leash, switch it out to a regular leash and donate your retractable one to your local animal shelter. Dogs, especially larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers, tend to respond to pressure on the leash with even more pressure. Instead, if your dog pulls on the leash, stop on the spot and wait until they come back to stand by your side. Keep the leash slack and relaxed, and wait for your pooch to make the move literally back to you. You can see how this creates a cycle of heavy pulling and really affects your leadership role. Actually, the trick — as you may already suspect — is just the same as it is with any other type of training: It takes patience, repetition and rewarding of good behavior to get good results. Consistency will pay off for you here. Your dog needs to understand that pulling never gets them what they want. Instead, try the below methods before you head off to the pet store to plunk down hard cash on anti-pulling products. Look At Walks As Training Sessions, Not Just Exercise Every time you take your dog out for a walk on a leash is another great opportunity for you to teach them better manners. But as with all training, your golden retriever and you may quickly become over tired, so be sure to keep these training sessions short, frequent and fun. Try tiring out your dog before you go on a walk and see if it makes a difference. In most cases, it will! Play fetch in your backyard and make them chase their toy over and over. Timing praise and rewards right after they do something you like is the absolute best way to communicate what you want and encouragement for your dog to perform the behavior again. Treat them for walking nicely beside you — we have more advice on this in a section below. To train your dog to not get excited before a walk , simply ask for a sit, reach out to clip the leash to the collar…but do not do it until your dog is calmly sitting. If they go ballistic with excitement, stand upright, holding your arms crossed and the leash out of their reach and wait until they calm down. Then try again. If they pick up with exuberant energy again before you finish clipping on the leash on, take the leash away and start over. Only clip the leash on when your dog is completely chill. Head Halters Similar in looks to a muzzle, a head halter is an okay choice for strong breeds such as a Golden Retriever. When a dog wearing a head halter pulls on the leash, the halter forces their head to the side. If you do want to use a head halter, be aware that while puppies do well when started on it early, adult dogs sometimes fight when fitted with a head halter and you should take some measured time to get them used to it over days before heading out on a walk. Harnesses Some harnesses work in the same way as head halters, by turning the dog to the side if they pull. These types of harness have a ring on the front of the chest, not on the back, so the dog is turned unless the leash is loose. Instead, use compassion, understanding and patience to teach your dog how to properly walk on a leash. So we will leave the discussion of these collars right there. The best course of action is to take on board a little of everything written above that can help in the short-term, and to actively use a mix of the following three methods during purposeful, scheduled training sessions to help in the long-term. The essence of the technique is that once your dog reaches the end of the leash and is pulling, you simply stop the walk. Halt completely, dead in your tracks. You then rinse and repeat, only ever walking when the leash is loose, never letting your dog walk ahead pulling and you stop if they do. The theory is that by repeating this technique again and again…and again and again…repeatedly over and over, your dog soon learns that if they pull on the leash, they go nowhere. If the leash is slack, they get to continue on the walk. This method works on the principle that a dog only gets the reward that they want — moving toward where they want to be — if they do what YOU want — Walking on a loose leash. So unless you can truly handle the dog, you may get pulled over. Depending on how much of a puller you have on your hands — or leash — this technique may take time. But it does work, so be patient, practice a few times each day, and stick with it until you see results. When they pull, practice the above, and call them back and ask for a sit before treating them and setting off again. Just be sure to treat randomly, not every single time! But if they do, with no warning, simply stop, turn degrees and walk the other way. You may need a strong arm! As they turn to walk with you, give praise and maybe even a treat as they get beside you — but not in front of you — and then turn once more to go back in the original direction. Repeat this as many times as necessary, until they get the idea and do not pull. You may look a little silly if you practice in a busy park, so find a quiet spot if I were you. This is unpleasant and something they will want to avoid if they can. It teaches your dog that walking ahead and reaching the end of the leash has the opposite effect to what they want to achieve: Moving forward. In fact they end up walking away from where they want to go. It has the effect that it keeps your dog guessing so they have to concentrate on you. When you start to walk your golden retriever, make sure they know you have some treats in your hand by holding them in front of their nose, but in a closed fist so they cannot get them. Set off walking and they will follow close beside you, their nose to your hand with the treat within it. You are luring them to walk nicely beside you. For every few correct steps beside you on a loose leash, tell them how they good they are and pop a little treat in their mouth. Best though is to stop, call them back, ask for a sit and then lure them to walk beside you again with a treat in your hand. After some days of this training a few times per day, do not have the treats in your hand but have some on your person so you can still treat them liberally, but they are choosing to walk beside you, not merely following the treat in your hand. Once they have got the skill down, extend the amount of steps they must take before they get a treat, with the ultimate aim of slowly over days — or likely weeks — having them walk large distances beside you with a treat only every few minutes. Conclusion Pulling on the leash is a very common problem that many dog owners are faced with, particularly those with strong, high energy breeds such as Goldens. Armed with the advice in this article, patience, dedication and compassion, you can leash train your dog to walk beside with impeccable manners. Have any questions or comments about this article? Join the discussion, and share your experience and knowledge in the comments below. Recommended Comprehensive Training Course. Leash training begins not with your dog but with your mindset. Goldens are intelligent, people-pleasing dogs. Begin your leash training — and every walk after that — with a calm mindset, and your dog will follow. The leader goes through the door first, so work on proper door etiquette until your puppy or dog has the right idea. This sets up your walk to succeed from the beginning. If you allow your dog to pull you over to greet the dog across the street or to sniff that really lovely tree, your dog is the winner in this tug of war. Instead, when your dog starts pulling, stand in one spot. Beginning this training with puppies makes stopping easier, but plant your feet even with a full-grown dog. Reward walking correctly Choose a very small type of treat your dog only gets on walks and use this to reinforce good behavior. Every so often as your dog walks correctly, praise your golden and dish out a treat. Eventually, wean your dog off the treats but always praise good behavior. Goldens respond really well to this type of verbal confirmation. Walk often Make walks a regular part of your routine. At least once a day, preferably twice, walk your dog for a period of 15 to 30 minutes. This routine is a huge part of keeping your golden leash trained for walks. Put it in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone — whatever it takes to get outside. Remember to always use positive reinforcement. Yelling or other punishment types of motivation could backfire. Your golden may end up with more energy or fear of walking. Step 1: Put the leash on your golden while in the house. If your golden is afraid of the leash, reward him with treats when he allows you to put it on him. Step 2: While inside, walk back and forth with your dog, stopping when he pulls on the leash. This method begins to teach your golden what to expect.

Intelligent Pug Characteristics Pugs are extremely playful and love to interact with their owners. They also get along well with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. They're most known for: Friendly Easy going Health Issues Because these dogs have only been bred for a few years, there has been no study on whether there are any specific health issues being produced from these crosses. In order to get a better idea of which health problems a puppy might face, you must research the parent breeds involved, and take a look at health issues that are common to them. The average reported lifespan of these dogs is between 12 to 15 years. Boxers can be prone to cardiomyopathy , bloat, hip dysplasia , and hypothyroidism , among other possible health threats. Pugs can be prone to obesity, breathing problems , eye problems, and skin problems. Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems , heart problems, epilepsy, and skin problems. Fox Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and primary lens luxation, among other health issues. Rat Terriers can be prone to allergies, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Corgis are prone to eye problems, glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy. Beagles are prone to epilepsy , intervertebral disk disease, and tumbling puppy syndrome. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health concerns, including obesity, heat stroke, elongated soft palate , heart disease, and more. Keep in mind that a particular pup might never face one of these health issues, but the possibility could be there in the gene pool, so it's good to be aware. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. The breeding procedures used to create this mix are extremely controversial. Many " miniature " dogs have been heavily inbred, so it's not uncommon for them to develop genetic disorders or become ill at a young age, even from a reputable breeder. The miniature Boxer is also a high-energy breed that requires a hands-on owner. They aren't meant for owners with sedentary lifestyles or those who reside in apartments. Because the miniature Boxer sheds, it may not be suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you understand the cons, there are many pros to this breed. Since they are smaller than Boxers, they are less expensive to feed and easier to care for. They require slightly less exercise than the original breed and can do well in smaller spaces, even if they aren't ideal apartment dogs. This mix is family-friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Also, they're relatively affordable to purchase as puppies. Finding Miniature Boxer Puppies for Sale When looking for a breeder of miniature Boxers, make sure you do your due diligence. Before you decide to do business, take the time to investigate the breeder fully to make sure you'll receive exactly what you're paying for. There are many unscrupulous breeders producing designer dogs, and you want to make sure the breeder can provide a health guarantee. The breeder should demonstrate that they are breeding to create dogs with excellent health and temperament. Because these dogs are not recognized by the top registry organizations and are not bred in large numbers, you may have to search for them online as well as locally through sites such as Craigslist to see if you can locate a breeder. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. If you'd like to register your pet with a dog club, both the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Certified Pet Registry take registrations for various crosses that produce this type of dog. Spend Time With These Dogs Before you bring one of these pups home, spend some time at several breeders' kennels so you can get to know the dogs in person. This is the surest way to find out if a Miniature Boxer will fit your lifestyle, as well as which particular cross you prefer. Getting a puppy is a commitment for the life of the dog, so be sure about your choice. Classic is a full black mask, white on chest, chin, white-tipped feet Flashy is white socks, chest, maybe a collar, maybe white on face, chin For more info on available puppies please email Boxerlove56 gmail. But He is looking to move out of state, so I told him I would help him find homes. Ready to go to their new Home! Jean Grey had her litter, a whole whopping 1 puppy, but what a puppy, just like mom a Flashy Deer Red Female. Will be going through paid puppy deposits soon. Be on the list for this one!!! Flashy to Classic, around Oct 31st. Now Accepting deposits for up and coming litters!! Your deposit is non-refundable but will be applied toward the final purchase price of the puppy. Go to rehoming page We do a lot for our dogs Our adult dogs get wormed every six months, as well as updated on their shots. We do everything to ensure the pups get less to none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy, dog, or cat. All puppies have their tails docked and declaws removed at 3 — 5 days old, and get a regiment of worming before they go home. You will get their vaccination card with a record of all this to take to your vet. All our adult dogs are on NuVet; this is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home, which the puppies are fed the Nuvet as well as a probiotic. All our dogs are loved and well cared for, housed in large shaded kennels with fresh water access. Their pens are cleaned and washed daily, plus we spray threw out the year for fleas and flies to ensure clean, happy and healthy dogs. If you have a name for your puppy, we like to start using it as early as possible when interacting with the puppy. Past buyers have liked this because, they will be responding to their name by the time you pick them up to go home and this will create a stronger connection with your puppy. We also give a one-year health guarantee. You can also extend your puppies health agreement to another 2 years, making it 4 years if you stick with our Pawtree regiment, food, and core daily pack. You choose either one, or both for your fur baby. We truly believe that together you will be offering your new puppy a healthier and longer life. We have had countless compliments over the years on our boxers from looks, to their intelligence, amazing temperament, and the massive amount of love they bring to their forever homes. That is why we take a lot of pride in our dogs and have always bred and kept females from our bloodlines from the beginning, so we can share the same results in our puppies with you even today. Due to the Economy we have gone down on the puppies, even though it costs us more to Bring them to you. The option to register our dogs with a kennel other than AKC is available however, doing so would force us to raise our prices to compensate and for that reason we decided against registering leaving people flexibility when purchasing their new furbaby. We have heard countless stories from others about the trials they endured with heath issues within the first couple of years of the dogs life when purchasing from lower priced breeders. It makes us so proud to see our dogs living long healthy lives with their new families, so we work hard to keep it that way and hope that testifies to all that we do for our dogs and their offspring so they go home as healthy as they can be. We have been boxer breeders, breeding beautiful puppies Pet and show quality for over 29 years. Always trying to Elevate our Breeding Standards. We are now Breeding the Mini Boxers, exotic and soon Merles. Immune System Builder!

Kyzer has jaws of steel and shreds everything including my wicker porch furniture! When i saw that adorable elephant plush buddy in the box, i knew he was a goner. I like knowing that your team puts extra thought into making every component of the box fit the theme and our needs. I love that the Bubble Bath Box came with everything ready for bath day! Teddy enjoyed the natural treats and the brush was amazing for his fur. She went right for the koala plush, while I was ogling her new sparkly collar — so cute! Oh, and i love seeing that the company that makes the treats that you included sends a portion of profits to rescue dog organizations. A round of applause for awesome companies like you and them, because my Bella was a rescue pup, too! I loved this puppy box as much as Alfie did! Thank you! This is sooooo fun! I have 2 fur babies, and when the box comes each month, i just pull the lid open and let them take their pick of what they want to explore first. Keep them coming — we love them! I love that some of the brands support rescue groups. I love that someone puts so much care into supporting local business and animal organizations and the health of our fur-babies! We love our subscription box and even bought a subscription for my two sisters for their doggie birthdays, too! My 5-year-old son has started watching for our Dog Dream Box every month so that he run off to his room to spread all the goodies out on his bed first. Then he relishes in taking one of the toys out first to surprise our dog Nash. Then he doles out a treat or toy every day until the box is empty. So, i guess i need to thank you for entertaining not only my dog, but my son as well! Thank you guys for giving us great customer service and a new monthly spoiler for our dog! These subscriptions are the paw-fect way to spoil your beloved pooch Time to set tails wagging. Jul 14, am If there's one thing we know for sure, it's that we love our fur babies. High-end treats, luxe toys and monthly trips to the groomers — there's no shortage of ways we spoil our dogs. Which is why, when it comes to shopping online we always have our beloved pets in mind. And for our regular buys, like worming treatments, treats and food , we often consider subscriptions. Set up as an automated delivery for your chosen products, you can expect to receive a monthly, bi-monthly or even a yearly subscription box to arrive at your doorstep, full of all your dog's goodies. So, now that you've already invested in your favourite essentials, you can turn your attention to maintaining your dog's food and toy supply. Here, we've gathered some of the best dog subscription boxes in Australia so you can continue to go above and beyond for your beloved pooch. As part of Frontier Pets' membership, you can use the set-and-forget priority auto-delivery service, where you decide when you'd like your order delivered.

Introduction Are you worried about why your Pug puppy is so skinny? Topic Overview Pugs are charming little dogs with their signature smooshed nose and big round eyes. While they are known to be relatively healthy, unfortunately, they can become underweight. Common causes of skinny puppies include poor diet, medical issues and parasites. If your pup is not eating enough, providing a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fat and carbohydrates can help them to gain the energy and nutrition they need. If medical issues and parasites are the problem, it is important to take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. With the right help and treatment, your pup will be back to their full, healthy self in no time. Purpose of the Article The purpose of this article is to help you understand the potential causes of why your Pug puppy might be skinny, so that you can address the issue and ensure your pup is living a healthy, happy life. It could be something as simple as diet changes, or it could be something more serious that needs immediate veterinary attention. Common Causes Common causes of skinny Pug puppies can range from dietary problems to medical issues and parasites. To begin with, a diet that is not well balanced or contains too few calories can lead to a puppy becoming underweight. Make sure your puppy gets a healthy diet that consists of all the essential vitamins and minerals they require. Make sure to regulate the amount of food they are eating so that they are getting enough calories per day. Medical issues such as worms, infections or other illnesses can also be the reason for a Pug puppy being too skinny. All You Need to Know! If your puppy is exhibiting signs of being sick, take them to the vet for a checkup to make sure that there are no underlying medical conditions. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites can be a contributing factor to weight loss in puppies. Regularly inspect your puppy for any signs of parasites and get them treated at the vet if necessary. A good diet for a pug puppy should include poultry, fish, vegetables, eggs, and grains. Try to feed your puppy high-quality foods that are specifically designed for puppies. As your puppy grows, you can switch them over to adult food. Make sure to provide your puppy with plenty of fresh, clean water at all times, as they need plenty of fluids to stay healthy. Make sure to feed your puppy multiple meals per day. Puppies need more frequent meals than adult dogs, so you should feed your pup at least three meals a day. You should also keep an eye on how much your puppy is eating and adjust the portion size if they are losing or gaining weight. Medical Issues If your Pug puppy is losing weight, it could be due to a medical issue. Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to get your pup checked out. Common medical issues that can cause weight loss in puppies include gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis and ulcers, as well as certain heart and respiratory ailments. Certain types of parasites can cause pets to lose weight. Your vet will be able to diagnose and treat any of these conditions. While some puppies can eat anything, others require a more specialized diet. Ask your vet for advice about what foods are best for a Pug puppy — and how often to feed them. Parasites If you suspect your Pug puppy has parasites, you should seek the help of your veterinarian right away. Parasites can cause serious health issues for your pup, and can even lead to malnourishment and weight loss. And Why it's not Always a Bad Thing Depending on the type of parasite your pup has, your veterinarian may prescribe medication or recommend additional tests. You should also take your pup for regular check-ups and keep their vaccinations up to date. Remember to provide your Pug puppy with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Treatment Treatment for a skinny Pug puppy will depend on the cause. If dietary issues are the culprit, then switching your pup to a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet may be an effective solution. Make sure you are providing plenty of fresh water and feeding your pup high-calorie treats as needed. If medical issues are the cause, then it is important to get your pup to the vet as soon as possible. Various parasites can cause weight loss in puppies, so your vet may recommend a deworming medication as treatment. Proper vet care can help your pup get back to a healthy weight quickly. Diet It is important to ensure that your Pug puppy is eating a balanced diet. You should make sure that they are receiving all of the essential vitamins, minerals, and protein sources they need. A good diet will help to keep them healthy and help them maintain their weight. If your puppy is not getting enough food, it could be causing them to become skinny. Make sure to provide them with regular, healthy meals with the right balance of nutrients. You should also ensure that your puppy is receiving the necessary veterinary care. If you notice any other physical signs or behavioural changes, it could be a sign of medical issues and you should take your puppy to a vet for a check-up. Medical issues can cause your puppy to become thin, so it is important to rule these out. Find Out Now! It is also important to keep an eye out for parasites. Parasites can cause your puppy to become anemic and lose weight. If you notice any signs of parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or worms, you should take your puppy to a vet for treatment. Regular deworming treatments can help to keep your puppy healthy and prevent them from becoming too skinny. Veterinary Care If your Pug puppy is not gaining weight, it is important to get it checked out by a veterinarian. They will be able to assess the situation and provide the best treatment plan. The veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing to rule out any medical issues that could be causing the weight loss. Having your pup seen by a veterinarian is only the first step. Although the vet may prescribe medications or other treatments that could help, it is also important to ensure that the pup is receiving the proper nutrition. Your vet may recommend specific dietary changes, such as switching to a higher-calorie food or adding supplements. They can also provide advice on portion sizes and how often to feed the pup, as well as any other dietary changes that may be necessary. The best way to do this is to feed them a high-quality diet and provide them with regular veterinary care. Parasites can also lead to weight loss, so make sure to discuss preventative treatments with your veterinarian. There are some home remedies you can try to help your pup put on some much-needed weight. Make sure their food is nutrient-rich and high-calorie, and offer them small, frequent meals throughout the day. Supplements like fish oil and probiotics can also help to improve their immune system and provide your pup with the nutrition they need. With proper nutrition and regular vet visits, you can help your pup reach their optimal weight. Post Views: .So does your Pug look a little thin? Did you, at some point, ask yourself the following questions: is my Pug underweight? Is this bad for his health? In this guide, we answer these questions and more. Determining if your pug has become too thin is relatively straightforward; simply observe their side profile from a distance and look for an overly slim waistline. This signifies the loss of muscle mass, and suggests that the dog needs to consume more calories to reach a healthy weight. To assess whether a dog is underweight, it is wise to observe the ribs; if they appear particularly visible or protruding, it may be the case that your Pug has not received sufficient nourishment and thus requires additional caloric intake to reach their preferred body weight. Alternatively, you should place one hand on the back of their neck and the other along their spine. Using your fingertips, apply a comforting yet firm pressure until you can detect the presence of a ribcage beneath the fur. If each bone is easily felt with minimal effort, then it may indicate that your Pug needs to gain weight. Do this by firmly placing one hand on each side of the spine and applying even pressure with both hands. If there appear to be any bony areas or an abnormally thin structure, then your pup may not be at a healthy weight — time for more meals. Reasons Why Your Pug Is Underweight This section of the guide enumerates possible explanations for why your Pug is underweight and what you can do about them. Poor Nutrition Adequate nutrition is paramount for sustaining the health of all animals, including domestic pets like Pugs. It is absolutely essential to identify the causes of any potential underweight issues with your Pug and take appropriate steps to ensure its nutritional needs are met. If you are uncertain as to what type of food is most beneficial for their size and breed, consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for advice. Otherwise, it is recommended that you seek the guidance of a veterinary professional to find alternatives that would satisfy their dietary requirements. Advanced Age Advanced age can be a delicate stage in life, even more so for Pugs. As they age, their metabolism slowly declines, and motor skills deteriorate- weight loss is a likely result unless correctly overseen. Furthermore, old-age-related illnesses like arthritis or joint pain can be uncomfortable during ingestion or physical exertion and thus result in lower appetite and diminished activity levels. You can do several things to ensure your old pup gets enough food and nutrients. Firstly, try feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, as this will entice their appetite. Heating up the food before giving it to them can also be beneficial since its distinctive smell is more noticeable and captivating. Dental Problems Image credit: gizmomygremlin When considering factors contributing to weight loss, dental issues are often not considered. Bacteria can accumulate on their gums and teeth, leading to inflammation that reduces their food consumption capacity and overall energy levels. Furthermore, plaque accumulation on the teeth can create a situation in which they find it difficult, if not painful, to chew or swallow correctly. Ensure the dental health of your Pug by brushing its teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and appropriate dog toothpaste. Additionally, providing crunchy treats that promote plaque removal and chew toys formulated to reduce oral bacteria will further support the maintenance of their pearly whites. Specifically, gastrointestinal conditions may lead to inadequate nutrient absorption, vomiting, diarrhea , malnutrition, and reduced body mass for dogs. Canine diabetes may be the explanation for a Pug unexplainably losing weight. This ailment can exhibit itself in numerous ways, with a frequent sign being an unexpected reduction in body mass. Changes in appetite and increased thirst are also signs of canine diabetes. Other potential issues responsible for canine weight loss include metabolic, maldigestion, and malabsorptive disorders. Parasites Parasites are a risk to the health of your Pug, which can cause them to become weak and underweight if they do not receive the correct nutrition. This issue should be addressed as soon as possible, as parasites can potentially devastate their well-being. Here are some potential causes for why your Pug may have parasites and what steps you can take to improve their health. One of the prevalent factors leading to pets contracting parasites is contact with wild animals or other pets outside the home. Fleas, ticks, roundworms, and tapeworms are all common offenders when it comes to infecting our furry companions. Your Pug is vulnerable to harm if they remain unsupervised while outdoors. Furthermore, contact with unclean soil and water can lead to infection or contamination. In that case, it is essential to speak with a veterinarian to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. Examples of what to look out for include overly thin waistlines and protruding ribs. The diet, exercise, medication intake, and overall health condition should be reviewed if any of these symptoms manifest. Ultimately, consulting a veterinarian will ensure all necessary steps can be taken to help your Pug reach their ideal weight. Post navigation. Is My Pug Skinny? At that time, I was wondering, is my Pug skinny? He loves to eat, the piggy way. I quickly understood Sid was underweight and did a lot of research. Finally, Sid is at a healthy weight now. Is My Pug Too Skinny? According to American Kennel Club , the ideal adult Pug should weigh between 14 to 18 pounds with a inches body, and of a muscular and rectangular shape. Of course, every Pug is different. Just because your Pug is slightly below or above the breed standard weight does not necessarily mean that your pet is unwell or in need of intervention. Just like us humans, Pugs range in size, shape, and weight. Contrary to popular belief, this does not necessarily mean that your Pug is underweight. The problem is when you can see them too! If you cannot feel their ribs at all then they are probably overweight. If you can feel too much rib then your Pug is likely underweight. This chart offers an easy-to-follow guide for assessing your Pug. In general, Pugs should not have a very obvious waistline like, say, a greyhound. You can do this in much the same way by running your hands gently along the back, over the spine. You should be able to feel the spinal bone but it should not protrude dramatically. There should be some flesh between the spinal cord and the skin. If you cannot feel the spinal cord at all then your Pug is probably overweight. If it protrudes too much with little to no cushioning then your Pug is likely underweight. Why is My Pug So Skinny? There are many reasons that your Pug might become too skinny. Malnourished or suffering from neglect, health problems can lead to skinny Pugs and underweight Pugs. You should book an appointment with a trusted veterinarian right away. They will be able to assess your precious Pug and determine what is causing their weight loss. Here are some common causes of Pug weight loss. If your Pug is experiencing pain in their teeth, mouth, or gums eg. Naturally, to avoid this pain and discomfort your Pug might abstain from food more than usual or entirely. Skinny Pugs might be malnourished. Now, the obvious question is are they eating enough? A healthy adult Pug requires about 40 calories per pound of their body weight each day with meal times at regular intervals free feeding is not recommended for Pugs. You might think that you are feeding your pet enough food, but if that food is not nutrient dense, or of very poor quality, then your pet could still become malnourished and lose weight. Sometimes all it takes to help your Pug get the energy they need is to switch out your dog food brand or switch to home prepared meals for your Pug. Medications If your Pug is taking medications for an ailment or illness then this can impact their weight. Just like us humans, medications can play havoc with our bodies and present various side effects. Some medications may cause a loss of appetite, others may cause a seemingly unexplained weight loss. If you notice your Pug losing weight on new medications, get back in touch with your vet for advice. They will be able to make suggestions as to how you can help your pooch put on some weight. Diabetes Diabetic dogs often lose weight. This is because they cannot metabolize the sugars they get from their food due to a lack of insulin in the body. That means that even if your Pug is eating enough, they may not be metabolizing enough calories and will start to lose weight as a result. Luckily, with professional treatment from a veterinarian, diabetes can be treated with medications and your Pug should return to a healthy weight fairly quickly. Parasites Parasites are nasty little blighters and a major cause of weight loss. Animals can pick up parasites from contaminated food, water, faeces, or even soil. Underlying diseases Weight loss is a common symptom for many, many diseases including cancer. As such, any sign of persistent weight loss is cause for concern and should be checked out by a veterinarian. Other diseases that typically cause weight loss in dogs , include: Behavioral issues anorexia. FAQs: Key Takeaways Pug body shape varies, but a typical healthy Pug has a sturdy and barrel — shaped body with short legs, weighing around 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Avoid breeders who prioritize profit over ethical practices. Insufficient nutrition, inadequate diet, and health problems such as thyroid disorders may contribute to tall and skinny pugs. Regular checkups are crucial for early detection of any underlying health issues in your furry friend. Understanding Pug Body Types Pug body shape varies, but a typical Pug has a barrel-shaped chest, short legs, and a round head with wrinkles. Pugs are known for their small, sturdy, and barrel-shaped bodies with relatively short legs. They have wide chests that provide ample support for their square frame. In addition to their iconic facial features, one of the most recognizable characteristics of a healthy Pug is its curly tail, which gracefully coils over its back. This compact yet substantial physique lends itself well to being an affectionate lap dog while still being capable of plenty of playtime antics with family members. A prime example is hip joint deformities mentioned earlier; these genetic health problems may affect Pugs by causing abnormal growth patterns in their legs making them appear taller. Furthermore, allergies common among Pugs might lead to selective diet plans for certain individuals — consequently impacting their weight gain or loss over time. Lastly, stomach problems unique to the breed like sensitivity towards specific foods or intolerance might cause rapid fluctuations in body weight from time to time. Causes Of Tall And Skinny Pugs Tall and skinny pugs can be caused by genetics and breeding , insufficient nutrition, or health issues like thyroid problems — read on to learn more about how to identify if your pug is underweight and what you can do to help. The reason behind this unique stature is rooted in several genetic factors that impact their weight, size, and overall body structure. Unfortunately, the world of dog breeding has its drawbacks too. Breeders striving to meet breed standards or produce distinct physical features sometimes engage in harmful practices like inbreeding or excessive line-breeding. Insufficient nutrition can lead to weight loss and a tall, skinny appearance in Pugs. As a Pug owner myself, I know how tempting it can be to spoil our furry friends with treats and table scraps. However, overeating or consuming unhealthy foods can have negative consequences on their health. Additionally, certain health problems that commonly affect Pugs like Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome BAOS can also be exacerbated by inadequate nutrition and diet. Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder that affects many dog breeds, including pugs. Growth abnormalities may also affect pug size and body shape. These issues can be caused by factors such as genetics or nutritional deficiencies during key developmental stages. How To Tell If Your Pug Is Underweight To determine if your pug is underweight, check for visible ribs and bones, observe their eating habits, and identify any signs of health issues; learn more about maintaining a healthy weight for your furry friend in the next section. A healthy Pug should have a waistline, but not be too skinny or overweight. You can feel for their ribs by placing your hands on either side of their chest and gently pressing down with your fingertips. Feeling the spine can also help determine if they are underweight or overweight. Pugs are known for their love of food and may have a large appetite, but if they are not maintaining a healthy weight, it could be due to an underlying issue. A pug who eats slowly or seems uninterested in food may indicate health problems, while overeating can lead to obesity. If you notice sudden weight loss or a lack of appetite in your pug, this could indicate malnourishment, neglect, or other health problems such as worms or parasites. Therefore regular checkups with the vet are essential for maintaining good health for your pet pug. This means feeding them food that contains all the necessary nutrients they need to thrive. To ensure balanced nutrition, consider using a holistic dog food that incorporates proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Look for brands that are specially formulated for small breeds like Pugs and avoid those with fillers like corn or soy. I make sure to take my pug for at least two minute walks each day, but there are plenty of other activities you can do with your pup as well. For example, taking them to the dog park or letting them play in the backyard can be great ways for them to burn off energy. Regular exercise also helps keep them happy and calm throughout the day. Regularly checking for visible ribs and monitoring eating habits are essential indicators that could help you identify if your Pug is underweight. Seeking regular veterinary care is also vital for maintaining overall well-being and preventing health problems like thyroid problems or growth abnormalities seen in some pugs. Conclusion And Key Takeaways For Pug Owners In conclusion, discovering that your pug is tall and skinny may raise concerns about their health and well-being. FAQs: 1. Is it normal for a pug to be tall and skinny? What could be causing my pug to appear taller and thinner than usual? There are several potential causes of this appearance in your pug, including genetics, age-related changes like loss of muscle mass or changes in body composition due to health issues such as thyroid problems or digestive disorders. How can I help my tall and skinny pug gain weight and improve their overall health? This might include changing their diet, increasing exercise levels or medication if necessary. Can overfeeding cause a pug to become too thin despite eating frequently? My journey with pugs began when I brought home my first pup, a mischievous yet endearing pug named Muffin. Related Posts.