mini bernedoodle puppies for sale charlotte nc

But bulldogs are still dogs and they have the innate tendency to bite. However, if left unchecked, this seemingly cute behavior can turn into a problem when they get older as he could hurt you or the people around you when they bite. Furparents need to address their biting behavior early on so that they can grow into well-behaved adult dogs. When he accidentally bites you, you have to react accordingly. The way you respond will be crucial as it will tell your puppy if that is an acceptable or unacceptable behavior. Exaggerate if you need to. Your bulldog would stop biting you because he would be startled with your reaction. As they say, Bulldogs are lovers not fighters. Ignore him after he bites you. Wanting nothing more than to please you and get your attention, he would learn that what he did was unacceptable and he would try not to do it again. Be consistent with your response each time he does this but stay calm when training him to stop biting. The key to getting your bulldog puppy to stop biting is through ignoring him. By giving him the cold treatment when he bites you, you are promoting bite inhibition. Your pup may be feeling uncomfortable and might be in pain because of his condition. You can give him ice cubes as these will help numb his gums from the pain. Another way to teach your pup not to bite is by praising him when he stops biting. Remember, bulldogs aim to please you and will bask in your praises and affection so these are good motivators for your desired behavior. You can use the ignore method or praise method. You can also provide him with toys he can chew on to divert his biting behavior. A dog is not just a pet, but a lifelong friend and companion. English Bulldog is one such breed who is extremely loyal, friendly, brave and have a strong sense of dedication towards their owners. They will stick to you like glue throughout their lifetime. How to teach an English bulldog not to bite? Bulldogs can bite for several reasons, but mostly they bite when they feel provoked or threatened. Puppies bite because they have not yet learned how to play properly with humans. Here are step by step instructions to teach your bulldog not to bite. Sit down and play with your bulldog. Let them bite your hand. Your bulldog should be startled, release, and step back. You can spray something bitter in their mouth to further the consequence if your bulldog is not starting to understand after going through steps a few times. An English bulldog looks scary and grumpy but is very calm and amiable. Many people are afraid of the English bulldogs because of their somewhat aggressive appearance, but they are the friendliest of all breeds. They are lovers and not fighters. Bulldogs make wonderful apartment pets and are mainly low-endurance dogs. But all dogs can have the bad habit of biting. An un-socialized adult English bulldog will also nip and bite. Under these circumstances, you should keep your English bulldog away from other dogs and people. It is important to make sure your bulldog learns not to nip and bite as biting will further the stereotype that bulldogs are dangerous, when they are really not dangerous at all when they are loved, trained, and socialized. How to Teach Your English Bulldog Puppy to Not Bite Every English bulldog goes through the puppy stage and learns to interact with others by biting, nipping, and licking. Biting occurs when your puppy is growing and exploring their environment. Your English bulldog puppy may not hurt you intentionally, but as a puppy he is still capable of inflicting harm to you. If this behavior is not rectified and controlled, your puppy can carry this into adulthood. No, And Here's Why! Your puppy might grow up thinking that there is nothing wrong in biting and nipping humans. As their teeth grow and their weight also increases, the harmless biting which you once found cute can turn into rough bites and play. An English bulldog is not aggressive by nature but like other dogs can show aggression if provoked. They are ferociously protective of their owners and others in the family. If they feel their owner or loved ones are threatened, they can turn defensive and show signs of belligerence. English bulldogs are calm and gentle with their owners but are chary of other dogs and strangers. Therefore, it is imperative to socialize your bulldog properly and make them feel safe around other dogs and people. There are chances that if your English bulldog is inadequately socialized, he will react fiercely to what he sees to be a threat to your safety or their own. Your puppy bites because he does not know how to play with humans and needs to be trained to stop biting. You can hire a dog trainer to do that or can do it by yourself. You should train your dog that it is unacceptable to bite and encourage them to play games with toys. Learn more in our article Help! Bulldog Teething and Biting When your English bulldog puppy is 3 to 6 months old, there are chances that your puppy may be teething. At this time your puppy will put virtually everything in his mouth. They do this because they need something to chew on, to alleviate the pain and discomfort. You can give him ice cubes to numb his gums and mitigate the pain. When your puppy is teething, you can also give him things he can chew on. You can give him old washed rags kept in the freezer, hard rubber balls, or nylon bones. When your puppy bites you hard just yell as loudly as you can and pretend to be hurt. This will startle your puppy and ensure that he releases pressure. You must continue this until your puppy starts refraining from nipping and biting. This way your puppy will learn that biting can be a hazard to their friends and humans. They will learn that skin is sensitive and should be only pressed down lightly. Eventually your puppy will become gentler to you during their playtime. When your puppy bites you stop playing with him. Avoid petting, talking and even looking at your puppy. Never show aggression or give physical punishment to the puppy while training him. He will become defensive and grow up to be more aggressive. Remember to praise your puppy for good behavior. Socialize your English bulldog puppy to be more comfortable around strangers also. Socializing will help stop your puppy biting your feet and the feet of visitors. You can walk your puppy to dog parks and public places. You can also visit your family and friends with your English bulldog puppy to help him develop trust with them. English bulldog puppies easily get excited with movements. So, if your puppy sees you moving your feet or any sudden movement, he will swoop into attack. Stop right there and this will make your puppy settle down. When puppies see children running around, they also want to run and play with everybody else and could bite their feet. Use dog commands like Sit, Stay, and Down. Always keep treats in handy while training your puppy to motivate him. If this does not work, then simply walk away. To discipline your adult bulldog, you must leave him alone. Still, if your dog persists to bite, you can seek professional help to curb his habit of biting and nipping. Lastly, do not try to put your adult English bulldog into situations he is not very comfortable in or those which will provoke him. If you know your dog does not like other dogs, keep him away from those dogs. You can also use a spray bottle to spray something with a bitter taste into their mouth when your bulldog bites. I have seen people use lemon juice. Be aware that excessive lemon juice will cause an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea for dogs, so find something else with a bitter taste that is safe for dogs to teach them a negative consequence for biting. The bite force of the English bulldog is pounds per square inch psi. Psi shows us how much pressure is exerted on one square inch of space. This is enough to cut muscles and break bones. English bulldogs have extremely strong jaws and muscular and sturdy bodies. English bulldogs also have a very low center of gravity and can easily take you down. They were bred specially to fight the bulls. Their powerful jaws can cause a lot of damage. With appropriate training and by acting properly around your puppy, you can help him grow out of his habit of biting. Training your adult English bulldog will take some time. Training an adult English bulldog will be relatively difficult, but it is not impossible. So, be patient and try to build up this new behavior with trust and love. Persistence and hard work will go a long way. You will surely see results and all your efforts will yield a very obedient and loving companion for life. Pup pup hooray! Post Views: 2, We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Pretend To Be Injured Whenever your English bulldog puppy biting and growling at you, pretend to be injured by his bites. When the puppy bites, you yell loudly and pretend like you are hurt a lot. This will shock your puppy, and he will release the hurt immediately. You can continue doing this until he retrains himself from biting you or growling at you. By repeatedly exercising, your puppy will learn that it is hazardous to bite their friends and humans. As time passes, your puppy will learn to become gentle during playtime and get to know that skin is a sensitive part and must not be pressed. Avoid Your Puppy If your puppy bites you while you are playing with him, stop playing at that very moment. When you stop playing immediately, he will realize that he has done something bad. We were playing on the couch, and he bit me. After repeating this every time he bit me, he finally understood that biting is bad. What will happen is he will suddenly become defensive and will become aggressive in the future. These small things are very important and must be kept in mind while training your puppy. Never forget to praise him for his good behavior. Socialize Your Puppy Socialization is very important for the English bulldog puppy to get comfortable with everyone. Your puppy should feel comfortable around friends and strangers. Socialization helps your English bulldog puppy biting and growling not to bite visitors. These etiquettes are necessary, especially when you take your puppy to parks and public places. Save Yourself from Puppy Attacks Puppies are very curious about everything happening around them. They get excited when they see some movements happening around them. You may have noticed your puppy walking moving around your feet whenever you walk around them. If they see any sudden movements, they will immediately attack. When this happens, stop right there and let your puppy settle down. When the puppies watch the children running around, they get very excited and start running and playing. There are chances that your puppy may bite the kids or anyone they are playing with. To avoid this, whenever you see your puppy come running towards you, give him his chewy toy to play with. Never forget to motivate your puppy by giving him his favorite treats. Always keep the treats in your hand while training. When I was training my puppy, I used to have these soft puppy treats all the time. These were his favorite treats, and due to them, he used to perform all the tasks that I gave. Everyone must follow one more important thing , all these exercises, and recommendations in the house. The puppy needs to be comfortable with everyone in the family. So everyone must spend some time with the puppy to become familiar with him. There will be times when the puppy will have to spend the whole day with other family members, and then it will be easier for both dog and the family member. These tips and recommendations are really helpful if you follow them thoroughly. Training your puppy at the correct time is the key to stopping him from doing bad behavior. Adult Bulldog Biting and Growling Sometimes adult bulldogs are also seen biting and growling at humans. I will give you some normal tips about training your adult bulldog. The tips are as follows: Teach your adult bulldog the same discipline you would teach your puppy bulldog. This will make him realize that you are hurting. Leave him alone for a while to get him in the discipline. With correct and appropriate training, you can stop your English bulldog puppy from biting and growling. It would help if you acted properly around your puppy in order to teach him. As the training will continue, he will definitely learn the difference between harming and playing. Training your adult bulldogs can be quite a difficult job but not impossible. So, have patience and train your English bulldog puppy will love and compassion. You will surely have positive results. Related Articles:. Manydogs said: This is normal puppy behavior-some are worse than others. Replacing the arm with a Nylabone, or a chew to that he can not swallow any parts of, NO rawhides a good idea. You could try a spray bottle of water,it works with some-and always say "no bite" with any method. A can with rocks in it,that makes noise, is also another method,used to distract them from biting. If he has something in his mouth, and you pull at it,to him it's a game, and he will pull back. If he has a grip on something that he shouldn't, you could try having a small treat to give him if he lets go,when you say "no bite"then give him something he can bite on! I know it is very hard when you have young children and a pup,and EBD pups are worse than most other pups,when it comes to biting. It will take a lot of patience,and being persistant to get through this, but it will all be worth it. Until he learns,and has lost his baby teeth, do not let anyone play tug of war with him,because that would encourage him to bite more. Hang in there-we have all been through this,and it does get frustrating at times. My pups were obsessed with my shoes while I walked,so I got a pair of tennies on sale,and gave the pair to the pups! This,too, shall pass but not for awhile! I have never used their crate as punishment,as I did not want them to hate it. They sleep in their crate at night. I had a small pen it folds up that I put them in when I needed a break. Sometimes when they get tired,they get wound up,like kids do. Or chew on furniture? Although known for their sedate behavior, bulldogs can sometimes have a tendency to bite people, especially strangers. This aggressive behavior can be curbed. If you want to stop this show of aggression, it is essential to understand why they are doing it in the first place. Why do bulldogs bite? All bulldogs go through a biting phase when they are puppies due to teething pain. Eventually, bulldogs grow out of this phase. If a bulldog does not stop biting by 12 months of age, it usually reflects a lack of training or signs of owner protection or jealousy. Photo by The Bulldog Blog How to get bulldogs to stop biting? Here are some reasons why your bulldog might be biting people: 1. Lack of training: If you have recently welcomed an English bulldog to your home, especially one that might be older, they might not have the training yet to not bite, or know that it is a bad behavior. Owner protection: English bulldogs are fiercely protective of their owners. When they detect any threat, they often bite. Jealousy: English bulldogs often crave the attention of their owners. And, if they are unable to get that attention, they might attack whatever object or person is detracting your attention from them, which can be another person or a dog. Now that you know what is causing your bulldog to bite and act out, here are 14 guaranteed strategies to help reduce this behavior: 14 confirmed strategies that will stop English bulldogs from biting In this post, we will discuss not one or two, but 14 verified strategies that can help you prevent your English bulldog from biting. They might not all work for you, but we hope that some of these strategies will be helpful in nipping this behavior in the bud. And the best way to show them that you are upset or displeased by their behavior is to yell at them. Use a stern voice and be forceful. While this strategy might not produce results in the first or second attempt, your bulldog will slowly understand after a few scoldings. Use a squirt bottle A quick squirt in the face whenever your bulldog starts to bite should quickly reduce this bad behavior. Walk Away Bulldogs, like children, can crave attention. And sometimes it can be effective to deny them that attention and just walk away. They will learn to soon associate that bad behavior with you walking away, and stop doing it. Work on socializing your dog One of the reasons why English bulldogs bite is because they are not familiar with the people or dogs that they are snapping at. So, to decrease that anxiety, start introducing your bulldog to other people, children, and animals early on. Socializing them with other dogs and people will help them better identify threats as well. Neuter your dog You might be thinking, how can neutering stop your dog from biting people? Neutered dogs are less aggressive, that is why the probability that they will bite someone or another dog is on the lower side. Be sure to check with your vet on the right time is to neuter your dog. Curb the habit when they are young One of the best ways to prevent your English bulldog from biting is to curb this behavior when they are young. And while it might be cute at the beginning when puppies bite and snap, you should learn to shut down this behavior early on, so that it does not grow into a bad habit. Showing that when they bite you, you get hurt, will help them understand that biting is a strict no-no. In these cases, giving them something else to chew on can be helpful. As a result, there will be no need for the dog to bite or chew on anything else. Help your dog expend energy Sometimes bulldogs might exhibit aggressive behavior because they have pent up energy that they are trying to release. When you play with your dog or take your dog outdoors frequently, it becomes easy for the dog to expend energy and will likely lead to them being less aggressive. Whenever the dog is unhappy or afraid due to someone invading its territory, the likelihood of a bite is on the higher side. You have to look out for body language. If you notice these signs, it is better to give your dog some space, and separate them from any strangers, human or otherwise. It is also helpful to talk to them sweetly and try and alleviate those fears by comforting them. Show your dog who is boss At the end of the day, you are the pack leader, and your dog needs to know that. When your bulldog recognizes that you are the alpha dog in this relationship, he or she will respect you better and will follow your rules. Sometimes the best way to do this is to isolate them for a short time, to show them your displeasure. This is only effective if it is done immediately after the wrong behavior, so that they associate that behavior with this punishment. Opt for professional training Another way is to opt for professional obedience training. But, we do recommend that owners attend some of these classes, as you might learn some tricks as well! Consult a vet If your dog is persistently aggressive, and is not showing signs of improvement, you might consider taking them to the vet. Aggression is a symptom of a lot of diseases and ailments that your English bulldog could be suffering from. Be patient Training takes time, and you need to give your dog and yourself the benefit of the doubt. You have to let your dog absorb things and understand what behaviors are good and what are bad.

What Is a Fawn Pug? The fawn Pug is a common color variant of the Pug breed. This dog has a pale coat color that has soft cream or a faint tan shade. Fawn Pugs may also have lighter or darker fur in some areas of their body. Other than its color, the fawn Pug shares most of its traits with the rest of the Pug breed. When we chase back history, there are only a few details about the fawn color. However, it was noted that Pugs are considered an ancient breed, and it was through selective breeding wherein the fawn color was developed. These brachycephalic dog breeds were standardized by the 19th century, and the fawn fur color was generally used as a foundation in shows as it gained popularity during breeding processes globally. Generally, the fawn and black fur color of Pugs are recognized as standard by reputable kennel clubs worldwide. Fawn-colored Pugs are usually seen in dog shows and movies since they are more desired by pet lovers. These Pugs also come in different varieties, such as regular fawn Pugs, apricot fawn Pugs, and silver fawn Pugs. However, they are still the same dog breed. These color varieties are just simply to describe the tinge and fur shade. Are Fawn Pugs Rare? These non-black Pugs are the most common Pugs globally. Despite them carrying recessive genes, fawn Pug puppies are about two-thirds of the Pug population. However, a particular fawn Pug variety, the silver fawn Pug, is pretty rare. They are much lighter than the regular and apricot fawn Pugs. A fawn Pug is a small breed dog with a pale tan coat color or slightly yellowish and very light cream. They also exhibit a brachycephalic head, which means that they have flat faces. Fawn-colored Pugs have wrinkled faces, a short muzzle, big prominent eyes, round heads, and non-erect ears. Their bodies are usually compact with a curly tail at the back, and their legs are short. They have masks that typically cover the muzzle and chin and extend around the eyes. This marking is highly desirable in dog shows, especially darker ones. Moreover, they have a darker brown sheen or black hairs on their backs called trace. It predominantly starts at the back of the neck down to the base of the tail. However, the trace may fade away as the fawn puppy matures. In addition, there may be slight differences between male and female Pugs. However, both genders grow to about 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 20 pounds. Although fawn Pug puppies already came from a tiny breed, their size and weight should not be confused with teacup Pugs that are not pedigree dogs. As mentioned above, these Pugs have varieties that have silver or apricot tones. Some kennels consider them under fawn-colored dogs, while others separate them as apricot Pugs or silver Pugs since fawn is a broad term. Pugs with apricot fawn coats have a medium cream appearance that is darker than that of a regular fawn Pug. Silver fawn Pugs have the lightest shade, and they usually appear as extremely pale silver tinge coats. They may have markings such as masks on their faces, but each purebred Pug will have unique placements of these marks. Most Pugs are also not uniformly solid in color. Some may have lighter or dark coat hues. Other rare Pug colors that are not fawn are brindle Pugs, panda Pugs, and chocolate Pugs. However, we will discuss those in other articles. A Pug puppy gets one color gene from each of its parents. Combining these two color genes will determine the coat color of the litter. A reputable breeder usually does DNA testing to achieve the desired fur color. That means the parent should be both fawn Pugs, or the black Pug being bred to the fawn Pug should carry the recessive genes for fawn Pug litter to be produced. This happens because black is a dominant color, meaning you only need one black gene to produce black Pugs, despite being bred to a fawn Pug. In the case of a fawn-colored Pug puppy, they either lighten or darken, especially in their first year of existence. As puppies, they may appear with a dirt-like appearance due to the black hairs intermingled with their light colored-fur. These hairs are called smuttiness, and they often fade as the pup grows. The same goes with the trace. In contrast, the masks of non-black Pugs tend to darken as puppies mature into adults. They generally follow the guidelines set by the Pug Dog Club. However, Pugs with non-standard Pug colors such as silver fawn, those with brindle coats, and apricot Pugs can still be registered in AKC but cannot compete in show rings. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes three Pug colors — silver-fawn, fawn, or black. Aside from either fawn or black Pugs, the Kennel Club of the UK accepts four coat colors as a breed standard, including silver and apricot-colored dogs. For generations, the Pug breed has proven to be great companions and family pets. Fawn Pug puppies have docile, charming, playful, and affectionate personalities, making them loved by most dog lovers. An essential thing to consider is that a fawn Pug does not tolerate being left alone for long periods and is highly attached to its owners. So if you want a clingy buddy, a fawn Pug puppy is perfect for you. They are great with children and other pets, including cats. However, they still need to be socialized early to know how to behave appropriately. These fawn puppies are intelligent purebred Pugs that respond well to training and positive reinforcement. However, you may need to stand your ground at times since most Pugs are stubborn. Furthermore, they tend to be energetic, so as Pug owners, you should give them about 30 minutes of exercise to shake off stored energies and avoid destructive behavior. It is important to note that coat colors do not affect the temperament of your Pug. Female Pug: Which Is Better? The lifespan of a fawn Pug is between 11 and 14 years. They are a brachycephalic breed which makes them prone to several health problems. This makes them at risk of developing respiratory problems like laryngeal collapse and hypoplastic trachea. This can cause neurological issues, pain, weakness, and loss of bladder control. However, this can be managed by rest and anti-inflammatory medicines. Heat Stroke: Pug dogs are affected mainly by heat strokes due to their tight coats. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and do not do well in hot climates. Keeping them indoors during summer can help avoid this condition as it can be life-threatening. Many factors will surround the health of your puppies, such as acquiring them from a reputable breeder, diet, exercise, and genetics. Puppy Prices and Expenses Since the fawn color in Pugs is one of the standard colors, fawn Pugs are priced similarly to other Pugs. Adopting a fawn Pug puppy is a great option. This means you get to save money while giving a rescue pup a second chance at life. They will need essential items to transition and settle into a permanent home. Here is a list of initial expenses in owning a fawn Pug puppy: Type of Expense. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Can a non-standard colored pug still be registered with a kennel club? For example: the AKC recognizes two pug colors as breed standard, fawn and black. These are the colors required for a pug to be a show dog and compete in the ring. They are the breed standard. However, a non-fawn or black pug can still be AKC registered — they will just not be allowed in the show ring. Silver-fawn, apricot, and even rare and controversial colors like brindle, can be registered with the AKC and listed as an alternate color. So, if you see a non-standard colored pug listed as registered with the AKC, it is entirely possible. You can read it here. The pug breed standard is the blueprint for the breed, and the target for which breeders should aim. The Pug Dog Club of America firmly states that: All reputable breeders of pugs are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black. The most common pug colors: Fawn Pug Fawn is the most common pug color. Their muzzle or mask, and ears, should be as black as possible. Black Pug Even though fawn is the most common color of pug, the black gene is dominant. Black pugs have a rich, dark coat, and their muzzle or mask, and ears are black too. Silver-fawn and Silver Pugs Silver-fawn is oftentimes labeled as a type of fawn. They have a shiny gray sheen to their coats and are the lightest color a pug can be. Silver-fawn pugs are pretty rare, and many who have them categorize them as fawns, instead of silver-fawns. Apricot Pugs Apricot pugs have warm undertones of orange in their coats. The hues of orange are richer and deeper in color than the common fawn coloring. They include:. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.

His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Portsmouth New Hampshire? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Portsmouth NH The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Portsmouth for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. As of the census it had a population of 21,,3 and in the estimated population was 21, Wiki Portsmouth Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Welcome to the New Hampshire state page on TrustedPuppies. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, picturesque towns, and outdoor activities, New Hampshire is a wonderful place to find and raise your new Boxer companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Boxer breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable NH dog breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our New Hampshire breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in New Hampshire, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Carroll County Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Boxer canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. In the rankings of dog ownership among the states, New Hampshire occupies the 44th position, boasting an estimated thousand dogs. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Boxer breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in New Hampshire. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Boxer puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy on TrustedPuppies. Her previous owners other dog attacked her and tore open the side of her face. Exposing her jaw and tooth. Asha was brought to an emergency veterinarian in Houston. She had a severe infection and abscess. She has undergone a dental procedure to remove 2 teeth and 4 procedures to get her wound to heal. Due to her continuing care, she is only available for adoption in TX. Asha is described as a very sweet and gentle, but skittish. She gets along with her foster siblings, although she's kind of standoffish. Asha is definitely more a people dog than a dog's dog if that makes sense. She follows her foster mom around literally everywhere, even trying to nudge her way in to the bathroom! Asha doesn't mind her kennel and will sometimes go in there on her own when she wants some separation from the other dogs. We're working on "sit" and "stay" now. Asha is currently in a loving foster home in TX and is currently available for TX adoption only. Sending an inquiry will slow down the process, limit the ways that we can contact you and may send our reply email to your spam folder. Another application could be processed instead of yours for this dog. All of our available adoptable dogs are on Facebook, Petfinder, Adopt a Pet and our website. If a dog is no longer listed it means they have an adoption pending. We are a nonprofit organization - all adoption fees go towards the rescue and veterinary care of these dogs in order to get them ready for their forever homes. We are a shelterless rescue. All of our dogs are housed in foster homes to help them de-stress and get used to a home environment while they await adoption, giving us the opportunity to understand their personalities and needs. Ready to Adopt? The next step is to fill out our Adoption Application. A volunteer will contact you to review your application and see if your family might be the right match. You will need A collar with the name tag and a leash. You will also need dog treats to reward a dog while training. Also, necessary things like a bed, dog food, and bowls should be bought. Schedule It is vital to take care of sleep, food, and walking early. Make a schedule to get all your work done and take care of the dog. A fixed schedule will teach your dog to maintain decorum and Stick to its routine. Working along with the schedule will help both you and your dog. It helps you maximize your productivity and teaches the dog to behave independently. Safety While welcoming a dog into your family, your primary responsibility is taking care of its safety. Brief all of your family members about how to care for a dog, foods you should not feed the dog, etc. When you bring your dog home, it is necessary to constantly keep an eye on him as their surroundings are new, and the dog can be curious to explore it, harming himself in the process. It is of utmost importance to Keep any poisonous substance out of reach. Online Boxer Breeders in New Hampshire NH : In case your pet store does not have a boxer breed puppy, there are very reliable online websites available from which you can buy. There is a high chance of finding a better dog online than your local pet store. You will find many options online. They have accommodated over two hundred thousand puppies in caring homes. They aim to give every puppy a happy home and improve their lives. Jor boxer puppies Jor boxer puppies specialize in breeding high-quality and healthy boxer breeds. They give assurance on the health and performance of their dogs. They offer dogs with excellent bloodlines from around the globe. Their dogs are very social and friendly. You can find a highly skilled breeder for boxer dogs. As this is an online marketplace, it has a vast network and can search for the best dog in the country. Puppies for sale today Puppies for sale today is a website that connects you with breeders Worldwide and helps you find the perfect fit. You will find anyone with a boxer puppy for sale on this website. It is a very genuine and proficient website. Adopt a pet For anyone looking for a boxer puppy on sale, adopt a pet is a reputable online website that you should check out. They offer puppies of all breeds, so you have a variety to look at before choosing a dog fit for you. Boxer breeders and boxer sellers: A highly skilled boxer breeder will keep the puppies with their parents for a minimum of seven to eight weeks. So if your breeder does not have any vaccine or health checkup documentation, do not buy a dog from him. A breeder specializing in breeding boxers alone should be preferred over the breeders who breed more than one type of dog breed. Upkeep of a dog: 1. Boxers like to look tidy. Hence you should bathe them once every 2 to 3 weeks. Boxes tend to have short hair, so brushing them once in a while will do just fine. Training Early training helps significantly in developing discipline. Socializing and exercising helps channel all the strength and energy in the right direction. Boxers need something new every time for entertainment. They are also very obedient and intelligent. Boxer breeds are also considered police dogs and assist in detecting drugs and finding missing people. Health Boxers need a moderate temperature and do not do well with acute cold or heat. They need to be considered part of the family and kept inside the house. Breeders should check for health conditions like Cardiac disorder, hip dislocation, thyroid deficiency, And the particular type of cancers. Nourishment Whether commercially produced dog food or home-cooked dog food, it should be high-quality and appropriate nutrition. It is vital to keep track of calorie consumption as some dogs are prone to weight gain. Also, treats should be given in moderation, or else they will throw tantrums at you if you give them their dog food. Giving a lot of treats can also cause obesity. Keep your veterinarian in the loop with what you are giving your dog and also ask for consultation from time to time. FAQs Which other dog breeds can be crossed with a boxer breed? Boxer and the Rottweiler cross will give you a protective and loyal pet. It will also keep the trespassers at bay. A boxer and an American pit bull are often compared, but a cross of these two breeds will give you an intelligent and faithful dog. A boxer and an American bulldog cross is muscular and looks more like a boxer. Are boxer breed dogs hostile? Boxers are aggressive and want to dominate other dogs, mainly of the same sex. However, exercises like playing fetch and taking the dog on walks helps tone down the aggression and increases energy and agility. It is also capable of causing harm to other animals if it detects any threat. Do boxers bark a lot? A boxer breed dog has high energy and playful nature. Conclusion: The Business of breeding dogs is practiced on a large scale. Large-scale breeding also raises The chances of scams; hence, getting your dog from reliable means is necessary. Vaccinations and health certificates are also necessary to look for when buying a dog. We also looked at some of the exciting crossbreeds between the boxer and other dog species. What is this article helpful? Let us know in the comment section below. Find Boxer Breeders in Other States:.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Texas is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. Your English bulldog will love exploring the garden and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love getting some fresh air and seeing the sights from a different perspective. Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Texas? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. We are dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. The group has been dedicated to the breed since , as a component of Lone Star Bulldog Club. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue accepts Bulldogs from owners who can no longer keep them, as well as retrieves Bulldogs from shelters and other undesirable situations. Each Bulldog in the program is lovingly cared for in a foster home until the perfect forever family for that specific dog is found. Every Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs and more. We take all these factors into consideration when making a forever-home match. Adoption is a coordinated process between the coordinators, fosters and applicant. We work together with our knowledge of the dog to find the best home. When you apply, you might have a particular dog in mind. But please understand, that dog may already be in the process of being adopted by an approved family who has been waiting weeks to be matched with the right dog. But they would prefer to be the only thing with fur in their home. They still make a wonderful companion and deserve a loving home. For your convenience, they have been designated as Forever Single on our website. If you plan on only having one dog, we hope you will consider one of these. Since most of our volunteers live in the North Texas area, it is easier on us and the applying family if they live in this area. Because of this, our out-of-state adoptions are incredibly rare and only in neighboring states. If you are ready to submit your adoption application, please complete the Adopt A Bulldog Application. A volunteer will then review your application. This process can take some time, and not every home is a suitable home for a Bulldog, so please be patient. You are not buying a dog. My name is Monty and I am famous! Yesterday, my photo was all over social media and friends were begging someone to save me. The shelter said I had to be out by …. Why adopt WB English Bulldogs? Travel Nanny Services Optional As experienced and reputable breeders; at WB English Bulldogs, we understand that the transportation of your English Bulldog puppy is one of the most important things. British Bulldogs Breeder in Dallas since We at WB English bulldogs take into consideration that all puppies we place in new homes must have excellent conformation, good health and amazing temperament. Microchip ID Optional We offer a more secure form of identification for your pet that is safer and extremely more effective than common pet tags. Our happy customers who chose our in cabin nanny services! English Bulldogs stand out for their unique appearance combined with a heart of gold. Their wrinkled face, stout stature, and gentle eyes are not just adorable but also exude their loving nature. How big do English Bulldogs get when they grow up? English Bulldogs, though compact, have a sturdy and muscular build. Males typically weigh between lbs, while females usually range from lbs when fully mature. Their size makes them suitable for both apartment living and homes with yards. Are English Bulldogs good with children and other pets? English Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle, patient nature, especially with children. They often become protective of younger family members and coexist harmoniously with other pets. How often do English Bulldogs need exercise? A daily walk of about minutes helps maintain their health, manage their weight, and keeps them mentally stimulated. Play sessions in a fenced yard or indoors are also appreciated! Are English Bulldogs easy to train? English Bulldogs have an inherent eagerness to please their owners, making training a rewarding experience for both parties. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, they can learn commands, tricks, and good behaviors, enhancing your bond with them. English Bulldogs and British Bulldogs are the same? The breed is commonly known as the Bulldog. How to buy an English Bulldog puppie? Browse Our Selection: Explore our website to view available puppies. Need More Information? Our team is here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Prepare for Your Puppy: Once your purchase is complete, ensure you have all the essentials ready at home for your new furry friend, from food to a cozy sleeping area. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about care, feeding, or health concerns. Thank you for choosing WB English Bulldogs. Do you ship to other cities in the USA or to other parts of the world? Yes, WB English bulldogs offers shipping services for their English bulldog puppies to any major city within the United States. They ensure that transportation considerations, including breed conformation and temperatures, are taken into account before arranging the transportation of the puppy. So, distance is not a barrier for those looking to get their dream puppy from WB English bulldogs. If there are any further questions or concerns about shipping methods or in-person pickups, the breeder encourages prospective customers to reach out to them directly via their provided phone number. English Bulldogs are medium-sized, robust, and muscular dogs. Adult male English Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg , while adult females usually weigh around pounds kg. In terms of height, English Bulldogs generally stand about inches cm tall at the shoulder. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure that an English Bulldog grows to its optimal size and maintains a healthy weight. English Bulldogs are sturdy and muscular canines. Typically, adult male English Bulldogs weigh between pounds kg , while adult females tend to weigh around pounds kg. However, individual weights can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and health. Our Blog.

Digital Marketing Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you decided to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It can even be a bit challenging when it comes to an intelligent and high-energy dog breed like the German Shepherd Dog. This is where good dog books come in handy. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of dog books on the market today, and I want to make this list specific to new owners but not limited to the GSD breed. My goal is to give you the best ideas at your disposal. And hopefully, you can pull out any one book from the list to get the answers you may need along the way as your dog grows. This volume is highly recommended for owners and breeders alike. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. Yet you can own this volume in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author. Written by the father of the German Shepherd Dog himself, almost years ago, this book could arguably be the Holy Bible of German Shepherd. Hands down. This book works as an instruction manual for any GSD owner. It is a must for any first-time or even veteran GSD owners. It does exactly what the title suggests — give you everything you need to know about owning a German Shepherd for the first 12 months of puppyhood. The first 12 months of their lives could be the most critical part of all GSD life. They grow so rapidly and there is so much to care for. As every month is a little different, knowing what to expect will make you a much better GSD owner. From puppy-proofing your home, feeding and nutrition, crate training, leash training, housetraining, socialization, adolescence behavior, to vaccination, this book has got you covered. This book is very easy to follow, and it guides you through every step of the way month by month. The author clearly defines the characteristics and temperament of this breed as well as guides you through the stages of puppyhood. This book is packed full of useful information for every German Shepherd owner. Why do we like this book? This book guides you through the stages of puppyhood feeding, potty training, crate training, socializing, etc. If you are out in the market to look for your perfect GSD, this book will give you some handy tips on how and where to find a reputable breeder. This book could be perfect for the first-time dog owner, or someone raising a puppy for the first time. The Monks are the advocates of creating a happy, well-behaved dog. They put a lot of time into their dogs themselves, and they expect their dogs to integrate into their lives in a way like a family member. From the decision to adopt a puppy through the practical steps of choosing the right breed, preparing your home, caring for your new charge, and practicing basic obedience exercises. This is a must-have guide for raising a puppy. This book covers every aspect of puppyhood and how to be a good pet parent to your puppy. If you are looking for free and effective ways to training your GSD, check out our training guide: 6. This book will guide you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationship with your best friend. This is a good entry-level book to learn from the master. His insight is very helpful the makes this book enjoyable to read. And before he made himself famous by training dogs from celebrities, he had been training wild animals including big cats, bears, primates, wolves, birds of prey, elephants and many more. Next, McMillan provides solutions to common canine behavior problems, including house training issues, door dashing, chewing, barking, and common mealtime misbehaviors. Throughout the book, McMillan explains the importance of building trust, establishing focus and control, and mastering training techniques. The 7 Common Commands could be the best basic training you could give to your perfect pup. Lucky Dog Lessons includes easy-to-follow steps, illustrative examples, tried-and-true tips and tricks, and photographs to demonstrate each technique. How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication By Stanley Coren Drawing on substantial research in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and years of personal experience, Coren demonstrates that the average house dog can understand our language at about the level of a two-year-old human. While the actual conversation of the sort Lassie seemed capable of in Hollywood myth-making remains forever out of reach, Coren shows us that a great deal of real communication is possible beyond the giving and obeying of commands. German Shepherd is one of the most vocal dogs. And this book will let you better understand the cues from their howling, whining and barking. With easy-to-follow tips on how humans can mimic the language dogs use to talk with one another, you will be amazed that it is not that hard to speak dog at all. Sound fictional? Maybe not. How Stella Learned to Talk is part memoir and part how-to guide. It also reveals the techniques Christina used to teach Stella, broken down into simple stages and actionable steps any dog owner can use to start communicating with their pets. If you want to learn more about training working dogs, this is a good place to start. This book gives you clear step-by-step instructions on not only how to train but also detailed information about why the particular training works so well. It is a must for any serious dog owner or trainer alike. Hopefully, with this list of resources can help you along the way from the puppyhood to the adulthood of your beloved GSD. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. Much of this book is about training the German Shepherd, though it is full of theoretical information as well. This book can completely change how you view dogs and raising a puppy. The authors have managed to pack quite a bit of knowledge into this hardback book. It is about more than just training your dog. Chapters include information on playing with your puppy, crate training, raising dogs in an urban area, and the latest developments in canine health. It includes a chapter that talks about just that! If you have to get just one book on training your dog, we recommend this one. It is truly the best overall book for training your German Shepherd. Pros Practical tips and theoretical information Discusses adopting adults and puppies Includes information particularly for urban dwellers Information on canine health and canine behavioral theory Written by authorities in the canine training Cons Too many specific examples and stories for some readers 2. This book goes over how to raise a puppy into a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. It goes over everything you need to know to raise your puppy. It discusses a wide range of topics, including crate training and potty training. For instance, it discusses in length what to ask a breeder before adopting a puppy and vaccination schedules. Socialization is discussed in-depth, which is vital for any book on German Shepherds. It outlines how to teach basic commands, including sit, stay, and come. Leash training is discussed. There are significant sections on exercising and feeding your German Shepherd. Grooming topics like bathing schedules are covered, and there is a section on when to take your dog to the vet and when not to worry about it. Pros Includes discussions on crate training, leash training, and basic commands Discusses what to do before you adopt your puppy Exercise and nutrition information included Grooming and vet topics included Cons May lack the specific information some readers are after 3. The authors are some of the foremost German Shepherd Dog trainers out there and are also the authors of our number one pick , and much of their information pertains specifically to the breed. However, their tips are written in a way that pertains to all dog breeds. This book will help you train your German Shepherd by building a better relationship with them. It is a refined and unique approach to dog training that many reviewers find to be very effective. You can apply the information in this book to both adults and puppies. Some essential topics are covered on top of the usual training information. They discuss choosing a dog for your needs, as well as where to adopt your dog from. Pros Helps you build a relationship with your canine Versatile for a wide variety of dogs Lots of topics covered May be a bit too theoretical for some readers 4. It is pretty straightforward, making it a good option for those who have never trained dogs before. It includes advice specifically about a wide variety of different training topics, including housetraining, verbal commands, and leash training. Step-by-step pictures and instructions are included with each command and training tip. This inclusion may be a bit overkill for some owners, but it can be constructive for those that have never trained a dog before. Pros Provides basic information on most training topics Step-by-step instructions included.

E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Of course, the only one who can tell you that for sure whether a mysterious bump is a cause for worry will be your vet, so be sure to schedule the next appointment available so your furry friend can get checked out. They spend a lot of quality time with their pet and possibly even their personal space. Finding the lump is the first step. The second will be to not panic, not all bumps on a dog mean that they have cancer. There are times when our memories and eyes can deceive us into thinking that the bump is getting larger or smaller, and having a measurement will make it easier to know what changes have—or have not—been happening. They are benign tumors that are just a mass of fat cells under normal skin. These are usually soft, round, and movable. They are commonly found around the ribs—though they can show up in other places on the body as well—on middle-aged to senior dogs who lean toward being overweight. Lipomas are often not something that you need to worry about on your dog. If it grows quickly, or to a point your dog starts to have to work around it, it can be removed. A sebaceous cyst is a blocked oil gland on your dog. Do not try to pop a cyst on your dog. More often than not a sebaceous cyst will go away on its own either by shrinking away or popping in its own time and releasing a white, pasty substance. But do not try to pop it on your own. This can be caused by anything from an infection to an insect bite. Abscesses can develop quickly and become painful to your dog if not cared for quickly. While they do require a trip to the vet, they are not typically something that should cause great worry. Most often, they are taken care of and forgotten about once the antibiotics have run their course. It can be painful when touched for your dog and comes from a direct trauma to that part of their body. They can be caused by many different factors, anything from viral infections, vaccination locations, and even just aging. For most younger dogs, their body is developing their immune system and it will be able to heal the wart by itself. However, for older dogs, they may need to be removed by your vet. Typically, they will go away on their own after the allergen is removed. They are a buildup of excess immune cells that press into the skin. Normally button tumors are able to go away on their own, but if your pup starts to get irritated by it or bite and scratch it, it may be better to discuss a surgical removal with your vet. They can have many different looks depending on where, how, and when they develop on your dog. They usually feel solid and firm to the touch and can be irregularly shaped, rather than the expected rounded bump. Because mast cell tumors are a skin cancer, they need professional treatment. Your vet will likely recommend a surgical removal of the affected tissue as well as a small border layer around it to make sure that all of the cancerous cells are removed. When caught early, this process is very effective and your pup will be back on the move in no time. Enlarged lymph nodes can mean anything from your dog fighting a small infection to canine lymphoma developing in that area. In either case, noticing that there is a lymph node that is swelling, getting them to the vet as soon as possible to have tests run will greatly improve their chances for easy treatment. This is when your vet will take a small, unintrusive needle and stick the bump to get a sample of cells. A majority of lumps on dogs are diagnosed with an FNA. In these instances, the fluid itself is extracted and sent to a lab for closer inspection on a molecular level to determine what that fluid is. For some cases, the plan will just be to keep an eye on the size and note if it starts getting smaller or larger; if the latter occurs then typically a secondary visit to the vet is necessary. For more serious cases they may recommend antibiotics or surgical removal. Many vet clinics also list an associate email address, and pet owners are encouraged to use this email address to ask questions and send in photos of their pet's issue. If a lump is something to be concerned about, the clinic will then let you know to schedule a physical appointment. Dogs can get lumps, bumps, and cysts from normal aging, or they can be signs of a problem. There are two major types of lumps and bumps on dogs: malignant cancerous and benign not cancerous. A veterinarian can take a sample of cells to give you a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Types of Lumps and Bumps on Dogs Here are several common skin growths found in dogs, along with info on what they look like and what to watch for: Benign Tumors Tumors that are benign are not invasive or likely to spread to other body areas. Histiocytoma A histiocytoma is a benign skin growth that usually occurs in dogs less than 2 years of age. Rarely, they can be seen in older dogs or on other areas of the body. Histiocytomas are pink and fleshy but may get bigger and seem more irritated before improving. They can be diagnosed through microscopic examination of a sample of cells from the growth. Lipomas come from fat cells under the skin or are found in muscle tissue. They usually develop in older, overweight dogs. They may become quite large or appear in multiple locations. A vet can diagnose a lipoma by taking a small sample of cells from the growth to look for fat droplets. No treatment is needed, but these should be monitored for rapid changes. When lipomas start to bother your pet, you can consider surgical removal. Papilloma A papilloma in young dogs is a contagious, wart-like growth that usually occurs in and around the mouth. In older dogs, they might be seen around the eyes or on other areas of the body. Papillomas are caused by a virus that can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated items, such as toys or feeding bowls. They appear small, fleshy, and round with a cauliflower-like texture to the surface. Severe cases may make eating or swallowing difficult and require treatment by surgical removal. Medications and other treatment methods are also available, including crushing of the warts to stimulate the immune system. Another type of papilloma is a skin wart that is more common in older dogs. These are usually solitary and not caused by a virus. These bumps may have a hardened surface that looks like a cauliflower. An inverted papilloma may also be seen in young adult dogs, especially on the lower abdomen. If the growth bothers the pet, surgical removal is an option. They are overgrowths of the connective tissue in the skin. They are the same color as the skin but extend out from the surface on thin stalks. Skin tags are common in older dogs and certain breeds. No treatment is needed, but these can be surgically removed if they are bothersome. Sebaceous Gland Tumor A sebaceous gland tumor is commonly found in older dogs. They are typically smaller than a pea and may develop in any location. Some will bleed or secrete a material that forms a crust. Large breeds often form these on their head, specifically their eyelids, and they may be black in color. Treatment is not necessary, but surgical removal may be considered when the growth is bothersome. Meibomian A meibomian gland tumor is a slow-growing benign lump that forms in the meibomian gland at the edge of the eyelid. The tumor can stick out or grow into the eyelid. They may become inflamed, irritated, painful, or ulcerated. They may also cause inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Large tumors may cause problems when your dog blinks, because they cause extra tearing and tear staining. They are diagnosed by their appearance and location, and they can be removed with surgery, or the tissue can be frozen for removal. They rarely grow back after removal, but regrowth is possible. Epulis An epulis is a common benign growth found in the mouth of dogs. They may form when a tooth rubs against the gums, as with an underbite in brachycephalic flat-faced breeds. These smooth, fleshy, pink bumps grow on the gum tissue near the outer surface of an incisor, canine, or premolar tooth. They can appear to grow on a stalk of tissue, like a mushroom, or as an unmoving mass, and they may have a bony interior. Certain types can invade surrounding bony tissue. Diagnosis of an epulis is made by recognizing it from appearance and confirming with a biopsy. These growths should be removed surgically, along with the adjacent tooth and any bony tissue that may be affected. They do not usually regrow if the entire tumor is removed. Radiation therapy may help cases where the growth is inoperable. Follicular Cysts Follicular cysts are large, benign bumps on the skin that grow up from the hair follicle. They may release a thick material that is white, yellow, or brown when you push on them. As they get bigger, they can become itchy or painful. These types of cysts are diagnosed on physical examination and may be confirmed with microscopic examination of a small sample of cells aspirated with a needle. Follicular cysts may become infected and require antibiotic treatment. If they are growing or become painful, they may be surgically removed and should not regrow. Perianal Adenomas Perianal adenomas are benign growths common in older, unneutered male dogs. They grow from oil glands near the anus but can also occur in similar glands along the abdomen, on the back, and near the tail. These commonly show up as multiple small lumps. Larger tumors may develop bleeding ulcerations and can compress the anal canal, making it difficult for your dog to poop. Almost all male dogs are cured by castration alone, but large or ulcerated tumors may also be surgically removed. Females improve with surgical removal, but the growths often recur. Laser surgery or freezing the growth may be necessary to avoid fecal incontinence when surgery involves the anal sphincter. Hemangiomas Hemangiomas are benign tumors that occur in adult dogs and closely resemble blood vessels. They may be single growths or multiple, compressible, reddish-black circular lumps that can resemble a blood blister. Some may become large and even ulcerate. The recommended treatment is surgical removal. Nevus A nevus is a dark raised or flat benign growth on the skin, commonly called a mole. These are found on areas prone to trauma, such as the legs, head, and neck, usually in older dogs. Treatment is surgical removal. Trichoepitheliomas Trichoepitheliomas are small, benign lumps that pop up from the hair follicles of adult dogs. They are cyst-like and filled with condensed, yellow, cheesy, granular material. They can occur anywhere on the body, but especially on the face and trunk. Treatment is surgical removal, but they are likely to continue to form at other locations, even after surgery. Cornifying epitheliomas Cornifying epitheliomas are benign growths that stick up from the skin surface and look like horns. No treatment is necessary unless there is evidence of self-trauma, ulceration, or secondary infection. Surgical removal is the ideal treatment. Basal Cell Tumors Basal cell tumors are benign growths that develop on the head, ears, neck, and forelimbs of older dogs. They are raised swellings that are typically firm, solitary, dome-shaped, and small. Some may be hairless, ulcerated, and stick out like stalks from the surface of the skin. They are dark in color and may form cysts that break open and drain fluid or pus. Treatment is surgical removal, especially when the dog is uncomfortable. Malignant Tumors Malignant tumors are cancerous growths that can invade tissue and spread to organs. Angiosarcomas Angiosarcomas are highly malignant blood vessel tumors that may vary in appearance. One or more red lumps in the skin or underlying soft tissue are commonly seen, but they may also appear as a poorly defined bruise. All types grow rapidly and destroy surrounding tissue. They also spread to the lungs and liver. Angiosarcomas may occur in response to sun exposure in dog breeds with short, white coats, but dogs with dark, thick coats can develop them as well. They usually form on the underside of the trunk, hip, thigh, and lower legs. A biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Freezing and laser surgery can help control smaller surface tumors. Chemotherapy may also be recommended to treat any remaining tumor cells. Basal Cell Carcinomas Basal cell carcinomas are flattened or raised growths that appear anywhere on the body of an older dog. They may spread to surrounding skin, forming new ulcerations, but they rarely spread to other organs. Surgical removal is recommended, including enough skin around the tumor to ensure that no tumor cells remain. Liposarcomas Liposarcomas are rare but may develop in older male dogs on the chest and legs. They can be soft or firm lumps that are slow to spread to other locations. Treatment is surgical removal, but recurrence is common. If this happens, radiation treatment may also be required. It can look like flaky skin, red patches, raised and ulcerated areas, or lumps deep within the skin. There are two forms of skin lymphosarcoma that differ in their expected progression and response to treatment, so it is important to determine which type your dog has early on. Treatments include surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiation, done separately or combined. Mast Cell Tumors Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant tumor seen in dogs. They often affect older dogs but can occur in dogs of any age. They develop solitary growths anywhere on the body, especially the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest. Larger or rapidly growing tumors and those in certain locations are more likely to spread. Their appearance can greatly vary, but most are raised and either soft or firm to the touch. Your vet will need to examine a sample of cells from the growth under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis. There is variation on how aggressive these tumors are. Surgical removal is necessary. If the tumor regrows or spreads, other treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, may be used. Malignant Melanomas Malignant melanomas are another type of skin tumor of older dogs. They commonly develop on the lips, mouth, and nail beds of male dogs. They appear as raised, ulcerated lumps and may be dark, light gray, or pink. If they appear in the nail bed, the toe is often swollen. These tumors grow quickly and may spread quickly to other organs. Complete surgical removal is the preferred treatment, but it may be difficult and involves removal of adjacent tissue to prevent recurrence. Chemotherapy and radiation are not effective treatment options. Fibrosarcomas Fibrosarcomas are common, fast-growing malignant tumors in dogs. Most are on the trunk and legs and vary in appearance and size. They can invade underlying muscles, but most do not spread to other areas of the body. Treatment consists of surgical removal, though complete removal may not be possible, and regrowth is common. Fibrosarcomas may also be treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Squamous Cell Carcinomas Squamous cell carcinomas can be found in two places on a dog: on the surface of the skin or under a nail. Most appear as firm, raised, irregular, and ulcerated areas. Many are solitary, but areas of prolonged sun exposure may produce multiple tumors. These growths invade surrounding tissues. Some are slow to spread, while others grow more rapidly. Treatment involves complete surgical removal of the tumor along with some normal tissue. How Vets Diagnose Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts on Dogs A sample of cells may need to be taken and evaluated under a microscope for a diagnosis. This can come from taking an impression of the surface of the growth, using a syringe and small needle to withdraw a small sample of cells in the exam room fine needle aspiration , or surgically removing a small tissue sample biopsy while your dog is under local or general anesthesia. Most veterinarians evaluate impression smears or fine needle aspirates by staining the slide and examining it under a microscope in the veterinary office. Trained veterinary pathologists are available to analyze these same samples or small tissue samples to determine a diagnosis. Then your vet can determine the appropriate treatment recommendations and explain the expected outcome. Take pictures and note any changes from day to day in any of these factors. Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible and bring your log and photos along with any questions you may have. FAQs What does a sebaceous cyst on a dog look like? A sebaceous cyst is a smooth, raised swelling that contains sebum from the oil glands associated with hair follicles. They can become infected and inflamed and may rupture, secreting a thin, yellowish discharge. What can you do for a dog with a sebaceous cyst? A sebaceous cyst should be observed for changes in size or material within the cyst. The cyst may break open from being scratched and release a fluid-like material. This should be gently cleaned with warm water and then allowed to dry. Any sign of infection or sensitivity in the area should be evaluated by a veterinarian for treatment recommendations and possibly surgical removal. How do I get rid of bumps on my dog? Then they will determine an appropriate plan for surgical removal using local or general anesthesia. Can a bug bite cause a bump on a dog? Yes, a bug bite may cause a temporary swelling on a dog. These may be itchy as well. Growths are usually more defined and rarely regress but remain the same or grow larger over time. Is a belly lump normal after a dog spay? A belly lump may indicate a reaction to a buried suture, or rarely, a hernia of the abdominal wall. Contact your vet if your dog has a lump in their belly after being spayed. This would depend on the type of lump that it is. Many benign growths do not need to be removed. However, if the growth changes in appearance, bothers the dog, or interferes with movement, then a veterinary exam is needed to determine the appropriate treatment. For malignant growths, your vet can determine the appropriate treatment. Featured Image: iStock. She completed an internship in small.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? August 30, in Uncategorized For most owners, a new lump on your dog can be a source of panic and worry. Most people associate lumps on dogs with one of the most common causes of lumps in people: cancer. But it's important to keep in mind that many different types of lumps can develop on dogs for all kinds of reasons, including some which are hereditary, and many which pose no serious health risk to your dog. Even so, lumps shouldn't be ignored. Whether your dog has developed a new lump suddenly, or you have noticed several lumps that have developed across your dog's body, it's always better to be safe than sorry and to have the areas inspected and prescribed the appropriate treatment. Here's an overview of the different types of lumps you might find on your dog, and how to make sure these lumps are appropriately addressed. Common Types of Lumps on Dogs Many different types of lumps may appear on your dog's body, including some that are fairly rare. But most bumps on dogs fall into one of several broad categories: Lipomas - These are among the most common types of lumps on dogs, and are fortunately a growth that owners don't need to worry about. These lumps are fatty benign tumors that may vary in size and can appear across a dog's body, becoming more frequent as they age. However, unless the lump is affecting the dog's mobility or quality of life, there's no health concern or reason to remove the lump. They are typically soft and easily moveable, but it's best to not diagnose at home as they can sometimes resemble the more dangerous cancers. Cysts - A cyst develops when one of your dog's oil glands becomes blocked. These are similar to a zit on a human, although these cysts can grow much larger. Generally, they aren't anything you need to worry about or seek treatment for, and they should go away on their own. Don't pop a cyst, though—this can increase the risk of your dog acquiring an infection through the open wound. Hematomas - A hematoma is essentially a raised bruise that develops as the result of trauma to your dog's flesh. The hematoma itself may be hard, swollen, and tender to the touch, but it doesn't represent a health concern for your dog. The injury underneath the hematoma, though, may need to be evaluated by a doctor to make sure there are no broken bones or serious health concerns. Abscesses - An abscess is caused by an infection, and it should be treated promptly by a vet. These infections will be hot to the touch and painful for your dog, but they don't pose a significant health risk as long as they are treated before the infection spreads to other parts of your dog's body. For this reason, visit a vet or vet hospital promptly to start treatment as quickly as possible. Cancerous Tumors - A cancerous tumor will usually be harder than a lipoma, and won't be hot or sensitive to the touch. The tumor may also be benign, in which case your dog's health won't be jeopardized by this tumor. However, a biopsy should be done to evaluate the tumor and determine whether treatment is necessary. When Do Lumps on Dogs Develop? Lumps may develop on your dog at any age. But an older dog is more likely to develop lumps because of the risk factors they may face for cancer or skin issues. In addition, lipomas and other types of harmless lumps are more often associated with their appearance in aging dogs, although young dogs are liable to develop these growths as well. Other lumps, such as hematomas, warts and cancer cells, are more strongly correlated with other health issues that may develop at any stage in a dog's life. Pet owners should also keep in mind that, with certain types of lumps like lipomas, the presence of one or two lumps may increase the likelihood of more lumps developing down the road. Some types of cancer lumps on dogs will develop on the surface of your dog's skin, which can help owners identify cancer before it reaches advanced stages. Certain breeds, such as boxers and Boston terriers, are especially prone to tumors that grow externally. One of the best ways to identify a potentially cancerous lump is to evaluate how that tumor feels when touched. Compared to the soft, fatty characteristics of a lipoma, a cancerous lump will be harder and firm to the touch, appearing as a hard immovable lump on your dog. A lump on a dog's neck or face may also prompt foul-smelling discharge from the mouth, nose or eyes, and this smell can be another indicator that the tumor is cancerous. Ultimately, it's difficult to know whether a tumor is cancerous just by looking at it. Even your veterinarian will likely need to conduct a biopsy to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Typically, hard, immovable lumps that suddenly appear tend to be more worrisome than soft, moveable or slow-growing lumps, but that's not always the case for every type of cancer or abscess. Because lumps on dogs can be difficult to identify and evaluate at home, owners are encouraged to consult their vet and find out if the lump should be tested and identified. Lumps are likely to develop at some point in your dog's life. In cases such as cancer lumps or an abscess, early detection and treatment can improve your dog's quality of life, and potentially save them from serious and life-threatening consequences. The canine guide to lumps and bumps on dogs The canine guide to lumps and bumps on dogs Does your dog have a lump or bump on or under their skin? While lumps and bumps are more common in older dogs, younger dogs can get them too. Most lumps and bumps are benign non-cancerous , but some of them can be malignant cancerous. The older your dog is, the higher their chance of getting malignant lumps. The good news is that early detection and treatment of cancerous lumps can increase the chances of a cure. What type of lump or bump is more dangerous? What causes lumps and bumps on dogs, and how can you treat them? How your vet can tell what type of lump or bump your dog has Your vet will conduct one or more of the following tests to determine the type of lump or bump your dog has and the treatment required: Fine needle aspiration FNA — Firstly, your vet will determine if this procedure can be performed during the consultation without the use of sedatives. If the vet determines they can use this technique for a diagnosis, a small needle is inserted into the lump to suck out cells which are then deposited onto a slide. Next, the slide is stained and the slide is viewed under a microscope to examine the cells. Your vet may send the slide to a specialist pathologist in a laboratory for examination. Impression smear — If the lump discharges fluid, your vet may rub a slide onto the lump, and then stain it and examine the fluid as with an FNA. Generally, your dog will receive a sedative or anaesthetic and a small part of the lump or the entire lump will be removed. Then the lump is placed in formalin and sent to a lab, where thin sections of the lump are examined under a microscope. Lab test — If the lump contains fluid, the fluid could be sent to a lab to culture and check for infectious agents like fungi or bacteria. Types of lumps and bumps — benign vs malignant Benign non-cancerous lumps and bumps Benign lumps and bumps lack the ability to invade other tissues and spread to sites beyond where they are present. If benign lumps are causing problems, removal should be considered. They tend to be round, soft tumours of fat cells that grow very slowly and rarely spread, so it can take up to six months before you see any change. Lipomas can be easily diagnosed with FNA. If they become very big or hinder movement e. Abscesses Abscesses are swollen lumps that contain an accumulation of pus under the skin caused by an infectious agent. They will generally need to be drained under sedation and copiously flushed with a clean antibacterial solution. In some cases, your vet will prescribe antibiotics if they deem it necessary. Hives urticaria Hives on dogs are similar to those on humans — a rash of round, red weals on the skin that itch and swell due to a reaction of the skin to allergens such as a bee sting or contact allergy. They will often resolve on their own, however sometimes they need steroids or antihistamines to provide relief. Sebaceous cysts Sebaceous cysts are hard, cystic material under the skin that can form due to a blocked sebaceous gland. They appear like swellings with a creamy matter inside them. The swellings sometimes become red and sore. Histiocytomas Histiocytomas are an ulcerated nodule or red button-like lump often found in young dogs, particularly on their limbs. They normally go away quite quickly but you should still have them checked by your vet as they can imitate some very nasty cancerous tumours. Sebaceous adenomas Sebaceous adenomas are tumours of sebaceous glands that appear as multiple wart-like growths. A biopsy is required for diagnosis but vets can often diagnose these lumps by just looking at them due to their classic appearance and slow growth. Perianal adenomas Perianal adenomas are tumours that grow around the anus, mostly in non-desexed older dogs. Any lump or bump around the anal region requires proper assessment and investigation due to malignant tumours in this area being common. Warts Warts are more common in puppies, older dogs and dogs that are immunocompromised, and look like small skin tags or several small lumps. Dogs that go to a doggy daycare or dog parks can get warts due to close social contact with other dogs. A biopsy is required for diagnosis but vets can tell due to their classic feathery appearance. However, they can irritate your dog, and if this occurs removal should be considered. Granulomas Granulomas can be raised red lumps that may have a surface crust, or they can be found under the skin and have a firm consistency. Surgical excision is often required for treatment. Haemangiomas Haemangiomas are tumours of blood vessels or underlying tissues of the skin. Diagnosis is done by a biopsy or surgical excision with the sample being tested by a pathologist. This is always recommended as these tumours can change over time to become malignant. Surgical excision is curative if the tumour is benign. Malignant cancerous lumps and bumps Malignant lumps and bumps grow and can spread through the body and affect organs like the liver and lungs, along with the brain and bones. They can spread by local growth destroy nearby tissues or by metastasis tumour cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system to spread to other body sites. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also often used to prevent further spread. Usually vets will start with a FNA. They usually spread by local invasion and can be difficult to remove, as prompt, careful resection with a wide surgical margin is required. Melanomas Melanomas in dogs are not caused by sunlight and are a lot less malignant than human melanomas. Canine melanomas are tumours involving cells that give pigment to the skin. They can be benign or malignant and appear as dark lumps on the skin that grow slowly. More aggressive tumours grow on the mouth and legs. They have to be removed but they can recur. Squamous cell carcinomas Squamous cell carcinomas are skin cell tumours found on unpigmented or hairless areas such as the eyelids, vulva, lips and nose, and present as raised, crusty sores. They usually grow by local invasion and should be removed. Mammary carcinomas breast cancer Mammary carcinomas are cancerous growths of the mammary glands. They spread by metastasis to the lymph nodes, other mammary glands and organs. Osteosarcomas Osteosarcomas are the most common bone tumour, especially in large male dogs. They can cause bumps or lumps to form in the bone, usually in the limbs, and often spread to the lungs by metastasis. They need surgical removal, which may include amputation of the affected limb. Chondrosarcomas Chondrosarcomas are the second most common bone tumour and usually occurs inside of the nose. A biopsy and lab tests of bone and skin tissue are also required for diagnosis. In some circumstances, the vet will recommend a CT examination to determine exactly where in the body the malignant cells are. This is called staging. Other things that cause lumps and bumps on dogs Ticks Causes Your dog can get ticks if you take them for a walk in bush areas or scrub areas that harbour ticks. Ticks can also reside in tall lawns and shrubs and in compost material in your backyard. Consult with your vet for advice on what ticks are prevalent in your area, and what signs to look for. A tick crater is proof that a tick was attached to your dog. Tick craters can be felt as lumps on the surface of the skin. Most ticks will attach to the face, neck, and ears, but they can also attach to other areas of the body. The best way to avoid your dog getting ticks is to use tick preventatives year round. Check your dog daily for tick craters and bumps by running your hands over their body, paying particular attention to their neck, ears, under their collar and between their paws. More treatment options available for your dog Depending on the type of lump or bump your dog has, its location and size, and the characteristics of your dog, more treatment options are available, including: lumpectomy for benign and early malignant lumps and bumps. This is the surgical removal of the lump. Sometimes a very large incision is required to ensure that all potential cells are removed. This is when extreme cold liquid nitrogen is used to remove very superficial skin lesions. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells in the whole of the body. Other types of therapy that can be used to treat lumps and bumps on your dog include: hyperthermia.

Page 8 Hurley the Boxer puppy at 4 months old; Hurley looks a lot like Bruno. On one of the first warm days of the spring season Bruno the Boxer enjoys sitting outside in the sun. Later Bruno decides it's time to also warm up his underside. His father is a very tall, confident male and his mother is a very gentle and attentive female. Ramsey is very attached to his family and whines at the window when my husband goes to work or when my daughter gets on the school bus. He is also very gentle to my year-old daughter. He often falls asleep with the children on the rug in the family room. He needs to be out! He loves to play fetch and leaps over fallen trees in the woods. He walks 3x a week and plays with the kids or ball for the remaining week days. Ramsey loves people and children. He becomes excited when extended family members visit and sits in their lap so that they won't leave. We love him very much. He also doesn't realize that he's 70 pounds of pure muscle and tries to be a lap dog like a Yorkie! Sadie loves this football; she plays tug-o-war with it. In this picture she had been holding it in her mouth for the longest time. Lacy Ann Price the Boxer at 11 years old Frank the white Boxer 7-month-old Daria with her tongue hanging out Caesar the brindle Boxer at 9 months old Simba the white Boxer puppy at 4 months old Simba the white Boxer at 7 months old. Meet this 8-week-old Boxer pup, the reigning champion of adorable portraits. With those big, soulful eyes and a face that could melt even the toughest hearts, this little furball is guaranteed to win every match in the cuteness ring! Looking straight into the camera lens, our pint-sized boxer strikes a pose that says 'I'm ready for my close-up! This portrait captures all the innocence and charm of youth as our furry friend explores its new world. With boundless energy and an infectious enthusiasm for life, this baby mammal is just beginning its journey towards becoming a loyal companion. Known for their playful nature and friendly disposition, boxers make excellent family pets. But don't be fooled by their sweet appearance — these domesticated dogs are also known for their strength and agility. So whether you're looking for a workout buddy or simply someone to cuddle up with on lazy Sundays, this Boxer puppy has got you covered! Hang this print on your wall and let it brighten up your day with its irresistible charm. Warning: prolonged exposure may result in uncontrollable smiles! In Stock - Available Now! Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart. 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.

White Boxer Dogs Overview Regrettably, some people still believe that white Boxer dogs or puppies are the least favorable of the breed. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer dog is not automatically ill or blind or has eye issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both of the parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more studies to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They are more likely to sunburn And the white Boxer like many other breeds with similar loss of pigment are more prone to deafness in one or both ears. They are not rare -Approximately 25 percent of all boxers born are white. They are not albinos — They have colored eyes, colored touch, inside of the ears, belly and bottom of the paws. They can sunburn easy — an owner should use human sunscreen on their dog if they are to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common with the white Boxer. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs ; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .They are happy, loyal, social, friendly dogs when raised in a loving, appropriate home. The white Boxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. An albino Boxer dog would have no color on the skin as well; the eye rims, nose, bottom of the paw pads , and lips would be pink. In addition, most albino dogs have very light eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, will have some skin pigmentation. Typically, the nose is black, as are the lips. Eye rims and paw pads can be black. Please note that very young Boxer puppies often have pink noses. So, if you have an all white Boxer newborn puppy and the nose is pink, this is not an indication of abinism. Over the of the next few weeks, nose color should come in. Final nose coloring may be fully black or spotted. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Tia and Dyson, both 8 years old Photo courtesy of Birgitta Woolmer. As their name suggests, they are Boxer dogs that simply have white coats. However, their coat color makes them slightly different. The Boxer breed we know today is from Germany and was originally bred for hunting and dog fights. However, these activities became unpopular as years passed, so Boxers found new roles as working dogs. Many White Boxers are now bred to help humans do day-to-day activities. Some of these Boxers are cattle dogs or police dogs, while others are guide dogs for the blind. Are White Boxers aggressive? All dogs have the tendency to be aggressive when they are not trained properly. Boxers got the bad reputation of being a vicious breed because they were originally bred for hunting and dog fights. But, as times changed, these dogs evolved as well. A White Boxer shares the same features as regular Boxers, only their coat is white. Considered a medium to large dog, as mentioned above a White Boxer can weigh 50 to 80 lbs 22 to 36kg and reach up to 21 to 25 inches 53 to 66 cm in height. Distinctly shaped heads and strong bodies A distinct physical feature of a Boxer is its head. Their jaws have an underbite and their muzzle is blunt. Their ears are erect and sometimes naturally fold over. Some White Boxers will also have cropped ears. Most White Boxers have a muscular body with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are carried high and often docked. How rare are White Boxer puppies? The quick answer is: not that rare. Contrary to popular belief, having a White Boxer does not involve elaborate breeding techniques. Twenty to twenty-five percent of Boxers will be born white, so these dogs are not really a rare occurrence. Are White Boxers healthy? As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a White Boxer is 10 to 12 years. This is due to the lack of pigment in the skin cells of their inner ear canal and consequently the loss of sensory hair cells. Skin problems — Skin issues are common in White Boxers because of their short coats. Many of these dogs suffer from skin rashes and irritation. Owners can use human sunscreen to protect their pets from the harmful sun, but dogs may end up licking the sunscreen off. Blindness — The link between blindness and the White Boxer needs to be studied further, but there are more blind White Boxers than any other Boxers of different coat colors. White Boxers are also said to be more prone to canine cancers than other breeds. How do you care for your White Boxer? Caring for a White Boxer is easy, especially since this is a low-shedding breed. However, you will have to devote some regular playtime for this active dog. Their short coats shed only a small amount of fur and require only a weekly brushing. However, they shed more than usual during springtime. The proper diet for White Boxers Due to several health issues Boxers can suffer from, it is very important for them to have nutrient-dense food to keep them healthy and at their best. This dog needs at least 30 to 45 minutes of active play and exercise in a day. Limiting sun exposure As we said before, this breed is prone to sunburn. Sun protection is a must when they are playing outside. You can buy them canine sunscreen for to protect their skin or have them wear a shirt when outside. How do you train a White Boxer? White Boxers are highly intelligent and can be easily trained to do what needs to be done. However, there are some Boxer behaviors that need to be addressed during training. Training sessions should be fun and short to keep White Boxers interested. They need to see you as the pack leader for them to follow your command. Socialization is important for White Boxers as they can get protective of their toys and their humans. Positive reinforcement yields better results with this breed. Praises and treats go a long way in making good behavior stick. Due to the number of White Boxers that are deaf, owners have found other ways to train their beloved canine. What makes the White Boxer controversial? White Boxers were originally part of the police force, but their coats made them easy to spot at night. This nighttime visibility rendered the pups useless in police operations. This ban aimed to take out the genes that make these Boxers white and led to breeders killing their White Boxer puppies and dogs. But that was just the start as the debate about this breed still goes on today. The American Kennel Club controversy According to the AKC breed standard, a Boxer should have two-thirds of its coat is colored either fawn or brindle. Because White Boxers do not meet this criterion, some breeders think that White Boxers are inferior and have more health issues compared to fawn or brindle Boxers. This thinking has caused some breeders to euthanize White Boxer puppies. White Boxer welfare groups There are several White Boxer welfare groups that advocate for these dogs and condemn White Boxer euthanasia. Some of these groups have put up shelters and rescue centers for White Boxers. They are also active in promoting the White Boxer as a good dog, regardless of the health issues it may have. Where can I find reputable White Boxer breeders? White Boxers have a number of health issues that they can suffer from, so you want to pick the healthiest White Boxer puppy among the pack. It may be challenging to intentionally seek out breeders who focus on breeding White Boxers, so you can check out the following Boxer breeders:. Breed standards are not written to discriminate. Quite simply, the standards are designed as guides to determine the structure and desirable traits to be used for selecting breeding stock and to instruct judges in the show ring. The currently approved Boxer Standard explicitly defines the allowable coat colors and markings for Boxers. There are two acceptable coat colors, fawn or brindle. There are no stripes in fawn coats. Those Boxers exhibiting black stripes on the fawn background are termed brindle. The fawn coat ranges from light yellow to dark red. Brindling can be sparse or heavy, and sometimes it is so heavy the animal appears to be black with fawn stripes this is called reverse brindling -- boxers do not carry the gene for an all black coat color. The Boxer Standard requires that two-thirds of the coat color on the total surface of the skin must be either fawn or brindle. If white markings exceed one-third of the total surface of the skin, the Boxer would be excused from competition by the judge. In show terminology this is called a disqualification. Such color restrictions are very common in breed standards. Little indicated that white Boxer puppies are not true albinos as albinism is defined by geneticists a complete lack of pigment in the skin or hair and blue eyes , as evidenced by their dark eyes and nose. Approximately twenty-five percent and this is an estimation as exact records have not been maintained of all Boxer puppies born to parents having white markings are either white or almost all white, making white puppies neither" rare" nor "unusual. These almost all-white puppies are sometimes referred to as "checks" or "parti-colored. This is similar to a condition observed in Collies, which is called "Collie nose". A certain percentage of the white Boxer puppies are deaf in either one or both ears. Originally the American Boxer Club wote the standard clearly addressing the white coat coloring as undesirable because of the unfortunate traits associated with the lack of pigmentation. As a result of these observations, breeders are still forbidden in the use of white Boxers in their breeding programs. Currently, ABC members and members of affiliated clubs are now offered the option of placing and monetarily recouping the costs of raising their white puppies. Puppies can be placed in homes as companion or performance animals and offered an American Kennel Club Limited Registration. AKC will not recognize the use of the dog as a breeding animal by denying registration of any puppies produced by a dog with such registration. White Boxers have been a part of our breed's history from the very beginning. White Boxers were accepted for registration and breeding by the German club up to .They were banned then because the club viewed the Boxer as a guard dog and white was considered unacceptable for that work. Any physical problems related to the white gene were not found until much later. The American Boxer Club remains constant in their disqualification of the white boxer for either conformation classes or breeding. Other than the undesirable physical traits deaf or blind sometimes associated with the white gene, white Boxers are exactly the same in temperament and structure as their pigmented siblings. Please remember there are many Boxers including white, check, parti-colored, fawn and brindle with other undesirable traits that also should not be used for breeding. The color of a Boxer's coat has nothing to do with the wonderful Boxer personality we all have grown to covet and love. Officially, there is only a single type of Boxer dog recognized by major kennel clubs. However, fanciers and breeders have set the distinctions between Boxer dogs bred in different countries. The differences between the types of Boxer dogs in each region are heavily dependent on preferences. Breeders from each location have been cultivating specific characteristics or traits that they want the breed to exhibit. International kennel organizations also contributed to their variation as they prioritize the characteristics of a certain region over the other. Among the three types of Boxers, this is the second variant that has been merited as a standard in by The Kennel Club KC , one of the oldest canine organizations in the world. This substantiates why the UK standard leans more to the characteristic of this Boxer type. One of the defining characteristics of UK Boxers is their small feet, high knuckles, and slender legs which give them a more elegant look. It is considered to be the smallest and slimmest among the three. Nonetheless, the masculine physique which is the core trait of Boxers is still evident. Its slender body also provides more room for agility and precision in moving. It is also expected for UK Boxers to be biddable, calm, fearless, and self-assured. Oddly enough, the standard for this type of Boxer was only established after the two other Boxer types were standardized. Among the three, the German Boxer remains to be the more robust and largest type in terms of muscle mass and bone structure. Their physique has a more defined masculine figure with longer and stronger legs. These traditional Boxer features are probably retained through time since most German Boxers are still bred for their natural talents in herding and hunting. Another key characteristic of German Boxers is that they have a shorter snout compared to American Boxers but wider than the UK Boxers. According to most Boxer breeders, German Boxers are calmer and easier to train compared to the other types of Boxers. The traits and characteristics of the American Boxer were officially acknowledged in by the American Kennel Club. The most defining trait of this Boxer type lies in its coat. An American Boxer has a smooth, tight, and shiny coat that has no wrinkles. With this unique trait, it would be easy to distinguish an American Boxer among other variants. Boxer fanciers claim that American Boxers have a more elegant and balanced look. The reason could be because most American Boxers are bred to be show dogs or champions of conformation events. When it comes to temperament and behavior, the American Boxers are said to be playful yet constrained, patient, and stoic towards family members — especially with children. Also, they are said to be the most energetic Boxer among all types. If you have been searching about Boxers, you might have also heard about black Boxers although there are none in reality. Let me explain to you in this section the different coat colors and markings that Boxer dogs have. Fawn Boxer Dog Fawn coat color can exhibit a range of hues, including shades of yellow, tan, red, and mahogany. It is one of the two standard coat colors recognized by kennel clubs and possibly the most iconic. Too much white on the coat is considered a fault. The common markings for fawn Boxers are white flash and a black mask. The black mask refers to a black muzzle that can also be seen on German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Brindle Boxer Dog Brindle is not a color but a pattern. This is characterized by the presence of streaks of irregular and darker color against the light color background of the coat. For Boxers, the background is usually a color ranging from fawn to deep red. The appearance of the brindle coat will vary depending on the thickness and thinness of the color strips. Some may look like almost solid fawns while some may have more defined patterns in their body. Depending on the shade of the brindle, a Boxer dog may be called a light brindle, golden brindle, fawn brindle, red brindle, or mahogany brindle. The concentration of brindle patterns in Boxers can also be classified into three: tiger brindle, reverse brindle, and seal brindle. The streaks of irregular darker hair patterns are spread across a light background. On the other hand, reverse brindle dogs have strips of irregular lighter color against a darker color background. They differ from a seal brindle Boxer who sports a heavy concentration of dark streaks on their coat. However, for the record, there is no such thing as black Boxer dogs in reality. Purebred Boxer dogs do not carry the black color gene so it is impossible for them to have a black base. Boxers can only either be fawn to mahogany , brindle, or white. The black Boxer dogs that are advertised are brindle in nature. Remember the seal brindle that I mentioned earlier? When the streaks of the darker color patterns are too tight that they seal or shut the light background off, the coat appears to be solid black. In other words, the black coloration is nothing but an illusion. Worst, due to the hoaxes about white Boxers, they were even culled back then. Contrary to popular belief, white Boxers are not albino. Albinism occurs when a dog lacks pigmentation on its body. However, that is not the case for white Boxers. Similar to seal, the white coat for Boxers is produced due to an unusual patterning in the body. In short, they just have large white patches. White Boxers are either fawn or brindle with a large area covered with white markings. Boxers with this coat color typically do not have other markings in their body including a black mask. Those with patches of other colors in their body patches on the eyes, black mask, ears, back are called Check Boxers and are considered to be particolored. Boxers that have more than a third of white color in their coat or are all white are disqualified on conformation shows. The good news is that the AKC now recognizes the white coat color but is still considered to be non-standard. White Boxers are allowed to have limited AKC registration but are prohibited from being used on breeding. Knowing the type of Boxer you have would be easy if you bought from a reputable breeder. However, if circumstances do not allow the aforementioned ways, you can also try observing the unique characteristics of each type of Boxer. As discussed earlier, English or UK Boxers have long, slender legs which give them an elegant look. One of their defining characteristics is their high knuckles and small feet. If your dog sports this appearance, it is probably a UK Boxer. If your dog is large compared to other Boxers you see, there is a high tendency that it is a German Boxer. This type of Boxer is the biggest among the three. It has a dense bone and a larger and more masculine frame compared to the UK and American Boxer. Spotting if your Boxer is an American type would be easy. The defining trait of an American Boxer is its slick, smooth, shiny, tight coat. In terms of temperament, it would be hard to distinguish the three types of Boxers as they exhibit similar behaviors: confidence, patient, calm, and watchful. However, the German Boxer is said to be the calmest Boxer among the three. The American Boxer on the other hand is the most energetic type. If your Boxer sports extraordinary demeanor and composure unlike other Boxers, there is a great possibility that it is a German Boxer. Subsequently, if it acts like a bomb of energy, it is probably an American Boxer. Although all of the types of Boxers can join dog shows, some are more favored by specific kennel clubs. Conformation shows usually set guidelines following the standards provided by these organizations. Thus, Boxers that perfectly adhere to the standards are more favored than the others. If you want to join Boxer shows, the first thing you need to do is to identify the type of Boxer you own as well as the kennel club that sponsors the event. The prices of the three different types of Boxers have no significant differences. Boxer dogs with champion blood are more expensive than ordinary purebred Boxers. When it comes to coat color, the most expensive Boxer puppy would be the one with a seal brindle. As discussed earlier, a Boxer with this coat creates an illusion of a solid black color. Due to their rarity, Boxer dogs with seal brindle color are highly valued and priced. Places to Find Different Types of Boxer Dogs for Sale and Adoption In buying a Boxer dog, you should only transact with reputable breeders and avoid buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills. A professional Boxer breeder only aims to enhance and further the characteristics of the breed. Here are the places where you can find reputable and professional Boxer breeders. This online marketplace is regulated by the AKC itself so you have the assurance that all of the Boxer puppies sold are bred ethically and professionally. Most of the advertised Boxers in this marketplace came from the bloodlines of American Boxers. They have a acre facility dedicated to breeding German and UK Boxer dogs. This breeder is interested in breeding German Boxers that is why all of the dogs in their facility have German pedigrees. Unfortunately, a great number of Boxer dogs also end up in rescue centers. If you are eyeing to adopt one, here are the places where you can apply: American Boxer Club Rescue Directory — The parent organization of Boxer clubs in America has a complete list of the numerous Boxer rescue organizations across the country. There are dedicated shelters for each state and region of the US. Adopt-a-Pet — This is an online pet database that is dedicated to rehoming Boxer dogs. There are hundreds of Boxers posted on their sites every day that are available for adoption. It is affiliated with over 12, pet shelters across the US and Canada. All types of Boxer dogs English, German, and American are pretty common. In fact, kennel clubs do not consider these types as exactly legit. The terms American, UK, and German Boxer dogs are mostly used by breeders residing in a certain location. The boat only tips in terms of coat color. Contrary to popular belief that white is the rarest color for Boxers, seal brindle Boxers are the real gems. The tight patterns of a dark streak of hairs give an illusion of solid black coat color. Due to their rarity, they are also considered to be more expensive compared to other colors. What Is a European Boxer Dog? A European Boxer dog is another term used to refer to German Boxers. They are more masculine and have larger body frames. To be fair, all Boxer dogs are equally good. However, there are unique traits evident to each type of Boxer dog. The physique of a German Boxer dog is more robust than the other types, giving it an impression of a more reliable guardian. On the other hand, the unique features of American Boxer shiny tight coat and UK Boxer high knuckles and slender feet give them a more elegant look. If you are after a sport or a working dog, German Boxers would be preferable. On the other hand, if you would like to join conformation events, the American or UK Boxer will be your go-to. In addition, you should also consider your region as judges favor a certain type of Boxer depending on their origin. For the behavior and temperament, all three are lively yet calm, easily trained, and self-composed. However, breeders and owners testify that American Boxers are more energetic compared to the other types of Boxers. Your preference and lifestyle will be your criteria in choosing which Boxer matches you. Aside from their slight differences in size and appearance, they are all Boxer dogs that exhibit elegance and vigor. Their temperament and behavior will heavily depend on the environment they are raised in and the training they received. In terms of Boxer types according to coat colors, you should carefully weigh your options and refer to what the standard says. If you aspire to enter show events, you should not choose a Boxer puppy that is white or has white patches that cover more than a third of its body as such traits are considered faults. You should take note that a Boxer is not a dog for beginners. It is a breed that requires proper training and attention. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. Conclusion There is a lot of talk about black boxer dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colorful puppy, but their search is in vain. It may be hard to believe when you see pictures, but black Boxers do not exist! The color gene responsible for the black coat color does not exist within the breed. If you "see" a black Boxer, if he is a purebred Boxer, he must be a very dark tiger. In this case, what happens is that the animal is tiger - yes, with the same stripes that the tiger has. In the "black" boxer these stripes are so dark that it is almost impossible to see them with the naked eye. Because of this, many believe that this breed has black dogs, but genetically, they are tiger boxers. This gives the dog a very dark coat that, in fact, appears to be black. Here, we'll get into the facts a little more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume it is a certain color based on what its eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you should take a second look. Sometimes it's only when you realize how tigerish can cause an effect, that it makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. Also, some boxers are given the term black; however, in many cases, this is a shorthand term that comes from "tiger black". Boxer Puppy Black Brindle The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn a coloration between brown and yellow. Brindles are actually fawns with a brindle marking. These markings are made of a coat pattern consisting of black stripes covering the fawn.Black Boxer Coloring History Many wonder if perhaps there were black boxers who were largely bred off the lines and that maybe once in a while a dog in a black coat would show up somewhere. However, if we look at the record keeping of the last century, you can see that this is not the case. In this year period, a black Boxer has appeared once, but there is a problem with that. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Once another breed was introduced into the lineage, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore had no influence on the genetics hereafter. Once in a while there will be a breeder who claims to have black Boxers and will point to this long ago incident as evidence that black really does run in the bloodline. However, since these mixed dogs with black coats have never been used for any kind of development program, this is simply not true. Another element that shows that this coloration does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had a strict control over the breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and established the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all appearance-related elements, including coloration. Some argue that the shows may have ignored this decision and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However, it would not have been in their interest to do so, and furthermore, the resulting dogs would not have been part of the Munich Club, as they could not have been registered there. This means that any of these hypothetical dogs could not have been genetically included in the Boxer lineage, as they would have been barred from any program that was developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line; The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed-breed dog, not a purebred; Strict guidelines and rules of the club in Munich, which was the basis of today Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it's also fair to say: The chance that there is some strange and rare genetic mutation that brings black to the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the chances are so low that this can be ruled out; Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out of the others. Why are some people still convinced that this coloration exists? This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred, there must be another breed in the lineage; The Boxer is not black and is actually a very spotted dog or a reverse brindle; What about the breeders who claim to have massive blacks? It is always possible that some very inexperienced breeders who have a litter of dark puppies will simply call them black dogs; An unethical breeder may purposely be misleading to appear to have 'special' dogs that are 'rare'. It is assumed that in this case it would be done to sell the puppies at a higher cost. Some Elements to Consider Any puppy that is sold and verbally deemed to be a black Boxer cannot be registered as such. Here in Brazil there is still no regulation about it, but the international rules say a lot about it. Black Boxer Puppies Their registration documents do not have that color code as an option, so even if someone verbally nominates a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would likely be brindle. Since the puppy would be given to new owners with documents saying he was not black, how can they claim to have black Boxer dogs? Keeping the above in mind, if a Boxer showed up with registration papers that showed he had a black coat, those papers would need to come from some little known club that was not reputable or the papers would have to be forged. And that, of course, is very unethical. Conclusion Every being be it a mammal, a dog, a human being, etc. Those genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number of legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs too. For a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene to have a black coat. Boxer dogs don't have that gene. So there can be no black Boxer dog, it's genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown dots, for example, must be a mixed breed or a heavily spotted dog.